Humminbird HELIX Manual

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

The Portable Fishing System is available in two different configurations:

• the Portable Control Head, which includes a control head with a portable case, a power cable, a transducer jumper cable, a transducer and a portable mounting bracket, battery, battery charger, and connecting hardware.
• a Portable Conversion Kit, which will allow you to convert a fishfinder you may already own into a portable unit. This includes a portable case for the control head, a power cable, a transducer jumper cable, a portable mounting bracket, a battery, battery charger, and connecting hardware.

Supplies: In addition to the hardware supplied with your accessory, you will need a Phillips-head screwdriver, a hammer, and a threading rope or bungee cord. If you are installing the Speed Sensor Accessory, you will need the Sonar/Speed Y-Cable. Contact Humminbird® Customer Service for details.
NOTE: Some international models may not include a battery or battery charger.
There may be some minor differences between the hardware described in this manual and the actual hardware included, depending on the configuration you purchased. We encourage you to read this guide completely so that you may understand the installation requirements.

PORTABLE CONVERSION KIT

If you have a Portable Conversion Kit, you must first un-install the control head and the transducer from their fixed mounting positions on your boat before performing the regular portable installation instructions described in this manual. Once you have converted the control head and the transducer to portable configurations, you will be ready to mount the portable case.

1. Converting the Control Head to Portable
   1. Disconnect the cables from the control head installed on your boat.
   2. Loosen the gimbal knobs and slide the control head out of the gimbal bracket.
   3. Remove the screws from the gimbal mount and save the hardware for any future fixed mounting installation. You will install the gimbal bracket onto the portable base.
   4. Go toPortable Case Assembly and follow the instructions through Section Charging and Installing the Battery, then come back to Converting the Transducer to Portable.
2. Converting the Transducer to Portable
   1. Unscrew the transducer from the fixed mounting bracket on your boat, saving the original screws for any future fixed mounting configuration (new portable mounting screws are provided in the Portable Conversion Kit).
   2. Go toAssembling the Transducer Mounting Bracket and follow the rest of the procedures.

PORTABLE CASE ASSEMBLY

You should perform the portable case assembly tasks in order, referring to the step-by-step procedures that represent the following main assembly tasks:

• Installing the gimbal bracket onto the portable base
• Routing the cables in the base
• Assembling the portable case
• Charging and installing the battery
• Assembling the transducer mounting bracket
• Stowing the portable transducer and battery charger into the portable case

When you are finished, the control head and the transducer will be part of the portable case assembly, and you will be ready to take your portable case to the boat for final setup.
NOTE: If you are converting a fixed mounting to portable using the Portable Conversion Kit, first go to the Portable Conversion Kit section.

1. Assembling the Portable Base
   In this procedure, you will install the gimbal bracket to the portable base and route the cables.
   
   1. Turn over the base, and locate the 4 holes labeled D.
   2. Use a screwdriver (or an awl) with a hammer to punch out the selected mounting holes.
   3. Turn the base right side up.
   4. Route the power cable and the transducer jumper cable from under the base and up through the hole in the base.
   5. Line up the gimbal bracket on the portable base, using the holes you punched out in step 2. Make sure the opening in the gimbal bracket arms faces away from the battery well on the base and that the cables pass out the back of the gimbal bracket.
      Aligning the Gimbal Bracket with the Holes on the Base
      
   6. Using a socket wrench and a Phillips-head screwdriver, secure the gimbal bracket to the base with the four included 1" screws, flat washers, lock washers, and nuts.
      Installing the Gimbal Bracket
      

7. 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.
8. Insert the power and the transducer jumper cable connectors into the control head ports.
   Control Head Ports
   
9. Confirm there is enough cable slack to allow the control head to pivot through its full tilt range and for connecting or disconnecting the cables. Carefully pull the excess cable from beneath the portable base.
10. Disconnect the cables from the control head. Slide the control head out of the gimbal bracket and set it aside.
    It is important to note the amount of cable you will need to reconnect to the control head when you install it on the portable base later in the installation.

5. Fit the transducer jumper cable connector down into the jumper cable well and snap it into place. Insert the two #6-32 x 1/4" screws included to secure the transducer jumper connector and tighten them using a Phillips-head screwdriver. Hand tighten only!
6. Adjust the cables as needed. Secure all cables to the base using the included zip ties at the points shown in the illustration (see the illustration Tying Down the Cables).
   Tying Down the Cables
   
7. Turn the base right side up and pull up gently on the battery tie-down straps to remove the slack.
   NOTE: Before you install the battery into the portable case, finish the assembly procedures and charge the battery for 8 hours. See Charging and Installing the Battery for more information.

