Eagle 320DF, SEAFINDER 320DF - ADDITIONAL, SEAFINDER 320DF Installation And Operation Instructions Manual
Pub. 988-0143-661
www.eaglesonar.com
FishMark 320 and
SeaFinder 320DF
Fish-finding & Depth Sounding Sonars
Installation and Operation
Instructions
Copyright © 2002 Eagle Electronics
All rights reserved.
Eagle
®
is a registered trademark of Eagle Electronics
Marine-Tex is a trademark of Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Eagle Electronics may find it necessary to change or end our policies,
regulations, and special offers at any time. We reserve the right to do so
without notice. All features and specifications subject to change without
notice. All screens in this manual are simulated. On the cover:
SeaFinder 320DF shown. Other models covered in the manual are
similar.
For free owner's manuals and other information,
visit our web site:
www.eaglesonar.com
Eagle Electronics
P.O. Box 669
Catoosa, OK USA 74015
Printed in USA.
i
Table of Contents
Section 1: Read Me First!......................................................... 1
Capabilities and Specifications: ..................................................... 2
How To Use This Manual: Typographical Conventions.............. 4
Section 2: Installation & Accessories....................................7
Transducer Installation................................................................ 7
Recommended Tools and Supplies ........................................... 8
Selecting a Transducer Location.............................................. 8
Transom Transducer Assembly and Mounting ..................... 11
Trolling Motor Bracket Installation (Single-Frequency only)17
Shoot-Thru-Hull Preparation and Installation ..................... 19
Speed/Temperature Sensors ................................................. 21
Power Connections...................................................................... 24
Mounting the Unit: Bracket, In-Dash or Portable .................... 26
Bracket Installation................................................................ 26
In-Dash Installation ............................................................... 28
Portable Installation............................................................... 29
Section 3: Basic Sonar Operation ........................................31
Keyboard ..................................................................................... 31
Power/Lights (On and Off) ......................................................... 32
Menus .......................................................................................... 33
Main Menu .............................................................................. 33
Sonar Menu ............................................................................. 35
Pages ........................................................................................... 36
Basic Sonar Quick Reference ...............................................39
Sonar Operations ........................................................................ 40
Fish Symbols vs. Full Sonar Chart ........................................ 43
Other Free Training Aids ....................................................... 43
Section 4: Sonar Options & Other Features ...................... 45
ASP (Advanced Signal Processing) ......................................... 45
Alarms ......................................................................................... 46
Calibrate Speed........................................................................... 49
Chart Speed................................................................................. 49
Depth Cursor............................................................................... 50
ii
Depth Range - Automatic ........................................................... 51
Depth Range - Manual................................................................ 51
FasTrack .................................................................................. 52
Fish I.D. (Fish Symbols & Depths) ......................................... 52
FishTrack ................................................................................. 55
FishReveal ............................................................................... 55
Frequency (Change Trans Frequency – Seafinder 320DF only) 57
Grayline
..................................................................................... 58
HyperScroll .............................................................................. 60
Noise Rejection............................................................................ 60
Overlay Data ............................................................................... 60
Ping Speed & HyperScroll....................................................... 62
Pop-Up Help................................................................................ 64
Reset Options .............................................................................. 64
Reset Water Distance ................................................................. 65
Screen Contrast and Brightness ................................................ 65
Sensitivity & Auto Sensitivity.................................................... 65
Set Keel Offset ............................................................................ 67
Set Language .............................................................................. 69
Software Version Information.................................................... 69
Sonar Color Mode........................................................................ 70
Sonar Chart Display Options ..................................................... 70
Full Sonar Chart ..................................................................... 70
Split Zoom Sonar Chart.......................................................... 71
Split Frequency Sonar Chart (Seafinder 320df only)............ 72
Digital Data/Chart .................................................................. 73
Sonar Simulator.......................................................................... 74
Stop Chart ................................................................................... 74
Surface Clarity............................................................................ 75
Units of Measure......................................................................... 76
Zoom, Zoom Bar & Zoom Pan..................................................... 76
Section 5: Troubleshooting ...................................................79
Section 6: Supplemental Material .......................................85
1
Section 1: Read Me First!
