Eagle Electronics FISHEASY 320C User Manual

5 (1)
Eagle Electronics FISHEASY 320C User Manual

Pub. 988-0143-781

www.eaglesonar.com

Fish-Finding & Depth-Sounding Sonar

Installation and Operation

Instructions

Copyright © 2004 LEI-Eagle

All rights reserved.

Eagle® is a registered trademark of LEI

FishEasy® 320C is a registered trademark of LEI

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.

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.

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

 

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

I

Capabilities and Specifications: Fisheasy 320c...........................

5

How Sonar Works .........................................................................

7

How to Use this Manual: Typographical Conventions................

8

Installation & Accessories.....................................................

11

Preparations................................................................................

11

Transducer Installation..............................................................

11

Recommended Tools and Supplies .........................................

12

Transom Installation ..........................................................

12

Trolling Motor Installations ...............................................

12

Shoot-Through Hull Installations ......................................

12

Selecting a Transducer Location............................................

13

How Low Should You Go?.......................................................

14

Shoot-Thru-Hull vs. Transom Mounting ...............................

15

Transom Transducer Assembly and Mounting .....................

16

Trolling Motor Bracket Installation.......................................

20

Transducer Orientation and Fish Arches ..............................

21

Shoot-Thru-Hull Preparation.................................................

23

Hulls with Floatation Materials.........................................

23

Testing Determines Best Location.........................................

24

Shoot-Thru-Hull Installation .................................................

26

Speed/Temperature Sensors.................................................

28

Speed Sensor Installation.......................................................

31

Power Connections..................................................................

33

Mounting the Sonar Unit: in-Dash, Bracket or Portable......

35

Bracket Installation................................................................

35

Portable Sonar Installation ....................................................

38

Installing the Batteries ..........................................................

39

Portable Transducer Assembly ..............................................

41

Basic Sonar Operation ...........................................................

43

Keyboard Basics..........................................................................

43

1. Menu/Pwr (Menu and Power).............................................

43

i

 

2. Ent/Pages (Enter and Pages)..............................................

44

3. Exit ......................................................................................

44

4. Up and Down Arrows..........................................................

44

Memory........................................................................................

44

Menus ..........................................................................................

44

Main Menu ..............................................................................

45

Sonar Menu .............................................................................

46

Pages ...........................................................................................

48

Basic Sonar Quick Reference .....................................................

51

Sonar Operations ........................................................................

52

Fish Symbols vs. Full Sonar Chart ........................................

55

Other Free Training Aids .......................................................

56

Advanced Sonar Options & Other Features......................

58

ASP (Advanced Signal Processing).........................................

58

Alarms .........................................................................................

59

Depth Alarms ..........................................................................

59

To Adjust and Turn on the Shallow Alarm:.......................

60

To Adjust and Turn on the Deep Alarm:............................

60

Fish Alarm...............................................................................

61

Backlight Level ...........................................................................

61

Calibrate Speed...........................................................................

62

Chart Speed.................................................................................

63

Colorline ...................................................................................

64

Contrast.......................................................................................

65

Depth Cursor...............................................................................

66

Depth Range - Automatic ...........................................................

67

Depth Range - Manual................................................................

67

To Turn Auto Depth Range on Again ....................................

68

FasTrack ..................................................................................

68

Fish I.D. (Fish Symbols & Depths) .........................................

69

FishTrack .................................................................................

70

Overlay Data...............................................................................

71

To Change Displayed Data Font Size ....................................

73

ii

 

Ping Speed & HyperScroll .......................................................

74

To Change Ping Speed:...........................................................

75

To Adjust Sensitivity: .............................................................

75

To Turn Off HyperScroll:........................................................

75

Pop-Up Help................................................................................

76

Reset Options ..............................................................................

76

Reset Water Distance .................................................................

77

Sensitivity & Auto Sensitivity....................................................

77

Automatic Sensitivity .............................................................

78

To Turn Auto Sensitivity Back On.........................................

79

Set Keel Offset ............................................................................

80

Set Language ..............................................................................

81

Software Version Information....................................................

81

Sonar Chart Mode.......................................................................

82

Sonar Page & Sonar Chart Display Options .............................

82

Full Sonar Chart .....................................................................

83

Split Zoom Sonar Chart..........................................................

83

Digital Data/Chart ..................................................................

84

Sonar Simulator..........................................................................

85

Stop Chart ...................................................................................

85

Surface Clarity............................................................................

86

Transparency ..............................................................................

87

Units of Measure.........................................................................

88

Zoom Pan.....................................................................................

91

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

93

Noise ........................................................................................

95

iii

Notes

iv

Introduction

Thank you for buying an Eagle sonar! Your unit is a high-quality, re- markably-priced color sonar designed for both professional and novice fishermen. All Eagle sonars have an automatic mode that finds and displays the bottom, fish, underwater structure and more – right out of the box. All you have to do is press the on (MENU/PWR) key.

However, if you want to fine-tune your unit, press the MENU key again. The FishEasy® 320C has several powerful features you can control by scrolling through easy-to-use menus with the arrow and menu keys.

