Insignia 450TX User Manual
Operations Manual
THANK YOU
Cal
Werry
Digitally signed
by Cal Werry
DN: cn=Cal
Werry,
o=Techsonic,
ou=Graphics,
c=US
Date: 2001.11.06
12:15:50 -04'00'
Reason:
Document is
released
Signature
Not
Verified
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 Guarantee - free of
charge during the first year after purchase, and available at
a reasonable rate after the one-year period. Complete
details are included at the end of this manual.
We encourage you to read this operations manual carefully
in order to get full benefit from all the features and uses of
your Humminbird product. Also, to register your purchase
and help us learn more about you, please fill out the
warranty registration card at the back of this manual.
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.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1: INSTALLATION PREPARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Parts Supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Alternative Transducers and Mounting Methods. . . . . . 4
Transducer Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Section 2: USING THE 450TX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
How Sonar Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Simulator Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
What You See On Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Control Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Menu Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Section 3: ADVANCED FEATURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Using Diagnostic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Using Alternative Transducers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Section 5: MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Maintenance and Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
PN530977-1 Rev. 11015E
INSTALLATION PREPARATION
PARTS SUPPLIED
PARTS SUPPLIED
Before installing your 450TX, please ensure the following parts are included
in the box:
• 450TX fishfinder
• Transducer with 6m (20') of cable and mounting hardware kit
• Mounting system and mounting hardware kit
• 2m (6') power cable
• Publications kit
If any of these items is missing, contact your local distributor.
ACCESSORIES
Humminbird offers a wide assortment of accessories that complement and
expand the capability of your new 450TX. These accessories are designed
with the same high standards and are backed by the same one-year
warranty. The Humminbird Accessory catalog included with your unit
contains descriptions of the many accessories available and ordering
information. All Humminbird accessories are available through your fullservice Humminbird dealer.
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
The 450TX consists of two primary components to install: the control head
and the transducer.
The control head contains the sonar transmit and receive circuitry, as well
as the user controls and display. It should be installed in a location that
provides access to the controls and visibility while in use. The control head
mounts on a quick disconnect mounting system that swivels and tilts
providing flexibility for viewing from almost anywhere on the boat.
The transducer converts electrical energy from the transmitter into
mechanical pulses or sound waves. The transducer also receives the
reflected sound waves and converts them back into electrical signals for
2
INSTALLATION PREPARATION
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
display on the control head. It should be installed in contact with the
surface of the water in an area that has smooth water flow - usually on the
transom of the boat. There are several mounting options for the
transducer. Review the following section to determine the method that
works for you and your boat.
Determining How to Mount the Transducer
The 450TX includes a model XT-6-TB-90
transducer. This transducer can be
mounted on the transom of the boat, or
bonded to the inside of a fiberglass hull
boat.
The transom installation, which is the
most widely used, places the transducer
on the outside of the boat hull. This
technique produces the least signal loss,
and provides a way to adjust the
transducer after installation. The
mounting hardware included is designed
to protect both the boat and the
transducer should the boat strike debris
in the water or when trailering.
Transom Mounted Transducer
Inside the Hull Mounted Transducer
As an alternative to transom
mounting, it is possible on many
fiberglass-hulled boats to glue the
transducer on the inside of the boat
hull. Since fiberglass has similar sonar
characteristics as water, the sonar
signal can pass through the boat hull
with minimal loss. The hull of the
boat must be single layer
construction (not double-hulled).
Also, any air trapped in the
lamination of the fiberglass would
prevent the sonar signal from passing
through.
3
INSTALLATION PREPARATION
ALTERNATE TRANSDUCERS AND MOUNTING METHODS
Inside the hull installations require no holes be drilled into the boat and
through experimentation, high-speed operation comparable to transom
mounting can be achieved. Two part, slow cure epoxy is required to glue
the transducer in place.
ALTERNATE TRANSDUCERS AND MOUNTING METHODS
The 450TX comes with everything necessary for installation and operation
on most boats. However, there are several situations which may require a
different type of transducer. Inboard boats, wood or metal hulls, and sail
boats create unique transducer mounting needs. Alternate transducers and
mounting methods are detailed below.
Portable Mounting
The standard transducer can be adapted for
portable installations using part number
MHX-PT2. This accessory adapts your transducer to a suction cup mount for temporary
installation on the boat hull or other surface.
