Hanr3 Sonar/Chartplotter Thread

[BobB]

I did the later. Insert card and power up. Actually it was the first time I powered it up too. Not sure if that had an affect, I wouldn't think so, but don't know.

Humminbird started recommending having the unit fully started up before inserting the card to do the update a few software updates ago.

It used to be optional to do it either way, but now they recommend fully started up, reset defaults, insert the card......reset defaults again after the update.

[Hanr3]

Thanks BobB. Wish I would have known sooner. I do need to figure out how to back up my software, and current settings.

Tonight I modified the GPS Output setting. Changed it from default 5 Hz to 10 Hz. Operators manual says to set it to 10 Hz to receive the most GPS updates on the display. I wonder if that will improve slow speed readings?


Should HB update their instructions on software updates?
To Update the control head software:
1. Install a formatted SD memory card into the card reader connected to your pc.

2. Register your Fishing System:

3. Download:

4. Install the SD card with the updated software file into the control head card slot.

5. Power on your FIshfinder. The control head will recognize the new software and run through a series of prompts to confirm software installation.

Step 5. implies to me that it is Okay to install software as you power up the unit. If that is not Okay, the instructions should be clarified.


How do I back-up my head unit software?
Thanks/

[BobB]

HMMM...Is that the procedure in the manual? I always do it as described in this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TZtvcpzQRM#t=19

I saw a warning a while back from Humminbird that recommended not putting the card in and then powering up. I went looking for that and so far haven't found it.

[Humminbird_Greg]

When you go to download the latest software update from your "My Humminbird" account, you will fined the following instructions (power on first, then install memory car):

Instructions:

Please read carefully before proceeding.

We highly recommend that you RESTORE the defaults on your unit BEFORE you perform any software update. We also suggest that you disconnect any advanced accessories from the unit (i.e. WeatherSense, Interlink, Cannonlink, etc) before proceeding. The exceptions to this would be if you have the Minn Kota i-Pilot Link or the Humminbird 360 Imaging attached. Both of these items need to be connected to the unit in order to update their software which is done via Ethernet.

How to Restore Defaults:

With the unit powered on, Press the MENU button twice to the main menu on the system. Then you press the RIGHT cursor until you get to the SETUP menu tab. Once you have reached the SETUP menu tab, use the DOWN cursor until you reach RESTORE DEFAULTS, you will then press the RIGHT cursor key to restore the defaults. To confirm press RIGHT cursor again.

To update with an SD CARD

1. After thoroughly reading these instructions, you can return to the Download dialogue box and click on Download. The software files are in a .bin format. You will not be able to open these files, they should only be saved.

2. You will need to select to save this file to the SD Card. (The SD card may be listed as a removable disk, removable storage drive, SD). Do not modify the name of the file, then click on SAVE.

3. After the Download Complete dialog box appears - click CLOSE

4. Remove the SD Card from the card reader. After removing the SD card from the reader and before powering on the unit, we recommend that you disconnect any Advanced Accessories connected to the unit. This might include a GPS receiver, Interlink, CannonLink, etc.

5. POWER ON YOUR UNIT, allow the unit to go through the complete start up BEFORE pressing any buttons or selecting any menu options. After the unit has completed the loading process and you have clicked through the warnings and information, place the SD card in the unit.

6. You will get a message on the unit saying SOFTWARE NUMBER “123” is higher than your current “120” software do you want to update?, Press the Right Cursor to Confirm.

7. Another message will then appear saying do you want to ABORT, press the Left Cursor to NO at this time and the software update will begin. DO NOT POWER OFF THE UNIT DURING THIS TIME. If you lose power to the unit during the software upgrade process, it is very likely that the unit will need to be returned to the factory for updating.

Once the update is complete the unit will restart and say current SOFTWARE NUMBER “123” installed, no update required. It is now safe to remove the SD Card, and power off the unit.

8. Once you have updated the software on the unit, we suggest that you add back your advanced accessories. If you have an Interlink, we suggest that you first connect to unit 1, power on the unit and allow it to update the software on your Interlink. After this you may reconnect the remaining advanced accessories.