How this manual can get you out on the water, fast!
Welcome to the exciting world of digital sonar! We know you're anxious
to begin finding fish, but we have a favor to ask. Before you grab your
unit and begin installing it, please give us a moment or two to explain
how our manual can help you get the best performance from your compact, wide-screen, fish finder.
First, we want to thank you for buying an Eagle sonar. Whether you're
a first time user or a professional fisherman, you'll discover that your
unit is easy to use, yet capable of handling demanding sonar tasks. You
won't find another sonar unit with this much power and this many features for this price!
Our goal for this book is to get you on the water fast, with a minimum
of fuss. Like you, we'd rather spend more time boating or fishing and
less time reading the manual!
So, we designed our book so that you don't have to read the whole thing
from front to back for the information you want. At the start (or end) of
each segment, we'll tell you what content is coming up next. If it's a
concept you're already familiar with, we'll show you how and where to
skip ahead for the next important topic. We've also made it easy to look
up any tips you may need from time to time. Here's how:
The manual is organized into 6 sections. This first section is an introduction to the sonar unit. It tells you the basics you need to know before you can make the unit look below the surface to find some fish.
Section 2 will help you install your unit and the transducer. We'll also
tell you about some of the available accessories.
Section 3 covers Basic Sonar Operation. It will show you how easy it is
to run your sonar, right out of the box. This section features a one-page
Sonar Quick Reference. (If you've already jumped ahead and fig-
ured out how to install the unit yourself, and you just can't wait
any longer, turn to the Quick Reference on page 39 and head
for the water with your sonar unit!)
2
After you've gained some experience with your sonar, you'll want to
check out Section 4, which discusses more advanced Sonar Options and
Other Features.
When you come to a sonar menu command on the unit's screen, you can
look it up in the manual by skimming over the table of contents, just flipping through Section 3 or scanning through the sonar options in Section 4.
If you're having difficulty with your sonar, you can find an answer to
the most common problems in Section 5, Sonar Troubleshooting.
Finally, in Section 6, we offer Supplemental Material, including a list of
warranty and customer service information.
Now, if you're into the fine details, glance over the next segment on
specifications to see just how much sonar power your unit contains. It's
important to us (and our power users), but, if you don't care how many
watts of power the unit has, skip ahead to important information on how
sonar works, on page 4.
Capabilities and Specifications: FishMark 320,
SeaFinder 320DF
General
Display:............................ 5.0" (12.7 cm) diagonal high contrast Film
SuperTwist; programmable to viewing preference.
Resolution:...................... 320 pixel x 320 pixel resolution; 102,400 total
pixels.
Backlighting:.................. Incandescent backlit screen with multiple
lighting levels; backlit keypad.
Input power:................... 10 to 15 volts DC.
Case size:......................... 5.4" H x 6.9" W x 3.4" D (13.8 x 17.6 x 8.6
cm); sealed and waterproof; suitable for
saltwater use.
Back-up memory: .......... Built-in memory stores sonar records for
decades.
3
Languages:...................... 10; menu languages selectable by user.
Sonar
Frequency:...................... 50/200 kHz for SeaFinder 320DF; 200 kHz
for FishMark 320.
Transducers: .................. A dual-frequency Skimmer
transducer with
built-in temperature sensor is packed with
the SeaFinder 320DF. It has 35°/12° cone
angles. A single-frequency Skimmer transducer with built-in temperature sensor is
packed with the FishMark 320. It has a 20°
cone angle. Transducers operate at speeds up
to 70 mph (61 kts)
Watts: ............................... 1,500 watts peak-to-peak/188 watt RMS.
Sonar sounding
depth capability: ........... SeaFinder 320DF: 1,500 feet (450 meters).
FishMark 320: 800 feet (244 meters).
Actual capability depends on transducer configuration and installation, bottom composition and water conditions. All sonar units
typically read deeper in fresh water than in
salt water.
Depth display:................ Continuous display .
Audible alarms: ............. Deep/shallow/fish/zone.
