Helix 12 Gen 4 correct 2D shoot thru hull transducer?

[Red70]

I just replaced a Helix 12 Gen 2 with a Helix 12 Gen 4 and have a 9MSIDBY splitter cable and shoot thru hull transducer in well and the external transducer that came with unit. I was looking on Humminbird site and it says to use the XP920 for Gen 2 and earlier and XP9HW for Gen 3 and 4. All I use the 2D for is depth reading when on plane. I dont know number of trans thats glued in but I suspect its the earlier one. Can I still use it or do I need to get new one. Thanks

[Wayne P.]

The XP 9 20 is a 83/200 kHz 2D transducer that is standard for a first and second generation Helix.
The XP 9 HW is a Low-Q High Wide CHIRP transducer that is the standard for a third and fourth generation Helix.

If you want the new unit to function like a new unit, change the shoot-thru to match the unit.

Using the Y cable, the shoot-thru provides Depth/2D sonar all the time, the 2D piezo in the other transducer is not electrically connected=no wires.

[Red70]

Thanks Wayne. How long has the XP 9 HW been out? Is it safe to assume if its been in boat since March of 2018 that its the old one or am I gonna have to get to the tag on cable to verify? Thanks for the info. Also will I need to change transducer source in unit or will it detect it?

[Wayne P.]

Thanks Wayne. How long has the XP 9 HW been out? Is it safe to assume if its been in boat since March of 2018 that its the old one or am I gonna have to get to the tag on cable to verify? Thanks for the info. Also will I need to change transducer source in unit or will it detect it?

Helix units don't "detect" a transducer except the MEGA 360.

You will have to check the bar code label on the transducer cable.

Nothing changes using the SIDB Y cable except the physical location of the 2D piezo so there is no setting to change.

[Red70]

Yep found number on cable. It is a XTM 920 T so guess I will be replacing. Thanks

[Red70]

I ordered a new in hull transducer XP 9 HW #710275-1 and was about to install when I noticed on package it says IN-Hull Dual Spectrum CHIRP and has a list of supported Helix units and it says Helix 12 G2N/G3N all models. Nothing about G4N. Is this just an old package? Looks like date on it is 2022-10-13. OK to go ahead and install?

[Wayne P.]

I ordered a new in hull transducer XP 9 HW #710275-1 and was about to install when I noticed on package it says IN-Hull Dual Spectrum CHIRP and has a list of supported Helix units and it says Helix 12 G2N/G3N all models. Nothing about G4N. Is this just an old package? Looks like date on it is 2022-10-13. OK to go ahead and install?

There is no difference between the G3N and G4N models concerning sonar. G2N have 83/200 kHz as standard, but got a software update to give them HW CHIRP capability due to the Minnkota MDI transducer.