Eagle SEACHARTER 502C DF IGPS, FISHELITE 502C IGPS INSTALLATION AND OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS

Name: Eagle SEACHARTER 502C DF IGPS
Brand: Eagle
SKU: 9659699
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Eagle SEACHARTER 502C DF IGPS, FISHELITE 502C IGPS INSTALLATION AND OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS

Pub. 988-0152-131

www.eaglesonar.com

FishElite®502c iGPS &

SeaCharter®502cDF iGPS

Fish-finding Sonars & Mapping GPS

Installation and Operation

Instructions

No part of this manual may be copied, reproduced, republished, transmitted or distributed for any purpose, without prior written consent of Eagle Electronics. Any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual is strictly prohibited.

Eagle® is a registered trademark of LEI. MapCreate , FreedomMaps and NauticPath are trademarks of LEI. Fishing Hot Spots is a

registered trademark of Fishing Hot Spots Inc. LakeMaster and ProMaps are trademarks or registered trademarks of Waypoint Technologies, Inc. Navionics is a registered trademark of Navionics, Inc.

Zenrin Co. Ltd.

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: SeaCharter 502cDF iGPS shown. Other models covered in the manual are similar.

For free owner's manuals and the most current information on this product, its operation and accessories,

visit our web site:

www.eaglesonar.com

Eagle Electronics

P.O. Box 669

Catoosa, OK USA 74015

Printed in USA.

Table of Contents
Section 1: Read Me First!.........................................................	1
Capabilities and Specifications: ....................................................	3
How Eagle Sonar Works...............................................................	5
How GPS Works............................................................................	6
Introduction to GPS and WAAS...................................................	7
Free Training Aids Available .....................................................	10
How to use this manual: typographical conventions ................	11
Arrow Keys..............................................................................	11
Keyboard .................................................................................	11
Menu Commands ....................................................................	11
Instructions = Menu Sequences .............................................	11
Section 2: Installation & Accessories..................................	13
Preparations................................................................................	13
Transducer Installation..............................................................	13
Recommended Tools and Supplies .........................................	14
Single-frequency transom installations .............................	14
Dual-frequency transom installations ...............................	14
Single-frequency trolling motor installations....................	14
Shoot-through hull installations ........................................	14
Selecting a Transducer Location............................................	14
How low should you go?..........................................................	16
Shoot-Thru-Hull vs. Transom Mounting ...............................	16
Transom Transducer Assembly and Mounting .....................	17
Trolling Motor Bracket Installation (single-frequency only) 22
Transducer Orientation and Fish Arches ..............................	23
Shoot-Thru-Hull Preparation.................................................	24
Hulls With Flotation Materials..........................................	24
Testing Determines Best Location.........................................	24
Shoot-Thru-Hull Installation .................................................	26
Speed/Temperature Sensors.......................................................	28
Optional Speed Sensor Installation ...........................................	29
Power Connections......................................................................	31
GPS Internal Antenna................................................................	32
NMEA Cable Connections ..........................................................	32
NMEA Wiring .........................................................................	32
Mounting the Unit: Bracket or Portable....................................	33
MMC or SD Card Memory Card Installation............................	36
Other Accessories........................................................................	37
Section 3: Basic Sonar Operation ........................................	39
Keyboard .....................................................................................	39
Power/lights on and off ...............................................................	40
Main Menu ..................................................................................	40
i

