Helix 12 At Console Not Reading Down or Side Imaging

[C130]

I have a Helix 12 at the console and not getting any readouts on either down or side imaging. Front Helix is working fine, it has down imaging only. They are networked together and I checked to make sure they are reading the correct transducer under what I believe is called “network settings” in the Helix. The dealer wanted me to verify this and as far as I can tell they are set to the correct transducer. Im also not getting an accurate depth readout when on plane on the console Helix. I am getting sonar readouts. Any ideas or suggestions? I am trying to avoid going back to the dealer if I can and know theyll be closed for the holidays and would like to get it working while Im on vacation. Helix units wee installed by the dealer. Last edited by C130 on December 21st, 2016, 2:04 am, edited 1 time in total.

[oldtimer57]

Several questions. (1) I assume you have a shoot-thru-hull transducer for running at speed? Is it epoxied down correctly and not laying loose or bouncing around? Give it a tug as they can look right but be loose and air in the way blocks the sonar pulses.(2) I dont have a helix, but a normal bird has an opening menu (press menu before it goes into normal mode) where you can look to see exactly what it has connected. Have you verified that the di/si transducer is showing up?(3) any Y-cables involved?2008 Pantera Classic2014 Mercury Pro XS 200

[C130]

Yes, it has a shoot through transducer. Ill check to make sure it is epoxied down. It shows the correct transducer but the front Helix transducer shows up as white lettering and the console is black if that means anything. I believe there is a Y cable.

[PhilAddison]

SI/DI transducer is mounted on the jack plate or should be.

[C130]

PhilAddison wrote:SI/DI transducer is mounted on the jack plate or should be.There is a transducer on the back, its mounted to the transom I believe. Ill double check the exact mounting location.

[Bass Cat Boats]

Im pretty sure the graphs were ordered with the boat and pre wired from factory. The dealer usually just mounts them on the console with a bracket since theyre helix12s. Im not completely understanding the issues. The helix 12 should have a power cable, Ethernet and a y-cable. Transducer in hull and side imaging are hooked to the y cable. There should not be any problems setting them up. Or having to select transducers. I do know at anything over 40mph my in hull stops reading. I never look at it on plane however. You will hit a sand bar before it tells you. Sometimes its nice to know when youre getting out of a river channel tho. These simple issues is why I try to personally go to the lake with every boat sold. Call Humminbird 1-800-633-1468 they can walk you threw everything. This shouldnt interfere with time off.

[Bass Cat Boats]

The transducers are not plugged in it seems. Also you should be able to read sonar up to between 50-60 MPH trimmed down.

[catdude28]

Disconnect the ethernet cable first so that the network is disabled. That will allow you to test each unit independently. On each unit, start by “restoring factory defaults”. That way each unit will default automatically to the transducer that is standard for it. It may also correct your lack of digital depth reading on your console as well. Make sure all of your connections are tight. If they are fine independently, then the network settings are the issue. It is also important to make sure that your software is up to date. If your issues cant be resolved, I would post over on the Bird forum on BBC. Lots of knowledgeable help over there.

[C130]

Thanks, I also posted over on BBC. Ill look for the Ethernet cable tomorrow and disconnect it. I just updated both of the units this morning.

[catdude28]

Andrew is likely correct and the wiring was done at the factory, in which case, in a 2017 premium model like yours, the power would be coming directly from the battery, and not wired through the boats harness. On the outside chance that your boat was ordered with no electronics, and all of the wiring was actually done by the dealer, then you need to be sure that the units are direct wired. Those two units use a lot of power and need direct wiring. I appreciate the comment about a dealer water testing a boat before delivery also. When I bought my 2013 Cougar from Sherm and travelled 400 miles and across an international border, he water tested mine beforehand, and actually found an issue that he resolved for me before delivery.

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