Humminbird Platinum ID 120 User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INSTALLATION PREPARATION………………………………………………………. 2
Parts Supplied……………………………………………………………………. 2
Accessories………………………………………………………………………. 2
Installation Overview……………………………………………………………. 2
Alternative Transducers and Mounting Methods…………………………….. 4
Transducer Exchange…………………………………………………………… 5
INSTALLATION………………………………………………………………………….. 6
Transom Installation…………………………………………………………….. 6
Inside the Hull Installation………………………………………………………. 10
Control Head Installation……………………………………………………….. 12
Test the Installation……………………………………………………………… 15
THANK YOU………….………………………………………………………………….. 16
USING THE PLATINUM ID 120..……………………………………………………… 17
How the Platinum ID Works……………………………………………………. 17
Features…………………………….…………………………………………….. 19
Operating Instructions…………………………………………………………… 21
SPECIFICATIONS……………………………………………………………………… 28
MAINTENANCE AND WARRANTY………………………………………………….. 29
Maintenance…………………………………………………………………….. 29
Troubleshooting…………………………………………………………………. 30
Warranty…………………………………………………………………………. 33
Service Policy…………………………………………………………………… 34
Customer Support………………………………………………………………. 35

INSTALLATION PREPARATION
PARTS SUPPLIED
PARTS SUPPLIED
Before installing your new Humminbird fishsinder, please ensure the following parts are
included in the box:
•Fishfinder
•Transducer with 20’ (6m) of cable and mounting hardware kit
•Mounting system and mounting hardware kit
•6’ (2m) power cable
•Publications kit
It any of these items is missing, call our Customer Support Hotline.
ACCESSORIES
Humminbird offers a wide assortment of accessories that complement and expand the
capability of your new fishfinder. These accessories are designed with the same high
standards and are backed by the same one-year warranty. The Humminbird Accessory
catalog included with your unit contains descriptions of the many accessories available
and ordering information. All Humminbird accessories are available through your full-
service Humminbird dealer or factory direct through our number listed in the Customer
Support section.
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
Your Humminbird fishfinder consists of two primary components to install: the control
head and the transducer.
The control head contains the sonar transmit and receive circuitry, as well as the user
controls and display. It should be installed in a location that provides access to the
controls and visibility while in use. The control head mounts on a quick disconnect
mounting system that swivels and tilts providing flexibility for viewing from almost
anywhere onthe boat.
The transducer 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 control head. It should be installed in
contact with the surface of the water in an area that has smooth waterflow-usually on
the transom of the boat. There are several mounting options for the transducer. Review
the following section to determine the method that works for you and your boat.

INSTALLATION PREPARATION
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
Determining How to Mount the Transducer
Your Humminbird fishfinder includes a standard
transducer. This transducer can be mounted on the
transom of the boat or bonded to the inside of a fiberglass
hull boat.
The transom installation, which is the most widely used,
places the transducer on the outside of the boat hull. This
technique produces the least signal loss, and provides a
way to adjust the transducer after installation. The
mounting hardware included is designed to protect both
the boat and the transducer should the boat strike debris in
the water or when trailering.
As an alternative to transom mounting, it is possible on many
fiberglass-hulled boats to glue the transducer on theinside of
the boat hull. Since fiberglass has similar sonar
characteristics as water, the sonar signal can pass through
the boat hull with minimal loss. The hull of the boat must be
single layer construction (not double-hulled) Also, any air
trapped in the lamination of the fiberglass would prevent the
sonar signal from passing through.
Inside the hull installations require no holes be drilled into the
boat and through experimentation, high-speed operation
comparable to transom mounting can be achieved. Two-part slow cure epoxy (not
included) is required to glue the transducer in place.