[BobB]

Thanks for that Greg.....I have't been to the download section for a while....Didn't realize those instructions were there.

I know the procedure recommending powering up after inserting the card is still floating around out there.....

Also, there isn't a settings backup on anything except the ONIX/ION series.

[BobB]

Thanks for that Greg.....I have't been to the download section for a while....Didn't realize those instructions were there.

I know the procedure recommending powering up after inserting the card is still floating around out there.....

HANR3 ... there isn't a settings backup on anything except the ONIX/ION series.

[Hanr3]

Thanks Greg. However I don't have a pc in the boat and didn't realize the owners manual and website had different directions. I highly recommend the owners manual be updated. Whom do I contact to make that request?

Bummer, no way to backup my settings. How do others save their settings. Do you keep a log or something?
Greg, any way to get this request in for a future software update?

GPS update:
I did get to use the HB this weekend during a Crappie Tournament. I'm impressed, showed my speed from 0-10.5mph, as fast as my boat will go, in 0.1 increments. I had no trouble with speeds below 2 mph, in fact it was showing my speed even as I was coasting along at 0.1mph. I will leave my GPS at 10.

I saved some waypoints and will be playing with them this week.
I also want to check out images, wondering if my saved waypoint includes a image of the spot? If not, I'll have to learn how to take images and then video. Had some really cool stuff to show. I was able to see prop wash on the HB. I pulled into a bay doing 2-3mph, turned around and followed my path back out, my HB had all sorts of disturbances on the screen. I know the screen was clear as a bell on the way in, must have been prop wash. Wish I knew how to take video of it.

[Humminbird_Greg]

Hanr3,
I put in a request to our CRC folks to get the manuals updated. This may take a while to do though.

The settings savings feature has already been requested.

“I also want to check out images, wondering if my saved waypoint includes a image of the spot?”
It did if you had the Screen Snapshot menu (found under the “Accessories” tab in the main menu system) was set to “On”. You should have seen a message like “Successfully Saved S000001.PNG” along with the Waypoint saved message. If not, install an SD memory card and turn that menu on.

Sonar Recordings are not hard to do either. Just go to the Snapshot and Sonar Recording View and use the “Start Recording” menu. You can use the unit how you want to after that. When you are done recording just press the MENU button once and the top menu on any of the Views should be “Stop Recording”. Keep the recordings to about 30 minutes each so it is easier to scan through them later.

[Hanr3]

Hanr3,
I put in a request to our CRC folks to get the manuals updated. This may take a while to do though.

The settings savings feature has already been requested.

Excellent! Thanks Greg

[Hanr3]

Hanr3,
“I also want to check out images, wondering if my saved waypoint includes a image of the spot?”
It did if you had the Screen Snapshot menu (found under the “Accessories” tab in the main menu system) was set to “On”. You should have seen a message like “Successfully Saved S000001.PNG” along with the Waypoint saved message. If not, install an SD memory card and turn that menu on.

Sonar Recordings are not hard to do either. Just go to the Snapshot and Sonar Recording View and use the “Start Recording” menu. You can use the unit how you want to after that. When you are done recording just press the MENU button once and the top menu on any of the Views should be “Stop Recording”. Keep the recordings to about 30 minutes each so it is easier to scan through them later.

I checked my settings and Snapshot is set to ON. Now I get to play around with Images, Waypoints and the PC program. First I have to figure it all out.
Download waypoints and images.
Download and install HB PC program.


I haven't figured out where recording menu is located yet. Ill pull out the owners manual and read up on all of this and report back later.

Update- I found the Snapshot and Sonar Recording view. It's one of the VIEWS. Mixed in with the Sonar views. Is there a way to make a shortcut to this view? I already designated my 3 shortcuts to other views, is there an option to save three sets of three views. Similar to the radio in my truck?
FM1 I have 6 stations I can preset, FM2 and I can preset another 6 stations, AM1- 6 preset AM stations. One button scrolls through FM1, FM2, and AM1. Then 6 buttons to scroll through each corresponding preset. Could HB do something similar and have 9 preset views, even 6 presets would be great. Is that an option we could get added? Currently, it takes a long time to scroll through all the views.