Humminbird ION 12 User manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction..........................................1
InstalltheControlHead................................2
InstallAccessories....................................4
RouteandConnecttheCables..........................5
Connect the Control Head Power Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
PowerOntheControlHead.............................7
SetupGuide..........................................7
SetUptheControlHead..............................10
Mana eYourControlHead ...........................14
NMEAInput/Output ..................................15
Specifications ......................................18
Maintenance........................................19
Troubleshootin .....................................20
ContactHumminbird ................................22
ION10 and ION12
Installation Guide
532188-1_A
MARK
GO TO
PILOT
STANDBY

THANK YOU!
Thank you for choosin Humminbird®, the #1 name in marine electronics. Humminbird has built its reputation by desi nin and
manufacturin top-quality, thorou hly reliable marine equipment. Your Humminbird is desi ned 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 encoura e you to read this manual carefully in order to et full benefit
from all the features and applications of your Humminbird product.
Contact Humminbird Customer Service at 1-800-633-1468 or visit our Web site at humminbird.com.
WARNING! This Humminbird system should be installed by a
Certified Marine Electronics Technician (CMET) or an authorized
Marine Electronics Installer (MEI). See NMEA.or for details.
Incorrect installation may affect the system's performance, which
affects the safety of the vessel and its passen ers. If you have
questions about the installation, contact Customer Service.
WARNING! This device should not be used as a navi ational aid to
prevent collision, roundin , boat dama e, or personal injury. When
the boat is movin , water depth may chan e too quickly to allow
time for you to react. Always operate the boat at very slow speeds
if you suspect shallow water or submer ed objects.
WARNING! The electronic chart in your Humminbird unit is an aid
to navi ation desi ned to facilitate the use of authorized
overnment charts, not to replace them. Only official overnment
charts and notices to mariners contain all of the current
information needed for the safety of navi ation, and the captain is
responsible for their prudent use.
WARNING! Compass Safe Distance: The control head must
be installed at least 4 feet (1.2 m) from a compass or other
ma netic equipment on the vessel. See your compass
installation uide for more information.
WARNING! This device is ranted for use in Mobile only
confi urations in which the antennas used for this transmitter
must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least
8 inches (20 cm) from all person and not be co-located with any
other transmitters except in accordance with FCC and Industry
Canada multi-transmitter product procedures.
WARNING! Humminbird is not responsible for the loss of data files
(waypoints, routes, tracks, roups, recordin s, etc.) that may occur
due to direct or indirect dama e 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 restorin the unit’s
defaults or updatin the software. See your Humminbird online
account at humminbird.com and the operations manual on your
Humminbird Manual CD 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 ori inal
equipment or accessories by unauthorized individuals will void the
warranty.
WARNING! This product contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and/or reproductive harm.
WARNING! Do not travel at hi h speed with the unit cover installed.
Remove the unit cover before travelin at speeds above 20 mph.
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 or any additional equipment for
your control head confi uration, o to humminbird.com or
contact Customer Service at 1-800-633-1468.
NOTE: The procedures and features described in this manual are
subject to chan e without notice. This manual was written in
En lish and may have been translated to another lan ua e.
Humminbird is not responsible for incorrect translations or
discrepancies between documents.

