Humminbird HELIX User Manual

HELIX Series

Operations Manual

532509-5EN_A

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Thank you for choosing Humminbird®, the #1 name in marine electronics. 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. We encourage you to read this manual carefully in order to get the full beneﬁt from all the features and applications of your Humminbird product.

Contact Humminbird Technical Support at humminbird.com or call 1-800-633-1468.

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! The electronic chart in your Humminbird unit is an

aid to navigation designed to facilitate the use of authorized government charts, not to replace them. Only official government charts and notices to mariners contain all of the current information needed for the safety of navigation, and the captain is responsible for their prudent use.

WARNING! Humminbird is not responsible for the loss of

data files (waypoints, routes, tracks, groups, recordings, etc.) that may occur due to direct or indirect damage to the unit’s hardware or software. It is important to back up your control head’s data ﬁles periodically. Data ﬁles should also be saved to your computer before restoring the control head defaults or updating the software. See the following sections of your Humminbird manual: Manage Screen Snapshots and

Recordings and Manage your Navigation Data: Import/Export Navigation Data.

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.

WARNING! Do NOT leave the control head microSD or SD card

slot cover open. The slot cover should always be closed to prevent water damage to the unit.

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.

NOTE: The illustrations in this manual may not look the same as

your product, but your unit will function in a similar way.

NOTE: To purchase accessories for your control head, visit our

Web site at humminbird.com or contact Humminbird Technical Support at 1-800-633-1468.

NOTE: The procedures and features described in this manual

are subject to change without notice. This manual was written in English and may have been translated to another language. Humminbird is not responsible for incorrect translations or discrepancies between documents.

NOTE: Product speciﬁcations and features are subject to change

without notice.

NOTE: Humminbird veriﬁes maximum stated depth in saltwater

conditions, however actual depth performance may vary due to transducer installation, water type, thermal layers, bottom composition, and slope.

ROHS STATEMENT: Product designed and intended as a fixed installation or part of a system in a vessel may be considered beyond the scope of Directive 2002/95/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 2003 on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.

WARNING! Do not travel at high speed with the unit cover

installed on the control head. Remove the unit cover before traveling at speeds above 20 mph.

WARNING! The user shall maintain 20 cm separation from the

RF device to ensure compliance with RF exposure.

ATTENTION INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS: Products sold in the U.S. are not intended for use in the international market. Humminbird international units provide international features and are designed to meet country and regional regulations. Languages, maps, time zones, units of measurement, and warranty are examples of features that are customized for Humminbird international units purchased through our authorized international distributors.

To obtain a list of authorized international distributors, please visit our Web site at humminbird.com or contact Humminbird Technical Support at (334) 687-6613.

360 Imaging®, AUTOCHART®, AUTOCHART® LIVE, ChartSelect®, CoastMaster™, Contour XD™, Down Imaging®, DualBeam PLUS™, Fish ID+™, FishSmart™, HELIX®, Humminbird®, HumminbirdPC™, ICE HELIX® CHIRP Series, i-Pilot® Link™, LakeMaster®, MEGA Down Imaging™, MEGA Down Imaging+™, MEGA Imaging™, MEGA Side Imaging™, MEGA Side Imaging+™, Real Time Sonar™, RTS™, RTS Window™, Side Imaging®, SI™, Structure ID™, SwitchFire®, UniMap™, WhiteLine™, X-Press™ Menu, are trademarked by or registered trademarks of Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.

Adobe, Acrobat, Adobe PDF, and Reader are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.

Baekmuk Batang, Baekmuk Dotum, Baekmuk Gulim, and Baekmuk Headline are registered trademarks owned by Kim Jeong-Hwan.

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Johnson Outdoors, Inc. is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

microSD and SD are trademarks or registered trademarks of SD-3C, LLC in the United States, other countries or both.

Navionics® Gold, HotMaps™, and HotMaps™ Premium, Navionics® Classic Charts, Navionics+™, and Platinum™ Cartography are trademarked by or registered trademarks of Navionics S.p.A.

NMEA 2000® is a registered trademark of the National Marine Electronics Association.

