Humminbird 800 series User manual

i
Thank You!
Thank you for choosing Humminbird®, the #1 name in fishfinders.
Humminbird® has built its reputation by designing and manufacturing
top-quality, thoroughly reliable marine equipment. Your Humminbird® is
designed for trouble-free use in even the harshest marine environment. In
the unlikely event that your Humminbird® does require repairs, we offer an
exclusive Service Policy - free of charge during the first year after purchase,
and available at a reasonable rate after the one-year period. For complete
details, see the separate warranty card included with your unit. We
encourage you to read this manual carefully in order to get full benefit from
all the features and applications of your Humminbird® product.
Contact our Customer Resource Center at either 1-800-633-1468 or visit our
Web site at humminbird.com.
WARNING! The electronic chart in your umminbird® unit is an aid to navigation
designed to facilitate the use of authorized government charts, not to replace them.
Only official government charts and notices to mariners contain all of the current
information needed for the safety of navigation, and the captain is responsible for
their prudent use.
WARNING! This device should not be used as a navigational aid to prevent
collision, grounding, boat damage, or personal injury. When the boat is moving,
water depth may change too quickly to allow time for you to react. Always operate
the boat at very slow speeds if you suspect shallow water or submerged objects.
WARNING! Disassembly and repair of this electronic unit should only be performed
by authorized service personnel. Any modification of the serial number or attempt to
repair the original equipment or accessories by unauthorized individuals will void the
warranty.
WARNING! This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and/or reproductive harm.
WARNING! Do not travel at high speed with the unit cover installed. Remove the
unit cover before traveling at speeds above 20 mph.
WARNING! umminbird® is not responsible for the loss of data files (waypoints,
routes, tracks, groups, recordings, etc.) that may occur due to direct or indirect
damage to the unit’s hardware or software. It is important to back up your control
head’s data files periodically. Data files should also be saved to your PC before
restoring the unit’s defaults or updating the software. See the following sections of
your umminbird® manual: Snapshot and Recording View and SD Memory Card
Slots. Also, contact our Customer Resource Center with any questions.
NOTE: Some features discussed in this manual require a separate purchase, and
some features are only available on international models. Every effort has been
made to clearly identify those features. Please read the manual carefully in order to
understand the full capabilities of your model.
NOTE: To purchase accessories for your control head, visit our web site at
humminbird.com or contact our Customer Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468.
NOTE: The procedures and features described in this manual are subject to change
without notice. This manual was written in English and may have been translated
to another language. umminbird® is not responsible for incorrect translations or
discrepancies between documents.
NOTE: The illustrations in this manual may not look the same as your product, but
your unit will function in the same way.

ii
NOTE: The following acce orie are not compatible with your unit: CannonLink™,
InterLink™, Remote Sonar Link™ (RSL), SmartCa t®, WeatherSen e®, and XM WX
Satellite Weather®. See our Web ite at h mminbird.com for the late t
compatibility information.
ATTENTION INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS: Products sold in the U.S. are not
intended for use in the international market. Humminbird® international units
provide international features and are designed to meet country and regional
regulations. anguages, maps, time zones, units of measurement, and warranty
are examples of features that are customized for Humminbird® international units
purchased through our authorized international distributors.
To obtain a list of authorized international distributors, please visit our Web site at
humminbird. om or contact our Customer Resource Center at [phone].
532219-1EN_A
800 Series™, 900 Series™, Cannon®, Cannon ink™, Contour XD™, Down Imaging®, DualBeam P US™, Fish ID+™, HumminbirdPC™, Humminbird®, Inter ink™, akeMaster®, ProMap™,
One-Touch® Zoom, QuadraBeam P US™, RTS Window™, Side Imaging®, SmartCast®, SwitchFire®, Structure ID™, Total Screen Update™, UniMap™, WeatherSense®, White ine™, X-Press™ Menu, and
Xtreme Depth Series™ are trademarked by or registered trademarks of Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
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Navionics® Gold, HotMaps™, and HotMaps™ Premium, Navionics® Classic Charts, and Platinum™ Cartography are trademarked by or registered trademarks of Navionics®.
NMEA 2000® is a registered trademark of the National Marine Electronics Association.
XM® WX is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio and Weather to the Power of X® is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio Inc. All rights reserved.
© 2013 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved.