Environmenta Comp iance Statement: It is the intention of Johnson
Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. to be a responsible corporate citizen,
operatin in compliance with known and applicable environmental
re ulations, and a ood nei hbor 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 mana ement of waste from their products to achieve
environmentally responsible disposal durin 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 desi ned 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 recyclin and recovery of waste EEE.
Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. will mark all EEE
products in accordance with the WEEE Directive. It is our oal 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 recyclin 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 desi ned 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.
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 desi ned
to meet country and re ional re ulations. Lan ua es, maps, time
zones, units of measurement, and warranty are examples of
features that are customized for Humminbird international units
purchased throu h our authorized international distributors.
To obtain a list of authorized international distributors, please visit
our Web site at humminbird.com or contact Customer Service at
[phone].
360 Imag ng™, Cross Touch™, Humm nb rd®, -P lot®, and ION™ are trademarked by or reg stered trademarks of Johnson Outdoors Mar ne Electron cs, Inc.
Adobe, Acrobat, Adobe PDF, and Reader are e ther reg stered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated n the Un ted States and/or other countr es.
Nav on cs® Gold and Nav on cs® Class c Charts are trademarked by or reg stered trademarks of Nav on cs®.
C-MAP® by Jeppesen s a reg stered trademark of Jeppesen Mar ne, Inc.
NMEA 2000® s a reg stered trademark of the Nat onal Mar ne Electron cs Assoc at on.
© 2013 Johnson Outdoors Mar ne Electron cs, Inc. All r ghts reserved.

INTRODUCTION
This manual will uide you throu h the followin installation requirements:
•Installin the Control Head
•Connectin Cables to the Control Head
•Connectin the Control Head to Power
•Powerin On the Control Head
•Confi urin the Control Head and Basic System Setup
PREPARATION
Before you start the installation, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the parts
list and supplies lists. We also encoura e you to read the instructions beforehand so that you
may understand the installation requirements.
NOTE: Product supplies and features are subject to chan e without notice.
Parts
Your ION includes the followin items:
ION control head with cover
in-dash mountin template
in-dash mountin hardware
(1) rubber asket
(4) nuts
(4) flat washers
(4) split rin lock washers
(4) threaded rods
(4) L-brackets
power cable
serial adapter cable (used with optional-purchase accessories)
Suppl es
In addition to the parts supplied with your installation kit, you will need the followin items:
•reciprocatin saw
•socket wrench
•thread locker (medium stren th, removable)
•maskin tape
•safety lasses
•dust mask
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1
Introduction

2
INSTALL THE CONTROL HEAD
U e the in truction in the following ection to in-da h mount the control head on your boat.
1|Determine the Mounting Location
Start by locating a uitable, flat area of the da hboard for mounting. Con ider the following to find the be t mounting location:
Compass Safe Distance The control head mu t be in talled at lea t 4 feet (1.2 m) from a compa or other magnetic equipment on
the ve el. See your compa in tallation guide for more information.
Interference The mounting location mu t provide adequate di tance from electric motor or any equipment that may
cau e electronic interference.
Stability The mounting area hould be protected from wave , hock, vibration, and water.
Visibility The operator mu t have a clear view of the creen during operation. Review the vi ibility in relation to other
da hboard equipment, un, and the operator’ main teering po ition.
Cover See the In-Da h Mounting Template included with your control head to allow pace for the cover.
Depth The mounting area hould have a depth of 6 inche (152.4 mm) to allow pace for the control head and
cable .
Ventilation The area beneath the mounting urface hould be well-ventilated.
Accessibility The location hould be ea ily acce ible for all cable to reach the port on the back of the control head.
NOTE: If a cable is too short for your application, extension cables are available For assistance, contact
Customer Service at humminbird.com or call 1-8 -633-1468
2|Install the Control Head
1. Confirm you have the correct In-Da h Mounting Template for your control head.
2. Read the in truction on the template before proceeding with the in tallation.
3. Tape the template to the cho en mounting location.
4. Drill the four mounting hole location u ing a 3/16” (4.5 mm approximately) drill bit.
5. At a location in ide the dotted line on the template, drill a 3/8” (9.5 mm) diameter
aw blade entry hole. Carefully begin cutting toward the dotted line, then continue
cutting along the inside of the dotted line around the template.
WARNING! The corner cut lines are critical to the installation Carefully cut along the
inside of the line
6. Te t the fit of the control head in the mounting hole and make adju tment to the
mounting hole, if needed. Remove the control head and the template when fini hed.
7. Peel the adhe ive from the rubber ga ket. With the adhe ive ide down, align the
ga ket’ crew hole with the hole on the control head. Gently pre the ga ket
around the perimeter of the control head to a ure it adhere .
Attaching the Rubber Gasket
Align the holes on the rubber gasket
with the holes on the control head.
In-Dash Mount
Install the Control Head

