Humminbird XPLORE ICE Series and MEGA Live 2 ICE Transducer Installation Guide

Introduction

This manual provides installation instructions for the Humminbird XPLORE ICE Series control head and the MEGA Live 2 ICE transducer. It covers mounting, connecting, testing, and maintenance procedures.

For the XPLORE ICE Series installation, follow the instructions in this guide to gimbal mount the control head to your ice shuttle. It is recommended to read this guide completely, along with any guides included with your separately purchased ice shuttle, before starting.

For the MEGA Live 2 ICE transducer installation, this manual guides you through installing the transducer to an ice pole, connecting it to the fish finder and power, testing the installation, and powering off.

Technical Support: Contact Humminbird Technical Support via their Help Center at https://humminbird-help.johnsonoutdoors.com/hc/en-us.

Accessories: Available for purchase at humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com.

Supplies Needed: Philips head screwdriver, 3/8 wrench or socket. User-supplied components include a compatible ice shuttle, ice pole, and a 12V power supply (14.8v NMC lithium battery with 15ah or more recommended for optimal performance).

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

Preparation

Before installing the XPLORE ICE control head, ensure the selected ice shuttle is completely assembled. Follow all instructions provided with the ice shuttle.

Install the Gimbal Bracket

1. Attach the Gimbal Bracket to the Ice Shuttle:

1. Align the gimbal bracket mounting holes with the mounting holes on the ice shuttle. Ensure the opening on the gimbal arms faces forward.
2. Place a flat washer onto each #10-24×5/8 screw. Insert the four screws with washers into the mounting holes. Tighten each screw with a hex nut until secure. Hand-tighten only.

Illustration Description: A diagram shows the gimbal bracket with labeled mounting holes, screw locations, washer locations, and hex nut locations. The 'bracket arm opening' is indicated.

2. Mount the Control Head to the Gimbal Bracket:

1. Place one metal washer and one rubber washer onto each gimbal knob.
2. Install the gimbal knobs (with washers) into each side of the control head. Tighten knobs just enough to slide the control head into the gimbal bracket arms.
3. Install the control head into the bracket arms. Confirm the opening in the gimbal bracket arms faces the rear of the control head and that the bracket and control head ratchets fit together.
4. Adjust the control head viewing angle as needed and tighten the gimbal knobs to secure the assembly. Hand-tighten only.

Illustration Description: An illustration shows the control head assembly, detailing the placement of rubber washers and metal washers on the gimbal knobs, and how they connect to the bracket arm opening and the back of the bracket.

Connect Power and Route Cables

Connect Power:

1. Insert the power cable connector into the power port on your control head.
2. Connect the spade clip on the red wire of the power cable to the positive (+) terminal on the battery, and the spade clip on the black wire to the negative (-) terminal. Ensure spade clips are snugly attached.

Route Cables to Control Head:

1. Optional Sonar: Refer to your transducer installation guide.
2. Optional Ethernet: Refer to your MEGA Live 2 ICE Installation Guide.
3. Optional Accessories: Install accessories using their provided guides.
4. Route all cables to the control head using the instructions included with your ice shuttle.
5. Connect each cable to the appropriate, keyed ports on the control head.
6. Hand-tighten the screw nut on each cable to secure the connection. Cover any unused ports to prevent damage.
7. Ensure sufficient cable slack for the control head to pivot through its full tilt range and for connecting/disconnecting cables.

Illustration Description: A diagram shows the control head with power and Ethernet cables being connected to their respective ports.

Test the System Installation

1. Press the POWER key to turn on the control head. Use the Setup Guide for initial configuration.
2. Select your preferences for language, units, time, and date, then select Continue.
3. Press the Home key.
4. Navigate to Settings > System > System Info.
5. GPS: Confirm GPS status is Enhanced Fix or 3D Fix and that latitude/longitude position is displayed.
6. Accessories: Review the list to confirm accessories are detected. If an accessory is not detected, check cable connections, power, and review the installation guide.
7. Press the Home key.
8. Sonar Test: Perform the transducer test using the transducer installation guide.
9. Once the transducer test and installation are complete, the XPLORE control head is ready for operation.

For operations information, refer to the Quick Start Guide and the XPLORE Operations Manual (available at humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com).

Update Software

Your fish finder may require a software update to work with the MEGA Live 2 transducer. It is important to install the latest software updates for full functionality.

Check Current Software Version:

1. Press the HOME key.
2. Select Settings.
3. Select System > Network Info.
4. Note the software version number for each connected device.

Update Fish Finder Software with an SD Card:

You will need a microSD card (32 GB or less).

Caution: Humminbird is not responsible for data loss due to hardware or software damage.

