Humminbird HELIX Series Operations Summary Guide
This guide provides an overview of the features and operations for the Humminbird HELIX Series control heads. It is intended as a summary and should be used in conjunction with the full operations manual for detailed information.
Safety Information
SAFETY INFORMATION! You must read the Important Information about your Humminbird® Product insert (included with your control head) before proceeding with this operations summary guide.
FEATURES: A transducer is required to enable sonar, and a GPS fix is required to enable navigation. Your control head may not have all the features described in this guide. Also, the illustrations may not look exactly like the screens on your control head, but your unit will operate in a similar way. See the Humminbird Web site at humminbird.com for compatibility and purchasing information.
SD OR MICROSD CARDS: Your control head may be compatible with either an SD card or a microSD card. Please see your control head operations manual for compatibility details.
OPERATIONS MANUALS: The complete operations manuals for your control head and accessories are available on our Web site at humminbird.com. Also, see "Manage your Humminbird: Use Manuals on your Device" for more information.
ChartSelect®, Contour XD™, Down Imaging®, DualBeam PLUS™, Fish ID+™, HELIX®, Humminbird®, Humminbird Basemap™, HumminbirdPC™, LakeMaster®, Real Time Sonar™, RTS™, RTS Window™, SI™, Side Imaging®, Structure ID™, SwitchFire®, WhiteLine™, and X-Press™ Menu are trademarks or registered trademarks of Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. Adobe, Acrobat, Adobe PDF, and Reader are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. microSD and SD are trademarks of SD-3C, LLC. Navionics® is a registered trademark of Navionics S.p.A. © 2018 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
- Key Functions Overview
- Menu Overview
- Getting Started
- Setting up the Control Head
- Views
- Sonar
- Side Imaging
- Down Imaging
- Navigation
- Manage your Humminbird
- Contact Humminbird
Key Functions Overview
? POWER/LIGHT key: Press once to power on the control head. During operation, press once to use Sonar, Light, Background, and Standby menus. Press and hold to power off the control head.
➕ ➖ ZOOM In/Out keys: Press once to adjust the zoom range in Sonar Zoom View, the sensitivity in sonar views (Sonar, DI, SI), and the chart scale in Chart Views. Active Cursor: Press once to zoom in or out of the active cursor area in Side Imaging and Down Imaging Views.
?️ VIEW key: Press once to display the next view in the View Rotation. Press and hold to open the Views X-Press Menu.
? CURSOR CONTROL key: Press once OR press and hold any arrow on the key to freeze the display and move the active cursor in all Sonar and Chart Views. Press any arrow on the key to browse the menu system, select a menu, and change or activate menu settings.
☰ MENU key: Press once to open an X-Press Menu. Press twice to open the Main Menu.
✅ CHECK/INFO key: Press once to open the Chart Info submenu in Chart View. Press once to switch frequencies in sonar views (if available). Active Cursor: Press once to display chart information in Chart View.
? MARK key: Press once to mark a waypoint at the boat's position. Active Cursor: Press twice to mark a waypoint at the cursor position. Press and hold to save a screen snapshot to the installed SD or microSD card.
➡️ GOTO/MOB key: Press once to display saved navigation data. Active Cursor: Press twice to mark and start navigation towards a waypoint. Man Overboard (MOB): Press and hold to activate Man Overboard.
❌ EXIT key: Press once to close a menu, exit active cursor mode, or turn off an alarm. Press once to display the previous view in the view rotation.
⭐ VIEW SHORTCUT key: Press and hold to save a shortcut to the on-screen view. Press once to display the view saved to the key.
Menu Overview
Open an X-Press Menu: X-Press Menus display menu options that are related to the view on the screen and the current operation mode (such as navigation). The Sonar X-Press Menu is an example, showing options like Sensitivity, Contrast, Upper Range, etc.
Open the Main Menu: The Main Menu is divided into tabbed categories (Alarms, Sonar, Chart, etc.). The available tabs will vary by model.
Getting Started
Power On/Off: ? Press the POWER/LIGHT key once to power on. Press and hold to power off.
Select the Start-Up Mode: Press the MENU key once while the control head is powering on. If a transducer is connected, Normal mode is selected automatically. If not, select Normal and press the RIGHT Cursor key.
Review System Connections: Select System Status, then press the VIEW key until Accessory Test View is displayed. Alternatively, in Normal mode, navigate to Views X-Press Menu > System > Accessory Test. The Accessory Test View lists connected accessories and their status (e.g., CONNECTED, UNCONNECTED).
