Humminbird AS GR50 User manual

531478-5_A
GPS Receiver and Heading Sensor
Installation Guide

2 3
Thank You!
Thank you for choosing Humminbird®, the #1 name in marine electronics.
Humminbird® has built its reputation by designing and manufacturing top-
quality, thoroughly reliable marine equipment. Your Humminbird® accessory
is designed for trouble-free use in even the harshest marine environment.
In the unlikely event that your Humminbird® accessory does require repairs,
we offer an exclusive Service Policy. For complete details, see the separate
warranty card included with your accessory. We encourage you to read this
operations manual carefully in order to get full benefit from all the features and
applications of your Humminbird® product.
Contact Humminbird Technical Support at humminbird.com or call
1-800-633-1468.
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! The electronic chart in your Humminbird® 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! Compass Safe Distance: Do NOT install the Heading Sensor near ferrous
metals or near anything that may create a magnetic field or interference. The Heading
Sensor must be installed at least 3 feet (1m) from other magnetic or ferrous materials
on the boat.
WARNING! Humminbird® 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 your Humminbird® online
account at humminbird.com.
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.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE STATEMENT: It is the intention of Johnson
Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. to be a responsible corporate citizen, operating in
compliance with known and applicable environmental regulations, and a good neighbor
in the communities where we make or sell our products.
WEEE DIRECTIVE: EU Directive 2002/96/EC “Waste of Electrical and Electronic
Equipment Directive (WEEE)” impacts most distributors, sellers, and manufacturers of
consumer electronics in the European Union. The WEEE Directive requires the producer
of consumer electronics to take responsibility for the management of waste from their
products to achieve environmentally responsible disposal during the product life cycle.
WEEE compliance may not be required in your location for electrical & electronic
equipment (EEE), nor may it be required for EEE designed and intended as fixed or
temporary installation in transportation vehicles such as automobiles, aircraft, and
boats. In some European Union member states, these vehicles are considered outside
of the scope of the Directive, and EEE for those applications can be considered excluded
from the WEEE Directive requirement.
This symbol (WEEE wheelie bin) on product indicates the product must not be
disposed of with other household refuse. It must be disposed of and collected
for recycling and recovery of waste EEE. Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics,
Inc. will mark all EEE products in accordance with the WEEE Directive. It is our
goal to comply in the collection, treatment, recovery, and environmentally sound
disposal of those products; however, these requirements do vary within European Union
member states. For more information about where you should dispose of your waste
equipment for recycling and recovery and/or your European Union member state
requirements, please contact your dealer or distributor from which your product was
purchased.
ROHS STATEMENT: Product designed and intended as a fixed installation or part of a
system in a vessel may be considered beyond the scope of Directive 2002/95/EC of the
European Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 2003 on the restriction of the use
of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY: Hereby, Humminbird declares that this
device is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant
provisions of Directive 2014/53/EU. The declaration of conformity may be
consulted at https://www.humminbird.com/Category/Support/FAQ/EU_DoC/.
This product has been so constructed that the product complies with the requirement
of Article 10(2) as it can be operated in at least one Member State as examined and the
product is compliant with Article 10(10) as it has no restrictions on putting into service
in all EU member states.

2 3
Thank You!
Thank you for choosing Humminbird®, the #1 name in marine electronics.
Humminbird® has built its reputation by designing and manufacturing top-
quality, thoroughly reliable marine equipment. Your Humminbird® accessory
is designed for trouble-free use in even the harshest marine environment.
In the unlikely event that your Humminbird® accessory does require repairs,
we offer an exclusive Service Policy. For complete details, see the separate
warranty card included with your accessory. We encourage you to read this
operations manual carefully in order to get full benefit from all the features and
applications of your Humminbird® product.
Contact Humminbird Technical Support at humminbird.com or call
1-800-633-1468.
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! The electronic chart in your Humminbird® 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! Compass Safe Distance: Do NOT install the Heading Sensor near ferrous
metals or near anything that may create a magnetic field or interference. The Heading
Sensor must be installed at least 3 feet (1m) from other magnetic or ferrous materials
on the boat.
WARNING! Humminbird® 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 your Humminbird® online
account at humminbird.com.
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.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE STATEMENT: It is the intention of Johnson
Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. to be a responsible corporate citizen, operating in
compliance with known and applicable environmental regulations, and a good neighbor
in the communities where we make or sell our products.
WEEE DIRECTIVE: EU Directive 2002/96/EC “Waste of Electrical and Electronic
Equipment Directive (WEEE)” impacts most distributors, sellers, and manufacturers of
consumer electronics in the European Union. The WEEE Directive requires the producer
of consumer electronics to take responsibility for the management of waste from their
products to achieve environmentally responsible disposal during the product life cycle.
WEEE compliance may not be required in your location for electrical & electronic
equipment (EEE), nor may it be required for EEE designed and intended as fixed or
temporary installation in transportation vehicles such as automobiles, aircraft, and
boats. In some European Union member states, these vehicles are considered outside
of the scope of the Directive, and EEE for those applications can be considered excluded
from the WEEE Directive requirement.
This symbol (WEEE wheelie bin) on product indicates the product must not be
disposed of with other household refuse. It must be disposed of and collected
for recycling and recovery of waste EEE. Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics,
Inc. will mark all EEE products in accordance with the WEEE Directive. It is our
goal to comply in the collection, treatment, recovery, and environmentally sound
disposal of those products; however, these requirements do vary within European Union
member states. For more information about where you should dispose of your waste
equipment for recycling and recovery and/or your European Union member state
requirements, please contact your dealer or distributor from which your product was
purchased.
ROHS STATEMENT: Product designed and intended as a fixed installation or part of a
system in a vessel may be considered beyond the scope of Directive 2002/95/EC of the
European Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 2003 on the restriction of the use
of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY: Hereby, Humminbird declares that this
device is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant
provisions of Directive 2014/53/EU. The declaration of conformity may be
consulted at https://www.humminbird.com/Category/Support/FAQ/EU_DoC/.
This product has been so constructed that the product complies with the requirement
of Article 10(2) as it can be operated in at least one Member State as examined and the
product is compliant with Article 10(10) as it has no restrictions on putting into service
in all EU member states.

