Humminbird CH THIRTY II User Manual

CH-THIRTY II OPERATIONS MANUAL
OPERATING YOUR CH THIRTY II
Before attempting to operate your Humminbird CH Thirty II, it is recommended that you read the

operations manual thoroughly. You will find several features on this unit, not found on any other
Chart Recorder. To completely understand all the features, we suggest you follow the instructions
set forth in this manual. If, after reading this manual, there is something you do not understand
about the operation of your unit, we recommend you contact our Customer Service Department.

INTRODUCTION
Theory of operation
Your CH-THIRTY II operates on the basic principal of sonar. Electronic signals generated within

the unit are converted to ultra-sonic signals and emitted through the transducer. These signals
travel through the water until they strike an object or the bottom. In either case, the signal is
reflected and returned to the transducer, reconverted to an electric signal and printed upon the
paper in the recorder. The paper is installed in a reusable cartridge and is driven by a roller which
makes contact with the paper take up roll. The paper speed is variable and may be adjusted from
an approximate three inches per minute advance to a one inch per minute advance. The speed of
this advance naturally governs the length of time it takes to use the standard 50 foot roll of paper.
The printing is done with a wire stylus mounted on a belt located on the right side of the paper
cartridge. When the front panel is lowered, the stylus is located on the back side when removing
or inserting the cartridge. The stylus picks up the signal from the brass bar with which the right
hand element makes contact. This signal is transmitted through the stylus and onto the specially
coated paper upon which a mark is burned, depicting the condition. The mark at the top of the
paper will indicate the surface of the water and is called the “zero” line.

A drive motor moves the stylus belt at various speeds, depending upon the depth range selected
on the unit. Each time the stylus passes across the face of the paper, a mark is made, As the
paper advances and the stylus passes across it, the picture begins to form. Thus a printing of the
surface, bottom and everything in between is printed on the chart paper.

Your CH-THIRTY II has been designed so that when operated with a properly installed
transducer the definition of the fish will appear as inverted “Vs” or Hooks as they are normally
called.

Generally the bigger the hooks, the larger the fish. Single fish may appear as small single hook,
while tightly schooled bait fish will appear as clouds of gray.

Since all fish will appear basically the same, knowledge of the behavior pattern of certain species
will aid in the identification of those fish below the boat.

The more directly the fish is beneath the boat, the more pronounced the inverted “V’ or hook. The
more rounded the hooks, the more to the right or left of the boat are the fish. A stationary fish will
produce a complete hook, beginning and ending at the same depth. A moving fish is an active
fish, which is more likely to be feeding, thus a more catchable fish.

Thus, the manner in which your fish tends to hook can be a clue as to size, specie, position and
activity.

INSTALLATION
It is recommended that your unit be

mounted on a solid flat, surface for
maximum stability. The gimbal bracket
provided with your Chart has eight holes
in the base for mounting screws. We
recommend using all eight holes for a
more stable mount. Standard 1/4 inch
stove bolts with nuts and lock washers are
recommended.

INSTALLING THE TRANSDUCER
This is the most important part of the

installation. To achieve maximum
performance from the Humminbird Chart,
it is suggested that care and careful
planning be exercised in the mounting of
the transducer. The Humminbird CH Thirty
II is designed to operate with the 39 °
cone angle X2 -C transducer. A transom
transducer with mounting hardware is
provided as standard equipment with the
Humminbird Chart (Figure 3). This
transducer is designed to mount outside
the hull of the boat, but may be mounted
inside. However, for maximum
performance from your CH-3011, we
recommend mounting the transducer
outside. There might be circumstances
which would require a different style
transducer. If this is the case, we
recommend you contact a dealer
regarding availability.

Determine a suitable location where a smooth flow of water will pass across the transducer face
(Figure 4). The bolts connecting the transducer to its mounting bracket are temporarily left
loosened to allow the transducer to be adjusted and positioned as shown in figure 4 top. Markings
can then be made for each of the four slots, which indicate the position of the screws used to
attach the mounting hardware (Figure 4 bottom). Drill four holes with a smaller diameter bit than
the screws being used. Lightly coat the screws with a silicone sealant to insure a tight, waterproof
bond and bolt the transducer into its proper position, with the beveled edge forward flush with the
bottom of the transom.

