My One Boat Network, Minn Kota I-Pilot Link with 4 Humminbird Helix units and Mega 360
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- Опубліковано 30 січ 2021
- Check out my one boat network consisting of a MinnKota I-Pilot Link Ultrex with Humminbird Helix 12s, Chirp/GPS G2N and SI+ G3N at the console, with two MDI+s G3N at the bow. The Mega 360 is an important part of my set up with information on how to see waypoints on the 360 clearing up confusion between the heading sensor and AS GPS HS puck. The common question of how to see depth on the Mega 360 is answered in the video.This video reviews the 5 Port Ethernet switch and all necessary cables needed for the network. 2D high speed transducer and SI transducer plus y cable needed are also discussed. There are lots of helpful hints here to help assist you in setting up your own network.
Humminbird should be paying you. The most informative and straightforward explanations.
Thanks Brian, I appreciate the kind words.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 You should also explain the DI+ hack you used for the Mega 360, which I don't think is well known (at least from what I have seen). That you don't need a SI+ unit to use Mega 360 and thereby save some money.
Do you mean the SI ability of the Mega 360 as the hack?
In general, the TI units are faster in response to inputs. This is seen when quickly switching between sonar, downscan, chart, and split screens ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxeAxH15LxhjGlg5-CRYqjTGTEH0tbY4vk recommend The Hook units will show some lag on button pushes and screen switching. The big ticket item though is maps. If you install a mapping card such as Navionics or the free C-Map Genesis which has a lot of map detail, then moving around the map with the cursor or when running down the lake can lag significantly on the Hook units, but is seamless with the TI units.
It does have a split screen function, press the menu button and you should see it.
Wonderful, clear and coherent! No fancy music or graphics… Thank you very much for doing this, it will make my fishing days more enjoyable 👍👍
Thanks Steven, I appreciate your kind words.
Top notch job explaining the basic setup. Appreciated.
As do I appreciate your kind words Dave, thank you.
Great video series, appreciate your help. Just starting network my Ultrex and hummingbird unit.
You’re quite welcome, thank you for taking the time to share your kind thoughts. Enjoy your Ultrex and Humminbird!
Amazing video appreciate the simple and thorough walkthrough!
Thanks for the kind words Logan. Simple and thorough are definitely two of my goals when making UA-cam videos.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 helped me understand a lot as I look into getting my first boat and networking it all up to my liking! Thanks again, liked and subscribed
That’s awesome, best of luck with everything, thanks for the llikr and subscribe.
The video I was looking for...Thank You!
That’s great Fred! I am grateful that you found my video helpful. I have lots of videos on Humminbird Helix tips for button use, settings, and images on my channel that you may also find quite helpful.
Very outstanding video 👍
Thanks Ronald, glad you enjoyed it.
Awesome video!!👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks Ricky, I appreciate your kind words and support of my channel.
Excellent video ,thanks for posting it.....did you consider a "puck" transducer to shoot through your hull? And what was your reasoning for going with the transom mount 2d transducer?
Thanks IJ, there’s a lot going on in the bilge area and access to that area is limited with battery and oil tank above. It was easier to mount one on the transom so that’s what I went with.
Holy shit! $12,000 dollars just in fish finders! Is your job still hiring? Great video very knowledgeable for sure! Whish you lived next to me. Guarantee we would learn a lot from each other!!
Thanks JP, I retired in style with upgrades to my electronics.
Good video but still confused on y cables…do know which one I would need to connect the built in mdi transducer on my terrova and the msi transducer on stern to my helix 9 msi g4n? Thanks!
To confirm, you want to run the MDI transducer and MSI transducer to a single unit at the console? The Terrova cable needed to connect your built MDI to a Helix is not a y cable. It is the MKR-MI-1 for Helix 8 and up. It is usually hooked into a unit mounted at the bow. The y cables associated with the stern MSI transducer is usually the 9 M SIDB Y to a Helix with SIDB (side imaging dual beam) with a dual beam transducer also on the stern. If you used that 9 M SIDB Y and the MKR-MI-1 connected to your MDI in Terrova that might work. I would verify that with your dealer or Humminbird support. As I said earlier, most find it beneficial to add the extra unit up front at the bow.
