531534-1_A - PMAX 220 Manual.qxp

8/17/2006

7:25 AM

Page 1

Thank You!

531534-1_A

What You See On the Display
The PiranhaMax displays underwater information in an easy-to-understand format. The top of the display corresponds to the water surface at the transducer, and the bottom of the display corresponds to the Depth Range automatically selected for the current water depth. The Bottom Contour varies as the depth under the boat changes. Digital readouts provide precise information for depth, fish and water temperature.
(Setting Not Saved in Memory) Press the POWER-MENU key until LIGHT appears. Use the backlight for night fishing. Select either 0 (Off), or 1 through 5 to activate the backlight at the desired level. (0 to 5, Default = 0)
NOTE: Continuous backlight operation will significantly decrease the battery life for PiranhaMax Portables.

Contrast (SetUp Menu)

(Setting Saved in Memory) Make sure that the SetUp menu is selected, then press the POWER-MENU key until CONTRAST appears. Select a setting from 1 through 5. (1 to 5, Default = 3) Scroll through all SetUp menu choices to exit the SetUp menu.

Maintenance

Your PiranhaMax is designed to provide years of trouble-free operation with virtually no maintenance. Follow these simple procedures to ensure your PiranhaMax continues to deliver top performance. If the unit comes into contact with salt spray, wipe the affected surfaces with a cloth dampened in fresh water. Do not use a chemical glass cleaner on the lens - this may cause cracking in the lens. When cleaning the LCD protective lens, use a chamois and non-abrasive, mild cleaner. Do not wipe while dirt or grease is on the lens. Be careful to avoid scratching the lens. If your boat remains in the water for long periods of time, marine growth can reduce the effectiveness of the transducer. Periodically clean the face of the transducer with liquid detergent. If your boat 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.
83 kHz Wide beam, Fish ID+TM On 455 kHz Left and right beam, Fish ID+TM On
Thank you for choosing Humminbird, America's #1 name in fishfinders. Humminbird has built its reputation by designing and manufacturing topquality,thoroughly reliable marine equipment. Your Humminbird 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-free of charge during the first year after purchase,and available at a reasonable rate after the one-year period. For complete details, see the separate warranty card included with your unit. 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 our Customer Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468 or visit our website at www.humminbird.com. The PiranhaMax comes in four models: PiranhaMax210 - Single Beam, 255 V x 160 H Display PiranhaMax215 - Dual Beam, 255 V x 160 H Display PiranhaMax220 - Dual Beam, 255 V x 160 H Display PiranhaMax240 - Tri Beam, 255 V x 160 H Display.
5. The unit comes on before I press the POWER-MENU key, and wont turn off.
Check the transducer cable if the outer jacket of the cable has been cut and the cable is in contact with bare metal, you will need to repair the cut with electrical tape. If there is no problem with the cable, disconnect the transducer from the unit and see if the problem is corrected, to confirm the source of the problem.

PMAX210 (Single Beam) and PMAX215/220 (Dual Beam) Display

Fish ID+TM (SetUp Menu)

(Setting Saved in Memory) Make sure that the SetUp menu is selected, then press the POWER-MENU key until FISH ID+TM appears. Select either Off to view raw sonar returns or On to view Fish symbols. Fish ID+TM uses advanced signal processing to interpret sonar returns, and will display a Fish Symbol when very selective requirements are met. A select number of possible fish returns will be displayed with their associated depth. (On, Off, Default = On) Scroll through all SetUp menu choices to exit the SetUp menu. Dual Beam Single Beam
Raw Sonar, Fish ID+TM Off Raw Sonar, Fish ID+TM Off Raw Sonar, Fish ID+TM Off 200 kHz Narrow beam, Fish ID+TM On 200 kHz Narrow beam, Fish ID+TM On 200 kHz Narrow beam, Fish ID+TM On
6. I get gaps in the reading at high speeds.
Your transducer needs adjusting. If the transducer is transom-mounted, there are two adjustments available to you: height, and running angle. Make small adjustments and run the boat at high speeds to determine the effect. It may take several tries to optimize high-speed operation. This can also be a result of air or turbulence in the transducer location caused by rivets, ribs, etc.

Sensitivity

(Setting Saved in Memory) Press the POWER-MENU key until SENSITIVITY appears. Sensitivity controls how much detail is shown on the display. Increasing the sensitivity shows more sonar returns from small baitfish and suspended debris in the water; however, the display may become too cluttered. When operating in very clear water or greater depths, increased sensitivity shows weaker returns that may be of interest. Decreasing the sensitivity eliminates the clutter from the display that is sometimes present in murky or muddy water. If Sensitivity is adjusted too low, the display may not show many sonar returns that could be fish. (0 10, Default = 5)
7. My unit loses power at high speeds.
Your PiranhaMax has over-voltage protection that turns the unit off when input voltage exceeds 20 VDC. Some outboard motors do not effectively regulate the power output of the engines alternator and can produce voltage in excess of 20 Volts when running at high RPMs.
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. CAUTION: Do not handle the bottom of the transducer while it is transmitting sonar. Prolonged contact with the transducer element can cause physical discomfort or minor tissue damage. 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. Handling and/or opening this unit may result in exposure to lead, in the form of solder. WARNING! This product contains lead, a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm.

