Humminbird 955C User Manual

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Thank You!

Thank you for choosing Humminbird®, America's #1 name in fishfinders. Humminbird® has built its reputation by designing and manufacturing top-quality,
thoroughly reliable marine equipment. Your Humminbird® is designed for trouble-free use in even the harshest marine environment. In the unlikely event that
your Humminbird® does require repairs, we offer an exclusive Service Policy - free of charge during the first year after purchase, and available at a reasonable
rate after the one-year period. For complete details, see the Warranty section in this manual. We encourage you to read this installation and operations manual
carefully in order to get full benefit from all the features and applications of your Humminbird® product.

Contact our Customer Resource Center at either 1-800-633-1468 or visit our website at www.humminbird.com.

WARNING! This device should not be used as a navigational aid to prevent collision, grounding, boat damage, or personal injury. When the boat is moving, water depth may
change too quickly to allow time for you to react. Always operate the boat at very slow speeds if you suspect shallow water or submerged objects.

WARNING! Disassembly and repair of this electronic unit should only be performed by authorized service personnel. Any modification of the serial number or attempt to repair
the original equipment or accessories by unauthorized individuals will void the warranty. Handling and/or opening this unit may result in exposure to lead, in the form of solder.

WARNING! This product contains lead, a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm.

NOTE: Some features discussed in this manual require a separate purchase, and some features are only available on international models. Every effort has been made to

clearly identify those features. Please read the manual carefully in order to understand the full capabilities of your model.

900 Series™, Cannon™, CannonLink™, HumminbirdPC™, Humminbird®, InterLink™, One-Touch® Zoom, SmartCast®, Total Screen Update®, TrueArch®, WeatherSense®, and X-Press™ Menu are trademarked by or
registered trademarks of Humminbird®.

© 2007 Humminbird®, Eufaula AL, USA. All rights reserved.

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Table of Contents

ii

900 Series™ Introduction 1

How GPS and Cartography Work 1

Multi-Media Card (MMC)/SD Slot 2

Software Updates.................................................................................................................... 2

Accessory Bus 3

Installation Overview 3

Control Head Installation 4

Gimbal Mounting the Control Head ...................................................................................... 4

Connecting the Control Head Power Cable to the Boat ...................................................... 9

GPS Receiver Installation 10

Stem Mounting with an Existing 1" - 14 Thread Stem ...................................................... 10

Access Under Mounting Location........................................................................................ 11

No Access Under Mounting Location.................................................................................. 12

Finish Routing the Cable and Check GPS Receiver Operation .......................................... 12

Testing the System Installation 13

Getting Started - Using Your 900 Series™ 14

Powering Up the Control Head 14

What’s on the Display ..........................................................................................................15

Key Functions 16

POWER/LIGHT Key ................................................................................................................ 16

VIEW Key................................................................................................................................ 16

MENU Key.............................................................................................................................. 17

4-WAY Cursor Control Key .................................................................................................... 17

View Preset Keys.................................................................................................................... 17

EXIT Key.................................................................................................................................. 18

INFO Key ................................................................................................................................ 18

MARK Key .............................................................................................................................. 18

GOTO Key................................................................................................................................ 18

ZOOM (+/-) Keys.................................................................................................................... 19

Views 19

Views and Readouts..............................................................................................................20

Bird's Eye Instrument View .................................................................................................. 21

Bird’s Eye Big Digits View .................................................................................................... 22

Chart/Bird’s Eye Combo View .............................................................................................. 23

Chart/Chart Combo View...................................................................................................... 24

Chart No Readouts View ...................................................................................................... 25

Chart View.............................................................................................................................. 26

Chart Big Digits View ............................................................................................................ 28

Chart Instrument View .......................................................................................................... 29

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iii

Screen Snapshot View .......................................................................................................... 30

Chart Orientation .................................................................................................................. 32

Viewing Cartography 32

Introduction to Navigation 33

Waypoints, Routes and Tracks.............................................................................................. 34

Save, Edit, or Delete a Waypoint.......................................................................................... 35

Navigate to a Waypoint or Position .................................................................................... 36

Add a Waypoint Target or Trolling Grid................................................................................ 36

Save, Edit or Delete a Route ................................................................................................ 37

Save or Clear a Current Track .............................................................................................. 38

Edit, Delete or Hide Saved Tracks ........................................................................................ 38

Man Overboard (MOB) Navigation ...................................................................................... 39

The Menu System 40

Start-Up Options Menu 41

Normal Operation .................................................................................................................. 42

Simulator .............................................................................................................................. 42

System Status ...................................................................................................................... 43

Self Test.................................................................................................................................. 43

Accessory Test........................................................................................................................ 43

GPS Diagnostic View ............................................................................................................ 44

Navigation X-Press™ Menu 45

Active Side.............................................................................................................................. 45

Split Position .......................................................................................................................... 45

Waypoint [Name]

(only with an active cursor on a waypoint)

.............................................. 46

Cursor to Waypoint

(Chart or Combo view only)

.................................................................. 46

Save Current Track ................................................................................................................ 47

Clear Current Track ................................................................................................................ 47

Save Current Route

(only when navigating)

.......................................................................... 47

Skip Next Waypoint

(only when navigating)

........................................................................ 47

Cancel Navigation

(only when navigating)

............................................................................ 48

Cancel MOB Navigation

(only when MOB Navigation is activated)

.................................... 48

Remove Target

(only if a Target is active)

.............................................................................. 48

Remove Grid

(only if a Grid is active)

.................................................................................... 48

Waypoint Name

(most recently-created waypoint)

.............................................................. 49

Select Readouts .................................................................................................................... 50

Select Nav Readouts

(only on views with 5 selectable readouts)

........................................ 53

Screen Snapshot X-Press™ Menu

(Screen Snapshot View only) 56

Delete Image

(optional-purchase MMC/SD card only)

