so im considering buying a helix 7 di with gps.the main reason I was considering a new unit is because some of the small electric only lakes I fish in PA are not charted.which leads me to needing auto chart I assume to make my own.only problem is im a moron when it comes to computers etc. can someone give me a general overview of how it works etc? alos I was considering adding lakemaster or navionics, it appears that navionics offer more coverage of the lakes I need , will it work with the helix 7? also can I chart on a micro sd card and the creat maps on navionics social maps? sorry for all the questions its tough be a computer idiot in the new age of bass fishing.

It looks like AutoChart Live is only on the Helix 9, 10 and 12 models (not the 7 and the 5).

http://www.humminbird.com/Freshwater/Lifestyle/HELIX_FW/

tanks turtle .yeah I know the live version is not available on the 7 but from what I understand you can chart to a micro sd then plug it into a pc with software that will convert to a map that can then be reloaded on the card into the unit.the live feature would be grat but I don't wanna spend that kind of $$

17 minutes ago, padon said:

tanks turtle .yeah I know the live version is not available on the 7 but from what I understand you can chart to a micro sd then plug it into a pc with software that will convert to a map that can then be reloaded on the card into the unit.the live feature would be grat but I don't wanna spend that kind of $$

I think you are correct on that. We need our local sonar guru to chime in on this. Paging Wayne P.

 

You can do contour mapping with two products.

You RECORD sonar logs to a blank memory card to get the data to create contour mapping.

With Lakemaster, there is Auto Chart and Auto Chart Pro computer software to generate the contour maps using the recorded data. Then the created maps are copied to the included Zero Line Card that is then inserted in the unit and it performs like Lakemaster digital mapping. Those maps would be your personal maps--not shared.

With Navionics, you upload the recorded data to their Sonar Charts map server, they create the HD contour mapping that is then downloaded to a Navionics+ map card as the Sonar Charts map layer. That is a FREE service, you just purchase the Navionics+ map card. Those maps are shared to anyone that downloads the data to their map card, it is displayed on the Navionics website's Web App, and is included with the mobile app for Android and iOS devices.

PM sent with more info.

 

Ah ok that's kinda what I thought wayne.thanks .also im kinda torn between the helix and the lowrance hook 5 . I understand the lowrance has similar  capabilities anybody have any input on which they prefer. I was leaning toward the helix because a friend of mine who is pretty knowledgeable has one and I figured he could guide me .

I'm looking for one too.And I am probably the worst when it comes to figuring out technology.Thankfully,I have a grandson who is my consultant!!

The humminbird helix 5 G2 had autochart live if your willing to downsize the screen. Also if you wait they might be coming out with a helix 7 G2 that would have autochart live. 

The Garmin echoMap series of depthfinders come preloaded with 17,000 lake maps built in including 6,000 of those in high def. Also included is their QuickDraw Contours feature that allows you to create your own high def maps in real time right on the unit, no computer needed. Even their 4" screen units have these features and can be had as cheap as $300. Just the map chips on other brands can cost half that much alone.

hmm just researched the garmins a little bit on line. looks like exactly what im looking for .ill have to add them to the list of units to check out.thanks scott.