1. Install a formatted microSD card into your computer.
2. Visit humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com, then click Support > Software Updates.
3. Select your fish finder model. Download the latest software update, following on-screen prompts to save it to the microSD card.
4. Power on your fish finder (Normal or Simulator mode).
5. Insert the microSD card into the fish finder's card slot.
6. Follow on-screen prompts to update the software.
7. Remove the microSD card upon completion.

Update Accessory Software with an SD Card:

1. Install a formatted microSD card into your computer.
2. Visit humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com, then click Support > Software Updates.
3. Scroll to Accessories and Mapping. Select your accessory product and download the software, saving it to the microSD card.
4. Power on your fish finder (Normal mode).
5. Insert the microSD card into the fish finder's card slot.
6. Select Tools > Software Updates. Locate MEGA Live 2, confirm the latest version, and select Install Now.
7. Remove the microSD card upon completion.

Update Software from the One-Boat Network App:

Note: Your fish finder must be running software release 4.130 or higher. Download and pair the One-Boat Network App with your compatible products.

1. Open the One-Boat Network App on your mobile device.
2. Tap Network + Updates.
3. Tap Download Update next to the Humminbird device to update.
4. Once download is complete, tap Transfer Software next to the selected device.
5. Confirm the estimated transfer time.
6. Select the upload destination (internal storage, SD card 1, or SD slot 2).

Install the MEGA Live 2 Transducer to the Pole

If your ice pole includes a MEGA Live 2 mount, follow its manual. Otherwise, use the included mount and instructions.

1. Attach the MEGA Live 2 to the Pole Mount:

1. Secure the included small rubber pads to the inside of the pole mount as shown in the illustration. Press the adhesive sides firmly into place.
2. Align the ratchets on the pole mount and the MEGA Live 2 transducer to connect them.
3. Secure the pole mount to the MEGA Live 2 using the provided lock washer and 1/4-28 screw. Hand-tighten until the lock washer is compressed, then tighten an additional 1/4 turn. Hand-tighten only.

Illustration Description: A diagram shows the pole mount with placement guides for rubber pads. Another diagram illustrates attaching the pole mount to the MEGA Live 2 transducer using a screw and lock washer.

Caution: The screw and lock washer MUST be fully tightened to prevent the transducer from detaching.

2. Attach the Pole Mount to the Ice Pole:

1. Secure the included large rubber pad to the inside of the pole clamp as shown in the illustration. Press the adhesive side firmly into place.
2. Align the pole mount and pole clamp around the base of the ice pole.
3. Secure the pole clamp to the pole mount using the (4) #10-32 screws and the provided 5/32" Allen wrench. Hand-tighten screws evenly, ensuring an even gap between clamps before fully tightening.

Illustration Description: A diagram shows the pole clamp with placement guides for rubber pads. Another diagram illustrates attaching the pole clamp to the pole mount and then securing it around the ice pole using screws.

3. Route the Cables and Connect Power:

Caution: Do not mount cables where connectors could be submerged or flooded. Dielectric grease can prevent corrosion in splash-prone areas.

Note: Route cables through an established system, ensuring no sharp edges or obstructions.

1. Ethernet: Insert the Ethernet Cable into the fish finder's Ethernet port and hand-tighten the screw nut. Connect the other end to the MEGA Live 2 and hand-tighten.
2. Power: Route the power cable to the battery.

Caution: The MEGA Live 2 transducer requires a 12 VDC power supply. Use a 14.8v NMC lithium battery (15ah or more recommended).

1. Connect the power cable's red spade connector to the positive (+) terminal and the black spade connector to the negative (-) terminal on the ice shuttle's power harness or directly to the battery. Follow specific shuttle wiring instructions if modifications are needed.
2. Connect the other end of the power cable to the MEGA Live 2 and hand-tighten the screw nut.

Set Up the Fish Finder

1. Confirm Connections:

1. Turn on the power source from the battery.
2. On the fish finder, press the POWER key.
3. Select Normal mode.
4. On the home screen, check the status bar (top right) for the MEGA Live 2 transducer connection status.

MEGA Live 2 Status Icons:

• Connected/In Water/Pinging: The MEGA Live 2 is connected, in water, and pinging.
• Connected/In Water/Not Pinging: The MEGA Live 2 is connected and in water, but not pinging.
• Connected/Out of Water: The MEGA Live 2 is connected, but the wet indicator is out of the water.
• Connection Lost: The connection to the MEGA Live 2 was lost.

Note: For additional system status, select Home > Settings > System > Network Info.

2. Set Up MEGA Live 2 on the Fish Finder:

Your XPLORE fish finder will automatically detect and subscribe to MEGA Live 2. To review sonar sources, open the XPress menu and select Settings > MEGA Live 2 Source.

