Have you been dying to get a fish finder with MEGA imaging, but your budget wouldn’t allow it? With the release of the Helix 7 G3N series, you can now experience the ultra sharp MEGA Imaging in an affordable 7-inch unit. This is great news for anglers!
The units look very similar to past series of Helix 7, but there are a bunch of other new features and upgrades to look forward to in the G3N units. Read on to find out what these little powerhouse fish finders are capable of.
HELIX 7 G3N Series Overview
Head Unit:
Editor's Choice 
Model:
HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3N
HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3
HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G3N
HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G3
HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G3N
Transducer:
XNT 9 HW MSI 150 T
XNT 9 HW MSI 150 T
XNT 9 HW MDI 75 T
XNT 9 HW MDI 75 T
XNT 9 HW T
MEGA Imaging:
Networking:
Bluetooth:
MicroSD:
AutoChart Live
Check Price at:
Check Price at:
Editor's Choice
Head Unit:
Model:
HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3N
Transducer:
XNT 9 HW MSI 150 T
MEGA Imaging:
Networking:
Bluetooth:
MicroSD:
AutoChart Live
Check Price at:
Check Price at:
Head Unit:
Model:
HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3
Transducer:
XNT 9 HW MSI 150 T
MEGA Imaging:
Networking:
Bluetooth:
MicroSD:
AutoChart Live
Check Price at:
Check Price at:
Head Unit:
Model:
HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G3N
Transducer:
XNT 9 HW MDI 75 T
MEGA Imaging:
Networking:
Bluetooth:
MicroSD:
AutoChart Live
Check Price at:
Check Price at:
Head Unit:
Model:
HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G3
Transducer:
XNT 9 HW MDI 75 T
MEGA Imaging:
Networking:
Bluetooth:
MicroSD:
AutoChart Live
Check Price at:
Check Price at:
Head Unit:
Model:
HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G3N
Transducer:
XNT 9 HW T
MEGA Imaging:
Networking:
Bluetooth:
MicroSD:
AutoChart Live
Check Price at:
Check Price at:
*Last updated 2024-10-08 at 02:35 / Product Links & Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Important Features/Capabilities & Features
Let’s run down the list of new features and capabilities you should know about.
- MEGA Side Imaging (New) – The power and imaging detail of MEGA Side Imaging has been moved down into the Helix 7. MEGA should get you at least 100 ft of coverage on both sides of the boat. The transducer is a lot smaller than the MEGA+ so they must have found a way to get MEGA type performance in a smaller, cheaper package. This is a pretty huge deal and will predict that the MEGA SI model will be a big seller.
- MEGA Down Imaging (New) – A MEGA DI unit is also now available in the G3/G3N series. The dedicated MEGA DI transducer provides clearer images of structure and enhanced separation of fish. It looks identical to last years MEGA DI transducer which is a good thing.
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar (New) – Introduced last year in the larger Helix G2N units, the Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar is being pushed out into every single new Helix unit, including the Helix 7. These elements are “low q”, which is a fancy way of saying it is “true CHIRP” with a wide resonant frequency band. Simply put, this means much better fish arches, better target separation, and an overall more pleasing 2D sonar experience.
- SwitchFire Sonar – Even though 80/200 kHz may be gone, SwitchFire sonar remains. These settings control the way your sonar looks on screen, to boost sonar returns when water conditions call for it.
- Bluetooth – Built-in Bluetooth provides pairing capabilities to your smartphone. Get text message popups, control the unit with the RC2 remote, or update your unit wirelessly with the FishSmart app.
- Ethernet Networking – Sharing sonar and waypoints is a beautiful thing. Any model with the “G3N” designation have an ethernet port on the back of the unit. You need to buy dongle cables AS EC QDE for each unit you want to connect, and a 5 port ethernet switch AS ETH 5PXG for networking more than two units.
- 360 Imaging Compatible – The G3N units are capable of displaying 360 imaging data as an ethernet accessory. 360 is a secret weapon of many pro anglers.
- AutoChart Live – AutoChart Live lets you self map uncharted waters. As you drive your boat, the depth lines are drawn onto your screen, showing you important depth changes, structure, bottom hardness, and vegetation overlays that could be good fishing spots. There is storage on the unit for 8 hours of recordings, and much more when you use an AutoChart Zero Lines card or to AutoChart LiveShare.
