Humminbird MEGA 360 UNIVERSAL User manual

1
MEGA 360 UNIVERSAL
INSTALLATION GUIDE
532750-3EN_A

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
does require repairs, we offer an exclusive Service Policy. For complete details, see
the separate warranty card included with your unit. We encourage you to read this
manual carefully in order to get the full benefit from all the features and applications
of your Humminbird product.
Contact Humminbird Technical Support through our Help Center at https://
humminbird-help.johnsonoutdoors.com/hc/en-us.
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! 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. See your control head operations manual for details.
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! During transport, on water or on land, it is important to stow the
MEGA 360 universal mount inside the rub rail of the boat.
NOTE: The illustrations in this manual may not look the same as your product, but
your unit will function in a similar way.

NOTE: To purchase accessories for your control head, visit our Web site at
humminbird.com or contact Humminbird Technical Support through our Help
Center at https://humminbird-help.johnsonoutdoors.com/hc/en-us.
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.
NOTE: Product specifications and features are subject to change without notice.
NOTE: Humminbird verifies maximum stated depth in saltwater conditions, however
actual depth performance may vary due to transducer installation, water type, thermal
layers, bottom composition, and slope.
360 Imaging®, APEX™, Cannon®, CoastMaster™, HELIX®, Humminbird®, LakeMaster®, MEGA
360 Imaging™, SOLIX®, and X-Press™ Menu are trademarked by or registered trademarks of
Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
© 2022 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Introduction 1
Compatibility..................................................................................................................1
Supplies .........................................................................................................................3
Update Software 4
Software Requirements.................................................................................................4
Check the Current Software Version.............................................................................4
Update Control Head Software with an SD Card .........................................................5
Update Accessory Software with an SD Card ..............................................................6
Update Software with FishSmart..................................................................................7
Install the Universal Boat Mount (select models) 8
1. Prepare for Installation..............................................................................................8
2. Install the Universal Boat Mount ..............................................................................9
A. Direct Installation..................................................................................................9
B. Cannon Mounting Track Installation (separate purchase).................................11
3. Install the MEGA 360 Imaging Pod.........................................................................11
4. Adjust the Pod Height and Install the Depth Collar ...............................................12
Route the Cables and Connect Power 14
Set Up the Control Head 17
1. Confirm Connections ...............................................................................................17
2. Set Up the Transducer.............................................................................................19
3. Test MEGA 360 Imaging on the Control Head........................................................20
4. Add Offset Features to the MEGA 360 Imaging Display (optional)........................22
5. Set up the Network .................................................................................................23
Power Off 24
Maintenance 25
MEGA 360 Imaging Maintenance...............................................................................25
Table of Contents

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Control Head Maintenance.........................................................................................25
Transducer Maintenance.............................................................................................26
Troubleshooting 27
Fishing System Doesn’t Power Up ..............................................................................27
Fishing System Defaults to Simulator with a Transducer Attached...........................28
Finding the Cause of Noise .........................................................................................29
Specifications 30
Contact Humminbird 32
Table of Contents

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1Introduction
Introduction
The MEGA 360 Imaging Universal has a 50" shaft length and can mount to almost
any boat with the included GeigerTec aluminum bracket (select models) or a
mounting bracket of your choice. This manual will guide you through the following
installation requirements for the MEGA 360 Imaging transducer:
• Installing the MEGA 360 Universal Boat Mount (select models)
• Connecting to the Control Head and Power
• Testing the Installation
• Powering Off
Before proceeding with this installation, the Humminbird fish finder
should be installed.
Compatibility
Fish Finders: MEGA 360 Imaging Universal is compatible with the following
Humminbird fish finders:
• APEX Series
• SOLIX Series G2 and G3 models
• HELIX MEGA Imaging+ G3N and G4N models
NOTE: You must have a GPS heading sensor (compass) installed in order to use the
MEGA 360 Imaging navigation features.
NOTE: MEGA 360 Imaging can be shared with all APEX/SOLIX models and HELIX
G4N, G3N and G2N models over Ethernet.
Transducers: The MEGA 360 Imaging transducer is compatible with the following
transducers:
• HW Dual Spectrum
• HW MEGA DI+
• HW MEGA DI+/MEGA SI+
• Built-in MEGA Imaging transducer on a Minn Kota trolling motor