T  C

Warnings 2

Introduction 7

Using Humminbird Manuals on your Mobile Device or PC 9

Getting Started 10

HELIX Control Head 19

Update Software 25

Menu System Overview 26

Open an X-Press Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Open the Main Menu .....................................26

Select a Menu ..........................................27

Change a Menu Setting ..................................27

Tips for Using the Menu System ..........................28

Change the User Mode (Angler or Custom). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Close the Menu System ..................................29

Display a View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Show your Favorite Views ................................31

Save a View to the VIEW SHORTCUT Key ...................31

Display Digital Readouts .................................32

Combo Views ...........................................36

Set up Sonar 37

Review Down Imaging History and Zoom In/Out ............ 87

Navigation in Down Imaging Views ........................89

Display a Side Imaging View On-Screen 91

Understand the Side Imaging View ........................ 93

Customize the Side Imaging View ......................... 95

Adjust Settings While you Fish ............................98

Review Side Imaging History and Zoom In/Out ............105

Navigation in Side Imaging Views ........................107

Ice Fishing Overview 109

Understand the Flasher View ............................110

Adjust Settings While you Fish ...........................111

Move the Depth Cursor .................................115

Zoom In/Out in Flasher View .............................116

Using Sonar Zoom View in Ice Fishing Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Charge Glow-in-the-Dark Lures ......................... 120

Manage Screen Snapshots and Recordings 121

Chart Overview 129

Display a Chart View On-Screen .........................130

Select a Map Source ....................................132

Customize the Bird’s Eye View ...........................138

Customize the Chart Instrument View ....................139

Customize the Chart View ...............................140

Display Chart Overlays ..................................144

Display a Sonar View On-Screen 50

Understand the Sonar Views ............................. 52

Customize the Sonar View ............................... 53

Adjust Sonar Display Settings ............................ 58

Adjust Settings While you Fish ............................62

Compare Sonar Beams (Split Sonar View) ................. 67

Review Sonar History .................................... 68

Zoom In/Zoom Out ...................................... 69

Navigation in Sonar Views ................................ 73

Display a Down Imaging View On-Screen 76

Understand the Down Imaging View ....................... 78

Customize the Down Imaging View ........................ 79

Adjust Settings While you Fish ............................82

Display Humminbird LakeMaster

Contour Lines and Depth Ranges ......................146

Display Humminbird CoastMaster

Contour Lines and Depth Ranges ......................148

Change the Chart Orientation and Motion Mode ...........150

Navigation Overview 152

Navigation Alarms Overview .............................154

Man Overboard (MOB) Navigation ........................155

Waypoints 157

Routes 166

Tracks 171

Search 174

T  C

Manage your Navigation Data 176

Manage Waypoints .....................................179

Manage Routes ........................................183

Manage Tracks .........................................190

Manage Groups ........................................192

Search and Organize ...................................196

Import/Export Navigation Data ..........................198

Delete All Navigation Data and Reset .....................198

AutoChart Live Overview 199

Plan your Map .........................................199

Prepare the Control Head for Mapping ....................200

Record your Custom Map ...............................203

Stop Recording ........................................204

Correct Data ...........................................204

Using AutoChart Live in Ice Fishing Mode .................205

Open the AutoChart Live Menu ...........................206

Display the AutoChart Live Map ..........................206

Customize the AutoChart Live Map Display Settings .......208

Customize the Bottom Hardness Display Settings .........213

Customize the Vegetation Display Settings ...............217

Set Up a NMEA 2000 Network 221

Understand the NMEA 2000 Instrument View .............225

Manage your Control Head 226

Maintenance 232

Troubleshooting 233

Speciﬁcations 235

Statements and Acknowledgements 328

Contact Humminbird 330

I

The instructions in this manual describe the HELIX control head operations. Review the following table to understand the features that apply to your control head.