4 5
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.
Languages, 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.com or contact Humminbird Technical Support at [phone].
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: The illustrations in this manual may not look the same as your product,
but your unit will function in the same way.
NOTE: To purchase accessories for your control head, visit our Web site at
humminbird.com or contact Humminbird Technical Support 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. Humminbird® is not responsible for incorrect
translations or discrepancies between documents.
700 Series™, 800 Series™, 900 Series™, 1100 Series™, Humminbird®, HumminbirdPC™, X-Press™
Menu, SmartCast®, and WeatherSense® are trademarked by or registered trademarks of Johnson
Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
© 2019 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Overview 6
How GPS and Trackplotting Work........................................... 7
How the Heading Sensor Works ............................................ 8
Installation Overview 9
Choose the Mounting Location ............................................. 9
Install the Sensor ......................................................... 10
Stem Mount with 1" - 14 Thread ........................................ 11
Access Under Mounting Location ....................................... 13
No Access Under Mounting Location.................................... 15
Connect to the Control Head .............................................. 17
Power on and Confirm GPS Reception ..................................... 19
Turn on NMEA Output and Confirm the Baud Rate
(for devices connected to the pigtail only) ................................ 21
Confirm the Heading Sensor Operation
(Heading Sensors only [AS GPS HS]) ..................................... 22
Views 26
Bird’s Eye View .......................................................... 27
Chart View............................................................... 28
Combo View ............................................................. 30
View Orientation ......................................................... 31
Introduction to Navigation 34
Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks........................................... 34
Save, Edit, or Delete a Waypoint ......................................... 36
Navigate to a Waypoint or Position ...................................... 39
Add a Waypoint Target or Trolling Grid ................................... 42
Save or Clear a Current Track ............................................ 43
Edit, Delete, or Hide Saved Tracks........................................ 44
Contact Humminbird 48

4 5
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.
Languages, 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.com or contact Humminbird Technical Support at [phone].
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: The illustrations in this manual may not look the same as your product,
but your unit will function in the same way.
NOTE: To purchase accessories for your control head, visit our Web site at
humminbird.com or contact Humminbird Technical Support 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. Humminbird® is not responsible for incorrect
translations or discrepancies between documents.
700 Series™, 800 Series™, 900 Series™, 1100 Series™, Humminbird®, HumminbirdPC™, X-Press™
Menu, SmartCast®, and WeatherSense® are trademarked by or registered trademarks of Johnson
Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
© 2019 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Overview 6
How GPS and Trackplotting Work........................................... 7
How the Heading Sensor Works ............................................ 8
Installation Overview 9
Choose the Mounting Location ............................................. 9
Install the Sensor ......................................................... 10
Stem Mount with 1" - 14 Thread ........................................ 11
Access Under Mounting Location ....................................... 13
No Access Under Mounting Location.................................... 15
Connect to the Control Head .............................................. 17
Power on and Confirm GPS Reception ..................................... 19
Turn on NMEA Output and Confirm the Baud Rate
(for devices connected to the pigtail only) ................................ 21
Confirm the Heading Sensor Operation
(Heading Sensors only [AS GPS HS]) ..................................... 22
Views 26
Bird’s Eye View .......................................................... 27
Chart View............................................................... 28
Combo View ............................................................. 30
View Orientation ......................................................... 31
Introduction to Navigation 34
Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks........................................... 34
Save, Edit, or Delete a Waypoint ......................................... 36
Navigate to a Waypoint or Position ...................................... 39
Add a Waypoint Target or Trolling Grid ................................... 42
Save or Clear a Current Track ............................................ 43
Edit, Delete, or Hide Saved Tracks........................................ 44
Contact Humminbird 48

