HUMMINBIRD PiranhaMAX 4 Fishfinder User Manual

PIRANHAMAX™ INSTALLATION GUIDE
532437-2_A

Overview

Follow the instructions in this installation guide to mount the control head and install the transducer. The transducer can either be installed inside the hull, on the transom of the boat, or onto a trolling motor, depending on your transducer type.
NOTE: Due to the wide variety of hulls, only general instructions are presented in this guide. Each boat hull represents a unique set of requirements that should be evaluated prior to installation. For detailed information about installing transducers on different hull types, download the Transducer Installation
Resource Guide from our Web site at humminbird.com.
NOTE: Your transducer may not look exactly like the transducer shown in the illustrations, but it will mount in exactly the same way.

INSTALLATION PREPARATION

Review your boat manufacturer’s owner’s manual for recommended transducer installation locations and cable routing methods. You will also need your transom and/or deadrise angle.
Read and understand your boat’s warranty before starting this installation.
Visit our Web site at humminbird.com for additional information and resources for transducer installations. Also, visit youtube.com/humminbirdtv for informational videos.
Confirm your boat is level for the installation.
Consider your speed requirements.
Traveling over 65 mph with the transducer in the water is not recommended with the transom mount transducer, as damage may occur. If speed above 65 mph is critical, see the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section of our Web site at humminbird.com.
Supplies: In addition to the hardware supplied with your transducer, you will need a 1 Amp fuse, 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.

Control Head Installation

1. Determine Where to Mount
   It is important to review the following points when determining where to mount the control head:
   • Cables: Test run the cables for the power and transducer. See Transom Transducer Installation to plan the location of the transducer and cable route.
   • Mounting Surface: The mounting surface should be stable enough to protect the control head from excessive wave shock and vibration. The control head should be easy to see during operation.
   • Clearance: The mounting area should allow sufficient room for the unit to tilt and swivel freely, and for easy removal and installation (see the illustrations Swivel and Tilt).

2. Connect the Power Cable to the Boat
   It is important to review the following information before you start the power installation:
   • Cable Length: A 6′ (2 m) long power cable is included. You may shorten or lengthen the cable using 18 gauge multi-stranded copper wire.
   • Power Supply: The control head must be connected to a 12 VDC power supply using a 1 Amp fuse.
   • Fuse Panel or Battery: The control head power cable can be connected to the electrical system of the boat at the fuse panel (usually located near the console), or directly to the battery. In order to minimize the potential for interference with other marine electronics, a separate power source (such as a second battery) may be necessary.
   WARNING! Some boats have 24 or 36 Volt electric systems, but the control head MUST be connected to a 12 VDC power supply.
   WARNING! Make sure that the power cable is not connected to the control head at the beginning of this procedure.
   WARNING! 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
   1. Confirm that the power cable is disconnected from the control head.
   2. Connect the power cable wires to the fuse panel or battery as follows:

Fuse Terminal Connection: 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. Install a 1 Amp fuse (not included) for protection of the unit. or…
Battery Connection: Install an inline fuse holder and a 1 Amp fuse (not included) for the protection of the unit. Attach the black wire to ground (-), and the red wire to positive (+) 12 VDC power.

Assemble the Control Head Base

Your control head base will have a tilt and swivel mount. See the instructions below to assemble and mount the control head base.

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 four #6 screws provided. Handtighten only!
4. Set the assembled control head base in place on the selected 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″ (3.6 mm) bit.
6. Proceed to Route the Control Head Cables Under the Deck.Tilt and Swivel Mount
   Control Head Base Assembly

Route the Control Head Cables Under the Deck

Use the following steps to route the control head cables under the deck.

• If routing the cables under the deck is not an option, the cables should be routed and secured above deck.
• See Transom Transducer Installation to plan the location of the transducer and cable route.