Automatic ranging:....... Yes, with instant screen updates.
Auto bottom track:........ Yes.
Zoom bottom track: ...... Yes.
Split-screen zoom:......... Yes.
Surface water temp: ..... Yes.
Speed/distance log: ....... Optional (requires optional speed sensor).
4
NOTICE!
The storage temperature range for your unit is from -4 degrees to +167
degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees to +75 degrees Celsius). Extended stor-
age in temperatures higher or lower than specified will damage the liquid crystal display in your unit. This type of damage is not covered by
the warranty. For more information, contact the factory's Customer
Service Department; phone numbers are listed on the last page.
How Sonar Works
Sonar has been around since the 1940s, so if you already know how it
works, skip ahead to the next segment on the typographical conventions
used in this manual. But, if you've never owned a sonar fish finder, this
segment will tell you the under water basics.
Sonar is an abbreviation for SOund NA
vigation and Ranging, a technology developed during World War II for tracking enemy submarines. A
sonar consists of a transmitter, transducer, receiver and display. In
simple terms, here's how it finds the bottom, or the fish:
The transmitter emits an electrical impulse, which the transducer converts into a sound wave and sends into the water. (The sound frequency
can't be heard by humans or fish.) The sound wave strikes an object
(fish, structure, bottom) and bounces back to the transducer, which
converts the sound back into an electrical signal.
The receiver amplifies this return signal, or echo, and sends it to the
display, where an image of the object appears on the scrolling sonar
chart. The sonar's microprocessor calculates the time lapse between the
transmitted signal and echo return to determine the distance to the
object. The whole process repeats itself several times each second.
How to use this manual: typographical conventions
Many instructions are listed as numbered steps. The keypad and arrow
"keystrokes" appear as boldface type. So, if you're in a real hurry (or
just need a reminder), you can skim the instructions and pick out what
menu command to use by finding the boldface command text. The fol-
5
lowing paragraphs explain how to interpret the text formatting for
those commands and other instructions:
Arrow Keys
The arrow keys control a horizontal line depth cursor on the sonar
screen. The arrow keys also help you move around the menus so you
can execute different commands. They are represented by symbols like
these, which denote the down arrow key, the up arrow, the left arrow
and the right arrow: ↓ ↑ ← →.
Keyboard
The other keys perform a variety of functions. When the text refers to a
key to press, the key is shown in bold, sans serif type. For example, the
"Enter/Icons" key is shown as
ENT
and the "Menu" key is shown as
MENU
.
Menu Commands
A menu command or a menu option will appear in small capital letters,
in a bold sans serif type like this:
D
EPTH CURSOR
. These indicate that you
are to select this command or option from a menu or take an action of
some kind with the menu item. Text that you may need to enter or file
names you need to select are show in italic type, such as data type.
Instructions = Menu Sequences
Most functions you perform with the sonar unit are described as a sequence of key strokes and selecting menu commands. We've written
them in a condensed manner for quick and easy reading.
For example, instructions for turning on the Fish ID feature would
look like this:
1. From the Sonar Page, press
MENU
|↓ to
S
ONAR FEATURES
|
ENT
.
2. Press → or → ↓ to
F
ISH
ID S
YMBOLS
|
ENT|EXIT|EXIT
.
Translated into complete English, step 1 above would mean: "Start on
the Sonar Page. Press the Menu key then repeatedly press (or press and
hold) the down arrow key to scroll down the menu and select (highlight)
6
the Sonar Features menu command. Then press the Enter key."
Step 2 would mean: "Press the right arrow key (for dual-frequency
units) or press the right arrow key followed by the down arrow key (for
single-frequency units) to select (highlight) the Fish ID symbols command. Next, press the Enter key, then press the Exit key twice."
7
Section 2:
Installation & Accessories
Preparations
You can install the sonar system in some other order if you prefer, but
we recommend this installation sequence:
Caution:
You should read over this entire installation section before drilling any holes in your vessel!
1. Determine the approximate location for the sonar unit, so you can
plan how and where to route the cables for the transducer and power.
This will help you make sure you have enough cable length for the desired configuration.