Model

HELIX GPS G2

HELIX SONAR G2

HELIX DI G2

HELIX CHIRP DI G2

HELIX CHIRP GPS G2/G2N

HELIX CHIRP DI GPS G2/G2N

HELIX CHIRP SI GPS G2/G2N

HELIX CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G2N MEGA MEGA

HELIX CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G2N MEGA

Sonar

(2D)

Down

Imaging

Side

Imaging

CHIRP

Ethernet

(optional)

G2N

models only

G2N

models only

G2N

models only

GPS

(Charts and Navigation)

External GPS, trackplotting

(separate purchase required)

External GPS, trackplotting

(separate purchase required)

External GPS, trackplotting

(separate purchase required)

ICE HELIX CHIRP G2

ICE HELIX CHIRP GPS G2/G2N

ICE HELIX CHIRP GPS G3/G3N

HELIX CHIRP GPS G3/G3N

HELIX CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G3/G3N MEGA

HELIX CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3/G3N MEGA MEGA

HELIX CHIRP MEGA DI+ GPS G3N MEGA+

HELIX CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G3N MEGA+ MEGA+

HELIX CHIRP GPS G4N

HELIX CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G4N MEGA

External GPS, trackplotting

(separate purchase required)

G2N models

(in Open Water Mode only)

G3N models

(in Open Water Mode only)

G3N

models only

G3N

models only

G3N

models only

HELIX CHIRP MEGA DI+ GPS G4N MEGA+

HELIX CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4N MEGA+ MEGA+

Introduction

Operations Summary Guide: For an overview of functions, see the Operations Summary Guide (or Quick Start Guide) included with your product.

Accessories: Some of the features shown in this manual require a separate purchase. Radar, AIS, Compass/Heading Sensor, Ethernet, i-Pilot Link, etc. require a separate purchase. For the list of accessories that are compatible with your control head, visit our Web site at humminbird.com. To install each accessory, use the installation guide provided with it, or download the guide from our Web site.

Ethernet Models: Visit our Web site at humminbird.com to purchase Ethernet cables and switches, and to download the Ethernet Networking Installation and Operations Manual.

Register and Update: Visit our Web site at humminbird.com to register your product(s), update control head and accessory software, and purchase additional equipment. Also, see Update Software in this manual for more information.

Introduction

U H M   M D  PC

The Humminbird manuals for your control head and accessories can be downloaded to your mobile device or PC. If you prefer to use a hard copy for reference, this manual may be printed.

Download the Manual to your Mobile Device

1. Download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader app to your mobile device.

2. Go to our Web site at humminbird.com, and click Support > Manuals.

3. Select the PDF for your control head model or accessory, and save it to your device.

4. Open the Adobe Acrobat Reader app.

5. Open the Humminbird manual.

Download the Manual to your PC

1. Download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software from http://get.adobe.com/reader/, and install it on your PC.

2. Go to our Web site at humminbird.com, and click Support > Manuals.

3. Select the PDF for your control head model or accessory, and save it to your device.

4. Open Adobe Acrobat Reader.

5. Open the Humminbird manual.

Jump to a Section: Click a section name in the Bookmarks panel. Bookmarks can be expanded and collapsed by clicking on

the plus (+) or minus (-) icons.

Search for Words or Phrases: Press and hold the Ctrl F keys on your PC keyboard. Type the word(s) into the text box.

Print: If you prefer to use a hard copy for reference, this manual may be printed.

Using the Manual

bookmarks

panel

search for key words

(Ctrl + F)

Introduction

G S

The procedures in this section describe how to get started with your control head. Some of the settings in this section are a one-time set up, and other settings (such as checking the GPS reception) you will use each time you hit the water.

Power On

Follow the instructions below to power on your Humminbird control head.

1. Press the POWER key.

2. When the Title screen is displayed, press the MENU key.

Title Screen

3. Select Normal. Press the RIGHT Cursor key.

Getting Started

Press the MENU key

Normal mode is required for on-the-water operation. If a functioning transducer is connected

Normal

to the control head, Normal will be selected automatically, and your control head can be used on the water.

To learn how to use your control head, select Simulator. You can save menu settings and

Simulator

navigation data in Simulator mode (see Chart Overview and Navigation Overview for more information).

To view system information for software version, GPS reception, and accessory connections,

System Status

select System Status. See Check Accessory Connections and Check GPS Reception for more information.

NOTE: If you wait too long to select a start-up option, the system will start the mode that is already highlighted. If your control head

goes into Demonstration mode, please note that menu settings cannot be saved in this mode (see Manage your Control Head).

Starting Normal Mode for on-the-water Operations

Press the

RIGHT Cursor key

Getting Started

Quick Setup

If this is the ﬁrst time the unit has been powered on (after installation or after restoring defaults), the Quick Setup menu will display.