Introduction 1
How Sonar Works ....................................................................................................................1
ualBeam PLUS™ Sonar (DualBeam PLUS™ models only
[859ci D, 899ci D SI, 959ci D, and 999ci D SI])
..........................................................3
own Imaging® Sonar (Down Imaging® models only [859ci D DI and 959ci D DI]) ............3
High efinition Side Imaging® Sonar (Side Imaging® models only
[899ci D SI and 999ci D SI])
............................................................................................4
Xtreme epth Sonar ( Xtreme Depth Series™ models only [ 859ci D XD and 959ci D XD]) ..4
QuadraBeam PLUS™ Sonar (with optional-purchase QuadraBeam PLUS™ transducer) ........5
Universal Sonar 2 (compatible w/optional-purchase Minnkota trolling motors) ......................5
How GPS and Cartography Work ............................................................................................5
Fishing System Configuration..................................................................................................7
RS 232 Connector
(900 Series™ only) ......................................................................................7
Ethernet Connector ..................................................................................................................8
Power On 8
What’s on the Control Head 9
Key Functions 9
POWER/LIGHT Key....................................................................................................................9
VIEW Key ................................................................................................................................10
MENU Key ..............................................................................................................................10
4-WAY Cursor Control Key (RIGHT, LEFT, UP, or OWN Cursor Keys) ................................10
VIEW PRESET Keys ................................................................................................................11
EXIT Key ..................................................................................................................................11
INFO Key ................................................................................................................................11
MARK Key................................................................................................................................11
GOTO Key ................................................................................................................................12
ZOOM (+/-) Keys ....................................................................................................................12
SD Memory Card Slots 12
Add Maps to Your Fishing System ........................................................................................13
Import Navigation ata..........................................................................................................13
Export Navigation ata ..........................................................................................................13
Update Software ....................................................................................................................15
What’s on the Sonar Display 16
Understanding the Sonar isplay..........................................................................................17
Real Time Sonar (RTS™) Window ........................................................................................17
Sonar Colors and Bottom View..............................................................................................18
SwitchFire®..............................................................................................................................19
Freeze Frame and Active Cursor ............................................................................................19
Instant Image Update ............................................................................................................19
What’s on the Side Imaging® Display
(Side Imaging® models only [899ci HD SI and 999ci HD SI]) 20
Understanding the Side Imaging® isplay ..........................................................................21
Side Imaging® Frequencies and Coverage............................................................................22
For Best Performance ............................................................................................................23
On the Water Interpretation ..................................................................................................24
iii
Table of Contents

What’s on the Down Imaging® Display
(859ci HD DI, 959ci HD DI, 899ci HD SI, and 999ci HD SI only) 26
Understanding the own Imaging® isplay ........................................................................27
Interpreting the isplay ........................................................................................................ 27
own Imaging® Sensitivity .................................................................................................. 27
Freeze Frame and Active Cursor .......................................................................................... 27
Views 28
Sonar View ..............................................................................................................................29
Sonar Zoom View....................................................................................................................30
Split Sonar View .................................................................................................................... 31
Side Imaging® View
(899ci D SI and 999ci D SI only) ......................................................32
own Imaging® View
(859ci D DI, 959ci D DI, 899ci D SI and 999ci D SI only) ..........34
Snapshot and Recording View
(optional-purchase SD Memory card required) ....................35
Side Beam View
(with optional-purchase QuadraBeam PLUS™ transducer) ........................40
Bird’s Eye View........................................................................................................................42
Chart View ..............................................................................................................................43
Combo Views ..........................................................................................................................44
Combo Views: Functions........................................................................................................44
Side Imaging®/Sonar Combo View
(899ci D SI and 999ci D SI only) ..............................44
Chart/Bird’s Eye Combo View................................................................................................45
Chart/Chart Combo View ......................................................................................................45
Chart/Sonar Combo View ......................................................................................................46
Chart/Side Imaging® Combo View
(899ci D SI and 999ci D SI only) ................................46
own Imaging®/Side Imaging® Combo View
(899ci D SI and 999ci D SI only) ..............47
Chart/ own Imaging® Combo View
(859ci D DI, 959ci D DI, 899ci D SI and 999ci D SI only) ..........................................47
own Imaging®/Sonar Combo View
(859ci D DI, 959ci D DI, 899ci D SI, and 999ci D SI only) ..........................................48
own Imaging®/Side Imaging®/Sonar Combo View
(899ci D SI and 999ci D SI only) ....48
View Orientation ....................................................................................................................49
Viewing Cartography 49
Introduction to Navigation 51
Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks..............................................................................................51
Open the Waypoint Management ialog Box ....................................................................52
What’s on the Waypoint Management ialog Box ............................................................53
Save, Edit, or elete a Waypoint ..........................................................................................54
Navigate to a Waypoint or Position ......................................................................................55
Add a Waypoint Target or Trolling Grid ................................................................................55
Routes......................................................................................................................................56
Tracks ......................................................................................................................................57
Edit your Waypoints, Routes, Tracks, and Groups................................................................58
Man Overboard (MOB) Navigation........................................................................................60
The Menu System 61
Start-Up Options Menu 61
Normal ....................................................................................................................................61
Simulator ................................................................................................................................62
System Status ........................................................................................................................62
iv
Table of Contents

