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njpaulc.
I upgraded to the Helix 7s (the latest and greatest GPS SI/DI G2N units) when I got my boat ordered in late February. On the Hummingbird site, it CLAIMS networking, NMEA2000, etc. So, thinking that, I ordered them for the boat, along with the dongle for networking and the NMEA2000 backbone and connector for the 175 SHO so that I could see engine data on the dash unit. I got the boat on April 20 and love the Sabre FTD AE, and the engine. I can see RPM and Engine Temp, but nothing else. The networking between the two units (SI in console and DI on bow) consists of choosing transducers and sharing waypoints. It will NOT share maps of any kind, so you have to buy another card for the bow unit. Thats the first pisser….Wanting to see at least engine hours, and possibly oil pressure…whatever data I can get from the engine….I contacted Hummingbird to ask how and what I would need to make that happen. They informed me that it was not possible. I am assuming that is true for ALL Helix units, as they did not indicate that it was only the Helix 7 that could not display data and share maps. Thats the second, and major pisser.Lowrance HDS units do all of these things with no problems. Had I known the Birds would NOT do these things, I would have ordered the Lowrance Units, even if they cost a few more bucks. I do not blame BCB for this, nor my dealer, but now I am stuck with 2 units that cannot do the things I wanted to do. I am on a fixed income, so dont have money laying around to take a beating on the Hummingbirds trying to sell them, and then buy two new Lowrance HDS 7s. The Hummingbird website is misleading, or I missed something when doing my research. When they say the unit is ethernet capable and NMEA2000 compatible, one would ASSUME the two units would talk to each other and share ALL information you want to share, and would be capable of reading data from the NMEA network and Yamaha engine. FYI….dont make the same mistake I did.If I am mistaken, I welcome correction and information about how to make it do what I want it to do.Rant Over2017 Sabre FTD AE DC2017 Yamaha 175 SHOMK Fortrex 80Helix 10 Mega SI in consoleHelix 7 GPS SI GN2 on bow
You are correct on the mapping. I was awear of that when i bought mine. Even buying 2 cards it is cheeper than the same unit of an other brand. They do share wave points once they both have cards. As far as NMEA2000 networking goes the Humminbird web sight list all the Helix 7 and up units as campatable. It looks like you need a ASETHAMEA2K box to link to the network. I would go to bassboatcentral humminbird page and ask this question and you should get the correct anser.
I dont think any units pf any brand share map cards. I havent read the ad to see how it is misleading, but I have never known of a pair of units sharing a single map card. Not sure of the sensor info you are looking for from the outboard. Sure hate that for you.
Definitley kno nothing about hummingbird. But my lowerance unit are networked via ethernet. And even though i have 2 map cards because i sometimes un network the units. But if i take one card out and both unit are on networked will share map cards.2013 PANTERA 2MERCURY 200 PRO XSMINNKOTA 80LB FORTREX25 fury
Humminbird Onix and Solix units share one map card….FYI.
It may require the HumminBird five port box and the NMEA output from the engine company. The NMEA output will give you the data and the NMEA port box will transfer that data to HumminBird units. The 1-800 help line should be able to assist you and if not we will be glad to connect you to someone who actually knows the exact information. We would rather use the 800 technicians first as they should have that ability to instruct and the components do have the ability we understand with the right hardware.
Im already hooked into the NMEA2000 or I would not be getting the two pieces of data from the outboard that Im getting now…RPM and engine temp. Apparently, the Helix cannot “read” the rest of the data that is being sent. I think I already have the ASETHAMEA2K, but I will double check to be sure.My old HDS 5 gen2 units would share maps via a simple ethernet connection from one unit to the other.If it cant be done, Ill just have to live with it and get the hours another way. Need to know the hours to do maintenance at the right times.2017 Sabre FTD AE DC2017 Yamaha 175 SHOMK Fortrex 80Helix 10 Mega SI in consoleHelix 7 GPS SI GN2 on bow
What engine?
As suggested, if you go over to the HB forum on Bassboatcentral, Wayne, who is one of the moderators, will give you all of the correct info that you need. He usually responds quite quickly (unless he is fishing )
Check Humminbirds web site. They are now offering a downloadable base map which I believe is free for their G2n GPS units. My limited understanding is this map is pre loaded on the newly manufactured units and is available for download on the units that were already sold.
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