Humminbird CoastMaster Quick Start Guide

Introduction

Humminbird® CoastMaster® chart cards are compatible with HELIX® G3, G3N, and G4N control heads with chartplotting capabilities, and all APEX™ and SOLIX® control heads. For the latest compatibility information and to download a detailed CoastMaster Chart Card user guide, visit humminbird.com.

This quick start guide, along with the CoastMaster user guide, contains instructions applicable to your Humminbird control head(s) for the following series:

• APEX Series
• SOLIX Series
• HELIX Series

Humminbird CoastMaster Chart Cards

Your control head is compatible with either an SD card or a microSD card. Please observe the following guidelines:

⚠️ WARNING! Do NOT delete or change the contents of your chart card. Doing so will permanently damage it.

• Confirm the chart card is locked (refer to illustrations).
• Do not force the card into the slot; it should click easily into place.
• Do not leave the card slot cover open to prevent water damage to the unit.

Illustration shows an SD card labeled 'HUMMINBIRD COASTMASTER VX' with a switch in the locked position.

Illustration shows a microSD card and a microSD card adapter. The microSD card is labeled 'HUMMINBIRD COASTMASTER VX'.

Getting Started

Power On

1. Press the POWER key.
2. Choose your startup mode: select "Normal mode" if you are on the water with GPS reception, or "Simulator mode" if you are off the water without GPS reception.

Check the Current Software Version

Installing the latest software update is crucial for enabling the Humminbird CoastMaster chart card on your control head. CoastMaster requires the following software versions:

• APEX/SOLIX: 3.920 and later
• HELIX: 2.380 and later

Your CoastMaster purchase includes a separate SD card with the most recent software update. Refer to the included Humminbird Software and Basemap Update guide for installation instructions.

Update the Basemap (HELIX Only)

CoastMaster requires the following basemap versions to operate on HELIX control heads:

• HELIX 7 and 8: 2.010 (released 07/2020) and later
• All other compatible HELIX models: 1.031 (released 07/2020) and later

Refer to the included Humminbird Software and Basemap Update guide for installation instructions.

Open Chart View

• APEX/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.

Chart View

Screenshots illustrate chart views on APEX/SOLIX and HELIX devices.

Using the Status Bar (APEX/SOLIX Only): The status bar at the top of the screen displays information relevant to the current view. Tap icons to open menus or make selections. Icons include Chart, N-Up, AC Live, chart orientation, chart preset, and depth color palette.

Select Chart Preset

Chart Presets allow quick switching between settings. You can use the default Fishing or Navigation presets, or create custom User presets. All presets are customizable and can be restored to default settings.

• APEX/SOLIX: Navigate via Chart X-Press Menu > Chart Options > Chart Preset.
• HELIX: Navigate via Main Menu > HB Chart tab > Chart Preset.

Set Depth Highlights

Highlight deep and shallow waters using CoastMaster features. Highlight colors are customizable. Depth Highlights allow up to four depth ranges to be marked on the chart. Shallow Water Highlight identifies areas where the depth is equal to or less than a set level.

• APEX/SOLIX: Navigate via Chart X-Press Menu > Chart Options > Depth Highlights.
• HELIX: Navigate via Main Menu > HB Chart tab > Depth Highlights.

Screenshots show chart views with depth highlights turned off and on.

Set Safe Depth Level

The Safe Depth feature highlights hazards shallower than a user-defined minimum depth level for your vessel.

• APEX/SOLIX: Navigate via Home > Settings > Chart > Safe Depth.
• HELIX: Navigate via Main Menu > HB Chart tab > Safe Depth.

Show/Hide Spot Soundings

Spot Soundings display depth measurements on the chart.

• APEX/SOLIX: Navigate via Chart X-Press Menu > Chart Options > Chart Objects > Navigation > Spot Soundings.
• HELIX: Navigate via Main Menu > HB Chart tab > Chart Objects > Spot Soundings.

CoastMaster in Chart View

Detailed views of APEX/SOLIX and HELIX charts illustrate various elements:

• APEX/SOLIX: Shows contour lines, depth labels (e.g., 'depth of contour'), chart objects (wreck, landmark), spot sounding labels, drying areas, and depth palette colors.
• HELIX: Shows contour lines, depth highlight 1, labels (sand), drying areas, depth palette colors, shallow water highlight, and chart info (fish haven).

Tips for Using the Map

Move Across the Chart

• APEX/SOLIX: Use the joystick.
• HELIX: Use the 4-way cursor control key.

See More on the Chart

Use the zoom in [+] and zoom out [-] functions to adjust the chart display, including contour lines and depth colors.

View Map Information

Move the cursor to an icon (buoy, marker, etc.), contour line, or position on the chart. Press the [Information symbol] key. For APEX or SOLIX control heads, press the [Information symbol] key a second time or select Map Info from the Info Menu.

Search Your Map (APEX/SOLIX Only)

Search for ports, services, tide stations, current stations, waypoints, routes, and tracks. Navigate via Chart X-Press Menu > Info > Find Nearest, then select an item from the list.

Display or Hide Contour Lines

Hide contour lines for a clearer view of chart details.

• APEX/SOLIX: Navigate via Chart X-Press Menu > Chart Options > Depth/Contours.
• HELIX: Navigate via Main Menu > HB Chart tab > Depth/Contours.

Change the Chart Orientation

Select your preferred display orientation (e.g., North-Up, Head-Up, Course-Up).

• APEX/SOLIX: Navigate via Chart X-Press Menu > Chart Options > General > Orientation.
• HELIX: Navigate via Main Menu > Chart tab > Chart Orientation.

