Humminbird Dimension 3 Sonar 600 Operations Manual

Transducer Mounting Procedure

Humminbird's high-speed transducer is designed for good high-speed readings on most boat designs, including aluminum. Consider the following before installing your transducer.

Transducer Mounting Options:

• Transom Mount: Allows the transducer element to be mounted below the boat hull, keeping it out of turbulent water for good high-speed operation. It can be rotated up or down to avoid obstructions.
• Inside Hull Mount: Uses a two-part epoxy kit. Signal loss may occur when shooting through the hull, but performance is generally good. This method is not suitable for aluminum boats.
• Trolling Motor Mount: Designed to mount on the foot of a trolling motor. An exchange for a trolling motor transducer is available through Humminbird Customer Service.
• Bronz Thru-Hull Mount: Available for an additional cost, this transducer has a threaded stem that installs through a hole drilled in the boat hull. It is suitable for boats with inboard engines where transom mounting is not ideal due to propeller turbulence. Professional installation is recommended.

A transducer will not transmit through air or air bubbles.

Transom Mounting Procedure:

1. Mounting Location: Mount the transducer on the transom where water flow is in constant contact. Observe the rear of the boat while moving to find the best location.
2. Bracket Installation (Aluminum Boats): Use the provided template to locate and drill three 7/64" dia. holes on the transom. Attach the metal bracket using three #10 self-threading screws. Silicone sealant should be used between the screwhead and bracket to prevent leaks. A wood back-up plate may be necessary for some aluminum boats.
3. Bracket Installation (Fiberglass Boats): Locate the template on the transom similarly to aluminum boats. For extra high-speed operation on boats with a stepped transom, mounting in that area is recommended.
4. Transducer Pivot Assembly: Assemble the pivot to the transducer main body using the provided screws, tooth washers, and square nuts. Ensure the tooth washers are between the transducer main body and the pivot. The square nuts are trapped inside the pivot. Do not fully tighten at this point.
5. Angle Alignment: Set the transducer angle parallel to the bottom of the boat hull. Once aligned, tighten the two allen head screws.
6. Check Position of Transducer: Ensure the bottom of the transducer is at least 1/4" below the bottom of the transom. If not, reposition the bracket using its slotted holes and re-assemble. Silicone sealant may need to be replaced. Adjustments may be needed after high-speed runs.
7. Cable Clamps: Install cable clamps as necessary by drilling a 1/8" dia. hole for the #8 screw.

Inside Hull Mounting Procedure

Warning: This installation requires familiarity with two-part epoxy adhesives. Techsonic Industries, Inc. is not responsible for damage during this mounting process. An Epoxy Kit (Part N. EPK) is available from Humminbird.

1. Select a flat area near the aft end and center of the boat where the hull is thin. If there is a runner, choose an area to one side.
2. Clean the inside of the boat with lacquer thinner where the transducer will be mounted. Clean the outside of the boat in this area as well (not with lacquer thinner).
3. Place approximately one inch of water in the bottom of the boat.
4. Place the transducer in the water, ensuring its bottom is in a flat area and in good contact with the boat's bottom.
5. Operate the LCR at high speed, potentially moving the transducer to find satisfactory operation.
6. Mark the transducer's location once satisfactory operation is achieved.
7. Remove the water and transducer, and clean the marked area and the transducer bottom.
8. Mix Humminbird Epoxy Kit or equivalent and pour it into the mounting area, creating a puddle larger than the transducer base.
9. Coat the transducer bottom with epoxy, place it in the puddle, and push down while moving in a circular motion to remove air bubbles.
10. Allow the epoxy to cure. No water is needed in the boat bottom after curing.

Caution: Do not use silicone seal or soft adhesive, as it will reduce sensitivity.

Cautions:

• Clean the transducer's "eye" with liquid detergent if it becomes dirty or contaminated with oil.
• Improper installation can affect system efficiency and accuracy.
• If the transducer has been out of the water, it may take time to become "wetted." Air bubbles can be removed by rubbing the transducer "eye" in the water.
• Check all electrical connections before removing the transducer or calling for service.
• Inspect the transducer cable for damage. Minor damage can be repaired with electrical tape. Splicing coaxial cable should only be done by a qualified technician.
• If the LCR is not working properly, try a borrowed unit to determine if the problem lies with the transducer.