Trolling Motor Mounting
The standard transducer can also be adapted
to mount on most trolling motors using part
number AD-STM-7. This accessory includes a
bracket and hose clamp that allows mounting
the transducer to the body of most trolling
motors.
Thru-Hull Mounting
Thru-hull transducers install through a hole
drilled in the hull of the boat. Larger boats or
boats with inboard motors create turbulence
that make transom mounting ineffective.
Also, hulls that are very thick or are double
layered, or made from materials such as
4
INSTALLATION PREPARATION
TRANSDUCER EXCHANGE
wood or metal, (which do not conduct sonar signals) make inside the hull
mounting inadvisable.
Thru-hull mounting may require the use of a fairing block to level the
transducer with the waterline. Also, since special tools and knowledge may
be required to perform this type of installation it is best to refer to a
qualified marine technician.
TRANSDUCER EXCHANGE
Other transducers are available as replacements for the standard
transducer. You may exchange your new and unassembled transducer for
another type by returning it to your local distributor. Some transducers may
have additional costs. Refer to the Accessory catalog or contact your local
distributor.
BEGINNING INSTALLATION
Now that you have determined the transducer mounting method, you can
begin installation of the 450TX. The fold out installation guide included
provides detailed step by step instructions for installation of the control
head and transducer. For transom mount transducer installations, you will
need the mounting template at the front of this manual.
In addition to the parts included you need the following for installation and
operation:
•A powered hand drill and various drill bits
• Phillips and flat-head screw drivers
• A ruler or measuring tape
• Pen or pencil
• 12 volt power source (your boat’s battery)
• A 1-amp fuse
• A fuse holder (if you are wiring directly to the boat’s battery)
• Silicone sealant (for sealing drilled holes)
• 2-part, slow-cure epoxy (for inside the hull transducer installations)
5
USING THE 450TX
HOW SONAR WORKS
HOW SONAR WORKS
Your Humminbird unit uses sonar to
locate and define underwater objects,
define the bottom terrain, as well as
determine distance.
Sonar technology is based on sound
waves. Your Humminbird unit sends
out a sound wave signal. With this
signal it determines distance by
measuring the time between the
transmission of the sound wave and
when the sound wave is reflected off
an object. Your Humminbird uses the
reflected signal to interpret location,
size and composition of an object.
Sonar is very fast. A sound wave can travel from the surface to a depth of
70m (240') and back again in less than ¹⁄₄ of a second. It is unlikely that
your boat can "outrun" this sonar signal.
The 450TX is a dual frequency, tri-beam unit, and generates three distinct
sonar signals - one narrow, two wide. Each signal is optimized for a
particular purpose. First, the center beam transmits at a frequency of 200
kHz in a 20 degree (narrow) symmetrical pattern for greater depth
capability and excellent detail. Information from this center beam is used to
draw the graphic representation of the bottom on the display.
The left and right beams are generated at 455 kHz for increased sonar
resolution and are shaped in an elliptical pattern for greater area of
coverage. Information from these two beams in conjunction with the
center beam is used to accurately detect the presence and location of fish.
The combination of the three beams and dual frequencies, provides the
best possible combination of a large area of coverage and a high level of
detail.
6
USING THE 450TX
SIMULATOR OPERATION
Actual depth capability depends on factors such as bottom hardness, water
conditions, and transducer installation. Units will typically read to deeper
depths in fresh water than in salt water
SIMULATOR OPERATION
The 450TX contains a simulator that allows
you to use the unit as if you are on the
water. The simulator is invaluable for
learning how to operate the 450TX.
There are two ways to start the simulator. If
the unit is powered off, press and hold the
POWER button for approximately three
seconds until you hear a continuous chirp.
The simulator can also be started by selecting the
Simulator option on the start-up screen after you
power-up the unit. When this screen is shown,
simply press the DOWN ARROW until “Simulator”
is highlighted. When the screen times out, the unit
will be in simulator mode.
Once the Simulator mode is selected, the next
screen will allow you to select either “down”
simulator or “side” simulator. The “down” selection simulates normal
operation of the unit with the Tri-beam transducer connected. “Down”
simulator is the default setting, so if no adjustment is made, the down
simulator will be selected. The “side” simulator simulates operation with a
Wide Side transducer connected. This is an excellent way to see if you like
the way the unit works using the optional Wide Side transducer.
