Humminbird HELIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4N CHO – 12″ Fish Finder (Control Head Only, No Transducer)

The Humminbird HELIX 12 CHO (Control Head Only) is tailored for situations where you already have or have chosen a specific transducer, and you only need the “head” – i.e., the display and processing unit – of a top-tier fish finder. This model allows you to upgrade your boat with the 12-inch HELIX G4N while not paying for a new transducer that you might not need. An ideal scenario is if you’re replacing an older Humminbird Helix 12: in many cases, you can reuse the existing transducer and cabling by simply plugging the new HELIX 12 CHO into them. Similarly, if you have a built-in transducer – for instance, many Minn Kota trolling motors come with integrated Mega Down/Side Imaging – this unit can connect directly to the motor with the appropriate adapter cable.

Even though no transducer is included, functionally the Helix 12 CHO is identical to the full bundle model. Once connected to a compatible transducer, you get the entire range of capabilities: MEGA Side Imaging+ for side scan, MEGA Down Imaging+ for below-boat scan, Dual Spectrum CHIRP for the traditional sonar view – all these modes will operate at their peak, determined by the specs of the transducer you pair it with. That means, for example, if you hook it up to a MEGA SI+ transducer, you’ll see the same rich images you would with the transducer-included package. The Helix 12 CHO will automatically recognize the type of transducer attached and present the appropriate frequency and mode options in the menu.

From a network integration standpoint, the CHO model shines as a perfect candidate for a second station. If you already have one HELIX 12 G4N (or another compatible Humminbird) at the helm, adding the HELIX 12 CHO to the bow gives you a second large screen without needing a second transducer – the two units can share sonar data via Ethernet. So when you’re fishing up front (common in bass boats, for example), you have the same information at your fingertips as you do at the console. Likewise, if you’ve invested in accessories like Humminbird 360 Imaging or MEGA Live sonar, having an additional CHO unit on board allows more of your team or fishing buddies to monitor what’s happening from different vantage points on the boat.

The HELIX 12 CHO naturally retains all GPS and mapping functions. The built-in GPS works independently of sonar, so even in CHO form, you can use the unit as a full-fledged chartplotter – plan routes, mark waypoints, track your speed and heading. If networked with other units, waypoints and routes can sync between them, simplifying coordination. The availability of AutoChart Live is also unchanged: you can still map new areas in real time (for that you do need sonar input – but if the unit is networked, it can utilize sonar data from another unit in the network, or from its own attached transducer once connected).

In short, the HELIX 12 CHO is a solution for optimizing your costs and boat’s system. You get all the power and functionality of the Helix 12 G4N, but with the ability to customize the sonar portion to your needs. This is often preferred by advanced users and professionals who have specific requirements – for example, they might want to use a through-hull transducer for better readings at high speeds, or they already own an expensive transducer from a previous setup that they plan to continue using.

Uses and Advantages:

• Upgrading an existing system: If you have an older Helix (G2/G3) with a 12″ screen, the CHO model lets you move up to the new G4N generation using the same transducer – you get a faster processor, new features, and network compatibility without having to rerig the transducer on your boat
• Second station / multi-display setups: On larger boats or specialized fishing rigs (bass boats, center consoles), it’s common to run two or more fish finder displays. The Helix 12 CHO is ideal for this – you can have one at the helm and one on the bow, with the second not needing its own transducer since it can use shared data. This saves cost and avoids interference that might occur with two transducers pinging near each other
• Compatibility with built-in solutions: For boats with Minn Kota Built-In MEGA Imaging (integrated transducer in the trolling motor) – instead of mounting a separate transducer on the transom, you can connect the Helix 12 CHO directly to that built-in sonar using the proper adapter. This way you leverage the seamless Minn Kota/Humminbird integration while enjoying the large Helix 12 display
• Custom sonar needs: Some professionals prefer specific types of transducers (e.g., through-hull transducers for offshore stability, or various Airmar CHIRP transducers for greater depth performance). The CHO unit gives you the freedom to select and purchase separately the ideal transducer for your fishing style, rather than being tied to the universal one in the package
• Cost saving and avoiding redundancy: If you already own a compatible transducer (from an older unit or an add-on), the CHO version saves you a significant amount of money. It also means you don’t have to mount a second transducer (which could increase drag or cause crosstalk) – you keep your boat setup streamlined and efficient