Humminbird HELIX Series Control Head and XNT Transducer Installation Guide
This guide provides instructions for installing the Humminbird HELIX Series Control Head and XNT Transducers.
HELIX™ Series Control Head Installation Guide
Follow these instructions to gimbal mount the control head. It is recommended to read this guide before starting to understand installation requirements.
Supplies: In addition to supplied hardware, you will need a powered hand drill, drill bits, Phillips and flat head screwdrivers, pencil, safety glasses, dust mask, marine-grade silicone sealant, dielectric grease (optional), extension cables (optional), Ethernet cables (optional), and accessory cables (optional). Refer to 'Connect Power' for connection type, fuse size, and additional equipment.
Accessories and Ethernet: Available for purchase. Installation guides are included with products or downloadable from the Humminbird website.
1. Plan the Mounting Location
Assembling the Control Head and Bracket: Install the gimbal knobs into each side of the control head, tightening just enough to slide the control head into the gimbal bracket arms. The bracket hole pattern measurements are 4.5" (114mm) by 3.39" (86mm), with smaller hole spacings of 1.02" (26mm) and 1.5" (38mm).
? If mounting overhead, flip the bracket to the top of the control head. Ensure the gimbal bracket arms face the rear of the control head.
Mounting Location Requirements:
- A stable, protected surface resistant to wave shock, vibration, and water.
- Sufficient space for the control head's tilt range.
- Good visibility during operation and easy installation/removal.
- Access above and below the mounting surface for cable routing.
- Space for a 1" (25 mm) cable hole located 2" to 4" (50 to 100 mm) behind the mounting location.
Steps:
- Install gimbal knobs into the control head.
- Place the assembled control head in various locations to determine the best mounting spot based on the requirements above.
- Test route all cables (transducer, power, Ethernet, accessories) to the control head location, leaving enough slack for the cable tray and tilt range.
- Loosen gimbal knobs and remove the control head from the gimbal bracket.
2. Install the Gimbal Bracket
Steps:
- Place the gimbal bracket on the mounting surface and mark the four outer mounting screw locations. ? The outer holes are recommended; inner holes can be used if necessary.
- Drill the four mounting screw holes using a 5/32" (4 mm) drill bit.
- Mark and drill a 1" (25 mm) cable hole 2" to 4" (50 to 100 mm) behind the bracket for cable routing.
- Align the bracket with the drilled holes, fill the holes with marine-grade silicone sealant, and insert four #10 x 1" wood screws with flat washers. Hand tighten only.
Illustration: Installing the Gimbal Bracket shows screws, washers, and bracket holes.
3. Connect Power
Important Power Installation Information:
- Cable Length: A 6' (2 m) power cable is included. It can be shortened or lengthened using 18-gauge multi-stranded copper wire. Refer to the 'Recommended Power Cable Extension Information' table for wire gauge based on extension length (1-6 ft: 18 AWG, 6-12 ft: 14 AWG, 12-24 ft: 12 AWG). Consult ABYC-approved wire gauge diagrams or a marine electronics installer.
- Power Supply: The control head requires a 12 VDC power supply. Use the fuse size indicated in the 'Required Fuse Size' table.
- Fuse Panel or Battery: Connect to the boat's fuse panel or directly to the battery. A separate power source may be needed to minimize interference.
Required Fuse Size:
| Model | Fuse Size |
|---|---|
| HELIX 9 | 3A |
| HELIX 9 G2N | 4A |
| HELIX 10 | 3A |
| HELIX 10 G2N | 4A |
| HELIX 12 | 4A |
| HELIX 12 G2N | 5A |
❗ WARNING! Some boats have 24 or 36 Volt systems; the control head MUST be connected to a 12 VDC supply.
❗ WARNING! Ensure the power cable is disconnected from the control head before starting.
❗ WARNING! Humminbird is not responsible for over-voltage or over-current failures. Proper fuse selection and installation are critical.
Steps:
- Confirm the power cable is disconnected from the control head.
- Connect power cable wires to the fuse panel or battery:
- Fuse Terminal Connection: Use appropriate crimp connectors. Attach the black wire to ground [negative] and the red wire to positive [12 VDC]. Install the required fuse.
- Battery Connection: Install an inline fuse holder and the required fuse. Attach the black wire to ground [negative] and the red wire to positive [12 VDC].
? For multi-control head installations and troubleshooting, download the Power Troubleshooting Guide. Refer to the Operations Summary Guide for Low Battery Alarm and Standby Mode settings.
4. Route the Cables to the Control Head
Steps:
- Sonar: Refer to your transducer installation guide.
- Accessories (optional): Follow guides provided with accessories.
