Humminbird Pro Stores are available exclusively throughout Australia and New Zealand and offer you the opportunity to access warranties, exclusive products and back up support not available anywhere else. Talk to approved Humminbird Pro Staff in store who can help show you the latest products so you catch more fish, faster than ever before.

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The Humminbird’s ION Series of displays are Integrated MFDs which provide the flexibility to build multi station, fully networked navigation systems having options for Automated Identification Systems (AIS), Digital Radars, various types of Sonar modules, IP based cameras and NMEA0183 or NMEA2000 connectivity. While Humminbird’s ONIX Series has the same integrated functionality, it is not considered a MFD because this product comes standard with GPS and Sonar in each purchase.

In contrast, an MFD can offer many types of integrated internal functions but usually is stand-alone display without advanced networking capabilities.

Yes. The ONIX and ION MFD’s have a waterproof HDMI connector on the rear panel which outputs an HDMI compatible video and audio signal for use with most  current production monitors and LCD TV systems.

In addition to being the Go-To key on the ONIX and ION units, the camera button allows you to save any image displayed on the screen when this key is pressed for more than two seconds. The saved images are easily captured and transferred to either internal memory, a USB stick or SD card. Images of a map, a special sonar view return or any other information being displayed on the unit can be saved. Saved images are in .jpg format so they are easily emailed, printed, saved or viewed on most computer systems.

Cross Touch™  is a feature unique to Humminbird’s ONIX and ION products. With Cross Touch you can navigate your units menus with either the units touchscreen display or the touchpad. Anything menu navigation you can do on the touchscreen can also be done on the touchpad and vice versa.

Product dependent the answer is YES see your operations manual for details on whether your product has this option.

The Snapshot view is enabled through the Accessories Menu of your unit.  The default setting is Off.

Simply install a SD card into the card slot of the unit and follow the simple instructions in the User Manual. Snapshots can be downloaded to your PC or reviewed on the unit. Recordings can be reviewed on the unit but can not be transferred to a PC.

Yes, when typically scrolling through your various views on the display you would press the view button until you reach the view you would like. If you accidentiallly pass that view, you can simply press the exit button to take you backwards.

Anywhere between zero and the maximum depth range of the fishfinder.

The key question is really “why does one unit read zero while another one reads 1 foot, another one reads 1100 feet and another one constantly jumps around from zero to 1400 feet?”

First, there is always noise associated with any electronics device. There is no such thing as a noiseless piece of electronics. Noise is picked up in our units as a sonar signal. While the unit is working in the water the true sonar signals are hundreds of times greater than a noise signal in our units. The unit easily picks up on the true sonar returns and displays them. The noise from the electronics is so small that it doesn’t even show up on the screen most of the time.

When the transducer is out of the water and the unit is operating in normal mode, the unit is doing its job and trying to find the bottom and report that back as a digital depth reading. Since there are no true sonar returns it starts searching for the bottom. As it searches for a bottom that doesn’t exist since the transducer is out of the water it will pick up on these tiny noise signals and report them back as the bottom since it is the strongest signal available. If that number happens to be correct, it is simply a coincidence.

In summary, there is no digit depth reading that has any significance when the unit is out of the water and it is not recommended to test your product in this manner. Doing so can damage the sonar circuit in your unit.  This would not be covered under warranty.

The software version on your unit will determine the appropriate steps to export waypoints to a SD card. To determine the software version of your Fishing System unit follow the steps below:

1. Power your Fishing System unit on. This can be done while on your boat in or out of the water or with power only connected to your Fishing System unit
2. While your Fishing System unit is displaying the model number, press the MENU key. Example: your Fishing System unit is displaying “Humminbird 767 Fishing System”
3. The display on your Fishing System unit should change to show your menu options. With the four way key, use the Down Arrow key to select System Status
4. The Fishing System unit will “time out” and will display the System Status view. The software version is listed under “Software Version”

If your Fishing System unit’s software version is below 5.820 please follow these steps:

1. Power on your unit
2. Insert an unlocked SD card into a card slot on your unit. We do not recommend using a pre-programmed map card for this task
3. Press the MENU button twice
4. Right cursor to the Nav tab
5. Scroll down to Export All Nav Data
6. Right cursor and select Yes to confirm saved tracks, waypoints and routes
7. Remove the card from the card slot

If your Fishing System’s unit software version is 5.820 or higher follow these steps:

1. Power on your unit
2. Insert an unlocked SD card into a card slot on your unit. We do not recommend using a pre-programmed map card for this task
3. Press the MENU button twice
4. Right cursor to the Nav tab
5. Scroll down to Waypoints, Routes, Tracks and press the Right cursor
6. Select Options > Select All and… > Export
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm or cancel the export.After this is complete, remove the card from the card slot
8. After this is complete, remove the card from the card slot

RMS(Root Means Square) and PTP (Peak to Peak) are both a way of measuring power output.. 1 volt RMS is equal to 8 volts PTP. This is the transmit power through the water which can allow you to read deeper with the higher power output number and allow you to see weaker sonar returns then a unit with lower power output. Power output is the amount of energy generated by the sonar transmitter.

It is commonly measured using two methods: RMS measures power output over the entire transmit cycle. PTP measures power output at the highest points The benefits of increased power output is the ability to detect smaller targets at greater distances, the ability to overcome noise, better high speed performance and enhanced depth capability.

You cannot always compare a water-based speed (paddlewheel) to a location-based speed (GPS).  They are really measuring two different speeds two different ways.  GPS measures your speed across the face of the earth, assuming a perfectly straight course, the paddlewheel measures your speed through the water.  The only factor to affect the speed reading for the GPS is the accuracy of the GPS system and the course of the boat.  Current, wind, course and the way the water strikes the paddlewheel all affect the water based speed measurement.

The GPS system uses clocks that are only off by fractions of a second every one thousand years.  There is no paddlewheel system that has near the accuracy of a GPS.  One knot is probably within the speed tolerance specification for this gauge. However GPS speed does not react quickly to fast stops and starts.

Your Humminbird unit is designed to provide years of trouble free operation with virtually no maintenance. Follow these simple procedures to ensure your Humminbird continues to deliver top performance.

• If the unit comes into contact with salt spray simply wipe the affected surfaces with a cloth dampened in fresh water.
• Do not spray wash your Humminbird or run through a car wash 
• Do not use a commercial chemical glass cleaner on the lens. Chemicals in the solution may cause cracking in the lens of the unit.
• When cleaning the LCD protective lens, we recommend that your first use a solution of warm mild soapy water (like a non-abrasive liquid hand soap), wipe the face dry and if water spots remain, use a solution of water and vinegar.  Always use a soft cloth.
• Do not wipe while dirt or grease on the lens. Be careful to avoid scratching the lens.  
• Chemicals like sunscreen and bug spray can cause permanent damage to the special coatings on your protective lens.  This is not covered by warranty.   
• If your boat remains in the water for long periods of time, algae and other marine growth can reduce the effectiveness of the transducer. Periodically clean the face of the transducer with liquid detergent. Pivoting the transducer up in the bracket may allow better access for inspection or cleaning. 
• If your boat remains out of the water for a long period of time, it may take some time to wet the transducer when returned to the water. Small air bubbles can climb to the surface of the transducer  and interfere with proper operation. These bubbles dissipate with time, or you can wipe the face of  the transducer with your fingers after the transducer is in the water. 
• NEVER leave your unit in a closed vehicle or trunk – the extremely high temperatures generated in hot weather can damage to the electronics.

Please use the following suggestions to troubleshoot problems with your unit.

Check the Unit

• Make sure your unit is running the most recent version of software, if it is one of our software up-gradable products.
• Using the Setup Menu tab, set all features to “Auto” or “Restore Defaults.”
• If possible, test the unit on another boat with the same model number and accessories installed. If your unit functions properly on the other boat, you know the problem is in the installation, accessories or cables.
  

Check the Connectors & Pins
Check the pins of all connectors, to make sure they have not been bent, broken off or pushed back into the connector plug.

• If any connector pins have been bent, you may try to straighten them with needle nose pliers.
• If any pins are broken, replace the entire accessory.
• Note: There is a risk that while straightening a bent connector pin, it can break.

Check the Cables

• Check all accessories and cables for nicks, cuts, or physical damage.
• Try to repair any nicks in the cable with electrical tape. If any cables have had the internal wires cut or separated, the entire accessory or cable should be replaced.

Check the Accessories

• Unplug the transducer and all other accessories, except for the power cable, going to the fishfinder.  
• If the depth sounder now operates properly, reconnect the transducer and the other accessories one by one until the problem returns.
• Replace the accessory that is causing the problem.

