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.
Control Head Installation

Determine Where to Mount

Begin the installation by determining where to mount the control head. Consider the following to determine the best location: To check the location planned for the control head, test run the cables for the power and transducer. See the installation section for your transducer type in order to plan the location of the transducer. The mounting surface should be stable enough to protect the control head from excessive wave shock and vibration, and should provide visibility while in operation. Your PiranhaMAX may have one of two different types of mounting bases, either a tilt mounting base or a tilt and swivel mounting base. The mounting area should allow sufficient room for the unit to pivot freely, to swivel if capable, and for easy removal and installation (Figures 1 and 2).

Figure 1

Figure 2
Connect the Power Cable to the Boat
A 6' long power cable is included to supply power to the control head. You may shorten or lengthen the cable using 18 gauge multi-stranded copper wire.
CAUTION: Some boats have 24 or 36 Volt electric systems, but the control head MUST be connected to a 12 VDC power supply.
The control head power cable can be connected to the electrical system of the boat at two places: a fuse panel usually located near the console, or directly to the battery.
NOTE: Make sure that the power cable is not connected to the control head at the beginning of this procedure. 2
NOTE: Humminbird is not responsible for over-voltage or over-current failures. The control head must have adequate protection through the proper selection and installation of a 1 amp fuse.

GROUND

Figure 3
1a. If a fuse terminal is available, use crimp-on type electrical connectors (not included) that match the terminal on the fuse panel. Attach the black wire to ground (-), and the red wire to positive (+) 12 VDC power (Figure 3). Install a 1 amp fuse (not included) for protection of the unit. Humminbird is not responsible for over-voltage of over-current failures. or. 1b. If you need to wire the control head directly to a battery, obtain and install an inline fuse holder and a 1 amp fuse (not included) for the protection of the unit (Figure 4). Humminbird is not responsible for over-voltage or over-current failures.

Inline Fuse Holder

Figure 4 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.

POSITIVE

Assembling the Control Head Base
Your control head base will either have a tilt mount or a tilt and swivel mount. Refer to procedures A or B below to assemble and mount the control head base. A. If you have a tilt mount, follow these steps: 1. Set the tilt mount control head base in place on the mounting surface. Mark the four mounting screw locations with a pencil or punch. 2. Set the base aside, and drill the four mounting screw holes using a 9/64" bit.
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.

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.

Figure 24

NOTE: You will drill the third mounting hole and finalize the installation after you route the cable and test and finish the installation in the following procedures.

Routing the Cable

The transducer cable has a low profile connector, which must be routed to the point where the control head is mounted. There are several ways to route the transducer cable to the area where the control head is installed. The most common procedure routes the cable through the transom into the boat.
NOTE: Your boat may have a pre-existing wiring channel or conduit that you can use for the transducer cable.
1. Unplug the other end of the transducer cable from the control head. (The transducer cable was connected in the earlier section Attaching the Cables to the Control Head). Make sure that the cable is long enough to accommodate the planned route by running the cable over the transom.
CAUTION! Do not cut or shorten the transducer cable, and try not to damage the cable insulation. Route the cable as far as possible from any VHF radio antenna cables or tachometer cables to reduce the possibility of interference. If the cable is too short, extension cables are available to extend the transducer cable up to a total of 50'. For assistance, contact the Customer Resource Center at www.humminbird.com or call 1-800-633-1468 for more information. NOTE: Allow enough slack in the cable for slight movement at the pivot point. It is best to route the cable to the side of the transducer so the transducer will not damage the cable during movement.
2a. If you are routing the cable over the transom of the boat, secure the cable by attaching the cable clamp to the transom, drilling 9/64" diameter holes for #8 x 5/8" wood screws, then skip directly to step 5 to connect the cable. or. 2b. If you will be routing the cable through a hole in the transom, drill a 5/8" diameter hole above the waterline. Route the cable through this hole, then fill the hole with marine-grade silicone sealant and proceed to the next step immediately.

