The Humminbird 360 imaging sonar can work with a variety of Humminbird units. The compatible units include the Humminbird Helix, SOLIX, and ONIX series fish finders and chartplotters. Here is a quick overview of which Humminbird models the 360 imaging sonar is compatible with:
Helix Series
The Humminbird 360 will work with the following Helix models:
- Helix 7
- Helix 9
- Helix 10
- Helix 12
The Helix fish finders range from 7 inch to 12 inch display screens. They utilize Humminbird’s DualBeam PLUS, SwitchFire, and Max depth sonar technologies. The Helix units are more affordable fish finder options that still provide excellent fish targeting and bottom contour mapping abilities. Adding the 360 imaging transducer greatly expands the underwater viewing coverage.
Helix 7 Compatibility
The Helix 7 comes in several models including the Helix 7 CHIRP SI GPS, Helix 7 CHIRP DI GPS, and Helix 7 CHIRP MSI GPS. All Helix 7 models are compatible with the Humminbird 360 transducer. The Helix 7 has a 800H x 480V pixel display and includes GPS chartplotting.
Helix 9 and Helix 10
The Helix 9 fish finder has a 9 inch 800H x 480V display while the Helix 10 has a 10.1 inch 1280H x 720V display. Both models work with the Humminbird 360 transducer and feature MEGA imaging sonar. They also have built-in GPS chartplotting capabilities.
Helix 12
The Helix 12 fish finder has the largest display in the Helix series at 12.1 inches with 1280 x 720 pixel resolution. It is fully compatible with the 360 transducer. The Helix 12 utilizes MEGA SideImaging and MEGA DownImaging scans.
SOLIX Series
The following SOLIX models can utilize the Humminbird 360 transducer:
- SOLIX 7
- SOLIX 10
- SOLIX 12
The SOLIX series are higher end Humminbird fish finders with large high resolution displays and MEGA imaging capabilities. They are great high performance options for serious fishing enthusiasts to pair with the 360 transducer.
SOLIX 7
The SOLIX 7 has a 7 inch 800 x 480 pixel color display. It offers MEGA Down Imaging, DualBeam PLUS, and SwitchFire sonar for excellent target separation and bottom contour views.
SOLIX 10
With a 10.1 inch 1280 x 720 resolution screen, the SOLIX 10 provides ample viewing real estate. It has MEGA SideImaging, MEGA DownImaging, and DualBeam PLUS sonar tech.
SOLIX 12
The SOLIX 12 is the largest SOLIX fish finder with a 12.1 inch 1280 x 720 display. It also has MEGA imaging capabilities and high CHIRP sonar performance.
ONIX Series
The ONIX series fish finders that are compatible with the Humminbird 360 transducer include:
- ONIX 10
- ONIX 12
The ONIX models are the premium fish finding options in the Humminbird lineup. They come with Mega Imaging support and large ultra clear displays.
ONIX 10
With a 10.1 inch color display and 1280 x 720 resolution, the ONIX 10 provides excellent clarity. It comes ready for MEGA 360 Imaging right out of the box.
ONIX 12
The ONIX 12 is Humminbird’s highest end fish finder. The 12.1 inch screen has incredible 1600H x 900V resolution for ultra sharp views. It’s a top-notch fish and depth finder ready for MEGA 360.
What is Needed for 360 Imaging
Here are the requirements for 360 imaging with the Humminbird transducer:
- Compatible Humminbird model
- Humminbird 360 universal transducer
- 360 mounting hardware
- Software update may be required for older models
The transducer itself comes with 20 feet of cable to connect it to the Humminbird fish finder or chartplotter. The transducer mounts on the boat’s transom or trolling motor using the included mounting hardware. Some older Humminbird models will need a software update to enable 360 imaging compatibility.
How 360 Sonar Works
The Humminbird 360 consists of several sonar beams arranged in a cylindrical transducer housing. This allows it to scan and image in all directions around the transducer location. Here is an overview of how MEGA 360 sonar works:
- Multiple angled sonar beams for 360 degree coverage
- CHIRP sonar pulses from 200 to 400 kHz
- Bottom, structure, fish targets detected from all angles
- Create real-time surround view perspective
The transducer sends out conical CHIRP sonar beams simultaneously to sweep the full area. The returns paint a virtual 3D model of what’s under and around the boat. You can see structure, bottom contours, and fish targets in real time.