Set up the Control Head

1. Use the Cursor Control key to change the settings.

2. Close: Press the EXIT key.

The available languages are determined by your Humminbird model.

Language

WARNING! Do NOT enable Asian Mode if you do not require Asian languages. Before you select

Asian Mode, contact Technical Support for important information.

Quick Setup Menu

Set the maximum depth of the body of water. When Max Depth is set to Auto, the control head will acquire bottom readings as needed (within the capabilities of the unit). When Max Depth is set to match your water maximum depth, the control head will not attempt to acquire sonar

Max Depth

data below that depth, so more detail will be shown on the display.

Side Imaging units default to the Side Imaging range setting if the SI Range is set deeper than the Max Depth. See the Side Imaging section for more information.

Water Type aﬀects the accuracy of deep water depth readings and conﬁgures the control head for operation in fresh or salt water.

Water Type

In salt water, you can also choose the shallow or deep setting. If the depth is more than 330 ft (100 m), select Salt (deep).

The control head will automatically select the transducer that was included with your control

Connected Transducer

head. If your model is compatible with an accessory transducer, and it is connected to the control head, select the transducer in the system so the beams are activated and the related views are added to the control head.

NOTE: To change the Max Depth, Water Type, and the Connected Transducer after the initial Setup, see Set up Sonar.

Getting Started

Check Accessory Connections

If you’ve connected other separate-purchase equipment to the control head, such as AIS, Compass/Heading Sensor, and more, use these instructions to conﬁrm the equipment is detected and communicating with the control head. You can also check Ethernet

accessory connections from this view.

1. Press and hold the VIEW key.

2. Select System > Accessory Test.

Conﬁrm all accessories are listed as Connected. If you have a temp/speed wheel, the wheel must move for it to be detected.

Unconnected: If an accessory is listed as Unconnected, check the cable and power connections to conﬁrm they are secure

and powered on. Review the installation guide that was included with your accessory to conﬁrm it is installed correctly.

To change the NMEA 2000 network, see Set Up a NMEA 2000 Network.

Conﬁrming Accessories are Detected (HELIX 9 CHIRP SI GPS G2N)

unconnected (not detected by the control head)

connected

NOTE: The menus for installed accessories are typically included in the Accessory tab in the Main Menu. See your accessory guide

for details. For the latest list of accessories that are compatible with your control head, visit our Web site at humminbird.com.

Getting Started

Check GPS Reception

If your control head includes internal GPS, or if it is connected to an External GPS receiver, use the instructions in this section to conﬁrm the control head has GPS reception.

1. Press and hold the VIEW key.

2. Select System > GPS Diagnostic View.

Conﬁrm GPS Fix Type is shown as Enhanced or 3D.

Conﬁrm that the latitude/longitude position readout is displayed.

Reviewing GPS Reception

active satellite signal strength (yellow)

monitored satellite

signal strength

(gray)

ﬁx type shown as

enhanced

latitude/longitude

position

GPS Reception: The sky chart displays the satellite number and signal strength bar.

GPS Fix Type: reported as No Fix, 2D Fix, 3D Fix, or Enhanced. An Enhanced Fix has been augmented using information from

WAAS, EGNOS, or MSAS.

HDOP (the Horizontal Dilution of Precision): a GPS system parameter which depends on the current satellite conﬁguration.

HDOP is used to calculate the Estimated Position Error.

NOTE: To manually change your GPS source, change the output frequency, or turn on GLONASS, see Manage your Control Head.

Getting Started

Set Alarms

When an alarm is turned on, an alert will sound or display on the control head to indicate the threshold has been exceeded.

Turn on Alarms and Adjust Settings

1. Main Menu: Press the MENU key twice.

To open the Main Menu from a System View, press the MENU key once.

2. Select the Alarms tab.

3. Select an alarm menu. Press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to adjust the threshold.

Depth Alarm

Fish ID Alarm

Low Battery Alarm

Temp. Alarm

Oﬀ Course Alarm

Arrival Alarm

The alarm will be triggered when the depth becomes equal to or less than the menu setting. Transducer required.

The alarm will be triggered when a ﬁsh is detected based on the menu setting. See Adjust Sonar Display Settings for more information.