3. Place the escutcheon plate over the cable hole and use it as a guide to mark the two escutcheon plate mounting holes. Remove the plate, drill two 9/64" diameter x 5/8" deep holes, and then fill both holes with marine-grade silicone sealant. Place the escutcheon plate over the cable hole and attach with two #8 x 5/8" wood screws. Hand tighten only! 4. Route and secure the cable by attaching the cable clamp to the transom; drill one 9/64" diameter x 5/8" deep hole, then fill hole with marine-grade silicone sealant, then attach the cable clamp using a #8 x 5/8" screw. Hand tighten only!
Figure 25 Storing Excess Cable
NOTE: If there is excess cable that needs to be gathered at one location (as shown in the illustration), dress the cable routed from both directions so that a single loop is left extending from the storage location. Doubling the cable up from this point, form the cable into a coil. Storing excess cable using this method can reduce electronic interference (Figure 26).

Figure 26

5. Plug the cable connector back into the control head. The slots are keyed to prevent reverse installation, so be careful not to force the connector into the holder. Your control head is now ready for operation.
Test and Finish the Installation
Once you have installed both the control head and the transom transducer, and have routed all the cables, you must perform a final test before locking the transducer in place. Testing should be performed with the boat in the water. 1. Press POWER once to turn the control head on. If the unit does not power up, make sure that the connector is fully plugged into the terminal slot and that power is available. 2. If all connections are correct and power is available, the Humminbird control head will enter Normal operation. 3. If the bottom is visible on-screen with a digital depth readout, the unit is working properly. Make sure that the boat is in water greater than 2' but less than the depth capability of the unit, and that the transducer is fully submerged, since the sonar signal cannot pass through air.
NOTE: The transducer must be submerged in water for reliable transducer detection.
4. If the unit is working properly, gradually increase the boat speed to test high-speed performance. If the unit functions well at low speeds, but begins to skip or miss the bottom at higher speeds, the transducer requires adjustment. 5. If you have the correct angle set on the transducer, yet lose a bottom reading at high speed, adjust the height and the running angle in small increments to give you the ideal transducer position for your boat. First, adjust the height in small increments (Figure 23).
NOTE: The deeper the transducer is in the water, the more likely that a rooster tail of spray will be generated at high speeds, so make sure that the transducer is as high as it can be and still be submerged in the water.

If you are still not getting good high speed readings, you may need to disassemble the transducer mounting assembly and re-position the ratchets (Figures 18a - 18d). If you do change the transducer position, re-trace the position of the mounting bracket before proceeding.
NOTE: It is often necessary to make several incremental transducer adjustments before optimum high speed performance is achieved. Due to the wide variety of boat hulls, however, it is not always possible to obtain high speed depth readings.
6. Once you have reached a consistently good sonar signal at the desired speeds, you are ready to lock down the transducer settings. Remove the transducer from the bracket (after noting where the ratchets are assembled), then re-align the mounting bracket against the transom of the boat to match the traced silhouette. Check the bracket position with the level again to make sure it is still level, then mark the third mounting hole using a pencil or marker. Unscrew and remove the mounting screws and the transducer bracket and set aside. 7. Drill the third mounting hole, using a 5/32 drill bit. Use a marine-grade silicone sealant to fill all three drilled mounting holes, especially if the holes penetrated the transom wall.
NOTE: On fiberglass hulls, it is best to use progressively larger drill bits to reduce the chance of chipping or flaking the outer coating. Fully Tighten All Three Mounting Screws

