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AutoChart Live Not Recording

Humminbird Chartplotter

Severity: Minor

Source: OnlyErrorCodes.com — Every error code. One place.

Humminbird AutoChart Live Not Recording — Bottom Mapping Fix

What Does This Error Mean?

Humminbird AutoChart Live needs: a Zero Lines map card or active subscription, recording explicitly enabled, GPS lock, and active sonar return.
If recording is off, no map is created.
Check that you've inserted a Zero Lines card or have an AutoChart Live subscription, then enable recording in the AutoChart Live menu.
Maps build in real time as you idle over the bottom.

Affected Models

  • Humminbird HELIX 9
  • Humminbird HELIX 12
  • Humminbird SOLIX 10
  • Humminbird SOLIX 12
  • Humminbird APEX 16

Common Causes

  • Zero Lines card not inserted (or subscription expired)
  • Recording disabled in AutoChart Live menu
  • GPS not locked (no position to record)
  • Sonar not returning depth (transducer issue)
  • Memory card full
  • Boat moving too fast for accurate bottom mapping (slow needed)

How to Fix It

  1. Insert Zero Lines card or check subscription.

    Humminbird AutoChart Live requires either a Zero Lines SD card (one-time purchase) or an active AutoChart Live subscription.
    Without one, the feature won't record.
    Zero Lines cards are 100-150 USD; subscriptions vary.

  2. Enable recording.

    Menu → AutoChart Live → Recording → On.
    Default is often Off after firmware updates.
    Confirm 'Recording' indicator appears on the chart screen.

  3. Verify GPS lock.

    Without GPS lock, no position to record.
    Look at the GPS satellite indicator — should show 6+ satellites with green/strong signal.
    Cold start may take 5-10 minutes.

  4. Confirm sonar is active.

    AutoChart Live records bottom depth from sonar.
    If sonar shows 'No Bottom' or weak return, no depth data to map.
    Fix transducer issue first (clean face, check cable).

  5. Slow down.

    AutoChart Live works best at idle to 5 mph.
    At 10+ mph, the data is sparse and gaps appear in the map.
    For quality contours, idle along your fishing area in a grid pattern.

  6. Check storage.

    Maps build to the SD card slot configured for AutoChart Live.
    If the card is full, recording stops.
    Settings → AutoChart Live → Storage shows usage.
    Move old maps to PC if running out of space.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to build a usable map?

5-10 passes over an area at 2-3 mph creates basic contours.
20+ passes give detailed bottom that's useful for finding fish.
Long-time users build maps over a season of trips — not in one outing.
Patience pays.