HUMMINBIRD Piranhamax Portable Installation Guide
- June 2, 2024
- Humminbird
Table of Contents
HUMMINBIRD Piranhamax Portable 
Overview
Follow the instructions in this installation guide to assemble the PiranhaMAX portable mount and install the control head. It is important to perform the PiranhaMAX portable case assembly tasks in order, referring to the step-by- step procedures that represent the following main assembly tasks:
- Assembling the PiranhaMAX mount
- Assembling the base and handle
- Assembling the control head to the base and handle
- Routing the cables in the base
- Assembling the portable case
- Charging and installing the battery
- Assembling the transducer mounting bracket
- Stowing the portable transducer and battery charger into the portable case.
When you are done, the control head and the transducer will be part of the
portable case assembly, and you will be ready to take your portable case to
the boat for final setup.
Supplies: In addition to the hardware supplied with your installation
kit, you will need a hammer, Phillips screwdriver, socket wrench, and a rope
or bungee cord.
NOTE: The illustrations in this guide may not look the same as your product, but your unit will function in a similar way.
Portable Case Assembly
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.
- Insert the mount arms into the base. Then, hold the mount arms in place as you turn the base upside down.
- Insert the swivel ring into the base, with the countersink holes for the arm screws facing out.
- Secure the mount arms with the four #6 screws provided (Figure 1). Hand tighten only!
Assemble the Base and Handle
In this procedure, you will install the PiranhaMAX mount and handle to the base of the portable case.
- Turn the base upside down. Punch out the mounting holes labeled “C” with a hammer and a screwdriver (or an awl) as shown in Figure 2.
- Turn the base right side up. Line up the PiranhaMAX mount with the holes you punched out in step 1.
- Using a socket wrench and a Phillips screwdriver, secure the PiranhaMAX mount to the base with the four included 3/4″ (19 mm) screws, lock washers, and nuts (see Figure 3). Hand tighten only!
- Install the handle onto the base, so that the curved part of the handle faces towards the back of the base, towards the battery well. Use the four included #8-32 x 7/16″ (11 mm) screws, two on each side, to attach the handle to the base (see Figures 4 and 5). Hand tighten only!
NOTE: The handle is keyed so that it only fits onto the base in one way.
Attach the Control Head to the Base
In this procedure, you will install the control head onto the base assembly.
- Insert the thumb knob bolt through the pivot knuckle on the control head.
- Align the pivot knuckle with the mount arms and slide it into place, twisting slightly if necessary, until the unit is firmly seated.
- Rotate the control head to the preferred angle and hand tighten the thumbknob bolt.
- Thread the gimbal knob onto the pivot bolt and tighten.
Route the Cables
In this procedure, you will route the power and transducer jumper cables on the underside of the base, and attach the tie-down straps that will be used to secure the battery to the base in a later procedure.
- Turn the base upside down, then thread the two included hook and loop battery tie-down straps from the bottom of the base up through each side of the battery well, using the strap holes (see Figure 7).
- Route the power cable from the mount DOWN through the center hole of the base. Route the transducer jump cable UP through the base and mount. (Figure 8)
- Connect the cables to the control head. The slots for the plugs are keyed to prevent reverse installation, and insertion should be easy. Do not force the connectors into the control head.(Figure 9)
- Pull the power cable through the opening in the long side of the cable well and insert it into the battery well (see Figure 10).
- Route the transducer jumper cable (see Figure 10) out the short side of the cable well and follow the arrows on the base (see Figure 11).
- Fit the transducer jumper cable connector down into the jumper cable well and snap it into place. Insert the two #6-32 x 1/4″ (6 mm) screws included to secure the transducer jumper connector and tighten using a Phillips screwdriver. Hand tighten only!
- Secure all cables to the base, using the included zip ties, at the mount points shown in Figure 12.
- Turn the base right side up and pull up gently on the battery tie-down straps to remove the slack.
NOTE: You will need to perform more assembly procedures, as well as charge the battery for 8 hours, before you install the battery into the portable case. See Charge and Install the Battery for more information.