Figure 27

8. Re-position the transducer bracket against the transom of the boat, then hand-install all three screws. Make sure that the transducer location has not changed, then fully tighten all three mounting screws (Figure 27). Hand tighten only! Re-install the transducer to the mounting bracket, making sure to assemble the ratchets in the same location they had before. (See Figures 18a - 18d and Figure 21 - 22). If you have performed the preceding procedures correctly, the transducer should be level and at the right height for optimal operation.
In-hull mounting generally produces good results in single thickness fiberglasshulled boats. Humminbird cannot guarantee depth performance when transmitting and receiving through the hull of the boat, since some signal loss occurs. The amount of loss depends on hull construction and thickness, as well as the installation position and process.
NOTE: In-hull mounting requires an installed and operational control head. NOTE: The integral temperature probe will not work with in-hull mounting, so you may either want to consider purchasing a Temp Sensor or obtaining a different transducer. Humminbird offers a transducer exchange program to swap the NEW and UNASSEMBLED transducer, accompanied by mounting hardware, for one without an integral temperature probe. Call the Humminbird Customer Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468 for details, or visit www.humminbird.com for more information.

Display

LEFT Arrow Key RIGHT Arrow Key POWER/MENU Key
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. 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 following illustration as a guide to the most common conditions and practice using your PiranhaMAX over known bottom types.
PMAX150/190c (Single Beam) and PMAX160/170 (Dual Beam) Display
* 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
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)**
PMAX180 (Tri Beam) Display
* 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.
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.
Your PiranhaMAX will have Single, Dual, or Tri Beam sonar. Find the correct sonar description that applies to your unit.

(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

NOTE: Bottom Black View is not available on color models.
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.
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.
NOTE: Inverse View is not available on color models.
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.

Language (SetUp Menu)

(Setting Saved in Memory, International only) Make sure that the SetUp menu is selected, then press the POWER-MENU key until LANGUAGE appears (International Units only). LANGUAGE selects the display language for menus. (Settings vary, Default = English) Scroll through all SetUp menu choices to exit the SetUp menu.

Units (SetUp Menu)

(Setting Saved in Memory, International only) Make sure that the SetUp menu is selected, then press the POWER-MENU key until UNITS appears (International Units only). UNITS selects the units of measure. (Feet/F, Meters/C, Fathoms/C, Default = Meters/C, where F stands for Fahrenheit and C stands for Celsius) 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. Never leave the unit in a closed car or trunkthe extremely high temperatures generated in hot weather can damage the electronics.

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.
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.
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.

Humminbird 1-Year Limited Warranty
We warrant the original retail purchaser that products made by Humminbird have been manufactured free from defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is effective for one year from the date of original retail purchase. Humminbird products found to be defective and covered by this warranty will be replaced or repaired free of charge at Humminbirds option and returned to the customer freight prepaid. Humminbirds sole responsibility under this warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of a product that has been deemed defective by Humminbird. Humminbird is not responsible for charges connected with the removal of such product or reinstallation of replaced or repaired parts. This warranty does not apply to a product that has been: Improperly installed; Used in an installation other than that recommended in the product installation and operation instructions; Damaged or has failed because of an accident or abnormal operation; Repaired or modified by entities other than Humminbird. Please retain your original receipt as a proof of the purchase date. This will be required for in-warranty service. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES ON THE PART OF HUMMINBIRD AND WILL BE THE CUSTOMER'S EXCLUSIVE REMEDY, EXCEPT FOR ANY APPLICABLE IMPLIED WARRANTIES UNDER STATE LAW WHICH ARE HEREBY LIMITED IN DURATION TO ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF ORIGINAL PURCHASE. IN NO EVENT WILL HUMMINBIRD BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY RELATING TO THE PRODUCTS. Some states do not allow limitations on an implied warranty, or the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above exclusions may not apply to you. You may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.
Humminbird Service Policy
Even though you'll probably never need to take advantage of our incredible service policy, it's good to know that we back our products this confidently. We do it because you deserve the best. We will make every effort to repair your unit within three business days from the receipt of your unit at our factory. This does not include shipping time to and from our factory. Units received on Friday are typically shipped by the following Wednesday, units received Monday are typically shipped by Thursday, etc. All repair work is performed by factory-trained technicians to meet exacting factory specifications. Factory-serviced units go through the same rigorous testing and quality control inspections as new production units. After the original warranty period, a standard flat rate service charge will be assessed for each repair (physical damage and missing parts are not included). Any repairs made after the original warranty will be warranted for an additional 90 days after service has been performed by our factory technicians. You can contact our Customer Resource Center or visit our website to verify the flat rate repair fee for your product (visit the Product Support section): http://www.humminbird.com We reserve the right to deem any product unserviceable when replacement parts are no longer available or impossible to obtain. This Service Policy is valid in the United States only. This applies only to Humminbird products returned to our factory in Eufaula, Alabama. This Service Policy is subject to change without notice. DOMESTIC (USA) CUSTOMERS: PLEASE DO NOT RETURN THIS PRODUCT TO STORE FOR SERVICE For all technical issues please call 1-800-633-1468 Or visit www.humminbird.com, click SUPPORT Please reference product serial number and model number when contacting Humminbird.

