Gear Guide: Tech & Accessories Part 2

By Perry Mack

Humminbird Helix 12 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G2N

This new model is the equivalent of upgrading from standard definition to 4K on your television. It features a 12.1" display with LED backlight, CHIRP-ing MEGA Side Imaging, MEGA Down Imaging and 2D sonar. It includes GPS chartplotting, built-in Bluetooth, Ethernet networking capabilities, as well as AutoChart Live with depth, vegetation and bottom hardness mapping. In addition to the industry standard of 455kHz side imaging, providing 244 m (800 ft) of side to side coverage, and down imaging to a depth of 122 m (400 ft), the Solix uses additional 1.2 MHz for clearer side imaging for 76 m (250 ft) of side to side coverage, and down imaging to a depth of 38 m (125 ft). What you don’t get compared to the Helix is a touchscreen.

MSRP: $3350 CAD - Humminbird.com

Humminbird’s SOLIX™ 15 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS

Winner of the Best Electronics Product at iCast 2017, the SOLIX 15 SI features a large 15.4" touchscreen display with LED backlight, CHIRP-ing MEGA Side Imaging, MEGA Down Imaging and 2D sonar, resulting in the clearest, sharpest underwater views anglers have ever seen . It includes GPS chart plotting, built-in Bluetooth ( shows you the calls you missed and your text messages) , Ethernet networking capabilities, AutoChart Live creates customized maps with depth, vegetation and bottom hardness mapping, and unit cover. In addition to the industry standard of 455kHz side imaging, providing 244 m (800 ft) of side to side coverage, and down imaging to a depth of 122 m (400 ft), the Solix uses additional 1.2 MHz for clearer side imaging for 76 m (250 ft) of side to side coverage, and down imaging to a depth of 38 m (125 ft). Optional 50 kHz transducers are available for extreme deep water.

MSRP: $3500 - humminbird.com

Larry Alert

Have you ever felt a little nervous leaving your truck or campsite while you head out to scout out and fish your favourite spot? I sure have. You lock it up as good as you can and hope for the best. Or, you get hold of a Larry Alert. This small portable device packs big piece of mind when it comes to securing items and areas that are hard to protect like a bike, 4x4, pick-up with tools and gear in the bed, or an RV/tent campsite. Packed into this device are a microwave (radar) motion sensor, camera with flash, and a speaker. And just like the man says, there’s an app for that. Download the Larry Alert app to your smart phone and you can remotely control and access the device.

There are no monthly fees. This isn’t like buying into a home security service. Just turn the Larry Alert on, select the size of the area you need to cover (small, medium or large) from your phone, point the Larry Alert at the area you want to cover, and arm the device. If it detects motion in your protected area it sounds an alarm, then takes and records either a single image or a set of 15 to the included 8Gb microSD card. If you are within roughly 45 m (150’) it notifies you immediately using its embedded WiFi technology. You can check the photo to see if it was someone suspicious or just a stray dog, then you can stream a voice message (like “Hey, step away from my camp site, I’m on my way back”). If you’re farther than 45 metres, it lets you know as soon as you return to within 45 metres and you can view the images then.

You can mount the rugged weatherproof unit via the included suction cup to any smooth surface like a window, or via a strap to a nearby tree or post, securing it with the included flexible cable lock.

MSRP: $150 USD - Larryalert.com

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