3. Assembling the Portable Case
   1. Slide the control head (with gimbal knobs installed) into the gimbal bracket arms.
   2. Insert the power and the transducer jumper cable connectors into the control head ports. See the illustration Control Head Ports for details.
   3. Adjust the control head viewing angle, and tighten the gimbal knobs so the control head is secured on the gimbal bracket. Hand tighten only!
   4. Install the handle onto the base, so that the curved part of the handle faces towards the back of the base, towards the battery well.
   5. Install the four included #8-32 x 7/16" screws, two on each side of the handle, to attach the handle to the base. Hand tighten only!
      NOTE: The handle is keyed so that it only fits onto the base in one way.
      Installing the Handle onto the Base
      
      Sliding in the Handle
      

7. Insert the base into the portable case, so the control head faces out of the case.
   Pull the bag over one shoulder of the handle at a time. Make sure you can grab the handle through the fabric handhold inset from the outside top of the portable case.
   Installing the Base into the Case
   
   Pulling the Case over the Handle
   
   Holding the Portable Case
   

4. Charging and Installing the Battery
   In this procedure you will charge the battery and then install it.
   1. Charge the battery, using the included battery charger, until it is fully charged as indicated by the LED on the charger. Charging usually requires 8 continuous hours, but may vary depending on your configuration.
      NOTE: Some international models may not include a battery or battery charger.
   2. Open the bottom back zipper on the portable case, and install the battery in the battery well. While holding the tie-down straps out of the way, make sure the power cable is fitted snugly into the slot in the well so that the battery does not rest on it (see the illustration Installing the Battery).
      Installing the Battery
      
      Tying Down the Battery
      

3. Pull the two battery tie-down straps over the top of the battery and connect both ends of each strap over the top, making sure that the straps are pulled tight around the battery and that the battery is seated securely in the battery well.
4. Zip up the back opening.
   NOTE: Do NOT connect the power cable to the battery at this time. You should wait until just before fishing to connect the power cable to the battery.

5. Assembling the Transducer Mounting Bracket
   NOTE: Please be aware that the transducer design has changed. If you are replacing or adding mounting hardware to your current transducer, make sure that you have selected the appropriate hardware. If you are replacing a transducer, you will need to replace the mounting bracket and hardware. Contact Humminbird Customer Service for details. Use the illustrations in section 1a. or 1b. below to find your mounting bracket and assemble the portable transducer bracket.
   1. 1. If your transducer mounting bracket looks like one of the following illustrations, assemble it as shown. Hand tighten only! Then skip to procedure Stowing the Portable Transducer and Battery Charger into the Portable Case.
         Assembling the Metal Bracket
         
         Assembling the Plastic Bracket
         
         Assembling the Plastic Bracket
         
         OR...
      2. If your transducer mounting bracket looks like one of the following illustrations, line up the two ratchet pieces at position 1 so that the beads are aligned with the rib on the transducer. See illustrations.
         Transducer Knuckle Positions
         
         Ratchets Placed in Position 1
         

2. Assemble the other transducer parts as shown (see the illustration Assembling the Plastic Bracket below). Hand tighten only!
   Assembling the Plastic Bracket
   
   Assembling the Plastic Bracket
   
   NOTE: If you are unable to ratchet the transducer so that is rests below the water and points straight down, you can disassemble it and align the beads with a different number until you reach a position that allows the proper alignment.
   Ratchets Placed in Position 2
   

6. Stowing the Portable Transducer and Battery Charger into the Portable Case
   1. Load the portable transducer into the carrying compartment (upper zipper opening on the back of the portable case) and close the zipper.
   2. Turn the portable case around so that you can access the front, and load the battery charger into the zip pocket on the left as you face the front of the portable case.
   3. Make sure all the zippers are closed.

INSTALLING THE PORTABLE CASE ON THE BOAT

Since the portable case has a large non-skid mounting surface, it may be attached to almost any surface. In this section, you will route the cables on the boat, connect the transducer and power cables to the portable case, and attach the portable case to a dry and convenient location on your boat.

