Humminbird HDR 650 User manual

531874-1_B
HDR 650 Installation
and Operations Manual
HDR 650 Installation
and Operations Manual

Thank You!
Thank you for choosing Humminbird®, America's #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 Warranty section included in this manual.
Contact our Customer Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468 or visit our Web site
at humminbird.com.
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.
Humminbird®is a registered trademark of Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
© 2011 Humminbird®, Eufaula AL, USA. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents
i
How onar Works 1
Installation Overview 2
Installing the HDR 650 ................................................................................................ 3
1. Locating the HRD 650 Mounting Position ............................................................ 4
2. Cutting the Mounting Hole .................................................................................... 4
3. Customizing and Assembling the HDR 650 .......................................................... 5
4. Installing the HDR 650 .......................................................................................... 6
5. Installing the Buzzer................................................................................................ 7
6. Connecting to the Power Supply............................................................................ 7
7. Installing the Transducer ........................................................................................ 8
Transducer Installation Overview 9
Transom Transducer Installation .............................................................................. 10
1. Locating the Transducer Mounting Position ...................................................... 10
2. Preparing the Mounting Location ...................................................................... 12
3. Assembling the Transducer and Initial Mounting .............................................. 13
4. Routing the Cable ................................................................................................ 18
5. Connecting the Cable .......................................................................................... 20
6. Test and Finish the Installation ............................................................................ 20
7. Locking Down the Transducer (Optional) ............................................................ 24
Inside the Hull Transducer Installation .................................................................... 25
1. Locating the Transducer Mounting Position........................................................ 25
2. Trial Installation .................................................................................................... 26
3. Routing the Cable ................................................................................................ 27
4. Permanently Mounting the Transducer .............................................................. 28
Trolling Motor Transducer Installation ........................................................................ 29
Trolling Motor Transducer Options .......................................................................... 29

Table of Contents
ii
Operating the HDR 650 30
The HDR 650 Control Head............................................................................................ 30
Power On/Off.................................................................................................................. 31
Key Functions Overview ................................................................................................ 31
Units................................................................................................................................ 32
Shallow Alarm ................................................................................................................ 33
Deep Alarm .................................................................................................................... 34
Set Offset (waterline or keel) ........................................................................................ 35
Maintenance 36
HDR 650 Maintenance .................................................................................................. 36
Transducer Maintenance .............................................................................................. 36
Troubleshooting 37
HDR 650 Doesn't Power Up .......................................................................................... 37
No Bottom Reading on the Display .............................................................................. 38
No Continuous Depth Display in Very Shallow Water ................................................ 38
Screen Fades, Images are Not Sharp .......................................................................... 38
Bottom Reading Disappears During a Hard Turn ........................................................ 38
1-Year Limited Warranty 39
Humminbird® ervice Policy 40
Returning Your Unit for Service .................................................................................... 41
pecifications 42
Contact Humminbird® 44

How Sonar Works
Sonar technology is based on sound waves. The HDR 650 Digital Depth Sounder
uses sonar to determine depth directly below the transducer. Your HDR 650
Digital Depth Sounder consists of two components: the HDR 650 sonar unit and
the transducer. The sonar unit contains the transmitter and receiver, as well as
the user controls and display. The transducer is mounted beneath the water
surface and converts electrical energy from the transmitter into mechanical
pulses or sound waves. The transducer also receives the reflected sound waves
and converts them back into electrical signals for display on the sonar unit.
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.
1How Sonar Works

Installation Overview
Before you start installation, we encourage you to read these instructions
carefully in order to get the full benefit from your HDR 650 Digital Depth Sounder.
In addition to the hardware included in the installation kit, you will also
need the following supplies:
•powered hand drill and various drill bits, including a 2 1/8" hole saw if your
boat does not have an existing gauge hole
•Phillips-head and flat-head screwdrivers
•ruler or measuring tape
•pen or pencil
•12 Volt power source (your boat's battery)
•marine-grade silicone sealant (for sealing drilled holes)
•two-part, slow-cure epoxy (for inside-the-hull transducer installation only)
NOTE: If you are wiring directly to the boat's battery, you will also need a 1 Amp
fuse and a fuse holder.
2
Installation

Installin the HDR 650
You will install your HDR 650 depth sounder first, then your transducer. When
you are done with both of these installation tasks, you should perform a final
installation test before operating your HDR 650. Perform the following high-level
steps by following the instructions in each numbered section to install the depth
sounder:
1. Locating the HRD 650 mounting position
2. Cutting the mounting hole
3. Customizing and assembling the HDR 650
4. Installing the HDR 650
5. Installing the buzzer
6. Connecting to the power supply
7. Installing the transducer
3Installation

