Humminbird HELIX Series - Control Head Installation Guide

Also See for HELIX Series:

Operation manual (330 pages)

Installation manual (13 pages)

Installation diagrams (10 pages)

Table of Contents

Contents

1 Overview
2 Plan the Mounting Location
3 Install the Gimbal Bracket
4 Connect the Control Head to Power
5 Route and Connect the Cables
6 Test the System Installation
7 Contact Humminbird
8 Documents / Resources
- 8.1 References
- 8.2 Download manual

Humminbird HELIX Series - Control Head Installation Guide

Overview

Follow the instructions in this installation guide to gimbal mount the control head. We encourage you to read this guide before starting the installation, so you may understand the installation requirements.

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), 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.

HELIX GPS: The transducer installation instructions in this guide do not apply to the chartplotter model.

Plan the Mounting Location

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.
Place the assembled control head in various locations to determine the best mounting location with the following requirements:
- a stable, protected surface to protect the control head from excessive wave shock, vibration, and water
- sufficient space for the control head tilt range
- visibility during operation, as well as easy installation and removal
- access above and below the mounting surface to pass the cables through to the control head
- space for the 1" (2.54 cm) cable hole, under the bracket or 2" to 4" (5 to 10 cm) behind the chosen mounting location

Test route all cables (transducer, power, accessory) to the control head mounting location.
After you have selected the mounting location, loosen the gimbal knobs and remove the control head from the gimbal bracket.

Install the Gimbal Bracket

Place the gimbal bracket in the chosen position on the mounting surface. Mark the four mounting screw locations using a pencil or center punch.
Set the gimbal bracket aside and drill the four mounting screw holes using a 9/64" (3.5 mm) drill bit.
To run the cables through a hole under the bracket, mark and drill a 1" (2.54 cm) 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.
To run the cables through a hole close to the bracket, mark and drill a 1" (2.54 cm) hole 2" to 4" (5 to 10 cm) near the bracket. Press the grommet into place on the hole.
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" (3.2 cm) screws into the mounting holes. Hand tighten only!
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!

Connect the Control Head to Power

It is important to review the following information before you start the power installation:

Cable Length: A 6' (2 m) long power cable is included. You may shorten or lengthen the cable using 18 gauge multi-stranded copper wire.
Power Supply: The control head must be connected to a 12 VDC power supply using a 3 Amp fuse.
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.

Some boats have 24 or 36 Volt electric systems, but the control head MUST be connected to a 12 VDC power supply.

Make sure that the power cable is disconnected from the control head at the beginning of this procedure.

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.

Confirm that the power cable is disconnected from the control head.
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: See your control head operations manual to set the Low Battery Alarm.

Route and Connect the Cables

Sonar Models: Proceed to your transducer installation guide and follow the instructions to install the transducer.
Install optional accessories using the guides provided with them.
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.
Route all cables (power, transducer, accessories) 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.

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.
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.
Insert the cable connectors into the correct ports on the control head. See the illustration Control Head Ports.
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.

Test the System Installation

Press the POWER key to turn on the control head.
While the Title screen is shown on the display, press the MENU key.
Press the DOWN Cursor key to choose System Status, and press the RIGHT Cursor key to select it.
NOTE: If you wait too long, the system will default to whichever menu mode happens to be highlighted, and you will have to start again.
Accessories: Press the VIEW key. Review the Accessory Test View to confirm accessories are listed as connected.
NOTE: The speed will be detected only if the temp/speed paddlewheel (optional) has moved since the control head has been powered on.
GPS Models Only: Press the VIEW key. Review the GPS Diagnostic View and confirm that a latitude/longitude position is displayed and the Fix type is listed as Enhanced or 3D.
Power Off: Press and hold the POWER key to power off the unit.
HELIX GPS: Your chartplotter is ready for on-the-water operation. Press the POWER key. When the Title screen is displayed, press the MENU key. Select Normal from the Start-up options menu.
Sonar Models: Test and finalize the transducer installation using the instructions in the transducer installation guide. When the transducer test and installation are completed, your control head is ready for on-the-water operation. When you power on the control head, it will start Normal mode automatically if a functioning transducer is detected.
NOTE: For operations information, see the Quick Start Guide and the operations manual (on CD) included with your control head.

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.
This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
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.
Do not travel at high speeds with the unit cover installed. Remove the unit cover before traveling at speeds above 20 mph.

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