.......................................................... 56

Delete All Images

(optional-purchase MMC/SD card only)

.................................................. 56

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iv

Navigation Menu Tab 57

Current Track.......................................................................................................................... 57

Saved Tracks .......................................................................................................................... 58

Waypoints .............................................................................................................................. 58

Routes .................................................................................................................................... 59

Chart Orientation .................................................................................................................. 60

North Reference .................................................................................................................... 60

Trolling Grid Rotation ............................................................................................................ 60

Trackpoint Interval ................................................................................................................ 60

Track Min Distance

(Advanced)

............................................................................................ 61

Track Color Range.................................................................................................................. 61

Map Datum

(Advanced)

........................................................................................................ 61

Course Projection Line ..........................................................................................................62

Export All Nav Data

(Advanced)

............................................................................................ 62

Delete All Nav Data

(Advanced)

............................................................................................ 62

Continuous Navigation Mode .............................................................................................. 62

Chart Menu Tab 63

Chart Detail Level .................................................................................................................. 63

Map Borders .......................................................................................................................... 64

Lat/Lon Grid............................................................................................................................ 64

Spot Soundings...................................................................................................................... 64

Navaids on Bird's Eye View .................................................................................................. 65

Shaded Depth ........................................................................................................................ 65

Set Simulation Position

(Advanced)

...................................................................................... 65

Set Map Offset

(Advanced)

.................................................................................................... 66

Clear Map Offset

(Advanced)

................................................................................................ 66

Alarms Menu Tab 67

Low Battery Alarm ................................................................................................................ 67

Aux. Temp. Alarm

(with optional-purchase temp. probe or Temp/Speed only)

.................... 68

Temp. Alarm .......................................................................................................................... 68

Off Course Alarm .................................................................................................................. 69

Arrival Alarm .......................................................................................................................... 69

Drift Alarm.............................................................................................................................. 70

Alarm Tone ............................................................................................................................ 70

Setup Menu Tab 71

Units - Depth.......................................................................................................................... 71

Units - Temp.

(International only)

.......................................................................................... 71

Units - Distance

(with Speed input only)

.............................................................................. 72

Units - Speed

(with Speed input only)

.................................................................................. 72

User Mode.............................................................................................................................. 72

Language

(International only)

................................................................................................ 72

Triplog Reset

(with Speed input only)

.................................................................................... 73

Restore Defaults .................................................................................................................... 73

Aux. Temp. Offset

(Advanced)

................................................................................................ 73

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v

Temp. Offset

(Advanced)

........................................................................................................ 73

Speed Calibration

(Advanced, with Speed paddlewheel only)

.............................................. 74

Local Time Zone

(Advanced)

.................................................................................................. 74

Daylight Saving Time

(Advanced)

.......................................................................................... 74

Position Format

(Advanced)

.................................................................................................. 74

Time Format

(Advanced, International only)

.......................................................................... 75

Date Format

(Advanced, International only)

.......................................................................... 75

Digits Format

(Advanced)

...................................................................................................... 75

NMEA Output

(Advanced)

.................................................................................................... 76

Demonstration........................................................................................................................ 76

Views Menu Tab 77

Accessories Menu Tab 78

Using Screen Snapshot ........................................................................................................ 78

Troubleshooting 80

Chartplotter Doesn’t Power Up ............................................................................................ 80

Display Problems 80

Finding the Cause of Noise 81

1-Year Limited Warranty 81

Humminbird® Service Policy 82

Returning Your Unit for Service 83

900 Series™ Chartplotter Accessories 84

Specifications 85

Glossary 86

Contact Humminbird® 90

NOTE: Entries in this Table of Contents which list (International only) are only
available on products sold outside of the US and Canada by our authorized
International Distributors. To obtain a list of authorized International Distributors,
please visit our website at www.humminbird.com or contact our Customer
Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468 to locate the distributor nearest you.

NOTE: Entries in this Table of Contents which list (with Speed Input) or (with
Temperature Input) may require the purchase of separate accessories. You can
visit our website at www.humminbird.com to order these accessories online or
contact our Customer Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468.

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900 Series™ Introduction

Your 900 Series™ Ultra Wide Screen Chartplotter comes in the following
configuration:

• Humminbird® 955c Combo Chartplotter: Ultra Wide Screen
Networkable GPS Chartplotting System, GPS Receiver included.

How GPS and Cartography Work

Your 900 Series™ Chartplotter also supports GPS and chartplotting, and uses
GPS and sonar to determine your position, display it on a grid, and provide
detailed underwater information. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a
satellite navigation system designed and maintained by the U.S. Department
of Defense. GPS was originally intended for military use; however, civilians
may also take advantage of its highly accurate position capabilities, typically
within +/- 10 meters, depending on conditions. This means that 95% of the
time, the GPS receiver will read a location within 10 meters of your actual
position. Your GPS Receiver also uses information from WAAS (the Wide
Area Augmentation System), EGNOS (the European Geostationary
Navigation Overlay Service), and MSAS (the MTSAT Satellite Augmentation
System) satellites if they are available in your area.

GPS uses a constellation of 24 satellites that
continually send radio signals to the earth.
Your present position is determined by
receiving signals from up to 16 satellites and
measuring the distance from the satellites.

All satellites broadcast a uniquely coded signal
once per second at exactly the same time. The
GPS receiver on your boat receives signals from
satellites that are visible to it. Based on time
differences between each received signal, the
GPS receiver determines its distance to each
satellite. With distances known, the GPS receiver
mathematically triangulates its own position.
With once per second updates, the GPS receiver
then calculates its velocity and bearing.

The GPS Receiver included with your 900 Series™ Chartplotter allows you to
combine easy-to-use FishingGPS® chartplotter and navigation capabilities.