6 7 OverviewOverview
Overview
The Humminbird® Sensor Accessory Kit includes the following items depending
on the Sensor model you purchased:
GPS Reciever
(AS GR16, AS GR50, AS GRP)
Sensor with internal GPS Receiver. Cable
length is 20 ft (6m).
Hardware kit for stem or deck mounting
Installation Guide
GPS Receiver/Heading Sensor
(AS GPS HS)
Sensor with internal GPS Receiver and
Compass. Cable length is 20 ft (6m).
Hardware kit for stem or deck mounting
Installation Guide
NOTE: The stem mount is not included. To purchase extension cables and
other accessories, see our Web site at humminbird.com or call Humminbird
Technical Support at 1-800-633-1468.
The following functionality will be supported by your trackplotter when it is
connected to the Sensor:
•View current position
•View current track (breadcrumb trail)
•View precision speed and heading from your GPS receiver
•Save tracks and waypoints
•Travel a route and navigate from one waypoint to the next
•View the heading from the Heading Sensor (AS GPS HS only)
NOTE: If your control head is a chartplotter, there will be additional functionality
when the Sensor is connected to the control head. See your control head
operations manual and the Humminbird® Waypoint Management Guide for
more information. The manuals are included on the CD that was included with
your control head, or you can download these manuals from our Web site at
humminbird.com.
How GPS and Trackplotting Work
Your Humminbird® uses GPS to determine your position and display it on a grid.
GPS uses a constellation of satellites that continually send radio signals to the
earth. The GPS receiver on your boat 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.
GPS was originally intended for military use; however, civilians may also take
advantage of its highly accurate position capabilities, typically within +/– 2.5
to 10 meters, depending on your conditions and your Humminbird® model.
This means that 95% of the time, the GPS receiver will read a location within
+/– 2.5 to 10 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.

6 7 OverviewOverview
Overview
The Humminbird® Sensor Accessory Kit includes the following items depending
on the Sensor model you purchased:
GPS Reciever
(AS GR16, AS GR50, AS GRP)
Sensor with internal GPS Receiver. Cable
length is 20 ft (6m).
Hardware kit for stem or deck mounting
Installation Guide
GPS Receiver/Heading Sensor
(AS GPS HS)
Sensor with internal GPS Receiver and
Compass. Cable length is 20 ft (6m).
Hardware kit for stem or deck mounting
Installation Guide
NOTE: The stem mount is not included. To purchase extension cables and
other accessories, see our Web site at humminbird.com or call Humminbird
Technical Support at 1-800-633-1468.
The following functionality will be supported by your trackplotter when it is
connected to the Sensor:
•View current position
•View current track (breadcrumb trail)
•View precision speed and heading from your GPS receiver
•Save tracks and waypoints
•Travel a route and navigate from one waypoint to the next
•View the heading from the Heading Sensor (AS GPS HS only)
NOTE: If your control head is a chartplotter, there will be additional functionality
when the Sensor is connected to the control head. See your control head
operations manual and the Humminbird® Waypoint Management Guide for
more information. The manuals are included on the CD that was included with
your control head, or you can download these manuals from our Web site at
humminbird.com.
How GPS and Trackplotting Work
Your Humminbird® uses GPS to determine your position and display it on a grid.
GPS uses a constellation of satellites that continually send radio signals to the
earth. The GPS receiver on your boat 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.
GPS was originally intended for military use; however, civilians may also take
advantage of its highly accurate position capabilities, typically within +/– 2.5
to 10 meters, depending on your conditions and your Humminbird® model.
This means that 95% of the time, the GPS receiver will read a location within
+/– 2.5 to 10 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.

