Humminbird’s Side Imaging was the first side-scanning sonar, but other marine electronics brands soon followed suit. Now Humminbird innovates again with its ultra-high-frequency, high-definition Mega Imaging sonar system.
Built into the Helix and Solix series multifunction displays, Mega Imaging uses a 1.2 MHz frequency sonar — the highest frequency of any recreational fish finder. The greater number of sonar pulses over a given period of time results in superb target separation and clarity. You can select from Mega Side Imaging (MSI) and Mega Down Imaging (MDI) modes. MSI looks side to side; MDI looks vertically. The photolike returns are a cinch to interpret. Shipwrecks look like ships, underwater trees look like trees, and submerged bridges look like bridges. Many times, fish look just like fish.
With both Helix and Solix, you can zoom in for a closer look at anything on-screen. Like most recreational scanning sonar systems, the images are depicted in a monochromatic format.
Humminbird offers two Mega Imaging transducers: a transom-mount and a plastic through-hull model. Special brackets are available for adapting the transom-mount ’ducer to a trolling motor. The through-hull version needs to be mounted on a pad. While the ultra-high frequency of this system offers the kind of pictures that rival those of medical ultrasound imaging, there is a disadvantage. Mega Imaging range is limited to 125 feet, whether looking down or to either side. Humminbird extends the range by switching to its traditional 455 kHz frequency on settings in excess of 125 feet. In this mode, the view reaches a maximum range of 400 feet.
Mega Imaging is available in the Helix 9-, 10- and 12-inch non-touchscreen models (starting at $1,299.99) and the newer Solix 12- and 15-inch models (starting at $2,899.99) with Cross Touch displays featuring both touchscreen and button controls. To learn more, visit humminbird.com.