Pages ...........................................................................................	42
Satellite Status Page ..............................................................	42
Navigation Page......................................................................	43
Map Page.................................................................................	43
Sonar Page ..............................................................................	44
Basic Sonar Quick Reference ...............................................	47
Sonar Operations ........................................................................	48
Fish Symbols vs. Full Sonar Chart ........................................	50
Section 4: Sonar Options & Features..................................	51
ASP (Advanced Signal Processing) .....................................	51
Alarms .........................................................................................	52
Depth Alarms ..........................................................................	52
Zone Alarm..............................................................................	53
Fish Alarm...............................................................................	54
Calibrate Speed...........................................................................	54
Chart Speed.................................................................................	55
ColorLine ..................................................................................	56
Customize Page Displays ...........................................................	57
Depth Cursor...............................................................................	59
Depth Range - Automatic ...........................................................	59
Depth Range - Manual................................................................	59
FasTrack ..................................................................................	60
Fish I.D. ...................................................................................	60
To turn on Fish ID: .................................................................	61
FishTrack .................................................................................	62
Frequency....................................................................................	62
HyperScroll ..............................................................................	63
Log Sonar Chart Data ................................................................	63
Noise Rejection............................................................................	64
Overlay Data...............................................................................	64
Ping Speed & HyperScroll .......................................................	67
Reset Options ..............................................................................	69
Reset Water Distance .................................................................	69
Set Keel Offset ............................................................................	70
Sensitivity & Auto Sensitivity....................................................	71
Automatic Sensitivity .............................................................	71
Sonar Chart Mode.......................................................................	72
Sonar Page & Sonar Chart Display Options .............................	73
Full Sonar Chart .....................................................................	73
Split Zoom Sonar Chart..........................................................	74
Digital Data.............................................................................	74
Map With Sonar Split Screen.................................................	76
Sonar Simulator..........................................................................	76
ii

Stop Chart ...................................................................................	78
Surface Clarity............................................................................	78
Zoom & Zoom Bar .......................................................................	79
Zoom Pan.....................................................................................	80
Section 5: Sonar Troubleshooting .......................................	81
Section 6: Basic GPS Operations .........................................	85
Keyboard .....................................................................................	85
Power/lights on and off ...............................................................	86
Main Menu ..................................................................................	86
Pages ...........................................................................................	87
Sonar Page ..............................................................................	88
Satellite Status Page ..............................................................	88
Navigation Page......................................................................	90
Map Page.................................................................................	92
Background map vs. MapCreate map content ......................	93
Resize Window command .......................................................	96
Basic GPS Quick Reference ..................................................	98
Find Your Current Position........................................................	99
Moving Around the Map: Zoom & Cursor Arrow Keys .............	99
Selecting Any Map Item With the Cursor ...............................	100
Searching...................................................................................	100
Set a Waypoint..........................................................................	103
Create Waypoint at Current Position ..............................	103
Create Waypoint on Map ..................................................	104
Create Waypoint by Entering a Position .........................	104
Navigate To a Waypoint ...........................................................	105
Set Man Overboard (MOB) Waypoint......................................	106
Navigate Back to MOB Waypoint ............................................	106
Navigate to Cursor Position on Map........................................	107
Navigate to a Point of Interest.................................................	108
Creating and Saving a Trail.....................................................	108
Displaying a Saved Trail ..........................................................	110
Navigating Trails......................................................................	111
Transfer Custom Maps and GPS Data Files ...........................	114
Cancel Navigation.....................................................................	116
Section 7: Advanced GPS Operations...............................	117
Find Distance From Point to Point ..........................................	117
Icons...........................................................................................	117
Create Icon on Map...............................................................	118
Create Icon at Current Position ...........................................	118
Delete an Icon .......................................................................	118
Navigate to an Icon...............................................................	119
Routes........................................................................................	119
iii

Create and Save a Route ......................................................	120
PC-created Routes.............................................................	120
Routes Created in the Unit...............................................	120
Delete a Route.......................................................................	122
Edit a Route Name................................................................	123
Edit Route Waypoints...........................................................	123
Navigate a Route...................................................................	124
Navigate a Route in Reverse ................................................	124
Trails .........................................................................................	125
Delete a Trail ........................................................................	125
Edit a Trail Name .................................................................	126
Edit a Trail Color ..................................................................	126
Edit a Trail Pattern ..............................................................	126
Utilities......................................................................................	127
Alarm Clock...........................................................................	127
Sun/Moon Rise & Set Calculator..........................................	127
Trip Calculator......................................................................	127
Trip Down Timer...................................................................	127
Trip Up Timer .......................................................................	127
Waypoints..................................................................................	127
Delete a Waypoint.................................................................	127
Edit a Waypoint ....................................................................	128
Waypoint Name.................................................................	128
Waypoint Symbol ..............................................................	128
Waypoint Position .............................................................	128
Selecting a Waypoint ............................................................	129
Set a Waypoint by Average Position ....................................	129
Set a Waypoint by Projecting a Position..............................	129
Section 8: System & GPS Setup Options ..........................	131
Alarms .......................................................................................	131
Check MMC Files and Storage Space......................................	132
Communications Port Configuration .......................................	132
Configure NMEA ......................................................................	133
Coordinate System Selection....................................................	134
Map Fix .....................................................................................	135
Customize Page Displays .........................................................	137
GPS Simulator ..........................................................................	138
Hide GPS Features ...................................................................	139
Initialize GPS............................................................................	139
Map Auto Zoom.........................................................................	140
Map Data...................................................................................	140
Show Map Data.....................................................................	141
Pop-up Map Information ......................................................	141
iv

