Humminbird Fishin' buddy max User manual

OVERVIEW

Following are instructions for the installation of the Fishin’ Buddy MAX and Fishin’

Buddy MAX D . We encourage you to read this guide before starting the

installation, so you may understand the installation requirements.

SUPPLIES: n addition to the hardware supplied with your control head, you will

need eight (8) AA alkaline batteries, a Phillips-head screwdriver, and a flat-head

screwdriver. f you plan to permanently mount the Fishin’ Buddy MAX to your boat,

you will also need four (4) #10 wood screws or bolts, a marker or pencil, a powered

hand drill and various drill bits, safety glasses and dust mask, and marine-grade

silicone sealant (see Atta h the Fishin’ Buddy MAX Mounting Clamp to the

Boat for more information).

WARNING! emove the Fishin’ Buddy MAX from the mounting clamp when the boat

is traveling. Do NOT travel at high speeds with the Fishin’ Buddy MAX installed as it can

cause damage. Use the Fishin’ Buddy MAX at trolling speed only.

WARNING! Do NOT attempt to power the Fishin’ Buddy MAX from the boat’s power

supply. This can result in permanent damage to your Fishin’ Buddy MAX. Humminbird®

is not responsible for over-voltage or over-current failures.

NOTE: The procedures and features described in this guide are subject to change

without notice. This guide was written in English and may have been translated to

another language. Humminbird is not responsible for incorrect translations or

discrepancies between documents.

NOTE: The illustrations in this guide may not look the same as your product, but your

unit will function in the same way.

INSTALLATION OVERVIEW

The Fishin’ Buddy MAX installation requires the following main assembly tasks:

• nsert the Batteries in the Battery Well

• Attach the Control Head Mounting Bracket to the Fishin’ Buddy MAX Shaft

• nstall the Control Head

•Connect the Cables to the Control Head

• Attach the Fishin’ Buddy MAX Mounting Clamp to the Transom

• Mount the Fishin’ Buddy MAX

Inser he Ba eries in he Ba ery Well

The Fishin’ Buddy MAX requires eight alkaline AA batteries (not included).

CAUTION! Always remove discharged batteries promptly and before periods of storage

to prevent potential damage due to battery acid leakage. Failure to do so may void your

warranty.

1. Turn the battery cap counterclockwise and remove it from the battery well.

2. Gently lift the battery pack out of the battery well (see the illustration

Installing the Batteries).

NOTE: Do NOT remove the foam insert from inside the battery well.

3. Using the diagram inside the battery pack as a guide, install the eight

alkaline AA batteries (not included).

4. nstall the battery pack in the battery well. Confirm the wires are stored

along the inside wall of the battery well (and not underneath the battery

pack).

5. Confirm the gasket is positioned correctly around the battery well (see the

illustration Installing the Batteries).

6. nstall the battery cap on the battery well and turn clockwise to tighten.

Hand-tighten only!

A ach he Con rol Head Moun ing Bracke

After installing the batteries, use the following instructions to install the control

head mounting bracket.

1. Set the control head mounting bracket in place on top of the battery cap.

2. Align the three screw holes on the retainer ring with the screw holes on top

of the battery cap and install the retainer ring over the control head mounting

bracket. See the illustration Installing the Control Head Mounting Bra ket.

3. nsert the three #6 flat-head machine screws (included) into the threaded

screw holes. Hand-tighten each screw just enough to hold the retainer ring

in place.

NOTE: Do not fully tighten the screws until all three screws are in place.

4. After all three screws are installed, fully tighten each screw to secure the

mounting bracket. Hand-tighten only!

screws

I stalli g the Co trol Head Mou ti g Bracket

retainer ring

control head

mounting bracket

I stalli g the Batteries

battery well

battery cap

battery pack

gasket

Ins all he Con rol Head

1. Position the control head so the screen is facing the opposite side of the

cables on the battery well (see the illustration Installing the Control Head).

Rotate the control head mounting bracket, if necessary.

2. nstall the control head on the mounting bracket.

3. Tilt the control head to adjust the viewing angle, as needed.

4. Once you have set the control head viewing angle, insert the included bolt

through the hole on the mounting arm. Screw the mounting knob on to the

end of the bolt and hand-tighten. Hand-tighten only!

Rotate the Control Head: Swivel the control head on the mounting bracket

by grasping the control head mounting bracket and rotating it.

Connec he Cables o he Con rol Head

Use the following instructions to attach the transducer and power cables on the

battery well to the keyed connectors on the back of the control head.

1. Locate the transducer and power cables on the

battery well, and route the cable connectors to

the rear of the control head.

2. nsert the cable connectors into the correct ports

on the control head. See the illustrations Control

Head Ports and Conne ting Cables to the

Control Head.

