Most Versatile FF/Chartplotter Combo
Humminbird Helix 10 CHIRP Mega Si GPS G2N Review
Humminbird’s Helix 10 CHIRP Mega Si GPS G2N is well-known as a more budget-friendly alternative to the more advanced Solix 10 CHIRP Mega Si GPS. Apart from the keypad-only operation, lower resolution, smaller waypoint storage, and SD instead of microSD slots, all the other features are basically the same with these two models.
Read this comprehensive Helix 10 CHIRP Mega Si GPS G2N review (model 410120-1) to learn more about this extraordinary fish finder/chartplotter combo and familiarize yourself with its most important features.
Pros & Cons
- Mega Si and regular Side Imaging
- DualBeam CHIRP Plus Sonar
- XM 9 20 MSI T transom transducer
- 360 imaging
- Numerous sonar functions
- Humminbird Basemap charts
- High-quality 10.1” LED-backlit display
- Gimbal mount
- Upgradeable software
- Easy to set up and use
- No weather support
- No Bluetooth remote
Specifications
| Specifications | Humminbird Helix 10 CHIRP Mega Si GPS G2N |
|---|---|
| Type | Down Imaging and Side Imaging |
| Sonar | MEGA Side Imaging, MEGA Down Imaging, CHIRP Digital Sonar DualBeam Plus |
| Transducer | Transom XM 9 20 MSI T |
| Display (size, resolution, backlit, color) | 10.1″ diagonal, color TFT, 16-bit color range, 1024H x 600V pixel matrix, with LED backlight |
| Dimensions | 13.44" W x 7.5" H x 4.2" |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs |
| Batteries | xxx |
| Depth Capability | DualBeam Plus: 1500 ft (457 m); Side Imaging: 400 ft (122 m) at 455 kHz and 125 ft (38 m) at 1.2 MHz; Down Imaging: 400 ft (122 m) at 455 kHz and 125 ft (38 m) at 1.2 MHz; |
| Frequency | DualBeam Plus: 200 kHz / 20° and 83 kHz / 60° Side Imaging: 86°x2, 800 ft side-to-side coverage at 455 kHz, and 500 ft side-to-side coverage at 1.2 MHz Down Imaging: 45° at 1.2 MHz, 75° at 455 kHz |
| Power Output | 1,000 Watts (RMS) |
| Power Input | 10.8-20 VDC |
| GPS | internal |
| Maps | Humminbird Mapping |
| Routes, Waypoints, Tracks | 47 routes2,500 waypoints50 recorded tracks |
| Waterproof | IPX7 |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | No |
| MicroSD card slot | SD card slot |
Display/Screen
The device features a 10.1” LCD display with an adjustable backlight and a 16-bit color range. As mentioned, the resolution of 1024 x 600 is lower than with Solix 10 (1280 x 800), but it still rich and sharp enough to ensure crisp contours and images.
The waterproof rating is set at IP-X7, which means the device is able to handle accidental water splashes, heavy rain, and even total submersion in n 3.3ft of water up to 30 minutes. On the other hand, the “X” in the rating means it has not been tested against the entry of solid objects (sand and dust, for example).
Helix 10 CHIRP Mega Si GPS G2N does not come with a touchscreen, so you will have to interact with it exclusively through the keypad located on the right side of the casing. The backlight makes the display bright enough for effortless observing even in direct sunlight.
Sonar & Transducer
Helix 10 CHIRP Mega Si GPS G2N features a DualBeam Plus 2D sonar, which allows it to use the 83 kHz and 200 kHz channels at the same time. You can observe the results simultaneously using the split-screen function. The CHIRP modulation options include 75-155 kHz (for 83 kHz) and 130-250 kHz (for 200 kHz). The transducer utilizes conical beams with coverages of around 60° at 83 kHz and around 20° at 200 kHz.