1. Locating the HDR 650 Mounting Position
You must select an appropriate mounting location for the HDR 650. Consider
different positions on the console or deck of the boat, and note the following:
•The cables for the transducer and power must reach the mounting location.
Extension cables are available.
•The mounting surface should be visible to the boat operator and adequately
supported to protect the HDR 650 from excessive wave shock and vibration.
•Allow at least 2" clearance at the back, sides, and top of the unit for
connection, air flow, and ease of installation and removal.
2. Cutting the Mounting Hole
Once you have selected your mounting location, perform the following steps:
1. Mark the desired mounting location, then drill a pilot hole.
2. Drill a 2 1/8" diameter hole using a hole saw and hand drill. This is a
standard hole saw readily available for rental or purchase. If you prefer, any
marine service shop can perform this task.
Choosing Mounting Hole Location
4
Installation

3. Customizing and Assembling the HDR 650
Your HDR 650 includes a variety of face plates and trim rings so that you can
customize the appearance.
1. Select one face plate and one trim ring.
2. Peel off the protective backing from the face plate. Be careful not to let the
adhesive touch anything prematurely.
CAUTION: In order to provide a lasting, waterproof bond, the face plate adhesive
is extremely sticky, and you will NOT be able to re-position it once you have stuck
it onto the face of the HDR 650.
3. Carefully line up the face plate with the face of the HDR 650. Press the face
plate into place so that all keys are accessible and the display is visible (see
illustration).
4. Align the inside tabs of the trim ring with the HDR 650 tabs, and snap the
trim ring onto the front of the HDR 650 (see illustration).
HDR 650
Face Plate
Trim Ring
Tabs
5Installation

4. Installing the HDR 650
After the mounting hole has been cut (see section 2), continue the installation as
follows:
1. Insert the HDR 650 through the front hole of the dashboard.
2. From the rear of the dashboard, install the gasket and collar onto the HDR
(see illustration).
3. Hand-tighten the collar until the
HDR is securely mounted in the
dashboard. Make sure that the face
of the HDR stays oriented upright.
Hand-tightening the Collar
Collar
Gasket
Dashboard View HDR 650 Control Head
Attaching the Gasket and Collar
6
Installation

5. Installing the Buzzer
Secure the buzzer to a nearby wire bundle
using the cable ties (included).
6. Connecting to the Power upply
Use the following information to connect your HDR 650 to an appropriate power
supply:
• If your boat has an electrical system, there is probably a fuse panel in the
console area that can be used to attach the HDR 650 power cable.
• If a fuse terminal is available, use crimp-on type electrical connectors (not
included) that match the terminal on the fuse panel. Attach the black wire
to ground and the red wire to 12 VDC power. You must use a 1-Amp fuse in
the connection.
• 36" of power cable is included; you may shorten or lengthen this cable using
18-gauge, multi-strand copper wire.
Buzzer
Securing the Buzzer
7Installation

CAUTION: Some boats have 24 or 36 Volt electrical systems. ake sure that your
HDR 650 is connected to a 12 VDC power supply. Use a voltage conditioner for
variable inputs.
NOTE: Humminbird® is not responsible for over-voltage or over-current failures. The
control head must have adequate protection through the proper selection and
installation of a 1 amp fuse.
7. Installing the Transducer
Proceed to Transducer Installation Overview for installation instructions. Before
you start installation, we encourage you to read the instructions carefully so that
you may understand the installation requirements.
1a. If a fuse terminal is available, use crimp-on type electrical connectors (not included) that
match the terminal on the fuse panel. Attach the black wire to ground (-), and the red wire
to positive (+) 12 VDC power. Install a 1 amp fuse (not included) for protection of the unit.
Humminbird® is not responsible for over-voltage of over-current failures.
or...
1b. If you need to wire the HDR 650 directly to a battery, obtain and install an inline fuse
holder and a 1 amp fuse (not included) for the protection of the unit. Humminbird® is not
responsible for overvoltage or overcurrent failures.
GROUNDGROUND
POSITIVEPOSITIVE
Inline Fuse Holder
8
Installation

Transducer Installation Overview
Find the correct section for your transducer installation type. If you have a
transom mount transducer, you can mount it on the transom (preferred), in the hull,
or you can purchase the trolling motor adapter and mount it on your trolling motor.
The included transducer is designed for transom mounting on the boat (directly
exposed to the water). On fiberglass hull boats, this same transducer can be
bonded to the inside of the hull. When mounted inside the hull, the sonar signal
actually passes through the hull of the boat. One of these two mounting
techniques will produce acceptable results on most boats. There are, however,
several situations that may demand a different type of transducer. Inboard boats,
wood or metal hulls, and sailboats often have unique transducer mounting
requirements.
9Transducer Installation Overview

