Eagle Electronics FishElite 642c, SeaCharter 642cDF User Manual
www.eaglesonar.com
Pub. 988-0152-151
®
FishElite 642c iGPS &
®
SeaCharter 642cDF iGPS
Fish-finding Sonars & Mapping GPS
Installation and Operation
Instructions
Copyright © 2005 LEI-Eagle
All rights reserved.
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
and NauticPath are trademarks of LEI. Fishing Hot Spots
registered trademark of Fishing Hot Spots Inc. LakeMaster
ProMaps are trademarks or registered trademarks of Waypoint
Technologies, Inc. Navionics
is a registered trademark of LEI. MapCreate, FreedomMaps
is a registered trademark of Navionics,
is a
and
Inc.
eXitSource Database, copyright 2001-2005 Zenrin Co.
Ltd. Exit Authority and eXitSource are trademarks of
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 642cDF 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.................................................................................. 55
Customize Page Displays ........................................................... 57
Depth Cursor............................................................................... 58
Depth Range - Automatic ........................................................... 59
Depth Range - Manual................................................................ 59
FasTrack .................................................................................. 60
Fish I.D. ................................................................................... 60
FishTrack ................................................................................. 61
Frequency (SeaCharter only) ..................................................... 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
Customizing the Digital Data Page.................................... 74
Map With Sonar...................................................................... 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 ........................................................................................... 88
Sonar Page .............................................................................. 88
Satellite Status Page .............................................................. 88
Navigation Page...................................................................... 90
Map Page................................................................................. 92
Background map vs. MapCreate map content ...................... 94
Resize Window command ....................................................... 96
Basic GPS Quick Reference........................................................ 98
Moving Around the Map: Zoom & Cursor Arrow Keys ............. 99
Selecting Any Map Item With the Cursor ............................... 100
Searching................................................................................... 100
Set a Waypoint.......................................................................... 102
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...................................................................... 110
Visual Trailing ...................................................................... 111
Navigate a Trail .................................................................... 111
Navigate a Back Trail........................................................... 113
Transfer Custom Maps and GPS Data Files ........................... 114
Custom Maps:........................................................................ 114
GPS Data files:...................................................................... 114
Cancel Navigation..................................................................... 116
Section 7: Advanced GPS Operations ............................... 117
Find Distance Current Position to Another Location ............. 117
Find Distance From Point to Point .......................................... 117
Icons........................................................................................... 118
iii
Create Icon on Map............................................................... 118
Create Icon at Current Position ........................................... 118
Delete an Icon ....................................................................... 118
Navigate to an Icon............................................................... 119
Routes........................................................................................ 119
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................................................................... 123
Navigate a Route in Reverse ................................................ 124
Trails ......................................................................................... 125
Delete a Trail ........................................................................ 125
Edit a Trail Name ................................................................. 125
Edit a Trail Color .................................................................. 125
Edit a Trail Pattern .............................................................. 126
Utilities...................................................................................... 126
Alarm Clock........................................................................... 126
Sun/Moon Rise & Set Calculator.......................................... 126
Trip Calculator...................................................................... 126
Trip Down Timer................................................................... 126
Trip Up Timer ....................................................................... 126
Waypoints.................................................................................. 127
Delete a Waypoint................................................................. 127
Edit a Waypoint .................................................................... 127
Selecting a Waypoint ............................................................ 128
Set a Waypoint by Average Position .................................... 128
Set a Waypoint by Projecting a Position.............................. 128
Section 8: System & GPS Setup..........................................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 ................................................................... 140
Initialize GPS............................................................................ 140
Map Auto Zoom......................................................................... 141
Map Data................................................................................... 141
iv
Earth Map Detail .................................................................. 141
Pop-up Map Information ...................................................... 142
Draw Map Boundaries.......................................................... 142
Fill Water With White .......................................................... 142
Map Overlays (Range Rings; Lat/Long Grid) ...................... 142
Map Datum Selection ............................................................... 142
Map Detail Category Drawn ....................................................143
Map Orientation ....................................................................... 144
NauticPath USA Marine Charts........................................... 145
Nautical Chart Notes............................................................ 145
Port Information ...................................................................146
Tidal Current Information ................................................... 147
Tide Information ................................................................... 149
Navionics
Charts..................................................................... 150
Pop-up Help............................................................................... 151
Reset Options ............................................................................ 152
Require WAAS .......................................................................... 152
Screen Contrast and Brightness .............................................. 153
Set Language ............................................................................ 154
Set Local Time .......................................................................... 154
Show WAAS Alarm................................................................... 154
Software Version Information.................................................. 155
Sounds Menu............................................................................. 156
Track Smoothing....................................................................... 156
Trail Options ............................................................................. 157
General Trail Options ....................................................... 157
Specific Trail Options........................................................ 159
Trail Visibility and Other Trail Options.............................. 159
Transparency ............................................................................ 159
To adjust Transparency level: .............................................. 160
Units of Measure....................................................................... 160
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.................................................... 169
Find a Street ......................................................................... 169
Find an Intersection ............................................................. 170
Find Waypoints......................................................................... 172
Section 10: Supplemental Material ...................................175
v
A CAREFUL NAVIGATOR NEVER RELIES ON ONLY ONE METHOD
TO OBTAIN POSITION INFORMATION.
