Most Common Problems with Humminbird Helix 7
Helix 7 G3N allows anglers experience ultra-sharp MEGA imaging in a 7” display without spending a lot.
Besides lots of amazing and useful features, it has some issues like any electronic boat accessory.
Knowing the most common problems with Humminbird Helix 7, their symptoms, and the cause will help you troubleshoot them easily. So, let’s get started.
What Are The Common Humminbird Helix 7 Problems:
1. Transducer Problem
A very common issue I have seen with the Helix 7 is the transducer not working properly.
A basic fact to remember is that having a weak signal or failing to turn on the screen indicates low battery power. Replacing the old ones solves the issue here.
On the other hand, there are some more symptoms that will require you to perform more complex troubleshooting.
First, let’s see the nature of the problem.
- Sometimes you may see surface reading without any bottom reading.
- Or, it is possible to see wrong depth reading.
- Some users have mentioned seeing erratic readings while the boat is speeding up.
Facing any of the points mentioned above leads to the following inspection process.
According to the mechanics, people usually don’t install the transducer properly. Also, they can’t get the orientation correct.
Other than that, any sort of damage or dirt on the device, cable damage, or interference from the nearby transducers operating in the same frequency can cause the problem.
2. Down Imaging Problem
It is possible that the issue has a direct connection to a user error. Lots of clutter on the screen or specifically a horizontal line of clutter is the symptom here.
Also, the level of detail is terrible. Even after updating the software to the latest version, the problem can exist.
However, taking the sensitivity level down to 1 or 2 can remove the horizontal clutter.
The complainee mentioned that it was not networked or nothing else was operating near it that can interfere with the signal.
To solve the problem, search on YouTube and you can see lots of good tutorials on it. One can try resetting the unit and see whether it solves the issue.
In case of not being able to solve the issue after all those troubleshooting methods, you should contact customer support.
Your unit may have become faulty somehow. Replacing it should do the trick.
3. Base Map Problem
Not a lot but some of the customers complained that their Helix 7 units were not showing base maps properly.
It showed something that resembled yellowish land and white water instead of detail.
If you see anything close to the description, you can reset the system to factory defaults, and update the software.
4. Display Problem
There are several problem cases regarding the display. You may see that the unit has power but there is nothing showing on the screen.
In that case, adjust the tilt angle, adjust contrast, and check the connections making sure they are working fine.
Furthermore, sometimes it can freeze and or stop moving. The manufacturer recommends that you should keep the device updated with the latest software version to avoid such problems.
Otherwise, one should contact the company and sort it out.
5. Condensation Problem
You know, Humminbird units are waterproof. Yet, you may see water particles inside the device due to natural humidity.
According to the users, spring and fall are the two occurring times of the year of the issue.
After getting warmed up by the sun, moist air gets trapped between the display and the lens of the front housing.
One can avoid it by storing the device in a protected and safe area where direct sunlight can’t reach.
Without doing anything, the moist air trapped inside gets cleared away after an hour of use.
As it is not a manufacturing fault, the repair shops or service centers can’t do anything to stop condensation.
6. Overheating Problem
One of the owners said that he noticed his unit being overheated while fishing. Also, it kept turning off.
Unplugging the unit and putting it in the shade for about an hour solved it. But Helix 7 should have handled direct sunlight like it is supposed to.
There were some other users sharing the same problem in the thread. One of them had concerns about low voltage and asked to check the battery voltage.
Because the Helix 7 is very power-hungry and sensitive. Too small or thin wire can cause a big drop in the voltage.
An expert has told that overheating and turning off are not related. So, unplugging and letting it cool in the shades is not the solution.
You should measure the voltage at the terminal before and after shutting down the unit.
Use a digital multimeter to do that because voltage readings of the Humminbird units are often inaccurate.
Final Thought
I have seen lots of threads in the BBC boards regarding the most common problems with Humminbird Helix 7.
If you don’t find your particular problem discussed here, you can go there and check the threads.
Considering overall performance and features, it is a good product. Those issues don’t occur too frequently.