2. Determine the approximate location for the transducer and its cable
route.
3. Determine the location of your battery or other power connection,
along with the power cable route.
4. Install the transducer and route the transducer cable to the sonar
unit.
5. Install the power cable and route it to the sonar unit.
6. Mount the sonar unit.
Transducer Installation
These instructions will help you install your Skimmer
transducer on a
transom, on a trolling motor or inside a hull. These instructions cover
both single- and dual-frequency Skimmer transducers. Please read all
instructions before proceeding with any installation.
The smaller single-frequency Skimmers typically use a one-piece,
stainless steel mounting bracket. The larger dual-frequency Skimmers
typically use a two-piece, plastic mounting bracket. The trolling motor
mount uses a one-piece plastic bracket with an adjustable strap.
8
These are all "kick-up" mounting brackets. They help prevent damage if
the transducer strikes an object while the boat is moving. If the transducer does "kick-up," the bracket can easily be pushed back into place
without tools.
Read these instructions carefully before attempting the installation.
Determine which of the mounting positions is right for your boat. Use
extreme care if mounting the transducer inside the hull, because once it
is epoxied into position, the transducer usually cannot be removed.
Remember, the transducer installation is the most critical part
of a sonar installation.
Recommended Tools and supplies
If you prefer the option of routing the cable through the transom, you
will need a 5/8" drill bit. A transom mount requires use of a high qual-
ity, marine grade above- or below-waterline caulking compound. The
following installation types also call for these recommended tools and
required supplies (supplies are not included):
Single-frequency transom installations
Tools include: two adjustable wrenches, drill, #29 (0.136") drill bit, flathead screwdriver. Supplies: none.
Dual-frequency transom installations
Tools: two adjustable wrenches, drill, #20 (0.161") drill bit, flat-head
screwdriver. Supplies: four, 1" long, #12 stainless steel slotted wood
screws.
Single-frequency trolling motor installations
Tools: two adjustable wrenches, flat-head screwdriver. Supplies: plastic
cable ties.
Shoot-through hull installations
Tools: these will vary depending on your hull's composition. Consult your
boat dealer or manufacturer. Supplies: 100 grit sandpaper, good quality
epoxy adhesive.
Selecting a Transducer Location
1. The transducer must be placed in a location that has a smooth flow of
water at all times. If the transducer is to be mounted inside the hull,
9
then the chosen location must be in the water at all times. If the
transducer is not placed in a smooth flow of water, interference
caused by bubbles and turbulence will show on the sonar's display in
the form of random lines or dots whenever the boat is moving.
NOTE:
Some aluminum boats with strakes or ribs on the outside of the
hull create large amounts of turbulence at high speed. These boats
typically have large outboard motors capable of propelling the boat
at speeds faster than 35 mph. Typically, a good location on aluminum boats is between the ribs closest to the engine.
2. The transducer should be installed with its face pointing straight
down, if possible.
3. If the transducer is mounted on the transom, make sure it doesn't
interfere with the trailer or hauling of the boat. Also, don't mount it
closer than approximately one foot from the engine's lower unit. This
will prevent cavitation (bubble) interference with propeller operation.
4. If possible, route the transducer cable away from other wiring on the
boat. Electrical noise from engine wiring, bilge pumps and aerators
can be displayed on the sonar's screen. Use caution when routing the
transducer cable around these wires.
Good and poor transducer locations.
CAUTION: Clamp the transducer cable to transom near
the transducer. This will help
prevent the transducer from
entering the boat if it is
knocked off at high speed.
Good location
Good location
Poor angle
Poor location
Good
location
10
How low should you go?
For most situations, you should install your Skimmer transducer so
that its centerline is level with the bottom of the boat hull. This will
usually give you the best combination of smooth water flow and protection from bangs and bumps.
Align transducer centerline with hull bottom.
However, there are times when you may need to adjust the transducer
slightly higher or lower. (The slots in the mounting brackets allow you
to loosen the screws and slide the transducer up or down.) If you frequently lose bottom signal lock while running at high speed, the transducer may be coming out of the water as you cross waves or wakes.