8 9 Installation OverviewOverview
How the Heading Sensor Works
The magnetic compass is one of the first known instruments for navigation. It
relies on the earth’s magnetic field to align a magnetic pointer towards North,
also known as Magnetic North.
If your accessory includes a Heading Sensor, the control head will display
the heading from the internal compass in digital format. The Heading is the
direction the boat is pointing, where 000° is North, 090° is East, 180° is South,
and 270° is West.
Due to wind and waves, the boat is often traveling in a slightly different
direction than its heading. The direction of travel, or Course Over Ground, is
provided by the GPS receiver. You can use the compass Heading with the GPS
Course Over Ground and Bearing to navigate a route.
A compass’ Magnetic North is affected by the local variations in the earth’s
magnetic field around the globe. Nautical charts will often provide the magnetic
declination, or magnetic variation, for a local area so that you can confirm that
Magnetic North matches True North. If you have trailered the boat to a new
location, the compass’ operation may also be affected by a different magnetic
zone. The Humminbird® control head compensates for magnetic declination
and also allows you to make additional adjustments from the menu system.
The details of these features are described in this manual.
Installation Preparation
Use the following instructions to install the Sensor accessory on your boat.
Read the instructions in this guide completely to understand the
installation requirements before starting the installation.
Supplies: In addition to the hardware included with your Sensor accessory kit,
you will need a drill, electrical tape, and an awl or pencil. Depending on your
installation requirements, you might also need to purchase extension cables or
a stem. See Section 1: Choose the Mounting Location for more information.
Installation Overview
1. Choose the Mounting Location
It is important to consider the following information when you choose a
mounting location for the Sensor:
•Interference: Do NOT mount the Sensor close to a VHF antenna or
within the active area of a radar. If the Sensor includes a compass (AS
GPS HS), do NOT install it near ferrous metals or near anything that can
create a magnetic field. Hardware and cables that handle large currents,
such as batteries and power cables, are also examples of equipment
that may cause interference.
•Reception: Mount the Sensor in an area that has full exposure to the
sky. The effective area of reception is 5˚ above the horizon.
•Surface: Whether the Sensor Cable will be routed down through the
mounting surface or to the side, or if you’re using a stem mount, the
mounting surface will influence how you install the Sensor. For details,
see Section 2: Install the Sensor.
•Cables: Test run the Sensor Cable from the chosen mounting location
to the Control Head. 10 ft (3m) extension cables may be purchased from
Humminbird® if your planned cable route exceeds 20 ft (6 m). Maximum
cable length, including extension cables, should not exceed 50 ft (16 m).
NOTE: To purchase extension cables, or other related accessories, visit our
Web site at humminbird.com or call Humminbird Technical Support at
1-800-633-1468.

8 9 Installation OverviewOverview
How the Heading Sensor Works
The magnetic compass is one of the first known instruments for navigation. It
relies on the earth’s magnetic field to align a magnetic pointer towards North,
also known as Magnetic North.
If your accessory includes a Heading Sensor, the control head will display
the heading from the internal compass in digital format. The Heading is the
direction the boat is pointing, where 000° is North, 090° is East, 180° is South,
and 270° is West.
Due to wind and waves, the boat is often traveling in a slightly different
direction than its heading. The direction of travel, or Course Over Ground, is
provided by the GPS receiver. You can use the compass Heading with the GPS
Course Over Ground and Bearing to navigate a route.
A compass’ Magnetic North is affected by the local variations in the earth’s
magnetic field around the globe. Nautical charts will often provide the magnetic
declination, or magnetic variation, for a local area so that you can confirm that
Magnetic North matches True North. If you have trailered the boat to a new
location, the compass’ operation may also be affected by a different magnetic
zone. The Humminbird® control head compensates for magnetic declination
and also allows you to make additional adjustments from the menu system.
The details of these features are described in this manual.
Installation Preparation
Use the following instructions to install the Sensor accessory on your boat.
Read the instructions in this guide completely to understand the
installation requirements before starting the installation.
Supplies: In addition to the hardware included with your Sensor accessory kit,
you will need a drill, electrical tape, and an awl or pencil. Depending on your
installation requirements, you might also need to purchase extension cables or
a stem. See Section 1: Choose the Mounting Location for more information.
Installation Overview
1. Choose the Mounting Location
It is important to consider the following information when you choose a
mounting location for the Sensor:
•Interference: Do NOT mount the Sensor close to a VHF antenna or
within the active area of a radar. If the Sensor includes a compass (AS
GPS HS), do NOT install it near ferrous metals or near anything that can
create a magnetic field. Hardware and cables that handle large currents,
such as batteries and power cables, are also examples of equipment
that may cause interference.
•Reception: Mount the Sensor in an area that has full exposure to the
sky. The effective area of reception is 5˚ above the horizon.
•Surface: Whether the Sensor Cable will be routed down through the
mounting surface or to the side, or if you’re using a stem mount, the
mounting surface will influence how you install the Sensor. For details,
see Section 2: Install the Sensor.
•Cables: Test run the Sensor Cable from the chosen mounting location
to the Control Head. 10 ft (3m) extension cables may be purchased from
Humminbird® if your planned cable route exceeds 20 ft (6 m). Maximum
cable length, including extension cables, should not exceed 50 ft (16 m).
NOTE: To purchase extension cables, or other related accessories, visit our
Web site at humminbird.com or call Humminbird Technical Support at
1-800-633-1468.

