MINN KOTA i-Pilot Link User Manual - User Manual

Full Text Searchable PDF User Manual

INTEGRATED WIRELESS GPS TROLLING SYSTEM

USER MANUAL

Table of ConTenTs

Introduction .....................................................................................................................

Warranty and Warnings ...................................................................................................

Installation

........................................................................................................................

Parts list .................................................................................................................................

Preparing for Installation ........................................................................................................

Installation of i-Pilot link Controller .......................................................................................

Verifying Installation ...............................................................................................................

Getting Started

.................................................................................................................

Knowing Your Remote ...........................................................................................................

Knowing Your i-Pilot link Controller .....................................................................................

system startup .......................................................................................................................

Manual Control

.................................................................................................................

GPS Motor Control ...........................................................................................................

spot-lock

................................................................................................................................

Cruise Control

........................................................................................................................

autoPilot /advanced autoPilot

..............................................................................................

Track Recording/Playback

.....................................................................................................

Frequently Asked Questions..............................................................................................

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................

Glossary ...........................................................................................................................

Compliance Statements ....................................................................................................

Notes ...............................................................................................................................

2377156 Rev XX

InTRoduCTIon

Overview

Thank you for purchasing the Minn Kota i-Pilot

link

™

. This revolutionary boat control system enables your Minn Kota

trolling motor and your Humminbird

fishfinder to communicate with each other, delivering unprecedented levels of

automatic navigation. find, store, and revisit your most productive fishing spots and tracks, taking control of it all from
either the i-Pilot link wireless remote control or directly from the Humminbird fishfinder. add a lakeMaster

digital map

card and unlock the ability to automatically follow depth contours for even higher levels of boat control. all with GPs
accuracy so you spend less time positioning your boat and more time catching fish.

This i-Pilot link owner’s Manual is divided into four main sections: Installation, Getting started, Manual Control, and GPs
Motor Control. a waterproof and easy-to-read Quick Reference Guide is included as a supplement to the user Manual.

a french version of the manual is available online at minnkotamotors.com

une version français du manuel est disponible en ligne à minnkotamotors.com

Safety and Cautions while using Link

You are responsible for the safe and prudent operation of your vessel. We have designed i-Pilot link to be an accurate and
reliable tool that will enhance boat operation and improve your ability to catch fish. This product does not relieve you from
the responsibility for safe operation of your boat. You must avoid hazards to navigation and always maintain a permanent
watch so you can respond to situations as they develop. You must always be prepared to regain manual control of your boat.
learn to operate your i-Pilot link in an area free from hazards and obstacles.

Warranty and Registration

To receive all the benefits of your product warranty please fill out and mail the warranty registration card. You may also
register your product online at minnkotamotors.com.

Correctly installing i-Pilot link on a Minn Kota trolling motor will not void the original motor warranty or the warranty of
any previously installed accessories. Installing i-Pilot link will not extend the warranty of any Minn Kota product it is being
installed into or in conjunction with.

TRadeMaRKs

Minn Kota

, Riptide

, i-Pilot

, autoPilot

™

, CoPilot

™

, link

™

, Powerdrive

™

, Terrova

™

are trademarked by or registered

trademarks of Johnson outdoors Marine electronics, Inc.

lIMITed T Wo-YeaR WaRRanT Y on enTIRe

I-PIloT lInK PRoduCT:

Johnson outdoors Inc. warrants to the original purchaser that the purchaser’s entire i-Pilot link system

accessory is free

from defects in materials and workmanship appearing within two (2) years after the date of purchase. Johnson outdoors Inc.
will, at its option, either repair or replace, free of charge, any parts found to be defective during the term of this warranty.
such repair or replacement shall be the sole and exclusive liability of Johnson outdoors Inc. and the sole and exclusive
remedy of the purchaser for breach of this warranty.

