Humminbird i-PILOT LINK Operation Manual

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Operation manual (133 pages)

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Alfred Abramowski

March 11, 2025

How to use i-Pilot lock / unlock

1 comments:

Mr. Anderson

May 14, 2025

To use the i-Pilot lock and unlock on Humminbird LINK:

1. To lock only the touch screen: Go to the System tab and double-tap the "Lock Touch Screen" option. The touch screen will be locked, but buttons will still work.

2. To lock both the touch screen and buttons: After the touch screen is locked, press the button with the pointing finger icon. This will also lock the buttons.

3. To unlock: Press and hold the pointing finger button. This unlocks the buttons but leaves the touch screen locked until unlocked separately.

To fully unlock the remote:
1. Use the System Navigate button to unlock.
2. Confirm with the Power/OK (check mark) button.

This answer is automatically generated

Summary of Contents for Humminbird i-PILOT LINK

Page 1 HELIX ® ™ ® ILOT Operations Guide...
Page 2 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. For complete details, see the separate warranty card included with your unit. We encourage you to read this operations manual carefully in order to get the full beneﬁt from all the features and applications of your Humminbird product.
Page 3 Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device without notice. may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept NOTE: Humminbird verifies maximum stated depth in saltwater any interference received, including interference that may cause conditions, however actual depth performance may vary due to undesired operation.
Page 4 HELIX control head to communicate with each other, delivering unprecedented levels of automatic navigation. Find, store, and revisit your most productive ﬁshing spots and tracks, taking control of it all from either the i-Pilot Link wireless remote control or directly from the HELIX control head. Add an i-Pilot compatible Humminbird LakeMaster map card or AutoChart ZeroLine map card, and unlock the ability to automatically follow depth contours for even higher levels of boat control.
Page 5 | Confirm Installation of i-Pilot Link Controller and Remote 1. Use your i-Pilot Link Owner’s Manual to conﬁrm the trolling motor is correctly installed and mounted to the bow of the boat. 2. The boat and trolling motor must be located outside and have a direct view of the sky to obtain GPS satellite signals.
Page 6 Connect the i-Pilot Link to the HELIX Control Head Use the following instructions to connect the i-Pilot Link to the installed HELIX control head. If you purchased the Humminbird Ethernet Switch, install it using the instructions in the included installation guide.
Page 7 | Confirm i-Pilot Link Connection on the HELIX Control Head After connecting the i-Pilot Link to the HELIX control head, it is important to conﬁrm the connection on the HELIX control head. All equipment should be connected and powered before you turn on the HELIX control head.
Page 8 Conﬁrm GPS Fix Type is shown as Enhanced or 3D. Conﬁrm that the latitude/longitude position readout is displayed. NOTE: To confirm the GPS signal on the i-Pilot Link, see the i-Pilot Link Owner’s Manual. Reviewing GPS Reception active satellite signal strength (yellow)
Page 9 Control Head Software: Version 1.35 or later is required to use the i-Pilot Link with the HELIX control head. To check the software version installed on your control head, press and hold the VIEW key. Select System > Accessory Test.
Page 10 | Update the Control Head Software Use the following instructions to download software updates from your account. 1. Install a formatted microSD or SD card into the slot on your PC. For card compatibility type, see your control head operations manual. 2.
Page 11 To use the i-Pilot Link with the control head, the i-Pilot Navigation menu must be turned on. When i-Pilot Navigation is turned on, the related i-Pilot Link menus will be added to the menu system. If i-Pilot Navigation is turned oﬀ, the control head will operate with its traditional Humminbird navigation features.