10 11 Installation - Stem MountInstallation Overview
2. Install the Sensor
There are three different options to mount the sensor. Proceed to the section
that matches the type of mounting location you will be using, as follows:
Stem Mount with 1" - 14 Thread
The sensor will be mounted on a stem or
antenna pole. Proceed to Section A.
Access Under the Mounting Deck
The sensor will be deck mounted and the
cable can be routed down through the
mounting surface. Proceed to Section B.
NO Access Under the Mounting Deck
The sensor will be deck mounted and the
cable must routed to the side because
there is not space for a cable through
or underneath the mounting location.
Proceed to Section C.
stem
cable routed through the hole
cable routed to the side
A. Stem Mount with 1"-14 Thread
Use the following instructions to stem mount the Sensor:
WARNING! If your Sensor includes a compass (AS GPS HS), do NOT mount it
to a stem mount or antenna pole that contains ferrous metals.
NOTE: It is important to review the mounting considerations and test run the
cable route as indicated in Section 1 before proceeding with the installation.
1. If you have a pre-existing stem mount, skip
to step 2.
If you need to mount the antenna pole
(stem), mark the chosen mounting location
and drill a 3/4" (19 mm) hole for the cable
and cable connector.
If you have purchased hardware to stem
mount your Sensor, follow the instructions
included with that hardware to attach the
stem to the boat.
2. Screw the sensor base onto the stem first,
making sure that the stem pipe does not
protrude from the sensor base. (This adds
protection to the cable when it is pulled
through the pipe stem.) Deburr the pipe
edges to reduce cable abrasion.
3. Use electrical tape to secure the NMEA
pigtail to the cable.
NOTE: Unless it is needed, leave the NMEA
pigtail secured to the cable. If you are
connecting the pigtail to a NMEA 0183
device, see Section 3: Connect to the
Control Head for connection information.
Stem Mount, Attaching the
Sensor Base to the Stem
cover
base
stem
NMEA pigtail cable out
NMEA
pigtail
cable
taped
Taping the NMEA
Pigtail to the Cable

10 11 Installation - Stem MountInstallation Overview
2. Install the Sensor
There are three different options to mount the sensor. Proceed to the section
that matches the type of mounting location you will be using, as follows:
Stem Mount with 1" - 14 Thread
The sensor will be mounted on a stem or
antenna pole. Proceed to Section A.
Access Under the Mounting Deck
The sensor will be deck mounted and the
cable can be routed down through the
mounting surface. Proceed to Section B.
NO Access Under the Mounting Deck
The sensor will be deck mounted and the
cable must routed to the side because
there is not space for a cable through
or underneath the mounting location.
Proceed to Section C.
stem
cable routed through the hole
cable routed to the side
A. Stem Mount with 1"-14 Thread
Use the following instructions to stem mount the Sensor:
WARNING! If your Sensor includes a compass (AS GPS HS), do NOT mount it
to a stem mount or antenna pole that contains ferrous metals.
NOTE: It is important to review the mounting considerations and test run the
cable route as indicated in Section 1 before proceeding with the installation.
1. If you have a pre-existing stem mount, skip
to step 2.
If you need to mount the antenna pole
(stem), mark the chosen mounting location
and drill a 3/4" (19 mm) hole for the cable
and cable connector.
If you have purchased hardware to stem
mount your Sensor, follow the instructions
included with that hardware to attach the
stem to the boat.
2. Screw the sensor base onto the stem first,
making sure that the stem pipe does not
protrude from the sensor base. (This adds
protection to the cable when it is pulled
through the pipe stem.) Deburr the pipe
edges to reduce cable abrasion.
3. Use electrical tape to secure the NMEA
pigtail to the cable.
NOTE: Unless it is needed, leave the NMEA
pigtail secured to the cable. If you are
connecting the pigtail to a NMEA 0183
device, see Section 3: Connect to the
Control Head for connection information.
Stem Mount, Attaching the
Sensor Base to the Stem
cover
base
stem
NMEA pigtail cable out
NMEA
pigtail
cable
taped
Taping the NMEA
Pigtail to the Cable

12 13 Installation - Access UnderInstallation - Stem Mount
4. Route the Sensor cable through the stem
and through the planned cable route. To use
extension cables, see the details in Section
1: Choose the Mounting Location.
5. If the Sensor includes a compass (AS GPS
HS), position the sensor so the arrow on the
cover is pointed straight toward the front of
the boat in the direction of travel. The arrow
should be parallel with the keel.
NOTE: Failure to align the sensor correctly
will result in incorrect compass readings.
6. Attach the Sensor to its base using the
included #6 - 7/8" (22 mm) screws. Hand
tighten only.
Positioning the Arrow
on the Compass
Attaching the
Sensor to the Base
#6 - 7/8"
mounting screws
B. Access Under Mounting Location
Use the following instructions to deck mount the Sensor and route the cable
down through the mounting surface:
NOTE: It is important to review the mounting considerations and test run
the cable route as indicated in Section 1 before proceeding with the
installation.
1. Mark the mounting location and drill a 3/4" (19
mm) hole for the cable and cable connector.
2. Secure the NMEA pigtail to the cable with
electrical tape.
NOTE: Unless it is needed, leave the NMEA
pigtail secured to the cable. If you are
connecting the pigtail to a NMEA 0183 device,
see Section 3: Connect to the Control Head
for connection information.
3. Route the Sensor cable through the planned
cable route. To use extension cables, see the
details in Section 1: Choose the Mounting
Location.
4. Cover the cable hole with the Sensor.
If the Sensor includes a compass (AS GPS HS), position the sensor so the
arrow on the cover is pointed straight toward the front of the boat in the
direction of travel. The arrow should be parallel with the keel.
NOTE: Failure to align the sensor correctly will result in incorrect compass
readings.
5. Make sure the Sensor is flush against the surface, and mark the two
mounting holes with a pencil or awl.
6. Move the Sensor to the side and drill two pilot holes, using a 5/32"
(4 mm) bit.
NMEA pigtail cable out
NMEA
pigtail
cable
taped
Taping the NMEA
Pigtail to the Cable