Map Boundaries ....................................................................	141
Fill Water With White ..........................................................	141
Map Overlays (Range Rings; Lat/Long Grid) ......................	141
Map Datum Selection ...............................................................	142
Map Detail Category Selection.................................................	142
Map Orientation .......................................................................	143
NauticPath USA Marine Charts...........................................	144
Nautical Chart Notes............................................................	144
Port Information ...................................................................	145
Tidal Current Information ...................................................	146
Tide Information ...................................................................	148
Navionics Charts.....................................................................	150
Pop-up Help...............................................................................	151
Reset Options ............................................................................	151
Require WAAS ..........................................................................	152
Screen Contrast and Brightness ..............................................	152
Set Language ............................................................................	153
Set Local Time ..........................................................................	154
Show WAAS Alarm...................................................................	154
Software Version Information..................................................	155
Sounds and Alarm Sound Styles..............................................	155
Track Smoothing.......................................................................	156
Trail Options .............................................................................	157
General Trail Options .......................................................	157
Specific Trail Options........................................................	159
Delete Trail ...........................................................................	159
New Trail...............................................................................	159
Trail Active/Visible and Other Trail Options ......................	159
Transparency ............................................................................	159
To adjust Menu Transparency level:....................................	159
Units of Measure.......................................................................	159
Section 9: Searching .............................................................	161
Find Addresses..........................................................................	162
Find Any Item Selected by Map Cursor ..................................	164
Find Interstate Highway Exits ................................................	165
Find Map Places or Points of Interest (POI) ...........................	167
Find Streets or Intersections....................................................	168
Find a Street .........................................................................	168
Find an Intersection .............................................................	170
Find Waypoints.........................................................................	172
Section 10: Supplemental Material ...................................	175

WARNING!

A CAREFUL NAVIGATOR NEVER RELIES ON ONLY ONE METHOD TO OBTAIN POSITION INFORMATION.

CAUTION

When showing navigation data to a position (waypoint), a GPS unit will show the shortest, most direct path to the waypoint. It provides navigation data to the waypoint regardless of obstructions. Therefore, the prudent navigator will not only take advantage of all available navigation tools when traveling to a waypoint, but will also visually check to make sure a clear, safe path to the waypoint is always available.

WARNING!

When a GPS unit is used in a vehicle, the vehicle operator is solely responsible for operating the vehicle in a safe manner. Vehicle operators must maintain full surveillance of all pertinent driving, boating or flying conditions at all times. An accident or collision resulting in damage to property, personal injury or death could occur if the operator of a GPS-equipped vehicle fails to pay full attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation while the vehicle is in motion.

Section 1: Read Me First!

How this manual can get you out on the road, fast!

Welcome to the exciting world of digital sonar and GPS! We know you are anxious to begin navigating and finding fish, but we have a favor to ask. Before you grab the 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, color display, combination fish finder and mapping GPS receiver.

First, we want to thank you for buying a Eagle sonar/GPS unit. Whether you are a first time user or a professional fisherman, you'll discover that your unit is easy to use, yet capable of handling demanding navigation and sonar tasks. When you team your unit with our custom mapping software MapCreate 6, you have an incredible combination. You will not find another combination GPS and 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 would 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 10 sections. This first section is an intro-

®	®
duction to the FishElite	502c iGPS and SeaCharter 502cDF iGPS. It

tells you the basics you need to know before you can make the unit look around and tell you where you are or look below the surface to find some fish.

Section 2 will help you install your unit and the transducer . We'll show you how to get the MultiMedia Card (MMC) correctly installed inside the unit. 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 unit, right out of the box. This section features a one-page Sonar Quick Reference. (If you've already jumped ahead and figured out how to install the unit yourself, and you just can't wait any longer, turn to the Quick Reference on page 47 and head for the water with your unit!)