Steve,
Thanks for the video! I have a helix 7 msi g3n for my console and a helix 7 g4 (no N) cho for my bow. I want to hook the g4 to my terrova I pilot link mdi. Not really concerned about the si on the bow unit, so I don’t need to link the 2 helix. My question is: will the terrova hook up to the g4 (no N) and can I follow contour lines, etc. the g4 is brand new, so I could swap it for G4n if I have to. I ordered it and didn’t realize it wasn’t a g4N until I got it. Thanks in advance.
I would get the G4N personally as it gives you more options, sharing waypoints, network capabilities plus better resale value. As for follow the contour feature you need to make sure you have an IPilot Kink Terrova to be able to follow the contour.
Now just need a settings video on how to set it all up on the birds so that it all works together !
Here’s how I have my units connected. Not sure if this is what you are looking for regarding settings. Settings are a starting point and need tweaking for all units and conditions.
ua-cam.com/video/QhltEJZCZwg/v-deo.html
Sorry BassNGal just saw that you had watched this video and responded to it.
I have a rookie question for you. I have been working on setting up my boat with a simple system. I have two G#N helix 7's and one is a control head only for my bow and i pilot terrova trolling motor with the mega di transducer. I have at the moment networked my two helix 7's together. I have a tablet set up with the i pilot software on it. Down the road I am looking at adding a Canon Optimum into the mix. Is there any benefit to using the 5 port ethernet switch when everything so far is bluetooth? Thanks in advance, Jack
The 5 port Ethernet switch would be needed if you want your two units and trolling motor ( if I Pilot Link) to talk to each other. Your message had G#N, I am assuming G4N. At this time units are still using Ethernet cables but have wireless capability down the road. If just linking two units, an Ethernet cable and tow adapter dongles to share waypoints, not maps, would be all you need.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 Thanks for the quick response. No they are both g3n units and they are networked together with the appropriate cables. The front is a control head only and hooked to the mdi transducer on the trolling motor as well. The trolling motor is ipilot not link. There is a post from a fellow I saw and he used his old Helix 5 for sonar only and has his other two Helix ones networked together as I have and shares that way. So much to learn but getting there. Have a safe and happy holiday Steve. Jack
@@jackwheeler3081, no problem, sounds like you’re all set 👍. Happy holidays!
Thanks for doing this. Maybe I missed it, but where did you run the Mega 360 cable? It sounds like your 5 ethernet ports were all taken up by the 4 units and the trolling motor. With no ports left how do you add the 360? Thanks in advance.
The Mega360 transducer cable plugged into the Helix unit directly. The unit could then connect with the 5 port Ethernet switch via an Ethernet cable. Therefore 4 units are connected plus IPilot Link.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 Thanks Steve
Would the same be true if it was mega live instead of mega 360?
MegaLive can be plugged into the back of a Helix with adapter or directly into Solix. If you want MegaLive to be shared, plug it into 5 port Ethernet switch.
Steve great information couple of questions
1- High speed transducer when do you need one, at what speed ?
2- Will the transducer that comes with the Helix units with MDI or MSI work for sonar, depth when running at say 30 mph?
Or
Do you need the high speed transducer?
3- I just received my 360, it does not come puck GPS? Which unit GPS should I get? You mentioned you do not need the heading sensor unit.
4- The Y cable there are 2 listed, 7 pin & 14 pin. Not sure which one to order. My thought is 14 pin For MSI? I have all MSI units a helix 15 - 12 & 10
Appreciate any feed back
Thanks
Joey@ Fishin’Chronicels You Tube
Hi Joey, if you’re happy with sonar reading at 30 mph, don’t bother with one. Try without first, in my experience with bass boats, faster you go, poorer the reading with 30 mph the turning point. The heading sensor will only work with the Mega 360 if you have an IPilot Link trolling motor. The bigger the unit the better with the Mega 360.
The 14 2DDI Y works with built in transducer and 9 with external transducer.
Steve I did order the Ultrex
Just waiting for it to arrive.
So do I still need a puck for the 360?
As far as Y cable 9 pin or 7 pin is what I need?
Thanks for your help!
