Has anyone created iTracks for iPilot Link off the water

[TheRealPostman]

I really hate messing with mapping and GPS when I'm on the water. I have waypoints, tracks, routes, Spotlocks and iTracks saved on my Helix and none of them have helpful labels. I'm trying to clean up some of the clutter using Humminbird PC, Google Earth and some conversion tools. I've dropped waypoints and have tracks identifying routes I've used to get through some tough to navigate areas. No problem with any of that so far.

During this cleanup effort I decided to draw come paths in Google Earth. I was able to convert them to "Tracks" and get them on my Helix. Ideally, I want my iPilot to drive the boat for me while I fish docks and weed lines. I know I can idle these and record them while I'm in the boat but I'd rather create them "off the water", label them something more meaningful than IT10032458 and use those next time. I had the previous tracks to use as reference to draw the waypoints and paths in Google Earth. I got them in the Helix as Tracks.

I noticed that Humminbird PC does not import iTrack data from the SD card to allow me to clean it up, re-label and what-not. I found others had asked Humminbird about this (years ago) according to old forum messages. Humminbord confirmed the PC software does not import iTrack data (.hit files)...just the Humminbird Tracks (.ht files)

I'm trying to avoid trial and error so I have these questions:
1) I know and have seen demos where the iPilot uses the BackTrack feature which will follow the "most recent" Track. I haven't tried this but can I get iPilot to follow any Track or Route I have saved like it does with iTracks? If so, how do you do it?
2) Has anyone successfully used PC software and tools to convert paths, routes and and waypoints into saved iTracks for the iPilot to use? Again, I know I can record them while I'm on the water. I'm trying to make them at home on a map. If you know how, please share the steps you used.
3) Is there a way to edit and cleanup recorded iPilot iTracks at a PC rather than while sitting in the boat/on the water?



Thanks in advance!

[acwd1950]

I used google earth pro and humminbird pc. I created tracks to go from waypoint to waypoint to fish cubes on shelbyville. I know tracks can be made this way but I will have to think about it for step by step directions.

[DogWalker]

I’m interested in this as well, great questions. I’m new to Humminbird and was going to get Autochart Pro to create custom maps for uncharted lakes. Would Autochart Pro do what TheRealPostman is asking or is Humminbird PC the only option?

[TheRealPostman]

I used google earth pro and humminbird pc. I created tracks to go from waypoint to waypoint to fish cubes on shelbyville. I know tracks can be made this way but I will have to think about it for step by step directions.

The paths can be made on Google Earth and converted to Humminbird Tracks (.ht files) using open source (free) software called GPS Babel . The challenge is making the iPilot iTrack (.hit) files or getting the iPilot to follow Humminbird's Tracks the way it follows iTracks. Those file are different...

[TheRealPostman]

I’m interested in this as well, great questions. I’m new to Humminbird and was going to get Autochart Pro to create custom maps for uncharted lakes. Would Autochart Pro do what TheRealPostman is asking or is Humminbird PC the only option?

Thanks for replying but I don't think so. I really don't understand why Humminbird PC treats iPilot Tracks like they don't exist. It's frustrating.


Update: You CAN do this in the AutoChart software (which I don't have). I found this in the AutoChart manual:

Screen Shot 2021-03-18 at 9.00.30 AM.png

I just ordered the AutoChart Pro software which comes with a ZeroLines card. So, I'll have an extra card... It's only money, right?

[bobcoy]

Might be the same reason you can't create a track while following a contour. Has something to do with the proprietary contours that can be followed by ipilot.(trade secrets?) IDK Bob

[bobcoy]

Might be the same reason you can't create a track while following a contour. Has something to do with the proprietary contours that can be followed by ipilot.(trade secrets?) Have you tried using routes?
If you don't have the Helix/ipilot link manual here is a link: https://www.humminbird.com/sites/hum...link-helix.pdf
"Backtrack" might be of interest as well. Pg. 64

[ezfishn]

When I first got the Ultrex almost 4yrs ago, I spent almost a full day at a local lake testing and creating some Itracks for future use. I soon discovered HBPC didn't even accept the .HIT files and searched for some way to manage them off boat at home with no success. Since then I almost exclusively use autopilot and occasionally a Backtrack. I guess we just lump this in with all the other software shortfalls of HBPC and hopefully they put some effort into updating it soon. I also use GE Pro fairly often for boat tracks but that doesn't work for an Itrack. I guess the next closest Ipilot capability would be creating a track in GE Pro and then overlaying waypoints for a route using GE Pro and GPSBabel or equivalent software. GL with the Autochart but I'm kind of doubtful even that can work.

[acwd1950]

The paths can be made on Google Earth and converted to Humminbird Tracks (.ht files) using open source (free) software called GPS Babel . The challenge is making the iPilot iTrack (.hit) files or getting the iPilot to follow Humminbird's Tracks the way it follows iTracks. Those file are different...

i created routes for the helix. i went into humminbird pc and looked

[DogWalker]

Thanks for replying but I don't think so. I really don't understand why Humminbird PC treats iPilot Tracks like they don't exist. It's frustrating.


Update: You CAN do this in the AutoChart software (which I don't have). I found this in the AutoChart manual:


Screen Shot 2021-03-18 at 9.00.30 AM.png

I just ordered the AutoChart Pro software which comes with a ZeroLines card. So, I'll have an extra card... It's only money, right?

Good news, thanks for checking and letting us know! Yeah, money is money, but maximizing our time on the water is more important!

[ezfishn]

Sounds like Autochart Pro can do it. Guess all I have to do now is go buy some new HB software...LOL I think I'll stick with Autopilot and routes...LOL

[bobcoy]

Glad you got it solved. Over the years, between Lowrance an other software I have a barrel full of CD's and at over 75 I will save my money for something that makes more sense!(Apex and MEGA LIVE!!)