- Ethernet (optional): Follow the Ethernet Installation Guide. ? Installation guides for Ethernet and accessories are available with the product or downloadable from the Humminbird website.
- Route all cables to the control head. Utilize existing wiring channels or conduits if available. Route cables away from VHF radio antenna cables or tachometer cables to minimize interference.
⚠️ CAUTION! Do NOT mount cables where connectors could be submerged or flooded. Applying dielectric grease inside connectors may prevent corrosion in splash-prone areas.
Pass the cables through the cable hole behind the bracket.
5. Assemble the Cable Tray
The cable tray secures and protects cables.
Steps:
- Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove screws from the bottom of the cable tray.
- Turn the cable tray over so the Humminbird logo faces up. Lift and set aside the cover.
- Insert each cable connector into the correct, specifically shaped slots in the tray. Route cables using the grooves. Illustration: Locating the Cable Tray Slots shows connector types (COM, Transducer, Power, Ethernet, Temp/Speed).
- Place the cover onto the tray. If tray arms fall out, refer to 'Assembling the Cable Tray' illustration to reinsert them.
- Install screws in the bottom holes of the tray. Hand tighten only.
- Turn the cable tray over with the Humminbird logo facing up. Ensure cables hang straight and untwist them if necessary.
- Align the cable tray slots with the matching ports on the back of the control head. Align the tray pins with the control head holes. Plug the cable tray into the back of the control head; clasps should click into place. Illustration: Connecting the Cable Tray to the Control Head shows alignment of pins and clasps.
- Pull carefully on the cable tray to confirm it is secure and both clasps have clicked.
Illustration: Removing the Screws shows screw removal. Illustration: Turning over the Cable Tray shows orientation. Illustration: Assembling the Cable Tray shows re-attaching arms.
6. Secure the Control Head Installation
Steps:
- Slide the control head into the bracket.
- Confirm sufficient cable slack for full tilt range and cable connection/disconnection. ? If excess cable needs gathering, form a single loop and coil it to reduce electronic interference. Illustration: Storing Excess Cable shows coiling method.
- Adjust the control head to the desired viewing angle. Hand tighten the gimbal knobs until the assembly is secured. Hand tighten only!
Remove the Cable Tray (Optional): Squeeze the sides of the cable tray until it releases. Illustration: Removing the Cable Tray (Optional) shows release mechanism.
7. Test the System Installation
Steps:
- Press the POWER key to turn on the control head.
- While the Title screen is displayed, press the MENU key.
- Press the DOWN Cursor key to select 'System Status', then press the RIGHT Cursor key. ? If you wait too long, the system may auto-select a menu; restart if necessary.
- Accessories: Press the VIEW key. Review the Accessory Test View to confirm accessories are connected.
- ? Speed detection requires the temp/speed paddlewheel (optional) to have moved since power-on.
- GPS Reception: Press the VIEW key. Review the GPS Diagnostic View and confirm latitude/longitude and Fix Type (Enhanced or 3D) are displayed.
- Power Off: Press and hold the POWER key to power off the unit.
- Sonar Test: Test and finalize transducer installation per the transducer installation guide. The control head is ready for on-water operation. It will start in Normal mode automatically if a transducer is detected.
? For operations information, see the Operations Summary Guide and the control head operations manual.
XNT Metal Bracket & Transducer Installation Guide
This guide details installing the XNT transducer on the boat's transom.
Supplies: In addition to supplied hardware, you will need a powered hand drill, drill bits, various hand tools, ruler/straightedge, level, socket driver, 12" plumb line, marker/pencil, safety glasses, dust mask, marine-grade silicone sealant, and dielectric grease (optional). Extension cables and hardware for cable routing may also be needed.
? Due to hull variations, these are general instructions. Evaluate your boat hull's unique requirements before installation. Read all instructions before beginning.
? Transducer appearance may vary, but mounting is identical.
? For fiberglass hulls, start with a smaller drill bit and use progressively larger ones to prevent chipping.
? Unused transducers can be exchanged (new, unassembled, with hardware) for appropriate models.
Preparation
- Install the control head first (refer to its installation guide).
- Read this transducer guide completely to understand mounting guidelines.
Installation
The transom mount installation offers minimal signal loss and allows for running angle and depth adjustments.
New Installation: Proceed to Section 1.
Previously-Installed XNT Transducer: Align the metal bracket with previous mounting holes. Fill unused holes with sealant. Ensure the boat is level on the trailer (port-to-starboard and bow-to-stern) using a level. Proceed to Section 3.
1. Locating the Transducer Mounting Position
Turbulence: Find a location on the transom with minimal turbulent water. Turbulence is generated by the boat's weight and propeller thrust. Avoid areas directly aft of ribs, strakes, or rows of rivets, and the immediate propeller area. Clockwise propellers create more turbulence on the port side. For outboard/inboard-outboard boats, locate the transducer at least 15" (38.1 cm) from the propeller(s) (Figure 3).