Move the transducer a little lower to help prevent this.
If you cruise or fish around lots of structure and cover, your transducer
may be frequently kicking up from object strikes. If you wish, you may
move the transducer a little higher for more protection.
There are two extremes you should avoid. Never let the edge of the
mounting bracket extend below the bottom of the hull. Never let the
bottom – the face – of the transducer rise above the bottom of the hull.
Shoot-thru-hull vs. Transom Mounting
Typically, shoot-thru-hull installations give excellent high speed operation and good to excellent depth capability. There is no possibility of
damage from floating objects. It can't be knocked off when docking or
loading on the trailer.
Transom
Hull bottom
Transducer
centerline
11
However, the shoot-thru-hull installation does have its drawbacks.
First, some loss of sensitivity does occur, even on the best hulls. This
varies from hull to hull, even from different installations on the same
hull. This is caused by differences in hull lay-up and construction.
Second, the transducer angle cannot be adjusted for the best fish
arches. This can be a problem on some hulls that sit with the bow high
when at rest or at slow trolling speeds. Follow the procedure listed in
the shoot-thru-hull installation section at the end of this lesson to determine if you can satisfactorily shoot through the hull.
TRANSOM TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLY AND MOUNTING
The best way to install these transducers is to loosely assemble all of
the parts first, place the transducer's bracket against the transom and
see if you can move the transducer so that it's parallel with the ground.
The following instructions sometimes vary depending on the mounting
bracket that came with your transducer. Single-frequency Skimmers
come with a one-piece stainless steel bracket, while dual-frequency
Skimmers come with a two-piece plastic mounting bracket. Use the set
of instructions that fits your model.
1. Assembling the bracket.
A. One-piece bracket: Press the two small plastic ratchets into the
sides of the metal bracket as shown in the following illustration. Notice
there are letters molded into each ratchet. Place each ratchet into the
bracket with the letter "A" aligned with the dot stamped into the metal
bracket. This position sets the transducer's coarse angle adjustment for a
14° transom. Most outboard and stern-drive transoms have a 14° angle.
Align plastic ratchets in bracket.
Dot
12
B. Two-piece bracket: Locate the four plastic ratchets in the transducer's hardware package. Press two ratchets into the sides of the plastic bracket and two on either side of the transducer as shown in the following illustrations. Notice there are letters molded into each ratchet.
Place the ratchets into the bracket with the letter "A" aligned with the
alignment mark molded into the bracket. Place the ratchets onto the
transducer with the letter "A" aligned with the 12 o'clock position on
the transducer stem. These positions set the transducer's coarse angle
adjustment for a 14° transom. Most outboard and stern-drive transoms have a 14° angle.
Insert and align ratchets.
Add ratchets to bracket and transducer.
Alignment letters
Alignment
positions
Transducer bracket
Transducer
Transducer
bracket
Ratchet
Ratchet
Transducer
13
2. Aligning the transducer on the transom.
A. One-piece bracket: Slide the transducer between the two ratch-
ets. Temporarily slide the bolt though the transducer assembly and
hold it against the transom. Looking at the transducer from the side,
check to see if it will adjust so that its face is parallel to the ground.
If it does, then the "A" position is correct for your hull.
If the transducer's face isn't parallel with the ground, remove the
transducer and ratchets from the bracket. Place the ratchets into the
holes in the bracket with the letter "B" aligned with the dot stamped
in the bracket.
Reassemble the transducer and bracket and place them against the
transom. Again, check to see if you can move the transducer so it's
parallel with the ground. If you can, then go to step 3A. If it doesn't,
repeat step 2A, but use a different alignment letter until you can
place the transducer on the transom correctly.
Insert bolt and check transducer position on transom.
B. Two-piece bracket: Assemble the transducer and bracket as shown
in the following figure. Temporarily slide the bolt though the transducer
assembly but don't tighten the nut at this time. Hold the assembled
transducer and bracket against the transom. Looking at the transducer
from the side, check to see if it will adjust so that its face is parallel to
the ground. If it does, then the "A" positions are correct for your hull.