Transom Transducer Installation
1. Locating the Transducer Mounting Position
NOTE: If transom mounting is not possible because of a stepped hull or cavitation
noise, and you have a single layer fiberglass hull, In-hull installation is an option.
See Inside the Hull Transducer Installation for more information.
Turbulence: You must first determine the best
location on the transom to install the transducer. It
is very important to locate the transducer in an area
that is relatively free of turbulent water. Consider
the following to find the best location with the least
amount of turbulence:
• As the boat moves through the water,
turbulence is generated by the weight of the
boat and the thrust of the propeller(s) - either
clockwise or counter-clockwise. This turbulent
water is normally confined to areas immediately
aft of ribs, strakes or rows of rivets on the bottom
of the boat, and in the immediate area of the
propeller(s). Clockwise propellers create more
turbulence on the port side. On outboard or
inboard/outboard boats, it is best to locate the
transducer at least 15" to the side of the
propeller(s) (see the illustration Turbulence-
Free Location).
• The best way to locate turbulence-free water is
to view the transom while the boat is moving.
This method is recommended if maximum high-
speed operation is a high priority. If this is not
possible, select a location on the transom where
the hull forward of this location is smooth, flat
and free of protrusions or ribs (see the
illustration Areas of Possible Turbulence).
Areas of Possible Turbulence
Rivets Strakes
Transom Hull
Stepped Hull
Rib
Step
10
Transom Mount Transducer Installation

• On boats with stepped hulls, it may be possible to mount the transducer
on the step. Do not mount the transducer on the transom behind a step
to avoid popping the transducer out of the water at higher speeds; the
transducer must remain in the water for the control head to maintain
the sonar signal (see the illustration Stepped Hull).
• If the transom is behind the propeller(s), it may be impossible to find an area
clear from turbulence, and a different mounting technique or transducer
type should be considered, such as an Inside the Hull Transducer.
• If you plan to trailer your boat, do not mount the transducer too close to
trailer bunks or rollers to avoid moving or damaging the transducer during
loading and unloading of the boat.
• If high speed operation is critical, you may want to consider using an In-Hull
transducer instead of this Transom Mount transducer.
NOTE: The hydrodynamic shape of your
transducer allows it to point straight down
without deadrise adjustment.
NOTE: If you cannot find a transom mount location that will work for your high-
speed application, find an In-Hull Transducer by contacting our Customer
Resource Center at either 1-800-633-1468 or by visiting our Web site at
humminbird.com.
Deadrise Angle
15”
Find a turbulence-free location at least 15” from the propeller(s) and not in
line with trailer bunks or rollers.
Level
Turbulence-Free Location
11 Transom Mount Transducer Installation

2. Preparing the Mounting Location
In this procedure, you will determine the mounting location and drill two
mounting holes, using the transducer mounting bracket as a guide.
1. Make sure that the boat is level on the trailer,
both from port to starboard and from bow to
stern, by placing your level on the deck of the
boat, first in one direction, then in the other.
2. Hold the mounting bracket against the
transom of the boat in the location you have
selected. Align the bracket horizontally, using
the level; make sure that the lower corner of
the bracket does not protrude past the bottom
of the hull, and there is at least 1/4" clearance
between the bottom of the bracket and the
bottom of the transom for fiberglass boats, and
1/8" clearance for aluminum boats (see the
illustration Boat Hull Types Require Different
Mounting Positions).
NOTE: If you have a flat-bottomed aluminum
boat, some additional adjustment may be needed
to accommodate the rivets on the bottom of the
boat (i.e. the gap may need to be a little smaller
than 1/8"). This will help you to avoid excessive
turbulence at high speeds.
NOTE: If your propeller moves clockwise (in
forward, as you're facing the stern of the boat
from behind), mount the transducer on the
starboard side, and align the bottom right corner
of the mounting bracket with the bottom of the
boat. If your propeller moves counter-clockwise
(in forward, as you're facing the stern of the boat
from behind), mount the transducer on the port
side, and align the bottom left corner of the
mounting bracket with the bottom of the boat.
Boat Hull Types Require
Different Mounting Positions
1/4” for fiberglass
1/8” for aluminum
Positioning the
Mounting Bracket
Level
Level
12
Transom Mount Transducer Installation

