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  4. Sonar Cables and Adapters

Identifying the Cables Coming from your Motor

Updated

Some electric-steer and cable-steer motors can have one or more cables coming from the head of the motor. This article will assist in identifying the cable(s).

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Identifying the Cables Coming from your Motor (2023-present)

Your trolling motor may have Built-In MEGA Imaging or Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar, and may include Advanced GPS Navigation. These features require cables to be connected to a fishfinder. The cables, if present, exit the control head from the bottom.

Cable Identification

To identify the cables present, refer to the diagrams below that show what the Built-In MEGA Imaging, Dual Spectrum CHIRP and Advanced GPS Navigation cable connectors look like. The Advanced GPS Navigation cable has an eight-pin connector. This cable allows you to connect your Advanced GPS Navigation system to your Humminbird. The transducer cable has a fourteen-pin connector. The connector is the same for MEGA Side Imaging, MEGA Down Imaging, or Dual Spectrum CHIRP.

Eight Pin Advanced GPS Navigation Connector
Advanced

Fourteen Pin Transducer Connector
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*The connector is the same for MEGA Side Imaging, MEGA Down Imaging, or Dual Spectrum CHIRP.

Adapter Cables for MEGA Side Imaging+(MSI)

All Humminbird SOLIX model fish finders do not need an adapter cable. All Humminbird HELIX models will require an adapter cable. The Built-in MEGA Imaging (MSI and MDI) options provide MEGA Side Imaging+ and/or MEGA Down Imaging+ to select Humminbird models. All motors with a built-in transducer includes 2D Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar. All motors 2023 and newer include adapter cables in the box.

Adapter Cables for MEGA Down Imaging+ (MDI)

All Humminbird SOLIX model fish finders do not need an adapter cable. All Humminbird HELIX models will require an adapter cable. The Built-in MEGA Imaging (MDI) options provide MEGA Down Imaging+ to select Humminbird models. All motors with a built-in transducer includes 2D Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar. All motors 2023 and newer include adapter cables in the box.

Adapter Cables for Dual Spectrum CHIRP (DSC) Sonar

All Humminbird SOLIX model fish finders do not need an adapter cable. All Humminbird HELIX models will require an adapter cable. All motors 2023 and newer include adapter cables in the box.

Viewing MEGA Down and Side Imaging

You can only view MEGA Down and Side Imaging with a MEGA DI or MEGA SI HELIX G2N, G3N or G4N Series model and a required adapter, or with any SOLIX Series model. The built-in transducer cannot supply MEGA Imaging to Humminbird models that do not already have the capability. If you have a G2/G2N, G3/G3N HELIX that is not a MEGA SI or MEGA DI model, you will still get 2D Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar from the transducer. SOLIX G1 and HELIX G2 and G2N units need to be running the latest software update to view sonar from motors with Built-In MEGA Imaging. You can get the latest version of software for your fish finder here. Built-In MEGA Imaging is not supported by HELIX G1 models or other brands of fish finders.

The Built-In MEGA DI and MEGA SI transducers are only available on new models equipped from the factory and cannot be added to an existing trolling motor.

Software Notes

Humminbird units need to be running the latest software update to view sonar from Built-In MEGA Imaging motors. Go to https://humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/support/software-updates to download the latest version of software for your fish finder.

Identifying and Routing the Cables Coming from your Motor (2007-2023)

Your trolling motor may have Built-In MEGA Imaging or Universal Sonar 2, and may include i-Pilot Link. These features require cables to be connected to a fishfinder. The cables, if present, exit the control head from the bottom. To identify the cables present, refer to the diagrams below that detail what the Built-In MEGA Imaging, Universal Sonar and i-Pilot Link cable connectors look like.

If one cable is coming out of the Control Head on the motor

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  1. i-Pilot and Universal Sonar 2, the cable will have 4 pins and be for the Universal Sonar 2
  2. i-Pilot and Built-in MEGA Down Imaging, the cable will have 14 pins and be for the MEGA Down Imaging
  3. i-Pilot and Built-in MEGA Down/Side Imaging, the cable will have 14 pins and be for the MEGA Down/Side Imaging
  4. ONLY Universal Sonar

NOTICE: The i-Pilot system does not have an external wired connection.

If two cables are coming out of the Control Head on the motor

  1. i-Pilot Link and Universal Sonar 2, the 8 pin cable is for the i-Pilot Link, the 4 pin cable is for the Universal Sonar 2
  2. i-Pilot Link and Built-in MEGA Down Imaging, the 8 pin cable is for the i-Pilot Link, the 14 pin cable is for the Built-in MEGA Down Imaging
  3. i-Pilot Link and Built-in MEGA Down/Side Imaging, the 8 pin cable is for the i-Pilot Link, the 14 pin cable is for the Built-in MEGA Down/Side Imaging

US2, Built-In MEGA Imaging and i-Pilot Link Compatibility Charts
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Click on the links below for fishfinder compatibility charts for these technologies.

Routing Universal Sonar and i-Pilot Link Cables

Your trolling motor may be pre-installed with a Universal Sonar transducer system. Universal Sonar is a 2D sonar transducer with a temperature sensor that is integrated into the lower unit of the trolling motor. It has an operating frequency of 83/200 kHz. Connecting this transducer to a compatible fish finder* gives you a 2D sonar view of what is happening directly below your trolling motor. The integrated design protects the transducer from underwater hazards, and prevents tangles and damage to the transducer cables.

In certain situations, air bubbles may adhere to the surface of the Universal Sonar transducer, and effect the performance. If this happens simply wipe the surface of the transducer with your finger. All Universal Sonar motors are equipped with an internal bonding wire, incorrect rigging will cause sonar interference and can damage your trolling motor, electronics and other boat accessories. Please refer to the Battery & Wiring Installation and Motor Wiring Diagram sections of this manual for correct rigging instructions.
Note- universal sonar.png

Your trolling motor may be pre-installed with a Universal Sonar transducer system. Universal Sonar is a 2D sonar transducer with a temperature sensor that is integrated into the lower unit of the trolling motor. It has an operating frequency of 83/200 kHz. Connecting this transducer to a compatible fish finder* gives you a 2D sonar view of what is happening directly below your trolling motor. The integrated design protects the transducer from underwater hazards, and prevents tangles and damage to the transducer cables.

In certain situations, air bubbles may adhere to the surface of the Universal Sonar transducer, and effect the performance. If this happens simply wipe the surface of the transducer with your finger. All Universal Sonar motors are equipped with an internal bonding wire, incorrect rigging will cause sonar interference and can damage your trolling motor, electronics and other boat accessories. Please refer to the Battery & Wiring Installation and Motor Wiring Diagram sections of this manual for correct rigging instructions.
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Built-In MEGA Imaging Adapter Cables for Trolling Motors (2019-2023)

For all trolling motors made 2019-2023 with a built-in Mega Imaging transducer Humminbird SOLIX model fish finders do not need an adapter cable. All Humminbird HELIX models will require an adapter cable. Click the following link to review a full list of Built-In MEGA Imaging compatible fish finders and the associated adapter cable needed.

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