Humminbird Platinum ID 600 Operations Manual
Model: Platinum ID 600
Transducer Mounting Procedure
Humminbird's high-speed transducer is designed for optimal performance on most boat designs, including aluminum, providing good high-speed readings. Consider the following before installation.
Transducer Mounting Options:
- Transom Mount: Mounts below the boat hull to avoid turbulent water and ensure good high-speed operation. It can absorb impacts from obstructions.
- Inside Hull Mount: Uses a two-part epoxy (like Humminbird's Epoxy Kit) for mounting inside the hull. Signal loss may occur, and this method is not suitable for aluminum hulls.
- Trolling Motor Mount: This transducer is not supplied with the LCR but can be exchanged for an unused high-speed transducer. Contact Humminbird Customer Service.
- Bronz Thru-Hull Mount: Available for exchange at an additional cost. It features a threaded stem for installation through a hull hole, with the housing exposed. Suitable for boats with inboard engines where transom mounting is problematic due to noise and turbulence. Professional installation is recommended.
A properly mounted transducer is crucial for high-speed operation. Transducers will not transmit through air or air bubbles.
1. Transom Mounting Procedure
Step 1: Mounting Location Select a location on the transom with constant water flow. Observe the rear of the boat while moving to find the best spot.
Step 2: Bracket Installation (Aluminum Boats) Use the provided template to mark holes on the transom. Align the template with the bottom edge of the transom. Drill three 7/64" diameter holes and attach the metal bracket using three #10 self-threading screws. A wood back-up plate may be needed for some aluminum boats. Use silicone sealant between screwheads and the bracket to prevent leaks.
Step 2: Bracket Installation (Fiberglass Boats) For boats with a stepped transom, mount the bracket in this area for good high-speed readings. Follow the same template procedure as for aluminum boats.
Note: For boats with a deadrise angle greater than 15 degrees, the transducer may need to be mounted slightly off parallel to the water level.
Step 3: Transducer Pivot Assembly Assemble the pivot to the transducer main body using two 4"x5/8" allen head screws, two 3/8" tooth washers, and two 1/4" square nuts. Ensure tooth washers are between the transducer body and pivot. The square nuts should be trapped within the pivot. Do not fully tighten at this point.
Step 4: Transducer Assembly Insert the transducer assembly into the metal bracket from the bottom. Align the plastic pivot holes with the bracket's uppermost holes. Slide the O-ring onto the headed pin and insert it through both parts. Secure with the 1/4"x3/8" allen head screw and tighten.
Step 5: Angle Alignment Set the transducer angle parallel to the boat hull. Tighten the two allen head screws using the 5/32" allen wrench. Ensure the transducer main body is securely fastened to the pivot.
Step 6: Check Position of Transducer Verify the transducer bottom is at least 1/4" below the transom bottom. If not, remove the assembly, loosen bracket screws, reposition using slotted holes, and re-tighten. Reapply silicone sealant if necessary. Adjustments may require high-speed runs to achieve optimal angle and position.
Step 7: Cable Clamps Install cable clamps using the provided #8 screws and 1/8" diameter holes.
Inside Hull Mounting Procedure
Warning: This installation requires familiarity with two-part epoxy adhesives. Techsonic Industries, Inc. is not liable for damage during mounting. An Epoxy Kit (Part N. EPK) is available from Humminbird.
- Select a thin, flat area near the aft center of the hull. If a runner is present, choose an area beside it.
- Clean the inside hull area with lacquer thinner. Clean the outside hull area as well (not with lacquer thinner).
- Place approximately one inch of water in the bottom of the boat.
- Place the transducer in the water, ensuring its bottom is flat and in good contact with the hull bottom.
- Operate the LCR at high speed. Adjust transducer position for satisfactory operation.
- Mark the transducer's location once satisfactory operation is achieved.
- Remove the water and transducer, and clean the marked area and transducer bottom.
- Mix Humminbird Epoxy Kit or equivalent and pour onto the mounting area, creating a puddle larger than the transducer base.
- Coat the transducer bottom with epoxy, place it in the puddle, and push down while moving circularly to expel air bubbles.
- Allow epoxy to cure. The transducer is now ready. No water is needed in the boat. Spilled gas or oil will not degrade performance.
Caution: Do not use silicone seal or soft adhesive, as it reduces sensitivity.
Cautions
- Clean the transducer "eye" with liquid detergent if it becomes dirty or oily.
- Improper installation affects efficiency and accuracy.
- If the transducer is out of water, it may take time to re-wet. Air bubbles may form and can be cleared by rubbing the transducer "eye" in water.
- Check electrical connections before removing the transducer or calling for service.
- Inspect transducer cable for damage. Minor nicks can be repaired with electrical tape. Inner and outer cable contact can damage the transducer; splicing should only be done by a qualified technician.
- If the LCR malfunctions, test with a borrowed unit. If symptoms persist, the transducer is likely the issue.
Installing the LCR
Mount the LCR on a flat, solid surface using the four holes in the swivel mount base. Drill four 1/4" diameter holes and use the provided hardware. Attach the gimbal bracket to the swivel base with four machine screws. Place the LCR in the gimbal mount, ensuring rubber washers are between the unit and bracket. The gimbal bracket slots should face the rear.