After you have gained some experience with your sonar, you will 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.

The manual switches from sonar to navigation in Section 6, which introduces you to Basic GPS Operations. This section features a onepage GPS Quick Reference on page 98.

Section 6 contains short, easy-to-scan GPS lessons that follow one another in chronological order. They're all you'll need to know to find your way on the water quickly.

After you've learned the basics (or if you already have some GPS experience), you may want to try out some of the unit's many advanced navigation features. That brings us to Section 7, Advanced GPS Operations. This section contains the rest of the unit's GPS command functions, organized in alphabetical order.

When you come to a GPS menu command on the screen, you can look it up in the manual by skimming over the table of contents, just flipping through Section 6 or scanning through the command portion of Section 7.

This unit is ready to use right out of the box, but you can fine tune and customize it's operation with dozens of options. Since sonar is the unit's key feature, we put the main sonar options in Section 4. Some options, such as screen brightness settings, affect both sonar and GPS operations. We describe how to use those common options along with GPS options in Section 8, System Setup and GPS Setup Options. Section 8 is organized in alphabetical order.

In Section 9, we go into more detail on one of the unit's most remarkable GPS capabilities — Searching. We'll introduce a search example in the Basic GPS Operation section, but there are so many map items you can search for, we had to give this function it's own section in the manual! For example, did you know this unit can look up business phone numbers, functioning as a virtual Yellow Pages? We’ll show you how in Section 9.

Finally, in Section 10, we offer Supplemental Material, including a list of the GPS datums used, warranties and customer service information.

Now, if you're into the fine details, glance over the next segment on specifications to see how much sonar and GPS 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 or how many waypoints it can store, skip ahead to important information on how sonar works on page 5. Background on GPS begins on page 6.

Capabilities and Specifications:

	General
Display:............................	5.0" (12.7 cm) diagonal 256-color enhanced
	TFT LCD; programmable to viewing prefer-
	ence.
Resolution:......................	320 pixel x 240 pixel resolution; 76,800 total
	pixels.
Backlighting...................	Backlit screen and keypad with multiple
	lighting levels for night use.
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.
Languages.......................	10; menu languages selectable by user.
MMC slots: ......................	One with waterproof door (SD card
	compatible).
	Sonar
Frequency.......................	50/200 kHz for SeaCharter 502cDF iGPS;
	200 kHz for FishElite 502c iGPS.
Recording:........................	MMC & SD cards for recording sonar chart
	logs.
Transducers: ..................	A dual-frequency Skimmer transducer with
	built-in temperature sensor is packed with
	the SeaCharter 502cDF iGPS. It has 35°/12°
	cone angles. A single-frequency Skimmer
	transducer with built-in temperature sensor
	is packed with the FishElite 502c iGPS. It
	has a 20° cone angle. Transducers operate at
	speeds up to 70 mph (61 kts)
Watts: ...............................	SeaCharter 502cDF iGPS: 4,000 watts
	peak-to-peak/500watts RMS. FishElite 502c
	iGPS: 1,500 watts peak-to-peak/188 watt
	RMS.

	Sonar Sounding
Depth capability:...........	SeaCharter 502cDF iGPS: 1,500 feet (457
	meters). FishElite 502c iGPS: 800 feet (244
	meters). Actual capability depends on trans-
	ducer 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).
	GPS
Recording:........................	MMC & SD cards for recording GPS trip de-
	tails and displaying charts or custom maps.
Receiver/antenna:.........	Internal; Built-in 12 parallel channel
	GPS/WAAS.
Background map:..........	Built-in custom, detailed Eagle map. Con-
	tains: enhanced detail of continental U.S.
	and Hawaii. Includes more than 60,000 nav
	aids and 10,000 wrecks/obstructions in
	coastal and Great Lakes waters. Metro
	areas, selected major streets/highways and
	interstate exit services details included.
Custom mapping: ..........	MapCreate 6 software optional; optional
	plug and play LEI FreedomMaps offer the
	same high-detail without the computer work
	of MapCreate. Other plug and play mapping
	options include FreedomMaps , Fishing Hot
	Spots Elite, LEI NauticPath charts,
	LakeMaster ProMaps and Navionics
	charts.
Mapping memory: .........	Up to 1 gigabyte on one MMC (or SD) card.
Position updates: ..........	Every second.

