Eagle Electronics TRIFINDER 2 User Manual

www.eaglesonar.com

Pub. 988-0143-651

TriFinder 2

Fish-finding & Depth Sounding Sonar

Installation and Operation

Instructions



Eagle

is a registered trademark of Eagle Electronics

Marine-Tex is a trademark of Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Eagle Electronics may find it necessary to change or end our policies, regulations, and special offers at any time. We reserve the right to do so without notice. All features and specifications subject to change without notice. All screens in this manual are simulated.

For free owner's manuals and other information,

visit our web site:

www.eaglesonar.com

Eagle Electronics

P.O. Box 669

Catoosa, OK USA 74015

Printed in USA.

Table of Contents

Introduction .................................................................................. 1

Capabilities and Specifications .................................................... 1

Installation.................................................................................. 2

Transducer Installation ............................................................... 2

selecting a transducer location.................................................. 3

shoot-thru-hull vs. transom mounting...................................... 5

transom transducer assembly and mounting........................... 5

trolling motor bracket installation............................................ 8

transducer orientation and fish arches ................................... 9

Speed and temperature sensors ..................................................10

Power connections ........................................................................13

Mounting sonar unit: in-dash, bracket or portable ....................14

In-Dash installation ..................................................................14

Bracket installation ..................................................................15

Portable installation .................................................................17

Operation and features ...........................................................18

Keyboard basics............................................................................18

Turn on and off..........................................................................18

Menus ...........................................................................................19

Display opening screen ................................................................20

Chart scroll (stop or start scroll) .................................................20

Screen Display Pages or Modes (Page Menu) .............................21

Switching between pages..........................................................21

Full Chart page .........................................................................21

Split Chart page ........................................................................22

Large Digital (Lrg Digital) page ...............................................22

Range - automatic and manual ...................................................23

Zoom..............................................................................................24

Sensitivity.....................................................................................25

Grayline

Fish I.D. .....................................................................................29

FishTrack ..................................................................................30

TargetTrack...............................................................................31

FishReveal chart mode .............................................................32

Chart scroll speed and HyperScroll .........................................33

Noise reject and ASP (Advanced Signal Processing)...............34

Alarms...........................................................................................35

Fish alarm .................................................................................35

Shallow alarm............................................................................36

Deep alarm ................................................................................37

......................................................................................28

System Setup .............................................................................38

Display backlights.....................................................................38

Display contrast ........................................................................39

Depth units of measure.............................................................39

Temperature units of measure .................................................40

Speed and distance log units of measure .................................40

Reset distance log......................................................................41

Preset unit (reset all options) ...................................................41

System Info (operating software version) ................................42

Simulator ...................................................................................42

Chart Setup ................................................................................43

Limit Search ..............................................................................43

Digital data size for depth,

temperature, speed and distance log....................................... 44

Scales .........................................................................................45

Chart Mode (see FishReveal)....................................................32

Troubleshooting............................................................................46

Warranty and service information ..............................................49

Introduction

Thank you for buying an Eagle sonar! Your unit is a high-quality 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 (

PWR

) key.

However, if you want to fine-tune your unit, press the The TriFinder 2 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 Eagle sonar. 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.

MENU UP

key.

Capabilities and Specifications: TriFinder 2

General

Case Size: ........................ 5.2" H x 5.4" W x 2.4" D (13.2 cm H x 13.6 cm

W x 6 cm D) sealed, waterproof; suitable for saltwater use.

Display:............................ High-contrast Film SuperTwist LCD; 4.0"

(10.2 cm) diagonal viewing area.

Resolution:...................... 240 pixels (vert.) x 160 pixel (horiz.) resolu-

tion; 38,400 total pixels.

Backlighting:.................. Backlit screen and keypad for night opera-

tion.

Input power:................... 10 to 17 volts DC.

Current drain: ............... 300 ma lights off; 400 ma lights on.

Back-up memory: .......... built-in memory stores sonar settings when

unit is turned off.