Install mounting knobs snugly. The unit can now be swiveled and tilted.
Other Mounting Options
- Mount the gimbal bracket on the SM-4 quick disconnect swivel mount.
- Mount directly to the dash without a swivel mount (not recommended as rotation is lost).
Installing the Cables
The LCR uses Angle-Lock power and transducer connectors. The power connector is marked 'P', and the transducer connector is marked 'T'. An adapter (AD-4) is available for older waterproof (BNC) transducers (16-degree only; 32-degree is incompatible).
Drill an 11/8" hole to pull through the transducer connector. If installing two units, both connectors can pass through this hole. Feed power cable wires through the hole and install the provided hole cover.
Connect the power cable: red lead to positive (+), black lead to negative (-). Install a 1-amp fuse between the red cable and the battery's positive post. Wiring into a fuse panel is recommended. The LCR must be fused separately.
Angle-Lock connectors fit only one way. Align the 'P' or 'T' marking and ensure the 90-degree bend points downward. Push the connector in fully and turn the locking ring clockwise until it locks. To access connectors easily, loosen mounting knobs and tilt the LCR forward.
Testing the Installation
After installation, test the unit on the water for accurate performance assessment.
At idle, press POWER to turn on the unit. The Platinum ID performs a self-test, then selects depth range and sensitivity. The display will show a reading moving from right to left.
Increase boat speed to ensure a continuous bottom reading. The Platinum ID and transducer are designed for speeds up to 75 mph, but exercise caution at high speeds.
If the display is not continuous at higher speeds, the transducer may be improperly installed, with air bubbles or turbulence blocking the signal. Refer to the "Mounting the Transducer" instructions for adjustments.
Note: For other issues, consult the "Troubleshooting" section or call Customer Service.
Using the Platinum ID
This section details operating the Platinum ID via its front panel controls. Reading this information will help you utilize its features effectively.
The section begins with the built-in simulator for practicing control functions. Subsequent instructions can be followed during simulation or actual use, organized by front panel layout.
Using the Built-In Simulator
The Platinum ID includes a simulator for learning the equipment. It displays a typical underwater scene and allows practice with controls. Turn the unit OFF before starting. To activate, press and hold POWER until a chirp sounds, then release. The simulator will begin. "Sensitivity" is disabled in the simulator. Turn off the unit to exit.
Actual use in familiar waters is the best way to learn.
Platinum ID Functions
Adjust functions using the front panel buttons. Press buttons fully to hear a "chirp" for selection.
- POWER: Press once to turn ON/OFF. Press and hold for 2 seconds (when OFF) to start the simulator.
- STOP: Freezes the display for study. Press again to resume.
- SELECT: Accesses adjustment functions: ID, Units, Sensitivity, Bottom Alarm, Fish Alarm, Zoom Range, Bottom Lock, Display Speed, Depth Range, Trip Log.
After adjusting a function, the display returns to full screen. The last selected function remains active for quick adjustments.
What You See on the Display
The display shows bottom contour, fish symbols, depth range, bottom hardness scale, water temperature, boat speed, and depth. The bottom hardness scale differentiates between soft (grass/muddy) and hard (structure/rock) bottoms.
- Selecting ID: Factory setting: Fish symbols. ID identifies targets not attached to the bottom with fish symbols or arches. Symbol size indicates signal strength/fish size. Use arrow keys to switch between fish/arches or ON-OFF to disable ID.
- Selecting Units: Factory Setting: MPH/SM. Switches measurement units between MPH/knots and affects Trip Log distance units (statute miles/nautical miles).
- Selecting Sensitivity: Factory setting: +0. Automatically adjusts sensitivity for conditions. Bias setting from -5 to +5. Higher sensitivity shows smaller targets and thermoclines. Manually adjust by selecting SENS and using UP/DOWN arrows.
- Enabling Bottom Alarm: Factory Setting: OFF. Sets a minimum depth alarm. Select BOTTOM ALARM, press ON-OFF to activate, and use UP/DOWN arrows to set depth. A dashed line indicates alarm depth. A continuous chirp sounds when the bottom is shallower than the set depth.
- Enabling Fish Alarm: Factory Setting: OFF. Alerts with a chirp when fish or other non-bottom targets are detected. Select FISH ALARM and press ON-OFF. Initially alarms for any target; pressing arrows switches to "LARGE" for large targets only.
- Using Zoom Range: Factory Setting: OFF. Provides a close-up view. Select ZOOM RANGE and press ON-OFF. Adjust zoom depth with UP/DOWN arrows. Zoom range varies with Depth Range settings.
- Using Bottom-Lock: Factory setting: OFF. Similar to Zoom, but the zoomed view automatically tracks the bottom. Select BOTTOM LOCK and press ON-OFF. Ideal for finding structure or fish near the bottom.
- Setting Display Speed: Factory Setting: One level below maximum. Controls how quickly the display updates. Select DISPLAY SPEED and use UP arrow for faster updates or DOWN arrow for slower, more detailed information.
- Trip Log: Factory Setting: Off. Displays Average Speed, Elapsed Distance, and Elapsed Time. Information updates continuously while the unit is powered on. Press STOP to reset timers. Press ON-OFF to exit. Requires a speed accessory.