If a connected accessory is shown as unconnected, confirm the cable or network connections. If the control head is on a network, consult your accessory manual for more connection information.
Setting Up the Control Head
Control head settings should be adjusted based on fishing conditions, water, bottom, and weather. System alarms are also important to set up.
Set the Menu System to Normal or Advanced: Navigate to Main Menu > Setup tab > User Mode. Select Normal for simpler menus or Advanced for full menu access.
Set the Language: Navigate to Main Menu > Setup tab > Language. Available languages depend on the control head model.
WARNING! Do NOT enable Asian Mode if you do not require Asian languages. Contact Customer Service for important information before selecting Asian Mode.
Set the Maximum Depth: Navigate to Main Menu (Advanced) > Sonar tab > Max Depth. Set the maximum depth of the body of water. Select Auto for automatic acquisition or set a specific depth to limit sonar data acquisition below that point.
Side Imaging units default to the Side Imaging range setting if the SI Range is set deeper than Max Depth.
Select the Water Type: Navigate to Main Menu (Advanced) > Sonar tab > Water Type. Configure for fresh or salt water. In salt water, choose shallow or deep. This affects deep water depth reading accuracy. For depths over 330 ft (100 m), select Salt (deep).
Setting Up (Continued)
Select an Accessory Transducer (optional): Navigate to Main Menu > Sonar tab > Connected Transducer. The control head automatically selects the included transducer. Select an accessory transducer if connected.
Select the Units of Measurement: Navigate to Main Menu > Setup tab > Units - Depth, Units - Distance, etc. Select measurement formats, time/date format, language, and installation offsets.
Turn On/Off Sounds: Navigate to Main Menu > Setup tab > Sound Control. Select Alarms Only to hear audio alerts for alarms without key sounds.
Adjust the Backlight and Background: Press the POWER/LIGHT key during operation. Select Light to adjust backlight or Background to change the background.
Pair a Phone with the Control Head: If Bluetooth-supported, navigate to Main Menu > Accessories tab > Phone Bluetooth > Connect New Phone. Follow on-screen prompts. When the phone name appears, select it and press the RIGHT Cursor key. On your phone, tap Pair and ensure Show Notifications is enabled.
Set Alarms
Navigate to Main Menu > Alarms tab. Sonar and Navigation alarms alert when thresholds are exceeded. Press any key to silence an alarm.
Chart View Displaying Off Course Limits and Arrival Circle: This diagram illustrates the Off Course Limits (a boundary for deviation) and the Arrival Circle (a proximity zone for a waypoint).
- Depth Alarm: Triggers when depth equals or is less than the set menu value.
- Low Battery Alarm: Triggers when input battery voltage is equal to or less than the set value. Battery must be connected.
- Off Course Alarm: Sets how far the boat can deviate from the course during navigation before an alarm triggers.
- Arrival Alarm: Sets how close the boat must be to the destination waypoint before an alarm triggers.
- Drift Alarm: Sets how far the boat can move from its anchored position outside the perimeter before an alarm triggers.
VIEW ROTATION Overview
Change the On-Screen View: Use the Views X-Press Menu to quickly display a view. Select a view category, then the desired view.
View Navigation:
- Press and hold the VIEW key to open the Views X-Press Menu.
- Press the VIEW key once to cycle to the Next View.
- Press the EXIT key once to go to the Previous View.
Save View Shortcuts: Program the VIEW SHORTCUT keys to save a view. With the desired view displayed, press and hold a VIEW SHORTCUT key for several seconds.
Use Combo Views
Combo Views display two or more views simultaneously. To change settings or adjust view size, select the desired view as the Active Pane from the X-Press menu.
Sonar/Down Imaging Combo View: This view allows comparison of Sonar and Down Imaging data. The selected pane (Active Pane) is indicated. Split Position adjusts pane size.
Display Digital Readouts
Navigate to Main Menu (Advanced) > Setup tab > Digital Readouts. Digital Readout data can be displayed as an overlay or in data boxes, applied to all views.
- Select Overlay to display preset digital readouts.
- Select Boxes to display readouts in boxes. You can select which readouts appear in each box (see Select Digital Readouts).
- Select Off to hide digital readouts.
Sonar View with Digital Readouts Set to Overlay: Shows examples of speed, temperature, and depth displayed as overlays.
Select Digital Readouts
Navigate to Main Menu (Advanced) > Setup tab > Select Readouts or Select Nav Readouts. This allows selection of data for display in digital readout boxes.
