Humminbird LakeMaster Map Cards User Manual - Navigation and Features Guide

Thank you for choosing Humminbird, the #1 name in marine electronics. Your Humminbird unit is designed for reliable use in harsh marine environments. This manual will guide you through the features and applications of your Humminbird product.

⚠️ WARNING! This device should not be used as a navigational aid to prevent collision, grounding, boat damage, or personal injury. Always operate the boat at very slow speeds if you suspect shallow water or submerged objects.

⚠️ WARNING! The electronic chart in your Humminbird unit is an aid to navigation designed to facilitate the use of authorized government charts, not to replace them. The captain is responsible for the prudent use of official government charts and notices to mariners.

? NOTE: Do NOT leave the control head SD slot cover open. The slot cover should always be closed to prevent water damage to the unit.

? NOTE: Some features discussed in this manual require a separate purchase, and some features are only available on international models. Every effort has been made to clearly identify those features.

? NOTE: The illustrations in this manual may not look the same as your product, but your unit will function in the same way.

⚠️ WARNING! Do NOT save data files (waypoints, routes, tracks, groups, recordings, etc.) to your map card. Saving data to your map card will permanently damage it. You can save navigation data to the control head and export it to a blank card.

⚠️ WARNING! Do NOT delete or change the contents of your map card. Changing the card will permanently damage it.

⚠️ WARNING! Humminbird is not responsible for the loss of data files that may occur due to direct or indirect damage to the unit's hardware or software. It is important to back up your control head's data files periodically.

? NOTE: To purchase accessories for your control head, visit humminbird.com or contact Humminbird Technical Support at 1-800-633-1468.

? NOTE: The procedures and features described in this manual are subject to change without notice. Humminbird is not responsible for incorrect translations or discrepancies between documents.

? NOTE: Product specifications and features are subject to change without notice.

? NOTE: Humminbird verifies maximum stated depth in saltwater conditions; however, actual depth performance may vary.

⚠️ WARNING! 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 by unauthorized individuals will void the warranty.

⚠️ WARNING! This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

ATTENTION INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS: Products sold in the U.S. are not intended for use in the international market. Humminbird international units provide customized features and meet country/regional regulations.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE STATEMENT: Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. aims to be a responsible corporate citizen, operating in compliance with applicable environmental regulations.

WEEE DIRECTIVE: The WEEE Directive impacts consumer electronics in the EU. The symbol [WEEE symbol] on the product indicates it must not be disposed of with household refuse but collected for recycling and recovery of waste EEE. Contact your dealer or distributor for information on disposal.

HELIX®, Humminbird®, i-Pilot® Link, LakeMaster®, and SOLIX® are trademarks of Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. Adobe, Acrobat, Adobe PDF, and Reader are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated. microSD is a trademark of SD-3C, LLC.

Overview

Install a Humminbird LakeMaster® Map Card to add enhanced or high definition lake maps to your Humminbird chartplotter. The Humminbird LakeMaster PLUS Map Card allows you to add an aerial image base layer to your LakeMaster map.

Compatibility:

Humminbird LakeMaster Map Cards are compatible with HELIX® control heads with chartplotting capabilities and all SOLIX® control heads. Visit humminbird.com for the latest compatibility information.

LakeMaster PLUS Compatibility:

Your HELIX chartplotter must have software version 7.460 or later to display LakeMaster PLUS maps. All SOLIX control head software is compatible with LakeMaster Plus.

Set up the Control Head

Use these instructions to start using LakeMaster features with your Humminbird control head.

1 | Update the Control Head Software (HELIX models only)

Ensure your HELIX control head has the latest software version installed. LakeMaster PLUS requires software version 7.460 or later.

Check the Current Software Version:

Power On: Press the POWER key.
When the title screen is displayed, press the MENU key.
Select System Status from the Start-Up Options menu. Read the Software Version number.
Power Off: Press and hold the POWER key.

Diagram shows a typical software version display screen with the text "software version" followed by a version number.

Update the Control Head Software:

? NOTE: It is important to back up your control head's data files periodically before updating software.

Insert a formatted microSD or SD card into your PC. Use a card adapter if necessary.
Download: Visit humminbird.com, navigate to Support > Software Updates. Select the file name for your control head model. Follow on-screen prompts to save the software file to the microSD or SD card.
Insert the microSD or SD card with the updated software file into the control head slot.
Power On: The control head will recognize the new software and guide you through the installation prompts.

2 | Insert the LakeMaster Map Card

Your control head is compatible with SD or microSD cards.

Confirm the map card is locked: The switch should be pushed down.
Diagram shows a map card with a small slider switch in the "locked" position.
Do not force the card into the slot; it should click easily into place. Refer to your control head operations manual for specific instructions.
Do not leave the card slot cover open to prevent water damage.

