I just bought a new Helix 5 Sonar/GPS and tried using a micro card of Navionics (copied to micro 2 GB from a 2009 full card) and also tried an older version of Lakemaster (also copied older version of Lakemaster to 8 GB micro card) in the unit, but neither will bring up detail of lakes when inserted into the Helix.
Any idea if the Helix requires a specific or new version micro card to load map detail? Just wondering if anyone has had mapping issues trying to load older versions copied to a mcro card...
Thanks

Greg J

You cannot copy mapping to put on another card.

You must purchase either Navionics or this year's issue of Lakemaster.

Navionics has had microSD cards since 2010 and Lakemaster starting in 2015.

If you are going to run Navionics, you will want to look at the premium or the Nav+ mapping card. I would recommend the Nav+ to get the Sonar Charts data.

Premium Card Data



Nav+(Sonar Charts Data)

Actually if you are going to get Navionics, get the Navionics Update card.
That will be the 2GB version of Navionics+ when activated with one of your present cards.
It has no maps, you choose what locations to download to the card with no regional restrictions and you can download Sonar Charts too. Only download the waters you need and you won't have any slow processor issues.

The current Navionics+ is preloaded 16GB and will run slowly in the Helix 5 models.

The Navionics Update card is $99 MSRP rather than $199 MSRP for the current Navionics+ version.
The Hotmaps Premium is $149 MSRP and only has Nautical Charts.

One other question then, If I want to get the Lakemaster 2015 current version (TX / OK) with the microSD, then that will work with the Helix 5 and no slow processor issues?

I like to have the different mapping options to see what Navionics shows on my Console Lowrance unit and compare vs Lakemaster on the bow Helix as sometimes there are features on one and not the other...If Lakemaster is a good choice for the Helix, is the question.

Thanks for your assistance!

LakeMaster is a great option for the Helix with no issues....

Wayne, You are correct that the updates card will work with his current card as long as it has not been damaged by trying to move the file to another card etc. On the new Nav+, it is preloaded to 16GB, but when purged it can wipe away all of the current data to make it a blank card to download to, just depending on what unit it is being ran in, you would want to keep the downloads to around the 2-4gb full on the card so that you wouldnt slow the unit down. Once the preloaded data is removed, the size of the card can be determined by the user up to 16GB, but does not have to be full to operate.

Thanks Guys! Will get the Lakemaster when I get a chance.