* Units with 83 kHz Dual Beam sonar show targets in the wide beam as hollow fish icons. 1 - Water Surface Line 2 - Depth - Measured at the Transducer 3 - Temperature 4 - Upper Range 5 - Surface Clutter 6 - Structure 7 - Bottom Contour 8 - Lower Range

Depth Range

(Setting Not Saved in Memory) Press the POWER-MENU key until DEPTH RANGE appears. Automatic is the default setting. When in automatic, the lower range will be adjusted by the unit to follow the bottom. (Auto, 15 to 600 ft [PiranhaMax210 and 215], 15 to 800 ft [PiranhaMax220 and 240], Default = Auto)
NOTE: In manual operation, if the depth is greater than the depth range setting, the bottom will not be visible on the display. Select AUTO to return to automatic operation.
Never leave the unit in a closed car or trunkthe extremely high temperatures generated in hot weather can damage the electronics.
8. The display begins to fade out. Images are not as sharp as normal.
Check the input voltage. The PiranhaMax will not operate on input voltages below 10 VDC.

Troubleshooting

Do not attempt to repair the PiranhaMax yourself. There are no user-serviceable parts inside, and special tools and techniques are required for assembly to ensure the waterproof integrity of the housing. Repairs should be performed only by authorized Humminbird technicians. Many requests for repair received by Humminbird involve units that do not actually need repair. These units are returned no problem found. If you have a problem with your PiranhaMax, use the following troubleshooting guide before calling the Customer Resource Center or sending your unit in for repair.

Tri Beam

9 - 83 kHz, Wide Beam Hollow Fish Symbol (Dual Beam Units only)* 10 - 200 kHz, Narrow Beam Shaded Fish Symbol 11 - 455 kHz, Right Beam Fish Symbol (Tri Beam Unit only)** 12 - 455 kHz, Left Beam Fish Symbol (Tri Beam Unit only)**
9. The display shows many black dots at high speeds and high sensitivity settings.
You are seeing noise or interference caused by one of several sources. Noise can be caused by electronic devices. Turn off any nearby electronics and see if the problem goes away. Noise can also be caused by the engine. If engine noise is causing the interference, the problem will intensify at higher RPMs. Increase the engine speed with the boat stationary to isolate this cause. Propeller cavitation can also appear as noise on the display. If the transducer is mounted too close to the propeller, the turbulence generated can interfere with the sonar signal. Make sure that the transducer is mounted at least 15" (380 mm) from the propeller.

NOTE: Returns from the 200 kHz narrow beam are shown with shaded fish symbols while the 83 kHz wide beam (and 455 kHz beam) returns are displayed with hollow fish symbols. NOTE: Hollow fish symbols are not available on 200 kHz Single Beam sonar units.
(Setting Not Saved in Memory) Press the POWER-MENU key until ZOOM appears. Select Auto to magnify the area around the bottom in order to reveal fish and structure close to the bottom that may not be visible during normal operation. When ZOOM is set to Auto, the upper and lower Depth Ranges are automatically adjusted to keep the area above and below the bottom on the display. Select Off to return to normal operation. (Off, Auto, Manual Ranges, Default = Off)
PMAX240 (Tri Beam) Display

Bottom View (SetUp Menu)

(Setting Saved in Memory) Make sure that the SetUp menu is selected, then press the POWER-MENU key until BOTTOM VIEW appears. Bottom View selects the method used to represent the bottom and structure on the display. (Structure ID, Black, WhiteLine, Inverse, Default = Inverse) Scroll through all SetUp menu choices to exit the SetUp menu. Structure ID represents weak returns as light pixels and strong returns as dark pixels. This has the benefit of ensuring that strong returns will be clearly visible on the display.
1. Nothing happens when I turn the unit on.
Check the power cable connection at both ends. Be sure the cable is connected correctly to a reliable power source red lead to positive, black lead to negative or ground. Ensure the power available is between 10 and 20 VDC. If the unit is wired through a fuse panel, ensure the panel is powered. Often accessory fuse panels are controlled by a separate switch or the ignition switch. Also, often a fuse can appear to be good when it is not. Check the fuse with a tester or replace it with a fuse known to be good. Check the power connection to the PiranhaMax. It is possible to force the power cable connector into the cable holder incorrectly. If the connector is reversed, the unit will not work. Examine the contacts on the back of the unit to ensure there is no corrosion.
POLICY ON ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE: It is the intention of Humminbird to be a good corporate citizen and comply and meet all known and applicable environmental regulations in the areas and countries where our products are sold. We will promote and implement environmentally sound processes in support of national and international regulations. 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. WEEE 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 2002/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 2003 on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 STATEMENT: Lead in cable jackets and boots is restricted to 300 parts per million or less as determined by ICP-AES test methods.

International Purchases

A separate warranty is provided by international distributors for units purchased outside the United States. This warranty is included by your local distributor and this distributor maintains local service for your unit. Warranties are only valid in the area of intended distribution. Units purchased in the United States or Canada must be returned to our factory in the United States for service.
Upper Zoom Range Structure
* Units with 455 kHz Tri Beam sonar show targets in the left beam as left-looking fish symbols, and targets in the right beam as right-looking fish symbols.
Magnified Bottom with More Detail Lower Zoom Range

Contact Humminbird

Your Humminbird accessory is designed for trouble-free operation and is backed by a one year warranty. If you have any questions, contact our
Humminbird Customer Resource Center: By Telephone (Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Standard Time): 1-800-633-1468 By e-mail (typically we respond to your e-mail within three business days): custserv@johnsonoutdoors.com For direct shipping, our address is: Humminbird Service Department 678 Humminbird Lane Eufaula, AL 36027 USA
PiranhaMax Sonar Technology
The PiranhaMax is the easiest to use fishfinder ever. For most anglers, all youll ever need to do is power on and fish! The PiranhaMax automatically determines depth and makes adjustments to keep the bottom and fish visible on the display. The PiranhaMax uses sonar technology to send sound waves from the transducer into the water. The returned echoes are plotted on the display, creating a very accurate picture of the underwater world, including distance to underwater objects such as the bottom, fish and structure.
As the boat moves, terrain and bottom composition variations are displayed. Fish, baitfish and thermoclines (underwater temperature changes) are displayed when detected. Underwater conditions vary greatly, so some experience and interpretation is needed to realize all the benefits of the PiranhaMax use the picture above as a guide to the most common conditions and practice using your PiranhaMax over known bottom types.