These limited warranties do not apply to i-Pilot link systems used commercially, nor do they cover normal wear and tear,
blemishes that do not affect the operation, or damage caused by accidents, abuse, alteration, modification, misuse or
improper care or maintenance. daMaGe Caused bY THe use of oTHeR RePlaCeMenT PaRTs noT MeeTInG THe
desIGn sPeCIfICaTIons of THe oRIGInal PaRTs WIll noT be CoVeRed bY THIs lIMITed WaRRanTY. The cost
of normal maintenance or replacement parts that are not defective are the responsibility of the purchaser.

To obtain warranty service in the u.s., the part believed to be defective and proof of original purchase (including the date of
purchase) must be presented to a Minn Kota authorized service Center or to Minn Kota’s factory service center in Mankato,
Mn. any charges incurred for service calls, transportation or shipping/freight to/from the Minn Kota authorized service
Center or factory, labor to haul out, remove, re-install or re-rig products removed for warranty service, or any other similar
items are the sole and exclusive responsibility of the purchaser. i-Pilot link systems purchased outside of the u.s. (or parts of
such systems) must be returned prepaid with proof of purchase (including the date of purchase and serial number) to any
authorized Minn Kota service Center in the country of purchase. Warranty service can be arranged by contacting a
Minn Kota authorized service Center listed on the enclosed sheet or by contacting the factory at 1-800-227-6433,
1-507-345-4623 or fax 1-800-527-4464. note: do not return your i-Pilot link or parts to your retailer. Your retailer is
not authorized to repair or replace them.

THeRe aRe no eXPRess WaRRanTIes oTHeR THan THese lIMITed WaRRanTIes. In no eVenT sHall anY
IMPlIed WaRRanTIes, InCludInG anY IMPlIed WaRRanTIes of MeRCHanTabIlITY oR fITness foR
PaRTICulaR PuRPose, eXTend beYond TWo YeaRs fRoM THe daTe of PuRCHase. In no eVenT sHall
JoHnson ouTdooRs MaRIne eleCTRonICs l.l.C. be lIable foR InCIdenTal, ConseQuenTIal oR
sPeCIal daMaGes.

some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, so the above limitations and/or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific
legal rights, and you may also have other legal rights which vary from state to state.

“WaRnInG: This product contains chemical(s) known to the state of California to cause cancer and/or
reproductive toxicity.”

HuMMInbIRd WaRRanT Y and ReGIsTRaTIon

Please refer to your Humminbird product manual for details

HuMMInbIRd WaRnInGs

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! The electronic chart in your Humminbird

unit is an aid to navigation designed to facilitate the use of authorized

government charts, not to replace them. only official government charts and notices to mariners contain all of the current
information needed for the safety of navigation, and the captain is responsible for their prudent use.

WaRnInG! Humminbird

is not responsible for the loss of data files (waypoints, routes, tracks, groups, recordings, etc.)

that may occur due to direct or indirect damage to the unit’s hardware or software. It is important to back up your control
head’s data files periodically. data files should also be saved to your PC before restoring the unit’s defaults or updating the
software. see your Humminbird

online account at Humminbird.com and the Waypoint Management Guide on your

Humminbird

Manual Cd for details.

WaRnInG! do not travel at high speed with the unit cover installed. Remove the unit cover before traveling at speeds
above 20 mph.

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! This product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and/or reproductive harm.

aTTenTIon InTeRnaTIonal CusToMeRs: Products sold in the u.s. are not intended for use in the international
market. Humminbird

international units provide international features and are designed to meet country and regional

regulations. languages, maps, time zones, units of measurement, and warranty are examples of features that are customized
for Humminbird

international units purchased through our authorized international distributors. To obtain a list of

authorized international distributors, please visit our Web site at humminbird.com or contact our Customer Resource
Center at (334) 687-6613.

noTe: The illustrations in this manual may not look the same as your product, but your unit will function in the same way.

noTe: some features discussed in this manual require a separate purchase, and some features are only available on
international models. every effort has been made to clearly identify those features. Please read the manual carefully in
order to understand the full capabilities of your model.

noTe: To purchase accessories for your control head, visit our Web site at humminbird.com or contact our Customer
Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468.

noTe: The procedures and features described in this manual are subject to change without notice. This manual was written
in english and may have been translated to another language. Humminbird® is not responsible for incorrect translations or
discrepancies between documents.

noTe: Product specifications and features are subject to change without notice.

noTe: Humminbird

verifies maximum stated depth in saltwater conditions, however actual depth performance may vary

due to transducer installation, water type, thermal layers, bottom composition and slope.