Page 12 | Turn on/off Prop Auto On When Prop Auto On is turned on, the i-Pilot Link will start the selected navigation mode as soon as it is selected. The propeller will turn on at the current speed setting. If the Prop Auto On menu is turned on, but the propeller is not turning, the speed might be set to 0.
Page 13 Install a Map Card (optional) Use a Humminbird map card to provide detailed maps, depth contours, etc. on the chart views. To use Follow the Contour, an i-Pilot Link-compatible Humminbird map card must be installed and selected as the map source.
Page 14 Level Oﬀset setting, and the water level oﬀset will be highlighted in brown to extend the land visually on the display. NOTE: A Humminbird LakeMaster map card must be installed and selected as the map source to enable these features.
Page 15 The i-Pilot Pre-Arrival Alarm provides an alert when the boat is within the set distance to the destination point in a waypoint, route, or iTrack. For example, if i-Pilot Link is navigating an iTrack, and the Pre-Arrival Alarm is set to 100 feet, the alert will trigger when the boat is within 100 feet from the iTrack End Point.
Page 16 Adjust the i-Pilot Off Course (XTE) Alarm The i-Pilot Oﬀ Course (XTE) Alarm provides an alert when the boat has traveled outside the selected route. You can set how far the boat is allowed to move oﬀ course before the alarm is triggered. 1.
Page 17 Link navigation in progress Show i-Pilot Status Icons When the Digital Readouts menu is set to Boxes, the i-Pilot Link status icons will display on the Chart View during navigation. 1. Main Menu: Press the MENU key twice. Select the Setup tab.
Page 18 Label Name Description Bearing Bearing The direction to a destination waypoint measured in degrees from north. The direction the boat is traveling measured in degrees from North. When the COG is equal Course Over Ground to Bearing, the boat is said to be on course and will arrive at the destination in the most (Course) eﬃcient manner.
Page 19 NOTE: A Humminbird LakeMaster map card must be installed and selected as the map source to enable these features. For details and additional features related to your LakeMaster map card, visit our Web site to download the accessory guide.
Page 20 Display or hide the water contour lines in the Chart View. This feature is also aﬀected by the Water Level Oﬀset setting. See Select a Map Source: Set up Humminbird LakeMaster. 1. Main Menu: Press the MENU key twice. Select the HB Chart tab.
Page 21 If you have an Ulterra trolling motor installed, you can deploy or stow the motor using the X-Press Remote on the HELIX control head. See your i-Pilot Link Owner's Manual for details. WARNING! Before you deploy or stow the motor, confirm the motor is clear from obstructions and has a clear path of travel. The propeller is disabled while the motor is being trimmed to prevent accidental contact with the rotating propeller.
Page 22 VERVIEW i-Pilot Link uses GPS satellite signals as well as digital compass data to know where it is, where it is heading, and the direction the motor is pointing. In simple terms, i-Pilot Link remembers and creates points to navigate your boat automatically.
Page 23 Open the i-Pilot X-Press Remote Open the i-Pilot X-Press Remote The menus for steering, propeller speed, propeller on/oﬀ, and cruise control are available on the X-Press Remote. The X-Press Remote can be accessed from any view. This section is an overview. Each navigation mode is detailed throughout this manual. See Propeller Controls for more information. 1.
Page 24 Using the i-Pilot X-Press Remote Jump Select a Menu to the Top...
Page 25 8. Switch to the Chart View Pane: Press the MENU key once. Select Active Pane > Left. WARNING! Beware of pressing the Cursor Control keys and moving the i-Pilot Link accidentally. Pressing the Cursor Control keys with the i-Pilot X-Press Remote pane Steer/Prop Menu selected will cancel the current navigation mode and switch the i-Pilot...
Page 26 A turning propeller can cause injury. Open the Go To Menu Use the Go To menu to select an i-Pilot Link navigation mode and start i-Pilot navigation. This section is an overview. Each navigation mode is detailed throughout this manual.