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The following GPS functionality is currently supported by the 900 Series™
Chartplotter when it is connected to the included GPS receiver:

• View current position

• View current track (breadcrumb trail)

• View precision speed and heading from your GPS receiver

• Save tracks, waypoints and routes

• Travel a route and navigate from one waypoint to the next.

Your 900 Series™ supports Navionics® Gold, HotMaps™ and HotMaps™
Premium on MMC or SD card media.

NOTE: Your 900 Series™ does not support Navionics® Classic Charts, only
Navionics® Gold, HotMaps™, and HotMaps™ Premium.

Your unit also comes with a built-in UniMap™ with a more detailed map of
North America (Domestic models) or a more detailed map of Europe and
Southeast Asia, including Australia and New Zealand (International models).

Your 900 Series™ uses the GPS Receiver to determine the position of the
boat automatically, and uses the zoom level settings on a particular view to
select the best chart to display. See Viewing Cartography for more
information.

Multi-Media Card
(MMC)/SD Slot

Your 900 Series™ Chartplotter also has a
multi-media card (MMC)/SD slot that is used
to insert optional-purchase cards containing
additional detailed maps. If you insert an
MMC/SD that contains a more detailed
chart for a particular location, your 900
Series™ Chartplotter will retrieve that chart

and display it automatically. Use the
illustration to locate the position of the MMC/SD slot cover, remove the
MMC/SD slot cover, then insert the MMC/SD into the slot. The label on the
MMC/SD should face toward the left side of the unit. Press down on the
card until it clicks into place and replace the slot cover. Then, replace and
tighten snugly - do NOT overtighten, as this will not improve water
resistance, and may damage the cover.

Software Updates

Use the MMC/SD slot to update the software version of your control head.
To update the software in your control head, plug in the appropriate
MMC/SD card that contains a software update file; the unit will recognize it,
will tell you what software version your control head is currently running,
and will ask you if you want to update the software in the unit to match that
on the MMC/SD card. You can obtain software updates from the

www.humminbird.com website.

Inserting an MMC/SD

into the Card Slot

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Accessory Bus

Use the Accessory Bus to expand the
functionality of your 900 Series™. Accessories
plug directly into the 900 Series™, enabling
Advanced features such as WeatherSense®
and the SmartCast® Wireless Sonar Link.
Additional tabs and menu choices will be
added to the menu system automatically when
an accessory is plugged into the unit. In
addition, multiple accessories can be attached
simultaneously. See Accessories Menu Tab
and 900 Series™ Accessories in this manual,
as well as your accessory Operations Manual
for additional details.

NOTE: Accessories to enable WeatherSense® and the SmartCast® Wireless Sonar Link
require separate purchases. You can visit our website at www.humminbird.com or
contact our Customer Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468 for additional details.

Installation Overview

Please read all instructions that are relevant for your configuration before
beginning the installation process.

NOTE: Installation procedures will depend on product configuration.

The 900 Series™ has a wide variety of configurations.

Optional “Y” Cable

1

Power

2

Temperature/Speed

3

GPS Receiver

WeatherSense®

SmartCast® Wireless Sonar Link

5

6

7

Speed through water

4

8

5

Accessory Bus

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Accessory Bus

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Inside the boat there is often a channel or conduit used for other wiring, this
can be used to route cables. Be sure to route the cable as far as practical
from the antenna cable of VHF radios or tachometer cables to reduce the
possibility of interference. The GPS receiver cable should not be cut, and
care should be used not to damage the cable insulation.

Basic installation tasks that you must perform include:

• Installing the control head (choosing either gimbal or in-dash
mounting, where in-dash mounting requires a separate purchase)

• Installing the GPS Receiver (if included)

• Testing the complete installation.

NOTE: Accessories may require a separate purchase. You can visit our website
at www.humminbird.com to order these accessories online or contact our
Customer Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468.

Control Head Installation

You have two choices for mounting your 900 Series™ control head, Gimbal
mounting, where you use a surface on the boat, such as the dash, to mount

the control head so that it can be tilted up or down, or In-dash mounting,
which requires a separate purchase.

Gimbal Mounting the Control Head

If you are gimbal mounting the Humminbird® 900 Series™, you can pre­assemble the unit in order to plan the best mounting location.

In addition to the hardware supplied with your control head, you will need
a powered hand drill and various drill bits, various hand tools, including a
Phillips head screwdriver, a socket wrench and a flat head screwdriver, a
marker or pencil, safety glasses and dust mask, and marine-grade silicone
sealant.

Washer

1

Gimbal Knob

2

Gimbal Bracket

3

1

2

3

4

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1. Place the control head into the gimbal bracket. Make sure that the
straight side of the gimbal arm is against the back side of the control
head.

2. Place a 1" (25 mm) diameter black washer on the gimbal knob and
then thread the knob and washer into the housing. Tighten the
gimbal knob to secure the 900 Series™ control head to the mount.
Repeat step 2 for the other side.

You can now place the control head in various locations to decide which is
best for mounting. Rotating the mounting bracket to the top of the control
head will allow for overhead mounting. The chosen mounting area should
allow for sufficient room so the control head can pivot through the full tilt
range and allow for easy removal and installation.

NOTE: You can drill the cable pass hole underneath the gimbal bracket, allowing
you to thread the cables through the knock-out holes in the mount; however, if
you cannot drill the hole directly under the mounting bracket, then you will need
to drill the cable pass hole behind the bracket, and will need to mount the hole
cover there instead.

NOTE: When drilling holes in fiberglass hulls, it is best to start with a smaller bit
and use progressively larger drill bits to reduce the chance of chipping or flaking
the outer coating. Fill all holes with marine grade silicone sealant.