If the transducer's face isn't parallel with the ground, remove and
disassemble the transducer and ratchets. Place the ratchets into the
Ratchets
14
bracket holes with the letter "B" aligned with the bracket alignment
mark. Place them on the transducer aligned with the 12 o'clock position on the transducer stem.
Reassemble the transducer and bracket and place them against the
transom. Again, check to see if you can move the transducer so it's
parallel with the ground. If you can, then go to step 3B. If it doesn't,
repeat step 2B, but use a different alignment letter until you can
place the transducer on the transom correctly.
Assemble transducer and bracket.
3. Assembling the transducer.
A. One-piece bracket: Once you determine the correct position for
the ratchets, assemble the transducer as shown in the following figure. Don't tighten the lock nut at this time.
Assemble transducer and bracket.
Nut
Metal
washer
Metal washer
Bolt
Rubber
washers
Flat washer
Lock washer
Flat washer
Nut
Bolt
15
B. Two-piece bracket: Once you determine the correct position for
the ratchets, assemble the transducer as shown in the figure in step
2B. Don't tighten the lock nut at this time.
4. Drilling mounting holes.
Hold the transducer and bracket assembly against the transom. The
transducer should be roughly parallel to the ground. The transducer's centerline should be in line with the bottom of the hull. Don't
let the bracket extend below the hull!
Mark the center of each slot for the mounting screw pilot holes. You
will drill one hole in the center of each slot.
Drill the holes. For the one-piece bracket, use the #29 bit (for the #10
screws). For the two-piece bracket, use the #20 bit (for the #12 screws).
Position transducer mount on transom and mark mounting holes.
Side view shown at left and seen from above at right.
5. Attaching transducer to transom.
A. One-piece bracket: Remove the transducer from the bracket and
re-assemble it with the cable passing through the bracket over the
bolt as shown in the following figures.
For single-frequency Skimmer, route cable over bolt and through
bracket. Side view shown at left and seen from above at right.
Transom
Transom
16
Both bracket types: Attach the transducer to the transom. Slide the
transducer up or down until it's aligned properly with the bottom of
the hull as shown in the preceding and following figures. Tighten the
bracket's mounting screws, sealing them with the caulking compound.
Adjust the transducer so that it's parallel to the ground and tighten
the nut until it touches the outer washer, then add 1/4 turn. Don't
over tighten the lock nut! If you do, the transducer won't "kick-up" if
it strikes an object in the water.
Align transducer centerline with hull bottom and attach transducer to
transom. Rear view of dual-frequency Skimmer shown.
6. Route the transducer cable through or over the transom to the sonar
unit. Make sure to leave some slack in the cable at the transducer. If
possible, route the transducer cable away from other wiring on the
boat. Electrical noise from the engine's wiring, bilge pumps, VHF radio
wires and cables, and aerators can be picked up by the sonar. Use caution when routing the transducer cable around these wires.
WARNING:
Clamp the transducer cable to the transom close to the
transducer. This can prevent the transducer from entering the boat if it is knocked off at high speed.
If you need to drill a hole in the transom to pass the connector through,
the required hole size will be 5/8".
Flat-bottom hull
Deep-"vee" hull
Bottom
of
hull
17
Caution:
If you drill a hole in the transom for the cable, make sure it is located above the waterline. After installation, be sure to seal the
hole with the same marine grade above- or below-waterline sealant used for the mounting screws.
7. Make a test run to determine the results. If the bottom is lost at
high speed, or if noise appears on the display, try sliding the transducer bracket down. This puts the transducer deeper into the water,
hopefully below the turbulence causing the noise. Don't allow the
transducer bracket to go below the bottom of the hull!
TROLLING MOTOR BRACKET INSTALLATION
(single-frequency only)
1. Attach the optional TMB-S bracket to the transducer as shown in the
following figure, using the hardware supplied with the transducer.
(Note: The internal tooth washer is supplied with the TMB-S.)
Attach motor mounting bracket to transducer.
