Humminbird HELIX Installation Manual
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HELIX® SERIES CONTROL HEAD Installation Guide
Use the instructions in this installation guide to gimbal mount the control head.
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Read the instructions in this guide completely to understand the installation requirements before
beginning the installation.
Supplies: In addition to the hardware supplied with your control head, you will need a 3 Amp fuse,
powered hand drill and various drill bits, Phillips head screwdriver, pencil, safety glasses and dust
mask, marine-grade silicone sealant, dielectric grease (optional), extension cables (optional),
Ethernet cables (optional), and accessory cables (optional). Also, see Connect the Control Head
to Power to determine the type of connection and equipment you will need for the installation.
Accessories and Ethernet: Accessories and Ethernet equipment are available for purchase at
humminbird.com. The installation guides are available with the product, or they can be downloaded
from our Web site.
HELIX GPS: The transducer installation instructions in this guide do not apply to the chartplotter
model.
Visit our Web site at humminbird.com for additional information and resources. Also, visit
youtube.com/humminbirdtv for informational videos.
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Install the Gimbal Knobs
bracket arm
| Plan the Mounting Location
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1. Install the gimbal knobs into each side of the control head. Tighten the knobs just enough so
you can slide the control head into the gimbal bracket arms.
2. Place the assembled control head in various locations to determine the best mounting location
with the following requirements:
Δ a stable, protected surface to protect the control head from excessive wave shock, vibration,
and water
Δ sufficient space for the control head tilt range
Δ visibility during operation, as well as easy installation and removal
Δ access above and below the mounting surface to pass the cables through to the control
head
Δ space for the 1" (25 mm) cable hole, under the bracket or 2" to 4" (50 to 100 mm) behind
the chosen mounting location
3. Test route all cables (transducer, power, accessory, Ethernet) to the control head mounting
location.
4. After you have selected the mounting location, loosen the gimbal knobs and remove the control
head from the gimbal bracket.
| Install the Gimbal Bracket
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1. Place the gimbal bracket in the chosen position on the mounting surface. Mark the four
mounting screw locations using a pencil or center punch.
2. Set the gimbal bracket aside and drill the four mounting screw holes using a 9/64" (3.5 mm)
drill bit.
3. To run the cables through a hole under the bracket, mark and drill a 1" (25 mm) hole, centered
between the four mounting holes. Press the grommet into place on the hole. Proceed to
Connect the Control Head to Power. You will complete the bracket installation (steps 4 and 5)
after you route the cables to the control head.
gimbal knob
Planning for the Cable Hole
behind the bracket (shown)
or under the bracket
Planning for the Tilt Range
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HELIX® SERIES CONTROL HEAD Installation Guide
To run the cables through a hole close to the bracket, mark and drill a 1" (25 mm) hole 2" to 4"
(50 to 100 mm) near the bracket. Press the grommet into place on the hole.
Install the Gimbal Bracket
screws
back
front
bracket hole(s)
4. Place the mounting bracket on the mounting surface aligned with the drilled holes, and fill the
mounting holes with marine-grade silicone sealant. Insert the four #8 x 1.25" (32 mm) screws
into the mounting holes. Hand-tighten only!
5. Slide the control head into the bracket. Adjust the control head viewing angle as needed, and
tighten the gimbal knobs until the assembly is secured. Hand-tighten only!
under the bracket cable route
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| Connect the Control Head to Power
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It is important to review the following information before you start the power installation:
Δ Cable Length: A 6' (2 m) long power cable is included. You may shorten or lengthen the cable
using multi-stranded copper wire. See the Recommended Power Cable Extension Information
table for details.
Recommended Power Cable Extension Information
Extension Length Wire Gauge
1 to 6 ft 18 AWG
6 to 12 ft 14 AWG
12 to 24 ft 12 AWG
Please consult a U.S. Coast Guard ABYC-approved wire gauge
diagram or a certified NMEA Marine Electronics Installer.
Δ Power Supply: The control head must be connected to a 12 VDC power supply using a 3 Amp fuse.
Δ Fuse Panel or Battery: The control head power cable can be connected to the electrical system
of the boat at the fuse panel (usually located near the console), or directly to the battery. In
order to minimize the potential for interference with other marine electronics, a separate power
source (such as a second battery) may be necessary.
WARNING! Some boats have 24 or 36 Volt electric systems, but the control head MUST be connected
to a 12 VDC power supply.
WARNING! Make sure that the power cable is disconnected from the control head at the beginning
of this procedure.
WARNING! 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.
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HELIX® SERIES CONTROL HEAD Installation Guide
1. Confirm that the power cable is disconnected from the control head.
2. Connect the power cable wires to the fuse panel or battery as follows:
Fuse Terminal Connection: 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).
Battery Connection: Install an inline fuse holder (not included) and a 3 Amp fuse (not included).
Attach the black wire to ground (–), and the red wire to positive (+) 12 VDC power.
NOTE: For multi-control head installations and troubleshooting information, download the Power
Troubleshooting Guide from our Web site at humminbird.com. Also, see the Operations Summary
Guide to set the Low Battery Alarm and use Standby Mode to conserve power.
| Route and Connect the Cables
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1. Sonar Models: Connect the transducer cable to the transducer port on the control head. The
ports are labeled and the connectors are keyed to prevent incorrect installation, so do not force
the connector into the wrong port.
NOTE: See your transducer installation guide for details on routing the transducer cable.
Optional: If you are installing the Speed Sensor accessory, you will need the Sonar/Speed
Y-Cable (separate purchase required). Connect the transducer cable connector and the speed
sensor cable connector to the corresponding connectors on the Y-Cable.
2. Accessories (optional): Install optional accessories using the guides provided with them.
3. Ethernet Models (optional): Install Ethernet cables and hardware using the Ethernet Installation
Guide.
4. Route all cables (power, transducer, accessories, Ethernet) to the control head. Your boat may
have a pre-existing wiring channel or conduit that you can follow. Route the cables as far as
practical from the antenna cable of VHF radios or tachometer cables to reduce the possibility
of interference.
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Fuse Terminal Connection
POSITIVE
GROUND
Battery Connection
inline fuse holder
CAUTION! Do NOT mount the cables where the connectors could be submerged in water or flooded.
If cables are installed in a splash-prone area, it may be helpful to apply dielectric grease to the
inside of the connectors to prevent corrosion. Dielectric grease can be purchased separately from
a general hardware or automotive store.
5. Pass the cables through the cable hole.
If you routed the cables through a hole under the bracket, finish the bracket and control head
installation. See Install the Gimbal Bracket, step 4 and step 5.
6. Insert the cable connectors into the correct ports on the control head. Refer to the illustration
that matches the number of ports on your control head.
Control Head with 3 Ports Control Head with 4 Ports (includes Ethernet)
COM
(communications)
Power
Optional: Use a Y-Cable to connect
Transducer and Speed Sensor Accessory
Transducer
Ethernet
Power
Optional: Use a Y-Cable to connect
Transducer and Speed Sensor Accessory
COM
(communications)
Transducer
7. Confirm there is enough cable slack to allow for the control head to pivot through its full tilt
range and for connecting or disconnecting the cables.
Routing Cables to the Control Head
grommet
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