Assemble the Portable Case
In this procedure, you will install the base assembly into the portable case.
- Unzip the largest opening on the front of the portable case.
- Insert the base assembly into the portable case, so that the PiranhaMAX control head is facing out of the case. For best results, pull the case over one shoulder of the handle at a time.
- Adjust the case so that you can easily grab the handle, through the fabric handhold inset, from the outside top of the portable case.
Charge and Install the Battery
In this procedure, you will charge the battery. Once it is charged, you can install it and secure it.
NOTE: Some international models may not include a battery or battery
charger.
WARNING! Do NOT use the Humminbird® charger with other manufacturers’
batteries. The Humminbird charger is only compatible with Humminbird
batteries.
- Charge the battery, using the included battery charger, until it is fully charged as indicated by the LED on the charger. Charging usually requires 8 continuous hours, but may vary depending on your configuration.
- Open the bottom back zipper on the portable case, and install the battery in the battery well. While holding the tie-down straps out of the way, make sure the power cable is fitted snugly into the slot in the well so that the battery does not rest on it (see Figure 14).
- Pull the two battery tie-down straps over the top of the battery and connect both ends of each strap over the top, making sure that the straps are pulled tight around the battery and that the battery is seated securely in the battery well.
- Zip up the back opening.
NOTE: Do NOT connect the power cable to the battery at this time. You should wait until just before fishing to connect the power cable to the battery.
Assemble the Transducer Mounting Bracket
In this procedure, you will assemble the portable transducer mouting bracket.
- Line up the two ratchet pieces at position 1 so that the beads are aligned with the rib on the transducer. See Figure 15 and Figure 16.
- Assemble the other transducer parts as shown in Figure 17. Hand tighten only!
NOTE: If you are unable to ratchet the transducer so that is rests below the water and points straight down, you can disassemble it and align the beads with a different number until you reach a position that allows the proper alignment.
Stow the Portable Transducer and Battery Charger into the Portable Case
- Load the portable transducer into the carrying compartment (upper zip opening on the back of the portable case) and close the zipper.
- Turn the portable case around so that you can access the front, and load the battery charger into the zip pocket on the left as you face the front of the portable case.
- Make sure all the zippers are closed.
Installing the Portable Case On the Boat
Since the portable case has a large non-skid mounting surface, it may be attached to almost any surface. In this section, you will route the cables on the boat, connect the transducer and power cables to the portable case, and attach the portable case to a dry and convenient location on your boat.
Connect the Transducer and Power Cables to the Portable Case
- Make sure the large opening in the front of the portable case is unzipped. You may want to roll up the flap and secure it with the provided strap and clip while you’re working.
- Plug the transducer cable into the jumper port in the portable case to the left of the control head, as you face the front of the bag (see Figure 19)
- Turn the portable case around so that you can access the back, and open the back zipper. Connect the spade clip on the red wire of the power cable to the red terminal on the battery, and the spade clip on the black wire of the power cable to the black terminal on the battery. Make sure that the spade clips are snugly attached to the terminals (see Figure 20).
- Make sure the back battery door and side pockets are zipped, but leave the front of the bag unzipped for easy access during installation.
Attach the Portable Case to the Boat
- Attach the portable case to a surface on the boat by threading rope or bungee cord (not provided) through the D-rings on either side of the portable case.
NOTE: Humminbird recommends that you do NOT position the portable case on the bottom of the boat, or in a location where it can be splashed by or immersed in water, as the portable case is water resistant, but not waterproof.
Mounting the Portable Transducer
Once your Portable fishfinder is fully assembled (see the Portable Case Assembly section for more information), perform the remaining tasks to mount the transducer on the boat:
- Test the transducer prior to installation
- Mount the portable transducer on the boat
Test the Transducer Prior to Installation
Prior to installation, test the transducer to make sure that no damage occurred during shipping.
- Hold the transducer in the water over the side of the boat to confirm proper operation.
- Power on the control head and select a Sonar View. If the transducer is working properly, you should be able to see the bottom on the control head display.
Mount the Portable Transducer on the Boat
Perform the procedures in this section to install the transducer on your boat.