2. There is no transducer detected.
Black (Bottom Black) displays all pixels below the bottom contour as black, regardless of signal strength. This has the benefit of providing a high contrast between the bottom and other sonar returns on the display. The PiranhaMax has the ability to detect and identify that a transducer is connected. When powering on, if a message indicates transducer not connected, make sure that an appropriate transducer connector is plugged into the unit. In addition, inspect the transducer cable from end to end for breaks, kinks, or cuts in the outer casing of the cable. Also make sure that the transducer is fully submerged in water. If the transducer is connected to the unit through a switch, temporarily connect it directly to the unit and try again. If none of these actions identifies an obvious problem, the transducer itself is probably at fault. Be sure to include the transducer if returning the unit for repair.
There is also a series of manual ranges which can be selected. The manual depth ranges are determined by the present depth conditions.

Chart Speed

(Setting Saved in Memory) Press the POWER-MENU key until CHART SPEED appears. Select a setting from 1-5 to increase or decrease the chart speed, where 1 is the slowest and 5 is the fastest chart speed. Chart speed determines the speed at which the sonar information moves across the display, and consequently the amount of detail shown. A faster speed shows more information and is preferred by most anglers; however, the sonar information moves across the display quickly. A slower speed keeps the information on the display longer, but the bottom and fish details become compressed and may be difficult to interpret. (1 to 5, Default = 5)

Powering ON and OFF

Press and release the POWER-MENU key to power the PiranhaMax on. Press and hold the POWER-MENU key until the unit shuts down to power off. When the PiranhaMax powers on, the Start-Up menu temporarily appears. From this menu, select either StartUp, Simulator, or SetUp. Use Start-Up for on the water use. Use Simulator for learning how to use the system with simulated sonar data; access Simulator by pressing the Right Arrow Key once. Use SetUp to display additional set-up menu choices; access SetUp by pressing the Right Arrow Key twice (See SetUp Menu for more information).

WhiteLine highlights the strongest sonar returns in white resulting in a distinctive outline. This has the benefit of clearly defining the bottom on the display.
3. There is no bottom reading visible on the display.
If the loss of bottom information occurs only at high boat speeds, the transducer needs adjusting see your Piranha Installation Guide for details. Also, in very deep water, it may be necessary to increase the sensitivity setting manually to maintain a graphic depiction of the bottom. If you are using a transducer switch to connect two transducers to the PiranhaMax, make sure that the switch is in the correct position to connect a transducer that is in the water. (If a trolling motor transducer is selected and the trolling motor is out of the water, no sonar information appears.) If none of these actions solves the problem, inspect the transducer cable from end to end for breaks, kinks, or cuts in the outer casing of the cable. If the transducer is connected to the unit through a switch, temporarily connect it directly to the unit and try again. If none of these actions identifies an obvious problem, the transducer itself may be at fault. Be sure to include the transducer if returning the unit for repair.

Fish Alarm

(Setting Saved in Memory) Press the POWER-MENU key until FISH ALARM appears. Select Off for no fish alarm, or one of the following symbols to set the alarm. An alarm will sound when the PiranhaMax detects fish that correspond to the alarm setting. Fish Alarm will only sound if Fish ID+ is also set to On. Large fish only Large/Medium fish only All fish (Off, Large, Large/Medium, All, Default = Off) Inverse is a method where weak returns are shown with dark pixels and strong returns with lighter pixels. This has the benefit of ensuring that weak signals will be clearly visible on the display.
4. When in very shallow water, I get gaps in the bottom reading and inconsistent digital depth indication.
The PiranhaMax will work reliably in water 3 feet (90 cm) or deeper. Remember that the depth is measured from the transducer, not from the surface of the water.

Depth Alarm

Your PiranhaMax will have Single, Dual or Tri Beam sonar. Find the correct sonar description that applies to your unit.
Display LEFT Arrow Key POWER/MENU Key RIGHT Arrow Key
Battery Alarm (SetUp Menu)
(Setting Saved in Memory) Make sure that the SetUp menu is selected, then press the POWER-MENU key until BATTERY ALARM appears. Select Off or 8.5 to 13.5 Volts. Battery Alarm sounds when the input battery voltage is equal to or less than the menu setting. (Off, 8.5 to 13.5 Volts, Default = Off) Scroll through all SetUp menu choices to exit the SetUp menu.
(Setting Not Saved in Memory) Press the POWER-MENU key until DEPTH ALARM appears. Select OFF for no Depth Alarm, or select 3 to 99 feet to set the alarm depth. An audible alarm sounds when the depth is equal to or less than the setting. (Off, 3 to 99 feet, Default = Off)

Single Beam Sonar

Your PiranhaMax210 uses a 200 kHz single beam sonar system with a 20 area of coverage. Boat speed, wave action, bottom hardness, water conditions and transducer installation can all affect depth capability.