531383-1_A

SmartCast Mode Operations Manual

Thank You!

Thank you for choosing Humminbird, America's #1 name in fishfinders. Humminbird has built its reputation by designing and manufacturing top-quality, 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. The PiranhaMax30 is a combo unit that allows you to choose either Transducer user mode or SmartCast user mode. This manual addresses SmartCast user mode only. See the PiranhaMax30 Transducer Mode Operations Manual also included with this unit for Transducer user mode information. With this purchase you should have: PiranhaMax30 Control Head One Advanced Remote Sonar Sensor - RSS Portable Carry Case Portable Mount Transducer This SmartCast Operations Manual The PiranhaMax30 Transducer Operations Manual. If any of these components are missing or are not included, please contact our Customer Resource Center at 1-334-687-0503 or visit our website at www.humminbird.com.
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! 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.

User Modes

The PiranhaMax30 has two different user modes: SmartCast: This user mode allows you to operate the PiranhaMax30 with an Advanced RSS. Transducer: This user mode allows you to operate the PiranhaMax30 with the Portable Mount Transducer. Use the User Mode menu choice to change between these two user modes.
NOTE: If a transducer is not connected to the PMax30 the unit will automatically default to SmartCast user mode. If a transducer is connected then the PMax30 will default to the last mode used prior to powering off.
When SmartCast is displayed on the screen, the unit is in SmartCast mode.
Using the SmartCast User Mode
The SmartCast user mode allows you to use the Advanced Remote Sonar Sensor (RSS) wireless fishfinder that comes with your PiranhaMax. Simply attach the RSS to the end of your fishing line and cast it into the water as you would a normal float or lure, then power on the PiranhaMax and you are ready to fish. In SmartCast mode, your PiranhaMax uses sonar technology to send sound waves from the RSS into the water.
To scan an area, cast and then reel in at a steady rate with your rod tip up. Jerks may break water contact, causing gapped signal input. A low rod tip or heavy line may cause signal loss if the RSS submerges.
The returned echoes are transmitted with wireless technology to the display unit and plotted on the LCD. New information appears on the right. As this information moves to the left a very accurate picture of the underwater world is created, including the depth of underwater objects such as the bottom, fish, and structures.

WARNING! The electronic parts in the Remote Sonar Sensor (RSS) are made to withstand use when casting into water. Because shock from abrupt contact with rocks can damage your RSS, we recommend using your RSS in water deeper than 1 foot only.
Surface Clutter Water Surface Line Depth Measured at the Transducer Temperature Upper Range
While in SmartCast mode, the Advanced RSS can be used in two distinct ways: Sonar Graph: The RSS can be used to create a sonar graph of the bottom. Cast the RSS into the water beyond an area of interest. Retrieving the RSS slowly and steadily will produce a screen detailing structure, fish and bottom detail. Rhythmic wave action and rocking may cause the display of a rippled bottom. Stationary Float: The RSS can be used as a float in a stationary location to monitor the area below, giving you a live update as fish approach your bait.