2Introduction
Cables: Your MEGA 360 Imaging transducer comes with the cables required to
connect directly to your Humminbird fish finder. This includes a 10' MEGA 360 power
cable, a 10' APEX/SOLIX transducer cable, and a 10' HELIX transducer adapter cable.
However, depending on your Humminbird model and system configuration, you may
choose to purchase a transducer splitter cable (y-cable) to connect the MEGA 360 to
another compatible transducer, as shown below.
MEGA 360 compatible transducer
splitter cables (y-cables)
MEGA 360 compatible transducers
MEGA 360 7-pin Transducer Y-cable:
9 M360 2DDI Y (720107-1)
HELIX Dual Spectrum (Type 9 / 7-pin)
HELIX MDI+ (Type 9 / 7-pin)
HELIX MDI+/MSI+ (Type 9 / 7-pin)
MEGA 360 14-pin Transducer Y-cable:
14 M360 2DDI Y (720108-1)
APEX MSI+
SOLIX Dual Spectrum
SOLIX MDI+
SOLIX MDI+/MSI+
Built-in MEGA Imaging*
*If this cable is being used with a HELIX G3N/G4N with MEGA Side or Down Imaging+
and a Built-in MEGA imaging transducer, then the 720109-1 AD HELIX M360 adapter
(included with the MEGA 360) must be attached between this y-cable and the HELIX unit.
NOTE: If a MEGA SI+ transducer is connected with one of these y-cables, the
Humminbird unit will not be able to get SI data from the MEGA SI+ transducer – only HW
and MEGA DI+ will be available. However, the user can get MEGA SI data from the MEGA
360 transducer.

3Introduction
Accessories: Additional recommended accessories include a Heading Sensor GPS
Puck, a Heading Sensor GPS Adapter (APEX/SOLIX only), and transducer extension
cables. For the most current list of compatible accessories, visit our Web site at
humminbird.com.
Supplies
In addition to the hardware included with your accessory, you will need the following
supplies:
• Cable ties for cable routing
• 1 Amp fuse
• Level
• Pencil
• Marine-grade silicone sealant (optional)
• Anti-seize tube
If you purchased a model with a GeigerTec mounting bracket included, the following
supplies are recommended:
• Powered hand drill
• 1/4" drill bit
• Hex key
• Hex socket wrench or nut driver
• (4) stainless steel 1/4" - 20 bolts with a flat or oval head (select a length
appropriate for your deck thickness)
• (4) stainless steel 1/4" fender washers (recommended)
• (4) stainless steel 1/4" - 20 nylon insert hex nuts
Switch (optional): If you do not have a main switch or fuse panel available on your
boat to connect power, you will need to purchase a battery switch. See Route the
Cables and Connect Power for more information.

4Update Software
Update Software
Your control head model may need a software update to work with the MEGA 360
Imaging transducer. We recommend that you read the following section completely
before starting any software updates.
Software Requirements
• APEX/SOLIX Series: 3.640 and later
• HELIX Series: 2.180 and later
Check the Current Software Version
It is helpful to review the software version number that is currently installed on the
control head and each accessory.
APEX Series
1. Press the HOME key.
2. View the Software Version listed under System Info in the Data Dashboard.
SOLIX Series
1. Press the HOME key.
2. Select Settings.
3. Select Network > Network Info.
4. The Network Info dialog box shows a section for each device connected to the
network. Scroll to each section to note the software version number listed.
HELIX Series
1. Press and hold the VIEW key.
2. Select System > System Status.
3. Confirm the Software Version listed.

5Update Software
Update Control Head Software with an SD Card
You will need an SD or microSD card (depending on your control head model).
WARNING! Humminbird is not responsible for the loss of data files (waypoints,
routes, tracks, groups, snapshots, 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 data files periodically. See your control head operations manual for more
information.
1. Before the control head software is updated or restored to system defaults,
export your navigation data and copy your screen snapshots to an SD or
microSD card. See your control head operations manual for instructions.
2. Install a formatted SD or microSD card into the computer card slot.
3. Go to humminbird.com, and click Support > Software Updates.
4. Click on your control head model. The available software updates are listed
as downloads under each product. Confirm the file name is for your control
head model.
• Read the notices and instructions, and select Download.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to save the software file to the SD or microSD
card.
5. Repeat step 4 to download the software updates posted to each product.
6. Power on your Humminbird control head. Start Normal mode.
7. Insert the SD or microSD card (with the software file) into the control head
card slot.
8. Follow the on-screen prompts to update the control head software.
9. When the software update is complete, remove the SD or microSD card from
the control head card slot.
10. Restart: If you don’t have any other software updates to install, power off the
control head, and restart it.