INSTALLATION PREPARATION
ALTERNATE MOUNTING METHODS
ALTERNATE TRANSDUCERS AND MOUNTING METHODS
Your Humminbird fishfinder comes with everything necessary for installation and
operation on most boats. However, there are several situations which may require a
different type of transducer. Inboard boats, wood or metal hulls, and sail boats create
unique transducer mounting needs Alternate transducers and mounting methods are
detailed below.
Portable Mounting
The standard transducer can be adapted for portable
installations with a portable mounting kit available from
Humminbird. This accessory adapts your transducer to a
suction cup mount for temporary installation on the boat hull
or other surface.
Trolling Motor Mounting
The standard transducer can also be adapted to mount on
most trolling motors using a different accessory kit. This
accessory includes a bracket and hose clamp that allows
mounting the transducer to the body of most trolling motors.
Thru-Hull Mounting
Thru-hull transducers install through a hole drilled in the hull
of the boat. Larger boats or boats with inboard motors create
turbulence that make transom mounting ineffective. Also,
hulls that are very thick or are double layered, or made from
materials such as wood or metal, (which do not conduct
sonar signals) make inside the hull mounting inadvisable.
Thru-hull mounting may require the use of a fairing block to level the transducer with the
waterline. Also, since special tools and knowledge may be required to perform this type
of installation, it is best to refer to a qualified marine technician.

INSTALLATION PREPARATION
TRANSDUCER EXCHANGE
TRANSDUCER EXCHANGE
Other transducers are available as replacements for the standard transducer. You may
exchange your new and unassembled transducer for another type by returning it to the
address listed in Customer Support. Some transducers may have additional cost. Refer
to the Accessory catalog or call Customer Support for information.
BEGINNING INSTALLATION
Now that you have determined the transducer mounting method you can begin
installation of your new Humminbird fishfinder. The installation guide included on the
next few pages provides detailed step by step instructions for installation of the control
head and transducer. For transom mount transducer installations you will need the
mounting template included with your manual.
In addition to the parts included you need the following for installation and operation:
•A powered hand drill and various drill bits
•Philips and flat-head screwdrivers
•A ruler or measuring tape
•Pen or pencil
•12 volt power source (your boat’s battery)
•A 1-amp fuse
•A fuse holder (if you are wiring directly to the boat’s battery)
•Silicone sealant (for sealing drilled holes)
•2-part, slow-cure epoxy (for inside the hull transducer installations)

INSTALLATION
TRANSOM INSTALLATION
Do not begin this transducer installation until you read the Installation
Preparation in the Operation Guide. This chapter contains information critical to
the correct installation of your transducer.
Due to the wide variety of boat hulls, only general instructions are presented in
the installation guide. Each boat hull represents a unique set of requirements that
should be evaluated prior to installation.
TRANSOM INSTALLATION
Step One -Determine Where to Mount the Transducer
Begin the transducer installation by determining where on the
transom to install the transducer. Consider the following to find
the best location:
•It is very important to locate the transducer in an area which is
relatively free of turbulent water, As a boat moves through the
water, turbulence is generated by the weight of the boat, and
the thrust of the propeller(s). 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) (Figure 1). On outboard or inboard/outboard
boats it is best to stay at least 15” (40cm) to the side of the
propeller(s).
•If possible, viewing the transom of the boat while the boat is
moving will provide the best means of locating turbulence free
water. If maximum high-speed operation is a high priority, this
is the recommended method. 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.
•The transducer when mounted should point straight down.
The design of the transducer will accommodate a wide range
of deadrises and remain ported straight down (Figure 2).
•On boats with stepped hulls, it may be possible to mount the transducer on the step.
Never mount the transducer on the transom behind a step, as this area of the
transom will not be in contact with the water at high speed (Figure 3).

INSTALLATION
TRANSOM INSTALLATION
•If the propeller(s) is (are) forward of the transom, it may be impossible to find an
area clear from turbulence, and a different mounting technique or transducer type
should be considered.
Step Two -Drill the Mounting Holes
1. Remove the mounting template from the front of the Operations Manual.
2. Hold the template on the transom of the boat in the location where the transducer
will be installed (Figure 4). Align the template vertically, ensuring the lower edge of
the transom meets with the bottom corner of the template.
3. Using a pencil or punch, mark the two mounting holes
shown on the template onto the transom. Do not mark or
drill any other holes at this time.
4. Using a 5/32” (4mm) bit drill the two holes to a depth of
approximately 1" (3cm). On fiberglass hulls, it is best to
start with a smaller bit and use progressively larger drill bits
to reduce the chance of chipping or flaking the outer
coating.
Step Three -Assemble the Transducer
1. Attach the Pivot to the transducer body as shown in Figure
5, using the #8–3/8” (9mm) long allen headed pivot screw,
the headed pin, the two flat washers, and the two toothed
lock washers.
Note: The toothed lock washers must be positioned
between the transducer and the pivot ears. The flat
washers must be positioned to the outside at the pivot
ears.
2. Using the AIlen wrenches provided, loosely tighten the pivot
screw (Figure 6). Do not completely tighten the assembly at
this time, so the pivot angle can beadjusted later.
3. Insert the pivot/transducer assembly into the mounting
bracket as shown in Figure 7. Do not snap the assembly
closed.