Illustration: Figure 1 shows areas of possible turbulence near rivets and strakes. Figure 2 shows a stepped hull and placement relative to a step. Figure 3 shows placement away from propellers and trailer bunks.
Best Location Method: Observe the transom while the boat is moving. If not possible, select a smooth, flat area forward of the location, free of protrusions or ribs (Figure 1).
Stepped Hulls: Mount on the step, not behind it, to avoid the transducer popping out of the water at higher speeds. The transducer must remain submerged (Figure 2).
? If a high-speed application is critical and a suitable transom location isn't found, consider alternative mounting techniques or transducer types. Consult the FAQ on the Humminbird website or Customer Service.
? If trailering, do not mount too close to trailer bunks or rollers.
Side Imaging®: Requires unobstructed side viewing. Ensure nothing (hull, motor, other transducer) is in the line of sight of the side-looking beams (Figure 4). The motor may need to be tilted up. The transducer must be mounted looking straight down when the boat is in the water for accurate side beam display.
Illustration: Figure 4 contrasts an unobstructed Side Imaging view (e.g., on a jack plate) with an obstructed view (too close to motor). Figure 5 shows transducer deadrise angle.
? The transducer's hydrodynamic shape allows it to point straight down without deadrise adjustment (Figure 5).
2. Preparing the Mounting Location
Steps:
- Ensure the boat is level on the trailer (port-to-starboard and bow-to-stern).
- Hold the mounting bracket against the transom in the selected location (Figure 6). Align it horizontally using a level. Ensure the lower corner does not protrude past the hull bottom. Maintain at least 1/4" (6 mm) clearance for fiberglass boats and 1/8" (3 mm) for aluminum boats between the bracket bottom and transom bottom (Figure 7).
- Continue holding the bracket and mark the two mounting holes near the top of each slot, centered within the slot (Figure 8). ? The third hole is drilled later.
- Drill the two holes perpendicular to the transom surface using a 5/32" (4 mm) bit, to a depth of approximately 1" (25.4 mm).
Illustration: Figure 6 shows positioning the mounting bracket with a level. Figure 7 shows hull types and clearance requirements. Figure 8 shows marking initial drill holes.
? For flat-bottom aluminum boats, the gap may need to be smaller than 1/8" to avoid turbulence at high speeds.
? Propeller rotation direction may influence port/starboard placement and bracket alignment with the boat bottom.
3. Assembling the Transducer and Initial Mounting
Steps:
- Set Ratchets: If transom angle is known, use the chart (Figure 9) for initial ratchet position. If unknown, measure the angle using a 12" plumb line (Figure 10). Use the chart (Figure 9) to find the corresponding bead alignment number.
- Place the two ratchets on either side of the transducer knuckle, aligning beads with the desired position number. For position 1, beads align with the knuckle rib for a continuous line (Figure 11a, 11b). Ensure keyed teeth match (square-to-square, triangular-outward). Hold ratchets until they snap into place (Figure 11d).
- Install the pivot bolt with rubber and flat washers as shown. Install the nylock nut but do NOT fully tighten yet (Figure 12). ⚠️ CAUTION! Hand tighten only.
- Align the transducer assembly with the drilled holes. Mount to the transom using the two #10 - 1" screws. Hand-tighten only to allow for adjustment.
- Adjust the initial transducer angle by rotating it until the side seam is almost parallel with the boat bottom, one click at a time (Figure 13).
- Adjust the transducer assembly vertically until the seam on the leading edge (closest to transom) is level and slightly below the hull (Figure 14). ? Down Imaging transducers (XNT 9 DI T, XNT 14 DI T) require the transducer to be parallel to the water and submerged for downward-pointing beams.
- Adjust the assembly horizontally until the bracket is level port-to-starboard (Figure 15).
- Trace the silhouette of the transducer mounting bracket on the transom to mark the correct position.
- Tighten the pivot bolt using the nylock nut. Hand tighten only!
- Hand-tighten the two mounting screws. ? The third hole and final tightening occur after cable routing and testing.
Illustration: Figure 9 shows bead alignment chart. Figure 10 shows measuring transom angle. Figure 11a-d shows ratchet assembly. Figure 12 shows pivot bolt installation. Figure 13 shows adjusting angle. Figure 14 shows vertical adjustment. Figure 15 shows horizontal leveling.
4. Routing the Cable
Route the cable over the transom or through a hole above the waterline. Use existing wiring channels if possible. Purchase necessary extension cables, clips, etc.
Considerations:
- Route the cable to the side of the transducer to prevent damage during movement.