Installing the LCR

Mount the LCR on a flat, solid surface for stability. The low profile swivel mount has four holes. Use all four holes for mounting.

1. Position the swivel base and drill four 1/4" diameter holes.
2. Place the gimbal bracket on the swivel base and attach with four small machine screws.
3. Place the LCR in the gimbal mount, ensuring rubber washers are between the unit and the bracket. The slots on the gimbal bracket should face the rear.
4. Install the mounting knobs and tighten snugly. The unit can now be swiveled and tilted.

Other Mounting Options:

• The LCR gimbal bracket can also be mounted on the SM-4, quick disconnect swivel mount.
• Mounting directly to the dash without the swivel mount is possible, but not recommended as the unit cannot be rotated.

Installing the Cables

The LCR uses Humminbird's 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, but they must be 16-degree transducers.

Drill an 11/8" hole to pull the transducer connector through. If installing two units, both connectors can pass through this hole. Then, push the power cable wires through the hole. Use the provided hole cover to secure the wires.

Connect the red power lead to the positive (+) battery post and the black lead to the negative (-) post. Install a 1-amp fuse between the red cable and the positive post of your 12-volt battery. If using a fuse panel, wire the power cable into it. The LCR must be fused separately.

Angle-Lock connectors only fit one way. Position the connector so "P" or "T" is readable and the 90-degree bend points downward. Push the connector in fully and turn the locking ring clockwise until it locks.

To easily access connectors, loosen mounting knobs and tilt the LCR forward.

Mounting the Dimension 3

Gather the necessary parts: Dimension 3 unit, gimbal-mounting bracket, mounting hardware kit, power cable, transducer cable, and temperature/speed cables if used. An EC-7 10' extension cable is available if needed.

Consider the mounting location:

• The mounting surface must be adequately supported against wave shock and vibration.
• Allow at least 2" clearance at the back, sides, and top for connections, airflow, and removal.
• Route the transducer cable and antenna cable away from each other to minimize potential interference with VHF radio.

Mounting Steps:

1. Position the gimbal mount on the mounting surface with slots facing rearward.
2. Mark 1/8" holes for mounting screws.
3. Mark a 1" hole approximately 3" behind the bracket for cable routing.
4. Drill the holes.
5. Mount the bracket using the supplied hardware. (Twist the bracket 90 degrees on the swivel base to access mounting screws.)
6. Connect the power cable to a 12-volt DC source, using a 1-amp fuse (not included) through a fuse panel or an in-line fuse holder. Do not connect directly to the battery without a fuse. Connect the black lead to the negative terminal and the red lead through the fuse to the positive terminal. Use only the provided power cable.
7. Pull the transducer and accessory cables through the 1" hole and connect them to the Dimension 3.
8. Secure the cables by pushing excess into the hole and installing the hole cover.
9. Loosen mounting knobs, slip the Dimension 3 into the gimbal bracket, ensuring rubber washers are in place, and tighten knobs to secure the unit.

Testing: Test the installation on the water. With the boat at idle, press the POWER button. The unit performs a selftest and automatically selects depth range and sensitivity. You will see a reading marching across the screen and a digital depth readout.

Increase boat speed to ensure continuous bottom reading. The transducer is designed for speeds up to 75 mph.

If the display is not continuous at higher speeds, the transducer may not be installed properly, causing air bubbles or turbulence. Refer to "Mounting the Transducer" for adjustments.

For other issues, consult the "Troubleshooting" section or call Customer Service.

Basic Operations

This section explains how to use the Dimension 3 simulator and start the unit for actual use, including operating the "screen control" buttons.

Using the Built-In Simulator:

• Turn the unit off.
• Press and hold the POWER button until a chirping sound begins.
• Release the button; the simulator will start, displaying a typical underwater scene.
• Practice with the controls as described in the manual.
• To turn off the simulator, press the POWER button again.

Actual use in familiar waters is the best way to learn.

Powering Up for Actual Use

The Dimension 3 has front panel buttons for function selection. Press buttons fully to hear a "chirp" sound.