Page 27 Control Head: Set the Arrival Mode. Cancel i-Pilot Link Navigation (Disengage) When i-Pilot Link navigation is in progress, whether with an iTrack, Spot-Lock, route, etc., you can cancel navigation at any time using the following instructions. WARNING! When you cancel i-Pilot Link navigation, be prepared to take manual control of the boat.
Page 28 Start or Stop the Propeller The propeller must be started to start navigation with the i-Pilot Link. You can start the propeller manually each time you start i- Pilot navigation, or you can set the propeller to turn on automatically when i-Pilot Link navigation is initiated (see Conﬁgure i-Pilot with the Control Head: Turn on/oﬀ...
Page 29 Use the following instructions to steer manually using the X-Press Remote on the HELIX control head. WARNING! When you use the X-Press Remote to steer, you are taking manual control of the i-Pilot Link, and the current navigation mode will be canceled (with the exception of recording an iTrack).
Page 30 Increase or Decrease Speed Use the following instructions to adjust the i-Pilot link trolling motor speed manually using the X-Press Remote on the HELIX control head. When the Steer/Prop Menu is selected, you can use the +/-ZOOM keys to adjust the speed.
Page 31 Engage High Speed Bypass (HSB) Use High Speed Bypass to automatically set the propeller speed to 10. WARNING! Watch for a turning propeller and be prepared for boat movement when working with High Speed Bypass. High Speed Bypass will automatically increase the propeller speed to 10 even if the engagement is accidental. A turning propeller can cause injury. Engage High Speed Bypass 1.
Page 32 RUISE ONTROL Cruise Control helps to compensate for the variations in external forces that aﬀect the speed over ground and keeps the boat traveling at an even speed. When Cruise Control is engaged, the current speed over ground becomes the Target Speed. Cruise Control works to control the propeller speed to match the Speed Over Ground to the Target Speed.
Page 33 Adjust Cruise Control Speed 1. Open the X-Press Remote: Press the POWER key. 2. Conﬁrm the Steer/Prop Menu is selected. 3. To increase the target propeller speed, press the + key. To decrease the target propeller speed, press the − key. Disengage Cruise Control 1.
Page 34 If i-Pilot Link sees it is within the circle, it will adjust the motor speed to zero. If i-Pilot Link sees it is outside of the circle, it will control motor speed in an attempt to get the boat back into the circle. If you select Spot-Lock while navigating a route, BackTrack, iTrack, or contour, navigation will be paused on the Spot-Lock.
Page 35 Mark and Save a Spot-Lock Use the following instructions to mark a Spot-Lock at the boat position. The Spot-Lock will be saved, but navigation will not start. The Spot-Lock is saved to the Waypoint Management dialog box. You can edit the name, etc. See Edit a Saved Spot-Lock for more information.
Page 36 Engaging Spot-Lock at the Boat Position Spot-Lock name (SL) Spot-Lock navigation mode boat icon (stationary) Press Twice to Spot-Lock at Vessel...
Page 37 Engage Spot-Lock at the Cursor Position You can mark a Spot-Lock at a position within 1/4 mile from the boat. When the boat reaches the position, it will Spot-Lock until you cancel navigation. If the position is more than 1/4 mile away, it will be marked as a Spot-Lock, but navigation will not start. 1.
Page 38 Navigate to a Saved Spot-Lock If a saved Spot-Lock is within 1/4 mile of the boat position, you can start navigation towards it. Spot-Lock will engage automatically when the boat reaches the destination Spot-Lock. See the illustration Navigating to a Spot-Lock at the Cursor Position. 1.
Page 39 Use Jog while Spot-Lock is engaged to move 5 feet from the engaged Spot-Lock position. Spot-Lock Jog is only available with a heading sensor. See the i-Pilot Link Owner’s Manual for more information. 1. Open the X-Press Remote: Press the POWER KEY.
Page 40 Left or Right WARNING! Beware of pressing the Cursor Control keys and moving the i-Pilot Link accidentally. Pressing the Cursor Control keys with the i-Pilot X-Press Remote pane Steer/Prop Menu selected will cancel the current navigation mode and switch the i-Pilot...
Page 41 3. Select the Spot-Lock name from the X-Press Menu. Press the RIGHT Cursor key. 4. Select Delete. Press the RIGHT Cursor key. NOTE: You can also delete saved Spot-Locks from the Waypoint Management dialog box. See Manage your i-Pilot Link Navigation Data for more information.