TRadeMaRKs

700 series™, 800 series™, 900 series™, 1100 series™, HumminbirdPC™, Humminbird

, lakeMaster

, side Imaging

sand X-Press™ Menu are trademarked by or registered trademarks of Johnson outdoors Marine electronics, Inc.

minnkotamotors.com

INSTALLATION

PaRTs lIsT VIeW TeRRoVa & RIPTIde sT

ITEM

PART

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

QTY

TERROVA

2990280

Head assY,TeRRoVa, IP2

2994180

ReMoTe assY, i-PIloT lInK

2370712

baTTeRY, lIPo PaCK

2374637

o-RInG, baTTeRY seal

2376421

dooR, baTTeRY

2383442

sCReW-3MM X .5 PPH MaCHIne

2994907

baG assY, i-PIloT lInK,TRRV

2372100

sCReW-#8-18 X 5/8 THd* (ss

2370817

lanYaRd,RMT w/CaRabeeneR

2224704

InseRT-PluG, blK, i-PIloT lInK

2376312

TIe WRaP,blaCK,uV ResIsT.

nYlon

2994909

baG assY, i-PIloT lInK, PoWeR

2373241

Cable, usb ReMoTe CHaRGeR

2375900

adaPTeR, usb PoWeR PoRT

2377156

Manual-Cd, i-PIloT lInK

2377155

Manual QCK Ref, i-PIloT lInK

2320203

CaP-dusT,ConneCToR,feMale

490389-1

Cable, eTH (M12-M-M12-f, 30’

RIPTIDE ST

2990281

Head assY, sT, IP2

2994180

ReMoTe assY, i-PIloT lInK

2370712

baTTeRY, lIPo PaCK

2374637

o-RInG, baTTeRY seal

2376421

dooR, baTTeRY

2383442

sCReW-3MM X .5 PPH MaCHIne

2994907

baG assY, i-PIloT lInK,TRRV

2372100

sCReW-#8-18 X 5/8 THd* (ss

2370817

lanYaRd,RMT w/CaRabeeneR

2224704

InseRT-PluG, blK, i-PIloT lInK

2376312

TIe WRaP,blaCK,uV ResIsT.

nYlon

2994909

baG assY, i-PIloT lInK, PoWeR

2373241

Cable, usb ReMoTe CHaRGeR

2375900

adaPTeR, usb PoWeR PoRT

2377156

Manual-Cd, i-PIloT lInK

2377155

Manual QCK Ref, i-PIloT lInK

2320203

CaP-dusT,ConneCToR,feMale

490389-1

Cable, eTH (M12-M-M12-f, 30’

minnkotamotors.com

INSTALLATION

PaRTs lIsT VIeW PoWeRdRIVe V2 & RIPTIde sP

ITEM

PART

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

QTY

TERROVA

2990280

Head assY,TeRRoVa, IP2

2994180

ReMoTe assY, i-PIloT lInK

2370712

baTTeRY, lIPo PaCK

2374637

o-RInG, baTTeRY seal

2376421

dooR, baTTeRY

2383442

sCReW-3MM X .5 PPH MaCHIne

2994907

baG assY, i-PIloT lInK,TRRV

2372100

sCReW-#8-18 X 5/8 THd* (ss

2370817

lanYaRd,RMT w/CaRabeeneR

2224704

InseRT-PluG, blK, i-PIloT lInK

2376312

TIe WRaP,blaCK,uV ResIsT.