Self Test ..................................................................................................................................62
Accessory Test ........................................................................................................................63
GPS iagnostic View ..............................................................................................................63
X-Press™ Menu 64
Main Menu 64
Quick Tips for the Main Menu ..............................................................................................65
Note for all Menu Settings ....................................................................................................65
User Mode (Normal or Advanced) ........................................................................................66
Sonar X-Press™ Menu 67
Cancel Navigation (only when Navigating) ............................................................................67
Active Side
(Combo Views only) ..............................................................................................67
Split Position
(Combo Views only) ..........................................................................................67
Sensitivity ................................................................................................................................68
Upper Range
(Advanced: Sonar, Split Sonar and Active Sonar Side Views only) ..................68
Lower Range ..........................................................................................................................69
Chart Speed ............................................................................................................................69
Quad Layout
(with optional-purchase QuadraBeam PLUS™ Transducer, Side Beam View only) ............69
Bottom Lock
(Sonar Zoom View only) ....................................................................................70
Bottom Range
(Sonar Zoom View only, when Bottom Lock is On) ........................................70
Side Imaging® X-Press™ Menu
(Side Imaging® Views only [899ci HD SI, 999ci HD SI]) 70
Cancel Navigation (only when Navigating) ............................................................................71
Active Side
(Combo Views only) ..............................................................................................71
Split Position
(Combo Views only) ..........................................................................................71
SI Side......................................................................................................................................71
SI Sensitivity............................................................................................................................71
SI Enhance ..............................................................................................................................72
SI Range ..................................................................................................................................72
Chart Speed ............................................................................................................................73
SI Colors ..................................................................................................................................73
Down Imaging® X-Press™ Menu
(Down Imaging® Views only [859ci HD DI, 959ci HD DI,
899ci HD SI, and 999ci HD SI]) 73
Cancel Navigation (only when Navigating) ............................................................................74
Active Side
(Combo Views only) ..............................................................................................74
Split Position
(Combo Views only) ..........................................................................................74
own Sensitivity ....................................................................................................................74
I Enhance ..............................................................................................................................74
Upper Range
(Advanced, Down Imaging® Views only) ..........................................................75
Lower Range ..........................................................................................................................75
Chart Speed ............................................................................................................................76
I Colors ..................................................................................................................................76
Navigation X-Press™ Menu 76
Cancel Navigation (only when Navigating) ............................................................................77
Cancel MOB Navigation
(only when MOB Navigation is activated) ......................................77
v
Table of Contents

Skip Next Waypoint (only when Navigating) ..........................................................................77
Active Side
(Combo Views only) ..............................................................................................77
Split Position
(Combo Views only) ..........................................................................................77
Waypoint [Name]
(Only with an active cursor on a waypoint) ..............................................78
Cursor to Waypoint
(Chart or Chart Combo View only) ..........................................................78
Chart eclutter........................................................................................................................78
Save Current Track..................................................................................................................78
Clear Current Track ................................................................................................................78
Save Current Route
(only when Navigating) ..........................................................................79
Reset XTE
(only when Navigating) ..........................................................................................79
Remove Target
(only if a Target is Active) ..............................................................................79
Remove Grid
(only if a Grid is Active) ......................................................................................79
Waypoint [Name]
(Most recently-created waypoint) ..............................................................79
Snapshot and Recording X-Press™ Menu
(Snapshot and Recording View only) 80
Cancel Navigation (only when Navigating) ............................................................................80
Start Recording
(optional-purchase SD Memory Card, Snapshot and Recording View only) ........................80
Stop Recording
(optional-purchase SD Memory Card only) ....................................................80
elete Image
(optional-purchase SD Memory Card, Snapshot and Recording View only) ....81
elete All Images
(optional-purchase SD Memory Card, Snapshot and Recording View only) ........................81
elete Recording
(optional-purchase SD Memory Card, Snapshot and Recording View only) ........................81
elete All Recordings
(optional-purchase SD Memory Card, Snapshot and Recording View only) ........................81
Pings Per Second
(optional-purchase SD Memory Card, Snapshot and Recording View only) ........................81
Playback Speed
(optional-purchase SD Memory Card, Snapshot and Recording View only) ........................82
Stop Playback
(optional-purchase SD Memory Card only) ......................................................82
Alarms Menu Tab 83
epth Alarm ............................................................................................................................83
Fish I Alarm ..........................................................................................................................83
Low Battery Alarm ..................................................................................................................84
Aux. Temp Alarm
(with optional-purchase temp. probe or Temp/Speed only) ......................84
Temp. Alarm ............................................................................................................................84
Off Course Alarm ....................................................................................................................84
Arrival Alarm............................................................................................................................85
rift Alarm ..............................................................................................................................85
Alarm Tone ..............................................................................................................................85
Timer Setup ............................................................................................................................86
Start Timer ..............................................................................................................................86
Stop Timer
(with the Timer running) ........................................................................................86
Sonar Menu Tab 87
Beam Select ............................................................................................................................87
Imaging Frequency (859ci D DI, 959ci D DI, 899ci D SI, and 999ci D SI only) ............89
Surface Clutter ........................................................................................................................89
vi
Table of Contents