Page 42 Changing the Spot-Lock Name Save Move from Space to Space Select a Letter, Number, or Symbol Convert a Spot-Lock to a Waypoint A Spot-Lock can be edited from the Chart View or the Waypoint Management dialog box (see Manage your i-Pilot Navigation Data). A Spot-Lock can be changed to a waypoint by changing the icon, or you can change a waypoint to a Spot-Lock by changing the icon to a Spot-Lock icon.
Page 43 Waypoints are saved latitude/longitude positions. They mark a position of interest, such as your favorite ﬁshing area, structure, or marker buoy. Waypoints work similar to Spot-Locks. When i-Pilot Link navigates waypoints, it takes control over all steering functions. Speed can be manually controlled or Cruise Control can be used. You can save a combination of 2,750 Spot-Locks and waypoints on your HELIX control head.
Page 44 Marking a Waypoint at the Cursor Position cursor position distance to cursor position bearing to cursor position cursor digital readouts cursor Press Twice to Move the Cursor Mark a Waypoint...
Page 45 Start Navigation to a Saved Waypoint or Position If a saved waypoint is within 1/4 mile of the boat position, you can start i-Pilot Link navigation towards it. 1. Use the Cursor Control key to move the cursor to a waypoint or position on the chart.
Page 46 3. Select the waypoint name from the X-Press Menu. Press the RIGHT Cursor key. 4. Select Delete. Press the RIGHT Cursor key. NOTE: You can also delete saved waypoints from the Waypoint Management dialog box. See Manage your i-Pilot Link Navigation Data for more information.
Page 47 Changing the Waypoint Name Save Move from Space to Space Select a Letter, Number, or Symbol...
Page 48 Convert a Waypoint to a Spot-Lock A waypoint can be edited from the Chart View or the Waypoint Management dialog box (see Manage your i-Pilot Navigation Data). A Spot-Lock can be changed to a waypoint by changing the icon, or you can change a waypoint to a Spot-Lock by changing the icon to a Spot-Lock icon.
Page 49 Circle Mode allows you to navigate a set point in a circle, either clockwise or counterclockwise. You can also adjust the circle radius. Circle Mode cannot be activated from the i-Pilot Link remote, but the direction of travel, radius of the circle can be adjusted, and the function can be exited using the i-Pilot Link remote.
Page 50 Navigate in Circle Mode You can start Circle Mode at the vessel position or the cursor position. During Circle Mode navigation, you can also use Cruise Control (see Cruise Control). Start Circle Mode at the Vessel Position 1. Press the GO TO key. 2.
Page 51 Start Circle Mode at the Cursor Position The boat must be within 1/4 mile of the cursor position to begin Circle Mode navigation. 1. Use the Cursor Control key to move the cursor to a position on the chart. 2. Press the GO TO key. 3.
Page 52 Adjust Circle Mode Settings Reverse Direction during Circle Mode 1. During Circle Mode Navigation, press the GO TO key. 2. Select Reverse Navigation. 3. Press the RIGHT Cursor key. CAUTION! Be prepared for boat movement as the prop will automatically be enabled and the prop speed will automatically adjust to move the boat when Circle Mode is engaged.
Page 53 RACKS When the recording of an iTrack is initiated, i-Pilot Link starts to record GPS position data in the form of track points. The distance between these points varies based on the speed of the boat and the GPS signal strength. i-Pilot Link sees a recorded iTrack as a series of these track points.
Page 54 Start Point or End Point, based on the selected mode. Once the end or start track point is reached, i-Pilot Link automatically cancels the iTrack navigation. You can choose to have i-Pilot Link transition to other modes by conﬁguring the Arrival Mode (see Conﬁgure i-PIlot Link with the Control Head: Set the Arrival...
Page 55 Record an iTrack When Record iTrack is turned on, iTrack recording will begin from the current vessel position, and will automatically stop when a 2 mile distance is achieved. The boat must already be moving when iTrack recording is initiated. Start Recording 1.