12 13 Installation - Access UnderInstallation - Stem Mount
4. Route the Sensor cable through the stem
and through the planned cable route. To use
extension cables, see the details in Section
1: Choose the Mounting Location.
5. If the Sensor includes a compass (AS GPS
HS), position the sensor so the arrow on the
cover is pointed straight toward the front of
the boat in the direction of travel. The arrow
should be parallel with the keel.
NOTE: Failure to align the sensor correctly
will result in incorrect compass readings.
6. Attach the Sensor to its base using the
included #6 - 7/8" (22 mm) screws. Hand
tighten only.
Positioning the Arrow
on the Compass
Attaching the
Sensor to the Base
#6 - 7/8"
mounting screws
B. Access Under Mounting Location
Use the following instructions to deck mount the Sensor and route the cable
down through the mounting surface:
NOTE: It is important to review the mounting considerations and test run
the cable route as indicated in Section 1 before proceeding with the
installation.
1. Mark the mounting location and drill a 3/4" (19
mm) hole for the cable and cable connector.
2. Secure the NMEA pigtail to the cable with
electrical tape.
NOTE: Unless it is needed, leave the NMEA
pigtail secured to the cable. If you are
connecting the pigtail to a NMEA 0183 device,
see Section 3: Connect to the Control Head
for connection information.
3. Route the Sensor cable through the planned
cable route. To use extension cables, see the
details in Section 1: Choose the Mounting
Location.
4. Cover the cable hole with the Sensor.
If the Sensor includes a compass (AS GPS HS), position the sensor so the
arrow on the cover is pointed straight toward the front of the boat in the
direction of travel. The arrow should be parallel with the keel.
NOTE: Failure to align the sensor correctly will result in incorrect compass
readings.
5. Make sure the Sensor is flush against the surface, and mark the two
mounting holes with a pencil or awl.
6. Move the Sensor to the side and drill two pilot holes, using a 5/32"
(4 mm) bit.
NMEA pigtail cable out
NMEA
pigtail
cable
taped
Taping the NMEA
Pigtail to the Cable

14 15 Installation - NO Access UnderInstallation - Access Under
NOTE: Apply marine-grade silicone caulk or sealant to both screw and
drilled holes as needed to protect your boat from water damage.
7. Align the Sensor’s screw holes over the pilot screw holes and attach
with the #8 - 1 1/4" (32 mm) Phillips head screws. Hand tighten only.
NOTE: If the mounting surface is thin or made of a light-weight material,
you may need to add reinforcing material below the mounting surface in
order to support the Sensor.
Positioning the Arrow
on the Compass
Attaching the Sensor to
the Mounting Surface
cable routed through the hole
#8 - 1 1/4"
mounting screws
C. No Access Under Mounting Location
Use the following instructions to deck mount the Sensor and route the cable to the side
if there is not space for a cable underneath the mounting location.
NOTE: It is important to review the mounting considerations and test run
the cable route as indicated in Section 1 before proceeding with the
installation.
1. Secure the NMEA pigtail with electrical tape.
NOTE: Unless it is needed, leave the NMEA
pigtail secured to the cable. If you are
connecting the pigtail to a NMEA 0183
device, see Section 3: Connect to the
Control Head for connection information.
2. Route the cable from the Sensor to the Control
head.
•The Sensor has two wire routing notches.
Use the cable notch closest to the
intended cable route.
•If holes are required to route the cable,
they must be 3/4" (19mm) to allow for the
cable connector.
•To use extension cables, see the details
in Section 1: Choose the Mounting
Location.
NMEA pigtail cable out
NMEA
pigtail
cable
taped
Taping the NMEA
Pigtail to the Cable

