Humminbird HELIX® Series Control Head Installation Guide

Installation Preparation

Read the instructions in this transducer guide completely to understand the mounting guidelines before starting the installation.

Visit our Web site at humminbird.com for additional information and resources for transducer installations. Also, visit youtube.com/humminbirdtv for informational videos.

Supplies Needed:

• Powered hand drill and various drill bits
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flat head screwdriver
• Pencil
• Safety glasses and dust mask
• Marine-grade silicone sealant
• Dielectric grease (optional)
• Extension cables (optional)
• Ethernet cables (optional)
• Accessory cables (optional)
• Refer to 'Connect Power' for connection type, fuse size, and additional equipment.

Accessories and Ethernet:

Accessories and Ethernet equipment are available for purchase at humminbird.com. Installation guides are available with the product or can be downloaded from the Web site.

Installation Overview

1. Plan the Mounting Location

1. Place 1 rubber washer onto each gimbal knob.
2. Install the gimbal knobs (with washers) into each side of the control head. Tighten the knobs just enough so you can slide the control head into the gimbal bracket arms.
3. Assembling the Control Head and Bracket: The control head attaches to bracket arms using gimbal knobs with rubber washers.
4. Note: If mounting overhead, flip the bracket so the opening faces the rear of the control head.
5. Place the assembled control head in various locations to determine the best mounting spot, considering:
   • A stable, protected surface to shield from water, shock, and vibration.
   • Sufficient space for the control head's tilt range.
   • Visibility during operation and ease of installation/removal.
   • Access above and below the mounting surface for cable routing.
   • Space for a 1" (25 mm) cable hole, located 2" to 4" (50 to 100 mm) behind the mounting location.
6. Test route all cables (transducer, power, Ethernet, accessories) to the mounting location, ensuring enough length for the cable tray and tilt range.
7. Once the location is chosen, loosen the gimbal knobs and remove the control head from the gimbal bracket.

2. Install the Gimbal Bracket

1. Place the gimbal bracket on the mounting surface. Mark the four outer mounting screw locations using a pencil or center punch.
2. Note: The outer set of mounting holes is recommended. Inner holes may be used if necessary. Additional unused holes may be present on the bracket.
3. Set the gimbal bracket aside. Drill the four mounting screw holes using a 5/32" (4 mm) drill bit.
4. Cable Hole: Mark and drill a 1" (25 mm) hole 2" to 4" (50 to 100 mm) behind the bracket for cable routing.
5. Place the bracket on the mounting surface, aligned with the drilled holes. Fill the mounting holes with marine-grade silicone sealant.
6. Place one flat washer onto each #10 x 1" wood screw. Insert the four screws with washers into the mounting holes. Hand tighten only.
7. Bracket Hole Pattern Measurements: The pattern shows dimensions for hole placement: 4.5" (114 mm) center-to-center horizontally, 3.39" (86 mm) center-to-center vertically, with individual hole spacing of 1.02" (26 mm) and 1.5" (38 mm).
8. Illustration: Installing the Gimbal Bracket: Shows the bracket being attached to a surface with screws and washers.

3. Connect Power

Review the following information before starting power installation:

Cable Length:

A 6' (2 m) power cable is included. It can be shortened or lengthened using 18-gauge multi-stranded copper wire. Refer to the 'Recommended Power Cable Extension Information' table.

Recommended Power Cable Extension Information:

Consult a U.S. Coast Guard ABYC-approved wire gauge diagram or a certified NMEA Marine Electronics Installer.

Power Supply:

The control head requires a 12 VDC power supply. Use the fuse size shown in the 'Required Fuse Size' table.

Required Fuse Size:

Connecting to Fuse Panel or Battery:

The power cable can connect to the boat's electrical system at the fuse panel (near the console) or directly to the battery. For minimal interference with other electronics, a separate power source (like a second battery) may be needed.

WARNING! Some boats have 24V or 36V systems; the control head MUST be connected to a 12 VDC supply.

WARNING! Ensure the power cable is disconnected from the control head before starting.

WARNING! Humminbird is not responsible for over-voltage or over-current failures. Ensure adequate protection by selecting and installing the correct fuse size.

1. Confirm the power cable is disconnected from the control head.
2. Connect the power cable wires to the fuse panel or battery:
   • Fuse Terminal Connection: Use appropriate crimp connectors. Attach the black wire to ground (-) and the red wire to positive (+) 12 VDC power. Install the required fuse.
   • Battery Connection: Install an inline fuse holder (not included) and the required fuse. Attach the black wire to ground (-) and the red wire to positive (+) 12 VDC power.
3. Note: For multi-control head installations, download the Power Troubleshooting Guide from humminbird.com. Refer to the Operations Summary Guide for Low Battery Alarm and Standby Mode settings.
4. Note: If using a trolling motor, keep its power separate from the control head power.

4. Route the Cables to the Control Head

1. Sonar: Refer to your transducer installation guide.
2. Accessories (optional): Install using provided guides.
3. Ethernet (optional): Install using the Ethernet Installation Guide.
4. Note: Ethernet and accessory installation guides are available with the product or downloadable from humminbird.com.
5. Route all cables to the control head. Use existing boat wiring channels or conduits if available. Keep cables away from VHF radio antenna cables or tachometer cables to minimize interference.
6. CAUTION! Do NOT mount cables where connectors could be submerged or flooded. Apply dielectric grease to connector interiors in splash-prone areas to prevent corrosion. Dielectric grease is available at hardware/automotive stores.
7. Pass the cables through the cable hole.
8. For HELIX 7 models, insert cable connectors into the control head ports and proceed to Section 6. For all other models, proceed to Section 5. Assemble the Cable Tray.