Position points: .............	1,000 waypoints; 1,000 event marker icons.
Audible alarms: .............	Arrival/off-course/anchor.
Graphic symbols for
waypoints or event
marker icons: .................	42.
Routes:.............................	100, up to 100 waypoints per route.
Plot Trails:......................	10 savable; up to 10,000 points per trail.
Zoom range:....................	40 ranges; 0.02 to 4,000 miles.

NOTE:

The above memory capacities refer only to the unit’s on-board memory. The amount of GPS or sonar data you can record and save for recall later is limited only by the number and size of the MMC cards you have.

NOTICE!

The storage temperature range for your FishElite 502c iGPS and SeaCharter 502cDF iGPS is from -4 degrees to +167 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees to +75 degrees Celsius). Extended storage 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. Customer service numbers are listed on the last page of this manual.

How Eagle Sonar Works

Sonar has been around since the 1940s, so if you already know how it works, skip down to read about the relatively new technology of GPS. 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 NAvigation and Ranging, a technology developed during World War II for tracking enemy submarines. A sonar consists of a transmitter, transducer, receiver and display. Here's how it locates the bottom and finds 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.

Your unit can record a log of the sonar signals that scroll across the screen and save them to the MMC memory card. (These recordings are also called sonar charts or sonar graphs.) You can replay this sonar log in the unit using the Sonar Simulator function, or play it back on a personal computer using our free Sonar Viewer or product emulator. The viewer and emulator are available for download from the Eagle web site, www.eaglesonar.com.

You can save several different sonar log files, erase 'em and record new ones, over and over again. The size of your sonar recordings is only limited by the free space available on your MMC.

How GPS Works

You'll navigate faster and easier if you understand how the unit scans the sky to tell you where you are on the earth – and where you're going. (But if you already have a working understanding of GPS receivers and the GPS navigation system, skip on ahead to Section 2, Installation & Accessories on page 13. If you're new to GPS, read on.

Think of your unit as a small but powerful computer. The unit includes a keypad and a screen with menus so you can tell it what to do. The screen also lets the unit show your location on a moving map, as well as point the way to your destination.

This gimbal-mounted unit uses an internal antenna and receiver, which makes the system work like your car radio. But instead of your favorite dance tunes, this receiver tunes in to a couple of dozen GPS satellites circling the earth. (It will also listen to WAAS satellites in orbit, but we will delve into that in the segment introducing you to GPS and WAAS.)

Your unit listens to signals from as many satellites as it can see above the horizon, eliminates the weakest signals, then computes its location in relation to those satellites. Once the unit figures its latitude and longitude, it plots that position on the moving map shown on the screen. The whole process takes place several times a second!

The performance doesn't stop there. Stored in the permanent memory of each unit is a basic background map of the entire world. We lock it in here at the factory — you can not change or erase this map. The background map is suitable for many navigation chores, but for maximum accuracy and much more detail, you need our optional map-

making software, MapCreate 6 or one of our special plug-and-play mapping cards. Some unit features — such as searching for businesses and addresses — won't work without a custom MapCreate map. There is so much detail in our background map (and even more in MapCreate) that we'll describe their contents and differences in Section 3, Basic GPS Operations, on page 93.

Another portion of the unit’s onboard memory is devoted to recording GPS navigation information, which includes waypoints, event marker icons, trails and routes. This lets you look back the way you came. Think of this data storage like the hard drive memory in a computer or a tape in a cassette tape recorder. You can save several different GPS data files, erase 'em and record new ones, over and over again. Like any computer file, these GPS Data Files (file format *.usr) can be shared between Eagle GPS or sonar/GPS units or even personal computers.

This unit has one more thing in common with a personal computer. Just as computers have a floppy disk drive for storing and exchanging files, the unit has a slot for an MMC (MultiMedia Card) or SD card (Secure Digital card) flash memory card. These solid-state memory devices are about the size of a postage stamp, but can hold data ranging from 8 MB to 1 GB in size. (Compare that to a floppy disk's 1.44 MB capacity!) This unit uses all that MMC space for two key GPS purposes.