The alarm will be triggered when the input battery voltage is equal to or less than the menu setting. The battery must be connected to the control head. Set the alarm to a level that will alert you when the battery is low but at a level that is high enough to start the engine and run essential electronics. See your control head installation guide for more information.

The alarm will be triggered when the water temperature detected by the control head is equal to the temp alarm setting. Input from the built-in transducer temperature sensor or a temperature accessory is required.

Sets how far the boat can move oﬀ course during navigation before an alarm will be triggered. GPS required. See Navigation Overview for more information.

Sets how close the boat must be to the destination waypoint before the alarm will be triggered. GPS required. See Navigation Overview for more information.

Drift Alarm

NOTE: The available alarms are determined by the connected equipment, so your control head may provide more or less options than

the information shown here. If there are accessories installed, review the accessory guide for alarm information.

4. Close: Press the EXIT key twice.

Sets how far the boat can move from its anchored position outside the drift alarm perimeter before an alarm will be triggered. GPS required. See Navigation Overview for more information.

Exit an Alarm

If an alarm is triggered during control head operation, you can close it or silence it using these instructions.

1. Press any key on the control head.

Getting Started

Change Units of Measurement

Use the instructions in this section to change the units of measurement format.

HELIX G3/G3N and older HELIX G4N

1. Main Menu: Press the MENU key twice.

2. Select the Setup tab.

3. Select Units - Depth, Units - Distance, etc., and adjust each

unit

setting

4. Close: Press the EXIT key.

NOTE: You can also change the time and date format,

language, and installation oﬀsets from this menu. See Manage your Control Head for more information.

as needed.

2. Select the Data Sources tab.

3. Select Units and press the RIGHT Cursor key to open the

Units menu.

4. Select each keys to adjust the setting.

5. Close: Press the EXIT key.

unit as needed and use the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor

Reset the Triplog

The Triplog includes the timer for elapsed time, distance traveled since last reset, and average speed. Use the following instructions to reset the triplog. To display the Triplog as a digital readout, see Views: Display Digital Readouts.

HELIX G3/G3N and older HELIX G4N

1. Main Menu: Press the MENU key twice.

2. Select the Setup tab.

3. Select Triplog Reset.

4. Press the RIGHT Cursor key.

5. Follow the on-screen prompts.

1. Main Menu: Press the MENU key twice.

2. Select the Data Sources tab.

3. Select Reset Trip Log.

4. Press the RIGHT Cursor key.

5. Follow the on-screen prompts.

Turn on/o Sounds

Use the instructions in this section to choose the category of sounds you want to hear from your control head.

1. Main Menu: Press the MENU key twice.

2. Select the Setup tab.

3. Select Sound Control.

4. Select All Sounds or Alarms Only.

To receive a sound alert from an alarm, Sound Control must be set to All Sounds or Alarms Only.

Change the Alarm Tone: Select the Alarms tab > Alarm Tone.

Change the User Mode

The User Mode determines how many menu options are displayed in the menu system. Select Angler to see fewer menu options that are used more often. Select Custom to see all the menu options available in the menu system.

Instructions in this manual marked with Main Menu (Custom User Mode) indicate that the menu system User Mode must be set to Custom for the selected menu to be shown. If you do not see the menu in the system, change the User Mode to Custom. See Menu System Overview for details.

1. Main Menu: Press the MENU key twice.

2. Select the Setup tab.

3. Select User Mode.

4. Select Angler or Custom.

Getting Started

Set up Sonar

If you’ve installed an accessory transducer, or to reﬁne your sonar settings or turn on/oﬀ Ice Fishing Mode, see Set up Sonar for details.

Set up Chart Preferences

If you’ve installed a microSD or SD map card, see Chart Overview to set up the map source.

Pair a Phone with the Control Head (HELIX G2N/G3N/G4N Series only)

If you have a HELIX G2N, G3N or G4N Series control head, you can pair a phone with it using Bluetooth wireless technology.

Pair a Phone with the Control Head

HELIX G2N and G3N HELIX G4N

1. Main Menu: On the HELIX control head, press the MENU

key twice.

1. Main Menu: On the HELIX control head, press the MENU key twice.

2. Open the Phone Bluetooth Menu: Select the Accessories

tab.

Select Phone Bluetooth. Press the RIGHT Cursor key.