Air spaces should be sealed with a silicone sealant applied with a piece of stiff cardboard, taking
precautions against covering the "eye" of the transducer with the adhesive materials. Completed
quickly and efficiently, this type of installation should allow the instrument to give maximum
performance and definition.

The above installation will not give a suitable high-speed reading because of the transducer
angle. It is seldom that a high speed operation

of a chart recorder is required. If high speed operation is desired, the rear of the transducer
should be lowered five degrees so that a smooth flow of water is experienced from the hull and
across the face of the transducer.

Note: Use the above method of transducer installation on all aluminum hulls. We do not
recommend an inside the hull mounting for any transducer being used with a chart recorder.

Loss of signal will be experienced any time a transducer for a chart recorder is mounted inside
the hull. N you find it necessary to use such an installation, we recommend the following
procedures be followed.

PROCEDURE FOR MOUNTING TRANSDUCER INSIDE HULL OF FIBERGLASS BOAT
Warning: In order to achieve proper results with this type installation, it is important that the

transducer be mounted by someone familiar with the use of Fiberglass resin. For this reason,
Techsonic Industries, Inc. will not be responsible for any damage due to the mounting of your
transducer in this manner.

1. Select as flat an area as possible near the aft end and center of boat where the hull is thin and
not double. If the bottom has a runner down the center of boat select an area to one side of the
runner, but as close to the runner as possible. 2. Clean the inside of the boat with lacquer thinner
in the area transducer is to be mounted. Outside of boat in this area should also be cleaned.

3. Put approximately one inch of water in the bottom of the boat.

4. Put transducer in the water. The bottom of the transducer should be in a flat area and should
be in good cont act with the bottom of the boat.

5. Operate the depth sounder with the boat stopped and operating at high speed. The transducer
may have to be moved in order to find an area where satisfactory operation is observed.

6. When an area is found that produces satisfactory operation, mark the location of the
transducer.

7. Remove the water and transducer and clean the marked area and the bottom of the transducer
thoroughly with lacquer thinner. Sand the area thoroughly.

8. Mix an ample amount of fiberglass resin without causing it to bubble and pour it in the area the
transducer is to be mounted. The puddle should be larger than the bottom of the transducer.

9. Coat the bottom of the transducer with resin, then put it in the center of the puddle and push
down on the transducer while moving it around in a circular motion. This forces out any air
bubbles that may be trapped between the bottom of the transducer and the hull of the boat.

10. When the resin has cured the transducer is ready to operate. No water is now required in the
bottom of the boat and gas and oil that is spilled inside of the boat will not degrade performance
as it will if the transducer is placed only in water.

Caution: Do not use silicone seal or any soft adhesive to bond the transducer to the hull. This will
reduce the sensitivity of the unit.

You may choose to install the transducer yourself inside the hull of your FIBERGLASS boat. If so,
we recommend a good, two-part epoxy such as the one available in our Humminbird epoxy kit.

We recommend the following steps:
Any style of Humminbird transducer may be installed inside the hull.
After selecting a clean, flat area, lightly sand until a smooth finish is obtained.
The divider of the two-part Humminbird epoxy kit is then removed and the two parts mixed

together thoroughly for about five minutes. By clipping one corner of the plastic envelope, a liberal
amount of epoxy is put on the face of the transducer and spread evenly with the applicator
provided.

Any remaining epoxy is then applied to the inside hull where the transducer is to be installed and
by using a circular motion to squeeze out all air bubbles, the transducer is placed into position.

Finally, by pressing down firmly and holding for a few minutes the installation process is
completed cleanly and efficiently. Now properly affixed, the unit should function accurately at all
speeds.

There will be cases where it is necessary to use a through-the-hull transducer. We offer a sturdy,
durable bronze housing which is ideal. for large boats or special applications. This transducer
comes standard with 20 foot cable. It will be necessary to bore a 13116 inch hole through the hull.
If the hull has a curvature, it will be necessary to use a fairing block, shaped to fit the inside and
outside contour of the hull. These can be made of hardwood, casting resin or any other suitable
material. The fairing blocks should be cut or molded to the same dimensions as the head of the
transducer and thick enough to compensate for the contour of the hull. See Figure 5.

Caution: The hull of a wooden boat will tend to shrink when left out of the water for a prolonged
period of time. The nut should be hand tightened only, until the hull has had a chance to swell.
This should take about a week. The nut can then be tightened securely.