The Humminbird I-Pilot Link is an advanced autopilot system that allows anglers to precisely control their boat and trolling motor. By linking the Humminbird I-Pilot system to a compatible Humminbird fish finder, anglers can access a wide range of automated steering and navigation features to improve their fishing efficiency and effectiveness.
The I-Pilot Link integrates the functionality of a Humminbird fish finder with an I-Pilot trolling motor. This enables the fish finder to wirelessly control and communicate with the I-Pilot motor for hands-free GPS navigation and SmartSteer boat control. With Link, anglers can mark waypoints on their Humminbird chartplotter and send them directly to the I-Pilot system. The trolling motor will then automatically steer and control speed to guide the boat from waypoint to waypoint.
In addition to basic GPS navigation, the I-Pilot Link unlocks advanced capabilities like SmartSteer, Spot-Lock, iTracks, and Fishing System control. It provides anglers with a connected ecosystem between the Humminbird fish finder and Minn Kota trolling motor to enhance their time on the water.
However, the I-Pilot Link system does have specific compatibility requirements in order to function properly. The fish finder head unit, trolling motor, and networking hardware must all be designed to integrate with one another. Understanding these requirements is key for anglers looking to upgrade their boat with Link connectivity.
Fish Finder Compatibility
The first component anglers need to consider is a compatible Humminbird fish finder. Currently, Link is only designed to work with the following Humminbird units:
- SOLIX Series
- HELIX Series
- ONIX Series
Within those lineups, Link is not supported on every model. Entry-level or older generation units are not compatible. In general, Link requires a higher-end Humminbird unit with built-in Ethernet networking and support for the Humminbird 360 Imaging sonar technology.
Here is a breakdown of which specific Humminbird models are compatible with the I-Pilot Link system as of 2023:
SOLIX Series
- SOLIX 10
- SOLIX 12
- SOLIX 15
- SOLIX 18
HELIX Series
- HELX 10
- HELX 12
ONIX Series
- ONIX 10
- ONIX 12
Anglers should verify their Humminbird model number against this list to confirm it can integrate with the I-Pilot Link before purchasing the system. Units not on this list will not have full compatibility.
Trolling Motor Compatibility
In addition to a compatible fish finder, anglers will also need a trolling motor designed for I-Pilot Link. Currently, Link is only fully supported on the following Minn Kota trolling motor models:
- Ultrex
- Terrova
- Force
These motors must also be equipped with the latest I-Pilot or I-Pilot Link accessory. Older standard I-Pilot motors without built-in Link support will not integrate wirelessly with your Humminbird fish finder. The trolling motor and I-Pilot version must be as follows:
Ultrex
- I-Pilot Link (Built-in)
Terrova
- I-Pilot Link Upgrade Kit
- I-Pilot Link Factory Installed
Force
- I-Pilot Link Upgrade Kit
- I-Pilot Link Factory Installed
Anglers should double check that their trolling motor has the proper built-in or upgraded I-Pilot Link module before attempting to connect it with a Humminbird fish finder. Non-compatible motors will not communicate correctly.
Networking Accessories
The final component needed to complete the I-Pilot Link system is networking and communication hardware. Even with a compatible fish finder and trolling motor, the two units need to “talk” to each other over a wireless local area network (WLAN).
To establish this wireless integration, anglers need to install a Humminbird MEGA Live Well or MEGA 360 Transducer on the trolling motor. This transducer plays a dual role:
- Provides 360-degree sonar scanning and imaging
- Acts as a wireless communication hub between the fish finder and I-Pilot Link
Without the MEGA transducer installed, the trolling motor will not be able to communicate with the Humminbird unit and I-Pilot Link capabilities will not function.
In some cases, anglers may also need to install an additional Humminbird Ethernet Switch Kit if theirspecific model of fish finder only has one built-in Ethernet port. This expands the number of wired Ethernet connections between accessories.
Summary of Compatible Products
To quickly summarize, here are the compatible products needed for a fully-functional I-Pilot Link system:
Fish Finder Head Unit
- SOLIX Series: SOLIX 10, 12, 15, 18
- HELX Series: HELIX 10, 12
- ONIX Series: ONIX 10, 12
Trolling Motor
- Minn Kota Ultrex with Built-In I-Pilot Link
- Minn Kota Terrova with I-Pilot Link Upgrade or Factory Installed
- Minn Kota Force with I-Pilot Link Upgrade or Factory Installed
Accessories
- Humminbird MEGA Live Well Transducer or MEGA 360 Transducer
- Optional Humminbird Ethernet Switch Kit
Having all three elements – the right fish finder, trolling motor, and accessories – is crucial for enabling full integration and taking advantage of all the I-Pilot Link features.
Conclusion
The Humminbird I-Pilot Link unlocks an advanced suite of connectivity and automation between a Humminbird fish finder and Minn Kota trolling motor. However, anglers do need to be aware of specific compatibility requirements in order to utilize Link effectively.
Key factors for compatibility include having a high-end, Ethernet-enabled Humminbird such as a SOLIX, HELIX, or ONIX unit, along with a compatible I-Pilot enabled trolling motor like Ultrex, Terrova, or Force. Networking accessories like the MEGA transducer are also required for communication between components.
Checking that each element is designed specifically to integrate with I-Pilot Link before purchasing will ensure anglers can enjoy a fully connected system on their boat. Understanding these requirements provides anglers confidence that their Humminbird fish finder and Minn Kota trolling motor will work seamlessly together via Link connectivity.