Fish ID+ Symbols

Bottom Contour Structure Lower Range

Attaching the RSS

The line coming from your reel can be tied off to the front hole in the RSS. If you wish to also use the RSS as a conventional float, use the second hole to attach your hook using a lighter weight line. A snag will break the lighter line if you have to break free. Slip line techniques are not recommended because of the higher risk of losing the RSS. If you do use the slip line method, use a lighter weight line after the lower stop, enabling retrieval of the RSS if the lower line with hook breaks away.
Handle the RSS by the antenna tower when it has been in water.
Use a heavy test line, standard knots, and tackle such as a swivel. The second leader hole is for using the RSS as a float. Connect a lighter weight hook line to this hole. Do not over-weight the hook line as this will submerge the RSS, causing signal loss.
CAUTION: You will increase the possibility of breaking your line if you use light test pound line on your reel. The RSS is positively buoyant (is buoyant under its own weight plus 0.2 ounces of bait and lead weight.) The maximum amount of weight for any attachment to the RSS is approximately 0.2 ounces (5.67 grams), and includes the combined weight of any hook, line, weight, swivel/snap swivel and bait that is attached to the RSS. The RSS itself weighs 1 ounce, and therefore light test line might break. Store the RSS in a dry, non-metallic container, such as a tackle box, in a separate compartment, and isolated from any metallic devices. WARNING! The bottom of the RSS should not be handled during sonar operation, as this may cause physical discomfort and may result in personal injury in the form of tissue damage. Handle the RSS only by the antenna tower when it has been in the water. WARNING! The RSS (Remote Sonar Sensor) is not intended for use by children younger than 6 years old without adult supervision as the RSS may represent a choking hazard to small children. WARNING! Handling and/or opening this unit may result in exposure to lead, in the form of solder.

RSS Power

The Advanced Remote Sonar Sensor (RSS) has a non-replaceable Lithium battery with a shelf life of three years that will last for approximately 500 hours of in-water use (when the nighttime LED is turned off). Discard the used RSS in compliance with local laws as you would any electronic component or battery. The RSS has contacts that perceive when the device is immersed in the water. These contacts turn on the Sonar Transmitter/Receiver and begin transmitting the sonar information via RF to the display. The RSS automatically stops using power a few seconds after being pulled out of the water.
WARNING! Do not place the RSS in a wet area when not in use as this will turn on the RSS and shorten its usable life. Store the RSS in a dry area when not in use to conserve power. Never place the RSS in a wet area of a boat or on a metal surface that could accidentally power it on. NOTE: If the RSS was used in salt water, rinse it with fresh water before storing it.

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.
Display LEFT Arrow Key POWER/MENU Key RIGHT Arrow Key
When the PiranhaMax powers on, the Start-Up menu temporarily appears. From this menu, use the arrow keys to select either Start-Up, Simulator, or SetUp. If you do nothing, the unit will default to normal on the water use. 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).

The Menu System

A simple menu system allows you to access your PiranhaMaxs 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.

(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.

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

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, 10 to 120 Feet, 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.
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.

Fish Alarm

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.

Filter

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)

User Mode

Press the POWER-MENU key until USER MODE appears. USER MODE selects the user mode. (SMARTCAST, TRANSDUCER)

SetUp Menu

Press the POWER-MENU key until SetUp appears. Select either Off or On. (Off, On, Default = Off) When you choose SetUp, additional menu choices will become available that are not a part of the Main Menu system. After selecting SetUp, press the POWERMENU key to display the SetUp menu choices, one at a time. SetUp Menu choices include: Contrast Fish ID+ Bottom View Battery Alarm Languages (International Units Only) Units Channel Select. Scroll through all SetUp menu choices to exit the SetUp menu.

Contrast (SetUp Menu)

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.

Fish ID+ (SetUp Menu)

Make sure that the SetUp menu is selected, then press the POWER-MENU key until FISH ID+ appears. Select either Off to view raw sonar returns, or On to view Fish symbols. Fish ID+ 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.

Fish ID+ Raw Sonar

Bottom View (SetUp Menu)
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) 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.

