Pointer to Hummingbird / Minn Kota networking 101?

[donmac]

I just bought a new boat that comes with a Minn Kota Terrova 80/60/24v/MDI iPilot link and Helix 7 MDI GPS G4N on the console. I also have a Helix 7 Chirp SI GPS G2 from my old boat that I was considering putting on the console of the new boat and moving the new Helix 7 to the bow.

However, I’m now considering getting a 2nd new Helix to have them both networked.


I’ve been fishing for decades, have had 4 different glass Rangers, 4 different alum Lunds, and a few other assorted boats, but I’ve never had a networked system.


Can anyone point me someplace to get schooled on networked setups? Stuff like, can I have MDI on the bow and SI on the console and have both units leverage all data? Can I have I-Pilot use the down imaging to track a contour - while at the same time having side scan data available?


For your amusement, my first Ranger 392V came with a paper chart on the console and a Lawrence flasher on the bow. ;)

[bobcoy]

If you do fishing at the helm (trolling or you or someone else will be fishing from there you will definitely want both units networked. I am not sure if G2 and G4 imaging sonar is shareable. The + transducer on the 4 may not be. Bob

[Wayne P.]

Ethernet Sharing: Humminbird to Humminbird – Humminbird (johnsonoutdoors.com)

[bobcoy]

Thanks for the link! Donmac, looks like G2 shares imaging sonar just fine

[donmac]

Thanks! I did enough scouring of humminbird, youtube etc so I did come across that link - but thanks!

[ezfishn]

If the Helix 7 from the old boat is not a G2N model, it can't be networked.

[Wayne P.]

If the Helix 7 from the old boat is not a G2N model, it can't be networked.

N's matter

[bobcoy]

This world is getting too complicated for me. Glad some are here to point out the fine points!

[donmac]

Thanks for the comments. I think I now have a basic understanding of the various networking configurations.

I’d still like to consider moving the H7 MDI G4N to the bow add another Helix with MSI to the console to provide the ability to see MDI and MSI from the console.


This would not allow MSI to be used on the console while running with the Terrova stowed, but I guess that is not the end of the world. I should still be able to use Terrova Link with the networked MSI at the console to track contours.


I purchased (but have not yet opened) a H7 G3N MSI that should do the above, but I’m concerned I might regret the small screen and older tech at the console.

So I am still considering alternatives.