WARNING! The suction cup mount is designed for quick, easy installation and removal, NOT for high speed operation. If you intend to operate your boat at any speed faster than trolling speeds, remove the suction cup transducer from the water.
It is important that the mounting position allows the transducer to rest beneath the surface of the water and parallel with the waterline, so the beam element can point straight down. You can mount the transducer anywhere on the side of the boat if your boat remains stationary. If you are trolling, it is best to mount the transducer on the transom of the boat.
Your portable transducer is designed to be installed and adjusted without the
use of tools. Mounting the transducer to the boat is a simple, yet important
operation. A poor mounting location will affect the overall performance of the
Humminbird unit, so follow the mounting instructions carefully.
If you are trolling, it is best to mount the transducer on the transom of the
boat.
- Mount the transducer so that it is submerged in the water and parallel with the waterline (see Figures 21 and 22).
- Adjust the running angle so that the transducer is parallel to and below the surface of the water (see Figure 22).
- Hand-tighten the wing nut so that the transducer will not rotate.
- Secure the transducer cable in case of accidental release when the boat is moving, since a loose transducer can cause damage to itself, your boat, or become tangled in the propeller. Attach the tie-down strap to the transducer cable around an immovable object such as a rail or fitting, as shown in Figure 23.
- When you have finished using the transducer, unplug the transducer cable from the transducer jumper port on the base, then coil the cable around the assembly.
Stowing the Portable Fishfinder
When you’re finished using your portable fishfinder, it is important to store the transducer and disconnect power.
- With the boat engine off, loosen all cable retainers/clips holding the transducer.
- Remove the portable case from the surface mount.
- Remove the transducer from the surface where it has been mounted, wipe it dry, and stow it in the portable case rear pocket.
- Unplug the power cable when not in use.
- Make sure all the zippers are closed.
Maintenance
Your Humminbird fishfinder is designed to provide years of trouble free operation with very little maintenance. Use the following procedures to ensure your Humminbird continues to deliver top performance.
Control Head Maintenance
It is important to consider the following precautions when using your Humminbird control head:
- Chemicals, such as those found in bug spray and sunscreen, may cause permanent damage to the control head screen. Such damage is not covered by the warranty.
- NEVER leave the control head in a closed car or trunk. The high temperatures generated in hot weather can damage the electronics. Use the following information to keep the control head and screen clean.
- Screen: To clean the control head screen, use a mild soap (such as a non-abrasive liquid hand soap) and warm water. Wipe the screen dry with a soft cloth. Be careful to avoid scratching the screen. If water spots remain, use a solution of water and vinegar.
WARNING! Do not use a chemical glass cleaner on the screen. Chemicals in
the solution may cause cracking in the lens of the unit.
NOTE: Do not wipe the screen while dirt or grease is on the screen.
- Control Head: If the control head comes into contact with salt spray, wipe the affected surfaces with a cloth dampened with fresh water.
PiranhaMAX Portable Case Maintenance
- If the portable case comes into contact with salt spray, wipe the affected surfaces with a lint-free cloth, then apply a commercially available anti- corrosive treatment to all exposed electrical contacts.
- If the portable case bag becomes dirty, clean the bag with mild soap, water, and a soft rag or brush and then hang it up to dry.
How to Remove Water from the Portable Case
Open the front zipper and pull the case down to allow water to exit the case. If needed, remove the case from the plastic base and air-dry it. Follow the recommended maintenance procedures for salt spray exposure if needed.
Specifications
Power Requirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Volt sealed lead acid battery; up to 16 hours continuous operation
Important Notices
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.
WARNING! Do NOT use the Humminbird charger with other manufacturers’ batteries. The Humminbird charger is only compatible with Humminbird batteries. If you have questions, visit our Web site at humminbird.com or contact Customer Service.
NOTE: Product specifications and features are subject to change without notice.
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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.
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CONTACT HUMMINBIRD
Contact Humminbird Customer Service in any of the following ways:
Web site:
humminbird.com
E-mail:
[email protected]
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)