Upgrading to Helix 9 g3n

I have the old Lakemaster card from my Gen 1 helix and just went to open the door and put the card in and it appears the SD card reader changed. Do I need to buy a completely new Lakemaster chip or is this now done with the Fish smart app.
Also can I use the existing wiring and just change out the transducer line? I have a 5 amp fuse in-line already. Thanks guys.
Well one last opinion question the original dealer installed the gen 1 transducer directly to the aluminum transom. Should I remove that completely an add a board like I see most boats having. Thanks again

What changed in your mind?
The Helix 9’s and smaller take micro cards Helix 10’s and bigger take the full size sd cards.

Not positive but every lakemaster card I’ve bought came with the full size chip with the micro chip removable fo whatever sonar unit you have. Unless you bought the chip used and don’t have both you should be covered.
If it’s the same power chord you can use it. Just compare the end that plugs into the unit. If the transducer has already been installed I would just leave it alone if it works. If it isn’t reading right then I would install the board so you are able to adjust or add without additional damages to your transom.

Wiring should be fine. If the unit shuts off the the big motor is cranked, it needs larger gauge wires and with inline fuses. Mine did that when I upsized graphs.

Might even be able to use the same transducer. Check the model numbers.

The cutting board slab in nice for making adjustments in transducer locations.

Jason wrote:

What changed in your mind?
The Helix 9’s and smaller take micro cards Helix 10’s and bigger take the full size sd cards.

My Helix 9 and 12 take the same Lakemaster cards.

My Helix 9 and 12 take the same Lakemaster cards.
[/quote]
A Helix 5,7,8 and 9 G3N have the small micro SD slot/slots only.
The larger G3N models 10 and bigger have the full size SD slots. If you have the card adapter, yes the cards perform the same.
Older Lakemaster cards where mostly full size only and will not fit in a current micro only unit.

rjohnson8404 wrote:

Well one last opinion question the original dealer installed the gen 1 transducer directly to the aluminum transom. Should I remove that completely an add a board like I see most boats having.

Yes, a board is the only way to go. Whether it’s adjustments or future ducer changes(broken or upgrades) life is just easier and fewer holes in the hull.