• POWER: Press once to turn on/off. Press and hold for 2 seconds (when off) to start the simulator.
• LIGHT: Controls the 2-position backlight (dim, bright, off).

The display shows a 3-dimensional underwater image, including the bottom, objects, depth, temperature, and speed.

What You See On-Screen

The screen displays various information:

• Bottom Hardness Scale: Indicates relative bottom hardness.
• Boat Speed: Displays current boat speed.
• Surface Temperature: Shows water temperature.
• Reverse Angle: Option for displaying the 3D image.
• Automatic Range Control: Automatically adjusts depth range.
• Zoom: Magnifies a selected area.
• Bottom Lock: Keeps the zoomed view focused on the bottom.
• ID: Displays vertical lines to identify fish location.
• Stop: Freezes the display.
• Depth Range: Sets the depth range for display.
• Digital Depth: Shows current depth digitally.

The 3-dimensional image reflects sonar projection: a narrow beam front-to-rear and a broad beam left-to-right. Your boat is at the center of the leading edge, traveling right.

View Options:

• 3/4 View (Normal): Objects to the left appear on the left, objects to the right appear on the right.
• 3/4 View (Reverse Angle): Objects to the right appear on the left, and vice versa. This can reveal hidden terrain.

Experiment with these views to find what works best.

Other views include Straight-On View and Side View.

Controlling the Screen Image

Use the circular pattern of buttons on the front panel:

• ID Button: Adds vertical lines to fish images, showing exact location and distance from the bottom. Press again to turn off.
• SCREEN Button: Provides alternate views (front, side) for better understanding. Press again to return to 3/4 screen.
• STOP Button: Freezes the display for study. Press again to resume.
• REVERSE ANGLE Button: Shows a mirror image, useful in 3D and front view for revealing hidden terrain.

Selecting Functions

Use the "Select System" to access various features:

• Sensitivity: Adjusts sensitivity for conditions, with manual bias of +/- 5 levels. Increasing sensitivity can display smaller targets and thermoclines.
• Depth Range: Factory setting is Automatic. Can be manually set to 240' (3/4 or front view) or 600' (side view). A depth limit message appears when the bottom approaches the limit.
• Bottom Alarm: Sets a minimum depth. An alarm sounds when the bottom becomes shallower than the set depth, useful for maintaining position or avoiding shallows.
• Fish Alarm: Alerts with a chirping sound when fish or objects are detected. Settings include large fish, large/medium fish, or all fish. Displayed fish size indicates relative size, but sonar characteristics vary by species.
• Zoom: Provides an up-close view. Select ZOOM, use Up/Down arrows to set the range, and press ON-OFF. Zoom range depends on depth range (10', 20', 40', 60').
• Bottom-Lock: Similar to Zoom, but the zoomed view automatically moves up or down to stay on the bottom. Ideal for finding structure or fish near the bottom.
• Bottom-Hardness: Displays relative bottom hardness at the top of the screen. Full vertical bar for hard surfaces, shorter bar for soft. Factory setting is average; adjustable for comparison.
• Display Speed: Controls how quickly the display updates. Higher speeds provide faster updates; slower speeds provide more detailed information and show more "history."
• Data Log: Provides a full screen of current information. Press ON-OFF to display/exit. Press STOP to reset timers. Requires temp and speed accessories.

Using the Custom Program

Customize three aspects of operation:

1. Feature Hide: "Hide" seldom-used features from the Select System menu for quicker access to frequently used functions. Press SCREEN and hold for 3 seconds to enter Custom Program. Use SELECT to choose "FEATURE HIDE," then Up/Down arrows to select a feature, and ON-OFF to hide it (indicated by "H"). Repeat to restore.
2. Units: Choose measurement units (feet, meters, fathoms), speed units (mph, kph, knots), and temperature units (Fahrenheit, Centigrade). Select "UNITS" in Custom Program, then Up/Down arrows to change, and ON-OFF to display the desired unit.
3. Contrast: Adjust screen contrast for optimal viewability. Select "CONTRAST" in Custom Program, then Up/Down arrows to adjust.

Press the SCREEN key to exit Custom Program.