- LakeMaster/LakeMaster PLUS Compatible – These are your standard type of mapping cards for all Humminbird units. PLUS cards simply display satellite imagery and aerial photos of the land surrounding the bodies of water.
- SmartStrike – HELIX 7 G3 and G3N models are all compatible with SmartStrike mapping cards. These cards are just like the regular regional LakeMaster mapping cards, except they have the additional SmartStrike data. With the card and the unit, it can highlight your map with possible fishing areas based on what you input into the menus.
Transducers & Accessories
- XNT 9 HW MSI 150 T – If you ever hear the phrase “Compact MEGA” transducer, this is the transducer. It features imaging frequencies of 455 kHz (440-500 kHz), MEGA DI (1075-1150 kHz), MEGA SI (1075-1150 kHz), and a CHIRP sonar range of 150-220 kHz (Full), 180-240 kHz (Narrow), 140-200 kHz (Wide).
- XNT 9 HW MDI 75 T – This transducer looks just like all the other past DI transducers, but with the new MEGA and HW crystals for sonar. Imaging frequencies are 440-500 kHz, 1075-1150 kHz (MEGA DI), and the same CHIRP sonar as the SI model.
- XTM 9 HW MSI 150 T – This is the equivalent to the XNT 9 HW MSI 150 T but with a special shape for mounting to trolling motors.
- XTM 9 HW MDI 75 T – This is the equivalent to the XNT 9 HW MDI 75 T but with a special shape for mounting to trolling motors.
- XNT 9 HW T – This is your standard 2D sonar transom mount transducer.
- XP 9 HW – Select this transducer if you want to mount it in-hull for higher speed 2D readings. You will need the Y cable to split off the Imaging and the 2D signals.
Should You Buy a HELIX 7 G3N?
- MEGA Imaging – If you looked at the amazing images being produced on the larger MEGA models but couldn’t afford the cost, the G3N is not an extremely attractive option. No other brands are capable of MHz imaging at such an affordable level.
- “Real CHIRP” – Humminbird and Garmin now run “real CHIRP” Low Q transducers, while Lowrance is still “fake CHIRPing” their 2D sonar. The Dual Spectrum Sonar on the HELIX 7 looks much improved over the traditional 83/200 kHz sonar images.
- Networking and Non-Networking – Don’t pay for features you won’t use. Helix 7 G3 cuts out the ethernet and you save a nice chunk of cash.
- Awesome Kayak Fish Finder – Tthe HELIX 7 G3 are seriously great options for kayak anglers because they have GPS mapping, true CHIRP sonar, and now MEGA Imaging. 7-inch units may seem a little big for a fishing kayak but rarely is there regret when getting a bigger screen.
- Only 1 MicroSD Slot – If you like to take screenshots and use maps, you’ll be changing cards frequently. Most smaller fish finders are being built this way, so it’s more of a heads up than a drawback.
Bottom Line: The Helix 7 G3N presents MEGA Imaging and a low Q CHIRP 2D at a very affordable price, both of which are significant upgrades. If cost was always holding you back, now is your opportunity to get MEGA onto your boat!
*Last updated 2024-10-08 at 02:35 / Product Links & Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Can i turn my Helix 7 CHIRP MDI GPS G3 into ice fishing mode? I cant seem to fins correct information anywhere about it.
I’m new to this game of high tech. Stuff….looking to purchase a helix 7 mega G3N. My question is I want side imaging,down imaging,ice fishing so it’s year round …can I just swap out transducers on both the mega DI. Or do I need the SI. Model. For side imaging…thanks
You will need the SI model to do all those things. Then in the winter swap out to the Ice transducer.
I have a gen 3 mega down imaging 9” unit, does it have side imaging capabilities if I purchase a different transducer?
No sir. Doesn’t work that way, unfortunately. No manufacturer is going to let you get side imaging without buying an SI-capable unit.
Any idea how many amps the Helix 7 SI G3 draws per hour? Looking to get the correct battery size for a new kayak. Thx!
Helix 7 Power draw is 800 mA according to the specs published on their site.