Check for Proper Voltage

• Check for proper voltage to your depth sounder at the connection to the battery or at the fuse panel. This will ensure that you are getting the proper voltage to the fishfinder. The operating voltage range is shown in your Operations Manual.
• It is advisable to check the voltage with all of your electrical equipment running as well as with the main motor and/or trolling motor running at different speeds to insure proper amperage.
• This may show an over-voltage, under-voltage or electrical interference condition.
• If you have an over or under voltage condition, it may be due to an inadequate charging system on your boat. Have your boat’s electrical system inspected by qualified personnel.

Check for Electrical Interference

• Check your unit with the boat sitting still, with all electrical equipment and motor(s) turned to the off position. This will eliminate any possible source of interference.
• If this corrects the problem, then the fishfinder is receiving electrical interference from your boat equipment. 
• To determine the piece of equipment that is interfering with your depth sounder; turn each piece of equipment back on individually, until the problem starts again.  
• When the problem begins again, the last piece of equipment turned on is interfering with the depth sounder.  
• Also try this with your main motor and trolling motor running at different speeds. Follow the appropriate instructions to eliminate this interference.  
• Using an in-line fuse, connect your unit’s power cable directly to the battery. This may eliminate faulty electrical connections and electrical interference, which may be causing your problem.  
• Have your boat’s grounding system inspected by qualified personnel. Your depth sounder may be trying to operate on a “floating ground”.

All of the incredible side imaging shots you have seen on our website were taken with transducers that wiggle.

The “wiggle” or movement of the transducer is an intentional design characteristic that allows the transducer to pivot/kickup when it hits something. The “wiggle” is perfectly normal.

While GPS and Cartography are great tools to use in your fishing endeavors, they are not always perfect. If you need to adjust your location, you can use the map offset feature. This feature is located in the Chart Menu.

These products requires six “AA” size alkaline batteries for operation. These batteries are not included. Make sure that all six batteries are installed by removing the battery pack and filling both sides with three batteries on each side of the pack. If replacing batteries, make sure all six batteries are replaced at the same time. Only partially replacing the batteries could also cause a no power situation. These products should NEVER be powered by a 12 volt source. Doing so will damage your unit and it will need to be returned for service. This would not be covered under warranty.

This not something we would recommend.

What we typically find is that once the shield on the transducer cable has been breached, electrical noise from other equipment on the boat easily penetrates through any mending or splicing that has been made thus interfering with the fish finder itself.

Side Imaging especially is very conducive to picking up stray electrical noise without any breach of the cable so this would only make it worse. Side Imaging products are very sensitive to stray electrical noise due to the high frequency used in the sonar portion of the product.

The menu option is available on your Side Imaging Express Menu.

The ION Series offers various combinations of standard 2D sonar, Side Imaging™, Down Imaging® and deep water CHIRP sonar. You pick the appropriate black box sonar modular and transducer and you are ready.

If you own one of our high definition side imaging products you can use a down imaging transducer with it to improve your down imaging readings.

You will great readings if DI width is set to wide (this is the default).  If you change to narrow, you will get no readings.

Your 2D readings will not be as good because the 2D element in the DI transducer is smaller; therefore, weaker than the 2D element in the SI transducer

You will not get any SI views that are correct.

It is best to use this DI transducer in conjunction with a transducer switch so that you can alternate between the DI imaging transducer and the SI transducer when viewing specific SI and 2D views.

This could happen for two reasons:

When using multiple units with a single transducer or multiple transducers and the 360 Imaging Accessory. This is Crosstalk/Noise.

a. With two or more units using a single transducer the SI transducer will ping all the time. This is because we cannot currently track which view each unit is on. To prevent data from not appearing on a remote view when it should we ping all the beams. To prevent noise/crosstalk between an SI transducer and a 360 Accessory the user should select the 360 as their SI/DI source ON BOTH UNITS when the 360 is deployed and use the SI Transducer as their SI/DI source when the 360 is retracted. The user could also opt to subscribe to no SI/DI source ON BOTH UNITS while the 360 is deployed. Turning sonar off is also a possible solution but several 360 features will not work correctly without a valid digital depth.

b. With two or more units using two or more different transducers the problem is mitigating multiple transducers. If both transducers are subscribed to their local units then when a unit goes to a 360 view (assuming that the 360 is deployed) the local SI transducer will stop pinging on that single unit – the problem is that the other SI transducers on the other units continues to ping. If both units when a 360 view then both SI transducer would stop pinging.