Page 56 To start navigation to the iTrack End Point, select Navigate to End. To navigate to a point within the iTrack, select Go To Position. When you select Go To Position, the i-Pilot Link will navigate to the cursor position, but it wil not start navigation on the iTrack.
Page 57 Navigating a Saved iTrack (Navigate to Start) navigating to iTrack start point end point...
Page 58 If you are navigating a saved iTrack, you can quickly change the navigation direction toward the Start Point or End Point. For example, if the i-Pilot Link is navigating to the Start Point, selecting Reverse will start i-Pilot Link navigation in the opposite direction, towards the End Point.
Page 59 Moving an iTrack to a New Position movement direction new iTrack position cursor selecting end point saved iTrack Delete a Saved iTrack You can delete a saved iTrack in the Chart View or from the Waypoint Management dialog box (see Manage your i-Pilot Navigation Data).
Page 60 Edit a Saved iTrack When you save a iTrack, it is saved with an alphanumeric name that starts with IT. The name can be edited from the Chart View or the Waypoint Management dialog box (see Manage your i-Pilot Navigation Data). 1.
Page 61 For more information about tracks, see your HELIX Operations Manual. BackTrack starts i-Pilot Link navigation back through the Current Track. When BackTrack is selected, the i-Pilot Link will mark a Start Point at the boat’s current position and navigate to the last recorded track point. It will then create a saved iTrack on top of the Current Track (up to 2 miles).
Page 62 BackTrack Navigation track (red line) navigating to end point end point Open the Go To Menu...
Page 63 ONTOUR Follow the Contour allows you to navigate a contour on the Chart View. When you start i-Pilot Link navigation to Follow the Contour, all other types of navigation are stopped on the HELIX control head and the Ethernet network. AutoChart Live also allows you to follow depth contours, weed edges, and bottom hardness using the i-Pilot Link.
Page 64 Water Level Oﬀset setting, and the water level oﬀset will be highlighted in brown to extend the land visually on the display. NOTE: A Humminbird LakeMaster map card must be installed and selected as the map source to enable these features.
Page 65 Follow the Contour You can start i-Pilot Link navigation if the boat position is within 1/4 mile of the selected contour. NOTE: If you cannot select a contour because it is displayed under AutoChart Live or Bottom Layer, see Follow Bottom Hardness or Vegetation: Hide layers.
Page 66 Following the Contour navigation path (yellow) selected contour contour distance Reverse Direction 1. During Follow the Contour Navigation, press the GO TO key. 2. Select Reverse Navigation. Press the RIGHT Cursor key. CAUTION! Be prepared for boat movement as the prop will automatically be enabled and the prop speed will automatically adjust to move the boat to the contour.
Page 67 Follow an Offset Distance from a Contour You can set Contour Oﬀset to maintain a set distance from a contour line. Contour Oﬀset is a distance setting only, and does not measure water depth. Input the Contour Oﬀset based on your knowledge of the water depth in your current area. If you have an AutoChart ZeroLine Map Card, and want to navigate along a bank or shoreline, use Contour Oﬀset to maintain a safe distance from the shoreline.
Page 68 Follow Bottom Hardness You can start i-Pilot Link navigation if the boat position is within 1/4 mile of the selected Bottom Hardness layer. 1. Use the Cursor Control key to select a position on the Bottom Hardness layer. 2. Press the GO TO key.
Page 69 OUTES Routes link two or more waypoints together to create a path for navigation. A route represents your intended navigation and shows the shortest path from each data point to the next. The distance between each waypoint is a route leg. You can save 47 routes (with 50 waypoints each) to the control head.
Page 70 Save the Current Route A route must have at least two waypoints to be saved as a route. 1. Chart X-Press Menu: With a Chart View displayed on-screen, press the MENU key once. 2. Select Save Current Route. Press the RIGHT Cursor key. 3.