Filter

(Setting Saved in Memory) Press the POWER-MENU key until FILTER appears. Select either Off or On. Filter adjusts the sonar filter to limit interference on the display from sources such as your boat engine, turbulence, or other sonar devices. (On, Off, Default = Off)
S P E C I F I C A T I O N S
Depth Capability. 600 ft (185 m) (PMAX210 and 215). 800 ft (250 m) (PMAX220 and 240) Power Output. 100 Watts (RMS) (PMAX210 and 215). 200 Watts (RMS) (PMAX220 and 240) Operating Frequency. 200 kHz Single Beam (PMAX210). 200 kHz and 83 kHz Dual Beam (PMAX215 and 220). 200 kHz and 455 kHz Tri Beam (PMAX240 only) Area of Coverage (PMAX210). 20 @ -10 dB in 200 kHz Area of Coverage (PMAX215 and 220). 60 @ -10 dB in 83 kHz. 20 @ -10 dB in 200 kHz Area of Coverage (PMAX240). 20 @ -10 dB in 200 kHz. 90Total Coverage (Two 45 Beams) @ -10 dB in 455 kHz Target Separation. 2 1/2 Inches (63.5 mm) Power Requirement. 10-20 VDC LCD Matrix. 255 V x 160 H Transducer. XHS-9-20-T or XNT-9-20-T Transducer Cable Length. 20 ft (6 m)

Dual Beam Sonar

Your PiranhaMax215 or PiranhaMax220 uses a 200/83 kHz dual beam sonar system with a wide (60) area of coverage. Dual Beam sonar is optimized to show the greatest bottom definition using a narrow (20) beam yet can still indicate fish found in the wide (60) beam when the Fish ID+TM feature is turned on. Dual Beam is ideal for a wide range of conditions - from shallow to very deep water in both fresh and salt water. Boat speed, wave action, bottom hardness, water conditions and transducer installation can all affect depth capability.

The Menu System

A simple menu system allows you to access your PiranhaMax adjustable settings. To activate the menu system, press the POWER-MENU key. Press the POWER-MENU key repeatedly to display the PiranhaMax menu settings, one at a time. When a menu setting is on the display, use the RIGHT and LEFT Arrow keys to adjust the menu setting. Menus settings are removed from the screen automatically after several seconds. In Normal operating mode, most menu settings saved to memory will not return to their default values when the unit is turned off. See individual menu choices for more information.
NOTE: Each time the POWER-MENU key is pressed, the backlight momentarily illuminates for easy viewing at night. Adjust the LIGHT menu setting to keep the backlight on. NOTE: If Simulator Mode is selected from the Start-Up Menu and a transducer is plugged in, some menu setting changes will be saved in memory even after the unit is powered down. Menu setting changes will not be saved from Simulator mode when a transducer is not connected. NOTE: Turning on the SetUp menu choice from the Main Menu System allows you to access additional set-up menu choices. See SetUp Menu for more information.

Humminbird, Piranha , PiranhaMAX, Fish ID+, Structure ID, WhiteLine, are trademarked by or registered trademarks of Humminbird. 2008 Humminbird, Eufaula AL, USA. All rights reserved. ii

Table of Contents

Installation Overview Control Head Installation 1 2
Determine Where to Mount... 2 Connect the Power Cable to the Boat.. 2
Assembling the Control Head Base.. 4 Routing the Control Head Cables Under the Deck. 5 Attaching the Control Head to the Base.. 6 Attaching the Cables to the Control Head.. 7
Transom Installation Overview Transom Transducer Installation
Locating the Transducer Mounting Position... 9 Preparing the Mounting Location.. 11 Assembling the Transducer and Initial Mounting. 12 Routing the Cable... 16 Test and Finish the Installation... 18
Inside the Hull Transducer Installation
Determine the Transducer Mounting Location.. 21 Trial Installation... 22 Route the Cable... 23 Permanently Mount the Transducer... 23
Trolling Motor Transducer Installation Powering ON and OFF What You See On the Display PiranhaMAX Sonar Technology
Single Beam Sonar... 29 Dual Beam Sonar... 29 Tri Beam Sonar... 29

The Menu System 30

Light (Setting Not Saved in Memory)... 30 Sensitivity (Setting Saved in Memory).. 30 Depth Range (Setting Not Saved in Memory).. 31 Zoom (Setting Not Saved in Memory)... 31 Chart Speed (Setting Saved in Memory).. 32 Fish Alarm (Setting Saved in Memory).. 32 Depth Alarm (Setting Not Saved in Memory).. 32 Filter (Setting Saved in Memory).. 33 SetUp Menu (Setting Not Saved in Memory).. 33 Contrast (Setting Saved in Memory).. 33 Fish ID+ (Setting Saved in Memory).. 34 Bottom View (Setting Saved in Memory)... 34 Battery Alarm (Setting Saved in Memory).. 36 Language (Setting Saved in Memory, International Only).. 36 Units (Setting Saved in Memory, International Only). 36
Maintenance Troubleshooting International Purchases 1-Year Limited Warranty Humminbird Service Policy Returning Your Unit for Service Specifications Contact Humminbird
NOTE: Entries in this Table of Contents which list (International Only) are only available on products sold outside of the U.S. by our authorized International Distributors. It is important to note that products sold in the U.S. are not intended for resale in the international market. To obtain a list of authorized International Distributors, please visit our website at www.humminbird.com or contact our Customer Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468 to locate the distributor nearest you. iv

Installation Overview

Before you start installation, we encourage you to read these instructions carefully in order to get the full benefit from your PiranhaMAX. There are three basic installation tasks that you must perform for the PiranhaMAX: Installing the control head Installing the transducer Testing the complete installation and locking the transducer position.