3. Select Bluetooth.

4. Select On.

5. Select Connect New Phone. Press the RIGHT Cursor key.

It will take a moment for this option to appear in the

menu.

6. Follow the on-screen prompts to start the pairing process.

If the phone is not found, select Search for Phone. Press

the RIGHT Cursor key.

7. When the phone name displays in the menu, select it. Press the RIGHT Cursor key.

8. Check your phone. When prompted, tap Pair on your phone.

9. In your phone Settings menu, turn on Show Notiﬁcations.

2. Open the Phone Bluetooth Menu: Select the Accessories

tab.

Select Phone Bluetooth. Press the RIGHT Cursor key.

3. Select Connect Phone. Press the RIGHT Cursor key.

4. Follow the on-screen prompts to start the pairing process through your phone.

5. When prompted, tap Pair on your phone.

6. In your phone Settings menu, turn on Show Notiﬁcations.

Change the Phone Bluetooth Alert Format

Use the following instructions to select an alert format on the control head or turn oﬀ alerts.

1. On the HELIX control head, open the Phone Bluetooth menu.

NOTE: In your phone Settings menu, conﬁrm that Bluetooth is turned on and Show Notiﬁcations is turned on.

2. Select Text Message Alerts or Phone Call Alerts.

Press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to select an alert format. To turn oﬀ notiﬁcations, select oﬀ.

3. Select Sounds. Select On or Oﬀ.

Getting Started

Review Phone Bluetooth Notifications

Use the Views X-Press Menu to review notiﬁcations.

1. Press and hold the VIEW key.

Reviewing Phone Bluetooth Information

text

notiﬁcations

call

notiﬁcations

phone battery

power percentage

Adjust the Backlight

1. Press the POWER key.

2. Select Light.

3. Adjust the Backlight setting from Dim to 10 (brightest).

Start Standby Mode

To conserve power while the control head is not in-use, start Standby mode.

1. Press the POWER key.

2. Select Standby.

3. Press the RIGHT Cursor key.

4. Turn oﬀ: Press the POWER key.

Power O

phone carrier

signal strength

Use the following instructions to power oﬀ your control head. Your control head should always be turned oﬀ using the POWER key.

If you are currently navigating, you should save the current track before powering oﬀ.

Save the Current Track

1. Chart X-Press Menu: With a Chart View displayed on-screen, press the MENU key once.

2. Select Save Current Track.

3. Press the RIGHT Cursor key.

Power Off

1. Press and hold the POWER key.

Getting Started

HELIX C H

HELIX 5 SONAR G2, HELIX 5 DI G2, ICE HELIX 5 CHIRP G2

VIEW

EXIT

ICE HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2

The Control Head

HELIX 7 SONAR G2, HELIX 7 CHIRP DI G2

HELIX 7 G2/G2N and G3/G3N Series Models (with Internal GPS), ICE HELIX 7 CHIRP GPS G3/G3N

The Control Head

HELIX 8, 9, 10, 12 G2N/G3N/G4N Series

HELIX 15 G4N

The Control Head

Control Head Keys

The available keys are determined by your control head model. Your control head might not include all the keys shown in this section.

ZOOM I (+)/ZOOM O (–) 

Press the ZOOM keys to change the scale of the

view. For a closer view, press the ZOOM IN (+) key. For a wider view, press the ZOOM OUT (-) key. You can also magnify the cursor selection. You can also press these keys to adjust the sensitivity in sonar views (Sonar, DI, SI).

VIEW 

Press and hold the VIEW key to open the Views

X-Press menu, or press the VIEW key repeatedly until the view you want to use is displayed on the screen. Press the EXIT key to display the previous view. See Views for details.

CHECK/INFO 

In the Chart View, press the CHECK/INFO key to

see information about the cursor position or about objects located near the cursor position. If the cursor is not active, the Chart Info submenu will open. See Navigation Overview for details.

In Sonar Views, press this key once to switch

frequencies (if available). See each sonar section (Sonar, DI, SI) for details.

MARK 

Press the MARK key to save a waypoint at the boat

position. If the cursor is active, press the MARK key twice to save a waypoint at the cursor position. See Navigation Overview for details.

If a microSD or SD card is installed, press and hold

this key to save a Screen Snapshot. See Manage Screen Snapshots and Recordings for details.