⚠️ WARNING! Do NOT save data files (waypoints, routes, tracks, groups, recordings, etc.) to your map card. Saving data to your map card will permanently damage it.

Set up for the Day

Follow these instructions to get started each time you go out on the water.

1 | Power On

Press the POWER key.
Choose your startup mode:
- Normal: Select if you are on the water with GPS reception.
- Simulator: Select if you are off the water and do not have GPS reception.

2 | Display a Chart View

The lake map displayed on the Chart View is based on your GPS position and the installed map card. Your current lake should display automatically if GPS reception is available.

Accessing Chart View:

SOLIX: Press the HOME key, then select Chart View from the Favorites bar.
HELIX: Press the VIEW key until Chart View is displayed, OR press and hold the VIEW key to open the Views X-Press Menu, then select Chart > Chart View.

Diagrams show the Chart View screen on both SOLIX and HELIX units with a LakeMaster Map Card installed.

Checking/Setting the Chart Source:

If your current lake is not displayed, confirm GPS reception and map card installation. Review the Chart Source setting.

SOLIX: Press HOME, select Settings, select Chart, then select Chart Source. Options include Global (to share map source on a network) or Auto (selects the best available map).
HELIX: Press MENU twice to open the Main Menu, select the Chart tab, select Map Source, then select the installed chart card or Auto.

3 | Adjust the Water Level Offset

It is important to note if the water level is higher or lower than normal for accurate map display. Set the Water Level Offset accordingly.

SOLIX: Tap Chart in the status bar or press MENU once. Select Water Level Offset. Tap the on/off button to turn it on. Press and hold the slider to adjust the setting. Set a positive amount for higher water levels, a negative amount for lower levels, or turn it off if the level is normal.
HELIX: Press MENU twice, select the HB Chart tab, then select Water Level Offset. Use the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to adjust the setting. Set a positive amount for higher water levels, a negative amount for lower levels, or set to (0) zero if the level is normal.

Diagrams show the Water Level Offset setting on HELIX, illustrating a setting of 0 (Off) and an adjusted setting of -4.

If the water is lower than normal, a negative offset extends the land visually on the map. If the water is higher than normal, a positive offset extends the water line visually on the map.

What's on the Map

The LakeMaster Map Card uses multiple colors and icons to help identify depth, contours, and fish attractions.

Diagrams titled "What's on the LakeMaster Map (SOLIX)" and "What's on the LakeMaster Map (HELIX)" illustrate map elements. These include:

Land
Shallow water areas
Contour lines
Depth labels indicating the depth of contour lines
Depth highlight colors
Fish attractor chart objects (e.g., buoys, obstructions)
Highlights for specific areas or features

Tips for Using the Map

Move Across the Chart:

Use the Joystick (SOLIX) or the 4-WAY Cursor Control keys (HELIX) to move the cursor across the chart.

See More on the Chart:

Zoom in (+) and zoom out (-) to view more detail, such as contour lines and depth colors.

View Map Information:

Move the cursor to an icon, contour line, or position on the chart and press the CHECK/INFO key. On SOLIX, if the cursor is not snapped to an object, press CHECK/INFO a second time or select Map Info from the Info Menu.

Change the Chart Orientation:

Select your display preference:

Head-Up: The vessel's current heading points up, and the chart rotates around the vessel icon. Requires a heading sensor; otherwise, uses Course Over Ground (COG).
North-Up: North is oriented up on the display, and the vessel rotates according to its heading or COG.
COG Up (SOLIX only): The chart is displayed with the vessel oriented in a fixed position pointing up, and the chart rotates according to the vessel COG.
Course Up: During navigation, the intended course or route leg is shown at the top. Objects ahead are drawn above the vessel. When not navigating, the current heading is displayed.

SOLIX: From the Chart X-Press Menu, select Chart Options, then General, then Orientation. Select an orientation.

HELIX: Press MENU twice, select the Chart tab, select Chart Orientation, then select an orientation.

Adjust the Map Display Settings

LakeMaster Map Cards add menu options to your control head, allowing you to display or hide contour lines, highlight shallow water, and highlight a depth range.

Open Settings Menus:

SOLIX: From the Chart X-Press Menu, select Chart Options, then Humminbird Settings.
HELIX: Press MENU twice, then select the HB Chart tab.

Display/Hide Contour Lines

Show or hide water contour lines in Chart views. This setting is also affected by the Water Level Offset.

SOLIX: In Humminbird Settings, select Contour Intervals. Tap the on/off button or press ENTER to show or hide contour lines.
HELIX: In the HB Chart tab, select Contour Lines. Press CHECK/INFO or the RIGHT Cursor key to display or hide contour lines (check mark = visible, blank = hidden).