NOTE: You must have underside access to the mounting location to pass the
cables through to the surface. Also, make sure that the mounting surface is
adequately supported to protect the control head from excessive wave shock and
vibration and provide visibility while in operation.

3. After the mounting location has been determined, loosen the gimbal
knobs and remove the control head from the gimbal bracket.

NOTE: Alternate hole patterns are available on the gimbal mounting bracket,
and may match existing holes on the boat. You may choose to use one of these
alternate hole patterns.

4. Place the gimbal bracket in the chosen position on the mounting
surface and mark the four mounting screw locations using a pencil
or center punch.

NOTE: Go to the installation instructions applicable to your GPS Receiver and
accessories. Make the required installations and then run the cables to your
control head mounting location. Do not cut any cabling (except the power cable).
If your cables are too short, extensions are available from your local dealer or
online from www.humminbird.com.

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5. Set the gimbal bracket aside and drill the four mounting screw holes
using a 5/32" (4.0 mm) drill bit.

6a. If the cables must pass through a hole directly beneath the

mounting bracket, mark and drill an additional 1" (25 mm) hole
centered between the four mounting holes. Route the cables
through the 1" hole. Place the hole cover over the mounting surface
hole, then use it to mark the position of the two mounting screws.

Remove the hole cover, drill the two mounting holes using a 9/64"
bit. Do not install the hole cover at this time.

or...

6b. If the cables cannot be routed directly beneath the mounting

bracket, mark and drill a 1" (25 mm) hole that will allow you to run
the cables close to the bracket. Pass the cables through the 1" (25
mm) hole, routing the cables through the grommet and pressing the
grommet into place. Place the hole cover over the mounting surface
hole, then use it to mark the position of the two mounting screws.
Remove the hole cover, drill the two mounting holes using a 9/64"
(3.5 mm) bit, fill them with marine-grade silicone, then replace the
hole cover and insert the #8 Phillips countersink wood screws.

Hand-tighten only.

7. Place the mounting bracket on the mounting surface aligned with
the drilled holes and fill the mounting holes with marine grade
silicone. Insert the four #10 Slotted-Hex wood screws into the
mounting holes. Hand-tighten only.

8. If the cable pass through hole is beneath the mounting bracket, you
will need to install the hole cover. Place the hole cover over the
mounting bracket cable pass thru hole and align with holes drilled
in step 6a. Insert the #8 Phillips countersink wood screws. Hand

tighten only.

NOTE: Be sure that the cables pass through the slots on the hole cover and that
there is enough cable slack to allow for the control head to pivot through its full tilt
range. Extra cable slack will also help when connecting/disconnecting the cables.

Mounting Screws

1

Washer

2

Gimbal Mounting Bracket

3

1

3

2

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8.5"

5"

3.6"

1.25"

9. Insert cable connectors into the proper recesses on the cable
collector insert. The cable connectors are keyed to prevent reverse
installation, so be careful not to force the connectors into the wrong
slots. If you don’t have a cable for every hole in the insert, install the
blank plugs to protect the control head from the weather.

1

2

Cables Routed Behind Mounting Bracket

3

Gimbal Bracket

1

Grommet

2

Hole Cover

3

1

Cables Routed Directly Beneath Mounting Bracket

Gimbal Bracket

1

Hole Cover

2

2

7

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10. While holding cables in place in
the cable collector insert, thread the
cables through the slot in the bottom
of the cable collector cover, line up
the cable collector insert and cover,
then slide the cover into place on the
insert.

NOTE: The tab on the Cable Collector
insert goes into the slot on the cover.

10. Attach the cable collector insert to the cable collector cover using
the 2 Phillips screws provided.

11. Place the control head back onto the mounting bracket. Plug in the
cable collector assembly to the back of the control head. Cable
connectors and cable sockets are keyed to prevent reverse
installation, so be careful not to force the connectors into the wrong
sockets. Once the cable collector and all cables are plugged into the
back of the control head, lock the assembly into place by threading
the knurled screw into the threaded insert on the back of the
housing. Adjust the control head to the desired viewing angle and
secure by tightening the gimbal knobs.

NOTE: You may wish to dress the cabling with nylon wire ties in order to hold
the cables together and create a cleaner assembly.

The Humminbird® 900 Series™ control head is now ready for operation.

Plug Cable Connector Assembly to

Back of Control Head

Cable Collector Insert

1

Screws

2

Cable Collector Cover

3

Tab on Insert

4

Slot on Cover

5

1

2

3

4

5

Power

1

Temp/Speed

2

Communications

3

Cable Collector Insert

4

5

1 2

3

4

8

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Connecting the Control Head Power Cable to the Boat

A 6' (2 m) long power cable is included to supply power to the control head.
You may shorten or lengthen the cable using 18 gauge multi-stranded
copper wire.

CAUTION: Some boats have 24 or 36 Volt electric systems, but the control head
MUST be connected to a 12 VDC power supply.

The control head power cable can be connected to the electrical system of
the boat at one of two places: a fuse panel usually located near the console,
or directly to the battery.

NOTE: Make sure that the power cable is disconnected from the control head at
the beginning of this procedure.

NOTE: Humminbird® is not responsible for over-voltage or over-current failures.
The control head must have adequate protection through the proper selection
and installation of a 3 Amp fuse.

NOTE: In order to minimize the potential for interference with other marine
electronics, a separate power source (such as a second battery) may be
necessary.

1a. If a fuse terminal is available, use crimp-on type electrical

connectors (not included) that match the terminal on the fuse
panel. Attach the black wire to ground (-), and the red wire to
positive (+) 12 VDC power. Install a 3 Amp fuse (not included) for
protection of the unit. Humminbird® is not responsible for over­voltage of over-current failures.

or...

1b. If you need to wire the control head directly to a battery, obtain

and install an inline fuse holder and a 3 Amp fuse (not included)
for the protection of the unit. Humminbird® is not responsible for
overvoltage or over-current failures.

