Tips 'N Tricks 211: Humminbird HELIX vs SOLIX: Part 6 - NMEA 2000 Differences

[@TheOregonOutlaw]

Doug, On behalf of the many of us who were buried in too MUCH information and a LACK of someone directly experienced WITH the many options - I send you kudos and SINCERE thanks! Having now survived calling the "HB Customer Help Line", only to be MORE confused at the end of long and what felt like more of a commercial than exchanges of questions and answers - THIS series of yours gives me back some faith! One thing HB has told me worth others knowing - the Onix is totally out of production and the Solix is fully in as the upgrade replacement to that portion of their like-up. I do feel with the many added features and upgrade to processor speeds - it was a worthy move. Well.... Santa has been asking exactly what the boat "wanted", and now I believe by the time post Christmas sales/pre-spring sales kick in, I might have a well thought out answer! LOL ~Merry Christmas & God Bless~

[@jasondill5372]

Thank you for the series Doug. Helped me make my decisions easier...I love my HELIX 7” and after watching your videos it was simple to get all the settings dialed in. Happy holidays from Florida.

[@deepsky124]

Doug, thanks for the great series on Solix, and how it compares. I have been on the fence with my choices this season, being a Onix owner I appreciate you insights into the two newer models. This concreted my choice for a Solix

[@DougVahrenberg]

Glad it could help! Thanks for the kind words!!

[@rickmiller2253]

Thank you so much , your series has helped me out a lot. I just purchased a new boat and installed the nmea 2k system in it along with the engine interface hooked up to my Heliz 12. Running a Suzuki DF 200 A and all I am getting is rpm and engine temp which is all I saw working on your Helix . Is this all I can get unless I go Solex? Thanks in Advance for your help... Rick

[@vinosfinostapasandwinebar5109]

For Mercury Engines,what do you need to connect to a Solix. Iunderstand I will neeed a Mercury backbone but some are saying a Mercury Gateway, in addition to a ethernet cable to the Solix. Please advise. Thanks!

[@BradLMN]

The question I have relates to mega imaging itself. In order to view mega imaging on multiple units, do all units have to be a mega imaging unit or if you have just one with mega imaging will a non mega unit be able to display that image through an ethernet connection? The units I would purchase would be 2 helix units or 1 solix & 1 helix (if that makes a difference).

[@DougVahrenberg]

Only units within the same series can share sonar technology. HELIX to HELIX or SOLIX to SOLIX you can't mix series to share sonar technology. I have not tried to share MEGA to a non-MEGA unit that would be better asked to Humminbird Customer Service 800-633-1468

[@BradLMN]

Doug Vahrenberg thank you, I will have to ask Humminbird. Also, thank you for taking time to do this series, it has been very informative.

[@dubosce]

Thanks so much for this series! I am in the market for a complete boat upgrade and you helped me land on the minn Kota ultrex, Humminbird 360, and a couple of Solix units! Doug, what are your thoughts on a 15” Solix versus the 12”?!? That’s my last dilemma! Definitely a 12” on the bow for me, but I’m struggling between the two for the console. For the price of doing a huge upgrade, I’m hoping to avoid any regrets. Your opinion would be highly valued!! Thanks again

[@DougVahrenberg]

SOLIX 12 vs 15 is difference in screen size. I really like my 12 but I like running multiple units. I know others that went to 15 and eliminated additional units. More of a personal choice

[@xxdarkamusxx]

Yes thanks for all your videos . I switched to helix 9's and i love all the info.

[@tonypaine4958]

Good advice thanks

[@mikenelson983]

What are u using for batteries to run your solix?

[@DougVahrenberg]

I use one single large Reserve Capacity Starting Battery for all electronics on my boat. You need the largest RC that is what makes the difference when buying batteries

[@mikenelson983]

Doug Vahrenberg does it also do your starting on the motor or is it dedicated to electronics?

[@DougVahrenberg]

I have Starting and all Electronics on a Single Battery. All other batteries are for Trolling Motor.

[@mikenelson983]

Doug Vahrenberg awesome thank you so much, agm I presume?

[@DougVahrenberg]

Nope. AGM was not a long life for me as Good Old Lead Acid Battery. I use Exide 27MSXX with 1000MCA and 180 Reserve Capacity at 25A,