Sonar

Frequency:...................... 200 kHz.

Transducer: .................... BV-WSX BroadView transducer offers fish

detection area up to 150º with high sensitivity settings. Operates at speeds up to 70 mph (61 kts.)

Transmitter: ................... 1500 watts peak-to-peak power (typical); 188

watts RMS power (typical).

Sonar sounding

Depth capability:........... 800 feet (244 meters). Actual capability de-

pends 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 digital readout.

Audible alarms: ............. Deep/shallow/fish.

Automatic ranging:....... Yes, with instant screen updates.

Zoom bottom track: ...... Yes.

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

Surface water temp: ..... Yes, with optional external temperature sen-

sor or combo speed/temp sensor.

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

speed/temp sensor.

Key features: FishReveal; HyperScroll; Grayline



; ASP; Fish I.D.

symbols; FishTrack; TargetTrack; full one-year warranty.

NOTICE!

The storage 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.

Transducer Installation



These instructions will help you install your BroadView a transom or trolling motor. Please read all instructions before proceeding with any installation.

transducer on

Your BroadView transducer comes packaged with a trolling motor mount that uses a plastic bracket with an adjustable strap. It also comes with a bracket for mounting it to the transom of your boat. These are both "kick-up" mounting brackets. They help prevent damage if the transducer strikes an object while the boat is moving. If the transducer does "kick-up," the bracket can easily be pushed back into place without tools.

Read these instructions carefully before attempting the installation. Determine which of the installation methods is right for your boat.

Remember, the transducer installation is the most critical part of a sonar installation.

Recommended Tools and supplies

Recommended tools include: two adjustable wrenches, flat-head screwdriver. If you prefer the option of routing the cable through the transom, you will need a 1" drill bit. The following installation types also call for these recommended tools and required supplies (supplies are not included):

Transom installation

Tools include: drill, #29 (0.136") drill bit. Supplies: high quality, marine grade above- or below-waterline caulking compound.

Trolling motor installation

Tools: none. Supplies: plastic cable ties.

Selecting a Transducer Location

1. The transducer must be placed in a location that has a smooth flow of water at all times. If the transducer is to be mounted inside the hull, then the chosen location must be in the water at all times. If the transducer is not placed in a smooth flow of water, interference caused by bubbles and turbulence will show on the sonar's display in the form of random lines or dots whenever the boat is moving.

NOTE:

Some aluminum boats with strakes or ribs on the outside of the hull create large amounts of turbulence at high speed. These boats typically have large outboard motors capable of propelling the boat at speeds faster than 35 mph. Typically, a good location on aluminum boats is between the ribs closest to the engine.

2. The transducer should be installed with its face pointing straight down, if possible.

3. If the transducer is mounted on the transom, make sure it doesn't interfere with the trailer or hauling of the boat. Also, don't mount it closer than approximately one foot from the engine's lower unit. This will prevent cavitation (bubble) interference with propeller operation.

4. If possible, route the transducer cable away from other wiring on the boat. Electrical noise from engine wiring, bilge pumps and aerators can be displayed on the sonar's screen. Use caution when routing the transducer cable around these wires.

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

Poor angle

Good and poor transducer locations.

Good location

How low should you go?

For most situations, you should install your BroadView 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.

Transducer centerline

Align transducer centerline with hull bottom.

Transom

Hull bottom

However, there are times when you may need to adjust the transducer slightly higher or lower. (The slots in the mounting brackets allow you to loosen the screws and slide the transducer up or down.) If you frequently lose bottom signal lock while running at high speed, the transducer may be coming out of the water as you cross waves or wakes. Move the transducer a little lower to help prevent this.

If you cruise or fish around lots of structure and cover, your transducer may be frequently kicking up from object strikes. If you wish, you may move the transducer a little higher for more protection.

There are two extremes you should avoid. Never let the edge of the mounting bracket extend below the bottom of the hull. Never let the bottom – the face – of the transducer rise above the bottom of the hull.