3
8. Insert and hand-ti hten the four threaded rods into the threaded inserts located on the back of the control head.
9. Carefully slide the control head into the mountin hole and ali n the threaded rods with the drilled holes in the dashboard.
CAUTION! Do not force the control head into the mountin hole. If there is difficulty with the installation, check the drilled holes.
10. Place the hardware onto each threaded rod in the followin order: L-bracket, flat washer, split rin lock washer, and nut (see the
illustration Mo nting the Control Head).
11. Usin a socket wrench, ti hten each nut so that the split rin washer flattens. You can also apply thread locker (medium stren th,
removable) to secure the installation.
CAUTION! The washers must be fully compressed for a secure installation.
Mounting the Contro Head
underside view of he dashboard
con rol head rim
wi h rubber gaske
a ached
L-bracke
hreaded rod
fla washer
nu
spli ring
lock washer
Install th Control H ad

4
INSTALL ACCESSORIES
If you have purchased additional accessories for your control head confi uration, see the
installation uide provided with each accessory for installation instructions. See the Network
Config ration illustration for an example of possible network connections.
Ethernet: Your unit has a built-in ethernet connector so that you can network advanced
accessories and multiple Humminbird units. The Ethernet cable requires a separate purchase.
See the Ethernet Installation Guide for details.
Sonar: You can enable sonar on your ION control head by installin a black box sonar. See
humminbird.com to purchase a black box sonar, transducer(s), and additional equipment. See
the control head operations manual to set up transducers on the control head.
Adapter Cables: Your installation may require adapter cables to connect accessories to the
control head. One serial adapter cable is included with your unit (see Preparation: Parts).
Additional cables require a separate purchase.
NOTE: To review the latest compatible accessories for your control head, and to purchase
cables or other equipment, o to humminbird.com or contact Customer Service at
1-800-633-1468.
NOTE: To view more examples of network confi urations, visit our Web site at humminbird.com.
Power
GPS
USB
Alarm
Wireless
Video Out
Audio
Ethernet
NMEA 2000
NMEA 0183 (1-2)
RS-232
WiFi Antenna
AS 360
Gigabit Ethernet Switch
Radar
Stereo
TV
Engine Monitor
AIS
Compass
Power
GPS
USB DeviceHorn
Network Configuration
Insta Accessories
Install Acc ssori s

5
ROUTE AND CONNECT THE CABLES
Use the procedures i the followi g sectio to route a d co ect all cables to the co trol
head.
CAUTION Do NOT moun he cables where he connec ors could be submerged in
wa er or flooded. If cables are ins alled in a splash-prone area, i may be helpful o
apply dielec ric grease o he inside of he connec ors o preven corrosion. Dielec ric
grease can be purchased separa ely from a general hardware or au omo ive s ore.
NOTE: If a cable is oo shor for your applica ion, ex ension cables are available. For
assis ance, con ac Cus omer Service a humminbird.com or call 1-800-633-1468.
1. Route the accessory cables to the co trol head.
2. Co ect the cable co ectors to the appropriate ports o the co trol head. The ports are
labeled, a d the co ectors are keyed to preve t i correct i stallatio .
3. Ha d-tighte the screw ut o each cable to secure the co ectio . A y u used ports
should be covered with the port covers to preve t pote tial damage.
4. Apply labels to the cables (optio al). Use ylo cable ties ( ot i cluded) to secure the
cables a d create a clea assembly.
NOTE: If here is excess cable ha needs o be ga hered a one loca ion (as shown
in he illus ra ion), dress he cable rou ed from bo h direc ions so ha a single loop
is lef ex ending from he s orage loca ion. Doubling he cable up from his poin ,
form he cable in o a coil. S oring excess cable using his me hod can reduce
elec ronic in erference.
dashboard
(partial view)
Routing the Cables to the Control Head
Connecting the Cable
screw nut
Storing Excess Cable
Routing the Cables
cable label
(optional)
port cover
screw nut
Securing the Cables
(magnified view)
route cables
to control head
Ro te and Connect the Cables

