i-Pilot Link is available as an upgrade kit for Ultrexes, fresh and saltwater Bluetooth Ulterras and fresh and saltwater Bluetooth Terrovas. The kit includes everything needed to add i-Pilot Link to your motor other than the adapter cable to connect to your Humminbird. Depending on the Humminbird you have, you may need an AS EC QDE Ethernet Adapter Cable. The i-Pilot Link Compatibility Chart will assist you in determining if your Humminbird is i-Pilot Link compatible and if you will need the adapter. i-Pilot Link is not available for cable-steer motors (except the Ultrex) or hand-controlled motors as they do not have a steering motor built-in for the i-Pilot Link to connect to and steer the motor. i-Pilot Link is also not available for PowerDrive motors.
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Motor Requirements for Upgrading
Your motor must be compatible with i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link to upgrade. The chart below shows all of the motors that are able to be upgraded.
- The motor must have electric steering as this is how the i-Pilot and i-Pilot Link control the motor.
- The motor must also be new enough for the control board to be compatible with i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link. Motors made before 2007 are not compatible.
- Some models like the PowerDrive are i-Pilot compatible but not i-Pilot Link compatible.
- Cable-Steer motors are not compatible because they do not have the electric steering component needed. Cable-steer motors include the Fortrex, Maxxum, and Edge motors.
- Hand-Tiller motors are not compatible with upgrading to i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link as they do not have electric steering for the i-Pilot and i-Pilot Link to be able to steer the motor. Hand-Tiller motors include the Fortrex, Maxxum, and Edge motors.
- Transom-Mount motors are not compatible with upgrading to i-Pilot or i-Pilot Link as they do not have electric steering for the i-Pilot and i-Pilot Link to be able to steer the motor. Transom-Mount motors include the Traxxis, Endura Max and Endura.
Upgrade Kits
- Freshwater Motors
- Ultrex i-Pilot Link Upgrade Kit, item number 2774153 (compatible with all Ultrexes (2017-2023))
- Ulterra i-Pilot Link Upgrade Kit, item number 2884117 (compatible with all Ulterras (2017-2023))
- Terrova i-Pilot Link Upgrade Kit, item number 2774153 (compatible with all Bluetooth Terrovas (2017-2023))
- Saltwater Motors (Riptides)
- Riptide Ulterra i-Pilot Link Upgrade Kit, item number 2884118 (compatible with all Bluetooth Riptide Ulterras (2017-2023))
- Riptide Terrova i-Pilot Link Upgrade Kit, item number 2774152 (compatible with all Bluetooth Riptide Terrovas (2017-2023))
NOTE: These instructions cover accessory installation only. Click here to download the complete owner’s manual.
Tools and Resources Required
- Bluetooth i-Pilot Link Upgrade kit
- #2 Phillips Screwdriver
- 10-15 Minutes
Installation
- Use the #2 Phillips Screwdriver to remove the 4 screws that secure the control box cover and remove the control box cover.
- If AutoPilot or i-Pilot was installed disconnect the Accessory Plug and set the AutoPilot Board or i-Pilot Controller Aside. The i-Pilot Controller or AutoPilot Board will not be reused.
- Remove the Insert Plug. Push forcefully on the edge closest to the coil cord, the plug will “pop” out.
- Route the Ethernet cable that is attached to the i-Pilot Link Controller down through the opening that the Insert Plug was removed from.
- Continue feeding the Ethernet cable down the interior of the coil cord.
- Install the Insert plug that was included with this kit. Position the Tab that is opposite the opening in the Insert Plug in the Slot closest to the the Motor Shaft, guide the US2 Cable, if installed, and the Ethernet cable into the opening in the Insert Plug then push up on the Insert Plug until the other two tabs snap into place.
- Connect the Accessory Plug from the i-Pilot Link Controller to the Network Accessory Plug.
- Place the i-Pilot Link Controller on the control box, use the #2 Phillips Screwdriver to install the four screws that secure the Controller/Control Box Cover.
NOTE: Complete the installation by routing the Ethernet cable as described in your motor’s Owner’s Manual and connecting the Ethernet cable to your Humminbird Helix or Solix. Use of the included 30’ Ethernet Extension Cable is optional. If connecting to a Helix Unit use of an AS EC QDE adapter will be required, the included cables can be connected directly to Solix Units or to the Humminbird 5 Port Ethernet Switch.