INSTALLATION
TRANSOM INSTALLATION
Step Four -Mount the Transducer to the Transom
1. Apply silicone sealant to the mounting holes drilled into the transom.
2. Align the transducer assembly with the drilled holes in the transom (Figure 8).
3. Use either a flat head screwdriver, a 5/16" (8mm) hex driver, or a 5/16" (8mm)
socket to mount the assembly. Using the two #10–1”
(25mm) long slotted hex head screws, mount the transducer
assembly to the transom as shown. Do not fully tighten the
mounting screws in order to vertically adjust the transducer.
Snap the pivot down into place.
Step Five -Adjust the Running Position of the Transducer
The bracket allows height and tilt adjustment, the pivot screws
allow angular adjustment. Initially, adjust the transducer as
described in the following paragraphs. Further adjustment may
be necessary to refine the instillation after high speed testing.
1. First adjust the pivot angle of the transducer body so its
length is parallel with the length of hull of the boat. Then
pivot the transducer down so the rear is about 1/4 inch
(6mm) lower than the front (Figure 9).
2. Fully tighten the two pivot screws using the Allen wrenches.
It may be necessary to retighten the pivot screws after the
initial use as the plastics may still be seating to the lock
washers.
3. Adjust the height of the assembly so the face of the
transducer is 3/16" (4.5mm) beneath the lower edge of the
transom (Figure 10). Mark the position of the mounting
bracket on the transom with a pencil.
4. Force the pivot to the up position to gain access to the
mounting screws. Assure the transducer location has not
changed, then fully tighten the two mounting screws (Figure
11). Snap the pivot back down.
Confirm the pivot angle has not changed.
Note: A third screw location is provided for the
mounting bracket. Drill this hole and install the screw after final testing and
adjustments have been completed.

INSTALLATION
TRANSOM INSTALLATION
Step Six -Route the Cable
There are several ways to route the transducer cable to the to the area where the
control head will be installed. The most common procedure routes the cable through the
transom into the boat.
Inside the boat there is often a channel or conduit used for other
wiring that the cable can be routed along. Do not cut or shorten
the transducer cable and try not to damage the cable insulation.
Route the cable as far as practical from the VHFradio antenna
cables or tachometer cable to reduce the possibility of
interference.
If the cable is too short, extension cables are available to extend
the transducer cable up to a total of 50' (15 m). Call Humminbird
Customer Support for more information.
Follow these steps to route the cable through the transom:
1. Drill a 5/8” (16mm) hole above the water line. Route the
cable through the hole.
2. Fill the hole with silicone sealant.
3. Place the escutcheon plate over the hole and attach with the two #8 x 5/8” (16mm)
screws.
4. Secure the cable by attaching the cable camp to the transom using a #8 x 5/8”
(16mm) screw.
Note: The transducer will pivot up to 90 degrees in the bracket. Allow enough
slack in the cable for this movement. It is best to route the cable to the side of the
transducer so the cable will not be damaged by the transducer during movement.