3. Proceed to Routing the Control Head Cables Under the Deck.
Tilt and Swivel Mount Control Head Base Assembly

Mount Arms

B. If you have a tilt and swivel mount, follow these steps: 1. Insert the mount arms into the base. Then, hold the mount arms in place as you turn the base upside down. 2. Insert the swivel ring into the base, with the countersink holes for the arm screws facing out. 3. Secure the mount arms with the 4 #6 screws provided (Figure 5). Hand tighten only! 4. Set the assembled control head base in place on the mounting surface. Mark the four mounting screw locations with a pencil or punch. 5. Set the base aside, and drill the four mounting screw holes using a 9/64" bit. 6. Proceed to Routing the Control Head Cables Under the Deck.

Swivel Ring

Countersink Side Out Arm Screws, 4 #6 x7/16"

Figure 5

Routing the Control Head Cables Under the Deck
Use the following steps to route the control head cables under the deck.
NOTE: Under the deck cable routing is not always possible. If this is not an option, the cables should be routed and secured above deck. NOTE: See the installation section for your transducer type in order to plan the location of the transducer and cable route.
Tilt Mount or Tilt and Swivel Mount Control Head Base
Tilt Mount or Tilt and Swivel Mount: 1a. Mark and drill a 3/4" hole as shown in Figure 6. Route the cables through the hole. The cables will exit through the center hole on the control head base. 1b. If the cables cannot be routed directly beneath the control head base, mark and drill a 3/4" hole that will allow you to run the cables close to the control head base.

Figure 6

Attaching the Control Head to the Base
Follow these steps to attach the control head to the already-assembled base:
NOTE: The transducer cable and power cable should be routed prior to securing the mounting bracket to the deck.
1. Apply marine-grade silicone sealant to the drilled holes for the mounting bracket. 2. Place the mounting bracket on the mounting surface, aligning with the drilled holes. 3. Insert the four #8 Phillips countersink wood screws into the mounting holes and hand tighten only!

Pivot Knuckle

Gimbal Knob

Thumbknob Bolt

Figure 7

Mounting Holes

4. Insert the thumbknob bolt through the pivot knuckle on the control head (Figure 7). 5. Align the pivot knuckle with the mount base arms and slide into place, twisting slightly if necessary, until the unit is firmly seated. 6. Rotate the control head to the desired angle and hand tighten the thumbknob bolt. 7. Thread the gimbal knob onto the pivot bolt and tighten.
Attaching the Cables to the Control Head
Follow these steps to attach the power and transducer cables to the control head: 1. Matching the cable plugs to the shape and orientation of the sockets, insert the transducer and power cables into the correct sockets on the control head (Figure 8).
Power Temperature Transducer

Figure 8

2. With the control head in place, tilt and/or swivel the unit through its full range to make sure there is enough cable slack for the unit to move freely. Hand tighten the thumbknob bolt when you achieve the desired position for the control head.
You are now ready to install the transducer. See Transducer Installation Overview and then find the section that refers to your transducer type.
Transducer Installation Overview
The transducer can be installed on the transom of the boat, inside the hull, or onto a trolling motor, depending on your transducer type. The type of transducer you have will also determine how the cable will be routed. Go to the section that describes your transducer, and follow the steps to position and mount the transducer on your boat.
NOTE: Due to the wide variety of hulls, only general instructions are presented in this installation guide. Each boat hull represents a unique set of requirements that should be evaluated prior to installation. It is important to read the instructions completely and understand the mounting guidelines before beginning installation. NOTE: If the included transducer will not work for your application, you may exchange it, NEW and UNASSEMBLED, with mounting hardware included, for a transducer appropriate for your application - often at very little or no charge depending on the transducer. Call the Humminbird Customer Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468 for details and pricing, or visit www.humminbird.com. NOTE: In addition to the hardware supplied with your transducer, you will need a powered hand drill and various drill bits, various hand tools, including a ruler or straightedge, a level, a 12" plumb line (weighted string or monofilament line), marker or pencil, safety glasses and dust mask, and marine-grade silicone sealant. NOTE: When drilling holes in fiberglass hulls, it is best to start with a smaller bit and use progressively larger drill bits to reduce the chance of chipping or flaking the outer coating.
Transom Transducer Installation
Locating the Transducer Mounting Position

Positioning the Mounting Bracket
After determining the mounting location for the transducer, follow the steps below to position and mount the transducer bracket. 1. Make sure 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. Hold the mounting bracket against the transom of the boat in the location you have selected (Figure 13). Align the bracket horizontally, using the level; make sure that the lower screw hole protrusion does not protrude past the bottom of the hull, and there is at least 1/4" clearance between the bottom of the bracket and the bottom of the transom for fiberglass boats, and 1/8" clearance for aluminum boats (Figure 14).
NOTE: If you have a flat-bottomed aluminum boat, some additional adjustment may be needed to accommodate the rivets on the bottom of the boat (i.e. the gap may need to be a little smaller than 1/8"). This will help you to avoid excessive turbulence at high speeds.