If Ultrex with IPilot Link, you don’t need additional puck, just the heading sensor. There are different y cables. Can you be more specific about what you’re trying to accomplish with y cable? Does your Ultrex have built in transducer and if so what transducer?
@@stevechiassonfishing5876
Steve sorry for the delay
I got the Ultrex with MSI
The reason I thought I needed a puck is because on the box of 360
How did you hook up your Ethernet cable from the trolling motor to the hub? I’m trying to hook mine up and ordered an extension cable but it has female ends and so does the trolling motor with I pilot link. The only cable that I found is 30 foot that is $75 with one male and 1 female end.
The Ethernet cable plugs directly into the hub. Do you have a built in transducer? The I pilot link cable also plugs directly into hub and comes with new trolling motors.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 thanks for the info. The Ethernet cable plug for the I pilot link is only maybe 5 feet. Where I’m going to mount my hub is 10 feet. I have the connection for mdi transducer to hook up to my helix. I just didn’t know if you had to go further than the length of the cable provided on the trolling motor to the Ethernet hub. The fitting on the trolling motor is a female. So the extension would need to be male and female. The regular extension cables are female to female ends. To go from the I pilot link cable to the hub has to be a female and male connection. These are ecx not the regular ec cables.
Bill did you buy your trolling motor new? The IPilot link should have a long cable with it to plug into hub.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 yes the cable length is only 5 feet. This is not long enough for it to reach my hub. I have ordered the 30’ cable for it to reach my hub. I just didn’t know if people had found a short and cheaper cable to reach there hub. I just didn’t want to spend $75 for the cable.
Can you have one HBird fishfinder with the capability of switching between the transducer that it's shipped with it and a Minn Kota tm transducer?
Thanks,
Keith
You would be further ahead to put a unit at the bow and a unit at the console. If the transducers are both compatible with the Humminbird unit, and your cables reach you could switch them out. Hard to say for sure as there’s limited information in your question.
Great video! My question, kind of related with Tony Ferdinanto's issues, ended up having to buy a new Helix9 MDI,Chirp,GPS,G4N+ unit for my bow. My question is when I have my Helix9,MSI,Chirp,GPS,G2N+ unit at console hooked up to my new Bow unit via ethernet, when you see the networking screen, which should be yellow checked or not checked? I want to display my Mega 360 screen on my bow unit, also. Everything is working BUT I have issues of screens changing erratically. I feel there is lack of information on what should be checked if you want say your Transom reading showing up on the bow or your Bow MDI reading showing up on the Console unit, or your 2D reading from transom to show up on Bow unit. Which boxes should or should NOT be checked. As there is no temp on Built in MDI unit on my Ulterra I use the transom reading from my MSI unit on the bow. How badly screwed up is my system. All other cables etc. are correct and finally have mega360 working but with issues. Hopefully some advice from you can solve my issue. I have talked to Eufala about my first issue and DON'T have much faith in them.
Hi Brian thanks for the kind words and hopefully this information helps. You want the temperature on the bow display from what I gather. The built in MDI should have a small silver temperature probe built and maybe you just don’t have it displayed in your overlay settings. That would give you temperature up front. Sometimes simplifying things can really help. I typically don’t use my networking system checks a lot. I rely more on my shortcut settings (3 bottom right buttons) to get the screens I want. That way if my screens are changing erratically, I can just select my shortcut preferences. When I am fishing up front, I don’t pay much attention to my transom readings because I want to know what’s happening right where I am fishing. With forward facing sonar, that has certainly changed. I typically have my M360 as my main frame with 2D and DI on my bow unit while using MegaLive and mapping on my other bow unit. I know I approached this answer from a different direction than your networking questions. I believe this shortcut route is simpler and less complicated. Hopefully this helps as this this is what I do with my set up.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 Thanks for the reply Steve. The info I was looking for is with the Networking line which comes up and mine I have Gen2 at Console, gen4 on Bow. As you go across you have 2D, DI, SI, 360,GPS, Temp. My issue is which should have the yellow checkmarks at the end of the line for each of the functions or no checkmarks other than I want to have 360 show on the Console gen2 unit.for my friend on the back deck. I can't ever recall seeing any info on this from anyone. Thanks again and I keep watching all the time. Boat goes away when I have to break Ice, NOT before.