Turn on Depth Colors

Set depth shading in Chart Views to Off or shaded based on your selection.

SOLIX: In Humminbird Settings, select Depth Colors. Press and hold the slider or press ENTER to adjust the setting (0 = off).
HELIX: In the HB Chart tab, select Depth Colors. Press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to adjust the setting (0 = off).

Diagrams show Depth Colors ON and OFF on a SOLIX unit.

Highlight a Depth Range

Depth Highlight allows you to identify a specific depth range in Chart views. The selected range is highlighted in green.

HELIX: Set a minimum and maximum depth range using Highlight 1 Min and Highlight 1 Max.
SOLIX: Adjust the range on each side of a selected depth using Depth Highlight Range. For example, setting Depth Highlight to 19 feet and Depth Highlight Range to +/- 1 foot highlights 18-20 feet.

SOLIX Steps: In Humminbird Settings, select Depth Highlight. Tap on/off or press ENTER to show/hide. Adjust the setting using the slider. Select Highlight Range (+/-) and adjust the slider.

HELIX Steps: In the HB Chart tab, select Highlight 1. Press CHECK/INFO or RIGHT Cursor key to show/hide. Set Highlight 1 Min or Highlight 1 Max using RIGHT/LEFT Cursor keys.

Highlight a Shallow Water Range

When the depth is equal to or less than the set amount, it will be highlighted in red. For example, setting Shallow Water Highlight to 3 feet shows a red band from 0-3 feet, useful for boats with a 3-foot draft.

SOLIX: In Humminbird Settings, select Shallow Water. Tap on/off or press ENTER to show/hide. Adjust the highlighted depth level using the slider.
HELIX: In the HB Chart tab, select Shallow Water Highlight. Press CHECK/INFO or RIGHT Cursor key to show/hide. Select the second Shallow Water Highlight menu option to adjust the highlighted depth level using RIGHT/LEFT Cursor keys.

Diagrams show Shallow Water Highlight ON and OFF on a HELIX unit.

Display Aerial Imagery (LakeMaster PLUS Map Card only)

With a LakeMaster PLUS Map Card, you can add an aerial image base layer to your map, showing land and water in various combinations.

Required: LakeMaster PLUS Map Card installed, control head software version 7.460 or later.

Change the Base Layer for the Chart View

SOLIX: From the Chart X-Press Menu, select Chart Options, then Humminbird Settings, then Base Layer. Tap or press ENTER to select a Base Layer.
HELIX: From the HB Chart Menu, select Base Layer. Press UP or DOWN Cursor keys to select, then press RIGHT Cursor key to activate.

Diagrams show the Base Map with Aerial Displayed on both SOLIX and HELIX units.

Change the Base Layer for the Chart Combo View (SOLIX models only)

In Chart/Chart Combo View, you can display a different Base Layer in each window. This requires setting the User Mode to Custom.

Change the User Mode:

? NOTE: Export your menu settings before changing to Custom mode.

Press HOME, then tap Settings (or use Joystick and ENTER).
Select General.
Under User Mode, select Angler (recommended) or Custom.

Change Base Layer in Chart Combo Views:

With the Chart/Chart Combo View displayed, select a pane.
Tap Chart in the status bar or press MENU once.
Select Chart Options.
Select Global (below Humminbird Settings).
Tap the on/off button or press ENTER to turn Global off.
Select Humminbird Settings > Base Layer.
Tap or use the Joystick and ENTER key to select a base layer.

Diagram shows a Chart/Chart Combo View and indicates options for 2D Map Base Layer and Aerial Base Layer.

Display a Lake

The Lake List menu option allows you to display a different lake from the installed LakeMaster Map Card. The cursor will move to the selected lake on the Chart View.

No GPS Reception: If you don't have a GPS Fix, you can view lakes in Simulator mode. Select Simulator from the Start-Up Options Menu when powering on the control head.

Selecting a Lake:

SOLIX: From the Chart X-Press Menu, select Info, then Lake List. Sort the list by tapping column headers. Swipe or use the Joystick to scroll. Select a lake and tap or press ENTER to move the cursor to it.
HELIX: From the HB Chart Menu tab, select Lake List. Press the RIGHT Cursor key. Select a Sort By option (alphabetical, Hi-Def). Press UP or DOWN Cursor keys to scroll. View information in the displayed box. Select a lake and press the RIGHT Cursor key to move the cursor to it.

Diagrams show the process of selecting a lake from a list on both SOLIX and HELIX units, including sort options and selected lake information.