MENU 

To open the X-Press Menu for the on-screen view and

operation mode, press the MENU key once. To open the Main Menu, press the MENU key twice. See Menu System Overview for details.

GO TO/M O (MOB) 

With an active cursor, press the GOTO key twice to

create a waypoint and start navigation towards that waypoint. If the cursor is not key, and choose

To start Man Overboard navigation, press and hold

the GOTO key. See Navigation Overview and Man Overboard (MOB) Navigation for details.

from the saved navigation data.

active,

press the GOTO

EXIT 

Press the EXIT key to close a menu, close a dialog

box, turn oﬀ an alarm, or exit Cursor mode.

Also, press the EXIT key to scroll through the View

Rotation in reverse order. See Views for details.

C C 

(LEFT, RIGHT, UP, or DOWN Cursor keys)

Press the arrows on the Cursor Control key

to move through the menu system, select menus, and change or activate menu settings. See Menu System Overview for details.

Also, press any arrow on the Cursor Control

key to move the cursor on the view.

To move the cursor diagonally, press in

between the arrows.

The Control Head

VIEW SHORTCUT 

Press and hold a VIEW SHORTCUT key to save a

shortcut to the on-screen view. You can save one view on each VIEW SHORTCUT key. See Views for details.

POWER 

Press the POWER key to power on the control head.

To power oﬀ, press and hold the

During operation, press the POWER key. The backlight

can be adjusted from this menu. You can also turn on/oﬀ Sonar, change the view background color, and start Standby mode.

POWER

key.

SD Card or microSD Card Slot

Your control head may be compatible with an SD or microSD card (separate purchase required). Use it to update software, add detailed charts to your control head, import/export navigation data, and save sonar recordings and screen snapshots. Use the instructions in this section to install the card.

Add Maps: see Chart Overview.

Import/Export Navigation data: See Manage your Navigation Data.

Sonar Recordings and Screen Snapshots: See Manage Screen Snapshots and Recordings.

Software Updates: For details, see Update Software.

CAUTION! Before the control head software is updated or restored to system defaults, export your navigation

Software

data (see

Update

Insert an SD Card

Follow these steps if your control head is compatible with SD cards.

1. Remove the SD card slot cover.

2. Position the SD card so that the label faces to the left.

3. Insert the card into the slot until it clicks into place.

4. Replace the slot cover so it is secure.

5. Remove: Press the card into the slot and then release it. The card will eject. Pull the card

carefully from the slot.

Insert the SD card with the

NOTE: Do not leave the SD card slot cover open. The slot cover should always be closed to

prevent water damage to the unit.

label facing to the left

Insert a microSD Card

Follow these steps if your control head is compatible with microSD cards.

1. Remove the microSD card slot cover.

2. Side Card Slot: Position the microSD card so that the label faces the front of the control head and the card notches face

down.

Front Card Slot: Position the microSD card so that the label faces to the left and the card notches face up.

3. Insert the card into the slot until it clicks into place.

4. Replace the slot cover so it is secure.

5. To Remove: Press the card into the slot and then release it. The card will eject. Pull the card carefully from the slot.

NOTE: Do not leave the card slot cover open. The slot cover should always be closed to prevent water damage to the unit.

The Control Head

Removing the microSD Card Slot Cover (HELIX 5, HELIX 7)

Installing a microSD Card (magniﬁed view)

(HELIX 5, HELIX 7)

The Control Head

notch facing down

U S

Register your product at humminbird.com so that you will receive the latest Humminbird news and software updates for your Humminbird model. You can also download HumminbirdPC, which allows you to manage your waypoints, routes, and tracks on your personal computer.

If your control head model does not include a microSD or SD card slot, you can use HumminbirdPC to update the control head software. Visit humminbird.com for details.

NOTE: It is important to back up your control head’s data ﬁles (waypoints, routes, tracks, groups, recordings, etc.) periodically.

Data ﬁles should also be saved to your PC before restoring the unit’s defaults or updating the software. See Manage your

Navigation Data:

contact Humminbird Technical Support with any questions.

Required Equipment: Personal computer with Internet access, and a formatted microSD or SD card. See HELIX Control Head for

compatibility details.