The “main” transducer is XM 9 20 MSI T, which covers the basic 2D scanning frequencies of 83/200. It also supports mid-band and high CHIRP and covers 455 kHz, 800 kHz, and 1.2 MHz ranges, so it is perfectly capable for Mega Si and Mega Di. The transducer comes with 20ft of power cord and features a temperature sensor (with a temperature graph) as well as a transom mount. The maximum scanning depth is 1,500ft, which can be extended to 3,500ft with a transducer that covers the frequencies of 50/200 kHz.
Mega Si is used for side imaging at 1.2 MHz (1150-1275 kHz), which provides users with super-detailed high-res images. The maximum depth is around 125ft while the side beams go up to 250ft. However, if you use regular side imaging as well (at 455 or 800 kHz), you can extend both the depth and the side reach. On the other hand, if you are interested in down imaging, regular and Mega Di models will definitely do the trick.
When it comes to regular sonar features, Helix 10 CHIRP Mega Si GPS G2N offers Selective Fish ID+, Real-Time Sonar, SwitchFire, Sonar Recording/Rewind, Circular Flasher Mode, Bottom Lock, Depth Alarm, Structure ID, and more. Note that the unit DOES support 360 imaging, but it requires an additional 360 imaging transducer for this functionality.
Navigation
Humminbird Helix 10 features an internal high-sensitivity GPS with 10 updates per second. You can enhance the position fix using WAAS, MSAS or EGNOS. It will also measure the overall speed of your vessel and point out your current coordinates.
This model comes with the Humminbird Basemap charts, a substantial update over the ContourXD database. The system only includes charts from trusted sources like NOAA and LakeMaster. The database covers over 10,000 lakes and provides you with nav-aids, depth contours, spot-soundings, and points of interest for the entire USA coastline. On top of this, Helix 10 is compatible with many other charts, including SmartStrike charts and Navionics Gold/Platinum+.
Since this is a G2N unit, it also has the AutoChart Live feature, which represents a built-in mapping software designed to draw the depth contours of the map, including bottom hardness and vegetation. You can record up to 8 hours in real-time, but keep in mind that Zero Lines contour SD cards significantly increase the recording time.
Helix 10 CHIRP Mega Si GPS G2N can record up to 2,500 waypoints alongside 47 routes and 50 tracks with up to 20,000 points. You can also convert tracks into routes and add points to them.
Finally, the device also supports external modules like HD Radar, AIS, I-Pilot Link, and Autopilot.
Networking
Helix 10 CHIRP Mega Si GPS G2N comes with Bluetooth, which allows you to connect it to your smartphone and view notifications on the unit’s screen. You can also connect the unit with other fish finders and external modules (Radar, Minn Kota, for example) using high-speed Ethernet. It supports NMEA 0183 and has a dual SD card reader.
What's In The Box
- Helix 10
- Power cable
- Down-Imaging Unit
- Tilt mount
- Cables and connectors
- Transducer
- Documentation
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=__Klj-LJ054
Humminbird Helix Series Overview
In this Humminbird Helix series overview, you can check out some of the most important features of other models from the series to determine if any of them is a better fit for your needs.
Humminbird HELIX 12 Read Review
Humminbird Helix 10 CHIRP Mega Si GPS G2N Read Review
Humminbird Helix 9 Si GPS Read Review
Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP Si GPS G2 Read Review
Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP GPA G2 Read ReviewVerdict
As shown in this Helix 10 CHIRP Mega Si GPS G2N review, we are talking about a very versatile fish finder/chartplotter combo that features DualBeam and CHIRP sonars, Mega Si, exceptional networking capabilities, Humminbird Basemap and AC Live, XM 9 20 MSI T transducer, 360 imaging, and much more.
On top of all this, it is also compatible with numerous external add-ons, which makes it a perfect choice for all types of off-shore and inland fishing trips. It can also work with a wide range of fishing vessels, but we would not recommend using it in kayaks or canoes.