2. Slide the adjustable strap supplied with the TMB-S through the slot
in the transducer bracket and wrap it around the trolling motor. Position the transducer to aim straight down when the motor is in the
water. Tighten the strap securely.
3. Route the transducer cable alongside the trolling motor shaft. Use
plastic ties (not included) to attach the transducer cable to the trolling motor shaft. Make sure there is enough slack in the cable for the
motor to turn freely. Route the cable to the sonar unit and the transducer is ready for use.
TMB-S bracket
Bolt
Internal tooth washer
Nut
Flat washer
18
Transducer mounted on trolling motor, side view.
TRANSDUCER ORIENTATION AND FISH ARCHES
If you do not get good fish arches on your display, it could be because
the transducer is not parallel with the ground when the boat is at rest
in the water or at slow trolling speeds.
Transducer angles and their effects on fish arches.
Transducer aimed
too far back
Transducer aimed
too far forward
Proper transducer angle
Partial fish arches
Full fish arch
19
If the arch slopes up – but not back down – then the front of the transducer is too high and needs to be lowered. If only the back half of the
arch is printed, then the nose of the transducer is angled too far down
and needs to be raised.
NOTE:
Periodically wash the transducer's face with soap and water to remove any oil film. Oil and dirt on the face will reduce the sensitivity
or may even prevent operation.
SHOOT-THRU-HULL PREPARATION
The transducer installation inside a fiberglass hull must be in an area
that does not have air bubbles in the resin or separated fiberglass layers. The sonar signal must pass through solid fiberglass. A successful
transducer installation can be made on hulls with flotation materials
(such as plywood, balsa wood or foam) between layers of fiberglass if
the material is removed from the chosen area.
Epoxy the transducer to a solid portion of the hull.
For example, some (but not all) manufacturers use a layer of fiberglass,
then a core of balsa wood, finishing with an outer layer of fiberglass.
Removing the inner layer of fiberglass and the balsa wood core exposes
the outer layer of fiberglass. The transducer can then be epoxied directly to the outer layer of fiberglass. After the epoxy cures, the hull is
watertight and structurally sound. Remember, the sonar signal must
pass through solid fiberglass. Any air bubbles in the fiberglass or the
epoxy will reduce or eliminate the sonar signals.
Fill with epoxy
Inner hull
Epoxy to hull first
Outer hull
Flotation material
20
WARNING:
Do not remove any material from your inner hull unless
you know the hull's composition. Careless grinding or
cutting on your hull can result in damage that could sink
your boat. Contact your boat dealer or manufacturer to
confirm your hull specifications.
To choose the proper location for thru-hull mounting, anchor the boat in
60 feet of water. Add a little water to the sump of the boat. Plug the
transducer into the sonar unit, turn it on, then hold the transducer over
the side of the boat. Adjust the sensitivity and range controls until a second bottom echo is seen on the display. (You will need to turn off both
automatic and ASP.) Don't touch the controls once they've been set.
Next, take the transducer out of the water and place it in the water in
the sump of the boat. Observe the sonar signal to see if there is a noticeable decrease in sensitivity. The second bottom signal may disappear and the bottom signal may decrease in intensity.
Move the transducer around to find the best location. If the sensitivity
control must be increased greatly to compensate, then the transducer
should be mounted on the outside of the hull. If not, then mark the location that shot through the hull the best and follow the instructions on
the following pages for a shoot-thru-hull mounting.
Shoot-thru-hull transducer locations for
high speed or trolling speed operation.
Shoot-thru-hull Installation
1. Make sure the area is clean, dry and free of oil or grease, then sand
both the inside surface of the hull and the face of the transducer with
Transducer location
(trolling speed)
Transducer location
(high speed)
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100 grit sandpaper. The surface of the hull must be flat so the entire
transducer face is in contact with the hull prior to bonding.
Epoxy transducer to hull.
2. Follow the instructions on the epoxy package and mix it thoroughly.
Do not mix it too fast, because it will cause bubbles to form in the epoxy. Apply a small amount on the face of the transducer as shown
above, then spread a small amount onto the sanded area on the hull.