Tilt and Swivel Mount Control Head Base

1a. Mark and drill a 3/4″ (19 mm) hole (see the illustration Tilt and Swivel Mount Control Head Base). Route the cables through the hole. The cables will exit through the center hole on the control head base. or…
1b. If the cables cannot be routed directly beneath the control head base, mark and drill a 3/4″ (19 mm) hole that will allow you to run the cables close to the control head base.

Attach the Control Head to the Base

Follow the steps below to attach the control head to the already assembled base.
Attaching the Control Head to the Base
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. Hand-tighten only!
4. Insert the thumbknob bolt through the pivot knuckle on the control head.
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.

Attach the 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 ports on the control head (see the illustration Control Head Ports).
   Control Head Ports NOTE: The serial port is for authorized service personnel use only. Do not connect a cable to this port. The serial port does not require a port cover.

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 to secure the control head angle.
   You are now ready to install the transducer. Proceed to Transom Transducer Installation

Transom Transducer Installation

The transom mount installation provides the least loss of signal since the transducer is mounted outside the hull. This installation also allows adjustment of both running angle and depth after the transducer is mounted, which enables you to tune the installation for best results.
Turbulence-Free Mounting Guidelines
It is very important to locate the transducer in an area that is relatively free of turbulent water. Consider the following to find the best location with the least amount of turbulence:

1. Avoid areas where there is turbulent water flow. Turbulent water is normally confined to areas immediately aft of ribs, strakes, or rivets on the bottom of the boat, and in the immediate area of the propeller(s). The best way to locate turbulence-free water is to view the transom while the boat is moving.
2. Observe your propeller’s direction of rotation (in forward, as you’re facing the stern of the boat from behind). Clockwise propellers create more turbulence on the port side. Counterclockwise propellers create more on the starboard side.
3. Ensure there is adequate distance from the propeller. On outboard or inboard/outboard boats, it is best to locate the transducer at least 15″ (38.1 cm) to the side of the propeller(s).
4. The ideal mounting location (right of the propeller[s]). It is important to note that if you plan to trailer your boat, do not mount the transducer too close to trailer bunks or rollers to avoid moving or damaging the transducer during loading and unloading of the boat.
5. For boats with stepped hulls, it may be possible to mount the transducer on the step. Do not mount the transducer on the transom behind a step to avoid popping the transducer out of the water at higher speeds.
6. The transducer must be mounted so that it is parallel with the waterline, but fully submerged in the water during operation.
   Deadrise: The hydrodynamic shape of your transducer allows the sonar beams to point down without deadrise adjustment.

Prepare the Mounting Location

After determining the mounting location for the transducer, follow the steps below
to position and mount the transducer bracket.
Using the Mounting
**Bracket to Mark the Initial Drill Holes![HUMMINBIRD PiranhaMAX 4 Fishfinder

• Control Head Base 5](https://manuals.plus/wp-content/uploads/2022/11 /HUMMINBIRD-PiranhaMAX-4-Fishfinder-Control-Head-Base-5.png)**

  1. Confirm the boat is level on the trailer (both from port to starboard and from bow to stern).

  2. Hold the mounting bracket against the transom of the boat in the location you have selected.
     Align the bracket horizontally, using the level. Make sure that the lower corner of the bracket does not protrude past the bottom of the hull.

  3. Refer to the minimum clearance requirement between the bottom of the bracket and the bottom of the transom for your boat type below:
     1/4″ (6 mm) clearance for fiberglass boats
     1/8″ (3 mm) clearance for aluminum boats
     NOTE FOR ALUMINUM BOATS: For flat-bottomed aluminum boats, some additional adjustment may be needed to accommodate therivets on the bottom of the boat (the gap may need to be a little smaller than 1/8″). This will help you to avoid excessive turbulence at high speeds.
     If your propeller moves clockwise, mount the transducer on the starboard side, and align the bottom right corner of the mounting bracket with the bottom of the boat.
     If your propeller moves counterclockwise, mount the transducer on the port side, and align the bottom left corner of the mounting bracket with the bottom of the boat.

