Which adapter and extension cables should I use for MEGA Side Imaging?
With the introduction of MEGA Side Imaging in the HELIX G2N and SOLIX Series, a number of new accessories are now available to transmit MEGA Imaging signals. Customers upgrading to the new MEGA Side Imaging models will want to change their transducer, as well as the following cables:
Dual Beam Y-Cables
- HELIX: 720101-1 (9 M SIDB Y)
- APEX, XPLORE and SOLIX: 720111-1 (14 M ID SIDB Y)
The Y-Cable splits the sonar signals so that you can use a separate shoot through the hull transducer (XP 9 20 for HELIX or XP 14 20 for SOLIX) to enhance your high speed readings along with MEGA Side Imaging which is ideal at trolling speeds.
OLD HELIX NEW HELIX
If the wrong Y-Cable is used (HELIX - 720055-1 AS SI DB Y; SOLIX - 720083-1 AS 14 SI DB Y) the symptoms you would see are as follows:
- No Down Imaging readings will be present
- MEGA Imaging may not be as clear as end-users would expect
Left - Right Y Cables
- HELIX: 720102-1 (9 M SILR Y)
- APEX, XPLORE and SOLIX: 7201112-1 (14 M ID SILR Y)
This Y- Cable splits the sonar signals so that you can use a separate MEGA transducer for the starboard and port sides of your boat. This may be necessary if you have any other boating equipment mounted on your transducer that might block either the right or left side view of a single MEGA transducer.
If the wrong Y Cable is used, (HELIX - 720056-1 AS SI LR Y; SOLIX - 720082-1 AS 14SILRY) the symptoms you would see are as follows:
- HELIX: No Down Imaging readings will be present
- APEX, SOLIX & HELIX: MEGA Imaging may not be as clear as end-users would expect
Extension Cables
-
720096-1 (EC M10) - this HELIX extension cable is used to extend the transducer cable an additional 10 feet. While there may not be any major performance issues while using the existing, non-MEGA EC W10 cable
(720003-1), there is a possibility of interference. The new cable includes additional shielding and twists to eliminate interference. -
720096-2 (EC M30) - this HELIX extension cable is used to extend the transducer cable an additional 30 feet. While there may not be any major performance issues while using the existing, non-MEGA EC W30 cable
(720003-2), there is a possibility of interference. The new cable includes additional shielding and twists to eliminate interference. - 720106-1 (EC M3 14W10) - this 10ft extension cable will work for all APEX, XPLORE, SOLIX, ONIX and MEGA 360 transducers.
- 720106-2 (EC M3 14W30) - this 30ft extension cable will work for all APEX, XPLORE, SOLIX, ONIX and MEGA 360 transducers.
All MEGA-specific cables are backward compatible with older product transducers
Networking MEGA-equipped Models
A few reminders regarding the networkability and features found in the new HELIX G2N and SOLIX Series:
MEGA is a technology and not a software upgrade; it can't be added to any Humminbird model via a software update. Customers must purchase at least one MEGA-equipped model to view MEGA Imaging.
- Basic networking guidelines and sonar capabilities are as follows:
HELIX MEGA SI G2N with HELIX G2N
- Will network; no problem
- MEGA can be viewed on any G2N model; both units don't have to be MEGA
- Example: HELIX MEGA SI G2N 12 on console with HELIX GPS G2N 9 on bow
HELIX MEGA SI G2N with HELIX first generation (G1)
- Units will network, but G1 must have software update 1.350 (released, Dec. '16)
- MEGA Imaging will not show up; 455/800 only
- G1 owners will now get AutoChart Live vegetation and bottom hardness
SOLIX SI with SOLIX
- Non-SI unit can view MEGA Imaging
SOLIX SI with ONIX
- Will network; no problem
- MEGA can be viewed on any ONIX model; but must get software update 3.000 (released March, '17)
SOLIX/ONIX with any networking HELIX (G1 or G2N)
- Units share waypoints, i-Pilot Link, Humminbird 360, Humminbird CHIRP Radar, and NMEA 2000