Diagrams for Cable Routing:

Illustration: Inline Fuse Holder: Shows a typical inline fuse holder connection to a battery with positive and ground terminals.

Illustration: NMEA 2000® Port (optional): Shows the NMEA 2000 port with connections for Net S (+) Power and Net C (-) Ground.

Illustration: Routing the Cables Behind the Bracket: Depicts how cables should be routed behind the mounting bracket.

Illustration: Control Head Ports: Shows the rear ports of the control head labeled COM, Power (communications), Transducer, NMEA 2000, and Ethernet.

5. Assemble the Cable Tray

The cable tray secures and protects cables.

1. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove screws from the bottom of the cable tray.
2. Hold the cable tray together, turn it over (Humminbird logo facing up), and lift off the cover.
3. Locating the Cable Tray Slots: Insert each cable connector into its correct slot in the tray. Slots are shaped for specific connectors. Route cables using the tray's grooves.
4. Illustration: Locating the Cable Tray Slots: Shows the layout of slots for COM, Transducer, Power, Ethernet, and NMEA 2000 connectors.
5. Illustration: Inserting the Cable Connectors into the Cable Tray: Shows how to insert power and transducer connectors, noting the orientation (notch facing up for power).
6. CAUTION! Ensure connectors are placed in the correct slots and oriented correctly. Refer to the 'Locating the Cable Tray Slots' illustration.
7. Place the cover onto the tray. Hold together and turn over. If tray arms detach, refer to the 'Assembling the Cable Tray' illustration to reattach them.
8. Install screws in the bottom of the tray. Hand tighten only. Refer to the 'Removing the Screws' illustration for screw replacement.
9. Turn the cable tray over (Humminbird logo up). Ensure cables hang straight; untwist if necessary.
10. Align the cable tray slots with the matching ports on the back of the control head. Align the tray pins with the holes on the control head.
11. With the Humminbird logo facing up, plug the cable tray into the back of the control head. Clasps should click into place. Refer to the 'Connecting the Cable Tray to the Control Head' illustration.
12. Illustration: Connecting the Cable Tray to the Control Head: Shows aligning the tray with the head unit, noting the clasp and logo orientation.
13. Pull gently on the cable tray to confirm secure installation. Ensure both clasps clicked into place.

Diagrams for Cable Tray Assembly:

Illustration: Removing the Screws: Shows a screwdriver removing screws from the bottom of the cable tray.

Illustration: Turning over the Cable Tray: Shows the tray being flipped with the cover removed.

Illustration: Assembling the Cable Tray: Shows how to reinsert the tray arms if they detach.

6. Secure the Control Head Installation

1. Slide the control head into the bracket.
2. Ensure there is enough cable slack for the control head to pivot through its full tilt range and for connecting/disconnecting cables.
3. Note: To manage excess cable, create a single loop extending from the storage location, doubling the cable and coiling it. This can help reduce electronic interference.
4. Adjust the control head to the desired viewing angle. Hand tighten the gimbal knobs to secure the assembly.
5. Optional: To remove the cable tray, squeeze its sides until it releases.

Diagrams for Securing Installation:

Illustration: Storing Excess Cable: Shows a coiled cable loop for managing slack.

Illustration: Removing the Cable Tray (Optional): Shows how to detach the cable tray.

7. Test the System Installation

1. Press the POWER key to turn on the control head.
2. While the Title screen is displayed, press the MENU key.
3. Press the DOWN Cursor key to select 'System Status', then press the RIGHT Cursor key to select it.
4. Note: If you wait too long, the system may default to the highlighted menu item, requiring you to restart.
5. Accessories: Press the VIEW key. Review the Accessory Test View to confirm accessories are connected.
6. GPS Reception: Press the VIEW key. Review the GPS Diagnostic View to confirm latitude/longitude position is displayed and Fix Type is listed as Enhanced or 3D.
7. Power Off: Press and hold the POWER key to turn off the unit.
8. Sonar Test: Test and finalize transducer installation per the transducer installation guide. The control head is now ready for on-water operation. It will start in Normal mode automatically if a functional transducer is detected upon power-up.
9. Note: For operational information, see the Operations Summary Guide and the control head operations manual (available for download at humminbird.com).

Diagram for Testing:

Illustration: Removing the Cable Tray (optional): Shows how to detach the cable tray.

Contact Humminbird

• 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

Important Warnings and Notices:

WARNING! Disassembly and repair should only be performed by authorized service personnel. Unauthorized modifications or repairs void the warranty.

WARNING! This device should not be used as a primary navigational aid. Water depth can change rapidly; operate at slow speeds in areas with potential shallow water or submerged objects.

FCC NOTICE: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) it must not cause harmful interference, and (2) it must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

CAUTION! This equipment has been tested and complies with Class B digital device limits per FCC Part 15. These limits provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. The equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. Improper installation or use may cause radio communication interference. If interference occurs (determined by turning the equipment off and on), try these measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to a different circuit than the receiver.
• Consult a dealer or experienced radio/TV technician.

Environmental Compliance Statement:

Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. is committed to responsible environmental practices and compliance with applicable regulations.

WEEE DIRECTIVE:

This directive concerns the management and disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Products marked with the WEEE symbol (crossed-out wheelie bin) must not be disposed of with household waste. They should be collected for recycling and recovery. Contact your dealer or distributor for information on proper disposal and recycling in your region.

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