GROUND

POSITIVE

9

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POSITIVE

GROUND

GPS Receiver Installation

To optimize performance of the GPS receiver, mount it in an area that has full
exposure to the sky. The effective area of reception is 10° above the horizon.
Different circumstances determine the mounting method appropriate for
your GPS receiver.

If you have… Then use:

The pinouts of the pigtail cable are as follows:

• Red Wire, +12V (output voltage only)

• Black Wire, Ground

• White Wire, NMEA Out.

CAUTION! Please use caution before connecting the red +12V wire to any other
NMEA device. This is an output voltage provided by the control head and
GPS receiver and should only be connected to those NMEA devices that need a
12 volt input.

Stem Mounting with an Existing 1" - 14 Thread Stem

Follow these steps to stem mount the GPS receiver:

NOTE: If you have an existing stem for mounting the GPS receiver, proceed
directly to step 2 of the following procedure.

1. Determine the best location to mount your GPS receiver. Preplan
and test the cable routing to your control head before any drilling or
cutting of your boat surfaces. If you have purchased hardware to
stem mount your GPS receiver, follow the instructions included with
that hardware to mount the stem (antenna pole).

NOTE: AS-EC10 10' extension cables are available from Humminbird® if your
planned routing exceeds 20', (6 m). Maximum cable length, including extensions,
should not exceed 50' (16 m).

NOTE: Remember to caulk or seal screw holes and drilled holes as needed to
protect your boat from water damage.

2. Screw on the receiver base to the stem
first, making sure that the stem pipe does
not protrude from the receiver base. This
adds protection to the cable when pulling it
through the pipe stem. In addition to this,
de-burr the pipe edges to reduce cable
abrasion.

Receiver

1

Receiver Base

2

Stem Pipe

3

1

2

3

An existing antenna stem with
standard 1" – 14 thread stem

Access for cable routing under
the mounting location

No access under the mounting
location

Stem Mount with Existing
1” - 14 Thread Stem

Access Under
Mounting Location

No Access Under
Mounting Location

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3. Use electrical tape to secure the NMEA pigtail to the cable as
shown.

NOTE: Leave the NMEA pigtail secured to the cable unless needed. This will
make removing the receiver easier.

4. Route the GPS receiver cable through the stem and continue with
the planned route you chose in step 1.

5. Attach the GPS receiver to its base using the included #6 - 7/8"
screws.

Access Under Mounting Location

Follow these steps to deck mount the GPS receiver when routing the cable
down through the mounting location:

1. Determine the best location, then test route the 20' (6 m) cable from
the mounting location to the control head.

NOTE: Installation details may vary with unit configuration.

2. Mark the mounting location and drill a 3/4" (19 mm) hole for the
cable and cable plug. Route the cable.

3. Cover the cable hole with the receiver. Make sure the receiver is
flush on the surface and mark the two mounting holes with a pencil
or punch.

4. Move the receiver to the side and drill two pilot holes using a 9/64"
(3.5 mm) bit.

NOTE: Remember to caulk or seal screw holes and drilled holes as needed to
protect your boat from water damage.

5. Align the GPS receiver screw holes over the pilot screw holes and
attach with the #8 - 1 1/4" Phillips head screws. Hand tighten only!

NOTE: If the mounting surface is thin and made of a lighter material, a backing
material may be needed below the mounting surface.

NMEA Pigtail Taped

1

NMEA Pigtail Cable Out

2

Mounting Screws

3

4

1

2

3

11

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No Access Under Mounting Location

Follow these steps to deck mount the GPS receiver in a situation where you
must route the cable to the side because there is no space for a cable
underneath the mounting location.

1. Determine the best location, then test route the cable from the
mounting location to the control head.

NOTE: AS-EC10 10' extension cables are available from Humminbird® if your
planned routing exceeds 20', (6 m). Maximum cable length, including extensions,
should not exceed 50' (16 m).

2. Confirm the cable length is good and route the cable from the
receiver to the control head. If holes are required to route the cable,
they must be 3/4" (19 mm) to allow for the cable connector. Secure
the NMEA pigtail with electrical tape.

NOTE: Remember to caulk or seal screw holes and drilled holes as needed to
protect your boat from water damage.

3. The GPS receiver has two wire routing notches. Use the cable notch
closest to the intended cable route.

4. With the cable routed, position the GPS receiver in the planned
mounting location and mark the mounting holes with a pencil or
punch.

5. Move the GPS receiver to the side and drill the two 9/64" (3.5 mm)
pilot holes.

6. Align the GPS receiver's screw holes over the pilot screw holes and
attach with the #8 - 1 1/4" Phillips head screws. Hand tighten only!

Finish Routing the Cable and
Check GPS Receiver Operation

After installing a GPS receiver, you should perform the following procedure
to finish routing the GPS cable to the control head and to check to make sure
that the control head is working correctly.

1. Secure the cable along its path to the control head as needed with
cable ties.

2. Plug the GPS receiver cable into the Communications port on the
control head. See Testing the System Installation to use the
System Status start-up option and/or the GPS Diagnostic View to
confirm a good installation.

Access Under Mounting Location No Access Under Mounting Location

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Testing the System Installation

After you have completed the installation of the control head, transducer,
and any other accessories such as the GPS receiver, and have made all the
cabling connections required, you must test the installation before using the
system. Thorough testing should be performed with the boat in the water;
however, you can confirm basic operation initially with the boat out of the
water as well.

To test the installation:

1. Press the POWER/LIGHT key on the control head once to turn on the
control head. (There will be an audible chirp to let you know that you
pressed the key, and the initial Title screen will appear.) If the unit
does not power up, make sure that power is available. While the
Title screen is shown on the display, press the MENU key to display

the Start-Up Options menu. Use the UP or DOWN 4-WAY Cursor
keys to position the cursor, then the RIGHT Cursor key to select
System Status from the Start-Up Options menu (see the Start-Up
Options Menu section for more information about these menu
choices). The System Status Self Test screen will appear.

