Hanr3 Sonar/Chartplotter Thread

Snow plowing was very good to me this year so I decided it was time to upgrade my electronics. I was using a Humminbird Piranaha Max 220 unit and Lowrance Etrac gps unit. It was a functional setup, but definitely had room for improvement.

About 3 weeks ago I bought the Huminbird 899ci HD SI unit. I was stoked and got the transducer and unit mounted in the boat just in time to take it to our first HOI Crappie Club tournament. I got to the lake on Friday to try out the new unit and hopefully find fish. Being eager to have the latest software on my new purchase, I had the software loaded onto a 16gb SDHC card. Fired up the unit, it asked me a couple of questions, like do you want to update software. Heck yea. Did something and I get a message, shutting down, shutting down, shutting down, 20 minutes later, shutting down. I called tech support from the boat in the middle of the lake. Bottom line, I had to send the unit to Humminbird to be fixed. Not happy at all. Brand new unit, doesn't work. Cost me $24 to ship it to Humminbird, with insurance.

Got the unit back a week later via Fed-Ex. Tech support said the mother board needed to be replaced.

Ran into Kenny after the tournament in Clinton. We chatted about this that and the other. He suggested playing around with the setting at the dining table. Took me a day to get a spare battery charged up for in the house. Last two weeks I read the owners manual and play with the unit to learn about it. I modified a few settings so far. Most recent was due to a thread on Crappie.com. Tonight I changed chart display from North-Up to Course-Up and turned on the North Indicator.

As time continues Ill be posting my questions, thoughts, settings, etc. Fell free to chime in.

Anyone know how to change the light setting permanently?
Every time I start it up it resets to full light power.

I sure hope the repairs work for you....I know how frustrating it can be when you get your hopes up and spend your hard-earned rubles on a new toy, only to be let down. Humminbird is known for very good customer service, but to me, the best customer service is never needing to call them.

I have this on my want list. Looking foreword to future reports.

The backlight is programmed to turn on like that so that you can see the unit even in full sun. There is no way to permanently change it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hanr3

Snow plowing was very good to me this year so I decided it was time to upgrade my electronics. I was using a Humminbird Piranaha Max 220 unit and Lowrance Etrac gps unit. It was a functional setup, but definitely had room for improvement.

About 3 weeks ago I bought the Huminbird 899ci HD SI unit. I was stoked and got the transducer and unit mounted in the boat just in time to take it to our first HOI Crappie Club tournament. I got to the lake on Friday to try out the new unit and hopefully find fish. Being eager to have the latest software on my new purchase, I had the software loaded onto a 16gb SDHC card. Fired up the unit, it asked me a couple of questions, like do you want to update software. Heck yea. Did something and I get a message, shutting down, shutting down, shutting down, 20 minutes later, shutting down. I called tech support from the boat in the middle of the lake. Bottom line, I had to send the unit to Humminbird to be fixed. Not happy at all. Brand new unit, doesn't work. Cost me $24 to ship it to Humminbird, with insurance.

Got the unit back a week later via Fed-Ex. Tech support said the mother board needed to be replaced.

---

Just curious...When you did the update, did you have the unit fully started up and then insert the card, or did you insert the card and then power up the unit?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Humminbird_Greg

The backlight is programmed to turn on like that so that you can see the unit even in full sun. There is no way to permanently change it.

---

Bummer! Thanks for the information.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BobB

Just curious...When you did the update, did you have the unit fully started up and then insert the card, or did you insert the card and then power up the unit?

---

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.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vic n

I sure hope the repairs work for you....I know how frustrating it can be when you get your hopes up and spend your hard-earned rubles on a new toy, only to be let down. Humminbird is known for very good customer service, but to me, the best customer service is never needing to call them.

---

Yes, tech support was excellent and prompt to answer the phone. I only waited a few minutes and it appeared tech support is located in the US. Based on the

questions and answers it appears to me that tech support has a script (which is good), and standard steps to follow depending on the problem (which is also good). Anybody know if Humminbird is ISO certified?

The Humminbird Customer Resource Center (CRC) folks are located in Eufaula, Alabama in the good ‘ole U.S.A.!

No, not ISO certified.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hanr3

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.

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 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.

---

Excellent! Thanks Greg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Humminbird_Greg

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.

I turn off the views I seldom, if ever use! That way can get the number down to 6 or so and can learn how to get to them with 2 button pushes.

Hanr3,
No you only have the three shortcut buttons. Not sure how they could set up three sets of these as all the buttons have assignments already. You can hide all the Views that you do not want or use. Just go to Views tab in the main menu system and set them to “Hidden”. Than when you scroll forwards or backwards, the unit will only show the Views you really want to see.

Not way to make more than 3 that I know of.......but there is another little trick that could help.

You can cycle forward or backwards thru the view. You can set them up so a "2 button push" gets you there. Either by hitting a favorite and going back one, or hitting a favorite and going forward one......Makes a more complicated way to start thinking about it.....and more things to remember.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BobB

Not way to make more than 3 that I know of.......but there is another little trick that could help.

You can cycle forward or backwards thru the view. You can set them up so a "2 button push" gets you there. Either by hitting a favorite and going back one, or hitting a favorite and going forward one

---

This has always worked well for me ...

I only have 4 separate views "visable" anyway...(unless I'm testing experimental xducers)...

Rickie

Thanks for the tips. Now I have to figure out which views to hide. That may take some time, I don't know which views I like yet.

Greg, If adding another button is not an option. Could they program each of the preset view buttons to hold 3 views each? Scroll through the views just like the current View button. Should be easy to program the buttons to accept 2 more view settings.

In the meantime I'll do like a few have suggested and program my views in the middle of other views I want to see. Scroll up or down as needed. Not user friendly, but it sounds like the best option until HB comes up with another way.

Can you change the order of the views?

Not sure how you would set each press of the preset buttons with each view and that would mean remembering where each of the Views was located (Si/2D sonar View is the second press of the first button…). It may just be easier and just as fast to set up the unit with the minimal Views that you use and go from there, After using the unit a while you will find that you do not use all of those Views anyways or that the Views you use will vary with the type of fishing for that day.

You cannot change the order of the Views.

By the way, try pressing and holding in the VIEW button. You should see the Views X-Press menu (see pics). The Views are grouped so if you have a bunch of View set as “Visible”, you can go form one View to another without having to scroll through each and every View.

Attachment 160052Attachment 160053

Han, you just got excited like us all with the new unit. Going out the next day for a tx after the install was what got me. I was not able to fish much at all for several days on the water lol. Reading post here, in the manual and asking a ton of Q seemed to be the norm for a while. I would take px on my cell phone off pages of the CD or info given here and be on the water reading and playing with settings.

Glad ya got her back and hope to see some shots and reports soon.

Ahhhh, view short cuts. Thanks Greg. That will help.

You know it slabbacks. I have a utility (riding mower) battery in a box on the floor under my living room table, swiped the power cord off the boat and play with the sonar unit at night. Read the owners manual, play with the sonar unit. Now that I have some saved waypoints, with images, I have been playing with Humminbird PC and the waypoints. Still a lot to learn and more than likely a ton of questions to go. Looking forward to Illinois Crappie Camp. I took a couple of days off work and turned it into 4 days of fishing and sonar learning.

Good then you can teach me lol

Sounds like a plan. lol