Figure 13

Boat Hull Types Require Different Mounting Positions
1/8 for aluminum NOTE: If your propeller moves clockwise (in forward, as 1/8 for aluminum 1/4 for fiberglass you're facing the stern of the boat from behind), mount 1 Figure 14
Using the Mounting Bracket to Mark the Initial Drill Holes

Mark Initial Drill Holes

3rd hole

Figure 15

the transducer on the starboard side. If your propeller moves counter-clockwise (in forward, as you're facing the stern of the boat from behind), mount the transducer on the port side.
3. Continue to hold the bracket on the transom of the boat, and use a pencil or marker to mark where to drill the two mounting holes. Mark the drill holes near the top of each slot, making sure that your mark is centered in the slot (Figure 15).
NOTE: The third hole should not be drilled until the angle and height of the transducer is finalized, which you will not do until a later procedure. 11
4. Make sure that the drill bit is perpendicular to the actual surface of the transom, NOT parallel to the ground, before you drill. Using a 5/32 bit, drill the two holes only to a depth of approximately 1.
NOTE: On fiberglass hulls, it is best to use progressively larger drill bits to reduce the chance of chipping or flaking the outer coating.
Assembling the Transducer and Initial Mounting

In this procedure, you will assemble the transducer using the hardware provided, then mount it and make adjustments to its position without locking it in place.
NOTE: You will initially assemble the transducer and the mounting bracket by matching the two ratchets to a numbered position on the transducer knuckle. Further adjustments may be necessary.
1a. If you already know your transom angle, refer to the chart below for the initial position to use to set the ratchets (Figure 16). If your transom is angled at 14 degrees (a common transom angle for many boats) use position 1 for the ratchets. In either case, go to step 2.

Bead Alignment Number

0.0 cm 0

1.1cm 1/2

2.5 cm 1

4.3 cm 1 5/8

5.9 cm 2 3/8

7.6 cm 3

9.3cm 3 5/8

11.1cm 4 3/8

12.9cm 5

14.9cm 5 7/8

16.9cm 6 5/8
Transom Angle () -2 -Measured Distance (x)

Figure 16

Measuring the Transom Angle
Plumb line Transom Angle in degrees ()

Weight

1b. If you do not know your transom angle, measure it using a plumb line (weighted nylon string or monofilament line) exactly 12 inches long. Hold the top of the plumb line against the top of the transom with your finger, and wait until the line hangs straight down (Figure 17). Using a ruler, measure the distance from the bottom of the plumb line to the back of the transom, then use the chart (Figure 16).
NOTE: It is important to take your measurement in the location shown in Figure 17, from exactly 12 inches down from the top of the transom. 12

Measured Distance (X)

Figure 17
2. Place the two ratchets, one on either side of the transducer knuckle, so that the beads on each ratchet line up with the desired position number on the knuckle (Figure 18a). If you are setting the ratchets at position 1, the beads on each ratchet will line up with the rib on the transducer knuckle to form one continuous line on the assembly (Figure 18b).
NOTE: The ratchets are keyed; make sure that the square teeth on each ratchet face the square teeth on the transducer knuckle, and the triangular teeth face outward.
Hold the ratchets on the transducer knuckle with one hand and fit the mounting bracket over them until it snaps into place with the other hand. Refer to the illustration (Figure 18d).
Transducer Knuckle Positions

Knuckle

Ratchets Placed in Position 1

Beads Ratchet

Rib at position 1

Figure 18a

Figure 18b
Ratchets Placed in Position 2
Fitting the Mounting Bracket Over the Ratchet

Rib Ratchet

Figure 18c

Figure 18d

Inserting the Pivot Bolt
3. Put the pivot bolt through the assembly to hold it in position and loosely install the nut, but do NOT tighten the nut at this time (Figure 19). 4. Align the mounting bracket transducer assembly with the drilled holes in the transom. With a 5/16" socket driver, mount the assembly to the transom using the two #10 - 1" long screws provided (Figure 20). Hand tighten only!
NOTE: Make sure that the mounting screws are snug, but do not fully tighten the mounting screws at this time to allow the transducer assembly to slide for adjustment purposes.
Figure 19 Mounting the Assembly to the Transom

Figure 20

5. Adjust the initial angle of the transducer from back to front by rotating the transducer until the side seam on the transducer is almost parallel with the bottom of the boat, one click at a time in either direction (Figure 21 and 22).
Adjusting the Initial Transducer Angle
One click too high Correctly aligned (transducer side seam aligned with boat bottom) Trailing edge Leading edge One click too low

Figure 21

Figure 22
Adjusting the Transducer Mounting Position
6. Adjust the transducer assembly vertically, until the seam on the leading edge of the transducer (the edge closest to the transom of the boat) is level and just slightly below the hull (Figure 23).
NOTE: The transducer has a natural downward slant of 4-5 degrees from leading edge (closest to the boat transom) to trailing edge (farthest away from the boat). Looking at the back of the transducer, the seam should be slightly below the bottom of the hull.
Seam aligned with boat hull
Figure 23 Leveling the Mounting Assembly Horizontally
7. Continue to adjust until the bracket is also level from port to starboard (horizontally level as you look at the transducer from behind the boat (Figure 24). 8. Mark the correct position on the transom by tracing the silhouette of the transducer mounting bracket with a pencil or marker.
9. Tighten the pivot bolt, using the pivot screw and nut to lock the assembly. Hand tighten only! 10. Hand-tighten the two mounting screws.

Tri Beam Sonar

The PiranhaMAX180 uses two frequencies and three different sonar elements, one narrow, two wide, that transmit signals to the left, right and straight down from your boat. The downward beam is 200 kHz with a 20 area of coverage. This beam maintains a continuous digital depth readout from the bottom directly beneath your boat. The side beams are 455 kHz with a 35 area of coverage, for a total 90 area of coverage. Boat speed, wave action, bottom hardness, water conditions, and transducer installation can all affect depth capability.