6Update Software
Update Accessory Software with an SD Card
You will need an SD or microSD card (depending on your control head model).
1. Install a formatted SD or microSD card into the computer card slot.
2. Go to humminbird.com, and click Support > Software Updates.
3. Scroll down to Accessories and Mapping. The available software updates are
listed as downloads under each accessory product. Confirm your control head
model is listed in the software description.
• Read the notices and instructions, and select Download.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to save the software file to the SD or microSD
card.
4. Power on your Humminbird control head. Start Normal mode.
5. Insert the SD or microSD card (with the software file) into the control head
card slot.
6. APEX/SOLIX: Select the Files tool. From the Software Update tab, scroll to
MEGA 360 on the Accessories list. Confirm that the most current software
version is selected from the list, and select Install Now.
HELIX: The software will be automatically detected. It may take up to two
minutes for the software to be detected on the network, and the control head
will display a dialog box to indicate that the update is in progress.
7. When the software update is complete, remove the SD or microSD card from
the control head card slot.
8. Restart: If you don’t have any other software updates to install, power off the
control head, and restart it.

7Update Software
Update Software with FishSmart
You can use the FishSmart App to download and push software updates directly to
your Humminbird control head or accessory.
NOTE: Your control head must already be running software release 1.610 and later
for HELIX Series or 3.110 and later for APEX/SOLIX Series to support this feature.
NOTE: You must first download the FishSmart App and pair your mobile device to
your control head. See the FishSmart User Manual for more information.
1. Open the FishSmart App on your mobile device.
2. Apple iOS: Tap the System menu icon.
Google Android: Tap the FishSmart main menu. Select system.
3. Tap Update next to the selected unit. The download progress is displayed on
the screen.
4. Tap Transfer next to the selected unit once the download is complete.
5. Confirm the estimated transfer time.
6. Tap the checkbox to select where to upload the software update (internal
storage, card slot 1, or card slot 2).
NOTE: For APEX/SOLIX Series control heads, you cannot download software
updates to an SD or microSD card with LakeMaster charts saved to it.
7. Tap Transfer. The upload progress is displayed on the System menu in
FishSmart and in the System Status view on the control head.
8. Follow the on-screen prompts on the control head to complete the software
installation.

8Installing the Mount
Install the Universal Boat Mount (select models)
Use the following instructions to install the MEGA 360 Imaging transducer on your
boat with the included GeigerTec mount (select models). If you are using a different
universal mount, follow the instructions included with the mount. It is important to
read the instructions completely and understand the mounting guidelines before
you start the installation.
1. Prepare for Installation
1. Determine where to mount the MEGA 360 Universal bracket.
• Use a level to locate a suitable, flat area on the decking or gunwale.
Confirm that the boat is level on the trailer, both from port to starboard and
from bow to stern, by placing your level on the deck of the boat, first in one
direction, then in the other.
2. Test run the transducer cable from the chosen mounting location on the boat
to the control head. Test run the power cable from the chosen mounting
location to the main switch or fuse panel. Determine whether you will need
to purchase extension cables.
It is important to consider the following:
• The MEGA 360 Imaging transducer pod is powered separately from the
control head. It must be connected to a switch where it can be powered on
when the boat is underway and powered off when it is docked.
• The cables should be routed through an established routing system on the
boat, in an area with minimal interference, without sharp edges, obstacles,
or obstructions that may damage the cables.
• The cables will move as the mount adjusts for the MEGA 360 pod deployment
and stowing, so it is important to allow enough length for movement.
3. When the transducer pod is deployed, it has the following installation
requirements:
• The transducer pod should not have anything obstructing the ‘view’ of the
rotating beams. If possible, move anything to the sides and below the pod
that might obstruct the sight line of the rotating beams.
• The pod should be submerged below the keel and/or skeg.

9Installing the Mount
Unobstructed View
2. Install the Universal Boat Mount
Once you have determined the mounting location, use one of the following
installation instructions to install the GeigerTec mount (included with select models):
A. Direct Installation
OR
B. Cannon Mounting Track Installation (separate purchase required)
A. Direct Installation
Use the following instructions to install the GeigerTec mount (included with select
models):
1. Clean and dry the mounting surface.
2. Position the mounting plate in your selected location. Mark the four (4)
mounting bolt locations with a pencil.
3. Set the universal bracket aside, and use a 1/4" (6.35 mm) drill bit to drill the
four (4) marked holes.
NOTE: On fiberglass hulls, it is best to use progressively larger drill bits to
reduce the chance of chipping or flaking the outer coating.
NOTE: If the mounting surface is thin or made of lightweight material, you
may need to add reinforcing material below the mounting surface in order to
support the universal bracket.