14 15 Installation - NO Access UnderInstallation - Access Under
NOTE: Apply marine-grade silicone caulk or sealant to both screw and
drilled holes as needed to protect your boat from water damage.
7. Align the Sensor’s screw holes over the pilot screw holes and attach
with the #8 - 1 1/4" (32 mm) Phillips head screws. Hand tighten only.
NOTE: If the mounting surface is thin or made of a light-weight material,
you may need to add reinforcing material below the mounting surface in
order to support the Sensor.
Positioning the Arrow
on the Compass
Attaching the Sensor to
the Mounting Surface
cable routed through the hole
#8 - 1 1/4"
mounting screws
C. No Access Under Mounting Location
Use the following instructions to deck mount the Sensor and route the cable to the side
if there is not space for a cable underneath the mounting location.
NOTE: It is important to review the mounting considerations and test run
the cable route as indicated in Section 1 before proceeding with the
installation.
1. Secure the NMEA pigtail with electrical tape.
NOTE: Unless it is needed, leave the NMEA
pigtail secured to the cable. If you are
connecting the pigtail to a NMEA 0183
device, see Section 3: Connect to the
Control Head for connection information.
2. Route the cable from the Sensor to the Control
head.
•The Sensor has two wire routing notches.
Use the cable notch closest to the
intended cable route.
•If holes are required to route the cable,
they must be 3/4" (19mm) to allow for the
cable connector.
•To use extension cables, see the details
in Section 1: Choose the Mounting
Location.
NMEA pigtail cable out
NMEA
pigtail
cable
taped
Taping the NMEA
Pigtail to the Cable

16 17 InstallationInstallation - NO Access Under
3. With the cable routed, position the Sensor in
the planned mounting location.
If the Sensor includes a compass (AS GPS
HS), position the sensor so the arrow on the
cover is pointed straight toward the front of
the boat in the direction of travel. The arrow
should be parallel with the keel.
NOTE: Failure to align the sensor correctly
will result in incorrect compass readings.
4. Make sure the Sensor is flush against the
surface, and mark the two mounting holes
with a pencil or awl.
5. Move the Sensor to the side and drill the two
5/32" (4 mm) pilot holes.
NOTE: Apply marine-grade silicone caulk or
sealant to both screw and drilled holes as
needed to protect your boat from water
damage.
6. Align the Sensor’s screw holes over the pilot
screw holes and attach with the #8 - 1 1/4"
(32 mm) Phillips head screws. Hand tighten
only.
cable routed to the side
Positioning the Arrow
on the Compass
Attaching the Sensor to
the Mounting Surface
#8 - 1 1/4"
mounting screws
3. Connect to the Control Head
Use the following instructions to connect the Sensor cable to the control head.
1. Proceed to the instructions that correspond with your control head
model.
HELIX: Insert the Sensor’s NMEA-COM connector into the control head’s
COM port. The connectors are keyed to prevent reversed installation, so
be careful not to force the connector into the port. See your control head
installation guide for details.
HELIX 7 Control Head Ports
Ethernet power transducer
COM
(communications)
Optional: Use a Y-Cable to connect Transducer
and Speed Sensor Accessory
HELIX 8, 9, 10, 12 Cable Tray
transducer COM
(communications) power
pin pinEthernet temp/speed

16 17 InstallationInstallation - NO Access Under
3. With the cable routed, position the Sensor in
the planned mounting location.
If the Sensor includes a compass (AS GPS
HS), position the sensor so the arrow on the
cover is pointed straight toward the front of
the boat in the direction of travel. The arrow
should be parallel with the keel.
NOTE: Failure to align the sensor correctly
will result in incorrect compass readings.
4. Make sure the Sensor is flush against the
surface, and mark the two mounting holes
with a pencil or awl.
5. Move the Sensor to the side and drill the two
5/32" (4 mm) pilot holes.
NOTE: Apply marine-grade silicone caulk or
sealant to both screw and drilled holes as
needed to protect your boat from water
damage.
6. Align the Sensor’s screw holes over the pilot
screw holes and attach with the #8 - 1 1/4"
(32 mm) Phillips head screws. Hand tighten
only.
cable routed to the side
Positioning the Arrow
on the Compass
Attaching the Sensor to
the Mounting Surface
#8 - 1 1/4"
mounting screws
3. Connect to the Control Head
Use the following instructions to connect the Sensor cable to the control head.
1. Proceed to the instructions that correspond with your control head
model.
HELIX: Insert the Sensor’s NMEA-COM connector into the control head’s
COM port. The connectors are keyed to prevent reversed installation, so
be careful not to force the connector into the port. See your control head
installation guide for details.
HELIX 7 Control Head Ports
Ethernet power transducer
COM
(communications)
Optional: Use a Y-Cable to connect Transducer
and Speed Sensor Accessory
HELIX 8, 9, 10, 12 Cable Tray
transducer COM
(communications) power
pin pinEthernet temp/speed