NOTE: If you wait too long, the system will default to whichever menu mode
happens to be highlighted, and you will have to start again.

2. Self Test displays results from the internal diagnostic self test,
including unit serial number, Printed Circuit Board (PCB) serial
number, software revision, total hours of operation and the input
voltage. See System Status for more information about the Self Test.

3. From the System Status screen, view accessory connections by
pressing the VIEW key. See System Status for more information
about the Accessory Test.

NOTE: The speed will be detected only if the paddlewheel has moved since the
900 Series™ has been powered up.

4. From the System Status screen, see a GPS Diagnostic View by
pressing the View key. GPS Diagnostic View shows a sky chart and
numerical data from the GPS receiver. The sky chart shows the
location of each visible GPS satellite with its satellite number and a
signal strength bar. A dark grey bar indicates that the satellite is
being used to determine your current position. A light gray bar
indicates that the satellite is being monitored, but is not yet being
used. See System Status for more information about the GPS
Diagnostic View.

Power

1

Temp/Speed

2

Communications

3

Cable Collector Insert

4

5

1 2

3

4

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Getting Started - Using Your 900 Series™

Your 900 Series™ Chartplotter user interface is easy to use. A combination
of keys, different views, and situation-specific, customizable menus allows
you to control what you see on the color display. Refer to the following
illustration, and see Key Functions, Views, and The Menu System) for
more information.

Powering Up the Control Head

Turn on your Chartplotter by pressing the POWER/LIGHT key. The Title screen
is displayed until the Chartplotter begins operation. After the Title screen is
displayed, a 30 second Navigation Warning screen is shown. Press the
MENU key during the time that the Title screen is displayed to view the
Start-Up Menu in order to choose Simulator mode. Press the EXIT key during
the Navigation Warning to enter into Normal mode. If you don't press any
key during the Navigation Warning, and Demonstration is turned on, your
Chartplotter automatically goes into Demonstration Mode. You can turn off
Demonstration Mode if desired (see Setup Menu: Demonstration).

900 Series™ 955c Chartplotter Title Screen

Screen 4-WAY Cursor Control Key

1

7

MMC/SD Card Slot MENU Key

2

8

ZOOM (+/-) Keys VIEW Key

3

9

POWER/LIGHT Key EXIT Key

4

10

INFO Key View Preset Keys

5

MARK Key

6

11

1

3

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

2

4

GOTO Key

12

12

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What’s On the Display

The 900 Series™ Chartplotter can display a variety of useful information.

15

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Cursor Info Box: indicates the
Latitude and Longitude of the cursor position,
the distance to travel to the cursor position
and the bearing to the cursor position is
shown with a GPS receiver. A waypoint can
be marked at the cursor position for later
retrieval and use with a GPS receiver.

Latitude and Longitude

Position of Cursor

Distance to Cursor

Bearing to Cursor

Waypoint

Active Cursor Icon

Boat Icon

Course Projection Line: Arrow

extending from the bow of the boat that
projects your current course, and shows
where the boat will go if you continue on your
present course.

Route: Two or more linked waypoints
that show intended navigation and the
shortest path from one waypoint to the next.

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

Track: Detailed position history,

displayed as a breadcrumb trail of trackpoints.

Cartography

Map Scale

Selectable Readout Boxes

Course Over Ground: the current

direction the boat is traveling measured in
degrees from North.

Bearing to Waypoint

Speed Over Ground: the measurement

of the boat’s progress across a given
distance, and is the speed measurement
provided by GPS.

Latitude and Longitude
Position of Boat

NEXT: Next Waypoint in the Route

TTG: Time to Go to Waypoint

DTG: Distance to Go to Waypoint

20

19

18

17

16

15

14

13

12

11

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Key Functions

Your 900 Series™ user interface consists of a set of easy-to-use keys that
work with various on-screen views and menus to give you flexibility and
control over your fishing experience. Your control head has the following keys:

• POWER/LIGHT key

• EXIT key

• VIEW key

• 4-WAY Cursor Control key

• MENU key

• VIEW PRESET keys.

• MARK key

• GOTO key

• INFO key

• ZOOM (+/-) keys.

POWER/LIGHT Key

The POWER/LIGHT key is used to turn the Chartplotter on
and off, and also to adjust the backlight and background
color of the display. Press the POWER/LIGHT key to turn the
unit on. The Title screen is then displayed until the
Chartplotter begins operation. See Powering Up the Unit
for a more detailed explanation of the different modes you
can select on power up.

To adjust the backlight or to adjust the display
background color, press the POWER/LIGHT
key to access the Light and Background menu.
Use the 4-WAY Cursor key to select Light or
Background and then use the LEFT or RIGHT
Cursor key to change the settings. Press EXIT
to exit the Light and Background menu.

Press and hold the POWER/LIGHT key for 3 seconds to turn the unit off. A
message will appear telling you how many seconds there are until shutdown
occurs. Your 900 Series™ should always be turned off using the
POWER/LIGHT key. This will ensure that shutdown occurs properly and any
menu settings will be saved.

VIEW Key

The VIEW key is used to cycle through all available views.

Press the VIEW key to advance to the next view. Repeatedly
pressing VIEW cycles through all views available. Views can be hidden to
optimize the system to your fishing requirements (see View Menu Tab).

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MENU Key

The MENU key is used to access the menu system.

Start-Up Options Menu - Press the MENU key during the power up
sequence to view the Start-Up Options menu.