3. Continue to hold the bracket on the transom of
the boat, and use a pencil or marker to mark
where to drill the two mounting holes. Mark the
drill holes near the top of each slot, making sure
that your mark is centered in the slot (see the
illustration Using the Mounting Bracket to
Mark the Initial Drill Holes).
4. Make sure that the drill bit is perpendicular to the
actual surface of the transom, NOT parallel to the
ground, before you drill. Using a 5/32” bit, drill the
two holes only to a depth of approximately 1”.
NOTE: On fiberglass hulls, it is best to use progressively larger drill bits to reduce
the chance of chipping or flaking the outer coating.
3. Assembling the Transducer and Initial Mounting
In this procedure, you will assemble the transducer using the hardware provided,
then mount it and make adjustments to its position without locking it in place.
NOTE: You will initially assemble the transducer and the pivot arm by matching the
two ratchets to a numbered position on the transducer knuckle. Further adjustments
may be necessary.
1a. If you already know your transom angle, refer to the chart below for the
initial position to use to set the ratchets. If your transom is angled at 14
degrees (a common transom angle for many boats) use position 1 for the
ratchets. In either case, go to step 2. If you do not know your transom
angle, go to step 1b.
or...
NOTE: The third hole should not be drilled until
the angle and height of the transducer is finalized,
which you will not do until a later procedure.
Using the Mounting Bracket
to Mark the Initial Drill Holes
ark Initial
Drill Holes
4th hole
3rd hole
13 Transom Mount Transducer Installation

1b. If you do not know your transom angle,
measure it using a plumb line (weighted
nylon string or monofilament line) exactly 12
inches long. Hold the top of the plumb line
against the top of the transom with your
finger, and wait until the line hangs straight
down. Using a ruler, measure the distance
from the bottom of the plumb line to the
back of the transom, then use the chart.
NOTE: It is important to take your measurement in
the location shown in the illustration Measuring the
Transom Angle, from exactly 12 inches down from
the top of the transom.
2. Place the two ratchets, one on either side of the transducer knuckle, so
that the beads on each ratchet line up with the desired position number
on the knuckle (see the illustration Transducer Knuckle Positions). If you
are setting the ratchets at position 1, the beads on each ratchet will line
up with the rib on the transducer knuckle to form one continuous line on
the assembly (see the illustration Ratchets Placed in Position 1).
NOTE: The ratchets are keyed; make sure that the square teeth on each ratchet
face the square teeth on the transducer knuckle, and the triangular teeth face
outward.
Hold the ratchets on the transducer knuckle with one hand and fit the pivot
arm over them until it snaps into place with the other hand. Refer to the
illustration Fitting the Mounting Bracket Over the Ratchet.
Transom
Angle in
degrees
(°)
easured
Distance (X)
Measuring the Transom Angle
Plumb
line
Weight
-2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Transom Angle (°)
Bead Alignment
Number 142531425
25 26 27
3
282930
1
Measured Distance (x)
1.1cm
1/2“
0.0 cm
0“
2.5 cm
1“
4.3 cm
1 5/8“
5.9 cm
2 3/8“
7.6 cm
3“
9.3cm
3 5/8“
11.1cm
4 3/8“
12.9cm
5“
14.9cm
5 7/8“
16.9cm
6 5/8“
14
Transom Mount Transducer Installation

3. Put the pivot bolt through the assembly to
hold it in position and loosely install the nut,
but do NOT tighten the nut at this time (see
the illustration Inserting the Pivot Bolt).
Insert the pivot arm assembly into the
mounting bracket (see the illustration
Inserting the Pivot Arm Assembly Into the
Mounting Bracket). Do NOT snap the
assembly closed, as you will need to access
the mounting bracket in the next step.
NOTE: If the pivot assembly is snapped closed over the mounting bracket, use a flat
head screwdriver or similar tool to gently pry the assembly away from the
mounting bracket (see the illustration Prying the Assembly Away from the
Mounting Bracket).
Transducer Knuckle Positions Ratchets Placed in Position 1
Ratchets Placed in Position 2
Rib
Fitting the Mounting Bracket
over the Ratchet
Knuckle
Rib at
position 1
Beads
Ratchet
Bead
Ratchet
Inserting the Pivot Bolt
15 Transom Mount Transducer Installation

4. Align the mounting bracket transducer
assembly with the drilled holes in the
transom. With a 5/16" socket driver, mount
the assembly to the transom using the two
#10 - 1" long screws provided (see the
illustration Mounting the Assembly to the
Transom).
NOTE: ake sure that the mounting screws
are snug, but do not fully tighten the mounting
screws at this time to allow the transducer
assembly to slide for adjustment purposes.
5. Snap the pivot arm down into place.
Mounting the Assembly
to the Transom
Inserting the Pivot Arm Assembly
Into the Mounting Bracket
Prying the Assembly Away
from the Mounting Bracket
16
Transom Mount Transducer Installation