SwitchFire®..............................................................................................................................89
Fish I +™................................................................................................................................90
Fish I Sensitivity....................................................................................................................90
Real Time Sonar (RTS™) Window ........................................................................................91
Sonar Colors ............................................................................................................................91
Bottom View............................................................................................................................91
Zoom Width
(Sonar Zoom View only) ......................................................................................92
50 kHz Sensitivity
(Advanced, XD Sonar only [859ci D XD and 959ci D XD) ....................92
83 kHz Sensitivity
(Advanced, DualBeam PLUS™ Sonar only [859ci D, 959ci D,
899ci D SI, 999ci D SI])
....................................................................................................92
455 kHz Sensitivity
(Advanced, Down Imaging® Views only [859ci D DI, 959ci D DI]) ......92
455 kHz Sensitivity
(Advanced, with optional-purchase QuadraBeam PLUS™ transducer) ....92
epth Lines
(Advanced) ..........................................................................................................93
SI Range Lines
(Advanced, Side Imaging® View only [899ci D SI and 999ci D SI) ............93
SI Readouts
(Advanced, Side Imaging® View only [899ci D SI and 999ci D SI) ................94
Noise Filter
(Advanced) ............................................................................................................94
Max epth
(Advanced) ............................................................................................................94
Water Type
(Advanced) ..........................................................................................................95
igital epth Source
(Advanced, Down Imaging® models
with optional-purchase transducers only [859ci D DI and 959ci D DI)
..........................95
Connected Transducer............................................................................................................96
I Pings
(Advanced, Down Imaging® View and Chart/Down Combo View only) ..................96
Color Bar..................................................................................................................................97
Temperature Graph
(Sonar View only, with Temperature input) ............................................97
I Colors (859ci D DI, 959ci D DI, 899ci D SI and 999ci D SI only) ..............................97
own Imaging® Beam Width
(Advanced, 899ci D SI and 999ci D SI only) ......................97
Navigation Menu Tab 98
Current Track ..........................................................................................................................98
Waypoints, Routes, Tracks
(Waypoint Management Dialog Box) ........................................99
Waypoint Settings ..................................................................................................................99
Saved Tracks efaults ............................................................................................................99
Chart Orientation ..................................................................................................................100
Casting Rings ........................................................................................................................100
North Reference....................................................................................................................100
Waypoint Proximity Flags
(Advanced) ..................................................................................100
Waypoint ecluttering
(Advanced) ......................................................................................101
Trolling Grid Rotation............................................................................................................101
Trackpoint Interval ................................................................................................................101
Track Min istance
(Advanced) ............................................................................................101
Track Color Range ................................................................................................................101
Map atum
(Advanced) ........................................................................................................102
North-Up Indicator................................................................................................................102
Course Projection Line..........................................................................................................102
3 View Outline ....................................................................................................................102
Continuous Navigation Mode..............................................................................................102
SI Navigation
(Side Imaging® models only [899ci D SI and 999ci D SI]) ..........................102
vii
Table of Contents

Chart Menu Tab 103
Lat/Lon Grid ..........................................................................................................................103
Navaids on Bird’s Eye View..................................................................................................103
Chart Select ..........................................................................................................................103
Set Simulation Position
(Advanced) ....................................................................................104
Set Map Offset
(Advanced) ..................................................................................................104
Clear Map Offset
(Advanced) ................................................................................................104
Shaded epth ......................................................................................................................104
Chart etail Level ................................................................................................................104
Map Borders..........................................................................................................................106
Spot Soundings ....................................................................................................................106
Auto Zoom
(Advanced) ..........................................................................................................106
Auto Range
(Advanced) ........................................................................................................106
Vessel Offset
(Advanced) ......................................................................................................106
Offset Speed
(with Vessel Offset turned on) ........................................................................107
Contour Lines
(optional-purchase LakeMaster® charts only) ................................................107
epth Colors
(optional-purchase LakeMaster® charts only) ..................................................107
epth Highlight
(optional-purchase LakeMaster® charts only) ............................................107
epth Highlight Range (+/-)
(optional-purchase LakeMaster® charts only) ........................107
Water Level Offset
(optional-purchase LakeMaster® charts only) ........................................107
Shallow Water Highlight
(optional-purchase LakeMaster® charts only) ..............................108
Lake List
(optional-purchase LakeMaster® charts only) ........................................................108
Setup Menu Tab 109
Units - epth ........................................................................................................................109
Units - Temp
(International Models only) ..............................................................................109
Units - istance
(with Speed input only) ..............................................................................109
Units - Speed
(with Speed input only) ..................................................................................110
User Mode ............................................................................................................................110
Language
(International Models only) ..................................................................................110
Triplog Reset
(with Speed input only) ..................................................................................110
Restore efaults....................................................................................................................110
Format Nav irectories ........................................................................................................110
Select Readouts
(Advanced) ................................................................................................111
epth Offset
(Advanced) ......................................................................................................112
Aux. Temp Offset
(Advanced, with Temp/Speed only) ..........................................................112
Temp. Offset
(Advanced) ......................................................................................................112
Speed Calibration
(Advanced, with Temp/Speed only) ........................................................112
Local Time Zone
(Advanced) ................................................................................................112
aylight Saving Time
(Advanced) ........................................................................................112
Position Format
(Advanced) ..................................................................................................112
GPS Output............................................................................................................................113
Time Format
(Advanced, International Models only) ............................................................113
ate Format
(Advanced, International Models only) ............................................................113
igits Format
(Advanced) ......................................................................................................113
NMEA 0183 Output
(Advanced) ..........................................................................................113
Local Sonar............................................................................................................................114
viii
Table of Contents