You can backup your onboard GPS Data Files by copying them to the MMC. Since the MMC is removable (like a floppy disk or a cassette tape), you can store these GPS Data Files on a personal computer equipped with an MMC card reader. (Or store them on a pocketful of MMCs, if you don't have a computer.) Our MapCreate mapping software can save, edit or create its own GPS Data Files, which can be copied to the MMC and then loaded from the MMC into the unit's memory. (NOTE: No matter where they come from, GPS Data Files must be loaded from the MMC into memory before the unit can use them.)

The other key GPS use for MMCs is storage of special high-detail, custom maps, which you can produce on your computer with our MapCreate software. These MapCreate custom maps contain much greater detail than the basic background map. These Custom Map Files (file format *.lcm) can also be shared between Eagle GPS or sonar/GPS units and personal computers. This unit automatically reads Custom Map Files directly from the MMC or SD card. To use a custom map, all you need to do is slide an MMC containing a map into the unit.

Introduction to GPS and WAAS

Well, now you know the basics of how your unit does its work. You might be ready to jump ahead to Section 2, Installation & Accessories,

so you can mount your unit and plug in the power. Or you might want to see how our text formatting makes the manual tutorials easy to skim. If that's the case, move on to How to Use This Manual on page 11. But, if you want to understand the current state of satellite navigation, look over this segment describing how GPS and its new companion WAAS work together to get you where you're going.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) was launched July 17, 1995 by the United States Department of Defense. It was designed as a 24- hour-a-day, 365-days-a-year, all weather global navigation system for the armed forces of the U.S. and its allies. Civilian use was also available at first, but it was less accurate because the military scrambled the signal somewhat, using a process called Selective Availability (SA).

GPS proved so useful for civilian navigation that the federal government discontinued SA on May 2, 2000, after the military developed other methods to deny GPS service to enemy forces. Reliable accuracy for civilian users jumped from 100 meters (330 feet) under SA to the present level of 10 to 20 meters (about 30 to 60 feet.)

Twenty-four satellites orbit 10,900 nautical miles above the Earth, passing overhead twice daily. A series of ground stations (with precisely surveyed locations) controls the satellites and monitors their exact locations in the sky. Each satellite broadcasts a low-power signal that identifies the satellite and its position above the earth. Three of these satellites are spares, unused until needed. The rest virtually guarantee that at least four satellites are in view nearly anywhere on Earth at all times.

A minimum of three satellites are required to determine a 2D fix.

The system requires signal reception from three satellites in order to determine a position. This is called a 2D fix. It takes four satellites to determine both position and elevation (your height above sea level — also called altitude). This is called a 3D fix.

Remember, the unit must have a clear view of the satellites in order to receive their signals. Unlike radio or television signals, GPS works at very high frequencies. These signals can be easily blocked by trees, buildings, an automobile roof, even your body.

Like most GPS receivers, this unit does not have a compass or any other navigation aid built inside. It relies solely on the signals from the satellites to calculate a position. Speed, direction of travel and distance are all calculated from position information. Therefore, in order for unit to determine direction of travel, you must be moving and the faster, the better. This is not to say that it won’t work at walking or trolling speeds — it will. There will be more wandering of the data shown on the display.

GPS alone is accurate for route navigation, but the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has special aircraft navigation needs that go beyond basic GPS. Consequently, the FAA has developed a program to boost GPS performance with its Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). The FAA commissioned the system on July 11, 2003.

WAAS is designed to increase GPS accuracy to within 7.6 meters vertically and horizontally, but according to the FAA, it consistently comes within 1-2 meters horizontally and 2-3 meters vertically. It does this by broadcasting correction signals on GPS frequencies. Your unit automatically receives both GPS and WAAS signals.

There are, however, some fringe areas of the U.S., including parts of Alaska, that do not yet receive robust WAAS coverage. Continued WAAS development is planned to extend WAAS coverage in the years to come.

WAAS boosts the accuracy of land GPS navigation, but the system is designed for aircraft. The satellites are in a fixed orbit around the Equator, so they appear very low in the sky to someone on the ground

in North America. Aircraft and vessels on open water can get consistently good WAAS reception, but terrain, foliage or even large manmade structures can sometimes block the WAAS signal from receivers.