Using a single unit with a single transducer and a 360 Accessory:

a. In this scenario the 360 and SI transducer will stop/start pinging when necessary. Assuming that the 360 is deployed, while on the an SI/DI view the 360 will stop pinging. While on a 360 view the SI transducer will stop pinging.

b. If the 360 is selected as the SI/DI source the 360 will stop rotating and Home if the user stays on an SI view for more than 2 seconds. The 360 will restart rotation if the user goes to a 360 view for more than two seconds.

The best solution is to subscribe to the 360 as their SI/DI source while using the 360 Accessory and then subscribe back to the SI transducer when they are done using 360.

Side imaging technology generally works best in speeds up to 10 MPH. This will vary depending on the boat hull and the location of the installation. Compact side imaging transducers like those that come with the 899ci HD SI are more conducive to faster speeds due to the smaller size.

The down looking sonar built into the Side Imaging units is an advanced Dual Beam technology 200/83 khz (20/60 degrees of coverage) that provides great detailed bottom definition from the narrow beam and great coverage for fish and structure from the wide beam. Most competitive models only use single beam technology, which limits their coverage to find structure and fish. In addition, all of our Side Imaging products also include SwitchFire Sonar and Down Imaging Sonar which provides even better details of the bottom compared to traditional down looking sonar.

Yes. In as little as two feet of water the Side Imaging units will show great detail of objects 50-75 feet away from the boat.

Yes. The Side Imaging units will show detailed images of the bottom up to 150 feet deep. Also the side imaging can be used to scan an area of water up to 480 feet wide for suspended fish and baitfish regardless of the depth. The conventional down-looking sonar built into the side imaging transducer will provide the digital depth reading to that products depth capacity. An optional thru-hull transducers can be bought separately to provide deeper coverage dependent on model.

No. First, the area under the boat that isn’t covered by the side imaging beam is very small (approximately 5 degrees to either side of vertical. Second, the conventional down-looking sonar that is built into the side imaging transducer covers the areas below the boat and the Side Imaging Units allow you to view a split screen that will show both downlooking and side imaging sonar simultaneously.

No. The Side Imaging Units include: Advanced Dual Beam Conventional Downlooking Sonar, Down Imaging Sonar, Switchfire Sonar and, GPS w/ base mapping and the incredible Side Imaging® technology.

Yes. Simply press the four way cursor and this will freeze the screen, allowing you to examine the object. Additionally you can change settings, such as sensitivity, color and zoom, while the screen is frozen to enhance the object for your viewing.

NOTE: the i-Pilot Link’s GPS is always used for controlling the boat. Otherwise:

• When you tell the i-Pilot Link to use Spot-Lock it uses the GPS from the i-Pilot Link.
• When you mark a Spot-Lock on the Humminbird or use the active cursor to mark a Spot-Lock on the Humminbird you will use the GPS from the Humminbird unit to mark this location.
• When you mark a waypoint on the Humminbird you use the GPS from the Humminbird.
• When you use the i-Pilot Link’s remote and press and hold the Spot-Lock button it marks a waypoint using the Humminbird’s GPS.  This is a normal waypoint not a Spot-Lock waypoint.
• When you use the i-Pilot Link’s remote and you press and release the Spot-Lock on the remote you will use the i-Pilot Link’s GPS.
• When you initiate record for an iTrack from i-Pilot Link or the Humminbird while the two units are talking you will be using the i-Pilot Link’s GPS to record the iTrack.
• When you initiate record an iTrack from the Humminbird and it is not talking to the i-Pilot Link then you will use the Humminbird’s GPS.
• When the user initiates a Go To function on a previously saved navigational item (Spot-Lock, Waypoint, iTrack) and the Humminbird is connected, the GPS coordinates always come from what is stored in the Humminbird and is sent to the i-Pilot Link for navigation.

Yes. However, your storage for iTracks and Spot-Locks will be limited to what can be stored in the Link controller.

Yes. The i-Pilot Link Controller will continue in its current state of operation until the user makes a change either with the remote, Humminbird or foot pedal if you own a Terrova.

Yes this can be done. Here is a short video on converting waypoints. It is critical that you are aware that bringing in waypoint data from other sources can cause corruption of Humminbird waypoints. We also recommend that you read our Technical Bulletin regarding Corrupt Waypoints.

1. When performing the following task the user must have the Lowrance or Garmin information saved on an MMC/SD card. The user must also have the card placed in a card reader connected to the computer.

