Which Humminbirds Work With Minn Kota MEGA DI Trolling Motors?

You've Just Purchased A New Minn Kota With Integrated MEGA DI - Which Humminbird Fishfinder Is Right For You?

Minn Kota just introduced its fantastic, new Trolling Motor with Integrated MEGA Down Imaging but there's quite a bit of confusion about which Humminbird fishfinders are compatible. We've had several customers contact us to purchase a Minn Kota with Integrated MEGA DI only to find out that the new Humminbird fishfinders they purchased elsewhere are not compatible with their new motor.

When I say "not compatible" I am talking specifically about MEGA DI functionality. As you can see from the Minn Kota Compatibility chart, many of the Humminbird units are listed as "compatible with MEGA DI Motors" but pay close attention because your fishfinder may only be able to receive 2D sonar down-view and not MEGA DI.

For instance, a Helix 7 CHIRP G2N hooked up to a Minn Kota MEGA DI trolling motor will only give you 2D Sonar. Humminbird suggests that this means that the fishfinder is "compatible"; but that's debatable because most people who pay $200 more for a Minn Kota with Integrated MEGA DI want the MEGA DI.

Hopefully we can clear up some of the confusion that customers (and apparently some salespeople) have when choosing the right Humminbird for their new Minn Kota with Integrated MEGA Down Imaging.

Here Are Some Things to Keep In Mind Before You Buy that Humminbird For Your New Minn Kota MEGA DI Motor:

1. If It Doesn't Say MEGA, You Won't Get MEGA: Humminbird Solix and Helix fishfinders come in a dizzying array of options. If you do not purchase a model that says MEGA (DI or SI) or MEGA+ (DI or SI), you will not be able to receive those beautiful high-resolution images that your new Minn Kota motor can provide. 

2. You do NOT Need to Purchase a Hummingbird That Includes a Transducer: Minn Kota trolling motors with Built-In MEGA DI have a fully functioning, high-frequency transducer built right into the motor. At this point in time, you can only hookup one transducer to a single Humminbird; there is only one input port in the header unit.

3. Which Is Why...

You Only Need To Purchase A Humminbird Control Head (CHO) Unit: Most Humminbird fishfinders include a transducer. However, you will find Humminbirds with item/part #'s that end in -CHO. These are just the screens (aka Control Head Units) and they are all you need because you already have a transducer in your motor. Again, you cannot hook up two transducers to one Humminbird and switch between the two.

I hope that this clears some issues up for those of you who are thinking of purchasing a Minn Kota trolling motor with Built-In MEGA DI. It's a fantastic motor with incredible technology; especially when paired with a Humminbird fishfinder with MEGA Down Imaging capability. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a shout.

Tight Lines!

-George