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Electronics Upgrades
Curt:
Well, the Helix arrived yesterday! (woohoo)
Since then, I have done a bot of homework and digging around. In doing so, I have discovered that the Helix will easily network with my older 798CI HD SI that is still on my console! That was great news to me because the lack of networking was concerning to me when I was pondering on replacing the bow unit.
The Helix units won't network or communicate via the Humminbird Interlink that I installed in my boat years ago, so the 2 units will be connected directly to each other via an Ethernet cable and one adapter.
Oddly enough, even though the N in G3N stands for network, it doesn't have a port that will accept an Ethernet cable, so I will need to buy an adapter for that. In light of the fact that the 798 does have an Ethernet port, there will be no adapter needed on that end.
The adapter will cost roughly $25-$30.
The Ethernet cable will cost me between $40 and $50, depending on the length I need to buy. I'm guessing a 15 footer will be more than sufficient, since my boat is only 18 feet, and the cable will only need to run from the bow to the console.
I was also told that I will need to make sure that the 798 is running the latest software updates, so I have downloaded that update and will be applying it soon via the SD card slot.
Lastly, I spoke with Humminbird today and asked them if I could exchange the transducer that came with it for a TM style transducer. They said they would do that free of charge, provided the transducer I send them has never been mounted or used. So glad I asked, since using the transom transducer on the TM wasn't really an idea that thrilled me.
In light of the fact that it is only December, and I most likely won't be back on the water until at least February (more likely March), I definitely have time to get this done well in advance :nod:
Nightmare:
--- Quote from: Curt on December 20, 2019, 05:31:14 PM ---
Oddly enough, even though the N in G3N stands for network, it doesn't have a port that will accept an Ethernet cable, so I will need to buy an adapter for that. In light of the fact that the 798 does have an Ethernet port, there will be no adapter needed on that end.
......
The Ethernet cable will cost me between $40 and $50, depending on the length I need to buy.
......
I was also told that I will need to make sure that the 798 is running the latest software updates, so I have downloaded that update and will be applying it soon via the SD card slot.
Lastly, I spoke with Humminbird today and asked them if I could exchange the transducer that came with it for a TM style transducer. They said they would do that free of charge, provided the transducer I send them has never been mounted or used.
......
--- End quote ---
* First thought comes to mind is, "what then, constitutes Network?". Secondly, if there's no e-net connector, what pray tell does an e-net adapter connect TO?
That's just double-odd sounding.... :o
* Yup. L is mighty ridiculously proud of their e-net cables also... My nephew commented that he could put 'em together hella cheaper until I challenged him to find their proprietary connectors. :surprised:
* Gotta love dem updates. I hope for you that HB's work out better than L's.... It's always a 50/50 shot that one problem gets fixed but causes others... (hmm)
* Bird was always good about that. :thumbup:
Looking forward to hearing more.
Jig Man:
I think the interlink went the way of the do do bird. Humminbird has so many different cables and hook ups that go with this unit or that unit. I don’t even try to get them straight. I just tell Scott and Brad what I want to accomplish, leave the boat, and let them wave their magic wand over it.
Curt:
--- Quote ---I just tell Scott and Brad what I want to accomplish, leave the boat, and let them wave their magic wand over it.
--- End quote ---
That's the best way if it's anything complicated :nod:
--- Quote ---if there's no e-net connector, what pray tell does an e-net adapter connect TO?
--- End quote ---
Now that's a really good question!
--- Quote ---My nephew commented that he could put 'em together hella cheaper until I challenged him to find their proprietary connectors. :surprised:
--- End quote ---
I commented to the lady on the phone that their Ethernet cables kind of confused me since they didn't have RJ45 connectors on the ends. And being a tech guy, I had actually thought that I could just use a standard Ethernet cable until I had spoken with her! (giggle)
--- Quote ---Gotta love dem updates. I hope for you that HB's work out better than L's
--- End quote ---
I've done updates in the past and they have been pretty effortless, with no problems at all.
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