To get started with your Eagle sonar, first read the installation section. It contains instructions for mounting the sonar unit, the transducer and any optional accessories, such as a speed sensor.

Following recommended installation practices will pay off in optimum performance of your FishEasy 320C. Improper installation can cause problems down the road, especially if the transducer is badly mounted.

After you've read the installation instructions, install the unit and accessories. Then, read the rest of the manual. The more you know about your sonar, the better it will work for you.

Take advantage of the Simulator feature. It allows you to practice operating your sonar before you get it in the water. And when you finally head for your favorite fishing hole, take this manual along for reference.

Capabilities and Specifications: FishEasy 320C

 

General

Case size:.........................

5.8" H x 4.3" W x 2.5" D (14.7 cm H x 10.8 cm

 

W x 6.6 cm D) sealed, waterproof; suitable for

 

saltwater use.

Display:............................

1/4 VGA color, transflective TFT display; 3.5"

 

(8.9 cm) diagonal viewing area.

5

Resolution:......................

320 pixels (vert.) x 240 pixel (horiz.) resolu-

 

tion; 153,600 total pixels

Backlighting:..................

Backlit screen and keypad for night use.

Input power:...................

10 to 17 volts DC.

Current drain: ...............

200 ma lights off; 250 ma lights on.

Back-up memory: ..........

Built-in memory stores sonar settings when

 

unit is turned off.

 

Sonar

Frequency:......................

200 kHz.

Transducers: ..................

A model HST-WSU Skimmer transducer

 

comes packed with your sonar unit. Operates

 

at speeds up to 70 mph (61 kts). Optional thru-

 

hull, portable and trolling motor transducers

 

are available.

Transmitter: ...................

800 watts peak-to-peak power (typical); 100

 

watts RMS power (typical).

Sonar sounding

 

depth capability: ...........

600 feet (182 meters). Actual capability de-

 

pends on transducer configuration and in-

 

stallation, bottom composition and water con-

 

ditions. All sonar units typically read deeper

 

in fresh water than in salt water.

Depth display:................

Continuous digital readout.

Audible alarms: .............

Deep/shallow/fish.

Automatic ranging:.......

Yes, with instant screen updates.

Zoom bottom track: ......

Yes.

Split-screen zoom:.........

Yes.

6

Surface water temp: ..... Yes, built into transducer. Optional additional temp sensors for live well, bait well, etc. are available.

Speed/distance log: ....... Yes, with optional speed sensor.

NOTICE!

The storage and operation temperature for your unit 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; phone numbers are inside the manual's back cover.

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 underwater basics.

Sonar is an abbreviation for SOund NAvigation and Ranging, a technology developed during World War II for tracking enemy submarines. (Eagle developed the world's first transistorized sportfishing sonar in 1957.) 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

7

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 following 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 and the up 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/Pages" key is shown as ENT and the "Menu/Power" 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: DEPTH 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.

8

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 SONAR FEATURES|ENT.

2.Press to FISH ID SYMBOLS|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) the Sonar Features menu command. Then press the Enter key."

Step 2 would mean: "Press the down arrow key to select (highlight) the Fish ID symbols command. Next, press the Enter key, then press the Exit key twice."

9

Notes

10

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

6.Connect the transducer/power cable to the unit and mount the sonar 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. 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 pre-

11

vent 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, the transducer location and 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. (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):

Transom installation

Tools include: two adjustable wrenches, drill, #29 (0.136") drill bit, flathead screwdriver. Supplies: high quality, marine grade aboveor belowwaterline sealant compound.

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 back cover). A sandwich hull also requires polyester resin.

12

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

Left, vee pad hull; right, vee hull. 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

13

be displayed on the sonar's screen. Use caution when routing the transducer cable around these wires.

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

 

Poor location

Good

 

location

Good location

Poor angle

 

Good and poor transducer locations.

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.

Transom

Transducer centerline

Hull bottom

Align transducer centerline with hull bottom.

14

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

In a shoot-thru-hull installation, the transducer is bonded to the inside of the hull with epoxy. The sonar "ping" signal actually passes through the hull and into the water. This differs from a bolt-thru-hull installation (often called simply "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 direct 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.

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 on your sonar display. (This is not an issue for flasher-style sonars.)

15

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 lesson to determine if you can satisfactorily shoot through the hull.

Transom Transducer Assembly And Mounting

The best way to install the transducer 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.

1. Assembling the 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.

2. Aligning the transducer on the transom. 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

16

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 3. If it doesn't, repeat step 2, 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.

3. Assembling the transducer. 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.

17

Metal

Nut washer

Rubber

Metal washer

washers

 

Bolt

Assemble transducer and bracket.

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 using the #29 bit (for the #10 screws).

Transom

Transom

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

18

5. Attaching transducer to transom. 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.

Route cable over bolt and through bracket. Side view shown at left and seen from above at right.

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 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.

Bottom of hull

Flat-bottom hull

Deep-"vee" hull

Align transducer centerline with hull bottom and attach to transom.