Table of Contents
ix
emonstration ......................................................................................................................114
Sound Control ......................................................................................................................114
Views Menu Tab 115
Accessories Menu Tab 115
Screen Snapshot (optional-purchase SD Memory Cards only) ............................................116
AIS (optional-purchase AIS equipment only) ........................................................................116
Maintenance 119
Troubleshooting 120
Fishing System oesn’t Power Up ......................................................................................120
Fishing System efaults to Simulator with a Transducer Attached ................................120
isplay Problems ..................................................................................................................121
Finding the Cause of Noise..................................................................................................122
Specifications 123
lossary 127
Appendix A
Side Imaging® Transducer ounting Template (XHS 9 HD SI 180 T) 132
Contact Humminbird® 133
NOTE: Entries in this Table of Contents which list (International Only) are only
available on products sold outside of the U.S. by our authorized international
distributors. To obtain a list of authorized international distributors, please visit
our Web site at humminbird.com or contact our Customer Resource Center at
[phone].
NOTE: Some of the entries in this Table of Contents may require the purchase
of separate accessories. You can visit our Web site at humminbird.com to
order these accessories online or contact our Customer Resource Center at
1-800-633-1468.

Introduction
1
Introduction
Your Humminbird® Fishing System comes in several different configurations.
See the following list of products, all of which are covered by this manual, to
find your 800/900 Series™ configuration:
•Humminbird® 859ci HD Combo: Wide screen Fishing System with
ualBeam PLUS™ Sonar, Chartplotting, and an internal GPS Receiver.
•Humminbird® 859ci HD DI Combo: Wide screen Fishing System with
own Imaging® Sonar, Traditional 2 Sonar, Chartplotting, and an
internal GPS Receiver.
•Humminbird® 859ci HD XD Combo: Wide screen Fishing System with
Xtreme epth Sonar, Chartplotting, and an internal GPS Receiver.
•Humminbird® 899ci HD SI Combo: Wide screen Fishing System with
Side Imaging® Sonar, ualBeam PLUS™ Sonar, own Imaging® Sonar,
Chartplotting, and an internal GPS Receiver.
•Humminbird® 959ci HD Combo: Ultra wide screen Fishing System
with ualBeam PLUS™ Sonar, Chartplotting, and an internal GPS
Receiver.
•Humminbird® 959ci HD DI Combo: Ultra wide screen Fishing System
with own Imaging® Sonar, Traditional 2 Sonar, Chartplotting, and
an internal GPS Receiver.
•Humminbird® 959ci HD XD Combo: Ultra wide screen Fishing System
with Xtreme epth Sonar, Chartplotting, and an internal GPS Receiver.
•Humminbird® 999ci HD SI Combo: Ultra wide screen Fishing System
with Side Imaging® Sonar, ualBeam PLUS™ Sonar, own Imaging®
Sonar, Chartplotting, and an internal GPS Receiver.
How Sonar Works
Sonar technology is based on sound waves. The Fishing System uses sonar
to locate and define structure, bottom contour and composition, as well as
depth directly below the transducer.
Your Fishing System sends a sound wave signal and determines distance by
measuring the time between the transmission of the sound wave and when
the sound wave is reflected off of an object; it then uses the reflected signal
to interpret location, size, and composition of an object.
Sonar is very fast. A sound wave can travel from the surface to a depth of
240 ft (70 m) and back again in less than 1/4 of a second. It is unlikely that
your boat can "outrun" this sonar signal.
SONAR is an acronym for SOund and
NAvigation Ranging. Sonar utilizes precision
sound pulses or "pings" which are emitted into
the water in a teardrop-shaped beam.
The sound pulses "echo" back from objects in
the water such as the bottom, fish and other
submerged objects. The returned echoes are
displayed on the LC screen. Each time a new
echo is received, the old echoes are moved
across the LC , creating a scrolling effect.