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.
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.
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.
Scroll through all SetUp menu choices to exit the SetUp menu.
Battery Alarm (SetUp Menu)
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.
Language (SetUp Menu: Intl Only)
Make sure that the SetUp menu is selected, then press the POWER-MENU key until LANGUAGE appears (International Units Only). LANGUAGE selects the display language for menus. (Settings vary, Default = English) Scroll through all SetUp menu choices to exit the SetUp menu.

Units (SetUp Menu)

Make sure that the SetUp menu is selected, then press the POWER-MENU key until UNITS appears. UNITS selects the units of measure. (Feet/F, Meters/C, Fathoms/C, Default = Feet/F for domestic units, and Meters/C for international units, where F stands for Fahrenheit and C stands for Celsius) Scroll through all SetUp menu choices to exit the SetUp menu.
Channel Select (SetUp Menu)
Make sure that the SetUp menu is selected, then press the POWER-MENU key until CHANNEL SELECT appears (SmartCast user mode only). CHANNEL SELECT selects the type of RSS you are using. (A, B, Default = A) Scroll through all SetUp menu choices to exit the SetUp menu.
NOTE: The Channel Select setting must match the actual hardware configuration of your RSS in order for the RSS to function. See Using the Advanced RSS for information about changing the channel of your Advanced RSS manually using the wet switch on the Advanced RSS.
Channel A and B RSS Units
Your PiranhaMax unit comes with an Advanced RSS. This Advanced RSS may be programmed to either Channel A or Channel B. This A/B Channel option gives you the flexibility to switch to a different channel if another angler is using a PiranhaMax30 or SmartCast unit within 150 feet of your RSS to reduce possible interference. See Changing the Channel on the Advanced RSS for details on selecting either Channel A or Channel B.
NOTE: RSS units, regardless of channel, may generate erratic depth readings as a result of sonar interference when used in close proximity (closer than 40 feet) to each other or to other sonar devices.

Understanding the Advanced RSS
The Advanced RSS provides the following functionality: Water Surface Temperature Grayscale Sonar Data Blinking Light for nighttime use A/B Channel Select.
When you are using the PiranhaMax in SmartCast mode, grayscale sonar data and water temperature will be displayed automatically on the screen. You must manually program the Advanced RSS in order to turn the light on or off or to change the RSS channel setting to A or B. Default settings on new products are Light = OFF and Channel = A.

RSS Programming Mode

You may change the light setting or the channel type on the Advanced RSS using a programming mode that is accessed by touching the wet switch contacts on the bottom of the RSS.
NOTE: Please read this and the next section BEFORE you try to program the Advanced RSS using the wet switch contacts. Specific step-by-step procedures to turn on the light and to change the channel follow this section. You will find it easier to perform these steps once you have grasped the way the programming mode works.
The programming mode allows you to: turn on the blinking light switch the Advanced RSS Channel from A to B. The PiranhaMax Control Head temperature readout provides user feedback to help you make the correct selections. The temperature readout will change on the Control Head to 40F (4C), 45F (7C), 50F (9C) or 55F (12C) to signify the following settings.
NOTE: If the temperature readout is set for degrees Celsius then the temperature readout will change on the Control Head to 4,7,9 or 12 to signify the following settings.
Light setting Temp changes to Means that 40F (4C) 45F (7C) Channel setting Temp changes to Means that 50F (9C) 55F (12C) RSS is set to CHANNEL A (factory default) RSS is set to CHANNEL B Blinking light is OFF (factory default) Blinking light is ON (but only blinks when the Advanced RSS is in the water)
IMPORTANT: The PiranhaMax Control Head must be turned on and the CHANNEL SELECT SetUp menu on the Control Head must be set to Channel A (even if the RSS is set to Channel B) before you can see the feedback on the Control Head temperature readout. NOTE: The Advanced RSS programming mode will time out after 20 seconds of no user activity, display the Start-Up screen, and return the RSS to normal operation. NOTE: If the temperature display returns to a normal reading, or the Start-Up screen appears on the display, you are no longer in programming mode.