nYlon

2994909

baG assY, i-PIloT lInK, PoWeR

2373241

Cable, usb ReMoTe CHaRGeR

2375900

adaPTeR, usb PoWeR PoRT

2377156

Manual-Cd, i-PIloT lInK

2377155

Manual QCK Ref, i-PIloT lInK

2320203

CaP-dusT,ConneCToR,feMale

490389-1

Cable, eTH (M12-M-M12-f, 30’

RIPTIDE ST

2990281

Head assY, sT, IP2

2994180

ReMoTe assY, i-PIloT lInK

2370712

baTTeRY, lIPo PaCK

2374637

o-RInG, baTTeRY seal

2376421

dooR, baTTeRY

2383442

sCReW-3MM X .5 PPH MaCHIne

2994907

baG assY, i-PIloT lInK,TRRV

2372100

sCReW-#8-18 X 5/8 THd* (ss

2370817

lanYaRd,RMT w/CaRabeeneR

2224704

InseRT-PluG, blK, i-PIloT lInK

2376312

TIe WRaP,blaCK,uV ResIsT.

nYlon

2994909

baG assY, i-PIloT lInK, PoWeR

2373241

Cable, usb ReMoTe CHaRGeR

2375900

adaPTeR, usb PoWeR PoRT

2377156

Manual-Cd, i-PIloT lInK

2377155

Manual QCK Ref, i-PIloT lInK

2320203

CaP-dusT,ConneCToR,feMale

490389-1

Cable, eTH (M12-M-M12-f, 30’

ITEM

PART

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION

QTY

POWERDRIVE V2

2990282

Head assY, V2, IP2

2994180

ReMoTe assY, i-PIloT lInK

2370712

baTTeRY, lIPo PaCK

2374637

o-RInG, baTTeRY seal

2376421

dooR, baTTeRY

2383442

sCReW-3MM X .5 PPH MaCHIne

2994908

baG assY, i-PIloT lInK, V2

2372100

sCReW-#8-18 X 5/8 THd* (ss

2370817

lanYaRd,RMT w/CaRabeeneR

2376716

PluG, sTRaIn RelIef V2/sP

2332104

sCReW-1/4-20 X 5/8 s/s

2376312

TIe WRaP,blaCK,uV ResIsT.

nYlon

2375403

HeaTsHRK .375X2 adHV lIned

2994909

baG assY, i-PIloT lInK, PoWeR

2373241

Cable, usb ReMoTe CHaRGeR

2375900

adaPTeR, usb PoWeR PoRT

2377156

Manual-Cd, i-PIloT lInK

2377155

Manual QCK Ref, i-PIloT lInK

490389-1

Cable, eTH (M12-M-M12-f, 30’

RIPTIDE SP

2990283

Head assY, sP, IP2

2994180

ReMoTe assY, i-PIloT lInK

2370712

baTTeRY, lIPo PaCK

2374637

o-RInG, baTTeRY seal

2376421

dooR, baTTeRY

2383442

sCReW-3MM X .5 PPH MaCHIne

2994908

baG assY, i-PIloT lInK, V2

2372100

sCReW-#8-18 X 5/8 THd* (ss

2370817

lanYaRd,RMT w/CaRabeeneR

2376716

PluG, sTRaIn RelIef V2/sP

2332104

sCReW-1/4-20 X 5/8 s/s

2376312

TIe WRaP,blaCK,uV ResIsT.

nYlon

2375403

HeaTsHRK .375X2 adHV lIned

2994909

baG assY, i-PIloT lInK,PoWeR

2373241

Cable, usb ReMoTe CHaRGeR

2375900

adaPTeR, usb PoWeR PoRT

2377156

Manual-Cd, i-PIloT lInK

2377155

Manual QCK Ref, i-PIloT lInK

490389-1

Cable, eTH (M12-M-M12-f, 30’

minnkotamotors.com

INSTALLATION

PRePaRInG foR InsTall aTIon

Preparing for Installation

Tools you will need during installation

Terrova and Riptide ST

-Phillips screwdriver

PowerDrive V2

-Phillips screwdriver
-needle-nose pliers
-utility knife
-Heat gun or other heat source for installing heat shrink

Riptide SP

-Phillips screwdriver
-needle-nose pliers
-utility knife
-Heat gun or other heat source for installing heat shrink

To help with future service work or ordering replacement parts, please refer to the information box in the notes
section located on the back pages of this manual.

before installing i-Pilot link on your motor, make sure the trolling motor is properly installed on your boat. find a
clean and dry location for performing the installation.

