Is there a lot of difference between the helix 5,7,and 9?

Obviously the screen size.
The screen pixel count for those series are the same.

The Helix 5 has two editions, first generation and G2.
The Helix 7 has three editions, first generation, G2, and G2N.
The Helix 9 has two editions, first generation, and G2N.

The G2 and G2N models have CHIRP Sonar and CHIRP Imaging.

The Helix 9 G2N in Side Imaging and Down Imaging versions have MEGA Imaging (1.2 MKz or 1200 kHz). MEGA SI and MEGA DI is in their model names. MEGA DI will be out in January.

Of those three sizes, only the Helix 7 G2N is networkable, and all the Helix 9 models are networkable.

Each is available in a Sonar, Down Imaging and Side Imaging version.

The Helix 5 and Helix 7 have a single microSD card reader. The Helix 9 has two SD card readers.

I�m looking for a first generation, is the helix seven first generation solid unit ?

Yes the Helix 7 Gen 1 is a solid unit, however it is not networkable. If you plan on running 2 of them later I would look at the 9 gen 1. They are super cheap right now.

One more thing to add on these 3 units. The pixel density of the Helix 5 is the best of the 3.
It will have the sharpest image of all of these units. You will have to have your face
closer to the screen, but it will have the sharpest image. The pixel density, and hence
the resolution, of these 3 units will go down as you size up the screen. As Wayne mentioned
all three units have 800H x 480V pixel grids. The pixels are just smaller on the smaller units, hence
the higher resolution and crisper image.

I ran a Helix 5 SI generation 1 on my pond boat with the HD transducer. Amazing how good
the image on it was. I ended up selling it and changing to the Helix 7 G2N because I
wanted to use my newly acquired 360 unit with it. The Helix 7 image is good too, but
not as sharp as the Helix 5. But then I don't have to have my face as close to the screen
either so it's kind of a wash. I still use the HD transducer. If you can, use an HD transducer
with which ever one of these you get. Your image WILL be sharper with it.

Bottom line -- The Helix 5 SI is a hell of a potent sonar for the money. You just have to have
your face close to the screen and toggle between views rather than using split screens.

Chris

What does the ethernet cost for gen 2 to seven?

Each units needs an Ethernet adapter AS EC QDE to connect an Ethernet cable to them.
MSRP $29.99

The Ethernet cable is available in lengths of 2', 10', 15', 20' and 30'.
The 20' version is AS EC 20E with MSRP of $64.99

Thanks for all the help guys, I�m from the old-school depth finder so this is all new to me, but I�ve certainly learned a lot ,thanks for all the help.
I�m between gen 2 Five or seven, still deciding, but will purchase one of these.
I had no idea you could actually pay the price of the boat purchased in 1975 for a sonar.lol

Yeah wait until you decide that you need a bigger screen it they come out with the next best thing. It's a never ending story

If you get those units you will not need the Ethernet parts.

Is the only difference between helix seven g2 and helix 7 G2 n , is the fact that the G2 N is networkable ?

Is The XNT- 9�180 transducer that out comes with the seven in the five helix an HD traducer?

Yes, the G2N is networkable and the first generation and G2 are not networkable.

No, the XNT 9 SI 180 T is the transom Compact SI transducer. The transom HDSI transducer is the XHS 9 HDSI 180 T.

So this HDSI 180T will fit on 5,7,9 and 10 helix , also will give it me the best detailed picture is that correct?

Also thank you very much for the information you�ve been very helpful you guys are great .

If you are wanting to upgrade a transducer on a new unit contact humminbird before you open the transducer package and you can trade in for a smaller free than buying a new transducer

You can use either transducer with any SI model except the MEGA SI units.
They have the same number of sensors and same number of circuits.
The HDSI transducer will not give the Helix 5 or 7 the 800 kHz SI capability.

The HDSI is 2" longer, with longer SI crystals. Those longer SI crystals produce a thinner SI pulse=sharper images.

The exchange price is about $85 including shipping. It is extra to ship the Compact SI transducer to Humminbird.