2
Introduction
When all the echoes are viewed side by side,
an easy to interpret "graph" of the bottom, fish
and structure appears.
The sound pulses are transmitted at various
frequencies depending on the application.
Very high frequencies (455 kHz) are used for
greatest definition, but the operating depth is
limited. High frequencies (200 kHz) are
commonly used on consumer sonar and
provide a good balance between depth
performance and resolution. Low frequencies
(83 kHz) are typically used to achieve greater
depth capability.
The power output is the amount of energy
generated by the sonar transmitter. It is
commonly measured using two methods:
• Root Mean Square (RMS) measures power
output over the entire transmit cycle.
• Peak to Peak measures power output at the
highest points.
The benefits of increased power output are
the ability to detect smaller targets at greater
distances, ability to overcome noise, better
high speed performance and enhanced depth
capability.

Introduction
3
DualBeam PLUS™ Sonar
(DualBeam PLUS™ models only
[859ci HD, 899ci HD SI, 959ci HD, & 999ci HD SI])
The 859ci HD/959ci HD Combo and 899ci
HD SI/999ci HD SI Combo Fishing Systems
use a 200/83 kHz ualBeam PLUS™ sonar
system with a wide (60°) area of coverage.
ualBeam PLUS™ sonar has a narrowly
focused 20° center beam, surrounded by a
second beam of 60°, expanding your
coverage to an area equal to your depth. In
20 feet of water, the wider beam covers an
area 20 feet wide.
ualBeam PLUS™ sonar returns can be
blended together, viewed separately, or
compared side-by-side. ualBeam PLUS™ is
ideal for a wide range of conditions - from
shallow to very deep water in both fresh and
salt water. epth capability is affected by
such factors as boat speed, wave action,
bottom hardness, water conditions, and
transducer installation.
Down Imaging® Sonar
(Down Imaging® models only [859ci HD DI
and 959ci HD DI])
The 859ci HD DI/959ci HD DI Combo
Fishing System uses own Imaging®
technology. The own Imaging®
transducer scans the water with razor-
thin, high-definition beams. The beams
are wide (side to side) but very thin front
to back.
The own Imaging® beams can be
operated at two frequencies: 455 kHz
(75°) or 800 kHz (45°). Select 455 kHz for
the best overall image quality and depth.
Select 800 kHz for the sharpest image.
See Down Imaging® X-Press™ enu:
Imaging Frequency for more information.
The transducer also uses conical beams to provide data in traditional 2
format (see What’s on the Sonar View). Select 455 kHz for a narrowly
focused 16° center beam, or select 200 kHz for a wider 28° beam (see Sonar
enu Tab: Beam Select).
epth capability is affected by such factors as boat speed, wave action,
bottom hardness, water conditions, and transducer installation.
75 Degree Total Coverage
16°
75°
28°
455kHz
200kHz
455kHz
45° 800kHz

Introduction 4
High Definition
Side Imaging® Sonar
(Side Imaging® m dels nly
[899ci HD SI and 999ci HD SI nly])
The 899ci HD SI/999ci HD SI Combo
Fishing System uses Side Ima in ®
sonar to provide a wide yet precise survey
of a lar e area of water, includin
detailed bottom topo raphy and fish-
attractin structure orientation. The Side
Ima in ® transducer returns are
processed into an ima e similar to an
aerial photo raph.
Typically, the Side Ima in ® sonar can search an area that is 480 feet wide
(240 to each side), with a typical depth performance of 150 feet when the
Side Ima in ® Sonar frequency is set for 455 kHz. The side beams can be
operated at one of two frequencies: 455 kHz or 800 kHz. Selectin 800 kHz
produces the sharpest ima e, but the search area to each side and the depth
capability are limited as compared to the 455 kHz frequency. See What’s n
the Side Imaging® Display and Understanding Side Imaging® for more
information.
The Side Ima in ® transducer also provides Down Ima in ® views on the
screen, with the same depth limitation of 100 feet. See What’s n the
D wn Imaging® Display for more information.
Xtreme Depth Sonar
(Xtreme Depth Series™ m dels nly [859ci HD
XD and 959ci HD XD])
The 859ci HD XD/959ci HD XD Combo
Fishing System uses the XD transducer to
provide extreme depth covera e with
DualBeam PLUS™ technolo y.
The Xtreme Depth sonar beams can be
operated at two frequencies: 50 kHz (74°)
and 200 kHz (20°). The wide, 50 kHz beam
transmits at a low frequency to provide
reater depth covera e, up to 2500 ft (762
m). The narrow, 200 kHz center beam
transmits at a hi h frequency to provide
maximum detail at shallower depths.
The DualBeam PLUS™ technolo y allows
you to view the sonar returns blended
to ether, separately, or side-by-side (see
S nar Menu Tab: Beam Select and Views
for more information).
Depth capability is affected by such factors as boat speed, wave action,
bottom hardness, water conditions, and transducer installation.
60°
83kHz
20°
200kHz
86°
455kHz
86°
455kHz