Register your Humminbird product and sign up to receive the latest Humminbird news, including software updates and new product announcements.

1. Go to our Web site at humminbird.com and click Support > Register your Product.

2. Follow the on-screen instructions to register your product.

Import/Export Navigation Data

and Manage Screen Snapshots and Recordings for more information. Also,

Update the Control Head Software

Use the following instructions to download software updates from humminbird.com.

1. Install a formatted microSD or SD card into the slot on your PC.

2. Download: Click Support > Software Updates. The available software updates are listed as Downloads under each product.

• Under Downloads, click the ﬁle name. Conﬁrm the ﬁle name is for your control head model.

• Read the instructions in the dialog box and select Download.

• Follow the on-screen prompts to save the software ﬁle to the microSD or SD card.

3. Install the microSD or SD card with the updated software ﬁle into the control head card slot.

4. Power On: The control head will recognize the new software and run through a series of prompts to conﬁrm the software

installation.

Update Software

M S O

xx11

The menu system provides menu options that are determined by the operations mode, on-screen view, and connected accessories.

Open an X-Press Menu

The X-Press Menu displays menus that are related to the on-screen view and the operations mode (such as navigation). In this illustration, the Sonar X-Press Menu is displayed because the Sonar View is displayed on the screen.

Open the X-Press Menu

1. Press the VIEW key repeatedly until the view you want is displayed on-screen.

2. Press the MENU key once.

Opening the Sonar X-Press Menu

Open the Main Menu

The main menu is divided into tabbed categories (Alarms, Sonar, Navigation, Chart, Humminbird Chart, Setup, Views, and Accessories). The available tabs and menus are determined by your model and the connected accessories.

Opening the Main Menu

Open the Main Menu

1. Press the MENU key twice.

Menu System Overview

Select a Menu

Use the Cursor Control key to select a menu in the Main Menu or X-Press Menu.

Select a Tab (Main Menu) Select a Menu

1. Press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys. 1. Press the DOWN or UP Cursor keys.

Select a Tab

Select a Menu

Change a Menu Setting

Use the Cursor Control key to change menu settings or start an action. When you change a menu setting, the view will update immediately.

Adjust a Menu Setting

1. Press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys.

Change a Menu Setting

Menu System Overview

Start an Action/Open a Submenu

1. If a menu has a right arrow on it, press the RIGHT Cursor key to start the action or open the submenu.

Tips for Using the Menu System

You can move through the menu system quickly using the following tips.

Jump to the Bottom of the Tab

Start an Action or Open a Submenu

Jump to the Top of the Tab

Menu System Overview

See More Menus

Change the User Mode (Angler or Custom)

The User Mode determines how many menus are shown in the menu system. Select Angler to see fewer menus that are used more often. Select Custom to see all the menus available in the menu system.

Main Menu (Custom User Mode): Instructions in this manual marked with Main Menu (Custom User Mode) indicate that the menu system User Mode must be set to Custom for the selected menu to be shown. If you do not see the menu in the system, change the User Mode to Custom.

Change the User Mode

1. Main Menu: Press the MENU key twice.

2. Select the Setup tab.

3. Select User Mode.

4. Select Angler or Custom.

Main Menu: Sonar Tab

(User Mode set to Angler)

Main Menu: Sonar Tab

(User Mode set to Custom)

Close the Menu System

Use the EXIT key to go back through the menu system or close the menu system.

Back: Press the EXIT key to close the current menu and go back one level in the menu system.

Close: Press the EXIT key repeatedly until the menu system is closed.

Menu System Overview

V

The HELIX control head has many options to display data on-screen, and the data can be displayed in a variety of ways. There are also several ways to quickly display a view on-screen. To see the list of views available on your control head, see Show your Favorite Views.

Display a View

The available views are determined by the control head model, installed transducer, and connected accessories.

Display a View from the Views X-Press Menu

1. Press and hold the VIEW key.

2. Select a view category. Press the RIGHT Cursor key.

3. Select a view. Press the RIGHT Cursor key.

Selecting a View to Display on the Screen

Press and Hold to Open

the Views X-Press Menu

Views

OR OR

Forward: Press to go

to the Next View

Back: Press to go to

the Previous View

Press to Display

a Saved View

+ 300 hidden pages