Most importantly, disconnect all power to the trolling motor before installation. not only will this protect you but
also the sensitive electronics you are about to install.

Read through the entire installation process before performing the installation.

If you need help or need further instruction on installing i-Pilot link, please go online at minnkotamotors.com for a
full step-by-step, guided installation video. You may also call Minn Kota technical service at 1-800-227-6433 to talk
to a customer service representative.

minnkotamotors.com

INSTALLATION

FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2

FIGURE 3

For PowerDrive V2 and Riptide SP trolling motors go to page 12.

i-Pilot Link Installation on Terrova and
Riptide ST Trolling Motors

* i-Pilot Link will override all

CoPilot

functionality.

CoPilot

remotes will not

function with i-Pilot Link.

* The Terrova foot pedal is fully functional and supported when i-Pilot Link

is installed correctly.

1. Remove all power to the trolling motor.

2. Remove control box cover screws and cover using Phillips

screwdriver. (figure 1)

3. If the trolling motor has the AutoPilot feature, unplug the

AutoPilot control board and remove it from the control box.
(figures 2 and 3)

4. Remove grommet by pulling back on coil cord strain relief and

pushing down on grommet. (figure 4)

InsTall aTIon of I-PIloT lInK ConTRolleR

FIGURE 4

Grommet

minnkotamotors.com

INSTALLATION

5. Route the ethernet cable through the grommet hole and through

the center of the coil cord. (figure 5)

6. Plug the i-Pilot link controller connector into the accessory

connector as shown. (figure 6) be careful to orient connector
properly prior to pushing together. The plug will click twice when
pushing it together and the yellow end will be fully covered when
installed properly.

• Make sure connector is aligned properly. (Figure 7)

• Ensure connector is fully seated as shown. (Figure 7)

FIGURE 7

FIGURE 6

FIGURE 5

minnkotamotors.com

INSTALLATION

FIGURE 8

FIGURE 9

7. Install new grommet supplied with i-Pilot link by snapping it into the

hole located in front of the coil cord strain relief. (figure 8)

8. Place the i-Pilot link controller where the control box cover was

installed and secure with supplied #8 screws. do not over tighten
screws. (figure 9)

9. i-Pilot link is now installed on the motor. skip ahead to page 22 to

verify the installation.

minnkotamotors.com

INSTALLATION

FIGURE 10

FIGURE 11

FIGURE 12

i-Pilot Link Installation on PowerDrive V2
and Riptide SP

*Note: Once i-Pilot Link is installed in a PowerDrive V2 or
Riptide SP motor, the foot pedal cannot be used again unless
i-Pilot Link is fully uninstalled.

1. Remove all power to the trolling motor

2. If a CoPilot is installed, it must be removed as follows:

a. disconnect motor connector and foot pedal connector from

CoPilot. (figure 10)

b. Remove the CoPilot receiver from the motor by removing

both mounting screws. do not replace these screws as the
side plates will be removed in step 13 of this installation.
(figure 11)

3. Remove the control box cover screws and cover using Phillips

screwdriver. (figure 12)

minnkotamotors.com

INSTALLATION

FIGURE 13

Grommet

FIGURE 15

FIGURE 14

4. If the trolling motor has AutoPilot, it must be removed

as follows:

a. disconnect all six AutoPilot connectors from AutoPilot

controller, using a needle-nose pliers and a utility knife
to remove any heat shrink insulation that may exist.
(figure 13)

b. Remove the AutoPilot controller from the head of the

trolling motor (figure 14). This is done by pushing out
the locking tabs then lifting the circuit board out. finally,
lift out the compass.

