Overview How the NS25 Works Congratulations on your purchase of the Hummingbird NS25. The NS25 uses GPS and sonar capability to determine your position, display it on a map, and provide detailed underwater information. The NS25 consists of four primary components; the control head, GPS receiver (SAT MAX), card reader and transducer. The control head contains the user controls and display. The GPS receiver receives signals transmitted by the constellation of GPS satellites orbiting the earth. It selects four or more satellites whose position and signal strength provide the most accurate position. From these four satellites, the GPS receiver calculates time, boat position (latitude/longitude), boat speed and direction of travel. The card reader displays electronic map information from the cartridges installed. The transducer is mounted beneath the water surface and converts electrical energy from the transmitter into mechanical pulses or sound waves. The transducer also receives the reflected sound waves and converts them back into digital signals for display on the sonar unit. GPS The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite navigation system designed and maintained by the U.S. Department of Defense. GPS was originally intended for military use, however, civilians may also take advantage of its highly accurate position capabilities, typically within +/100 meters. This means that 95% of the time you will be within 300 feet of your actual position. Further capabilities are possible with the Differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS), which operate to refine satellite signal to the most accurate position possible GPS uses a constellation of 24 satellites that continually sends radio signals to the earth. Your position is determined by receiving signals from four or more satellites and measuring the distance from the satellites to determine your present position. SONAR Sonar uses sound waves to determine the presence and location of underwater objects. The time measured between the transmission of the sound wave and the reception of any reflection is used to determine distance. The transmit and receive cycle is very fast. A sound wave can travel from the surface to a depth of 240 feet and back again in less than ¼ of a second, so it is unlikely that your boat can "outrun" this sonar signal. Analysis of the reflected signal can also be used to determine location, size, composition, etc. NOTE: Actual depth capability depends on such factors as bottom hardness, water conditions, and transducer installation. Units will typically read deeper in fresh water than in salt water. After spending a few minutes with your NS25 on the water, you will see the unit's ability to accurately portray the underwater terrain, suspended targets, GPS position, and your position on a map. Your NS25 comes with everything necessary for installation and operation on most boats. The transducer included, XT-6-20, is designed for mounting on the transom of the boat (directly exposed to the water). On fiberglass hull boats , this same transducer can be bonded to the inside of the hull. When mounted inside the hull, the sonar signal actually passes through the hll of the boat. Both mounting techniques produce acceptable results on most boats. Installation Parts Supplied Before installing your NS25, please ensure that the following parts are included in the box: · · · · · · · · · · · · · Control Head GPS Receiver Transducer with 20 foot cable Quick-Disconnect mounting hardware kit Control head mounting hardware kit GPS receiver mounting hardware kit Card reader mounting kit Transducer mounting hardware kit 6 foot power cable 20 foot GPS receiver extension cable GPS "Y" cable for NMEA output and GPS receiver input Publication kit In-dash mounting kit It is recommended that you install the NS25 components in the following order; 1) GPS receiver, 2) transducer, 3) card reader, then 4) control head. GPS Receiver Installation To optimize performance of the GPS receiver, mount it in an area that has full exposure to the sky. The effective area of reception is 10 degrees above the horizon. Different circumstances determine the mounting method appropriate for your GPS receiver. If you have... An existing antenna stem with Standard 1" ­ 14 thread Under location access with Deck less than 3/8" Under location access with Deck greater than 3/8" No access under mounting Then install: Stem Mount (Existing Stem ­ Fig. A) Deck Mount (Thin Deck- Fig. B) Deck Mount (Thick Deck ­ Fig C) Deck Mount Location (Cable Side ­ Fig. D) Note: When routing the GPS receiver extension cable, ensure the correct connector end is routed to the GPS receiver and control head. An Existing Stern with 1" ­ 14 Thread Follow these steps to stem mount the GPS receiver: 1. Determine best location, then route 20 foot cable to mounting location. Mark it and drill a ½" hole. Place stem over ½" hole and mount with screws provided with stem. Place lock nut on stem, thread down at least half way. Route GPS receiver cable through stem. Continue through surface. Thread GPS receiver on stem. Tighten lock nut with crescent wrench to secure GPS receiver head. Connect extension cables to GPS receiver cable. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Under Location Access with Deck Less Than 3/8" Follow these steps to deck mount the GPS receiver routing the cable down through the mounting surface: 1. Determine the best location, then route the 20 foot cable from control head to mounting location. Mark mounting location and drill a 1" hole. Insert mounting bolt through 1" hole from lower side of the mounting surface. Place gasket over mounting bolt, route GPS receiver cable down through hole, then secure in place. Connect extension cable to GPS receiver cable. 2. 3. 4. 5. Under Location Access with Deck More Than 3/8" Follow these steps to deck mount the GPS receiver routing the cable down through a thick deck: 1. Determine the best location, then route the 20 foot cable from control head to the mounting location. Place mounting flange over mounting location and mark through holes for drilling. Center hole and three mounting holes. Remove flange and drill a ½" hole and three 9/64" holes. 2. 3. 4. Assemble flange, bolt, and gasket, then place over ½" hole. Secure in place with #8 x 5/8 flat head screws. Position the GPS receiver with cable through hole, then secure in place. Connect extension cable to GPS receiver cable. 5. 