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

19

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 is 5/8". (If you intend to route an additional speed or temp sensor cable through the same hole, you will need a 1" (25.4 mm) drill bit instead.

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

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.)

20

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.

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.

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.

21

Partial fish arches

Transducer aimed

too far back Transducer aimed too far forward

Full fish arch

Proper transducer angle

Transducer angles and their effects on fish arches.

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.

22

Shoot-Thru-Hull Preparation

Hulls With Floatation Materials

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. See the figure below.

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.

Fill with polyester resin

Fill with resin

 

Flotation material

Inner hull

Epoxy to hull first

Outer hull

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 for 24 hours, fill the remaining space with polyester resin. When the job is finished, 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.

23

Testing Determines Best Location

Ideally, the shoot-thru transducer should be installed as close to the transom as possible, close to the centerline. This will give you the best performance during high speed maneuvers.

Transducer location

Transducer location

(high speed)

(trolling speed)

Shoot-thru-hull transducer locations for high speed or trolling speed operation.

To choose the proper location for shoot-thru-hull mounting, follow these testing procedures: (You may need a helper to complete these steps.)

1. Anchor the boat in about 30 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 in the water. Adjust the sensitivity and range controls until a second bottom echo is seen on the display. (You'll need to turn off Auto Sensitivity, Auto Depth Range and ASP . Try a range setting that is two to three times the water depth. The harder (more rocky) the bottom, the easier it will be to get a second bottom signal.) Don't touch the controls once they've been set.

24

True bottom

Second bottom

Manual range setting

Example of a second bottom signal. Unit is in 30 feet of water, with range set at 80 feet and sensitivity set at 87 percent.

2.Next, take the transducer out of the water and place it in the water in the sump of the boat, face down. (The transducer face is shown in the figure on the following page.) Notice how the signal strength decreases. The second bottom signal will probably disappear and the bottom signal intensity will likely decrease.

3.Now move the transducer around to find the best location with the strongest possible bottom signal. If you find a spot with an acceptable bottom signal, mark the location and move on to step 4.

If you can't get an acceptable bottom signal, try turning up the sensitivity by three or five keystrokes and then move the transducer around once more. If you find a spot that works, mark it and move on to step 4.

If you have to turn up sensitivity by more than five keystrokes to get a good signal, the transducer should be mounted on the outside of the hull. This is especially true if you have to turn sensitivity all the way up to get a decent bottom signal.

4. Most people can get good results by following steps 1 through 3, so this step is optional. If you want to make an extra effort to be absolutely sure that your selected location will work under all conditions, make a test run

25

with the boat on plane and observe the bottom signal. You'll need to figure some way to prop the transducer into position while you make your test run. (A brick or two might be sufficient to hold it in place.)

5. When you're satisfied with a location, mark it and proceed with the installation.

Shoot-thru-hull Installation

If you are installing the transducer on a hull with floatation material sandwiched within the hull, refer to the text "Hulls With Flotation Materials" beginning on page 23.

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 100 grit sandpaper. The sanded hull area should be about 1-1/2 times the diameter of the transducer. The surface of the hull must be flat so the entire transducer face is in contact with the hull prior to bonding. After sanding, clean the hull and transducer with rubbing alcohol to remove any sanding debris.

Spread epoxy here

Sand this surface (unit's face)

Orient the Skimmer with the nose facing the bow of the boat.

To bow

Epoxy transducer to hull.

26

WARNING:

Use only the epoxy available from LEI. It has been formulated to work with these installation procedures. Other epoxy types may be too thin or may not cure to the right consistency for optimum transducer performance.

2. The epoxy consists of the epoxy itself and a hardener. Remove the two compounds from the package and place them on the paper plate.

Thoroughly stir the two compounds together until the mixture has a uniform color and consistency. Do not mix too fast or bubbles will form in the epoxy. After mixing, you have 20 minutes to complete the installation before the epoxy becomes unworkable.

Spread a thin layer of epoxy (about 1/16" or 1.5 mm thick) on the face of the transducer as shown in the previous figure. Make sure there are no air pockets in the epoxy layer! Then, apply the remaining epoxy to the sanded area on the hull.

3.Press the transducer into the epoxy, twisting and turning it to force any air bubbles out from under the transducer face. Stop pressing when you bottom out on the hull. When you're finished, the face of the transducer should be parallel with the hull, with a minimum amount of epoxy between the hull and transducer.

4.Apply a weight, such as a brick, to hold the transducer in place while the epoxy cures. Be careful not to bump the transducer while the epoxy is wet. Leave the weight in place for a minimum of three hours. Allow the epoxy to cure for 24 hours before moving the boat.

5.After the epoxy has cured, route the cable to the sonar unit and it's ready to use.

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Speed/Temperature Sensors

The FishEasy 320C 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 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 secondary temperature sensor at the same time, you will need a combination device.

NOTE:

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.

Primary temp sensor built into transducer

TS-2U secondary external temp sensor shown as T2

Full Chart page showing dual temperature display.

See the following charts for sample sensor combinations and cable connections.

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