Thread: New Helix 5 Chirp Models ..... Here we go

Looks like there *might* be 360 capabilities on the SI units, we'll see.

The SI AND DI are supposed to be Chirp, I wonder/hope they will have a software update for the current H9-10-12 models so the whole family has Chirp enabled.

Originally Posted by sfw1960

... I wonder/hope they will have a software update for the current H9-10-12 models so the whole family has Chirp enabled.

x2, I will be a little sore if I paid a premium for a bigger screen and less technology on my 9 than the base model helix less than a year later.

They had to do new hardware for the Helix 5 to do it ..... I don't think there will be any software release that enables chirp on the older Helix 5......but who knows for sure.....Have to wait and see on the 9 and bigger.

Originally Posted by OrangeAgent

x2, I will be a little sore if I paid a premium for a bigger screen and less technology on my 9 than the base model helix less than a year later.

The Helix9SI was a very nice step up from the 899 I had for the exact same MSRP - you can't be too sore about it ...
I loved my 899 and a buddy of mine still does!
Technology marches forward, either you "get on the bus" and ride, or you stay at the "bus stop" waiting for the next big thing ~ which is always just around the corner.
More RAM and faster processors are what make the new operating system run fast.
Chirp was added to the H12 and the ONIX, now the H5's.
I expect the H7's will be the next to be updated, maybe networking, maybe chirp, who knows isn't talking right now... but change will be coming.

Originally Posted by BobB

They had to do new hardware for the Helix 5 to do it ..... I don't think there will be any software release that enables chirp on the older Helix 5......but who knows for sure.....Have to wait and see on the 9 and bigger.

I think the 1197 had a single or dual core 550 and I'm fairly sure the H12 has a quad 800 under the hood - it's a LOT faster than my 1199.

The Helix 5's used the same exact ancient processor as the 500/700/600 series used... 266MHz...putt - putt- putt...

No wonder they'd choke on a good map card.
I took a 688DI apart & looked up the Samsung ARM processor Bob - but I don't remember the model # offhand, heck it doesn't even have a heat sink !

Originally Posted by sfw1960

The Helix9SI was a very nice step up from the 899 I had for the exact same MSRP - you can't be too sore about it ...

I was careful to temper my response for that exact reason, I still have less than a grand after the HDSI upgrade into a unit that does a lot of awesome things with which I am thrilled. What irks me is that the helix is still their "new" product and if they had come out with an H12 with chirped imaging and let that trickle down into the lower units it wouldn't bother me nearly as much as launching their lowest priced helix with more advanced features than even the current H12. I get the processor is still slower than the higher end units but boy would I be mad if I shelled out 2400 for a H12 to have someone go out this coming spring and spend 600 bucks and get more features than I got on a gen2 H5.

My 1197 does OK with a HD Lakemaster chip, but it is noticeably slower than my 1198......I can't outrun the map on the 1197 with my deep V..... but I normally only cruise 32-35.... it's just a little slow zooming in and out. I think the 1198 had a dual processor, but not sure about the 1197.
Yeah.... The new ones are better.....but if I consider what I will gain by upgrading .... so far it isn't worth it to me. My 1197 and 1198 are still working great.

Originally Posted by OrangeAgent

I was careful to temper my response for that exact reason, I still have less than a grand after the HDSI upgrade into a unit that does a lot of awesome things with which I am thrilled. What irks me is that the helix is still their "new" product and if they had come out with an H12 with chirped imaging and let that trickle down into the lower units it wouldn't bother me nearly as much as launching their lowest priced helix with more advanced features than even the current H12. I get the processor is still slower than the higher end units but boy would I be mad if I shelled out 2400 for a H12 to have someone go out this coming spring and spend 600 bucks and get more features than I got on a gen2 H5.

I shelled out about $1599 TYD... You could too.

Humminbird HELIX 12 CHIRP SI GPS KVD Combo SALE | Universal Mania

I have bought more "EOL" (end of life) HB products than I have new - and don't have an issue with it at all.
Auto Chart Live rocks - but I'm out to fish and many of my playgrounds are already mapped nicely, plus I only really map when I am fishing to reinforce what I already "know" from what I see on 2D, SI , DI and mapping.

Chirp isn't the "end it all" to sonar as some guys would like you to think, heck~ I have a buddy sending me his Zercom flasher to see if I can bring'er back from the dead a 3rd time...
He loves the thing and owns 2 'Birds on his walleye boat.
I do admit seeing the "cheap chirp" as some refer to it, does make it easier to discern a signal easier - but if you've been at it a while you can make some pretty decent "educated guesses" a newb might never notice.
Who wants all the mystique and challenge taken out of it?
If they do - go to the market & buy a box of Mr's Paul's fish StiX....lol

Originally Posted by BobB

My 1197 does OK with a HD Lakemaster chip, but it is noticeably slower than my 1198......I can't outrun the map on the 1197 with my deep V..... but I normally only cruise 32-35.... it's just a little slow zooming in and out. I think the 1198 had a dual processor, but not sure about the 1197.
Yeah.... The new ones are better.....but if I consider what I will gain by upgrading .... so far it isn't worth it to me. My 1197 and 1198 are still working great.

See?
And you're comfy with what they tell you too. RIGHT??

Now if one barfs tomorrow - you'll think long and hard, do I pay the flat rate & hope it runs another 4-8 years or do I get a new one and get my feet wet with teh new bells & whistles?

It's all conjecture at this point, and these guys are in the bidnizz of selling FF's & FF/GPS combos like the otehr guys - they're SUPPOSED to make you want more.
I dunno about you Bob, I'm a bit techy - but I'm still a simpleton at heart...

With "The Walleye Death Star".....



"Agent 1730-Forty-One"

Originally Posted by sfw1960

Now if one barfs tomorrow - you'll think long and hard, do I pay the flat rate & hope it runs another 4-8 years or do I get a new one and get my feet wet with teh new bells & whistles?

It's all conjecture at this point, and these guys are in the bidnizz of selling FF's & FF/GPS combos like the otehr guys - they're SUPPOSED to make you want more.
I dunno about you Bob, I'm a bit techy - but I'm still a simpleton at heart...

They ARE making me WANT more ..... I just can't justify paying for that more......But you're right about what path I would take if one chokes tomorrow.