You'll find that using your GPS receiver is both easy and amazingly accurate. It’s easily the most accurate method of electronic navigation available to the general public today. Remember that this receiver is only a tool. Always have another method of navigation available, such as a map or chart and a compass.

Also remember that this unit will always show navigation information in the shortest line from your present position to a waypoint, regardless of terrain! It only calculates position, it can’t know what’s between you

and your destination, for example. It’s up to you to safely navigate around obstacles, no matter how you’re using this product.

Free Training Aids Available

Now that you know something about the technology that makes this unit possible, you are ready to start learning how to use that technology! This manual will guide you through the process of setting up and running your unit, but that is only one of many resources available.

If you or a friend has Internet access, visit our web site! Find us at WWW.EAGLESONAR.COM. The site is packed with additional information on using our products. For instance, you can learn more about interpreting what you see on your sonar screen with our free Sonar Tutorial. The tutorial includes animated illustrations and more pictures of actual sonar returns, all described in detail. There's even a printer friendly version of the tutorial available on our web. It makes a great supplement to this manual.

Sonar Viewer

You can also download a free copy of our Sonar Viewer software. This PC-based software application plays back any sonar chart log recorded with a Eagle sonar product. Features include:

•Adjustable range, zoom, sensitivity, ColorLine, noise rejection, surface clarity, etc.

•Color interpretation of sonar signals can be user defined.

•Operates like a Windows Multimedia Player with forward, reverse, pause, fast forward, fast reverse, and scroll buttons.

•Adjustments update the entire record displayed.

•Can print in full color.

•Window can dynamically be sized on your monitor.

•Mouse cursor shows GPS position, depth and sounding number anywhere on the visible record.

Emulator

For the ultimate training aid, be sure to download the free emulator software for your unit. This program can help you learn both basic and advanced operations without burning boat fuel!

This PC application simulates the actual sonar/GPS unit on your computer. You can run it from your computer keyboard or use your mouse to press the virtual keys. Easy download and installation instructions are available on our web site. The emulator works exactly like your real sonar/GPS unit. When using the Sonar and GPS Simulators you can

play back sonar logs, run GPS routes and trails, even create real waypoints you can use in the field.

And that is just some of the material available on our web site. To find out what we have available, go to WWW.EAGLESONAR.COM and look around. For now, we'll get back to how to use this particular unit.

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 following paragraphs explain how to interpret the text formatting for those commands and other instructions:

Arrow Keys

The arrow keys control the movement of dotted cross-hair lines on your mapping screen called the cursor. The arrow keys also control a horizontal line depth cursor on the sonar screen. The arrow keys 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: ROUTE PLANNING. 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 trail name.

Instructions = Menu Sequences

Most functions you perform with the 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 navigating a trail would look like this:

1.From the Map Page, press MENU|MENU|↓ to MY TRAILS|ENT.

2.Press ↓ to Trail 1|ENT|→ to NAVIGATE|ENT.

3.You are asked to wait while it converts the trail into a route.

4. The wait message disappears and the unit begins showing navigation information along the trail. Now, begin moving and follow your unit's directions.

Translated into complete English, step 1 above would mean: "Start on the Map Page. Press the Menu key twice. Next, repeatedly press (or press and hold) the down arrow key to scroll down the menu and select (highlight) the My Trails menu command. Finally, press the Enter key."

Step 2 would mean: "Press the down arrow key repeatedly to scroll to the trail named Trail 1, and press Enter. Next, press the right arrow key to highlight the Navigate command, then press Enter."

Section 2: Installation & Accessories

Preparations

You can install the unit 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 unit, so you can plan how and where to route the cables for the transducer, any sensor and power. This will help you make sure you have enough cable length for the desired configuration.

NOTE:

The GPS antenna is inside the unit, so you must mount the unit in a location with an unobstructed view of the sky.

2.Determine the approximate location for the transducer, any sensor and their cable routes.

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. Install the speed or temp sensor, if applicable, and route the cable to the unit.

5.Route the power cable from the unit's location to an appropriate power source and connect it there.

6.Connect the transducer/power cable (and any sensor cables) to the unit and mount the unit on the bracket.

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 singleand dual-frequency Skimmer transducers. Please read all instructions before proceeding with any installation.