The Menu System

A simple menu system allows you to access your PiranhaMAX adjustable settings. To activate the menu system, press the POWER-MENU key. Press the POWER-MENU key repeatedly to display the PiranhaMAX menu settings, one at a time. When a menu setting is on the display, use the RIGHT and LEFT Arrow keys to adjust the menu setting. Menus settings are saved and removed from the screen automatically after several seconds. In Normal operating mode, most menu settings saved to memory will not return to their default values when the unit is turned off. See individual menu choices for more information.
NOTE: Each time the POWER-MENU key is pressed, the backlight momentarily illuminates for easy viewing at night. Adjust the LIGHT menu setting to keep the backlight on. NOTE: If Simulator Mode is selected from the Start-Up Menu and a transducer is plugged in, some menu setting changes will be saved in memory even after the unit is powered down. Menu setting changes will not be saved from Simulator mode when a transducer is not connected. NOTE: Turning on the SetUp menu choice from the Main Menu System allows you to access additional set-up menu choices. See SetUp Menu for more information.
(Setting Not Saved in Memory) Press the POWER-MENU key until LIGHT appears. Use the backlight for night fishing. Select either 0 (Off), or 1 through 5 to activate the backlight at the desired level. (0 to 5, Default = 0 [PiranhaMAX150/160/170/180]; 0 to 10, Default = 10 [PiranhaMAX190c])
NOTE: Continuous backlight operation will significantly decrease the battery life for PiranhaMAX Portables.

Sensitivity

(Setting Saved in Memory) Press the POWER-MENU key until SENSITIVITY appears. Sensitivity controls how much detail is shown on the display. Increasing the sensitivity shows more sonar returns from small baitfish and suspended debris in the water; however, the display may become too cluttered. When operating in very clear water or greater depths, increased sensitivity shows weaker returns that may be of interest. Decreasing the sensitivity eliminates the clutter from the display that is sometimes present in murky or muddy water. If Sensitivity is adjusted too low, the display may not show many sonar returns that could be fish. (0 10, Default = 5)

Depth Range

(Setting Not Saved in Memory) Press the POWER-MENU key until DEPTH RANGE appears. Automatic is the default setting. When in automatic, the lower range will be adjusted by the unit to follow the bottom. (Auto, 15 to 600 ft [PiranhaMAX150/160], 15 to 800 ft [PiranhaMAX170/180/190c], Default = Auto)
NOTE: In manual operation, if the depth is greater than the depth range setting, the bottom will not be visible on the display. Select AUTO to return to automatic operation.
(Setting Not Saved in Memory) Press the POWER-MENU key until ZOOM appears. Select Auto to magnify the area around the bottom in order to reveal fish and structure close to the bottom that may not be visible during normal operation. When ZOOM is set to Auto, the upper and lower Depth Ranges are automatically adjusted to keep the area above and below the bottom on the display. Select Off to return to normal operation. (Off, Auto, Manual Ranges, Default = Off)
Upper Zoom Range Structure
Magnified Bottom with More Detail Lower Zoom Range
There is also a series of manual ranges which can be selected. The manual depth ranges are determined by the present depth conditions.

Chart Speed

(Setting Saved in Memory) Press the POWER-MENU key until CHART SPEED appears. Select a setting from 1-5 to increase or decrease the chart speed, where 1 is the slowest and 5 is the fastest chart speed. Chart speed determines the speed at which the sonar information moves across the display, and consequently the amount of detail shown. A faster speed shows more information and is preferred by most anglers; however, the sonar information moves across the display quickly. A slower speed keeps the information on the display longer, but the bottom and fish details become compressed and may be difficult to interpret. (1 to 5, Default = 5)

Fish Alarm

(Setting Saved in Memory) Press the POWER-MENU key until FISH ALARM appears. Select Off for no fish alarm, or one of the following symbols to set the alarm. An alarm will sound when the PiranhaMAX detects fish that correspond to the alarm setting. Fish Alarm will only sound if Fish ID+ is also set to On. (Off, Large, Large/Medium, All, Default = Off) Large fish only Large/Medium fish only All fish

Depth Alarm

(Setting Saved in Memory) Press the POWER-MENU key until DEPTH ALARM appears. Select OFF for no Depth Alarm, or select 3 to 99 feet to set the alarm depth. An audible alarm sounds when the depth is equal to or less than the setting. (Off, 3 to 99 feet, Default = Off)

Check the power cable connection at both ends. Be sure the cable is connected correctly to a reliable power source red lead to positive, black lead to negative or ground. Ensure the power available is between 10 and 20 VDC. If the unit is wired through a fuse panel, ensure the panel is powered. Often accessory fuse panels are controlled by a separate switch or the ignition switch. Also, often a fuse can appear to be good when it is not. Check the fuse with a tester or replace it with a fuse known to be good. Check the power connection to the PiranhaMAX. It is possible to force the power cable connector into the cable holder incorrectly. If the connector is reversed, the unit will not work. Examine the contacts on the back of the unit to ensure there is no corrosion.
2. There is no transducer detected.
The PiranhaMAX has the ability to detect and identify that a transducer is connected. When powering on, if a message indicates transducer not connected, make sure that an appropriate transducer connector is plugged into the unit. In addition, inspect the transducer cable from end to end for breaks, kinks, or cuts in the outer casing of the cable. Also make sure that the transducer is fully submerged in water. If the transducer is connected to the unit through a switch, temporarily connect it directly to the unit and try again. If none of these actions identifies an obvious problem, the transducer itself is probably at fault. Be sure to include the transducer if returning the unit for repair.
3. There is no bottom reading visible on the display.
If the loss of bottom information occurs only at high boat speeds, the transducer needs adjusting see your PiranhaMAX Installation Guide for details. Also, in very deep water, it may be necessary to increase the sensitivity setting manually to maintain a graphic depiction of the bottom. If you are using a transducer switch to connect two transducers to the PiranhaMAX, make sure that the switch is in the correct position to connect a transducer that is in the water. (If a trolling motor transducer is selected and the trolling motor is out of the water, no sonar information appears.) If none of these actions solves the problem, inspect the transducer cable from end to end for breaks, kinks, or cuts in the outer casing of the cable. If the transducer is connected to the unit through a switch, temporarily connect it directly to the unit and try again. If none of these actions identifies an obvious problem, the transducer itself may be at fault. Be sure to include the transducer if returning the unit for repair.
4. When in very shallow water, I get gaps in the bottom reading and inconsistent digital depth indication.
The PiranhaMAX will work reliably in water 3 feet (90 cm) or deeper. Remember that the depth is measured from the transducer, not from the surface of the water.
5. The unit comes on before I press the POWER-MENU key, and wont turn off.