INSTALLATION
INSIDE THE HULL INSTALLATION
INSIDE THE HULL INSTALLATION
Inside the hull installation requires the mount system and control
head be installed and operational. See Installing the Control Head
for instruction on installing the unit.
Inside the hull mounting generally produces good results in single
thickness fiberglass-hulled boats. Humminbird cannot guarantee
depth performance when transmitting and receiving through the
hull of the boat since some signal loss occurs. The amount of loss
depends on hull construction and thickness, and the installation.
This installation requires slow-cure two-part epoxy. Do not use
silicone or any other soft adhesive to install the transducer, as this
material reduces the sensitivity of the unit. Five minute epoxy has
a tendency to cure before all the air bubbles can be purged.
Step One -Determine the Mounting Location
Begin the transducer installation bydetermining where inside the
hull to install the transducer. Consider the following to find the
best location:
•Observe the outside of the boat hull to find the areas that are
mostly free from turbulent water. Avoid ribs, strakes, and other
protrusions as these create turbulence (Figure 14).
•As a general rule, the faster the boat can travel the further aft
and closer to the centerline of the hull the transducer has to be
located to remain in contact with the water at high speeds.
Step Two -Test the Mounting Location
There is no opportunity for adjustment after the transducer glued in place. Therefore, it
is best to perform a trial installation on inside the hull transducers first, and run the boat
at high speeds to determine the best mounting area.
1. At the identified mounting location, lay the transducer body face down with the
pointed end towards the bow.
2. Fill the hull with enough water to submerge the transducer body. Use a sand filled
bag or other heavy object to hold the transducer in position.
The transducer cannot transmit through air. The water purges any air from between
the transducer and the hull and fills any voids in the coarse fiberglass surface.

INSTALLATION
INSIDE THE HULL INSTALLATION
3. Power up the Control Head.
4. Run the boat at various speeds and water depths while observing the screen on the
Control Head. If the unit functions well at low speeds but begins to skip or miss the
bottom at higher speeds, the transducer needs to be moved. If depth performance is
required, test the fishfinder in water at the desired depth. Test different locations in
the hull until the optimum performance is achieved.
Step Three -Permanently Mount the Transducer
1. Once the mounting location is determined, mark the position of the transducer.
2. Remove the water from inside the hull and thoroughly dry the
mounting surface. If the surface is excessively rough, it may be
necessary to sand the area to provide a smooth mounting
surface.
Ensure the mounting area is clear and dry.
3. Mix an ample quantity of two-part slow-cure epoxy slowly and
thoroughly. Avoid trapping air bubbles.
4. Coat the face of the transducer and the inside of the hull (Figure
16).
5. Press the transducer into place with a slight twisting motion to
purge any trapped air from underneath, keeping the pointed end
of the transducer body pointed forward (Figure 17).
Note: Proper operation requires the pointed end of the
transducer body to face towards the bow.
6. Weight the transducer so it does not move while the epoxy is curing.
When the epoxy cures, no water is necessary inside the hull. Neither water, spilled
gasoline, or oil will affect the performance of the transducer.

INSTALLATION
CONTROL HEAD INSTALLATION
CONTROL HEAD INSTALLATION
Step One -Determine Where to Mount
Begin the installation by determining where to mount the control head. Consider the
following to determine best location:
•The cables for power, transducer and temp/speed accessories (if applicable) should
be installed first and must reach the mounting location. Extension cables are
available.
•There are two ways to route the cables to the unit: through a
hole in the mounting surface underneath the mounting bracket
or from a hole outside the mounting bracket. Routing the cables
down under the mount provides maximum weather protection;
however this is not always feasible if the area under the
fishfinder is inaccessible. In this case, route the cables through
a hole at another location and cover with the supplied hole
cover.
•The mounting surface should be adequately supported to
protect the fishfinder from excessive wave shock and vibration,
and provide visibility while in operation.
•The mounting area should allow sufficient room for the unit to
pivot and swivel freely, and for easy removal and installation
(Figures 18-19).
Step Two -Connect the Power Cable to the Boat
A 6’ (2m) long power cable is included to supply power to the
fishfinder. You may shorten or lengthen the cable using 18 gauge
multi-stranded copper wire.
CAUTION: Some boats have 24 or 36 volt electric systems. Be
sure your unit is connected to a 12 VDC power supply.
The Power can be connected to the boat's electrical system at two
places: a fuse panel, usually located near the console, or directly to the battery.
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 (Figure 20). Be sure to use a one amp fuse in the connection. If you
must wire the control head directly to a battery, be sure to install an inline fuse holder