5. A ach he Fishin’ Buddy MAX Moun ing Clamp

o he Boa

Review the following installation options before proceeding with the installation:

•Temporary Mount: Attach the mounting clamp to the boat using the clamp

feature. The clamp provides the most versatile and portable method to mount

the Fishin’ Buddy MAX to the transom of your boat.

•Permanent Mount: Attach the mounting clamp using the permanent

mounting slots to screw or bolt the mounting clamp to the boat. You will

need four (4) #10 wood screws or bolts and marine-grade silicone sealant

(not included).

Determine the Mounting Location

Use the following information when considering a mounting location:

• The Fishin’ Buddy MAX should be mounted where it will be visible and

accessible.

• The Fishin’ Buddy MAX must be mounted so that the transducer (located at

the end of the Fishin’ Buddy MAX shaft) is fully submerged in the water,

because the sonar signal cannot pass through air.

•Turbulence: t is very important to locate the transducer in an area that is

relatively free of turbulent water. 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 counterclockwise. 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).

•Fishin’ Buddy MAX DI: The Down maging® transducer must be oriented so

that the pointed end of the transducer body points towards the stern (or

behind the boat). The front, rounded end must point towards the bow. See

Mounting the Fishin’ Buddy MAX DI for more information.

Assemble the Mounting Clamp

1. Determine the assembly option for your mounting location using the

illustrations below.

Co trol Head Ports

transducerpower

I stallatio Optio 2

attach the support arm on

the end of the mounting clamp

support arm mounting clamp

mounting

clamp

I stallatio Optio 1

attach the support arm on

the side of the mounting clamp

pivot knob support arm

screw slots

pivot knob

Istalli g the Co trol Head

bolt

mounting arms

mounting bracket

control head

knob

power

Co ecti g Cables to the Co trol Head

transducer

2. Align the ratcheted hole on the support arm with the ratcheted mounting

location determined in step 1. See the illustrations Mounting Option 1 and

Mounting Option 2.

3. Thread the pivot knob through the hole in the support arm and turn

clockwise to tighten (see the illustrations Mounting Option 1 and Mounting

Option 2). Hand-tighten only!

Attach the Mounting Clamp to the Transom

To permanently mount the Fishin’ Buddy MAX to your boat, see the section

Permanently Install the Mounting Clamp.

1. Loosen the clamp by turning the adjustment knob counterclockwise.

2. nstall the mounting clamp in the chosen mounting location. Confirm it is

resting on the top surface of the transom (seated as far down as possible).

3. Turn the adjustment knob clockwise to secure the mounting clamp to the

transom. Do not over-tighten!

4. Confirm the mounting clamp is securely installed. f the clamp feels unstable

after tightening, loosen the adjustment knob, reposition the clamp, and

repeat step 3.

Permanently Install the Mounting Clamp

Use the following instructions to permanently mount the Fishin’ Buddy MAX on

your boat. Review the installation instructions before proceeding.

1. Hold the mounting clamp against the transom of the boat in the mounting

location you have selected.

2. Use the four permanent mounting slots at the base of the mounting bracket

as a guide, and use a pencil or marker to mark where to drill the four

mounting holes.

3. Drill four pilot holes using a 7/64” drill bit. Apply marine-grade silicone

sealant to the holes.

NOTE: On fiberglass, it is best to use progressively larger drill bits to reduce the

chance of chipping or flaking the outer coating.

4. Reposition the mounting clamp and attach it to the boat using #10 wood

screws or bolts (not included). Hand-tighten only!

Proceed to the installation section for you Fishin’ Buddy MAX model, as

follows:

•Mount the Fishin’ Buddy MAX

• Mount the Fishin’ Buddy MAX D

6. Moun he Fishin’ Buddy MAX

When mounted, the Fishin’ Buddy MAX must be positioned so that the transducer

will be submerged when the boat is in the water.

1. Carefully slide the Fishin’ Buddy MAX shaft through the support arm ring on

the mounting clamp until the battery well snaps into place. Confirm it is fully

seated in the support arm ring.

2. You may need to adjust the mounting clamp support arm ring to keep the

transducer pointing straight down. Loosen the pivot adjustment knob and

make the necessary adjustments.

7. Moun he Fishin’ Buddy MAX DI

The Down maging transducer has specific mounting requirements. Review the

information below before proceeding with the installation.

• When mounted, the Fishin’ Buddy MAX D must be positioned so that the

transducer will be submerged when the boat is in the water.

• The Down maging transducer must be oriented so that the pointed end of

the transducer body points towards the stern (or behind the boat). The front,

rounded end must point towards the bow. See the illustration Completed

Fishin’ Buddy MAX DI Installation.

Attachi g the Mou ti g Clamp to the Tra som

transom

mounting clamp

adjustment

knob

CAUTION! Do not over-tighten the clamp!