Illustration Description: A screenshot shows the fish finder's Network Info screen displaying unit details and Sonar MEGA Live information. Another screenshot shows the fish finder display with sonar returns, indicating the 'MEGA Live 2 Source' menu.

3. Test MEGA Live 2 on the Fish Finder:

1. From the Home screen, tap the View icon in the menu tray.
2. Tap MEGA Live 2 and select your preferred MEGA Live 2 view.
3. Observe sonar returns on the MEGA Live 2 View. Confirm the bottom is visible and check for 'Blocked Beams' (bright white areas indicating hard surfaces or obstructions). Adjust MEGA Live 2 Range on the X-Press Menu for more or less detail.
4. When finished, tap the Ping icon from the MEGA Live 2 top bar to stop pinging.

Illustration Description: Displays show sonar views labeled (Down), (Forward), and (Landscape), illustrating how targets and the bottom appear on the screen. The (Landscape) view note mentions that not all transducer poles support it.

Changing the MEGA Live Mode:

Your fish finder automatically selects the best mode. To manually change to Down, Forward, or Landscape:

1. With the MEGA Live 2 View displayed, tap the MEGA Live Mode icon in the top bar.
2. Tap Auto to turn it off, or use the Cursor pad and Enter key.
3. Tap or use the Cursor pad and Enter key to select Down Mode, Forward Mode, or Landscape Mode.
4. Alternatively, press the OBN 3 key to switch between forward and down modes. A message will remind you to adjust transducer orientation accordingly.

Illustration Description: A screenshot shows the 'Changing the MEGA Live Mode' interface, illustrating the different transducer orientations (Down, Forward, Landscape) and the option to disable the reminder message.

Power Off

Power Off the Fish Finder:

1. During operation, press the POWER key and select Power Off.

Caution: Turning off the fish finder does NOT power off the MEGA Live 2 ice transducer.

2. Turn power off at the switch on your ice shuttle or disconnect power from the battery.

Travel with the MEGA Live 2 Transducer Installed:

The MEGA Live 2 transducer must not hit any objects during transport.

Maintenance

Your Humminbird fish finder is designed for reliable operation with minimal maintenance.

Transducer Maintenance:

• Periodically clean the transducer face with a damp cloth and fresh water.
• If the transducer is out of the water for an extended period, small air bubbles may cling to the surface upon re-immersion, potentially interfering with operation. These bubbles will dissipate over time, or you can wipe the transducer face with your fingers after it is in the water.

MEGA Live 2 Maintenance:

• Check the stability of the pole mount after initial use and periodically thereafter.
• For long-term storage, keep the MEGA Live 2 ice transducer in dry conditions between -40°F to 158°F (-40°C to 70°C).

Troubleshooting

Review these guidelines before contacting Humminbird Technical Support.

Fishing System Doesn't Power Up:

Ensure:

• The power cable is properly connected to the control head.
• The power cable is wired correctly (red to positive, black to negative).
• The battery voltage is at least 12 Volts.
• In-line fuses are checked (5A for control head, 2A for MEGA Live 2).

Address any issues, including battery terminal corrosion or replacing the battery if necessary.

Finding the Cause of Noise:

Electrical noise may appear as streaks or repetitive patterns on the display. Potential sources include:

• Other electronic devices: Turn off nearby devices one by one to see if the noise disappears.
• Other sonar devices: Turn off nearby sonar devices one by one to see if the noise disappears.

Specifications

• Operating Frequency: 1.05 CHIRP MHz
• Power Requirement: 10 to 20 VDC
• Current Draw: 1.15 A maximum
• Operating Temperature: 32°F to 158°F (0°C to 70°C)
• Storage Temperature: -31°F to 185°F (-35°C to 85°C)

Notes: Humminbird verifies maximum stated depth in saltwater conditions, but actual depth performance may vary. Product specifications and features are subject to change without notice.

Environmental Compliance & Contact Information

ROHS Statement: Product designed for fixed installation or vessel systems may be considered beyond the scope of Directive 2002/95/EC.

Environmental Compliance Statement: Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. is committed to responsible corporate citizenship and environmental compliance.

WEEE Directive: This symbol (WEEE wheelie bin) indicates the product must not be disposed of with household refuse. It must be collected for recycling and recovery of waste EEE. Contact your dealer or distributor for disposal information.

Contact Humminbird:

Contact Humminbird Technical Support through the Help Center at https://humminbird-help.johnsonoutdoors.com/hc/en-us or in writing to:

Humminbird Service Department
678 Humminbird Lane
Eufaula AL 36027 USA

Social Media Resources:

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