Use the Select Readouts menu for standard digital readouts and Select Nav Readouts for navigation-specific data.
The Select Readouts Menu shows options for Readout 1 through 5, allowing selection of Depth, COG, Course, Position, Speed, etc.
The diagrams illustrate selecting a readout position and selecting a readout value.
Understand the Digital Readouts
The following digital readouts are available, determined by installed equipment and network sources:
| Readout | Description |
|---|---|
| Bearing | The direction to a destination waypoint measured in degrees from north. |
| COG | Course Over Ground: The boat's direction of travel in degrees from North. |
| Depth | The depth of the water from the transducer, including depth offset. |
| DMG | Distance Made Good: The straight-line distance traveled from the start position. |
| DTG | Distance To Go: The distance to the next waypoint on the route. |
| ETA | Estimated Time of Arrival to the next waypoint. |
| Position | Latitude and longitude coordinates based on GPS receiver location. |
| Speed | The boat's progress measurement provided by GPS. |
| Temp | Detected water temperature from the transducer or accessory sensor. |
| Timer | Digital readout for the timer set in the Alarms tab. |
| Triplog | Elapsed time, distance traveled, and average speed since last reset. |
| TTG | Time To Go: Estimated time to reach the next waypoint. |
| Voltage | Power supplied to the control head. |
| Water Speed | Speed of water flow past the boat (requires optional speed wheel). |
| XTE | Cross Track Error: Straight-line distance from the intended route; measures how far off course the boat is. |
SONAR Interpretation and Display Settings
Customize the Sonar display using included settings or by adjusting parameters like Sonar Colors, Bottom View, Fish ID+, and SwitchFire mode.
Sonar View: Sonar Colors Palette 1: This view displays return intensity. Strong returns are typically denser objects, while weak returns may be vegetation or small fish. The color bar indicates intensity from strong to weak.
Sonar History: Historical returns scroll left across the view.
RTS Window: Real Time Sonar display.
Change the Color Palette
Navigate to Sonar X-Press Menu > Sonar Colors to select a color palette for Sonar, Sonar Zoom, Split Sonar, and Sonar Combo Views.
Select the Bottom View Display: Navigate to Main Menu > Sonar tab > Bottom View. Choose how bottom and structure are represented. WhiteLine highlights strongest returns in white. Structure ID represents strongest returns based on the selected color palette.
SONAR on the Go
Use the Sonar X-Press Menu to refine detail or filter information. Move the cursor to freeze the display, review sonar history, and mark waypoints (GPS fix required).
Sonar View with Active Cursor: Displays cursor digital readouts. Sensitivity can be adjusted via the Sonar X-Press Menu.
Key Controls:
- ☰ Open the X-Press Menu
- ? Move the Cursor
- ? Mark a Waypoint
- ➡️ Start Navigation
Magnify Bottom Sonar Returns
Sonar Zoom View provides a magnified view of the bottom and structure. GPS reception is needed to mark waypoints and start navigation.
Using the Sonar Zoom View: The diagram shows the zoom setting, zoomed area, zoomed view, and a preview box illustrating the magnified portion of the full sonar view.
Key Controls:
- ? Move the Cursor
- ➕ Zoom In
- ➖ Zoom Out
- ? Mark a Waypoint
- ➡️ Start Navigation
If your unit lacks ZOOM keys, use the Sonar X-Press Menu (Advanced) > Zoom Level to adjust magnification.
SIDE IMAGING Interpreting the Display
Side Imaging beams illuminate bottom contour, structure, and fish. The side beams are wide but thin from front to back. Bottom composition affects sonar return intensity, with upward slopes reflecting sonar better.
Interpreting the Side Imaging View: Side Imaging sonar returns appear at the top and scroll down. The diagram labels features:
- A Shadows: Indicate object height and distance from the bottom.
- B Light Shades: Represent denser terrain or rising terrain.
- C Water Column: Shows relative water depth; width variations indicate distance to the bottom.
- D White Streaks or Clouds: May represent fish.
- E Dark Shades: Represent soft returns (sand/mud) or descending terrain.
For Best Side Imaging Performance: Maintain boat speed between 2-6 mph, use straight-line navigation, and minimize turning and wave turbulence.
SIDE IMAGING Display Settings
Customize the Side Imaging display.
Change the Color Palette: Navigate to Side Imaging X-Press Menu > SI Colors.
Adjust the Side Imaging Range: Navigate to Side Imaging X-Press Menu > SI Range. SI Range sets the deepest displayable range.