I didn’t realize you were trying to get M360 at the console. Next time I am at the boat, I will go into the networking tab and see if I can find something to help you.
I tried to reply to your email but it wouldn’t let me. I had taken a couple of pictures how I believe the network set up should be on console unit.
How does the trolling motor connect to the 5 port switch does it go directly into the switch and then the dongle end into the back of the screen?
The I pilot link trolling motor has an Ethernet connection that plugs directly into the 5 port Ethernet switch. The transducer connection goes into the Helix unit.
Hello again Steve. Question for you. You have a separate puck for GPS on your network you had mentioned. With the Helix having built in GPS are you not able to toggle through the network setting to turn it on for that unit? Also, I have a fellow who built me the dongles with RJ45 connectors and then purchased a 5 port ethernet hub on Amazon for 25 dollars and works perfect. Saved over 500 dollars.
I use the built in gps on my Helix. I have a heading sensor for the IPilot Link trolling motor. I do have an additional puck located at the front of the boat in case I wanted to save all waypoints from the front of the boat if I choose that route. Those without IPilot Link trolling motors also add the AS HS GPS puck to be able to mark waypoints on accessories such as Mega360. Hope that helps Jack.
Awesome you were able to save yourself some $, I didn’t know you could do that.
I bought an ipilot link head from a fellow is the US at a good price so switched it over. Sold the ipilot BT off my Terrova to a fellow up here and broke even.....lol.
Hi Great Video! Thanks for sharing all this info, I'v come up with some issues that maybe you can help me with. 1. I have a ultrex with built in MDI and I purchased the Y cable to connect both of them because i only have 1 screen. It's on a 12 in Helix megaDI. but my DI and Mega DI isn't showing up anymore. the second is the waypoints not showing up on the 360 view. i know you mentioned if we had a Ipilot puck we wouldnt need the gps puck. can you help in setting that up as well? thanks again for all your knowledge this is great!
Is your trolling motor an IPilot Link? Also is your Helix a G3N?
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 Yes Ipilot link and G3N :)
That’s good, things should work then. You need to make sure Helix is running software version 1.940 or higher, IPilot Link 1.270 or higher, remote 2.010 or higher and your waypoints should work with heading sensor as long as you turned navigation on in your Mega 360 settings. If you have a built in MDI in trolling motor, 14 M360 2DDI Y is the cable you need, external transducer 9 M360 2DDI Y and hooked up should give you depth.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 Maybe i need to do the software updates, how do you updated the remote and the Ipilot Link? i'm sure i can find the Helix updated online but not sure how to update the ipilot link and the remote. As for the Y cable i am running the m360 2ddi y so my guess is just the update? or is there something i need to make sure is turned on in the head unit of the helix?
Make sure navigation on in Mega360 settings, as far as software updates, go to Humminbird website, support to software updates, the first section is fish finders, then Accessories and Mapping and you will find the IPilot Link controller and remote updates. I recommend printing off the instructions and follow them using the SD card. That’s what I did.
Hey bud, I'm hoping you or someone can help me out. All im trying to do is connect my Terrova I pilot link motor to my Helix 12 G3N. Do I just need to order the Dongle to connect the cable from my terrova to my head unit?
I personally don’t have a Terrova but since it’s an IPilot Link motor it should connect to your Helix 12. If you have multiple units and other one boat network accessories, you will need the 5 port Ethernet switch. If you just have the Helix 12, you can use the Ethernet cable, add the dongle and plug it in direct. Either way you need the dongle because it’s a Helix unit.
Thank you so much. So I’m linking 2 helix 12’s together and a minnkota ultrex MDI IPolot link. One helix at bow and one at console.
If I understand correctly I need
5 port Ethernet box
2- dongles
2-Ethernet cables
1- MKR-MI-1 to connect ultrex to bow helix unit
That should be it right? My GPS puck comes with the ultrex and I shouldnt need a Y-cable unless I’m missing something?
That’s correct, the heading sensor comes with the Ultrex and that will work for you.
Depending on your console unit and whether or not you add a high speed transducer, you might need a y cable.
No high speed transducer just linking the two units so I can share waypoint and look at SI on my bow unit.