2. Open HumminbirdPC

3. Click on File then OPEN

4. The program is now going to ask what to import and where it should look for the data. In the LOOK IN section in the top window browse with the drop down box to select the MMC/SD card (the MMC/SD drive may also be listed as a removable drive).

5. Then go down to the bottom box – FILES OF TYPE – click on the the down arrow it will give a list of all recognizable format. Select the correct format for the file you want converted. Lowrance is a .USR or a LOW file. Garmin files would be a .GDB or a .MPS.

6. Specifiy which waypoint files you would like to switch to the Humminbird format and the files will be converted automatically. The files will then appear in the left hand column as a .gpx file. It will have the same name as the orginal file with the .gpx extension behind it..

7. You would then use then highlight the new .gpx file and select the the green up arrow under the image of an SD card to install the file to the SD card. You will get a message to ADD or REPLACE data on the card. Select ADD, unless you want to delete everything else on the card then you may select REPLACE. The new gps data will then be loaded to the card. You will see a progress bar showing the files being uploaded to the card.

8. Once complete you will then press the RED up arrow under the SD card Icon on the Humminbird PC program and then when it is safe to remove the card from the card reader the SD icon will disappear from the Humminbird PC program. You may then safely remove the card from the card reader.

9. Plug the card into the Humminbird unit while it is powered on and the information will then automatically load onto the unit. It will tell you on the unit that it is Loading Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks and then state when it is complete and how many routes, waypoints and/or tracks was loaded into the unit..

Yes, you can use waypoints that you have created in other Humminbird products to your ONIX or ION unit.  However, to do so, you must first convert these waypoints from .hwr files to .gpx files.  Below are the steps required.

Requirements:

1-Blank SD card

1-SD card reader on your PC or laptop

1-HumminbirdPC loaded onto your PC or laptop

Export your waypoints from your original Humminbird Product to an SD card. To do so, follow these steps:

• Power on your Humminbird Product
• Insert a blank SD card into the card reader slot
• Press the Menu button twice, then right cursor to the Nav Menu, then cursor down to Waypoints, Routes, Tracks and then press the right cursor to select that option

Cursor up to highlight the Options menu and then press the right cursor to select it.

Cursor down to “Select All and. . . ” and then right cursor to make that selection.  Then cursor to Export and right  cursor to make that selection.

You will now need to confirm that you want to save these items.  Use your right cursor to say Yes.  This process will overwrite any nav data you currently have on the card (which is why we suggest using a blank SD Card)

Once you have selected Yes, all Navigation data will be transferred to the SD card as .hwr files.

Remove the SD card from your Humminbird product.

Start up HumminbirdPC on your computer.

Insert the SD card with the .hwr data into the card reader on your computer.

Click on the Blue down arrow under the SD card icon to transfer the waypoints into HumminbirdPC.  Your waypoints, routes and tracks will then load into the second column and be labeled in the following form SD_yymmdd.gpx

You can then right click on the .gpx file and select Save As…

You can now select where you want to save the .gpx file.  You want to make sure you Save In the Removeable Disk Drive you have inserted your SD card (this location may vary based on your computer, in this example, it is the K drive) Click Save

Then click on the Red Up Arrow to safely remove your SD car from your computer.

You will then receive a message about removing the SD card, at this time, click on Yes to continue.  You can then remove your SD card from your computer.

Now power on your ONIX or ION unit.

Go to the Home Screen.

Depending on the number of widgets you have selected, you may need to scroll to the right or left to find the Files icon. Select Files through either your touch screen or keypad.

Once you arrive to the Files menu, under Import, select Nav Data.  Then under Select a File to Import, select the file you wish to import.

Your selected file will now import into your ONIX or ION unit.   When complete you will receive the below message.

Congratulations, you can now use your existing waypoints on your ONIX or ION Series product.

We have recently found that those individuals who are seeing this error message are all using World of Warcraft’s Curse Client.

If you are using the free version of Curse Client, we recommend that you uninstall this program, add HumminbirdPC to your computer and then re-install Curse Client.

If you are using the paid version of Curse Client, you may need to set up a new user on your PC with admin rights and under the new user, install HumminbirdPC.

HumminbirdPC™ is a tool to help you manage your navigation data from your Humminbird units and MMC/SD cards by organizing your waypoints, routes and tracks. It is also used for updating software in your software up-gradable unit if it does not have a card reader.

