A few weeks back I purchased a Ulterra with iPilot Link. Out of the head of the unit runs an ethernet cable which was drug down the road for a few miles before some kind soul pulled up next to me and notified me of the problem. Upon pulling over I inspected the end of the cable that attaches to either the back of a Humminbird unit of a five port ethernet switch. It is possible to wiggle the cable into the connection but it's hanging by a thread.

Twice I've phoned Minn Kota but tech/customer service doesn't seem to have a clue. They think I want the 30' extension ethernet cable, (They sent it for free $80.00 + shipping so kudo's to MK!) but the fact remains that I still have a messed up ethernet cable and I can't seem to get through their heads that it's the cable coming out of the head that's messed up and an extension cable isn't going to do me any good!

I'm almost 100% positive I need a cable that has a standard ethernet connector. This end will attach to a Hummingbird fish finder or to a five port switch. The other end should attached to a printed circuit board, mounted within the head unit, either via a soldered surface mount connector or to a standard ethernet connector as described above. I am hesitant to pop the head off without knowing ahead of time what type of connector it is or knowing if taking the top of the head off will void the warranty?

Thanks ahead of time.

If it was dragged down the road then you messed up the extension. The way the Link ethernet cable works is it comes off the circuit board to a connector. That connector screws into the extension, which is usually 30'. That first connection is inside the head. So just unscrew the four phillip head screws and pop the top off the head unit. You will see it right there. And opening the head to do regular connecting and disconnecting of cables will not void your warranty.

The ethernet cable coming from the head is a standard 10' cable. Taking the cover off the head will verify that. There is also a PDF on HB's website showing how to install the I-pilot link. The open end is the standard HB ethernet connection that will screw into the display or plug in using the adapter. The adapter that plugs into the ethernet port on 800, 900, and 1100 models is about 12" long and is easily replaceable.

If it is the cable coming straight out of the I pilot head, it is soldered onto the control board,( I opened mine up on my Terrova) you can call MK and see if they can replace the cable but you might have to send it back to them. I talked to one of C/S reps a few weeks back about mine when I was trying to fix some RFI issues and asked her about that particular cable, she seemed to think that they could solder another cable to it. Good Luck

Run it by an ASC and have them repair the issue.

http://www.minnkotamotors.com/Authorized-Service-Providers/