Software Update - Basemap for HELIX 5, 7, and 8 v 2.010

 Released 07.10.2020

Software Description

Humminbird Basemap is built off of data from LakeMaster®, NOAA and other trusted sources. These accurate maps provide you with a clear view of underwater terrain and surrounding points of interest so you can fish and navigate with total confidence. The latest update contains general chart improvements and has been reformatted to work with the latest HELIX software update, version 2.280. Additionally, this Humminbird Basemap update provides the necessary software to support and operate Humminbird charts with VX Technology, such as new CoastMaster - U.S. Coastal charts, on compatible models.

Affected Units

  • All HELIX 5 and 7 G2 or G2N models
  • All HELIX 7 G3 or G3N models
  • All HELIX 8 G3 or G3N models

Software Prerequisites

In order to install the Humminbird Basemap, you must: 

  1. Get an SD card with enough space to accommodate the software update (HELIX:  2.280 or later) and Humminbird Basemap files. We recommend using a 16 GB, Class 10 card with a minimum of 4 GB of free space.   
  2. Obtain and perform software update HELIX 2.280 or later. Your unit must have this software update completed in order to perform the Humminbird Basemap update. To see the most current version of the software for your unit, visit humminbird.com/support/software-updates and find your model. Click on the link and check against the current software version you are running. If the software needs to be updated, follow the instructions on that page. At the bottom of the page will be a link to Download the software update. Save the update file directly onto your micro or SD card.  You may insert your SD card into your Humminbird unit to update the software now, or, you can wait and peform the update after you have downloaded the Humminbird Basemap software onto the same SD card.   
  3. Obtain and perform Humminbird Basemap update via the download instructions below.

Please note:The Humminbird basemap file is very large and can take anywhere from 15 min to two hours based on your connection speed.

TESTING YOUR INTERNET CONNECTION SPEED

The length of time it will take for this download will depend upon the speed of your local internet service.  To find out the speed of your service, we recommend that you run a speed test on the website Speedtest.net .  When you arrive on the page, click on the Begin Test or GO  button.  Page appearance varies based on Web Browser - DO NOT CLICK on Start Now  

Based on your internet service download speed you can expect this download to take a minimum of the times listed below.  Times can vary based on internet service slowdowns, interruptions in service or competition from other downloads being performed on your computer at the same time.

MINIMUM DOWNLOAD TIMES
  • 85 Mbps - 15 minutes
  • 70 Mbps - 20 minutes
  • 50 Mbps - 25 minutes
  • 25 Mbps - 50 minutes
  • 10 Mbps - 120 minutes
  • 7 Mbps - 170 minutes

Software Instructions

Instructions for Downloading the Humminbird Basemap Files for HELIX 5 , 7, and 8 G2/G2N or G3/G3N units

  1. Begin downloading the Humminbird Basemap v 2.010 file by clicking this link: HUMMINBIRD BASEMAP V 2.010 DOWNLOAD
  2. Save the zipped file ("HBBMUS_5_7_8.zip") to your computer's hard drive or external storage drive. Do not  save this file directly to an SD card  as It will substantially increase your download time. This is the longest step in this process. Download times will depend on your connection speed as mentioned.   
  3. Once saved, you need to right-click on the file and select "Extract All" and the files will go to the same destination as the zipped file.  This process will take a 5-20 minutes depending on your computer's processor speed.   
  4. When complete, the extracted file folder should appear on your computer as a regular folder titled HBBMUS_5_7_8 
  5. Open this folder, highlight BOTH of the files within it, and copy/paste or drag/drop the files directly to your SD card. Do not copy the actual folder or place the files into a folder on your SD card . They must be in the root drive of the SD card in order for your unit to read them.    
  6. The SD card can now be inserted into your HELIX model and Software Release 2.280 and the Humminbird Basemap are ready to be installed.   
    1. With the power off, insert the SD card into your HELIX unit. Then, turn the power on. 
    2. If you have yet to install software update 2.280 a pop-up appears asking if you want to update to software version 2.280.  Cursor right for  "Yes"
    3.  It will now ask if you want to "abort software update".  Left cursor for "No" 
    4. The unit will now update your software. 
    5. Once the software is updated, your unit will automatically ask you if you want to "replace Humminbird Basemap version 1.052 with Humminbird Basemap version 2.010 from the SD card?  Use your right cursor button to select "Yes"   
    6. It will now ask if you want to "Abort Humminbird Basemap software update?"  Left cursor button to select "No"            
    7. You will see a message box indicating that the update is being performed and what percent is completed. During the update, do not turn off your Humminbird unit. This final step will take approximately 20 minutes. 
    8. You can confirm that both updates have been made by going to your System Status screen where you should see both the correct unit software version 2.280 and the Humminbird Basemap version 2.010.
         

Once the unit shows 100% complete, you can now view your new Humminbird Basemap by going to a GPS view. If you open this map in Normal mode while outside with an open view of the sky - with Sonar turned off through your Sonar Express Menu - you should see your actual location. You can then scroll around to your favorite lakes.  Remember to turn the Sonar back on later