Download waypoints, routes, and tracks from your Humminbird® unit or MMC/SD card to HumminbirdPC™, then customize your navigation data from there. Create new routes and waypoints, organize your GPX files with your favorite tracks and routes, and add icons to your waypoints. You can also view your waypoints, routes, and tracks in Google Earth™.

Use HumminbirdPC™ to personalize your Humminbird® unit and update software if your software up-gradable unit does not have a card reader.

Once you’ve customized your information, upload the information to your Humminbird® unit or MMC/SD card. HumminbirdPC™ saves your changes to your computer automatically.

HumminbirdPC™ has a comprehensive internal help but you can also use this reference guide.

DOWNLOADING HUMMINBIRDPC

Prerequisites
A PC-compatible computer running Windows.
At least one USB port.
Java version 6 update 26 at a minimum

Instructions
Prior to downloading this software, please make sure of the following:
1. You should have all of the latest Windows Updates completed.
2. Download this program to your PC. Run the program and follow the installation instructions on the screen.

CAUTION! We highly recommend that you restore the defaults on your Humminbird unit prior to downloading any new software as it can create complications that can only be fixed at the factory.

The control head contains the sonar transmit and receive circuitry, as well as the user controls and display. It should be installed in a location that provides access to the controls and visibility while in use. The control head mounts on a mounting system that may swivel and tilt (model dependent) providing flexibility for viewing from almost anywhere on the boat.

The transducer converts electrical energy from the transmitter into mechanical pulses or sound waves. The transducer also receives the reflected sound waves and converts them back into electrical signals for display on the control head. It should be installed in contact with the surface of the water in an area that has smooth waterflow – usually on the transom of the boat. There are several mounting options for the transducer. Review the following section to determine the method that works for you and your boat.

Determining How to Mount the Transducer. Your Humminbird fishfinder includes a transom mounted transducer. This transducer can be mounted on the transom of the boat or bonded to the inside of a fiberglass hull boat with a two part slow curing epoxy.

The transom installation, which is the most widely used, places the transducer on the outside of the boat hull. This technique produces the least signal loss, and provides a way to adjust the transducer after installation. The mounting hardware included is designed to protect both the boat and the transducer should the boat strike debris in the water or when trailering.

As an alternative to transom mounting, it is possible on many fibreglass-hulled boats to glue the transducer on the inside of the boat hull. Since fibreglass has similar sonar characteristics as water, the sonar signal can pass through the boat hull with minimal loss. The hull of the boat must be single layer construction (not double-hulled) and should not contain any foam. Any air trapped in the lamination of fibreglass would prevent the sonar signal from passing through the fibreglass. This method will not work for any Side Imaging transducers. Inside the hull installations require no holes be drilled into the boat and through experimentation, high-speed operation comparable to transom mounting can be achieved. Two-part slow cure epoxy (not included) is required to glue the transducer in place.

Typically a unit would include the following parts:

• Head Unit
• Transducer with 6 m of cable and transducer mounting hardware (Some products are specifically sold without transducer.  These models are designated as CHO in the part number on the UPC code label.  Therefore there will be no transducer.)
• Unit mounting system or bracket along with unit mounting hardware kit
• 2 m power cable
• A printed Quick Start Guide
• An operations manual and other digital content on CD

If you have purchased an ION Series product then it will only include:

• Head Unit
• 2 m power cable
• Serial cable adapter
• Unit Cover
• In-dash mounting kit
• A printed Quick Start Guide
• An operations manual and other digital content on CD
• A portable fish finder will have different transducer hardware, power cable and unit mount from a standard fixed mount unit.

1. Check your unit
2. Turn your depth sounder on without using any options or selections to see if the problem may be in the way the depth sounder was set up to operate.
3. Turn all features on Auto and/or set all options to “Restore Defaults” using the Setup Menu tab.
4. If possible, test your unit on a friend’s boat that has the same type of sonar (ie side imaging, down imaging, standard 2D sonar) or the same model number. This will indicate whether the problem is with the depth sounder, the installation of any accessories, or with other equipment on your boat. If the depth sounder still has the same problem on your friend’s boat, return it along with a letter explaining the problem in detail. If the depth sounder works correctly on your friend’s boat, proceed with the appropriate suggestions below.
5. Check your depth sounder for interference with the boat sitting still, with all electrical equipment and motor(s) off. This will eliminate any possible source of interference. If this corrects the problem, then the depth sounder is receiving electrical interference from your boat equipment.
6. To determine the piece of equipment that is interfering with your depth sounder; turn each piece of equipment back on individually, until the problem starts again. When the problem begins again, the last piece of equipment turned on is interfering with the depth sounder. Also try this with your Main Motor and Trolling Motor running at different speeds.

