So I'm getting a new boat in a few months. I plan on using my current 999ci hd si on the console. I will be placing an Ulterra trolling motor on the bow. Due to the difficulty of placing a side imaging transducer on this motor, I am leaning towards getting a unit with only 2D sonar and GPS for the bow. The Helix 9 Sonar/GPS Combo is specifically what I'm looking at. The AutoChart feature is also appealing with this unit, due to limited mapping of the western waters that I fish. I will have them ethernet linked so that I can share waypoints with both units. 

I'm basically looking for some opinions. My idea is that I will be able to scout around with my console unit using side or down scan, and then just utilize 2D on the bow while I'm fishing. Has anyone else put a 2D unit up front and been disappointed with their decision? 

If you want to use the Auto Chart Live feature, the trolling motor will have to be deployed or you can share the 999ci HD SI Combo transducer with the motor stowed. If you do the latter, select the 999's GPS antenna as the GPS source so the depth data and location data will be closer together.

With Ethernet, you can have SI/DI on the Helix 9 Sonar GPS from the 999. The Helix and XX9 models will cross-share sonar technologies.

Ulterra with US2 for the bow 2D sonar source.

 

Auto Chart and Auto Chart Pro are computer software that will create contour mapping from recordings from either unit.

 

Thanks for the info Wayne. I wasn't aware that I could utilize Auto Chart with my 999. Is there a download from Humminbird that I can get? 

Pay attention to the whole product name. Auto Chart is not a unit function, it is computer software that processes sonar logs.

The Helix 9, 10 and 12 models have Auto Chart LIVE. That is different than Auto Chart. You cannot add Auto Chart Live to any unit, it is built-in those Helix models and also ION and ONIX units.

If you purchase Auto Chart or Auto Chart Pro computer software that will convert unit recordings done with any Humminbird sonar/gps model to digital mapping that is like Lakemaster.

You have shown me the light.  I appreciate the help. 

One more question please. What specific ethernet connections do I need in order to link my 999ci HD SI to the Helix 9 Sonar/GPS unit? 

59 minutes ago, TetraFish'n said:

One more question please. What specific ethernet connections do I need in order to link my 999ci HD SI to the Helix 9 Sonar/GPS unit? 

Both need the AS EC QDE Ethernet adapter--two total.

Then an Ethernet cable long enough to connect them. The 20' cable is the AS EC 20E. There are several lengths, just change the number to match the length available.