When in simulator operation, the 450TX responds to control inputs as if it
is in actual operation, so feel free to experiment, or to customize the unit
for your particular operation.
To exit Simulator mode, power the unit off.
7
USING THE 450TX
WHAT YOU SEE ON-SCREEN
FEATURE MEMORY
If your 450TX is installed with a transducer connected, any changes you
make to the set-up or User Options (see Control Functions) while in
Simulator are retained in the unit’s memory. This allows you to use
simulator to experiment with the various set-up options, and retain your
selected settings for normal operation.
If you are using the 450TX in Simulator when no transducer is connected,
any selected options are lost when the unit is powered off. The 450TX will
return to Factory Settings, or options selected when last used with a
transducer, if no transducer is connected.
IMPORTANT: A transducer must be connected to the 450TX in
order to retain user settings selected when in simulator mode. If
no transducer is detected, the unit defaults to pre-selected
options when powered off.
What You See On-Screen
Your 450TX uses a 160 x 160 matrix FSTN LCD display. This display provides
outstanding viewability in all light conditions over a wide range of
temperatures.
At initial power-up, the 450TX uses settings that were set at the factory.
After initial use, the 450TX will remember the settings you enter.
There are several elements
on-screen that are common
to all modes of operation.
Temperature/Speed. The
initial screen layout takes one
of two basic forms depending
on whether the optional
Temp/Speed accessory is
installed. Figure A shows the
default view when the
Temp/Speed accessory is
Figure A
8
USING THE 450TX
WHAT YOU SEE ON-SCREEN
installed. Figure B shows the
Bottom Depiction
Zero Line
default view when the
Temp/Speed accessory is not
installed.
Depth. The digital depth number
shows the water depth directly
beneath the transducer location.
Depth Range. The depth range
is shown to the right of the
screen. The upper number is 0
m
indicating the surface of the
water. The lower number is one
of the nine depth ranges available
that best match the depth of the
Water Depth
Depth Range
Figure B
water. As the depth of the water changes, the range changes as necessary
in order to retain a bottom representation on-screen.
When in Auto mode, the horizontal line at the top of the screen is the
“zero line,” representing the surface of the water. Occasionally there is a
gap in this line. This gap indicates
the unit is updating the display
Surface Clutter Rocky Bottom
even if the bottom is not visible
on-screen, or if the bottom
information is not changing.
New sonar information appears on
the right side of the graphic area of
the display and moves to the left as
new information is displayed. The
450TX automatically selects the
appropriate depth range to show the
depth of water beneath the
transducer. This range is selected so
the bottom representation is typically
shown about ²⁄₃ down the display.
Hard Bottom Soft Bottom
9
USING THE 450TX
WHAT YOU SEE ON SCREEN
Bottom. The graphic depiction of the bottom provides the user with an
effective tool for understanding the composition of the bottom. The FSTN
type display uses 4 discrete levels of gray to indicate the intensity of the
returned sonar signal. The 450TX can display even the smallest sonar
returns with light gray pixels. Larger returns are displayed with darker
shades of gray. If the bottom is hard and smooth, the bottom depiction is
narrow and dense. If the bottom is soft mud or sand, the depiction will be
thick and less dense. This indicates that much of the signal is absorbed by
the soft bottom. If the bottom is rocky or rugged in composition, the
depiction is of varying density and textured in appearance.
Wave action also affects the bottom depiction. The information drawn is a
distance measurement, so if the boat is moving up and down over flat
bottom, the bottom depiction often appears in regular variations that match
wave timing.
Structure. Structure is defined as any object physically attached to the
bottom. The sonar configuration of the 450TX is optimized to give the most
accurate depiction of bottom structure possible. Grass, trees, stumps,
wrecks or other debris are accurately displayed, however the depiction of
these objects varies with boat speed and direction. The best way to learn to
interpret structure is to operate the 450TX over a variety of known
conditions and experiment with user functions to best represent those
conditions on-screen.
Surface Clutter. Surface clutter is the layer of water near the surface that
is rich in algae and other growth, and often is aerated by wind or wave
action. This area of water
interferes with sonar
transmission and often
appears on-screen as regular
clusters of individual dots near
the “0” line.
Thermoclines. Thermoclines
are sharp differences in water
temperature. These are easily
identified by the continuous
nature of the return.
Thermocline Second Return
10
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