In this article, you will find the most common troubleshooting steps to take with issues that may arise for MEGA 360 owners. We encourage you to try the steps below before contacting Humminbird Technical Support.
Jump to:
- Troubleshooting MEGA 360 Software Issues
- MEGA 360 won't Connect
- MEGA SI+ Unit Specific Troubleshooting
- Out of Water message
- Error Message: MEGA 360 not Detected
- MEGA 360 Interference
- Image Missing on MEGA 360
- Persistent "Preparing Pod" Message or MEGA 360 not rotating / spinning
- Thumping Noise
- Water Not Draining on MEGA 360 Transducer
- Rust on MEGA 360
Troubleshooting MEGA 360 Software Issues
It is Humminbird's recommendation that you always use the most recent version of software available for your model. We update software for various reasons, such as fixing minor bugs, adding new features, or improving functionality of existing features.
MEGA 360 Will Not Connect
- Ensure you Humminbird Units are Compatible
- Humminbird Unit and MEGA 360 need to be on the current version of software.
- Check the extension cable in use. The HELIX extension (EC M10 or EC M30) cannot be used. To extend the MEGA 360 transducer cable, the EC M3 14W10 or EC M3 14W30 must be used.
- Check for proper adapter use:
- Using Other Transducers with MEGA 360
- HELIX must use the AD HELIX M360 adapter cable (item no. 720109-1 )
- Minn Kota built-in trolling motor adapters will Not when connecting MEGA 360.
- Properly Power Cycle
- Power down unit connected to the MEGA 360, and remove power from MEGA 360.
- Restore power to the MEGA 360 and wait one minute.
- Restore power to the Humminbird unit connected to the MEGA 360.
- Remove any cards and keep them out while power cycling.
- Wait up to 5 minutes for Connection.
- After power is established and connectivity with M360 is verified, insert any desired cards back into the Humminbird.
- Ensure power supply is direct to the battery
- If connection is intermittent or has recently stopped working, check for damaged wiring or bent/broken pins.
- Change power source
- Bypass cut off switch
- If damaged the MEGA 360 PC power cable (720120-1) may need to be replaced
- Try connecting to a different battery
- If possible connect to a different control head to test.
MEGA SI+ Unit Specific Troubleshooting
- Connect the MEGA 360 as the only transducer to the unit.
- Power the unit on and force into Normal Mode.
- Check SI view with M360 pod submerged. SI returns should be visible. This indicates the transducer and unit work, but the issue is lack of power to the MEGA 360.
Out of Water message
There are a couple of issues that can create this message. Please see the different scenarios below.
MEGA 360
Typically we see this message if the boat has a ground looping issue. See below slides regarding proper wiring of these products for direct to a battery or through a panel or switch. They should never be connected through the trolling motor battery bank.
Do's
Don'ts
Error Message: MEGA 360 not Detected
This error message is normally presented when the HELIX unit switches to MEGA 360 mode when there is no MEGA 360 present. To resolve this, try the following:
- Update software to the current version available.
- Forget MEGA 360
- Turn MEGA 360 Detect "Off".
- Press MENU twice > Accessories > MEGA 360 Detect
MEGA 360 Interference
- Check for software updates (Humminbird and MEGA 360 must be on current software)
- Identify the source of interference through a process of elimination.
- Use available preventatives like the choke cable and ferrite steward when appropriate.
Image Missing
Half Image
This issue is most commonly caused by prop-strike or other physical damage to one side of the MEGA 360 transducer.
To ensure the issue lies with the MEGA 360 transducer, you can do the following:
- Look for any bent/missing pins or other damage to the MEGA 360 transducer cable.
- Look for major scuff marks or damage to the transducer pod.
- Switch to a different compatible control head if one is available
- When using an MSI model, try the unit on an MSI transducer to see if the missing side persists.
- This would confirm the issue is with the unit and not the transducer
Blank MEGA 360 (Entire Image Missing)
- Check to see if the 455 kHz setting works, but not MEGA. This is a good indication of damage to the MEGA elements (prop strike)
- Look for any bent/missing pins or other damage to the MEGA 360 transducer cable.
- Look for major scuff marks or damage to the transducer.
- Switch to a different compatible control head if one is available
- When using an MSI model, try the unit on an MSI transducer to see if the missing side persists.
- This would confirm the issue may be with the unit and not the transducer
Persistent "Preparing Pod" Message or MEGA 360 not rotating / spinning
If "Preparing Pod" message appears and will not go away, most likely this will be an issue with power to the MEGA 360.
- If possible, connect to another compatible Humminbird Unit to confirm if issue follows.
- Connect the MEGA 360 directly to a fully charged 12V battery. An in-line fuse is not necessary for this test since the 12V battery will only supply around 13 volts. Ensure the red wire is connected to the positive post, and both the negative and shield/drain wires are connected to the negative post. Submerge the MEGA 360 in water or wrap a soaking wet towel around the wet switches, then proceed with the test.
- Replace MEGA 360 power cable if necessary.
Thumping Noise
The MEGA 360 will make a thumping noise when experiencing low voltage as the motor attempts to turn. Troubleshoot for power.
Water Not Draining on MEGA 360 Transducer
The shaft and top of the MEGA 360 pod are designed to drain water when stowed. Only if the pod retains water (audible sloshing), is there an issue.
Rust on MEGA 360
MEGA 360 drain (unshielded) wires must be grounded properly as illustrated below to prevent damage to the housing caused by the resulting Electrolysis if not grounded.
Electrolysis on MEGA 360, will cause the the screws and wet switch to corrode or rust as shown in the examples below.
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