6
CONNECT THE CONTROL HEAD POWER CABLE
A 6 ft (2 m) power cable is included to connect power to the control head. You may shorten
or len then the cable usin 18 au e multi-stranded copper wire.
CAUTION! Some boats have a 36 Volt electric system, but the control head MUST be
connected to either a 12 VDC or 24 VDC power supply.
WARNING! Humminbird is not responsible for over-volta e or over-current failures.
The control head must have adequate protection throu h the proper selection
and installation of a 5 Amp fuse (recommended fuse type: slow-blow, time-delay, or
time-la ).
Connect to Power
The power cable can be connected to a fuse panel (usually located near the console) or to
a battery switch.
1. Make sure that the power cable is disconnected from the control head.
Fuse Terminal Connection
2a. Use crimp-on type electrical connectors (not included) that match the terminal on
the fuse panel. Attach the black wire to round (–), and the red wire to positive (+)
12 VDC or 24 VDC power. Install a 5 Amp fuse (not included) for protection of the unit.
OR
Battery Switch Connection
2b. Install the battery switch (not included) usin the instructions provided with it. You
will also need to install an inline fuse holder and a 5 Amp fuse (not included) for
protection of the unit. Attach the black wire to (–) round, and the red wire to (+)
12 VDC or 24 VDC power.
NOTE: In order to minimize the potential for interference with other marine
electronics, a separate power source (such as a second battery) may be
necessary.
3. Route the power cable to the control head, and insert the connector into the POWER
port. The ports are labeled, and the connectors are keyed to prevent incorrect
installation. Hand-ti hten the screw nut to secure the cable connection.
Proceed to the section Power On the Control Head.
Connecting the Power Cab e
Battery Switch Connection
Fuse Termina Connection
Power
Cab e
Fuse Termina or
Battery Switch
Black Wire (–) Ground
Red Wire (+) 12 or 24 VDC
Connecting the Power Cab e
to the Power Port
(magnified view)
cable label
(op ional)
por cover
screw nu
Conn ct th Control H ad Pow r Cabl

7
POWER ON THE CONTROL HEAD
Use he procedures in his sec ion o power on and power off he con rol head.
Power On
1. Press and hold he POWER key .
Firs Power On: On he firs power on af er ins alla ion, he
Welcome Menu displays on he screen.
2a. Selec S ar Normal Mode.
2b. In erna ional Uni s only: Selec Language o selec he language
displayed on he con rol head.
3. Selec ing S ar Normal Mode launches he Se up Guide. Proceed
o he sec ion Setup Guide for ins ruc ions.
Cross Touch: The Cross Touch fea ure allows you o use he ouch screen
or press he con rol head keys o selec menus and s ar ac ions on he
con rol head. See he Quick S ar Guide for more informa ion.
Power Off
1. Press and hold he POWER key .
SETUP GUIDE
The Se up Guide is a firs ime se up ool o help you configure basic sys em preferences, such as he map source and uni s
of measuremen . The following sec ions provide basic ins ruc ions for each s ep of he Se up Guide.
See he Quick S ar Guide and your con rol head opera ions manual for more informa ion abou he menu sys em.
NOTE: All se ings are au oma ically saved.
NOTE: The Se up Guide se ings can be changed a any ime. See each menu op ion in he menu sys em for de ails. See
your con rol head opera ions manual for more informa ion.
First-Time Setup |Begin Manual Setup
1. Selec Begin Manual Se up o manually selec he se ings.
Selec ing Begin Manual Se up will au oma ically open he firs
menu dialog box.
Welcome Menu
OR
tap to select select open
+
currently selected menu optionmenu name
Power On the Control Head - Setup Guide