6. No Access Under Mounting Location GPS receiver routing the cable to the side. 1. Determine the best location, then route the 20 foot extension cable from control head to mounting location. Place flange over mounting location and mark through the three mounting holes for drilling. Remove flange and drill holes using a 9/64" drill bit. Break out the marked tab on the bottom side, outer rim of the flange. Preassemble the flange, mounting bolt, and gasket with the GPS receiver, routing cable through all components; tighten GPS receiver until its base is in contact with the gasket. Secure flange with #8 x 5/8 flat head screws. To access all screws you will need to rotate the GPS receiver. When finished, secure tightly. Determine a hole location where access for cable routing is available. Drill a ½" hole at this location and route the cable through the hole. Install escutcheon plate at this location with #8 x 5/8 flat head screws. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. INSTALLATION PREPARATION PARTS SUPPLIED PARTS SUPPLIED Before installing your new Humminbird fishfinder, please ensure the following parts are included in the box: · · · · · Fishfinder Transducer with 20' (6m) of cable and mounting hardware kit Mounting system and mounting hardware kit 6' (2m) power cable Publications kit It any of these items is missing, call our Customer Support Hotline. ACCESSORIES Humminbird offers a wide assortment of accessories that complement and expand the capability of your new fishfinder. These accessories are designed with the same high standards and are backed by the same one-year warranty. The Humminbird Accessory catalog included with your unit contains descriptions of the many accessories available and ordering information. All Humminbird accessories are available through your full-service Humminbird dealer or factory direct through our number listed in the Customer Support section. INSTALLATION OVERVIEW Your Humminbird fishfinder consists of two primary components to install: the control head and the transducer. The control head contains the sonar transmit and receive circuitry, as well as the user controls and display. It should be installed in a location that provides access to the controls and visibility while in use. The control head mounts on a quick disconnect mounting system that swivels and tilts providing flexibility for viewing from almost anywhere on the boat. The transducer converts electrical energy from the transmitter into mechanical pulses or sound waves. The transducer also receives the reflected sound waves and converts them back into electrical signals for display on the control head. It should be installed in contact with the surface of the water in an area that has smooth waterflow- usually on the transom of the boat. There are several mounting options for the transducer. Review the following section to determine the method that works for you and your boat. INSTALLATION PREPARATION INSTALLATION OVERVIEW Determining How to Mount the Transducer Your Humminbird fishfinder includes a standard transducer. This transducer can be mounted on the transom of the boat or bonded to the inside of a fiberglass hull boat. The transom installation, which is the most widely used, places the transducer on the outside of the boat hull. This technique produces the least signal loss, and provides a way to adjust the transducer after installation. The mounting hardware included is designed to protect both the boat and the transducer should the boat strike debris in the water or when trailering. As an alternative to transom mounting, it is possible on many fiberglass-hulled boats to glue the transducer on the inside of the boat hull. Since fiberglass has similar sonar characteristics as water, the sonar signal can pass through the boat hull with minimal loss. The hull of the boat must be single layer construction (not double-hulled) Also, any air trapped in the lamination of the fiberglass would prevent the sonar signal from passing through. Inside the hull installations require no holes be drilled into the boat and through experimentation, high-speed operation comparable to transom mounting can be achieved. Two-part slow cure epoxy (not included) is required to glue the transducer in place. INSTALLATION PREPARATION ALTERNATE MOUNTING METHODS ALTERNATE TRANSDUCERS AND MOUNTING METHODS Your Humminbird fishfinder comes with everything necessary for installation and operation on most boats. However, there are several situations which may require a different type of transducer. Inboard boats, wood or metal hulls, and sail boats create unique transducer mounting needs Alternate transducers and mounting methods are detailed below. Portable Mounting The standard transducer can be adapted for portable installations with a portable mounting kit available from Humminbird. This accessory adapts your transducer to a suction cup mount for temporary installation on the boat hull or other surface. Trolling Motor Mounting The standard transducer can also be adapted to mount on most trolling motors using a different accessory kit. This accessory includes a bracket and hose clamp that allows mounting the transducer to the body of most trolling motors. Thru-Hull Mounting Thru-hull transducers install through a hole drilled in the hull of the boat. Larger boats or boats with inboard motors create turbulence that make transom mounting ineffective. Also, hulls that are very thick or are double layered, or made from materials such as wood or metal, (which do not conduct sonar signals) make inside the hull mounting inadvisable. Thru-hull mounting may require the use of a fairing block to level the transducer with the waterline. Also, since special tools and knowledge may be required to perform this type of installation, it is best to refer to a qualified marine technician. INSTALLATION PREPARATION TRANSDUCER EXCHANGE TRANSDUCER EXCHANGE Other transducers are available as replacements for the standard transducer. You may exchange your new and unassembled transducer for another type by returning it to the address listed in Customer Support. Some transducers may have additional cost. Refer to the Accessory catalog or call Customer Support for information. BEGINNING INSTALLATION Now that you have determined the transducer mounting method you can begin installation of your new Humminbird fishfinder. The installation guide included on the next few pages provides detailed step by step instructions for installation of the control head and ...