INSTALLATION
CONTROL HEAD INSTALLATION
and one amp fuse (not included) for the protection of the unit (Figure 21). Humminbird is
not responsible for over voltage or over current failures.
In order to minimize the potential for interference with other
marine electronics a separate power source (such as a
second battery) may be necessary.
Step Three -Drill the Mounting Holes
1. Set the mounting bracket in place on the mounting
surface. Mark the four mounting screw locations with a
pencil or punch.
2. Set the mounting bracket aside, and drill the four
mounting screw holes using a 9/64” (3.6mm) bit.
Step Four -Run the Cables
1. If the cables must pass through a hole underneath the
mounting surface, mark and drill a 1” (25mm) hole
centered between the four mounting holes (Figure 22).
Note: if the cables must pass through the mounting
surface at a different location, drill the 1" (25mm) hole at
that location and pass the cables through from
underneath. Also, you must break out the tabs on the
rear of the mounting base using needle nose pliers
(Figures 24-25).
2. Insert all cables through the 1” (25mm) hole from beneath
the mounting surface.
3. Pass the cables through the grommet (if the cable hole is
underneath the mounting bracket) then press the grommet
in place around the cables and into the 1” (25mm) hole.
4. Pass the cables through the mounting base, out the top of the mounting bracket.
5. Place the mounting bracket on the mounting surface aligned with the drilled holes.
Insert the four flathead wood screws into the mounting holes and tighten fully (Figure
23).
Optional: If the cables pass outside the mounting bracket, install the hole cover
over the hole and fasten in place using the two #8 x 7/8” (22mm) wood screws
(Figure 24).

INSTALLATION
CONTROL HEAD INSTALLATION
Step Five -Assembling the Connector Holder
1. Insert the cable connectors into the connector holder.
The cable connectors are labeled, and there are
corresponding labels on the connector holder (Figure
26). The slots for the connectors are keyed to prevent
reverse installation, so do not force the connector into
the holder.
2. Carefully pull the excess cable from beneath the-
mounting surface so the connector holder aligns with the
mounting holes on the front of the mounting bracket
(Figure 27).
3. Snap the support plate to the rear of the connector
holder (Figure 28).
4. Insert the connector holder into place and use the two
#6-32 x ¾” (9mm) screws to fasten it to the mounting
bracket (Figure 28).
5. Install the control head by sliding it onto the mounting
bracket until it is fully seated. To remove the unit simply
depress the latch on the rear of the unit and lift (Figure
29).
Your Humminbird is now ready for operation.

INSTALLATION
TEST THE INSTALLATION
TEST THE INSTALLATION
Testing should be performed with the boat in the water, however you can initially
confirm basic operation with the boat trailered.
Press POWER once to turn the unit on. There will be an audible chirp when any button
is pressed toconfirm the button press. If the unit does not power-up, ensure the unit is
fully seated on the mount and that power is available.
The first screen provides four options: Start-up, Options, Simulator, and Diagnostic. A
message at the bottom of the screen indicates the transducer connection. If no
transducer is detected (or one is not connected), the message will indicate this and the
unit will go into simulator after the initial screen times out.
Note: the transducer must be submerged in water for reliable transducer
detection.
If a transducer is detected, the unit will enter “Start Up” or normal operation unless you
choose another option. If you do not press any button before the timer reaches “0”, the
normal operation screen is displayed. If the boat is in water, sonar data appears.
If the bottom is visible on screen with a digital depth readout, the unit is working
properly. Ensure the boat is in water greater than 2’ but less than the depth
capability of the unit and the transducer is fully submerged.Remember the sonar signal
cannot pass through air.
If the unit is working properly gradually increase the boat speed to test high-speed
performance. If the unit-functions well at low speeds but begins to skip or miss the
bottom at higher speeds, the transducer requires adjustment. Refer to the appropriate
transducer installation section for more detail.
Note: it is often necessary to make several incremental transducer adjustments
before optimum high-speed performance is achieved.
Important: For Transom Mount transducer installations, install the third mounting screw
after the final transducer adjustments.
Humminbird •3 Humminbird Lane•Eufaula, Alabama 36027