5. Remove grommet by pulling back on coil cord strain relief

and pushing down on grommet until it pops out. (figure 15)

Sonar Cable (Universal Sonar Motors Only)

minnkotamotors.com

INSTALLATION

FIGURE 17

FIGURE 16

Sonar
Ground
Wire

Power Wires

AutoPilot

Wires

(

AutoPilot

Motors Only)

Sonar

Cable

6. Review the cables in the head of the trolling motor

a. If a sonar cable is present, it must be routed around

the outer perimeter of the control box. The sonar
ground wire should also be routed as shown.
(figure 16)

b. The motor power wires must be routed as shown.

(figure 16)

7. Route the i-Pilot link controller cable through the

grommet hole and through the center of the coil
cord (figure 17).

minnkotamotors.com

INSTALLATION

FIGURE 18 Insert

AutoPilot

wires into terminal holders.

FIGURE 19

FIGURE 20 Insulate and seal six

AutoPilot

wires on Riptide

SP motors with supplied heat shrink.

Pinch ends of heat

shrink shut using

needle-nose pliers.

FIGURE 21 Place insulated

AutoPilot

wires in the

bottom center of the control box as shown.

8. If AutoPilot was removed, insulate the loose AutoPilot

connectors as follows:

a. For Powerdrive V2 Motors: using a needle-nose pliers

push all six AutoPilot connectors that were disconnected in
step 4 onto terminal holders located on the underside of the
i-Pilot link Controller. (figure 18)

IMPORTANT: Pull on each wire to make sure it is
secured properly. Loose wires can cause damage to
i-Pilot Link Controller and the entire motor.

AutoPilot connectors must be placed onto holders exactly
as shown. (figure 19)

b. For Riptide SP motors: apply heat shrink insulation

supplied in bag assembly to the ends of all six loose
AutoPilot connectors as shown (figure 20). use a zip tie
to bundle connectors together. Trim the zip tie and place
connector bundle in the middle of the control box as shown.
(figure 21)

minnkotamotors.com

INSTALLATION

FIGURE 22

FIGURE 26

FIGURE 25

Zip Tie

Location 1

Zip Tie

Location 2

Zip Tie

Location 3

FIGURE 24

FIGURE 23

9. Install new grommet supplied with i-Pilot link by snapping it into

the hole located in front of the coil cord strain relief. The i-Pilot
link controller cable must be placed in the pass-through slot of
the grommet. (figure 22)

10. Place the i-Pilot link controller where the control box cover

was installed. Pull any extra controller cable out of the control
box by gently pulling on the cable. (figure 23)

11. secure cover with supplied #8 screws. do not over tighten

screws. (figure 24)

12. secure the i-Pilot link controller cable to the motor coil cord

in all three locations shown using zip ties provided. (figure 25)
Trim zip ties using utility knife. failure to secure cable will result
in possible damage to the cabling during operation.

13. Remove the left and right side plates of trolling motor by

loosening all four side plate screws using a Phillips screwdriver
(figure 26)

minnkotamotors.com

INSTALLATION

Disconnect both wires by removing heat shrink and pulling them apart.

Entrance of steering cable through center housing

FIGURE 27

FIGURE 28

14. Remove center housing by pushing in on both sides and lifting up

at the same time. This will expose the main control board and
wiring. (figure 27)

15. The steering motor cable passes through the top of the center

housing removed in step 14. This cable contains a black and
white wire. disconnect these two wires by pulling each
connector apart. (figure 28) Riptide sP motors will have these
connections covered with heat shrink which must be removed
with a utility knife.

minnkotamotors.com

INSTALLATION

16. loosen the cable strain relief that is secured to the base

of the motor and install the i-Pilot link controller steering
cable into the open strain relief slot. (figure 29)

17. Tighten the cable strain relief as shown. The i-Pilot link

controller steering cable should slide freely through the
strain relief when installed properly. (figures 30 and 31)

FIGURE 29

Foot Pedal Cable

Motor Power Cable

i-Pilot Link Controller

Steering Cable

FIGURE 31

FIGURE 30

Reinstall strain

relief screw.