HELIX 9 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G2N Software Update

Updated January 06, 2026 16:27

CURRENT VERSION - 2.280

RELEASED DATE - July 10, 2020

Affected Models:

(410500-1) HELIX 9 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G2N

JUMP TO: NEW & UPDATED FEATURES, IMPORTANT NOTES & PREREQUISITES, DOWNLOAD AND UPDATE INSTRUCTIONS, CURRENT HELIX SOFTWARE, HUMMINBIRD BASEMAP UPDATE, MINN KOTA SOFTWARE, GENERAL FIXES

New and Updated Features

Support for new HELIX Basemap Update

All HELIX units with built-in Humminbird Basemap will have their compatible Basemap support updated by software update 2.280.
As a result, all users must download and install a new basemap onto their HELIX unit
HELIX 9, 10, and 12 models will need to download updated Humminbird Basemap V 1.031.

Support for new Minn Kota Raptor Shallow Water Anchor

Fully control Raptor single or dual anchor installations:
- Deploy/Retract Raptor independently or as a dual system
- Monitor Deploy State
- Adjust Anchor Mode (Soft Bottom, Normal, Rough Water, and Auto-Bottom)
- Enable or Disable Active Anchoring
- View and control Bluetooth Device Lists
- Share Raptor across the Humminbird Ethernet network to other HELIX units
- Update Raptors using HELIX units

Support for Cannon Optimum

Fully control up to four Cannon Optimum or Optimum TS downriggers:
- Control features like Line Up, Line Down, Cycle Mode, and Bottom Tracking options
- Display downrigger and Fish Hawk™ information in data boxes and overlays
- Adjust all downriggers settings including but not limited to Line Type, Line Up/Down Speed, and PIC Voltage values
- View and control Bluetooth Devices Lists
- Share Cannon Optimum downriggers across the Humminbird Ethernet network to other HELIX units

Important Notes and Prerequisites

Know before you update

NOTICE! To ensure a smooth update process, please keep the unit powered on until the update is fully completed. Interrupting the power supply during the update can result in system instability or data loss. It is crucial for the integrity of the update that the unit remains operational throughout the entire procedure.

DO NOT power the unit off during the update.
You will need a Class 10 SD or Micro SD (depending on Humminbird model) no larger than 32GB, and 150 MB of available space.
The defaults will be restored when 2.280 is installed.
Current Humminbird Basemap will be removed, and updated version 1.031 will need to be installed after the 2.280 update has finished.

Download and Update Instructions

HELIX Software Download Instructions

Click the link below to begin downloading the software update file to your computer

Save the .bin file to your PC (this will most likely be saved in your Downloads folder) and move the .bin file to your SD card.

Connect the SD card to your computer and ensure it is detected.
Open File Explorer
Locate the update file in your Downloads section (see example below)
Example:
Cut/copy and paste the desired files from your computer to your SD card. You can also drag and drop items.
- Tip: If you use the “Cut and Paste” method, the files will only be saved on your SD card, freeing up space on your local disk.
- If you use the “Copy and Paste” method, you’ll get a duplicate of the chosen files, keeping a backup on your computer.
Once the file has successfully saved on your card, safely disconnect your SD card.

HELIX Software Update Instructions

Before you begin: make sure to remove any other card that may be present, such as a LakeMaster, Zero Lines, Navionics, etc., from the unit before initializing the new update.

Install the microSD or SD card with the updated software file into the control head card slot.
Power the unit on.
The control head will recognize the new software (recognition may take several minutes) and run through a series of prompts to confirm the software installation.
1. You will first be asked if you want to install the displayed version. To continue, answer with "Yes" (RIGHT Cursor key).
2. You will then be asked if you want to abort the update in the chance you proceeded by mistake. To proceed with the update, answer "No" (LEFT Cursor Key).

Software Update Tutorial Videos

Windows users: Click here to watch the video tutorial

Mac users: Click here to watch the video tutorial

General Fixes

Sonar

Fixed an issue where HELIX units would continue pinging while in Standby Mode.
Fixed an issue where 50kHz sonar data was weaker than expected while set to Switchfire Clear Mode.

Radar

Fixed an issue where RADAR Heading Offset was not working correctly.

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Software