Page 71 Edit a Saved Route When you save a route, it is saved with an alphanumeric name that starts with RT. The name can be edited from the Chart View or the Waypoint Management dialog box (see Manage your i-Pilot Navigation Data). 1.
Page 72 ILOT When in AutoPilot, i-Pilot Link keeps the trolling motor pointed in the direction you want to go. Each time the wind or water current moves the boat oﬀ course, AutoPilot senses the change and steers itself back to the original heading. The AutoPilot direction is set every time a steering change is made.
Page 73 Advanced AutoPilot Advanced AutoPilot not only uses compass heading but also GPS data to correct for cross winds, current and other external forces to keep the boat on the intended course. When Advanced AutoPilot is turned on, it creates a course that it will follow. When you steer to a new heading, a new course is created.
Page 74 Legacy AutoPilot Legacy AutoPilot uses an internal compass to provide heading lock. When Legacy AutoPilot is on, it keeps the motor pointed in the same compass direction. If a manual steering correction is made, Legacy AutoPilot locks onto the new compass heading to which the boat was steered.
Page 75 Obstructions on the propeller may cause excessive vibration of the motor head. This vibration can cause the compass to wander and erratic steering to occur. Clear the obstruction to return the motor to normal operation. See the i-Pilot Link Owner’s Manual for details.
Page 76 2. Select AutoPilot. Press the RIGHT Cursor key. Start AutoPilot Towards the Cursor Position Use the cursor to set the heading for AutoPilot navigation. i-Pilot Link will start navigation and maintain a constant heading towards the cursor position. 1. Use the Cursor Control key to move the cursor to a position on the chart.
Page 77 Adjust the Heading Use the i-Pilot X-Press Remote to adjust the heading during AutoPilot navigation. NOTE: After steering to a new direction, there is a short delay before the direction is locked in to allow the compass to stabilize. When broad speed changes are made, the motor heading may change slightly. This is normal. CAUTION! Be prepared for boat movement as the prop will automatically be enabled and the prop speed will automatically adjust to move the boat to the waypoint position.
Page 78: Cancel Navigation
Show/Hide the AutoPilot Heading Line 1. Main Menu: Press the MENU key twice. Select the Accessories tab. 2. Select i-Pilot Settings. Press the RIGHT Cursor key. 3. Select AutoPilot Heading Line. 4. Select On or Oﬀ. Cancel Navigation 1. Press the GO TO key. 2.
Page 79 Humminbird navigation data. You can also create new iTracks and Spot-Locks, and you can start navigation to the selected item. The features that are unique to i-Pilot Link are described in this section. For more details about the Waypoint Management dialog box, see your HELIX Operations Manual.
Page 80 Selecting Files in the Waypoint Management Dialog Box (Waypoints, Routes, Tracks) track iTrack route selected file preview Spot-Lock (selected file) waypoint selected group information and instructions Scroll through the List Open a Menu Go Back...
Page 81 Jump to the Top The Options menu, and other important actions, are located at the top of the Waypoint Management dialog box. Use these instructions to quickly select Options or jump to the top. 1. Press the EXIT key. Selecting Options (Jump to the Top) Options Directory: Bass08 is the selected group...
Page 82 Open the Spot-Lock Submenu You can use the Waypoint Management dialog box to edit a saved Spot-Lock or start navigation modes. Also, see the Spot-Lock section for more information. Open the Spot-Lock Submenu 1. Select a Spot-Lock from the Waypoint Management dialog box. Press the RIGHT Cursor key. 2.
Page 83 Open the iTrack Submenu You can use the Waypoint Management dialog box to edit a saved iTrack or start navigation modes. Also, see the iTrack section for more information. Open the iTrack Submenu 1. Select an iTrack from the Waypoint Management dialog box. Press the RIGHT Cursor key. 2.
Page 84 Use the following instructions to export your navigation data to an SD card or microSD card. To export saved iTracks and Spot-Locks to the i-Pilot Link, see Conﬁgure i-PIlot Link with the Control Head: Turn on Auto Upload Data. 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.