How the Wet Switch Works

In the following sections, you will use the wet switch contacts on the bottom of the Advanced RSS to enter programming mode and change the Light and Channel settings. Before you try these procedures for the first time, please read through this section to familiarize yourself with the way the Wet Switch works. Your finger should be moist, but not dripping, before you touch the Wet Switch. You can achieve the correct dampness by dipping your finger in water, then dabbing your finger twice on a towel. A touch means touching both wet switch contacts at the same time with your moistened finger, using medium pressure. The time between touches needs to be one second or less.

NOTE: Your finger must make contact with both of the wet switch pins simultaneously in order to tap them successfully.
See the procedures that follow for specific instructions on turning the light on or off or changing the channel from A to B.
Turning on the Advanced RSS Blinking Light
To turn on the blinking nighttime fishing light: 1. Wet your finger and tap the wet switch on the Advanced RSS three times (the time between touches needs to be one second or less) to enter the Light programming mode. The PiranhaMax temperature reading on the Control Head will change to show a temperature reading of 40F (4C) (blinking light OFF). 2. To change the setting to 45F (7C) (blinking light ON) touch and release the wet switch contacts once more. Wait two seconds and then confirm that the temperature reading on the Control Head has changed to 45F (7C). Single touches will toggle the setting between 40F (4C) and 45F (7C).
Temperature of 40 Means LED is OFF
Temperature Setting of 45 Means LED is On
NOTE: When the LED is set to ON it will flash every four seconds when the RSS is in operation (i.e. when the wet switch is submerged). Even when the LED is set to ON, the LED will not flash unless the wet switch is activated. If you want to test the RSS to make sure the LED is set to ON before using the RSS, wet your finger and hold it on the wet switch; if the LED is set to ON, the LED will begin to flash. NOTE: Repeat steps 1 and 2 to turn off the LED when finished with night fishing.
3. Once you have made your selection you can either wait 20 seconds for programming mode to time out (the Start-Up screen will appear on the Control Head display), or continue immediately to the next procedure to change the channel.
Changing the Channel on the Advanced RSS
To change the channel type on the Advanced RSS: 1. From the Light programming mode (see Turning on the Advanced RSS Blinking Light), touch and release the wet switch contacts twice more with your moist finger to change from the Light programming mode to the Channel programming mode. The temperature reading on the Control Head will change to show a temperature reading of 50F (9C) (channel set to A). 2. To change the setting to 55F (12C) (channel set to B) touch and release the wet switch contacts once more. Wait two seconds and then confirm that the temperature reading on the Control Head has changed to 55F (12C). Single touches will toggle the setting between 50F (9C) and 55F (12C).
Temperature of 50 Means Channel is Set to A

Temperature of 55 Means Channel is Set to B
3. Once you have made your selection, wait 20 seconds for programming mode to time out (the Start-Up screen will appear on the Control Head). 5. Use the SetUp Channel Select menu on the PiranhaMax Control Head to switch the software to match the new channel designation on the Advanced RSS. See Channel Select (SetUp Menu) for more information.
CAUTION: Make sure that you change the Channel Selection on the Control Head to match the new Advanced RSS Channel before using the Advanced RSS.
Using a First Generation RSS
First generation RSS units still sold with other SmartCast products come in two versions, Channel A and Channel B (RF40A and RF40B), and are both compatible with the PiranhaMax30.
NOTE: When using either an RF40A or RF40B RSS with the PiranhaMax30, you will not get water temperature or grayscale sonar information, and you will not be able to turn on the LED or change the channel on the RSS. You will still be able to read digital depth and bottom contour information. NOTE: When using an RF40A or RF40B RSS, make sure to select the matching channel from the CHANNEL SELECT menu on the PinranhaMax30 Control Head.

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. Never leave the unit in a closed car or trunkthe extremely high temperatures generated in hot weather can damage the electronics.