Sonar Beam Coverage
The 360 transducer actually contains several sonar elements that are precisely angled. This allows the sound waves to sweep a 360 degree area with overlapping coverage. The ideal mounting locations are on the transom or trolling motor to provide the maximum coverage.
Transducer Location | Coverage Radius |
---|---|
Transom Mount | 150 feet |
Trolling Motor Mount | 75 feet |
As you can see the transom mounted location provides a larger 360 degree scanning radius than the trolling motor position. But both positions enable 360 degree conical scanning underwater.
CHIRP Sonar Technology
The Humminbird 360 uses advanced CHIRP sonar technology. CHIRP maintains consistent target separation at greater depths versus conventional sonar. Here’s an overview of CHIRP:
- Transmits a wide variety of frequencies
- Wide spectrum provides better target detail
- Penetrates deeper than single frequency sonar
- Reduced noise results in crisper images
CHIRP sonar results in outstanding high resolution views of structure, bottom contours, and fish. The 360 transducer takes full advantage of CHIRP performance.
Viewing 360 Images
To get the full benefit of 360 degree scanning sonar, you need to be able to interpret the images. It takes some practice learning how to read the unique 360 images produced. Here are some tips:
- Objects closer to transducer appear larger
- Adjust image perspective for optimal view
- Compare images from different angles
- Use the cursor to identify targets
- Combine 360 with regular sonar
Learning to quickly distinguish fish targets from structure takes some time. But the more you use the 360 transducer the faster image interpretation becomes. The extra practice is worth it for the enhanced underwater visibility.
transducer Location Impact
Since the transducer location rotates the image perspective, it’s importation to adjust it to match your particular mounting. This allows you to accurately determine target locations. Here are some adjustments to try:
Transducer Mount | Image Alignment Tips |
---|---|
Transom | – Angle image so boat is at 6 o’clock |
Trolling Motor | – Rotate image so boat is at 12 o’clock |
Experiment with the image orientation to find the right mix for your specific boat. Consistently aligning the perspective is key for interpreting targets.
Using Cursors and Viewing Angles
Humminbird’s cursor feature lets you determine the location of targets easier. The depth cursor shows the exact distance to a target. You can also change the image perspective to confirm targets. Here are some tips:
- Turn on cursor to check target ranges
- Switch between sideways and downward views
- Zoom image in and out for better target clarity
- Pan image to focus on key cover spots
Taking advantage of all the 360 controls takes time to master. But it’s a valuable tool once you learn to use them effectively.
360 Imaging Pros and Cons
360 degree sonar provides much greater underwater views compared to conventional transducers. But there are some limitations to be aware of. Here are the key pros and cons:
Advantages of 360 Imaging
- Scans full 360 area around boat
- See more structure and bottom detail
- Detect fish in all directions
- Enhanced ability to find productive areas
- Improve lure presentation with better awareness
For many anglers the biggest 360 advantage is simply being able to see in all directions. This allows pinpointing fish-holding structure accurately.
Disadvantages of 360 Transducers
- More expensive than single beam transducers
- Image interpretation takes practice
- More mounting location considerations
- Best performance requires CHIRP capable models
The main limitations revolve around the more complex transducer design. It costs more and requires more strategic mounting. But most feel the benefits outweigh any limitations.
360 Imaging Recommendations
Here are my top recommendations for using 360 degree imaging effectively:
- Mount transducer for maximum coverage
- Take time to learn image interpretation
- Use cursor to pinpoint target locations
- Adjust perspective for your boat setup
- Combine 360 with regular sonar views
Learning to master 360 degree sonar takes practice. But it’s one of the most effective technologies for pinpointing fish locations accurately. Taking the time to utilize it fully will make you a more productive angler.
Conclusion
The Humminbird 360 imaging transducer is an extremely effective tool for seeing more underwater detail. It works with Helix, SOLIX, and ONIX fish finder and chartplotter models to provide full 360 scanning. Mounting the transducer properly is key to maximize coverage. Interpreting the unique 360 images well takes time and practice. But the benefits of seeing structure, bottom contours, and fish in all directions is a major advantage for anglers. Taking advantage of MEGA 360 scanning will help you find more fish quickly.