Perma e tly Mou ti g the Clamp

#10 mounting screws

(not included)

transom

permanent

mounting slots

I stalli g the Fishi ’ Buddy MAX

support arm ring

transducer

Fishin’ Buddy

MAX shaft

Confirm the Transducer Orientation

To install the Fishin’ Buddy MAX D with the correct transducer orientation, you

may need to adjust the transducer position on the Fishin’ Buddy MAX D shaft.

1. Locate the shaft collar and turn it clockwise to loosen.

2. Pull the telescoping shaft down until it slides out from the Fishin’ Buddy

MAX D shaft (see the illustration Adjusting the Fishin’ Buddy MAX DI

Teles oping Shaft). Do NOT pull on the transducer!

3. Rotate the telescoping shaft to set the correct transducer orientation.

4. Align the slots on the telescoping shaft with the slots at the base of the

Fishin’ Buddy MAX D shaft and slide the telescoping shaft up to the desired

length.

5. Slide the shaft collar up to the base of the shaft and turn counterclockwise

to tighten.

Install the Fishin’ Buddy MAX DI

1. nstall the Fishin’ Buddy MAX D shaft through the opening in the support

arm ring on the mounting clamp.

2. Slide the shaft down until the battery well snaps into place.

3. Swivel the control head, as needed, so the screen is facing you.

Adjust the Fishin’ Buddy MAX DI Telescoping Shaft Length (Optional)

You may need to adjust the length of the Fishin’ Buddy MAX D telescoping shaft

to fully submerge the transducer in the water. Refer to the instructions below.

1. Remove the Fishin’ Buddy MAX D from the mounting clamp.

2. Locate the shaft collar and turn it clockwise to loosen.

3. Pull the shaft collar down and adjust the length of the telescoping shaft as

needed. Do NOT pull on the transducer!

4. Secure the Position: Slide the shaft collar up to the base of the shaft and

turn counterclockwise to tighten.

5. nstall the Fishin’ Buddy MAX D in the support arm ring (see the section

Install the Fishin’ Buddy MAX DI).

Your control head is now ready for on-the-water operation. See your control head

operations manual for further details.

Adjusti g the Fishi ’ Buddy MAX DI Telescopi g Shaft

telescoping shaft

shaft collar

Completed Fishi ’ Buddy MAX DI I stallatio

I stalli g the Fishi ’ Buddy MAX DI

support arm ring

shaft collar

Down Imaging

transducer

Fishin’ Buddy

MAX DI shaft

MAINTENANCE

Your Humminbird model is designed to provide years of trouble-free operation

with virtually no maintenance. Follow the simple procedures below to ensure that

your Humminbird model continues to deliver top performance.

Con rol Head Main enance

t is important to consider the following precautions when using your control head.

WARNING! Do not use a hemi al glass leaner on the s reen. Chemicals in the

solution may cause cracking in the lens of the unit.

•Chemicals, such as those found in bug spray and sunscreen, may cause

permanent damage to the control head screen. Such damage is not

covered by the warranty.

• Never leave your Humminbird unit in a closed car or trunk - the extremely

high temperatures generated in hot weather can damage the electronics.

Use the following information to keep the control head and screen clean.

•Screen: When cleaning the LCD protective screen, use a chamois and non-

abrasive, mild cleaner. Be careful to avoid scratching the lens.

NOTE: Do not wipe the screen while dirt or grease is on the screen.

•Control Head: f the unit comes into contact with salt spray, wipe the

affected surfaces with a cloth dampened in fresh water.

Transducer Main enance

•f your transducer remains in the water for long periods of time, algae and

other marine growth can reduce the effectiveness of the transducer.

Periodically clean the face of the transducer with a mild, marine-safe and

plastic-safe soap or solution.

•f your transducer remains out of the water for a long period of time, it

may take some time to wet the transducer when returned to the water.

Small air bubbles can cling to the surface of the transducer and interfere

with proper operation. These bubbles dissipate with time, or you can wipe

the face of the transducer with your fingers after the transducer is in the

water.

SPECIFICATIONS

Power Requirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 AA alkaline batteries

Battery Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 hours

NOTE: Continuous operation with the Backlight on can significantly reduce battery life.

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 birth defects or other reproductive harm.

NOTE: Product specifications and features are subject to change without notice.

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.

CONTACT HUMMINBIRD

Contact Humminbird Customer Service in any of the following ways:

Web site:

humminbird.com

E-mail:

service@humminbird.com

Telephone:

1-800-633-1468

Direct Shipping:

Humminbird

Service Department

678 Humminbird Lane

Eufaula, AL 36027 USA

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday

8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Central Standard Time)

FISHIN’ BUDDY® MAX &

FISHIN’ BUDDY® MAX DI

INSTALLATION GUIDE

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