net work connection question

I have a 859c hd di and will have a helix 7 di chirp gps g2n, a helix 10 chirp mega si gps g2n, and a terrova I-link with US2. If I network with a 5 port switch would I connect the 7 to it’s own transducer or to the US2? What would the most efficient way to connect everything with the 5 port? Would it be possible to choose on screen between the US2 and another transducer on the 7? I understand the US2 won’t give me chirp and di.

From your question I am assuming that you own a 859 and are considering expanding your capabilities.

Unless you are made of gold, I would mount the 859 on the bow with your terrova with the i-link mount the down imaging transducer on the terrova and not use the US2 transducer in the terrova. The down imaging transducer for the 859 and the helix 7 di chirp are the same. So you can upgrade your 859 to the helix 7 di at your leisure by just replacing the head unit.

I would install the 5 port switch in the console and the helix 10 on the console with the SI transducer on the transom.

You wouldn’t be able to share the chirp images between the 859 and the 10 but you could share the way points and non-chirp/mega images. With helix 7 on the bow you could share way points and chirp images but not mega images.

If you want everything you will need 2 helix 10 Mega units, one DI and one SI, and 2 Lakemaster mapping chips.

Thanks DJ. I brought home the 7, 10, and Terrova I-link this morning. As you assumed, I had the 859 from a previous boat. Won’t have the new boat till late Feb or early March. The 10 will go on the console for sure but will have to decide placement of the other two. I spend most of my time running the kicker at the stern so probably should mount the 7 there and the 859 at the bow. I Have a version 4 lakemaster purchased with the 859 in 2013 and bought a version 6 with the new equipment. Don’t have the 5 port switch yet but may as well rig it while hooking everything else up. At least have some time to figure this out. Apreciate your comments.

AS much as I really like my Birds it irritates me how much they get for cables and adapters not to mention the Ethernet hub.

Tom P. wrote:

AS much as I really like my Birds it irritates me how much they get for cables and adapters not to mention the Ethernet hub.

AMEN Tom!!

There is no doubt that they rip you on accessories especialy cables and the 5-port switch. Why do we lust after all this technology. I buy all this stuff then drive myself crazy trying to figure out how to install and operate it. When I finally get in the boat I just want to catch fish and not spend hours looking at screens and controls. Thats another thing, I’ll have to wear my perscription glasses to see and operate this equipment. Seems like I catch the same number of fish each year no matter what electronics are in the boat. Main difference is the cost of a walleye dinner has gone up a lot. Doubt I’m the only dummie in this situation. Sorry to tell you young guys that if you’re like me you won’t have gotten much smarter by the time you are 70.