Software Update - HELIX 8 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G3N v. 2.930

Released February 8th, 2024

Software Description

IMPORTANT SOFTWARE UPDATE NOTES:

  • Head unit software MUST be installed BEFORE installing any accessory software.
  • The defaults will be restored when 2.930 is installed.
  • Note that 2.280 must be installed first depending on model.
  • Support for AS 360 SSI, AS 360 TM, AS 360 TM UL has been removed from this software. There is no effect on MEGA 360 products.

JUMP TO CURRENT SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD

Accessory Software:

  • MEGA Live version 1.300 should be installed on MEGA Live transducers to use software version 2.930 on HELIX. 
  • MEGA Live Target Lock version 1.180 should be installed on MEGA Live Target Lock accessory systems to use software version 2.930 on HELIX.
  • i-Pilot Link version 1.440 or newer should be installed on i-Pilot Link Minn Kota trolling motors to use software version 2.930 on HELIX.
  • Advanced GPS Navigation System software package version 2.200 or newer should be installed on Minn Kota Advanced GPS Navigation System enabled motors manufactured in 2024 or after to use software version 2.930 on HELIX.

New and Updated Features:

Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks Counter

  • In the Waypount, Routes, and Tracks tool in the Nav Menu a counter for the number of Waypoint, Route, Track, and iTracks has been added to the top bar of the tool.

Support for the Humminbird AS ETH 5PGL Ethernet Switch

  • The new AS ETH 5PGL Ethernet switch is supported by this software update.  While the prior AS ETH 5PXG switch is still supported, the AS ETH 5PGL contains upgrades that allow support for much larger One Boat Networks.  For more information please visit Humminbird’s Ethernet Networking Learning page.

Minn Kota Quest Trolling Motor Battery Monitoring Support

  • With this software update for HELIX, in conjunction with the 2.200 or newer software update for Minn Kota Quest motors, a new Battery Monitoring Tool is included to keep track of trolling motor battery usage in real-time.  For more information visit Minn Kota’s Quest Motor Technology page.

General Fixes: 

BLUETOOTH 

  • Fixed an issue with software updates transferred from the One Boat Network app.

BLUETOOTH TALON

  • Fixed an issue with controlling the starboard TALON in a dual-TALON setup.

CHARTS

  • Fixed an issue with Chart Info results.
  • Fixed an issue with Base/Overlay controls when both a Lakemaster Legacy and Lakemaster Vx card are inserted at the same time.
  • Fixed an issue with the Chart Source menu when a Navionics card is inserted.
  • Fixed a performance issue with Chart Zoom levels, Waypoints, and Chart Decluttering.
  • Fixed and issue with Cursor functionality while using Chart in Heads-Up Mode.

ICE MODE

  • Updated the RTS window to default on and to A-scope mode.
  • Combined the RTS window feature in 2D, 2D Zoom, and Flasher views.
  • Fixed an issue with the RTS window after restarting the control head.

MEGA LIVE

  • Improved MEGA Live and MEGA 360 Interference Rejection reliability and performance.
  • Added Auto Sensitivity and Contrast into Landscape mode.
  • Removed Pitch and Roll compensation from Landscape mode.
  • Added several incremental MEGA Live data display improvements.
  • Improved bottom stability compensation (IMU/AHRS) performance. This improves MEGA Live in rough water and while using the trolling motor. 

MINN KOTA TROLLING MOTOR

  • Fixed several issues with i-Pilot Link and Advanced GPS Trolling System navigation.
  • Fixed several issues with i-Pilot Link and Advanced GPS Trolling System after stowing the trolling motor.
  • Fixed an issue with Boat Scale resetting to the default value on i-Pilot Link and Advanced GPS Trolling System navigation. 
  • Fixed an issue with i-Pilot disconnecting on One Boat Networks with large amounts of waypoint data.

NETWORKING

  • Fixed several networking issues when there are several units on the network.

SONAR

  • Fixed a weak sonar issue caused by 2D and DI being subscribed to from different sources.
  • Fixed an issue with Side-Imaging data in the water column when using the Zoom Feature.

SYSTEM

  • Fixed several HELIX performance issues when there are several units on the network.

NMEA 2000

  • Fixed an issue with NMEA 2000 data dropping out on large NMEA 2000 networks
  • Fixed the Temperature readout label on the Gauge View. 

Software Prerequisites

You will need:

  • a working Micro SD reader/writer device attached to your PC and
  • formatted 32GB or smaller Class 10 or MMC/SD card

Instructions

Please read carefully before proceeding.

We highly recommend that you RESTORE the defaults on your unit BEFORE you perform any software update. We also suggest that you disconnect any advanced accessories from the unit (i.e. Weathersense, Interlink, Cannonlink, etc) before proceeding. The exceptions to this would be if you have the MinnKota iPilot Link or the Humminbird 360 Imaging attached. Both of these items need to be connected to the unit in order to update their software which is done via Ethernet.

How to Restore Defaults:

With the unit powered on, Press the MENU button twice to the main menu on the system. Then you press the RIGHT cursor until you get to the SETUP menu tab. Once you have reached the SETUP menu tab, use the DOWN cursor until you reach RESTORE DEFAULTS, you will then press the RIGHT cursor key to restore the defaults. To confirm press RIGHT cursor again.

To update with a Micro Card with SD Adapter

  1. After thoroughly reading these instructions, you can return to the Download dialogue box and click on Download. The software files are in a .bin format. You will not be able to open these files, they should only be saved.
  2. You will need to select to save this file to the Micro Card. (The Micro card may be listed as a removable disk, removable storage drive, MICRO). Do not modify the name of the file, then click on SAVE.
  3. After the Download Complete dialog box appears - click CLOSE
  4. Remove the MICRO Card from the card reader. After removing the MICRO card from the reader and before powering on the unit, we recommend that you disconnect any Advanced Accessories connected to the unit. This might include a GPS receiver, Interlink, Cannonlink, etc.
    • Important! Before proceeding, make sure to remove any other card that may be present, such as a LakeMaster, Zero Lines, Navionics, etc., from the unit before initializing the new update.
  5. POWER ON YOUR UNIT, allow the unit to go through the complete start up BEFORE pressing any buttons or selecting any menu options. After the unit has completed the loading process and you have clicked through the warnings and information, place the MICRO card in the unit.
  6. You will get a message on the unit saying SOFTWARE NUMBER “123” is higher than your current “120” software do you want to update?, Press the Right Cursor to Confirm.
  7. Another message will then appear saying do you want to ABORT, press the Left Cursor to NO at this time and the software update will begin. DO NOT POWER OFF THE UNIT DURING THIS TIME. If you lose power to the unit during the software upgrade process, it is very likely that the unit will need to be returned to the factory for updating.
    Once the update is complete the unit will restart and say current SOFTWARE NUMBER “123” installed, no update required. It is now safe to remove the MICRO Card, and power off the unit.
  8. Once you have updated the software on the unit, we suggest that you add back your advanced accessories. If you have an Interlink, we suggest that you first connect to unit 1, power on the unit and allow it to update the software on your Interlink. After this you may reconnect the remaining advanced accessories.

Here is a short video on this subject

Download Software

DOWNLOAD HELIX SOFTWARE UPDATE 2.930