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  1. #1
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    Humminbird Helix 7 plug dongle

    So the Helix 7 units do not have a cable connector available to plug your graphs in like the Helix 8's and up. I decided I would like to have one instead of constantly plugging and unplugging 3 cables every trip out on both graphs. I used Fusion 360 to do the design and printed with Pet G. Each Plug Dongle take 5 M3 x 16mm allen head screws to hold together. I test fitted with spare cables I had lying around, fits well. Will install on boat tomorrow and post pictures.

    I have the files you would need to print your own, or have someone print for you just let me know and I could send. Whatever format you need.
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    Last edited by Canuck51; 08-31-2020 at 11:59 AM.

  2. Member wmitch2's Avatar
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    #2
    So, you put each wire in that and then plug it into the unit as one plug ? What holds it in ? I've been wanting to do something similar, but I have Raymarine units.
    Ranger Boats / Mercury Motors
    G Loomis Rods / Shimano Reels
    Raymarine / MinnKota Ultrex
    Garmin / Live Scope Plus
    Pepper Jigs / Robo Worms
    Troll Bridge / V-T2 Vents


  3. Member
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    #3
    Yes one plug solution. The ends of the plugs stick out enough to go into the unit. So I when I was doing the drawing I tightened the space between plugs so it is a nice snug fit, its pretty tight i am not worried about it unplugging. Ill look for one of the pictures of the prototype print and post so you can see how it fits in. I will be getting my boat back from the cover guy tomorrow so I will post pics of them when I install them as well

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    #4

    Prototype

    Here is the rough prototype I did first to make sure it fit. Then after I just tweaked a few measurements, softened some edges and finish.
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    #5
    When I install on the boat I will use a bit of black rod sock and put it right up in the dongle, make it look all pretty and clean.

  6. Member wmitch2's Avatar
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    #6
    But,l what keeps the whole plug from separating from the head unit ?? I understand that they line up to the plug ins, just not what keeps them plugged in.
    Ranger Boats / Mercury Motors
    G Loomis Rods / Shimano Reels
    Raymarine / MinnKota Ultrex
    Garmin / Live Scope Plus
    Pepper Jigs / Robo Worms
    Troll Bridge / V-T2 Vents


  7. Member
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    #7
    I changed the dimensions a little so its a really nice tight fit. It is actually very stiff to unplug. I installed mine today so will be testing on the lake tomorrow and thursday.

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    #8

    Dongles

    All installed, seem to have worked out pretty decent. See how they are the next couple days out on the water.
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    #9
    Nice, I like that. A friend is wanting a HELIX 7 for mapping on their pontoon after being on our boat this summer, would be nice to have a single connector to plug in (didn't realize the 7 didn't have that already). If you don't mind sending the 3D file I'd be interested in making him one.
    2019 Ranger 212LS with a 2019 Mercury 250 ProXS 4-Stroke
    Humminbird HELIX 10 MSI and HELIX 10 Chirp (side by side at the console)
    Humminbird HELIX 10 MDI+ and HELIX 10 Chirp (stacked at the bow)
    Minn Kota Ultrex 112lb with Humminbird MEGA 360
    Dual Minn Kota 12' Talon with R&R Design
    Extended Emergency Ladder

  10. Member
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    #10
    Sure no problem. I only designed the dongle to carry three connections
    transducer
    power
    network
    pm me your email address and I will mail to you.
    Also dont forget you need to print with Petg.
    PLA will warp pretty good out in the su.

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    #11
    Have you considered producing a few and selling them?
    2009 G3 Eagle 180 / 2009 Yamaha F115 / Minn Kota Maxxum 80 / Helix 7 Chirp SI GPS G2N on Bow & Console

  12. Member
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    #12
    Quote Originally Posted by bnewman046 View Post
    Have you considered producing a few and selling them?
    Someone else asked me that also. The way I see it is, fishing gear costs enough money already dont I know it. I am happy to just give the files I created away for free. If people have a 3d printer or access to one and could use the files to print their own thats great

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    #13
    This is Great stuff!
    James Braun
    jamesb@classiccoatings.com
    Ranger Z20, 225 E-Tec

  14. Member wmitch2's Avatar
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    #14
    Quote Originally Posted by Canuck51 View Post
    Someone else asked me that also. The way I see it is, fishing gear costs enough money already dont I know it. I am happy to just give the files I created away for free. If people have a 3d printer or access to one and could use the files to print their own thats great
    Well, I have a 9 & 7 Raymarine so I guess I'm on my own, lol !!!
    Ranger Boats / Mercury Motors
    G Loomis Rods / Shimano Reels
    Raymarine / MinnKota Ultrex
    Garmin / Live Scope Plus
    Pepper Jigs / Robo Worms
    Troll Bridge / V-T2 Vents


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    #15
    Quote Originally Posted by wmitch2 View Post
    Well, I have a 9 & 7 Raymarine so I guess I'm on my own, lol !!!
    Well I could do it but i would need the plugs and graphs to measure the sizes and spacing with micrometer for design and then prototyping and test fitting.
    I will ask around if anyone I know has access to that stuff but you will need to post exact model numbers of the graphs.

  16. Member
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    #16
    @Canucks51Thank again! I'm very happy with how it turned out. I had some issues with the printer so I sanded and painted the unit in a flatter black. Love it! Snug fit.

    2.jpg1.jpg3.jpg
    I added a grommet that i had lying around to the inside of the dongle for extra support (not needed) but thought it would secure the cables and it couldn't hurt the looks either.
    Last edited by JediBasser; 01-04-2021 at 03:13 PM.
    James Braun
    jamesb@classiccoatings.com
    Ranger Z20, 225 E-Tec

  17. Member
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    #17
    Thats awesome!! Looks good and glad its being used. So now seeing your grommet I will perhaps redesign and make the rear opening in the dongle different so the grommet sits right in there. Great idea. I will post updates when I get going on it. My printer is actually down right now I seem to have shorted out the mainboard AGAIN so I am waiting on parts from MFGer.
    Cheers!

  18. Member CastingCall's Avatar
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    #18
    Sent you a PM Canuck51.

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    #19
    Quote Originally Posted by CastingCall View Post
    Sent you a PM Canuck51.
    Replied and sent email with files