The Helix 12 prices are dropping...I currently two Helix 9 MEGA SI+ G4N's

 

Could I replace my Helix 9 with a Helix 12 MEGA SI+ G4N, swap the cards over (Lake Map and storage), and be good to go with all my waypoints and maps?

 

 

Yep.  From 9 to anything bigger should be plug and play aside from the gimbal it sits in.

You have to transfer waypoints.  They are not on the map card.

I think some of the units have micro SD cards and some have the big ones.

 

My only caveat.

 

Waypoints could be an issue.  They are stored on the unit they were created on.  You can see them on other units in the network, but they reside where created.

 

Make sure you save your waypoints on the unit you plan to replace on an SD card. Then you can export them to your newer helix. 

The word on some streets is that the bigger Helix units are all going away in favor of the new Xplore 9, Xplore 10, and Xplore 12. There will be only one model of each size, and you'll have the option to buy it with or without the transducer. The Solix models (also according to what I have read) will also be phased out. Just the Apex, the Xplore, and the smaller Helix models. 

 

The Xplore will have Dual Spectrum CHIRP, Mega SI+ and Mega DI+, as well as the capability to run Mega Live2 and Mega 360. The Dual Spectrum CHIRP, Mega SI+ and Mega DI+ will all be fed through the transducer cable.

 

Mega Live2 and Mega 360 will interface with an ethernet connection, but there's only one ethernet port, so it appears that in order to run both simultaneously it looks like you might need an ethernet switch.

 

That seems to have simplified things, and it's nice that all of those bigger units can add a "Live" option straight to the control head. The downside is that if you don't want or need the Live options or even side imaging on your larger Humminbird graph, you'll still be getting it.

 

The smaller Helix models will remain.

 

I suppose this could all change, but I would just say that before I bought a larger Helix or any Solix, I would do my due diligence to see if such a purchase might leave you holding the proverbial bag. They'll still find fish, but may not be able to utilize some of the emerging technology that the other lineups have.

2 hours ago, Big Hands said:

The word on some streets is that the bigger Helix units are all going away in favor of the new Xplore 9, Xplore 10, and Xplore 12. There will be only one model of each size, and you'll have the option to buy it with or without the transducer. The Solix models (also according to what I have read) will also be phased out. Just the Apex, the Xplore, and the smaller Helix models. 

 

The Xplore will have Dual Spectrum CHIRP, Mega SI+ and Mega DI+, as well as the capability to run Mega Live2 and Mega 360. The Dual Spectrum CHIRP, Mega SI+ and Mega DI+ will all be fed through the transducer cable.

 

Mega Live2 and Mega 360 will interface with an ethernet connection, but there's only one ethernet port, so it appears that in order to run both simultaneously it looks like you might need an ethernet switch.

 

That seems to have simplified things, and it's nice that all of those bigger units can add a "Live" option straight to the control head. The downside is that if you don't want or need the Live options or even side imaging on your larger Humminbird graph, you'll still be getting it.

 

The smaller Helix models will remain.

 

I suppose this could all change, but I would just say that before I bought a larger Helix or any Solix, I would do my due diligence to see if such a purchase might leave you holding the proverbial bag. They'll still find fish, but may not be able to utilize some of the emerging technology that the other lineups have.

This is all accurate and announced by humminbird. 
 

The helix 5 and 7 will stay, mostly because of the ice models and probably built up inventory. The rest of the helix and solix are going away. Helix is not compatible with mega live 2. Solix will be if the latest generation but once you upgrade the software to make it compatible it won’t talk to helix and older units in a network. 
 

FWIW, You could send mega live 1 directly to a Helix head unit so long as it was a 3rd gen N network model 8” or bigger or the g4N 7”. You need an adapter cable to do it. I had a helix 9 g4N on the kayak that way. 
 

Humminbird have said they will continue to support the helix going forward but it’s just a matter of time. If you are a side/down/360 user then a helix is an incredible bargain right now. If you want live imaging, just get the explore now and love it. Start how you mean to finish. Pick below (not of the same thing, but you get the idea)

ML1

ML2