Humminbird MEGA 360 IMAGING Series User manual

1
MEGA 360 IMAGING
INSTALLATION GUIDE
532684-1_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 by visiting our Web site at humminbird.com
or by calling 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! 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.
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 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.
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.
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].
360 Imaging®, Fortrex™, HELIX®, Humminbird®, Maxxum®, MEGA 360 Imaging™,
Minn Kota®, SOLIX®, Ultrex™, and X-Press™ Menu are trademarked by or registered
trademarks of Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
© 2019 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 Trolling Motor Bracket 8
1. Prepare for Installation ................................................................ 8
2. Install the Trolling Motor Bracket..................................................... 9
A. Ultrex Trolling Motor Mount (MEGA 360 Ultrex) ................................. 9
B. Fortrex/Maxxum Trolling Motor Mount (MEGA 360 Fortrex).................... 19
3. Route the Cables and Connect Power............................................... 25
Set Up the Control Head 28
1. Confirm Connections ................................................................. 28
2. Set Up the Transducer................................................................ 30
3. Test MEGA 360 Imaging on the Control Head ...................................... 31
4. Add Offset Features to the MEGA 360 Imaging Display (optional) ................ 33
5. Set Up the Network .................................................................. 34
Power Off 35
Maintenance 36
Control Head Maintenance ............................................................. 36
Transducer Maintenance ............................................................... 37
MEGA 360 Imaging Maintenance...................................................... 37
Table of Contents

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Troubleshooting 38
Fishing System Doesn’t Power Up ..................................................... 38
Fishing System Defaults to Simulator with a Transducer Attached .................. 39
Finding the Cause of Noise ............................................................. 40
Specifications 41
Contact Humminbird 44
Table of Contents

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1Introduction
Introduction
This manual will guide you through the following installation requirements for the
MEGA 360 Imaging transducer:
• Installing the Trolling Motor Bracket
• Connecting to the Control Head and Power
• Testing the Installation
• Powering Off
Before proceeding with this installation, the Humminbird control head
and Minn Kota trolling motor should be installed. The MEGA 360
Imaging transducer can be connected directly to the control head or to
a Humminbird Ethernet Switch (optional) for networking.
Compatibility
Control Heads: MEGA 360 Imaging is compatible with SOLIX Series and HELIX
Series fish finders equipped with MEGA Imaging+ and can be mounted on
Minn Kota Ultrex, Fortrex, and Maxxum bow-mount trolling motors.
MEGA 360 Imaging Minn Kota Trolling Motor Humminbird Fish Finder
MEGA 360 Ultrex Minn Kota Ultrex
SOLIX Series: SOLIX G2 models
HELIX Series: HELIX MEGA
Imaging+ G3N models
MEGA 360 Fortrex
Minn Kota Fortrex
Minn Kota Maxxum
SOLIX Series: SOLIX G2 models
HELIX Series: HELIX MEGA
Imaging+ G3N models
NOTE: You must have a GPS heading sensor (compass) installed in order to use the
MEGA 360 Imaging navigation features.

2Introduction
NOTE: MEGA 360 Imaging can be shared with all SOLIX, HELIX G3N, and HELIX 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
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’ 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)
SOLIX Dual Spectrum
SOLIX MDI+
SOLIX MDI+/MSI+
Built-in MEGA Imaging*
*If this cable is being used with a HELIX G3N 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 (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:
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Allen wrench
• Hex socket wrench or nut driver
• Cable ties for cable routing
• 1 Amp fuse
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 Install the
Trolling Motor Bracket, Section 3: 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
• SOLIX G2 Series: 3.520 or higher
• HELIX G3N Series: 2.130 or higher
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.
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. Insert the SD or microSD card (with the software file) into the control head
card slot.
7. Power on your Humminbird control head. Start Normal mode.
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. Insert the SD or microSD card (with the software file) into the control head
card slot.
5. Power on your Humminbird control head. Start Normal mode.
6. The software will be updated automatically. 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 or higher
for HELIX Series or 3.110 or higher for 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 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.