- Auto: Range adjusts automatically to follow the bottom.
- Manual: Select a low range for shorter distance detail or a higher range for a broader overview.
The diagram shows adjusting the SI Range.
Enhance the Side Imaging View
Navigate to Side Imaging X-Press Menu > SI Enhance to adjust Sensitivity, Contrast, Sharpness, and Contour Mode.
Display or Hide the Water Column: Use Side Imaging X-Press Menu > SI Enhance > Contour Mode. Contour Mode affects how the water column is displayed and influences target location interpretation. With Contour Mode On, the water column is removed.
SIDE IMAGING on the Go
Use the Cursor Control key to activate the cursor, freeze the display, and move over sonar returns for magnification.
Using ZOOM on the Side Imaging View: The diagram shows cursor digital readouts (distance from centerline, depth, distance/bearing to cursor) and a magnification box.
Key Controls:
- ? Activate the Cursor & Freeze the Display
- ➕ Zoom In
- ➖ Zoom Out
- ? Mark a Waypoint
- ➡️ Start Navigation
Turn On SI Navigation
Navigate to Main Menu > Nav tab > SI Navigation. When SI Navigation is on, an arrow indicates the direction to the next waypoint. When off, the boat icon does not change.
Chart/Side Imaging Combo View with SI Navigation On: The arrow points the direction needed to steer to reach the waypoint.
Key Controls:
- ? Move the Cursor
- ➕ Zoom In
- ➖ Zoom Out
- ? Mark a Waypoint
- ➡️ Start Navigation
DOWN IMAGING Interpreting the Display
Down Imaging beams illuminate bottom contour, structure, and fish using high-definition profiling beams. Interpret objects using light and dark parts of the display.
Interpreting the Down Imaging View: The diagram labels features:
- A White Streaks or Clouds: May represent fish.
- B Light Shades: Represent denser terrain or rising terrain.
- C Shadow
- D Dark Shades: Represent soft returns (sand/mud) or descending terrain.
Sonar History: Historical returns scroll left across the view.
DOWN IMAGING Display Settings
Change the Color Palette: Navigate to Down Imaging X-Press Menu > DI Colors.
Display or Hide Depth Lines: Navigate to Main Menu (Advanced) > Sonar tab > Depth Lines. Turning Depth Lines On displays incremental depth marks.
Enhance the Down Imaging View: Navigate to Down Imaging X-Press Menu > DI Enhance to adjust Sensitivity, Contrast, and Sharpness. The Sharpness setting defines sonar returns more clearly.
The diagram shows the Down Imaging View with DI Enhance settings.
DOWN IMAGING on the Go
Use the Cursor Control key to activate the cursor, freeze the display, and move over sonar returns for magnification.
Using ZOOM on the Down Imaging View: The diagram shows cursor digital readouts (cursor depth, depth below cursor, distance/bearing to cursor) and a magnification box.
Key Controls:
- ? Activate the Cursor & Freeze the Display
- ➕ Zoom In
- ➖ Zoom Out
- ? Mark a Waypoint
- ➡️ Start Navigation
If your unit lacks ZOOM keys, use the Down Imaging X-Press Menu (Advanced) > DI Zoom to adjust magnification.
Use the Down Imaging Combo Views
In the Down Imaging/Sonar Combo View, compare Down Imaging with traditional Sonar. Use the Cursor Control key to move the cursor over a sonar return and the +ZOOM key to magnify it.
Sonar/Down Imaging Combo View with Active Cursor: Cursor digital readouts show cursor's depth and position information (GPS required).
Key Controls:
- ? Activate and Move the Cursor
- ➕ Zoom In
- ➖ Zoom Out
- ? Mark a Waypoint
- ➡️ Start Navigation
CHART Display Overview
HELIX GPS models allow marking waypoints, creating routes, and starting navigation. A GPS fix is required for all chart and navigation features. Use the Waypoint Management dialog box to create and manage navigation data.
Chart View with Built-In Humminbird Basemap: Displays navigational charts with depth contours, buoys, and points of interest.
Key Controls:
- ? Activate and Move the Cursor
- ➕ Zoom In
- ➖ Zoom Out
- ? Mark a Waypoint
- ➡️ Start Navigation
Navigating a Route in Chart View
This view shows a route with built-in Contour XD. Elements are labeled:
- A Current Route Leg (Black): Projected path between waypoints.
- B Decluttered Waypoint Icons: Icons for points of interest.
- C Course Projection Line (Green): Current boat direction from North.