QuadraBeam PLUS™ Sonar
(with optional-purchase QuadraBeam
PLUS™ transducer)
QuadraBeam PLUS™ sonar provides a
wide 90° area of coverage.
QuadraBeam PLUS™ starts with two
fan-shaped 35° 455 kHz Side Structure
locating sonar beams to spot fish, bait,
and structure to the left and right of the
boat over an area of the bottom that’s
always equal to twice your depth.
For a detailed view below the boat,
QuadraBeam PLUS™ uses ualBeam
PLUS™ technology, with precision 20°
and wide 60° beams. QuadraBeam
PLUS™ finds more fish faster, and can
even tell you where to put your bait by
showing if fish are to the left, right, or
directly beneath your boat.
NOTE: Contact our Customer Resource
Center to determine which accessory
transducers are compatible with your
umminbird® Fishing System, or visit our Web
site at humminbird.com.
Universal Sonar 2
(compatible w/optional-purchase innkota trolling motors)
Your Fishing System supports Universal Sonar 2, a state-of-the-art,
integrated and protected transducer that is built into the lower unit of
Minnkota trolling motors. With Universal Sonar 2, all wiring is concealed
inside the indestructible composite shaft—out of sight and out of harm’s
way, with no clamps, ties, or exposed wires. Universal Sonar 2 features new
temperature sensing and the performance of ualBeam PLUS™ technology
(available with all Humminbird® ualBeam PLUS™ models). An expanded
view and greater bottom detail gives you a totally new perspective of the
water below, along with optimal sonar performance to help you find fish.
How GPS and Cartography Work
Your Fishing System also supports GPS (Global Positioning System) and
chartplotting. It uses GPS and sonar to determine your position, display it on
a grid, and provide detailed underwater information.
GPS uses a constellation of satellites that
continually send radio signals to the earth. The
GPS receiver receives signals from satellites that
are visible to it. Based on time differences
between each received signal, the GPS receiver
determines its distance to each satellite. With
distances known, the GPS receiver
mathematically triangulates its own position.
With 5 updates per second, the GPS receiver
then calculates its velocity and bearing.
90° Total Coverage
Bottom Coverage = 2 x Depth
35° 60° 20° 35°
455 kHz 455 kHz
83 kHz
200 kHz
Introduction
5

Introduction 6
GPS was originally intended for military use; however, civilians may also take
advantage of its highly accurate position capabilities, typically within +/- 4.5
meters, depending on conditions. This means that 95% of the time, the GPS
receiver will read a location within 4.5 meters of your actual position. Your
GPS Receiver also uses information from WAAS (the Wide Area
Augmentation System), EGNOS (the European Geostationary Navigation
Overlay Service), and MSAS (the MTSAT Satellite Augmentation System)
satellites if they are available in your area.
The following GPS functionality is currently supported by the Fishing System:
• View current position
• View current track (breadcrumb trail)
• View precision speed and heading from your GPS receiver
• Save tracks, waypoints, and routes
• Travel a route and navigate from one waypoint to the next.
See Chart View and SD Memory Card Slots: Add Maps to Yo r Fishing
System for more information.
The Fishing System has a wide variety of onfigurations
RS 232 (900 Series™ only)
1
Temperature (900 Series™ only)
2
Speed (900 Series™ only)
3
GPS Receiver
Sonar Transducer with Temperature
6
7
Power
4
12
3
4
5
6
7
NMEA 2000® Module
5

7Introduction
Fishing System Configuration
The Fishing System has a wide variety of configurations that will influence the
installation. The RS 232 connector (900 Series™ only) allows you to expand
your Fishing System capabilities. As you expand the configuration, the menu
options that correspond with the connected accessory will be added to the
menu system.
Please read all instructions that are relevant for your configuration before
beginning the installation process. See the Humminbird® installation guide for
details.
NOTE: The following accessories are not compatible with your unit:
CannonLink™, InterLink™, Remote Sonar Link™ (RSL), SmartCast®,
WeatherSense®, and XM WX Satellite Weather®. See our Web site at
humminbird.com for the latest compatibility information.
RS 232 Conne tor (900 Series™ only)
Your 900 Series™ unit has a built-in dual RS 232 connector, which can be
used with optional-purchase equipment such as AIS (Automatic
Identification System).
NOTE: Accessories connected to the RS 232 connector require a separate power
source.
NOTE: To purchase a connection cable for an optional-purchase AIS, visit our
Web site at humminbird.com or contact our Customer Resource Center
at 1-800-633-1468.
RS 232 (900 Series™ only)
1
Temp/Speed (900 Series™ only)
2
Power
3
32 4
Ethernet
COM (communications)
Transducer
4
5
6
1 5 6