8Trolling Motor Bracket
Install the Trolling Motor Bracket
Use the following instructions to install the MEGA 360 Imaging transducer on your
Minn Kota trolling motor. It is important to read the instructions completely and
understand the mounting guidelines before you start the installation.
1. Prepare for Installation
1. Disconnect the motor from all sources of electrical power.
2. Test run the transducer cable from the chosen mounting location on the trolling
motor to the control head. Test run the power cable from the chosen mounting
location on the trolling motor to the main switch or fuse panel.
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 with the trolling motor when it is deployed and
retracted, so it is important to allow enough length for movement.
3. With the trolling motor deployed, the transducer pod has the following
installation requirements:
• The transducer pod should not have anything obstructing the ‘view’ of the
rotating beams (besides the trolling motor and shaft). If possible, move
anything to the sides and below the pod that might obstruct the sight line
of the rotating beams.
• The pod must be mounted at least 1" (25.4 mm) off the tip of the propeller.
• MEGA 360 Ultrex: The pod should be submerged 6" (152.4 mm) below the
waterline. The height may be adjusted, however, the pod must be mounted
1" (25.4 mm) off the tip of the propeller.

9Trolling Motor Bracket
2. Install the Trolling Motor Bracket
Proceed to the installation section of the type of trolling motor bracket you
purchased:
A. Ultrex Trolling Motor Mount (MEGA 360 Ultrex)
OR
B. Fortrex/Maxxum Trolling Motor Mount (MEGA 360 Fortrex)
A. Ultrex Trolling Motor Mount (MEGA 360 Ultrex)
WARNING! Disconnect the motor from all sources of electrical power before you
start installation.
WARNING! Confirm that the trolling motor is properly secured to the boat and will
not shift during the installation.
Assemble the Bracket
1. The trolling motor should be in the fully retracted (flat) position on the boat
deck for this installation.
2. Disconnect the motor from all sources of electrical power.
3. In addition to the requirements listed in the Prepare for Installation section,
determine if the bracket will be installed on the left or right side of the
trolling motor, so the transducer pod is mounted outboard of the trolling
motor and on the centerline of the boat. Determine the mount position from
the bow, facing the (forward) direction of travel.
If the trolling motor deploys starboard side (right) on the bow, you will
mount the bracket on the left side of the trolling motor. Position the bracket
so the straight edge faces to the left as shown in the illustration.

10Trolling Motor Bracket
round edge
on the right
pod route
straight edge
on the left
Positioning the Bracket for Installation
on the Left Side of Trolling Motor
If the trolling motor deploys port side (left) on the bow, you will mount the
bracket on the right side of the trolling motor. Position the bracket so the
straight edge faces to the right as shown in the illustration.
round edge
on the left
pod route
straight edge
on the right
Positioning the Bracket for Installation
on the Right Side of Trolling Motor
4. Install the (3) 1/4-20 x 1" screws into the threaded holes on the bracket as
shown in the illustration. Do not fully tighten.
1" screw
(1/4 - 20 x 1")
bracket
(straight edge on the left)
Installing the Screws onto the Bracket

11 Trolling Motor Bracket
5. Align the center hole of the plate over the left screw (left side installation)
or right screw (right side installation).
6. Lower the plate onto the screw head, and slide the screw into the plate slot.
Slide the other two screws into the outside slots on the plate. If the plate
does not slide easily into place, flip it over.
bracket
plate
slide the plate into place
and hand-tighten screws
Securing the Plate and Bracket
7. Hand-tighten the screws using a 1/4" nut driver or socket wrench. Hand-
tighten only!

12Trolling Motor Bracket
Install the Bracket
As determined in the Assemble the Bracket section, the bracket can be mounted
on the left or right side of the trolling motor.
1. Align the plate below the BowGuard. Line up the holes on the plate with the
threaded holes on the BowGuard.
2. Install the (4) 5/16-18 x 1" screws through the plate and into the BowGuard.
Hand-tighten using a 5/16 nut driver until secure (see the illustration
Installing the Bracket). Hand-tighten only!
BowGuard
plate
1” screw
(5/16 - 18 x 1”)
Installing the Bracket

13 Trolling Motor Bracket
3. Route the cables and pod shaft up through the trolling motor bracket.
4. Use an Allen wrench (not included) to install the (2) 10-32 x 9/16" socket
bolts on the bracket where the pod shaft is installed.
5. Tighten the bolts so the pod shaft is fully secure and won’t drop when it is
deployed in the next step. Hand-tighten only!
bracket
pod shaft
socket bolt holes
Routing the Cables and Pod Shaft

14Trolling Motor Bracket
Adjust the Pod Height
1. Deploy the Trolling Motor.
2. Loosen the socket bolts on the bracket where the pod shaft is installed. Adjust
the pod shaft up or down, so it meets the following height requirements:
• The pod must be mounted approximately 6" (152.4 mm) below the
waterline.
• The pod must be mounted at least 1" (25.4 mm) off the tip of the propeller.
• The pod shaft needs to protrude at least 1" to 2" (25.4 mm to 50.8 mm)
above the bracket when it is installed.