Console is Helix 12 MSI G4N
I got to thinking..?? Why do I need the Ethernet box? Why can’t I run one Ethernet cable from one helix to the next and connect the ultrex MDI transducer to the bow unit? I’ll get the box if I need it but not sure why I do?
Does the 5 way switch require 12v power from battery?
The 5 port switch does have a power cable. For more information, Humminbird website includes installation instructions when you look up the 5 port Ethernet switch.
Are you saying the MEGA-360 MUST use a gps puck (From either manufacturer MinnKot or HumminBird)? I did connect my MEGA-360 to my Helix-10 MSI-SI + GPS GN4. I would of thought the Helix-10 MSI-SI + GPS WOULD provide the data for Way-Points or SpotLock-Points??? No?. Sorry being in Far North Michigan the boat is still in storage that why I'm searching the UA-cams :) Blessings.
If you have an IPilot link trolling motor you can use the heading sensor (MinnKota) that comes with it. If no IPilot link then you need the AS GPS HS puck, which is optional, to see waypoints on your Mega360.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 OK I think I got this figured out. My Terrova was Pre 2016 with OEM with an I-Pilot head. Later (maybe 2017) I was able to purchase the I Pilot LINK head as a replaceable upgrade and this did NOT have any puck with it then.
So the next question is: I have 3 each G3N Helix's and one of them is a GPS in the name and all are on the Network Hub and the Terrova I-Pilot LINK is on the 4th Network Hub port. The MEGA-360 is direct cabled to one of the Helix Gen 3's without GPS.
I believe the HumminBird AS GPS HS puck has a (20 foot NEMA / COM Cable and Connector ONLY) Since I can not plug that too the Network Hub. I will have to ATTACH the AS GPS HS puck the the Helix that has the MEGA-360 installed on??? Thus that Helix will not get GPS from Another Helix Unit on the hub???
Blessings to You and Yours Sir.
Your units that are networked with the 5 port Ethernet switch will be able to share waypoints.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 Thank you Sir & Blessings and Tight lines every year. C B
Having issues linking my mega 360 with my helix 9gn4..not showing up on my helix 9? Do I need to have a ethernet connection Box for this to work? All I want is the 360 to work on my front unit..
Hi Tony you have a power cord and transducer cord which has the connecting cord for your Helix included with your purchase. It should then just plug into your cable collecting bus which plugs into the back of your unit. Make sure all your connections are secure both on the power cord and the transducer cables.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 The helix is working fine.Had it on the boat for the last year..I added the mega 360 a couple of weeks ago..I only have 1 helix 9 on the front. I used the y splitter So I could hook up my Darren image and 360 into the same unit.. For some reason I cannot get the 360 to come up on my unit.. I'm not sure if I have my settings set right or if that has anything to do with it? Let me know what you think? Thanks Tony
Press and hold the view button, go to sonar tab, press right cursor arrow, look for 360/DI view and click on it, both should come up on your Helix. If not I would try disconnecting your y cable and plug in your M360 to make sure that it is working. Assuming you have gone over all your connections, checked fuses, etc
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 I appreciate your quick reply I'm gonna give it a try.. By one of your previous videos I believe my unit should work with the 360..Helix 9 MDI+ GPS G4N.
Mega 360 will definitely work with G4N Helix 9.
Where is your 2 nd docking station or which item is not connected to the network
I added a second 5 port Ethernet switch under the console. I moved the ordinal one from the center and they are side by side now.
@@stevechiassonfishing5876 did you get your mega live yet
Yes I have my MegaLive
Looks like a big soil pipe cutter in the background. Can’t quite tell
I am not 100% sure what background you mean but there’s no soil pipe cutter around to the best of my knowledge.
Had to go back. It definitely isn’t, but at a glance two things on your wall made one heck of an impersonation of one.
You must have $20, 000 in electronics!
Helix units are the most affordable. I have one G2N and three G3Ns. Definitely not $20000 but there’s a considerable amount of $ there. I run an older boat and added things on over many years. New boat owners often finance in electronics as the payments difference is worth it to them. Effective use of electronics will make you a better angler.
Pew!!!! Do not use. Regrets
We are all entitled to our own perspective.