8
Power On
Ethernet Conne tor
Your unit has a built-in Ethernet connector so that you can network two
Humminbird® units. When you connect the units together using the
optional-purchase Humminbird® Ethernet cable, data is shared across the
two units and additional menu options are added to the
Menu System. See the Ethernet Operations Manual for details.
NOTE: The Ethernet cable requires a separate purchase. Visit our Web site at
humminbird.com or contact our Customer Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468
for details.
Power On
Follow the instructions below to power on your Humminbird® control head.
1. Press the POWER/LIGHT key to power on your Humminbird®
control head.
2. When the Title screen is displayed, press the MENU key to access
the Start-Up Options Menu.
3. If a functioning transducer is connected, Normal operation will be
selected automatically, and your Fishing System can be used on the
water. See Start-Up Options enu for more information.
• If a transducer is not connected and you wait too long to select
a Start-Up Option, the system will default to whichever menu is
already highlighted.
• You can also select Simulator to learn how to use your control
head and save settings in advance for later use.
4. Quick Setup: If this is the first time the unit has been powered on
(after installation or after restoring defaults), the Quick Setup dialog
box will display on the screen. Use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to
set the Language, Water Type, and Max epth. Press the EXIT key
to close the dialog box.
NOTE: The Quick Setup settings can be changed at any time. See each menu
option in The enu System for details.
999ci HD SI Combo Title Screen

9T e Control Head, Key Functions
What’s on the Control Head
Your Fishing System user interface is easy to use. A combination of keys,
different views, and situation-specific, customizable menus allows you to
control what you see on the color display. Refer to the following illustration,
and see Key Functions,Views, and The enu System for more information.
*Your control head will have one of the INFO keys shown here .
Both keys function in the same way.
ey Functions
Your Fishing System has a set of easy to use keys that give you flexibility and
control over your fishing experience.
POWER/LIGHT ey
The POWER/LI HT key is used to power the Fishing System
on and off. You can also use the POWER/LIGHT key to adjust
the backlight and contrast of the display.
Power On: Press the POWER/LIGHT key to power on the unit. When the Title
screen is displayed, press the MENU key to access the Start-Up Options
Menu.
Power Off: Press and hold the POWER/LIGHT key for 3 seconds. A message
will appear to indicate how many seconds there are until shutdown occurs.
To ensure that shutdown occurs properly and any menu settings will be
saved, your Fishing System should always be turned off using the
POWER/LIGHT key.
Adjust the Backlight or the Display
Background Color: Press the POWER/LIGHT
key to access the Light and Background
submenu. Use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key
to select Light or Background, and then use
the LEFT or RIGHT Cursor key to change the
settings. Press EXIT to exit the Light and
Background submenu.
NOTE: Your control head will start up with the backlight on and will
automatically turn it off to conserve power.
Screen Menu Key
17
ZOOM (+/-) Keys GOTO Key
28
View Key Exit Key
39
4-Way Cursor Control Key VIEW PRESET Keys
410
Info Key* Power/Light Key
5
MARK Key
6
11
1
2
5
6
4
7
3
9
10
12
11
S Card Slot
12
8

10
Key Functions
Turn Local Sonar On or Off: From the Light and Background submenu, use the
4-WAY Cursor Control key to select Local Sonar. Use the LEFT or RIGHT Cursor
key to change the setting. See Setup enu Tab: Local Sonar for more
information.
NOTE: This feature may appear as either Sonar or Local Sonar, depending on
your model.
VIEW ey
The VIEW key is used to cycle through all available views.
Press the VIEW key to advance to the next view. Press the
VIEW key repeatedly to cycle through all available views.
Views can be hidden to optimize the system to your fishing
requirements (see Views or Views enu Tab).
MENU ey
The MENU key is used to access the menu system. See The
enu System for more information.
Start-Up Options Menu: Press the MENU key during the power up
sequence to view the Start-Up Options menu.
X-Press™ Menu: Press the MENU key once in any view to access the
X-Press™ Menu, which provides frequently-used menu settings that
correspond with the current view or navigation mode.
Main Menu: Press the MENU key twice in any view to access the Main
Menu, which is organized under tabbed headings to help you find a specific
menu item quickly.
4-WAY Cursor Control ey
(RIGHT, LEFT, UP, or DOWN Cursor Keys)
The 4-WAY Cursor Control key has multiple functions,
which depend on the view, menu, or situation.
•Menu Selection: Press the OWN or UP Cursor keys to highlight a
menu option, then press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to change a
menu setting. The changes will be activated and saved immediately.
•Freeze Frame: In Sonar View, Side Imaging® View, and own
Imaging® View press any arrow on the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to
freeze the display and move the active cursor to a location on the
screen. A cursor dialog box will display to show the depth of the
location you choose.
•Active Cursor: Press any arrow on the 4-WAY Cursor Control key, and
the active cursor will appear on the screen.
•Chart Views: The 4-WAY Cursor Control key also pans the charts and
highlights decluttered waypoint icons.
•Bird’s Eye View: The 4-WAY Cursor Control key controls the motion
of the eye point.
•Snapshot and Recording View: Press the UP or OWN Cursor keys
to highlight a recording icon, and then press the RIGHT Cursor key to
start recording playback. Press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to
control the speed of playback.
NOTE: In Freeze Frame or Active Cursor mode, you can also make the
cursor move diagonally by pressing in between two of the arrows on the
4-WAY Cursor Control key.