Check the transducer cable if the outer jacket of the cable has been cut and the cable is in contact with bare metal, you will need to repair the cut with electrical tape. If there is no problem with the cable, disconnect the transducer from the unit and see if the problem is corrected, to confirm the source of the problem.
6. I get gaps in the reading at high speeds.
Your transducer needs adjusting. If the transducer is transom-mounted, there are two adjustments available to you: height, and running angle. Make small adjustments and run the boat at high speeds to determine the effect. It may take several tries to optimize high-speed operation. This can also be a result of air or turbulence in the transducer location caused by rivets, ribs, etc.
7. My unit loses power at high speeds.
Your PiranhaMAX has over-voltage protection that turns the unit off when input voltage exceeds 20 VDC. Some outboard motors do not effectively regulate the power output of the engines alternator and can produce voltage in excess of 20 Volts when running at high RPMs.
8. The display begins to fade out. Images are not as sharp as normal.
Check the input voltage. The PiranhaMAX will not operate on input voltages below 10 VDC.
9. The display shows many black dots at high speeds and high sensitivity settings.
You are seeing noise or interference caused by one of several sources. Noise can be caused by electronic devices. Turn off any nearby electronics and see if the problem goes away. Noise can also be caused by the engine. If engine noise is causing the interference, the problem will intensify at higher RPMs. Increase the engine speed with the boat stationary to isolate this cause. Propeller cavitation can also appear as noise on the display. If the transducer is mounted too close to the propeller, the turbulence generated can interfere with the sonar signal. Make sure that the transducer is mounted at least 15" (380 mm) from the propeller.

International Purchases

A separate warranty is provided by international distributors for units purchased outside the United States. This warranty is included by your local distributor and this distributor maintains local service for your unit. Warranties are only valid in the area of intended distribution. Units purchased in the United States or Canada must be returned to our factory in the United States for service.

Returning Your Unit for Service
Before sending your unit in for repair, please contact the factory, either by phone or by email, to obtain a Repair Authorization Number for your unit.
NOTE: Please do not return your Humminbird to the store for service.
Please have your product model name and serial number available before calling the factory. If you contact the factory by e-mail, please include your product model name and serial number in the e-mail, and use Request for Repair Authorization Number for your e-mail subject header. You should include your Repair Authorization Number in all subsequent communications about your unit. For IN-WARRANTY service, complete the following steps: Obtain a Repair Authorization Number from the Humminbird Customer Resource Center. Tag product with your name, street address, phone number and your assigned Repair Authorization Number. Include a brief written description of the problem. Include a copy of your receipt (to show proof and date of purchase). Return product freight prepaid to Humminbird, using an insured carrier with delivery confirmation. For OUT-OF-WARRANTY service, complete the following steps: Obtain a Repair Authorization Number from the Humminbird Customer Resource Center. Include payment in the form of credit card number and expiration date, money order or personal check. Please do not send cash. Tag product with your name, street address, phone number and your assigned Repair Authorization Number. Include a brief written description of the problem. Return product freight prepaid to Humminbird, using an insured carrier with delivery confirmation.

Specifications

Depth Capability.. 600 ft (185 m) (PMAX150/160)
800 ft (250 m) (PMAX170/180/190c)
Power Output...800 Watts (PTP) (PMAX150/160)
1600 Watts (PTP) (PMAX170/180/190c)
Operating Frequency.. 200 kHz Single Beam (PMAX150/190c)
200 kHz and 83 kHz Dual Beam (PMAX160/170) 200 kHz and 455 kHz Tri Beam (PMAX180 only)
Area of Coverage (PMAX150/190c).. 20 @ -10 dB in 200 kHz Area of Coverage (PMAX160/170)... 60 @ -10 dB in 83 kHz

20 @ -10 dB in 200 kHz

Area of Coverage (PMAX180).. 20 @ -10 dB in 200 kHz
90Total Coverage (Two 35 Beams) @ -10 dB in 455 kHz
Target Separation... 2 1/2 Inches (63.5 mm) Power Requirement... 10-20 VDC LCD Matrix...160 V x 128 H (PMAX150/160)

240 V x 160 H (PMAX170/180) 320 V x 240 H (PMAX190c)
Transducer...XNT-9-20-T (PMAX150/160/170/190c)

XNT-9-QB-90-T (PMAX180)

Transducer Cable Length... 20 ft (6 m)
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.

Contact Humminbird

Contact the Humminbird Customer Resource Center in any of the following ways:
By Telephone (Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Standard Time): 1-800-633-1468
By e-mail (typically we respond to your e-mail within three business days): cservice@johnsonoutdoors.com
For direct shipping, our address is: Humminbird Service Department 678 Humminbird Lane Eufaula, AL 36027 USA