Once a lake is selected, you can mark waypoints, use the GOTO key to navigate, or press CHECK/INFO for more information.

Follow the Contour

Follow the Contour allows you to navigate a specific depth contour using i-Pilot® Link (separate purchase required). You can select a contour line and follow it in either direction, or use Contour Offset to maintain a set distance from a contour line or shoreline.

Required: i-Pilot Link with a ZeroLine Map Card or i-Pilot Compatible LakeMaster Map Card. Visit humminbird.com for i-Pilot Link purchase information.

⚠️ WARNING! See your i-Pilot Link manual for warnings, safety information, and operations instructions. You are responsible for the safe and prudent operation of your boat. Always maintain a watch and be prepared to regain manual control.

1 | Preparation

Before using Follow the Contour, ensure contour lines are displayed and the Water Level Offset is set correctly.

Adjust the Water Level Offset:

Set the Water Level Offset based on current lake levels (refer to "Set up for the Day" section for detailed instructions).

Set Contour Lines to Visible:

Ensure contour lines are enabled in the map settings (refer to "Adjust the Map Display Settings" section for detailed instructions).

Set the Contour Offset

You can set a Contour Offset to maintain a set distance from a contour line or shoreline. This is a distance setting only and does not measure water depth. Enter the offset based on your knowledge of the area.

? NOTE: Contour Offset does NOT account for changes in water depth. Be aware of depth variations and adjust the offset as needed.

Your boat must be positioned within 1/4 mile of the selected contour to set the offset.

SOLIX: Press and hold a position on the contour line you plan to follow, or use the Joystick to select a contour line. Select Go To > Follow the Contour. Then select Contour Offset and drag the slider or press and hold the slider to adjust the offset. Set to 0 (off) to remove.
HELIX: Use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to move the cursor to the contour line. Press the GOTO key. Select Follow the Contour, then press the RIGHT Cursor key. Select Contour Offset and press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to adjust the offset amount. Set to 0 (off) to remove.

Diagrams show the process of setting the Contour Offset on HELIX and SOLIX units.

2 | Start Follow the Contour Navigation

You can start i-Pilot Link navigation if your boat position is within 1/4 mile of the selected contour.

⚠️ WARNING! If the selected contour is a shoreline, set the Contour Offset. Contour Offset does NOT account for changes in water depth.

? NOTE: When i-Pilot Link is following the contour, the Current Track is not saved and iTracks cannot be recorded.

SOLIX: Press and hold a position on the contour line or use the Joystick to select it. Select Go To > Follow the Contour. Select a navigation direction from the submenu (previewed in orange or purple). Power on the i-Pilot motor to begin navigation.
HELIX: Use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to move the cursor to the contour line. Press the GOTO key. Select a navigation direction (previewed in orange or blue). Press the RIGHT Cursor key. Power on the i-Pilot motor to begin navigation.

Diagrams show the process of starting Follow the Contour navigation on SOLIX and HELIX units, indicating navigation direction previews.

Adjust the Contour Offset during Navigation

SOLIX: Tap Chart, select Go To > Contour Offset, and adjust the slider.

HELIX: Press GOTO, select Contour Offset, and use RIGHT/LEFT Cursor keys to adjust.

Reverse Direction

SOLIX: Tap Chart, select Go To > Reverse.

HELIX: Press GOTO, select Reverse Direction, press RIGHT Cursor key.

Cancel i-Pilot Navigation

SOLIX: Tap Chart, select Go To > Cancel Navigation.

HELIX: Press GOTO, select Cancel Navigation, press RIGHT Cursor key, and follow prompts.

Save and Export Navigation Data

Waypoints, routes, and tracks are saved to the control head. You can then export this navigation data to an SD/microSD card. Navigation data cannot be saved to your LakeMaster Map Card.

⚠️ WARNING! Do NOT export navigation data to your LakeMaster Map Card. Saving data to your map card will permanently damage it.

Export Navigation Data to a Blank SD/microSD Card

Remove the LakeMaster Map Card.
Insert a blank, unlocked SD/microSD card into the control head card slot.
SOLIX: Press HOME, select the Files tool. Under Export, select Nav Data. Select the Save Location (the port where the SD card is installed).
HELIX: Press MENU twice, navigate to the Navigation tab. Select Waypoints, Routes, Tracks. Select Options > Select All and... > Export.
Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm or cancel the export.

Refer to your control head operations manual or Waypoint Management Guide for more information.

Contact Humminbird

Contact Humminbird Technical Support via:

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)

Social Media Resources:

Facebook: Facebook.com/HumminbirdElectronics
Twitter: @humminbirdfish
Instagram: Instagram.com/humminbirdfishing
YouTube: YouTube.com/humminbirdtv

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