- D Completed Route Leg (Light Gray): Path already traveled.
- E Waypoint Icons: Saved positions for areas of interest or navigation points.
- F Track: Current track showing position history.
- G Map Scale
The map scale indicates boat position: a circle when stationary, a boat shape pointing in motion direction.
CHART VIEW Display Settings
Chart View with Humminbird LakeMaster: Depth Highlights can customize display for deep and shallow waters.
The North-Up Indicator shows chart orientation.
Add Maps to the Control Head: Navigate to Main Menu > Chart tab > Map Source. Install compatible Humminbird LakeMaster, ChartSelect, or Navionics chart cards for additional information.
Set the Chart Orientation: Navigate to Main Menu > Nav tab > Chart Orientation. Options include:
- North-Up: True North at the top of the view.
- Head-Up: Boat's heading points up; chart rotates around the boat icon.
- Course-Up: Projected course shown at the top during navigation.
CHART on the Go
Chart View with Active Cursor: Displays cursor digital readouts.
Key Controls:
- ? Activate and Move the Cursor
- ➕ Zoom In
- ➖ Zoom Out
- ? Mark a Waypoint
- ➡️ Start Navigation
Mark a Man Overboard (MOB) Waypoint: Press and hold the GOTO/MOB key. MOB navigation maximizes rescue chances by marking the overboard point.
CHART X-Press Menu
Open X-Press Menu: Use the Chart X-Press Menu to save tracks/routes and cancel navigation.
- Save the Current Track: Navigate to Chart X-Press Menu > Save Current Track.
- Save the Current Route: Navigate to Chart X-Press Menu > Save Current Route.
- Cancel Navigation: Navigate to Chart X-Press Menu > Cancel Navigation.
- Clear the Current Track: Navigate to Chart X-Press Menu > Clear Current Track.
Waypoint Management Dialog Box
Edit route, track, and waypoint names from the Waypoint Management dialog box.
Open the Waypoint Management Dialog Box: Navigate to Main Menu > Nav tab > Waypoints, Routes, Tracks.
The dialog box displays Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks. Options include sorting, editing waypoints (name, icon, visibility), creating new waypoints, starting navigation on saved routes, and editing track names.
MANAGE your Humminbird
WARNING! Humminbird is not responsible for data loss (waypoints, routes, etc.) due to hardware or software damage. Periodically back up control head data files and save them to your PC before restoring defaults or updating software.
Register your Humminbird: Visit humminbird.com, go to Support > Register Your Product, and follow instructions.
Use Manuals on your Device: Download Humminbird manuals to your mobile device or PC. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. Manuals are available at humminbird.com > Support > Manuals.
Manage Navigation Data: WARNING! Do NOT import navigation data from unknown sources without converting it using HumminbirdPC. Importing corrupted data can cause malfunctions and data loss.
- Import and export navigation data using an SD or microSD card.
- Use HumminbirdPC to organize waypoints, routes, and tracks on your PC. Download from humminbird.com.
Conserve Power Used by the Control Head
- Press the POWER/LIGHT key.
- Start Standby Mode: Select Standby, press RIGHT Cursor key. Dim Backlight: Select Light, press LEFT Cursor key repeatedly.
- Turn off Standby Mode: Press the POWER key.
Update the Control Head Software
(with an SD or microSD card) For complete details, see your control head operations manual.
- Insert a formatted SD or microSD card into your PC.
- Go to humminbird.com > Support > Software Updates.
- To update control head software, click the series name (HELIX, SOLIX, etc.) under Fish Finders. For accessory software, click the product name under Accessories & Mapping.
- Select your model number or product name.
- Read the software description, requirements, and instructions.
- Click Download.
- Follow prompts to save the file to the SD/microSD card.
- Power on the control head.
- Install the card with the software file into the control head slot. The unit will recognize and install the software.
Notes
This section is for user notes.
Contact Humminbird Customer Service
Contact Humminbird Customer Service via:
- Toll Free: (800) 633-1468
- International: (334) 687-6613
- E-mail: service@humminbird.com
- Shipping: Humminbird, Service Department, 678 Humminbird Lane, Eufaula, AL 36027 USA
Visit humminbird.com for in-depth information, technical support, product manuals, software updates, and FAQs.
For more content, visit:
- Facebook: Facebook.com/HumminbirdElectronics
- Twitter: Twitter.com (@humminbirdfish)
- Instagram: Instagram.com/humminbirdfishing
- YouTube: YouTube.com/humminbirdtv