HELIX 5 SI GPS Software Update

Updated January 06, 2026 16:15

CURRENT VERSION - 7.730

RELEASED DATE - August 3, 2015

Affected Models:

(409640-1) HELIX 5 SI GPS
(409640-1 KVD) HELIX 5 SI GPS KVD

JUMP TO: NEW & UPDATED FEATURES, IMPORTANT NOTES & PREREQUISITES, DOWNLOAD AND UPDATE INSTRUCTIONS, CURRENT SOFTWARE, GENERAL FIXES

New Features and Update Features

Data Bar Off - This feature allows all readouts on all views to be turned off in favor of preset non-adjustable overlays. This feature does not apply to the diagnostic views
Nav Readout Support - Nav Readouts are user definable readouts that appear when the unit is in a navigation mode.
Color Palette Additions - There are four new 2D color palettes and four name changes
- 2D
  Palette 1 - No Change
  Palette 2 - No Change
  Palette 3 - No Change
  Palette 4 - Previously called Original
  Palette 5 - Previously called Gray
  Palette 6 - Previously called Green
  Palette 7 - Previously called Inverse
  Palette 8 - NEW - Amber 1
  Palette 9 - NEW - Amber 2
  Palette 10 - NEW - Modified Palette 2
  Palette 11 - NEW - Modified Palette 3
- Imaging
  Palette 1 - Previously called Blue
  Palette 2 - Previously called Amber 1
  Palette 3 - Previously called Amber 2
  Palette 4 - Previously called Brown
  Palette 5 - Previously called Green
  Palette 6 - Previously called Inverse
  Palette 7 - Previously called Gray
  Palette 8 - Previously called Green-Red
  Palette 9 - NEW Green-Blue
  Palette 10 - NEW Orange-Red-Purple
  Palette 11 - NEW Red-Yellow-Blue
  Palette 12 - NEW Blue-Yellow
2D A-Scope - this is a new type of Real Time Sonar (RTS) window. It is considered to be a very traditional way of looking at real-time analog signals.
Spanish Language - Added to Domestic models

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.

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

Current Software

DOWNLOAD HELIX SOFTWARE 7.730

General Fixes

Chart

Fixed an issue where LakeMaster PLUS cards would not load correctly on the Chart/Chart View when the satellite overlay was turned on.

System

Nature of Seabed Off - Nature of Seabed now defaults to off on International Models
Fixed an issue where units were not successfully encrypting large format SD cards. In this version the following sizes have been tested: 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB and 32GB
Improved the low voltage shutoff threshold to held control heads remain booted while the boat engine is started.
Fixed an issue where the units were missing the GPS Output menu option.

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Software