  4. Continue to hold the bracket on the transom of the boat, and use a pencil or marker to mark the two initial drill holes (see Using the Mounting Bracket to Mark the Initial Drill Holes). Mark the drill holes near the top of each slot, making sure that your mark is centered in the slot.
     NOTE: The third hole should not be drilled until the angle and height of the transducer is finalized, which you will not do until a later procedure.

  5. Confirm that the drill bit is perpendicular to the actual surface of the transom, (NOT parallel to the ground), before you drill. Using a 5/32″ (4 mm) bit, drill the two holes only to a depth of approximately 1″ (25.4 mm).
     NOTE FOR 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 fiberglass coating.

Assemble and Mount the Transducer

You will initially assemble the transducer and the pivot arm by matching the two ratchets to a numbered position on the transducer knuckle, then mount it and make adjustments to its position without locking it in place.

1. If you are setting the ratchets at position1a. If your transom is angled at 14 degrees (a common transom angle for many boats) use position 1 for the ratchets.
   1b. If you have a different transom angle or do not know your transom angle, you will need to measure it using a plumb line. Refer to the Transducer Installation Resource Guide on our Web site at humminbird.com for detailed instructions.

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 (see Installing the Ratchets in 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. 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.

3. Hold the ratchets on the transducer knuckle until it snaps into place with the other hand. Refer to the illustration Fitting the Pivot Arm over the Ratchet.

4. Insert the pivot bolt through the assembly to hold it in position and loosely install the nut, but do NOT fully tighten the nut at this time. See the illustration Inserting the Pivot Bolt. Inserting the Pivot Bolt
   CAUTION! Do not use a high speed driver on this combination of fasteners. Hand-tighten only.

5. Align the mounting bracket transducer assembly with the drilled holes in the transom. With a 5/16″ (8 mm) socket driver, mount the assembly to the transom using the two #10 – 1″ (25.4 mm) long screws provided. 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.

Confirm the Mounting Angle

You will need to adjust the initial angle of the transducer both vertically and horizontally to confirm the transducer mounting angle.

1. Adjust the transducer assembly vertically, until the seam on the leading edge (see below) of the transducer is level and just slightly below the hull.
2. Adjust the initial angle of the transducer from back to front until the side seam on the transducer is almost parallel with the bottom of the boat, one click at a time in either direction (see Adjusting the Initial Transducer Angle).
   Adjusting the Transducer Mounting Position****

Downward Slant: The transducer has a natural downward slant of 4 to 5 degrees from leading edge to trailing edge. Looking at the back of the transducer, the seam should be slightly below the bottom of the hull.
Down Imaging® Transducers: A downward slant is not required for Down Imaging Transducers. Adjust the running angle so that the transducer is parallel to the water and submerged in the water.1 Leading edge (the edge closest to the transom of the boat).
2 One click too high: the transducer is tilted out of the water and cannot maintain a sonar signal.
3 Trailing edge (the edge farthest away from the boat).
4 Correctly aligned: the transducer side seam is parallel with the water line.
5 One click too low: the deeper the transducer is in the water, the more likely that a rooster tail of spray will be generated at high speeds. You also risk the transducer being struck and damaged by objects in the water, so make sure that the transducer is as high as it can be and still be submerged in the water.

3. Continue to adjust the transducer assembly until the bracket is also level from port to starboard (horizontally level as you look at the transducer from behind the boat) (see Adjusting the Horizontal Transducer Angle).

4. Once finalized, mark the correct position on the transom by tracing the silhouette of the transducer mounting bracket with a pencil or marker.

5. Tighten the pivot bolt, using the pivot screen and nut to lock the assembly. Hand-tighten only!
   CAUTION! Do not use a high speed driver on this combination of fasteners. Hand-tighten only.