RSS Maintenance

After using the RSS in salt water, wipe the affected surfaces with a cloth dampened with fresh water. The RSS Wet SwitchTM pins must be rinsed with fresh water after exposure to salt water to prevent corrosion. If your RSS remains out of the water for a long period of time, it may take some time to wet it when returned to the water. Small air bubbles can cling to the surface of the RSS and interfere with proper operation. Wipe the face of the RSS with a wet cloth to remove them. Never leave the RSS in a closed car or trunk - the extremely high temperatures generated in hot weather can damage the electronics. If sonar performance becomes weak (i.e., there are bottom gaps or "0" depth readings) the bottom of the RSS needs to be cleaned with a drop or two of a 5 to 10 percent solution of liquid dishwashing detergent and water. Use approximately one tablespoon detergent to 8 ounces of water to remove oils from the face of the RSS, then wipe with a damp cloth.

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.
NOTE: Retrieving the RSS too rapidly, or the repetitive rocking motion of rough water, can result in loss or distortion of the bottom picture. This will cause intermittent screen display. For best bottom detail, perform a smooth and slow reel-in with constant speed and the rod tip up (holding the rod tip low or using a heavy line may cause the RSS to submerge and momentarily lose radio contact). The RSS has a maximum transmit range of 100 feet (30 meters). If the unit is cast or drifts more than 100 feet away from the receiver, the signal may be inconsistent or lost. Raising the SmartCast slightly above ground level will also increase signal capture.
1. The PiranhaMax loses signal in SmartCast User Mode.
If the PiranhaMax, while in SmartCast user mode, is not able to get an RF signal from the RSS, the display will stop updating (the screen will freeze) and the SmartCast screen will be displayed after several seconds. Whenever reception is lost or the RSS emerges from the water for more than a few seconds, the SmartCast screen will be displayed until the RSS is placed back in the water and reception is regained. The RSS uses line-of-sight wireless technology. If objects are placed between the RSS and the PiranhaMax, reception may be lost. The RSS depth range is 2 to 120 feet (0.6 to 35 meters). Erratic readings may occur in water that is shallower than 2 feet. In addition, because of the nature of sonar, this product is not intended for use in swimming pools or small enclosed bodies of water. Reeling the RSS too fast can cause loss of signal and the screen will freeze Check the buoyant balance between the RSS and your tackle; over 0.2 ounce will submerge the RSS, causing signal loss. The RSS may not obtain its maximum RF distance of 100 feet unless the water is smooth. Waves or chop may reduce the RF range significantly.

2. When in very shallow water, I get gaps in the bottom reading and inconsistent digital depth indication.
The RSS will work reliably in water 2 feet (0.6 meters) or deeper. The depth is measured from the RSS. A transmitter (RSS) to receiver (PiranhaMax) distance of greater than 100' may cause intermittent screen display. Excessively rough water may cause the RSS to submerge, again losing contact.
3. The display shows fluctuating depth readings and excessive clutter, including vertical bars that may be drawn on top of fish icons.
The PiranhaMax system, when set to SmartCast user mode, comes with the capability to receive separate signals from Channel A RSS or a Channel B RSS. Two A- or B-type RSS units used simultaneously, as well as one A- and one B-type RSS unit used simultaneously, can cause RF interference between each other.
4. The screen jumps and the bottom has an abrupt change; sometimes a vertical line is missing or a black line from top to bottom is displayed.
This screen image jump is due to an automatic change in depth. New returns graphed at a different scale will not match up with the historic data already graphed at a higher or lower scale. Vertical lines can also occur as the radio signal from the RSS is lost and then regained in rough water conditions.

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.
SPECIFICATIONS Power Requirement: Control Head:.. Eight AA 1.5 Volt Alkaline batteries (not included) RSS:... One non-replaceable Lithium RSS Battery Display Type... STN Depth Capability... 2 - 120 feet (0.6 - 35 meters) Sonar Coverage.. 90 @-10 dB* Sonar Operating Frequency...115 kHz Operational Wireless Frequency...916.5 mHz (433.92 mHz for European models) Operational Range.. 100 feet (30 meters) Approval...European models are CE-approved.
*Area of bottom coverage equals twice the current depth.

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): 334-687-0503 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