WARNING!
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.
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.
CAUTION
WARNING!
vi
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 introduction to the FishElite
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 fig-
ured 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!)
®
642c iGPS and SeaCharter 642cDF iGPS. It
®
1
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 one-
page 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 Opera-
tions. 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.
2
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 preference.
Resolution:...................... 640 pixel x 480 pixel resolution; 307,200 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 642cDF iGPS;
200 kHz for FishElite 642c 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 642cDF iGPS. It has 35°/12°
cone angles. A single-frequency Skimmer
transducer with built-in temperature sensor
is packed with the FishElite 642c iGPS. It
has a 20° cone angle. Transducers operate at
speeds up to 70 mph (61 kts)
Watts: ............................... SeaCharter 642cDF iGPS: 4,000 watts
peak-to-peak/500watts RMS. FishElite 642c
iGPS: 1,500 watts peak-to-peak/188 watt
RMS.
3
Sonar Sounding
Depth capability:........... SeaCharter 642cDF iGPS: 1,500 feet (457
meters). FishElite 642c iGPS: 800 feet (244
meters). Actual capability depends on transducer configuration and installation, bottom
composition and water conditions. All sonar
units typically read deeper in fresh water
than in salt water.
Depth display:................ Continuous display .
Audible alarms: ............. Deep/shallow/fish/zone.
Automatic ranging:....... Yes, with instant screen updates.
Auto bottom track:........ Yes.
Zoom bottom track: ...... Yes.
Split-screen zoom:......... Yes.
Surface water temp: ..... Yes.
Speed/distance log: ...... Optional (requires optional speed sensor).
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
LakeMaster
Elite, LEI NauticPath charts,
ProMaps and Navionics
charts.
Mapping memory: ......... Up to 1 gigabyte on one MMC (or SD) card.
Position updates: .......... Every second.
4
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 642c iGPS and
SeaCharter 642cDF 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 NA
ogy 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
vigation and Ranging, a technol-
5
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-
6
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 94.
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,
7
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 24hour-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.
8
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 ground
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
9
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 informa-
tion 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, re-
verse, 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.
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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.
You can take snapshots of the Sonar Chart and print them or e-mail
them to friends.
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.
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For example, instructions for navigating a trail would look like this:
1. From the Map Page, press
2. Press ↓ to Trail 1|
ENT|→ to NAVIGATE|ENT.
MENU|MENU|↓ to MY TRAILS|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."
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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
transom, on a trolling motor or inside a hull. These instructions cover
both single- and dual-frequency Skimmer transducers. Please read all
instructions before proceeding with any installation.
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.
13
transducer on a
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.
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NOTE:
prevent the transducer from
location
Deadrise less than 10
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.
°
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.
Strakes
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 transducer cable to transom near
the transducer. This will help
entering the boat if it is
knocked off at high speed.
Good
Poor angle
Good and poor transducer locations.
Good location
Poor location
Good location
15
Transom
Transom
Transducer
centerline
Hull bottom
Align transducer centerline with hull bottom. A dual frequency
transducer (left) and a single frequency transducer (right).
Hull bottom
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.
16
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.
17
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
bracket
Transducer bracket
Transducer
Insert and align ratchets.
Transducer
Ratchet
Add ratchets to bracket and transducer.
Ratchet
18
2. Aligning the transducer on the transom.
Flat washer
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
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.
Insert bolt and check transducer position on transom.
Bolt
Flat washer
Assemble transducer and bracket.
Lock washer
Nut
19
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
Rubber
washers
Assemble transducer and bracket.
Metal washer
Bolt
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).
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Transom
Flat-bottom hull
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
Deep-"vee" hull
Align transducer centerline with hull bottom and attach transducer to
transom. Rear view of dual-frequency Skimmer shown.
21
6. Route the transducer cable through or over the transom to the sonar
Flat washer
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 above- or below-waterline sealant used for the mounting screws.
7. Make a test run to determine the results. If the bottom is lost at
high speed, or if noise appears on the display, try sliding the transducer
bracket down. This puts the transducer deeper into the water, hopefully below the turbulence causing the noise. Don't allow the transducer
bracket to go below the bottom of the hull!
Trolling Motor Bracket Installation
(single-frequency only)
1. Attach the optional TMB-S bracket to the transducer as shown in the
following figure, using the hardware supplied with the transducer.
(Note: The internal tooth washer is supplied with the TMB-S.)
Bolt
Attach motor mounting bracket to transducer.
Internal tooth washer
Nut
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.
22
TMB-S bracket
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