1. Connecting the Transducer and Power Cables to the Portable Case
   1. Make sure the large opening in the front of the portable case is unzipped. You may want to roll up the flap and secure it with the provided strap and clip while you're working.
   2. Plug the transducer cable into the jumper port in the portable case to the left of the control head, as you face the front of the bag (see the illustration Plugging in the Transducer).
      Speed Accessory (Optional): If you are installing the optional Speed Sensor accessory, insert the Sonar/Speed Y-Cable connector into the jumper port in the portable case. Then, connect the transducer connector and speed sensor connector to the corresponding connectors on the Y-Cable. The Y-Cable requires a separate purchase. Contact Humminbird Customer Service for details.
      Plugging in the Transducer
      

3. Turn the portable case around so that you can access the back, and open the back zipper. Connect the spade clip on the red wire of the power cable to the red terminal on the battery, and the spade clip on the black wire of the power cable to the black terminal on the battery. Make sure the spade clips are snugly attached to the terminals (see the illustration Connecting the Spade Clips).
   Connecting the Spade Clips
   
4. Make sure the back battery door and side pockets are zipped, but leave the front of the bag unzipped for easy access during installation.

MOUNTING THE PORTABLE TRANSDUCER

Once your Portable fishfinder is fully assembled (see the Portable Case Assembly section for more information), it takes just a few easy steps before you are ready to fish:

• Test the transducer prior to installation
• Mount the portable transducer on the boat

1. Testing the Transducer Prior to Installation
   Prior to installation, test the transducer to make sure that no damage occurred during shipping.
   1. Hold the transducer in the water over the side of the boat to confirm proper operation. If the transducer is working properly, you should be able to see the bottom on the control head display.

2. Mounting the Portable Transducer on the Boat
   Perform the procedures in this section to install the transducer on your boat.
   NOTE: The suction cup mount is designed for quick, easy installation and removal, NOT for high speed operation. If you intend to operate your boat at any speed faster than trolling speeds, remove the suction cup transducer from the water. It is important that the mounting position allows the transducer to rest beneath the surface of the water, pointing straight down. You can mount the transducer anywhere on the side of the boat if your boat remains stationary. If you are trolling, it is best to mount the transducer on the transom of the boat. Your portable transducer is designed to be installed and adjusted without the use of tools. Mounting the transducer to the boat is a simple, yet important operation. A poor mounting location will affect the overall performance of the Humminbird unit, so follow the mounting instructions carefully. If you are trolling, it is best to mount the transducer on the transom of the boat.
   1. Mount the transducer so that it points straight down, and so that the transducer itself is submerged in the water.
      Portable Transducer Mount
      
      Transducer Running Angle
      

2. Adjust the running angle so that the transducer is parallel to and below the surface of the water (see the illustration Transducer Running Angle).
3. Hand-tighten the wing nut so that the transducer will not rotate.
4. Secure the transducer cable in case of accidental release when the boat is moving, since a loose transducer can cause damage to itself, your boat, or become tangled in the propeller. Attach the tie-down strap to the transducer cable around an immovable object such as a rail or fitting, as shown in the illustration (see the illustration Transducer Tie-Down Strap).
   Transducer Tie-Down Strap
   

5. When you have finished using the transducer, unplug the transducer cable from the transducer jumper port on the base, then coil the cable around the assembly.

MOVING THE PORTABLE FISHFINDER

You should take the portable case with you when you leave the boat and will not be using it. Perform the following steps to make your unit mobile:

1. With the boat engine off, loosen all cable retainers/clips holding the transducer.
2. Remove the case from the surface mount.
3. Remove the transducer from the surface where it has been mounted, wipe it dry, and stow it in the portable case rear pocket.
4. Unplug the power cable when not in use.

MAINTENANCE

Your Humminbird Portable fishfinder is designed to provide years of trouble-free operation with virtually no maintenance. Follow the simple procedures below to ensure that your Humminbird Portable continues to deliver top performance.
If the Portable case comes into contact with salt spray, wipe the affected surfaces with a lint-free cloth, then apply a commercially available anti-corrosive treatment to all exposed electrical contacts.
If the portable case bag becomes dirty, clean the bag with mild soap, water, and a soft rag or brush and then hang it up to dry.
Never leave your Humminbird Portable unit in a closed car or trunk - the extremely high temperatures generated in hot weather can damage the electronics. Repairs should be performed only by authorized Humminbird technicians.

How to Remove Water from the Portable Case
Open the front zipper and pull the case down to allow water to exit the case. If needed, remove the case from the plastic base and air-dry it. Follow recommended maintenance procedures for salt spray exposure if needed.

SPECIFICATIONS

Portable Case
8.75" H x 10.25" W x 9.83" D
223 mm H x 261 mm W x 250 mm D

Power Requirement
12 Volt sealed lead acid battery; up to 16 hours continuous operation

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.

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.

CONTACT HUMMINBIRD
Contact Humminbird Customer Service in any of the following ways:
Web site:
humminbird.com
E-mail:
service@humminbird.com
Telephone:
1-800-633-1468
Direct Shipping:
Humminbird Service Department
678 Humminbird Lane
Eufaula, AL 36027 USA
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Central Standard Time)