X-Press™ Menu - Press the MENU key once for the X-Press™ Menu. The
X-Press™ Menu allows you to access frequently-used settings without
having to navigate through the whole menu system. When the X-Press™
Menu is displayed, you can use the UP or DOWN Cursor keys to move to a
particular menu choice. As soon as you alter a parameter (using the RIGHT
or LEFT Cursor keys) the X-Press™ Menu will collapse temporarily, and the
screen will update if it is affected by your menu setting change, allowing you
to see the effects of your action immediately. Reactivate the X-Press™ Menu
by using the UP or DOWN Cursor keys.

Main Menu - Press the MENU key twice for the tabbed Main Menu System.
The Main Menu System is organized under tabbed headings to help you find
a specific menu item quickly: Alarms, Navigation, Chart, Setup, Views, and
Accessories tabs are part of your tabbed Main Menu System. Use the LEFT or
RIGHT 4-WAY Cursor Control key to select a tab; then use the DOWN or UP key
to select the menu item, and the LEFT or RIGHT key to alter a menu setting.

4-WAY Cursor Control Key

The 4-WAY Cursor Control Key has multiple functions,
depending on the situation:

Active Cursor - In any Bird's Eye View, the 4-WAY Cursor Control key controls the
motion of the eyepoint. In any Chart View, the 4-WAY Cursor Control key pans the
charts.

NOTE: You can also make the cursor move diagonally by pressing in between
two of the arrows on the 4-WAY Cursor Control key.

Menu Selection - Use the DOWN or UP arrow keys to select a menu choice
from the menu list, then use the LEFT or RIGHT arrow keys to change a menu
setting.

NOTE: Menu choices are implemented and saved immediately - no further action
is required.

VIEW PRESET Keys

The VIEW PRESET keys are used to program your three favorite

views for quick retrieval. Instead of using the VIEW key to
cycle through every view to find the one you want, you can program the
VIEW PRESET keys to display a specific view immediately. To program each
VIEW PRESET key, use the VIEW key to cycle to the view you want to store.
Press and hold one of the VIEW PRESET keys for several seconds. A series of
audible chirps will be heard indicating that the view has been programmed
to the key. You can store up to three views, one on each key.

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EXIT Key

The EXIT key has multiple functions, depending on the
situation:

• If an alarm is sounding, pressing EXIT will cancel the alarm.

• If a menu tab is selected, pressing EXIT will exit the menu mode and
return to the view.

• If a menu is active, pressing EXIT will return to the previous level in
the menu system.

• Pressing EXIT will cycle through the available views in reverse order.

• If the Cursor is active, pressing EXIT will remove the cursor from the
display.

INFO Key

Press the INFO key while in any navigation view to display
information about objects that are nearest to an active cursor.

If the cursor is not active, the following menu will
be displayed. Use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to
select Nearest Port, Nearest Tide Station or Nearest
Current Station, then use the RIGHT Cursor key to
display the requested information.

NOTE: The built-in UniMap™ does not contain Port, Tide or Current information.
This information is only available from optional purchase MMC/SD cards.

MARK Key

Press the MARK key while in any view to mark the position
of a waypoint, either at the current boat location, or, if the
Cursor is active, at the current Cursor location.

The MARK key only functions if you have the GPS receiver connected, or if
you have enabled Screen Snapshot from the Accessories menu tab. If you
have enabled the Screen Snapshot feature, pressing the MARK key still
creates a waypoint, but it also captures the screen image to the optional­purchase MMC/SD card.

NOTE: You must have an optional-purchase MMC/SD card installed for the
screen snapshot feature to work.

Navigation is not affected by the Screen Snapshot feature. Also, if Screen
Snapshot is enabled but there is no GPS receiver connected, pressing the
MARK key will capture the screen image and display an error saying that a
GPS position fix is required to create a waypoint.

GOTO Key

The GOTO Key has multiple functions, depending on the
situation:

• If the Cursor is active, pressing the GOTO key while in any view
creates a waypoint and starts navigation towards that waypoint. If
the Cursor is not active, pressing the GOTO key displays the list of
waypoints, so that you can select the waypoint towards which you
want to navigate.

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• If the GOTO key is pressed and held for more than 1.5 seconds, the
Man Overboard (MOB) function is activated. When MOB is activated,
an MOB waypoint, which is a permanent, sharable waypoint with a
large, distinctive icon, is created at the boat's current position
(regardless of whether the chart cursor is active or not). Any current
navigation will be cancelled and the current route discarded without
user notification, and MOB navigation begins immediately. The view
is switched to the Chart View automatically when MOB is activated,
and it is not possible to activate MOB or modify the current route
without first canceling MOB navigation. Any press of the GOTO key,
or selection of a GOTO menu item, will cause an error beep and a
short message will be displayed to the user that will disappear after
2 seconds.

ZOOM (+/-) Keys

Press the - or + ZOOM keys while in any of the Navigation
Views to change the scale of the view to appear closer or
farther away.

Views

The views available on your 900 Series™ are:

Bird’s EyeBird’s Eye

Instrument Instrument

ViewView

ChartChart

Big DigitsBig Digits

ViewView

Chart

Big Digits

View

Bird’s Eye

Bird’s Eye

Big Digits Big Digits

ViewView

Bird’s Eye

Big Digits

View

Chart

Chart

ViewView

Chart

View

Chart/Chart

Chart/Chart

Combo ViewCombo View

Chart/Chart

Combo View

Accessory

Accessory

Test ViewTest View

Accessory

Test View

Screen Snaphot

Screen Snaphot

View View

Screen Snaphot

View

Self Test

Self Test

ViewView

Self Test

View

Chart

Chart

InstrumentInstrument

ViewView

Chart

Instrument

View

GPS

GPS

DiagnosticDiagnostic

View View

GPS

Diagnostic

View

Chart/Bird’s Eye

Chart/Bird’s Eye

Combo ViewCombo View

Chart/Bird’s Eye

Combo View

Chart

Chart

No ReadoutsNo Readouts

ViewView

Chart

No Readouts

View

Bird’s Eye

Instrument

View

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GPS Diagnostic View is the default view until GPS communications are
established. At that point, all the other views become available. When the VIEW
key is pressed, the display cycles through the available views. When the EXIT key
is pressed, the display cycles through the available views in reverse order. Any view
can be hidden or displayed as part of the view rotation using the Views Menu tab.
See Start-Up Options Menu for information about the Self Test, Accessory Test,
and GPS Diagnostic Views.

