Minn Kota X12 CHO Sonar & GPS Chartplotter (without transducer) – The 12-inch Full HD control center for Live Sonar and large-screen networks

The Minn Kota X12 CHO (Control Head Only) is the uncompromising large display of the new X-Series and the direct successor to the successful Humminbird XPLORE 12 CHO. It is specifically aimed at professional boat anglers, who demand maximum visibility on the water, but do not want to pay for an unnecessary standard transom transducer. As a specialized version without a transducer, the X12 CHO is the custom-made solution for anyone, who wants to mount a huge control center for their Live Sonar at the helm or bow, wants to use the factory-installed transducer of their Minn Kota bow motor, or wants to expand their existing onboard network with a second full-size large screen.

In this new generation, the outstanding maneuverability of Minn Kota and the world-leading sonar technology of Humminbird Imaging are combined under one brand. On the gigantic 12.1-inch Full HD screen with 1920 × 1080 pixels, image interruptions and pixel boundaries seem like a thing of the past. You enjoy a breathtakingly sharp image with outstanding detail, on which even complex four-way split screens of digital water maps, MEGA Side Imaging+, Down Imaging and Live Sonar are displayed in full size without any fatigue.

Why the Minn Kota X12 CHO is the perfect basis for Live Sonar

Anyone who actively fishes for big game fish with the Live transducer or works pelagically in open water, knows, how crucial every centimeter of image area and every millisecond of reaction time is. In the massive housing of the Minn Kota X12 CHO with integrated aluminum cooling fins, an extremely powerful Quad-Core processor works. This chip processes the enormous amounts of data from high-resolution real-time sonars (Minn Kota LIVE as well as Humminbird MEGA Live 1 & 2) completely without delay and smoothly – and that completely without an external black box.

You simply connect your Live transducer directly via the Ethernet socket on the back and immediately have the unrestricted action in the water before your eyes. Also for switchers from previous Humminbird systems of the XPLORE, APEX or SOLIX G3 series, the conversion is a breeze: The X12 CHO uses the same proven PC-13 power cable, so that the entire wiring in the boat can be adopted one to one without any conversion work.

Brilliant 12-inch Full HD display with all-weather CrossTouch operation

The glare-free 24-bit color TFT display delivers a razor-sharp, high-contrast image from every angle even in glaring sunlight and with polarized glasses thanks to its native Full HD resolution and state-of-the-art panel technology. Thanks to the intuitive CrossTouch operation, the device adapts to every situation on the water. On calm days, you control menus, waypoints and map views lightning-fast via the multi-touch surface. In heavy chop, driving rain, cold or with wet and slimy hands, you switch without losing time to the precise buttons and the grippy rotary knob on the edge of the housing. Via the three freely programmable One-Boat Network quick-select buttons, you lay out your preferred window layouts or direct control commands for the bow motor at your fingertips with the press of a button.

Full Humminbird Sonar Power via your individual transducer setup

Even though the Minn Kota X12 CHO is delivered without its own transom transducer, the device features the complete top-class Humminbird Sonar module. As soon as you connect the sonar with a compatible transducer – such as the integrated MEGA DI or MEGA SI transducer of your Minn Kota bow motor, a transducer already mounted on the transom or via the Ethernet network with a partner system –, you tap into the full potential.

With frequencies of over 1 MHz in the MEGA range as well as the long-range 455-kHz frequency, the X12 CHO supports MEGA Side Imaging+ with up to 244 meters of total coverage as well as MEGA Down Imaging+ down to 61 meters deep. In addition, the high-precision Dual Spectrum CHIRP 2D Sonar ensures razor-sharp target separation in open water and close to the bottom, so that you always keep individual fish and your bait clearly in view even during drift or current.

Wireless boat control via the Wireless One-Boat Network

With the Minn Kota X12 CHO, your boat becomes a perfectly networked command center without annoying cable connections across the cockpit. Via the integrated Wireless One-Boat Network, the sonar connects completely wirelessly with the new Minn Kota bow motors with Dual-Band GPS as well as via a free software update with all Advanced GPS motors from the 2024 model year.

Thanks to the Draw and Navigate™ function, you no longer have to laboriously set individual waypoints in the menu. You simply draw your desired drift, trolling or edge line with your finger directly on the 12,1-inch display, after which your coupled Minn Kota bow motor immediately follows this path fully automatically.

The protection function Intelligent Depth Control™ continuously monitors the water depth. If the boat threatens to enter shallower areas than your previously defined minimum depth, the X12 CHO warns immediately and can automatically anchor the motor in place via Spot-Lock® or lower compatible shallow water anchors like Raptor and Talon, even before the hull touches the bottom.

Smart waypoint handling, AutoChart Live and rewind recording

The organization of your fishing spots is particularly clear on the gigantic image area. You can circle several waypoints with a simple finger gesture, group them together or synchronize them wirelessly with your smartphone via the Minn Kota Fishing App. As soon as a 2D-capable transducer is integrated into the system, you draw your own, highly precise depth maps with AutoChart® Live during the trip, including the display of bottom hardness and vegetation. For this, you have 8 hours of internal memory available, which can be expanded arbitrarily via an optional Zero-Line SD card.

An absolute highlight for Live Sonar and big game anglers is the integrated Media Tool with rewind recording. If a big fish suddenly appears on the screen, you simply secure the past sonar sequence for up to 30 seconds retroactively as a video file with the press of a button. Alternatively, pre-recordings of up to two minutes can be created, to analyze attacks and bait presentations afterwards or share them directly on social media via the smartphone app.

Technical specifications of the Minn Kota X12 CHO (without transducer) at a glance

Scope of delivery of the Minn Kota X12 CHO

The delivery scope of the Minn Kota X12 CHO (without transducer) includes the Minn Kota X12 sonar display (Head Unit), the torsion-resistant mounting bracket including robust knurled screws, the 1,82-meter long PC-13 power cable, a perfectly fitting silicone display protective cover for secure protection against scratches and UV radiation as well as the complete mounting material and documentation. A transducer is deliberately not included in this CHO version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Minn Kota X12 CHO (without transducer)

What advantages does the Minn Kota X12 CHO offer compared to the smaller models? The X12 CHO offers a completely new viewing experience with its true Full HD resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels and a gigantic image area of over 410 square centimeters. Even with four windows open at the same time, every display remains razor-sharp and large enough, to immediately recognize even the smallest structures and fish from a distance.

Can I connect a standard transom transducer to the Minn Kota X12 CHO later? Yes, without any problems. The X12 CHO has the same full-fledged sonar connection as the transducer package. You can connect a suitable all-in-one transom transducer (such as the XM 14 HW CMSI T) at any time and immediately use MEGA Side Imaging+, MEGA Down Imaging+ and Dual Spectrum CHIRP.

Does the Minn Kota LIVE Sonar on the X12 CHO require an external black box? No. Both the new Minn Kota LIVE Sonar and Humminbird MEGA Live 1 and 2 are connected directly to the X12 CHO via an Ethernet cable. The entire image calculation is handled by the device's internal Quad-Core processor.

What power source is recommended for the Minn Kota X12 CHO? With a power consumption of 3,1 amperes, a 12V LiFePO4 lithium battery with at least 40 Ah to 50 Ah capacity is recommended for a typical 8 to 10-hour fishing day. If a Live transducer or other accessories are powered from the same battery, a battery with 80 Ah to 100 Ah is ideal.