18 19 InstallationInstallation
SOLIX: Connect a separately purchased SOLIX GPS/NMEA 0183 Splitter
Data Cable to the Sensor’s NMEA-COM connector. See your cable
installation guide for more details.
Connect the Data Cable to the NMEA 0183 port on the control head or
cable tray (if applicable). See your control head installation guide for
details. The ports are labeled and the connectors are keyed to prevent
incorrect installation, so do not force the connector into the wrong port.
2. Optional: You can connect an optional-purchase device, such as an
autopilot, to the Sensor pigtail wires.
GPS Receiver/Heading Sensor
(Optional Accessory Wires)
The pinouts are as follows:
•Black Wire (Ground)
•White Wire (Control Head NMEA Out): outputs the navigation
calculations and commands from the control head as IN (Integrated
Navigation) NMEA sentences. Connect the white wire to the device’s
NMEA In wire.
OR
•Green Wire (GPS NMEA Out): outputs GP (Global Positioning) NMEA
sentences directly from the Sensor. Connect the green wire to the
device’s NMEA In wire if it can only read GP NMEA sentences.
NOTE: See your device installation guide to identify the NMEA In wire. The
device will connect to the white wire or green wire, depending on its NMEA
communication requirements (IN or GP).
NOTE: See Section 5: Turn on NMEA Output and Confirm the Baud Rate for
more information.
WARNING! It is important to finish all installation connections before
powering on the control head.
4. Power on and Confirm GPS Reception
Follow the instructions below to power on your Humminbird® control head.
HELIX Series
GPS Diagnostic View
1. Press the POWER/LIGHT key.
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 your control head operations manual for more information.

18 19 InstallationInstallation
SOLIX: Connect a separately purchased SOLIX GPS/NMEA 0183 Splitter
Data Cable to the Sensor’s NMEA-COM connector. See your cable
installation guide for more details.
Connect the Data Cable to the NMEA 0183 port on the control head or
cable tray (if applicable). See your control head installation guide for
details. The ports are labeled and the connectors are keyed to prevent
incorrect installation, so do not force the connector into the wrong port.
2. Optional: You can connect an optional-purchase device, such as an
autopilot, to the Sensor pigtail wires.
GPS Receiver/Heading Sensor
(Optional Accessory Wires)
The pinouts are as follows:
•Black Wire (Ground)
•White Wire (Control Head NMEA Out): outputs the navigation
calculations and commands from the control head as IN (Integrated
Navigation) NMEA sentences. Connect the white wire to the device’s
NMEA In wire.
OR
•Green Wire (GPS NMEA Out): outputs GP (Global Positioning) NMEA
sentences directly from the Sensor. Connect the green wire to the
device’s NMEA In wire if it can only read GP NMEA sentences.
NOTE: See your device installation guide to identify the NMEA In wire. The
device will connect to the white wire or green wire, depending on its NMEA
communication requirements (IN or GP).
NOTE: See Section 5: Turn on NMEA Output and Confirm the Baud Rate for
more information.
WARNING! It is important to finish all installation connections before
powering on the control head.
4. Power on and Confirm GPS Reception
Follow the instructions below to power on your Humminbird® control head.
HELIX Series
GPS Diagnostic View
1. Press the POWER/LIGHT key.
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 your control head operations manual for more information.

20 21 InstallationInstallation
4. Press the VIEW key repeatedly until the GPS Diagnostic View is displayed
on the screen. Confirm that External GPS is displayed and the Fix Type
indicates Enhanced or 3D.
•If the GPS Diagnostic View is not displayed in the rotation, press
the MENU key twice to open the Main Menu. Select the Views tab
> GPS Diagnostic View > Visible.
•If it is connected and detected, the Sensor will also be displayed in
the Accessory Test screen.
SOLIX Series
GPS (1) Satellite Sky Chart
1. Press the POWER key.
2. Press the HOME key.
3. Review the top, right corner of the status bar.
Compass: The selected compass/heading sensor is on and
heading data is being received
Detected and Active: If a sensor is active and transmitting/
receiving, the GPS icon will be white.
ConnectedbutnotDetectedorActive:Ifasensorisnotdetectedonthe
network, or not transmitting/receiving, it will be completely gray.
Connected but not Transmitting/Receiving: If a sensor is detected,
but is not transmitting/receiving, the icon will be partially gray. In
this illustration, the GPS receiver is detected, but it doesn’t have
a GPS fix. This feature will vary with the type of icon represented.
4. If the sensors are active, your system is ready for use on the water.
To review satellites and signal strength, press the Home key and select
GPS.
If the icon is not displaying in the system status bar, check the installation
of the accessory and the cable connection to the control head.
5. Turn on NMEA Output and Confirm the Baud Rate
(for devices connected to the pigtail only)
If you connected a device to the Sensor pigtail wires, turn on NMEA Output
to enable communication and output NMEA 0183 sentences from the control
head. It is also important to note the following:
•If the GPS Receiver/Heading Sensor (AS GPS HS) is connected to
the control head, and NMEA Output is turned on, the control head
will operate exclusively at a baud rate of 38400. If there is a device
attached to the Sensor’s pigtail, it also needs to operate at 38400. See
your device’s installation guide to set the baud rate to 38400.
•If a GPS Receiver (AS GR16, AS GR50, AS GRP) is connected to the
control head, and NMEA Output is turned on, the control head will
operate exclusively at a baud rate of 4800. If there is a device attached
to the Sensor’s pigtail, it also needs to operate at 4800. See your device’s
installation guide to set the baud rate to 4800.
•If NMEA Output is turned off, then baud rates 4800, 9600, and 38400
are available on the control head, but the device will not receive NMEA
data.