NOTE: When you change any menu settings that affect the display, the view will update
immediately (i.e. you don’t have to exit the menu to apply the change to the screen).

Views and Readouts

All views have an Information Bar on the left side of the screen, consisting
of readouts that are stacked vertically, and that change from view to view.
You can customize the information displayed in individual readouts on many
views, including suppressing a particular readout so that nothing is
displayed; the ability to customize readouts depends on the view and
whether you are navigating (see Navigation X-Press™ Menu, Select
Readouts and Select Nav Readouts for more information).

• Bird's Eye Instrument View

• Bird's Eye Big Digits View

• Chart/Bird's Eye Combo View

• Chart/Chart Combo View

• Chart No Readouts View

• Chart View

• Chart Big Digits View

• Chart Instrument View

• Screen Snapshot View

• Self Test View

• Accessory Test View

• GPS Diagnostic View.

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Bird's Eye Instrument View

Bird's Eye Instrument View displays a digital instrument panel next to the
Bird's Eye View. This view provides a digital compass at the top of the view,
as well as 3 selectable readouts to the left of the view.

NOTE: Bird's Eye Instrument View and Chart Instrument View both share the
same set of 3 selectable readouts. When you change the readouts display on one
of these views, you are also changing them on the other view. See Navigation

X-Press™ menu: Select Readouts for more information.

NOTE: If there is only one waypoint in a route, the Next Waypoint and the End

Waypoint info boxes will display the same information, both for that next
waypoint.

Bird's Eye Instrument View

COG: Course Over Ground; the current direction the
boat is traveling measured in degrees from North.

Boat Icon

1

SOG: Speed Over Ground; the measurement of the
boat’s progress across a given distance, and is the
speed measurement provided by GPS.

2

Latitude and Longitude Position of Boat

3

4

Land Contours

5

Route

6

1

2

4

5

6

3

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Bird’s Eye Big Digits View

Bird's Eye Big Digits View provides digital data on the Bird's Eye View in a
large, easy-to-see format. All Bird's Eye views show a 3D perspective view of
the track and the chart land contour from a point above and behind the boat
(the eye point).

As the boat turns, the eye point moves to follow the boat. When you press
the 4-WAY Cursor key in any of the Bird’s Eye Views, the position of the eye
point will shift. This allows you to move and turn the eye point so that you
can look off to the sides, or even behind the boat. Pressing the RIGHT or LEFT
arrow keys on the 4-WAY Cursor key turns the eye point right or left, while
pressing the UP arrow key moves the eye point forward, and pressing the
DOWN arrow key moves the eye point backward.

Pressing the EXIT key moves the eye point back to its original position behind
and above the boat.

Bird's Eye Big Digits View

COG: Course Over Ground; the current direction the
boat is traveling measured in degrees from North.

END: Last waypoint in the route

1

SOG: Speed Over Ground; the measurement of the
boat’s progress across a given distance, and is the
speed measurement provided by GPS.

2

BRG: Direction to Destination Waypoint Relative to
North Reference Waypoint

3

Latitude and Longitude Position of Boat

4

NEXT: Next Waypoint in the Route

5

TTG: Time to Go to Waypoint

6

DTG: Distance to Go to Waypoint

7

8

ETA: Estimated time of arrival

9

DTG: Distance to Go to Waypoint

10

Time

11

XTE: Cross Track Error

Distance of Boat from Route

12

Land Contours

13

Boat Icon

14

1

2

4

5

6

3

13

7

8

9

10

11

12

14

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Chart/Bird’s Eye Combo View

Chart/Bird’s Eye Combo View shows both the Chart and Bird’s Eye views in a
combination split screen. You can perform any of the functions for either of
these views, but only when the view you want to control is selected as the
active side (see Navigation X-Press™ Menu: Active Side for more
information). A green arrow points to the side that is active. You can also adjust
the size of the left side of a split screen (see Navigation X-Press™ Menu: Split

Position for more information).

NOTE: See Bird’s Eye Views and Chart Views for more information about each

side of this view.

NOTE: Standard Chart View, Chart No Readouts View, Chart/Chart Combo View,
and Chart/Bird's Eye Combo View all share the same set of 5 selectable readouts,
that can all be set one way for navigation mode, and another way for non­navigation mode. When you change the readouts display on one of these views,
you also are changing them on all the other views that share the same
configuration. See Navigation X-Press™ menu: Select Readouts and Select
Nav Readouts for more information.

Chart/Bird’s Eye Combo View

COG: Course Over Ground; the current direction the boat is
traveling measured in degrees from North.

Bird’s Eye Window

1

8

BRG: Direction to Destination Waypoint Relative to North
Reference Waypoint

Land Contours

2

9

SOG: Speed Over Ground; the measurement of the boat’s
progress across a given distance, and is the speed
measurement provided by GPS.

Boat Icon

3

10

Latitude and Longitude Position of Boat

Track

4

11

NEXT: Next Waypoint in the Route

Map Scale

5

12

TTG: Time to Go to Waypoint

Cartography

6

13

DTG: Distance to Go to Waypoint

Chart Window

7

14

1

2

3

4

5
6

7

8

9

11

14

10

10

12

13

11

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