Your Skimmer transducer typically comes packaged with a one-piece stainless steel bracket for mounting it to the transom of your boat. The optional trolling motor mount uses a one-piece plastic bracket with an adjustable strap. These are 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 installation methods is right for your boat.

Remember, transducer location 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. (If you intend to install an additional speed or temp sensor and route its cable through the same hole in the transom, you will need a 1" (25.4 mm) drill bit to accommodate all the cables.)

NOTE:

The following installation types also call for these recommended tools and required supplies that you must provide (supplies listed here 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. Other tools are a wooden craft stick or similar tool for stirring and applying epoxy, and a paper plate or piece of cardboard to mix the epoxy on. Supplies: rubbing alcohol, 100 grit sandpaper, specially formulated epoxy adhesive available from LEI (see ordering information on the inside portion of the back cover). A sandwich hull also requires polyester resin.

Selecting a Transducer Location

1.The location must be in the water at all times, at all operating speeds.

2.The transducer must be placed in a location that has a smooth flow of 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 transom location on aluminum boats is between the ribs closest to the engine.

3. The transducer should be installed with its face pointing straight down, if possible. For shoot-thru applications: Many popular fishing boat hulls have a flat keel pad that offers a good mounting surface. On vee hulls, try to place the transducer where the deadrise is 10° or less.

Deadrise less than 10°

Strakes

Pad

Vee pad hull (left); Vee hull (right). A pod style transducer is shown here, but the principle is the same for Skimmers inside a hull.

4.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.

5.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.

CAUTION: Clamp the trans-
ducer 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	Poor location
Good
location	Good location
Poor angle

Good and poor transducer locations.

Transom

Transducer centerline

Hull bottom

Align transducer centerline with hull bottom. A dual frequency transducer (left) and a single frequency transducer (right).

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.There, however, 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

In a shoot-thru-hull installation, the transducer is bonded to the inside of the hull with epoxy. The sonar "ping" signal passes through the hull and into the water. This differs from a bolt-thru-hull installation (often called "thru-hull"). In that case, a hole is cut in the hull and a specially designed transducer is mounted through the hull with a threaded shaft and nut. This puts the transducer in contact with the water.

Typically, shoot-thru-hull installations give excellent high speed operation and good to excellent depth capability. There is no possibility of transducer damage from floating objects, as there is with a transommounted transducer. A transducer mounted inside the hull can't be knocked off when docking or loading on a trailer.

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 on your sonar display. (This is not an issue for flasher-style sonars.) Lack of angle adjustment can be particularly troublesome on hulls that sit with the bow high when at rest or at slow trolling speeds.

Third, a transducer CAN NOT shoot through wood and metal hulls. Those hulls require either a transom mount or a thru-hull installation.

Fourth, if your Skimmer transducer has a built in temp sensor, it will only show the temperature of the bilge, not the water surface temp.

Follow the testing procedures listed in the shoot-thru-hull installation section at the end of this instruction booklet 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.

Dot

Align plastic ratchets in bracket.

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.

Alignment letters

		Alignment
		positions
	Transducer	Transducer
	bracket	Transducer
	bracket
	Insert and align ratchets.
	Transducer bracket	Transducer

Ratchet

Add ratchets to bracket and transducer.

2.Aligning the transducer on the transom.

A. One-piece bracket: Slide the transducer between the two ratchets. 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.

Ratchets

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.

Bolt	Lock washer
Bolt
	Nut
Flat washer	Flat washer
	Flat washer

Assemble transducer and bracket.

If the transducer's face isn't parallel with the ground, remove and disassemble the transducer and ratchets. Place the ratchets into the 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.

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.

	Metal
Nut	washer
Nut
	Rubber	Metal washer
	washers	Metal washer
		Bolt

Assemble transducer and bracket.

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).

Transom

Position transducer mount on transom and mark mounting holes. Side view shown (left) and seen from above (right).

5. Attaching transducer to transom.

A. One-piece bracket: Remove the transducer from the bracket and reassemble 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 (left) and seen from above (right).

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 sealant.

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.

Bottom of hull

Flat-bottom hull

Deep-"vee" hull

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".

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 aboveor 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.)

Internal tooth washer	TMB-S bracket
Bolt

Nut

Flat washer

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.

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