Main Motor Interference

1. Route all depth sounder cables as far away as possible from the main motor and any electrical wires attached to the motor. This will help eliminate interference to the depth sounder.
2. Using an In-line fuse, connect your depth sounder directly to the battery. This may eliminate faulty electrical connections and electrical interference, which may be causing your problem.
3. Have your boat’s grounding system inspected by qualified personnel. Your depth sounder may be trying to operate on a “floating ground.
4. Connect your depth sounder to a battery that is not being charged by your main motor. If connecting to a trolling motor battery, make sure you use the battery that provides the 12-volt power on boats that have a 24 or 36 volt system.
5. Interference from your main motor can sometimes be eliminated by installing resistor-type spark plugs. Also, worn spark plugs have been known to cause interference with electrical equipment. Most new motors come from the factory with resistor-type spark plugs installed, so have qualified personnel check for the type and wear on your spark plugs before installing a new set.
6. Unplug the tachometer, preferably at the motor. This will help eliminate interference being coupled into your depth sounder by the main motor through the tachometer.
7. An electrically noisy battery charging system on your boat’s motor can also cause interference. Have this specifically checked for by qualified personnel.

Note: In those units that have a Filter, confirm that this is turned ON.

The ONIX and ION units are compatible with the IRIS402 IP Marine Camera by Iris Innovations.

ION Series products support up to four IP cameras and ONIX Series products support one IP Camera.

These cameras will require that your Humminbird ONIX or ION unit software version is 1.200 or higher.

The installation of these cameras will also require that the IRIS camera(s) be set up through a laptop prior to installation and use with the unit.  There is an executable file attached to your unit profile in MyHumminbird which will need to be used. It is titled IP Video Camera Setup – Discovery Tool. Download here the instructions for setting up these camera for use with your Humminbird product.

1. With the system powered on, unplug the Ethernet cable from the back of the unit.
2. Reset the unit back to factory default with following steps:
   1. From any view press the MENU button twice to access the Main Menu then press the RIGHT cursor key until the Setup tab is selected.
   2. Press the DOWN cursor until Restore Defaults is highlighted on the Setup menu.
   3. Use the RIGHT 4-way cursor control key to initiate restoring defaults.
   4. The Confirm dialog box will appear. To reset the defaults, press the RIGHT cursor key once more.
   5. To cancel Restore Defaults, press the LEFT cursor key.
   6. Power the unit off and then plug the Ethernet cable back to the unit.
   7. Power the unit on again and confirm if the Network tab is available in the Main Menu System.

Turn on your unit.  After the unit has stopped loading, press the menu button for start up options. Using your four way cursor button, scroll down and select System Status using the right cursor.  This will pull up a screen showing the Software Version number in the middle of the screen.  Once you have completed this step, you can compare this version number to either our list of current software versions for all products or go to the Software Download section of our site. 

It is Humminbird’s recommendation that you always use the most recent version of software available for your model. We update software for various reasons. Fixing minor bugs, adding new features, changing functionality of existing features. We do this for the benefit of the consumer who uses our products.

However there are individuals who believe that there are benefits to using lower versions of software than what we are currently loading on production units. On products built today, you cannot go back any further than version 5.600. There were hardware changes made at this time which will not allow you to go back further without “bricking” your unit.

At the same time, it is also possible to “brick” a unit going back only one previous release if the unit firmware becomes corrupt or the hardware is damaged during this process. ‘Bricking” a unit IS NOT covered under warranty. However, if you successfully go back a version of software and your unit operates properly after the downgrade but later has workmanship issues unrelated to software, these repairs would be covered under warranty during the standard warranty period. Humminbird charges the standard repair fee if resolving “bricking” issues.

PLEASE NOTE: There are several situations which can cause issues if you are not running the most recent version of software. Unit Networking is software version sensitive. Sharing waypoints between units is software version sensitive. If you are not networking products then the risk of running lower versions is minimized . Again version 5.600 is definitely a line in the sand which cannot be crossed.

Check the current version of software for your unit >

Check the legacy version of software for your unit >