6. Hand-tighten the two mounting screws.
   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.

Route the Cable

You can route the cable over the transom or through a hole in the transom above the waterline. Your boat may have a pre-existing wiring channel or conduit that you can use to route the cable. Select the routing method that is best for your boat configuration, and purchase any extension cables, cable clips, clamps, etc. as needed.
• It is best to route the cable to the side of the transducer so the transducer will not damage the cable during movement.
• Allow enough slack in the cable for slight movement at the pivot point.
• If you drill any holes, fill them with marine-grade silicone sealant.
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 Humminbird Customer Service. CAUTION! Do NOT mount the cables where the connectors could be submerged in water or flooded. If cables are installed in a splash-prone area, it may be helpful to apply dielectric grease to the inside of the connectors to prevent corrosion. Dielectric grease can be purchased separately from a general hardware or automotive store.

1. Unplug the other end of the transducer cable from the control head. (The transducer cable was connected in the earlier section Attach the Cables to the Control Head).

2. 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″ (3.6 mm) diameter holes for #8 x 5/8″ (16 mm) wood screws, then skip directly Routing the Cable 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″ (16 mm) 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 (3/5 mm diameter x 16 mm 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″ (16 mm) 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 (3.5 mm diameter x 16 mm deep) hole, then fill hole with marine-grade silicone sealant, then attach the cable clamp using a #8 x 5/8″ (16 mm) screw. Hand-tighten only!
   Excess Cable: If there is excess cable that needs to be gathered at one location, 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.

5. Plug the cable connector back into the control head. The ports are keyed to prevent reversed installation, so be careful not to force the connector into the port.
   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. The transducer must be submerged in water for reliable transducer detection.

1. Press POWER once to turn on the control head. 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 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.

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.
   Down Imaging: Down Imaging sonar is best performed at slower boat speeds. However, the transducer can support traditional 2D sonar and Down Imaging sonar at higher speeds (up to 65 mph).

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 determine the ideal transducer position for your boat. First, adjust the height in small increments.
   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 the transducer is as high as it can be and still 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.
   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″ (4 mm) 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.

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. Hand-tighten only!

9. Re-install the transducer to the mounting bracket, making sure to assemble the ratchets in the same location they had before. If you have performed the preceding procedures correctly, the transducer should be level and at the right height for optimal operation.

Important Notices
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.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE STATEMENT: It is the intention of Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. to be a responsible corporate citizen, operating in compliance with known and applicable environmental regulations, and a good neighbor in the communities where we make or sell our products.
WEEE DIRECTIVE: EU Directive 2002/96/EC “Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE)” impacts most distributors, sellers, and manufacturers of consumer electronics in the European Union. The WEEE Directive requires the producer of consumer electronics to take responsibility for the management of waste from their products to achieve environmentally responsible disposal during the product life cycle.
WEEE compliance may not be required in your location for electrical & electronic equipment (EEE), nor may it be required for EEE designed and intended as fixed or temporary installation in transportation vehicles such as automobiles, aircraft, and boats. In some European Union member states, these vehicles are considered outside of the scope of the Directive, and EEE for those applications can be considered excluded from the WEEE Directive requirement.
This symbol (WEEE wheelie bin) on product indicates the product must not be disposed of with other household refuse. It must be disposed of and collected for recycling and recovery of waste EEE. Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. will mark all EEE products in accordance with the WEEE Directive. It is our goal to comply in the
collection, treatment, recovery, and environmentally sound disposal of those products; however, these requirements do vary within European Union member states. For more information about where you should dispose of your waste equipment for recycling and recovery and/or your European Union member state requirements, please contact your dealer or distributor from which your product was purchased.
© 2018 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved.

CONTACT HUMMINBIRD
Contact Humminbird Customer Service in any of the following ways:
Web site : humminbird.com
E-mail: service@humminbird.com
Telephone: 1-800-633-1468
Direct Shipping: Humminbird
Service Department
678 Humminbird Lane
Eufaula, AL 36027 USA
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Central Standard Time)

References

• humminbird.com

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