Can't Get Clear Image With Helix 7 SI G2

[drscholl14]

Hey guys, I'm having a hard time getting a good image on my SI with my Helix. I can identify weed edges but when I go past structure such as rock beds with rocks the size of baseballs to basketballs I don't see them on my SI. I went over a log today I could see clear as day 20 ft to my left and it didn't show on my SI. I have the Sensitivity turned up to 15 and the speed to 2 as this unit is bow mounted and I read to match the chart speed with boat speed. I was hoping to be able to easily identify deep structure with this unit but so far I really haven't been able to see anything. Any suggestions?

[Wayne P.]

What transducer are you using?

This is a horizontal and a vertical tree in a creek channel with the Helix 7 CHIRP SI GPS G2 using the HDSI transducer.

[Wayne P.]

Same unit and subject with the Compact SI transducer:

[Wayne P.]

[drscholl14]

I believe it is the Xtm 9 Si 180 T. I'm at work so I can't actually check but that's what I believe it is on the HB site.

[Wayne P.]

I believe it is the Xtm 9 Si 180 T. I'm at work so I can't actually check but that's what I believe it is on the HB site.

That is the Compact SI trolling motor puck. It has the same performance as the Compact SI transom transducer.

Are you getting RFI that lightens the images when the motor is running?

[drscholl14]

Sorry you're going to have to dumb it down for me....RFI?

[Wayne P.]

Sorry you're going to have to dumb it down for me....RFI?

Radio Frequency Interference

It lightens the image if it is present.

[drscholl14]

I basically either see what looks like a clean sand bottom or weed edges and typical weed bed formations. Any type of hard structure doesn't seem to show. I did notice some lighter spots on my graph today when going over the rock beds that looked like they could have been rocks. Would that be the RFI?

[Wayne P.]

Does this when the motor is running and not running:

[drscholl14]

Yes. Not quite that brightly but yes.

[Wayne P.]

Yes. Not quite that brightly but yes.

I took that screen shot in the Spring of 2010 using the Compact SI trolling motor puck on a Motor Guide trolling motor. That began a several month quest to eliminate RFI. I was using the 798ci SI Combo with the transom SI transducer on the transom and the puck on the trolling motor. I had a mount/transducer/power card at both locations and just switched the display between them.

At least you have the right start with the proper transducer for the application. Contact Humminbird Customer Service for help with the RFI issue.

[drscholl14]

Is there a fix for it? I plan on buying another helix for my console but right now I'm running a Garmin so I don't really have the option to switch to the transom ducer.....In hindsight I should have mounted this one on the console but I wanted the higher quality unit on my bow......Not sure I went about that the right way.

[Wayne P.]

Is there a fix for it? I plan on buying another helix for my console but right now I'm running a Garmin so I don't really have the option to switch to the transom ducer.....In hindsight I should have mounted this one on the console but I wanted the higher quality unit on my bow......Not sure I went about that the right way.

There are dozens for possible fixes for it. You start by getting help from Humminbird and go from there. No such thing as one-size-fits-all for that issue.

[drscholl14]

Ok. Humminbird CS it is. Thanks for your knowledge Wayne.