- Allow enough cable slack for the transducer to pivot up to 90 degrees.
- Fill any drilled holes with marine-grade silicone sealant.
⚠️ CAUTION! Do not cut or shorten the transducer cable. Route it away from VHF antenna or tachometer cables to reduce interference. Extension cables are available up to 50'. Contact Humminbird Customer Service for assistance.
⚠️ CAUTION! Do NOT mount cables where connectors could be submerged or flooded. Applying dielectric grease inside connectors may prevent corrosion in splash-prone areas.
Illustration: Figure 16 shows cable routing with clips and escutcheon plate. Figure 17 shows storing excess cable by coiling.
Excess Cable: Coil excess cable into a single loop to reduce electronic interference.
5. Connecting the Cable
Connect the transducer cable to the transducer port on the control head. The connector is keyed; do not force it. If the connector is round, hand-tighten the screw nut to secure the connection. Hand tighten only!
Illustration: Figure 18 shows hexagon-shaped and round transducer connectors.
6. Testing and Finishing the Installation
Perform final testing with the boat in water deeper than 2 feet, with the transducer fully submerged.
Steps:
- Press the POWER key to turn on the control head. If detected, it will start in Normal mode.
- Select a Sonar View (HELIX: VIEW key, SOLIX: Home key).
- If the bottom is visible with a digital depth readout, the unit is working.
- Gradually increase boat speed to test high-speed performance. If readings skip or miss the bottom at higher speeds, the transducer needs adjustment. ? Down Imaging provides maximum detail at slower speeds; high-speed performance is available in Down Imaging and 2D sonar views.
- If bottom reading is lost at high speed despite correct angle, adjust height and running angle incrementally (Figure 14). Ensure transducer is as high as possible while remaining submerged to minimize spray.
- If high-speed readings are still poor, disassemble the mounting assembly and reposition ratchets (Figures 11a-11d). Re-trace the bracket position if changed. ? Achieving optimal high-speed readings may require several incremental adjustments due to hull variations.
- Once consistent sonar signals are achieved at desired speeds, lock down settings. Re-align the mounting bracket to the traced silhouette. Use the level to ensure it's still level. Mark the third mounting hole.
- Unscrew and remove mounting screws and transducer assembly.
- Drill the third mounting hole using a 5/32" (4 mm) drill bit. Fill all three holes with marine-grade silicone sealant.
- Re-position the transducer assembly and hand-install all three screws. Ensure position and pivot angle haven't changed. Fully tighten all three mounting screws. Hand tighten only!
Illustration: Figure 19 shows fully tightening all three mounting screws.
? If procedures are followed correctly, the transducer should be level and at the right height for optimal operation.
7. Setting up an Accessory Transducer on the Control Head
The control head automatically selects the included transducer. For compatible accessory transducers:
? If your transducer has a round connector, the control head detects and configures it automatically. Refer to the Transducer Setup Guide or operations manual. These instructions do not apply.
? If your fishfinder is a PiranhaMAX or lacks 'Transducer Select'/'Connected Transducer' options, no further action is needed; the transducer is detected automatically if compatible.
Steps:
- Main Menu: Press the Menu key twice.
- Select the Sonar tab > Connected Transducer.
- Use RIGHT/LEFT Cursor keys to select the transducer type (e.g., Dual Beam, Side Imaging). Available options depend on the installed model.
- Close: Press the EXIT key until the menu system closes.
Important Notices
❗ WARNING! This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
❗ WARNING! Disassembly and repair should only be performed by authorized personnel. Unauthorized modifications or repairs void the warranty.
❗ WARNING! This device is not a navigational aid to prevent collision, grounding, boat damage, or personal injury. Always operate the boat at slow speeds in suspected shallow water or near submerged objects.
FCC NOTICE: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) it may not cause harmful interference, and (2) it must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
⚠️ CAUTION! This equipment has been tested and found to comply with Class B digital device limits per FCC Rules, designed for reasonable protection against harmful interference. It generates, uses, and radiates RF energy. If it causes harmful interference to radio or TV reception, try correcting it by: reorienting/relocating the receiving antenna, increasing separation between equipment and receiver, connecting to a different circuit, or consulting a dealer/technician.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE STATEMENT: Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. is committed to responsible corporate citizenship and environmental compliance.
WEEE DIRECTIVE: EU Directive 2002/96/EC (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment) applies to manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of consumer electronics in the EU. Producers are responsible for environmentally responsible disposal of their products. WEEE compliance may not apply to equipment installed in transportation vehicles like boats. The WEEE symbol (wheelie bin) indicates the product must not be disposed of with household refuse; it must be collected for recycling and recovery. Contact your dealer or distributor for disposal information within your EU member state.