Place the transducer into the epoxy, twisting and turning it to force
any air bubbles out from under the transducer face. The face of the
transducer should be parallel with the hull, with a minimum amount
of epoxy between the hull and transducer. After the epoxy dries,
route the cable to the sonar unit.
Speed/Temperature Sensors
This unit can accept as many as two temperature sensors, which can be
used to monitor the temperature of surface water, a live well or some
other location. These units can also accept an optional speed sensor for
showing speed and distance traveled. However, you can only use one accessory at a time. If you would like to use a speed sensor and a second
temperature sensor at the same time, you will need a combination device.
NOTE:
This unit is packed with a transducer containing a built-in temp sensor. The SeaFinder package also includes a speed sensor. If you have
a FishMark 320 and want a speed sensor or additional temp sensor,
see the Accessory Ordering Information in the back of this manual.
Spread epoxy here
Sand this surface
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If a second temp sensor is used, it must be the model TS-2U. This
model has a fixed electronic "address" which designates it as the second
of two temp sensors. Dual temperatures are only displayed on the Full
Chart page. The Large Digital page will only display the primary temperature sensor. See the following wiring diagram for temperature and
speed sensor combinations.
Sonar unit with secondary external temperature sensor.
Sonar unit with external speed sensor or combo speed/temp sensor.
The primary temperature sensor is built into the transducer.
Power/transducer cable.
Temp sensor built
into transducer.
SP-U speed sensor
or combo speed/
temp sensor.
Sonar unit
rear view
Sonar unit
rear view
T2-U temp sensor
Temp sensor built
into transducer.
Power/transducer cable
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Optional Speed Sensor Installation
All the units in this series can display speed and distance traveled, but
only the SeaFinder 320DF comes packed with a speed sensor. If you
wish to purchase an optional additional sensor for your unit, refer to
the accessory ordering information inside the back cover of this manual. The following instructions describe how to install the speed sensor.
Recommended tools for this job include: drill, 5/8" drill bit, 1/8" drill bit for
pilot holes, screwdriver. Required supplies for this job include: four #8
stainless steel wood screws (3/4" long), high quality, marine grade aboveor below-waterline caulking compound.
First find a location on the boat's transom where the water flow is smoothest. Don't mount the sensor behind strakes or ribs. These will disturb the
water flow to the speed sensor. Make sure the sensor will remain in the
water when the boat is on plane. Also make sure the location doesn't interfere with the boat's trailer. Typically, the sensor is mounted about one foot
to the side of the transom's centerline.
Once you've determined the proper location for the unit, place the sensor on the transom. The bottom of the bracket should be flush with the
hull's bottom. Using the sensor as a template, mark the hull for the
screws' pilot holes. Drill four 1/8" holes, one in each end of the slots.
Mount the sensor to the hull using #8 stainless steel wood screws (not
included). Use a high quality, marine grade above- or below-waterline
caulking compound to seal the screws. Make sure the sensor is flush
with the bottom of the hull and tighten the screws.
Stern view showing good location for mounting sensor on transom.
Good location
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If the base of the transom has a radius, fill the gap between the transom and the sensor with the caulking compound. This will help ensure
a smooth water flow.
Speed sensor mounting configuration:
side view (left) and rear view (right.)
Route the sensor's cable through or over the transom to the sonar unit.
If you need to drill a hole in the transom to pass the connector through,
the required hole size is 5/8".
Caution:
If you drill a hole in the transom for the cable, make sure it is located above the waterline. After installation, be sure to seal the
hole with the same marine grade above- or below-waterline sealant used for the screws.
The sensor is now ready for use. Connect the sensor to the accessory
socket on the back of your unit. If you have any questions concerning
the installation of the sensor, please contact your local boat dealer.
Power Connections
The unit works from a 12-volt battery system. For the best results, attach the power cable directly to the battery. You can attach the power
cable to an accessory or power buss, however you may have problems
with electrical interference. Therefore, it's safer to go ahead and attach
the power cable directly to the battery.
CAUTION:
When using the unit in a saltwater environment, we strongly recommend that you shut off the power supply to the power cable when
Transom
Bottom of hull
Bottom of hull
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