Advanced CoastMaster Features

CoastMaster Premium: Change Layers

With a CoastMaster Premium chart card, you can display layers such as aerial imagery, bottom hardness, and shaded relief. Layer transparency is customizable.

• Aerial Imagery: Can be applied to land only or to both land and water.
• Bottom Hardness: Highlights seabed composition. Light colors indicate harder bottoms (rock, coral), while dark colors indicate softer bottoms (sand, mud).
• Shaded Relief: Uses shadows to depict seafloor features.

APEX/SOLIX: Navigate via Chart X-Press Menu > Chart Options > Layers.

HELIX: Navigate via Main Menu > HB Chart tab > Layers.

Images show examples of Aerial Imagery, Shaded Relief, and Bottom Hardness, including a legend for bottom hardness.

Change Contour Source

Customize displayed contours using Fishing and Nautical Bathymetry. CoastMaster Premium users can also display Auxiliary Bathymetry in select regions.

• APEX/SOLIX: Navigate via Chart X-Press Menu > Chart Options > Depths/Contours > Depth/Contour Source.
• HELIX: Navigate via Main Menu > HB Chart tab > Depth/Contours > Depth/Contour Source.

Images show examples of Fishing Bathymetry, Nautical Bathymetry, and Auxiliary Bathymetry.

Troubleshooting

The map is not displayed in Chart View.

1. Confirm GPS reception.
2. Confirm the control head software is up to date.
3. Confirm compatibility on the humminbird.com website.

How can I view maps on my control head when I am not on the water?

1. Power on the control head. Select Start Simulation (APEX/SOLIX) or Simulator (HELIX).
2. Open a chart view and move the cursor to your desired position on the chart.

• APEX/SOLIX: Navigate via Chart X-Press Menu > Set Simulation Position.
• HELIX: Navigate via Main Menu > Chart Menu Tab > Set Simulation Position.

Can I view the Humminbird CoastMaster chart card on my computer?

No, the Humminbird CoastMaster chart card is not compatible with computers. It is only compatible with Humminbird control heads. Installing it on a computer could corrupt map files.

The map displays, but seems to redraw slowly as you move across the water.

1. Press the ZOOM [-] key to zoom out of the Chart View.
2. Confirm the control head software is up to date.

? NOTE: For additional questions, see the FAQ page at humminbird.com or contact Humminbird Technical Support through their Help Center at https://humminbird-help.johnsonoutdoors.com/hc/en-us.

Warranty

End User License Agreement

This Hydrographic Database is the proprietary and confidential property of Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics. Unauthorized use, including copying, is prohibited. By using the product, you agree to the terms and conditions of the Johnson Outdoors License Agreement. This agreement grants a limited, non-exclusive, personal license to use the data on a GPS mapping device for navigation reference. Licensor and its third-party suppliers retain all rights. Users are responsible for using official government charts and prudent navigation. The product and documentation are copyrighted works containing proprietary information. Users may not modify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, sublicense, rent, lease, sell, or create derivative works. The data may not be placed on a public network server.

LICENSOR AND ITS THIRD-PARTY SUPPLIERS DO NOT WARRANT THE LICENSED PRODUCT WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS OR THAT ITS OPERATION WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE. IN NO EVENT WILL COASTMASTER OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES. Some states or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential or incidental damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you.

Product Warranty & Return Policy

Johnson Outdoors warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship for 30 days from the date of purchase. Defects substantiated by a sales receipt within this period will be repaired or replaced at Johnson Outdoors' discretion. This is the exclusive remedy. Johnson Outdoors is not liable for any special, consequential, incidental, or indirect damages.

This warranty does not apply if the product has been altered, adjusted, handled improperly, or if damage resulted from misuse, negligence, or carelessness.

Return of Defective Product

Return defective products directly to Johnson Outdoors, not retailers. Returned products must display a Return Authorization (RA) number on the shipping package. Contact Humminbird Technical Support via their Help Center at https://humminbird-help.johnsonoutdoors.com/hc/en-us within 30 days of purchase to obtain an RA. Include a sales receipt, product UPC, and contact information. The RA is valid for 30 days. Return address: Humminbird Service Department, 678 Humminbird Lane, Eufaula, AL 36027 USA.

Johnson Outdoors reserves the right to examine returned products to determine the cause of defects. Repaired or replaced products will have the original data duplicated. Products defective due to other causes will not be repaired or replaced. Out-of-warranty or damaged products may be eligible for repair for a fee.

⚠️ WARNING: Never format a CoastMaster SD card, as this will permanently erase map data. Never use a CoastMaster SD card to store or transfer data, as this may damage the card.

Warnings

⚠️ WARNING! The electronic chart in your Humminbird unit is an aid to navigation and not a replacement for official government charts and notices to mariners. The captain is responsible for safe navigation.

⚠️ WARNING! Do NOT save data files (waypoints, routes, tracks, groups, recordings, etc.) to your chart card. Saving data will permanently damage it. Save navigation data to the control head and export it to a blank card. Download the CoastMaster Chart Cards User Guide from humminbird.com for details.

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

? NOTE: To purchase accessories for your control head, visit humminbird.com or contact Humminbird Technical Support through their Help Center at https://humminbird-help.johnsonoutdoors.com/hc/en-us.

Trademarks: APEX™, CoastMaster®, HELIX®, Humminbird®, 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.

© 2022 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved.

Contact Humminbird

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

Humminbird Service Department
678 Humminbird Lane
Eufaula AL 36027 USA

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