Will the 360 transducer work with the Helix 7 gn3 di, everywhere I look says it will but with a plus Sign after it, i don’t see a + on the box so I’m confused. Thx
Unfortunately, MEGA 360 is not compatible with any HELIX 7 G3 or G3N. But if you are talking about to original AS 360, that should work because it is an ethernet accessory, whereas MEGA 360 plugs into the unit’s transducer port.
Your response to Darrell says “Unfortunately, MEGA 360 is not compatible with any HELIX 7 G3 or G3N.”. But above in the review you say “360 Imaging Compatible – The G3N units are capable of displaying 360 imaging data as an ethernet accessory. 360 is a secret weapon of many pro anglers.”. And since this is a review of the “Humminbird HELIX 7 G3/G3N Review: MEGA for the Masses” I am confused.
I can see how that is confusing. The first 360 Imaging (now obsolete) was an ethernet accessory. MEGA 360 is not, it functions more like a regular MEGA SI transducer that plugs into the back of the units directly. Helix 7 is limited in how many imaging channels it can handle, so you need at least a HELIX 8.
Check out compatibility here: https://www.humminbird.com/learn/imaging/mega-360-imaging#fish-finder-compatibility
Does the Helix 7 MDI have clear down imaging and able to identify the fish at the structures? I read Paul’s comment with the SI and didn’t know if just the one with the down imaging makes a difference.
Thanks.
The HElix 7 “MDI” is a Down Imaging/Sonar unit, so it will have a dedicated DI crystal. You will definitely get better down imaging with that unit.
Can u turn into an ice model the maga ones
No. However, you can turn a Helix 7 MSI into an ice model with a conversion kit https://www.amazon.com/Humminbird-740178-1NB-Ice-PTC-Unb2/dp/B07D1NJTTL
Love your website and your reviews. Can I make the HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3 into a portable unit for ice fishing? I want the MEGA imaging the HELIX offers, that the other brands do not.
Thank you
Thanks Shawn. You can use a Helix 7 in “Ice Mode”, see how here.
I have the 7′ g3. Unfortunately the downscan sucks. There is no dedicated crystal in the transducer, it is a software solution created from the sidescan crystals. I did not know that until after tried viewing the sonar log and there was no downscan channel recording.
Yeah, not much different from the Helix 7 G2 though, except you get the better 2D and MEGA SI.
Can you please explain more about Paul’s issue. What unit does he have and why he was disappointed? I have never used a fish finder and have about researched myself to death. This mega image seems to be a major breakthrough. I can actually understand what I’m seeing. The older technology seems to require an understanding of the dark arts or a vivid imagination to interpret what is on the screen. The price is more than I planned on spending but maybe saving up is the best option. It just seems light years ahead of the other units. Am I just showing my ignorance by being attracted the shiny new thing? Until this review I was set to purchase a hook 2 triple shot or the Striker 7sv.
He has HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3N. He is disappointed with Down Imaging performance compared to the MEGA side imaging. Humminbird has done this for years with no real issue, so I suspect he got a bad transducer. To further explain: There is some overlap of the left and right side imaging beams, and to make a more affordable unit, manufacturers will take out the dedicated down imaging crystal and “calculate” the down image. For many years, Humminbird has done this with the 11xx series units “HDSI” Transducer (these were the direct ancestors of the HELIX units). It was only with MEGA that all three imaging channels (left, down, right) got dedicated sonar elements. You can get the MEGA+ on a HELIX 8 G3N if that really concerns you.
Do all new MEGA+ G3N units have the dedicated sonar elements for side and down?
Yes, for Helix 8 and above.
So , we have to buy a more expensive unit to get the right sonar. I was told by hummingbird if I bought a helix 7 mega si di g3 n it would work with the minnkota trolling motor with mega si di transducer it would work before I bought one . I bought it but now hummingbird tells me it will not work , SO I’m out 700.00 dollars . Make it clear to people what they will work with , and how they will work together without having to go through 40 pages of nothing to find nothing on humminbird .com . So people go get a garmin unit or low ranch unit .
It’s pretty clear what units are compatible with Built-In MEGA SI and Built-In MEGA DI trolling motors.
https://www.minnkotamotors.com/support/compatibility/built-in-mega-imaging