10Installing the Mount
4. Place the universal bracket on the mounting surface and align the bolt holes
with the drilled mounting holes. Apply anti-seize to the four (4) 1/4"-20 bolts
(not included) and insert them through the bolt holes and into the drilled
mounting holes.
NOTE: Apply marine-grade silicone caulk or sealant (separate purchase
required) to both bolts and drilled holes as needed to protect your boat from
water damage.
5. From under the deck or gunwale, install the 1/4" fender washer and the
1/4" - 20 nylon insert hex nut (not included) onto each screw. Hand-tighten
only! Use an adjustable socket or wrench to hand-tighten the nuts until they
contact the washers. Then tighten the nuts an additional 2 full revolutions.
Hand-tighten only!
Installing the Bolts
1/4"- 20 bolt
1/4" fender washer
deck or
gunwale
1/4"- 20 nylon
insert nut

11 Installing the Mount
B. Cannon Mounting Track Installation (Separate Purchase Required)
NOTE: To purchase a Cannon Mounting Track or for installation information, visit
cannondownriggers.com.
1. Use a Philips head screwdriver to remove the screw securing your Cannon
Track’s endcap to the mounting track, and disconnect the endcap.
2. Slide the GeigerTec mount into the track and to the desired position.
3. Insert the included thumb screws into the screw holes in the dual purpose
base.
4. Hand tighten the thumb screws so that the base cannot shift inside the track.
3. Install the MEGA 360 Imaging Pod
1. Route the cables and pod shaft up through the universal boat mount.
NOTE: It will be a tight fit over the rubber plug at the top of the shaft.
2. Tighten the knob so the pod shaft is fully secure and won’t drop when it is
deployed. Hand-tighten only!

12Installing the Mount
4. Adjust the Pod Height and Install the Depth Collar
1. Loosen the bracket arms and rotate the bracket so that the MEGA 360 pod is
positioned over the water.
Adjusting the Bracket

13 Installing the Mount
2. Adjust the pod shaft to the desired height. The MEGA 360 Imaging pod must
be set below the keel and skeg, so that nothing is obstructing the ‘view’ of
the rotating beams.
3. After you have established the pod height, slide the depth set collar through
the cables and down the shaft. The depth set collar must be positioned at
least 4" from the top of the shaft.
4. Use hex key to tighten the depth set collar. Hand-tighten only!
5. Turn the pod shaft until the rounded end of the transducer points in the
direction of travel. The centerline of the transducer should be parallel with
the centerline of the boat. See the illustration Aligning the Transducer.
rounded part
of transducer
Aligning the Transducer
6. When the transducer position is finalized, hand-tighten the knobs equally and
completely so the pod shaft is fully secure and won’t drop or rotate during
operation. Hand-tighten only!

14Cable Installation
Route the Cables and Connect Power
WARNING! The power source must be turned off before you proceed with this
installation.
1. Connect the power cable to the power cable connector on the pod shaft, and
connect the transducer cable to the transducer cable connector on the pod
shaft.
The connectors are keyed to prevent reversed installation, so be careful not to
force the connectors. Hand-tighten the screw nuts on each connector.
NOTE: If you are connecting the MEGA 360 Imaging transducer and
another compatible transducer to the same control head, you will need to
purchase a transducer splitter cable (y-cable). See Compatibility for the list
of cables, and visit our Web site at www.humminbird.com/support/
installation-diagrams to view the wiring diagrams.
2. Route the cables to the chosen connection locations in Section 1: Prepare
for Installation. Leave sufficient slack in the cables to allow for full movement
of the MEGA 360 Imaging transducer, in both the deployed and stowed
positions.
CAUTION! Do NOT mount the cables where the connectors could be
submerged in water or flooded. If cables are installed in a splash-prone area,
it may be helpful to apply dielectric grease to the inside of the connectors
to prevent corrosion. Dielectric grease can be purchased separately from a
general hardware or automotive store.
NOTE: The cables should be routed through an established routing system
on the boat, in an area with minimal interference. Inspect the selected route
carefully to ensure that there are no sharp edges, obstacles, or obstructions
that may damage the cables.