THANK YOU
THANK YOU
Thank you for choosing Humminbird, America’s #1 name in depth sounders.
Humminbird has built its reputation by manufacturing topquality, thoroughly reliable
marine equipment. Your Humminbird is designed for trouble-free use. We encourage
you to read this operations manual carefully in order to get full benefit from your
Humminbird and all its features and uses. Also, to register your purchase and ensure
complete warranty coverage please take a few minutes to register your new product
with us. This can be done quickly and easily through our website at
www.humminbird.com.
NOTE: Your Platinum ID 120 is completely waterproof -simply hose it off to remove dirt
or salt. Periodically check the gold connector contacts on the back of the unit: deposits,
particularly from salt water, can cause a faulty connection and interfere with
performance. (For complete maintenance tips, please see the Maintenance section in
this manual.
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,
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.

USING THE PLATINUM ID 120
HOW SONAR WORKS
HOW SONAR WORKS
There are two main components to a Platinum ID installation: the sensor, which you will
install on the transom or inside the hull, and the Platinum ID unit. The sensor and
Platinum ID communicate by means of a cable, and are powered by your boat’s 12-volt
DC battery.
The sensor and Platinum ID use the basic principles of sonar to reveal objects beneath
the water’s surface.
The Platinum ID continuously sends electronic signals to the sensor, which converts
them to ultrasonic signals that it aims toward the bottom. Each signal travels downward
until it strikes an object or the bottom, then immediately echoes back to the sensor. As
the sensor receives these signals, it converts them back to electronic signals for display
on the Platinum ID screen.

USING THE PLATINUM ID 120
HOW SONAR WORKS
The Platinum ID uses the returned signals to display a detailed underwater image, and
constantly updates the display as you travel across the water. The display informs you
of the current depth and reveals individual fish, schools of fish, their location, bottom
details as well as bottom hardness.
An easy-to-use control also lets you enable a depth alarm for an audible alert when the
boat is in shallow waters.
The Platinum ID incorporates the best of available technologies, and offers advantages
you won’t find in other depth sounders.
The liquid crystal display offers sharp viewing even in bright, direct sunlight, and is
backlit for nighttime operation. Advanced LCD “super-twist” technology built into the
Platinum ID offers a wider viewing angle and higher contrast than ordinary LCD
screens.
(You will notice that the display can be seen better at certain angles. The All-in-One
Mounting System lets you easily adjust the viewing angle for optimum viewing. Note
also that some polarized glasses can affect your view by causing a rainbow or prism to
appear; if so, tilt the unit slightly.)
Though it includes sophisticated electronics, the Platinum ID is tough enough to take
the pounding punishment of rough seas or a race across the lake. Completely
waterproof -even saltwater-proof –your Platinum ID will provide you with years of
thoroughly reliable operation.
In the unlikely event that your Humminbird does require repairs, we offer an exclusive
Service Guarantee. Complete details are provided at the end of this manual.

USING THE PLATINUM ID 120
PLATINUM ID FEATURES
POWER: Press the button once to turn the
Platinum ID on, then press again to turn the
unit off. When the unit is off, keeping POWER
pressed for about two seconds starts the built-
in simulator.
STOP: Freezes the action on screen so that it
can be studied more closely or to allow more
time to adjust menu functions.
LIGHT: Activates the backlight for nighttime
use.
SELECT: Allows the user to select between
menu functions that are displayed on the
screen.
UP-DOWN: Is used for adjustment of the
menu functions.
ON-OFF: Turns the menu functions on and off.
The latch is used to remove the Platinum ID
from the swivel mount. To use simply press
the bar and lift the unit from the mount.
The Connector System cover is used to
facilitate mounting of the Platinum ID unit.
With the connector in place, all of the cables
are held securely in place so that the unit
can be easily removed and mounted.
The All-in-One Mounting System for the
Platinum ID allows for complete control of
unit placement. The base swivels a full 360
degrees so that the unit is always at the
optimal viewing angle. Also, the bracket has
a ratchet mechanism that allows the unit to
be tilted backward and forward to achieve
the best viewing angle for different heights.