I have a helix 5 up front, my question is would I benefit from having a mapping card in that front unit? I have a lowrance at console with insight genesis, so was just wondering if I should spend that money on that card for the helix

i have a helix 7 at the console and one at the bow. I use lakemaster mapping cards in both. I usually have the one up front on a split screen. With mapping and graph. I use the bow mapping a lot, watching changes in bottom contour while I am fishing. it saves a lot of time searching for structure.

^^^^^ what he said

A side question on this topic: I just purchased a Helix 9 DI GPS G2 for the bow (first HB unit replacing very old Lowrance) but I know nothing about SD cards. Humminbird site says to use Multimedia Cards, but also SD cards- both 32GB or less. What I don’t understand is whether a SDHC is the same as a SD is the same as a MMC as far as compatibility for use in the unit? I do understand the names have changed with the technology but I want to make sure I get the right tech for this unit. Thanks for the help. 

Hummingbird takes the micro sd card. You can buy them at Wal-Mart. Make sure it is 32 gb  or smaller. You don't need a card to make a helix work. If you buy lakemaster mapping it comes on  a micro sd card.  The only other reason to use a card is if you store more waypoints than the internal memory can hold or if you want to transfer waypoints.

Weedwhacker- Thanks! Is it a micro SD card like for a GoPro or other camera? If so, would I need to get an SD adaptor for the HB slot or does the unit actual have micro slots? In several YouTube videos it looks like a standard size card. Sorry about being so demanding (and needy) but I hate buying tech that doesn’t work. 

13 minutes ago, Mike3412 said:

Weedwhacker- Thanks! Is it a micro SD card like for a GoPro or other camera? If so, would I need to get an SD adaptor for the HB slot or does the unit actual have micro slots? In several YouTube videos it looks like a standard size card. Sorry about being so demanding (and needy) but I hate buying tech that doesn’t work. 

Sorry my mistake.

my helix 7 takes a micro sd card. your helix 9  takes the standard sd card.  If you want to use micro sd cards, just buy one with the SD adapter. just make sure the card has a capacity of 32 GB or less.

I tried a higher capacity card and the Humingbird would not recognize it.

Good info- thanks for solving my issue. I really appreciate the help.