Shoot-thru-hull vs. Transom Mounting

A shoot-thru-hull installation is not recommended for the BroadView transducer.

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 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.

Metal

Nut

Rubber washers

washer

Metal washer

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

Position transducer mount on transom and mark mounting holes.

Side view shown at left and seen from above at right.

5. Attaching transducer to transom. 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 caulking compound.

Adjust the transducer so that it's parallel to the ground and tighten the nut until it touches the outer washer, then add 1/4 turn. Don't

over tighten the lock nut! If you do, the transducer won't "kick-up" if it strikes an object in the water.

Bottom

hull

Flat-bottom hull

Align transducer centerline with hull bottom and attach to transom.

Deep-"vee" hull

6. Route the transducer cable through or over the transom to the sonar unit. Make sure to leave some slack in the cable at the

transducer. If possible, route the transducer cable away from other wiring on the boat. Electrical noise from the engine's wiring, bilge pumps, VHF radio wires and cables, and aerators can be picked up by the sonar. Use caution when routing the transducer cable around these wires.

WARNING:

Clamp the transducer cable to the transom close to the transducer. This can prevent the transducer from entering the boat if it is knocked off at high speed.

If you need to drill a hole in the transom to pass the connector through, the required hole size is 1".

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

1. Attach the 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.)

TMB-S bracket

Bolt

Internal tooth washer

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.

Partial fish arches

Transducer aimed

too far back

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.

Transducer aimed

too far forward

Speed/Temperature Sensors

The TriFinder 2 can accept an optional speed sensor for showing speed and distance traveled. It can also accept an optional temperature sensor, or a combination speed/temp sensor.

Temp sensor display, from an external TS-1X, or combo speed/temp sensor

Full Chart page showing dual temperature display.

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

TriFinder 2 rear view

Power/sensor cable

3-amp fuse

12-volt battery

TS-1X temperature sensor

Transducer with no temperature sensor

TriFinder 2 with external temperature sensor. This unit has a power

cable with a connector for sensors. Transducers with built-in temp

sensors are not compatible with TriFinder 2 units.

TriFinder 2

rear view

Power/sensor cable

ST-TX combination

Transducer with no temperature sensor

TriFinder 2 with external combination speed and temperature sensor.

Transducers with built-in temp sensors are not compatible with Tri-

Finder 2 units.

speed-temp sensor

3-amp fuse

12-volt batter

Speed Sensor Installation

If you wish to purchase an optional sensor for your unit, refer to the accessory ordering information inside the back cover of this manual. The following instructions describe how to install the speed sensor.

Recommended tools for this job include: drill, 7/8" drill bit, 1/8" drill bit for pilot holes, screwdriver. Required supplies for this job include: four #8 stainless steel wood screws (3/4" long), high quality, marine grade aboveor below-waterline caulking compound.

First find a location on the boat's transom where the water flow is smoothest. Don't mount the sensor behind strakes or ribs. These will disturb the water flow to the speed sensor. Make sure the sensor will remain in the water when the boat is on plane. Also make sure the location doesn't interfere with the boat's trailer. Typically, the sensor is mounted about one foot to the side of the transom's centerline.

Once you've determined the proper location for the unit, place the sensor on the transom. The bottom of the bracket should be flush with the hull's bottom. Using the sensor as a template, mark the hull for the screws' pilot holes. Drill four 1/8" holes, one in each end of the slots.

Mount the sensor to the hull using #8 stainless steel wood screws (not included). Use a high quality, marine grade above- or below-waterline caulking compound to seal the screws. Make sure the sensor is flush with the bottom of the hull and tighten the screws.

If the base of the transom has a radius, fill the gap between the transom and the sensor with the caulking compound. This will help ensure a smooth water flow.

Good location

Stern view showing good location for mounting sensor on transom.

Transom

Bottom of hull

Speed sensor mounting configuration:

side view (left) and rear view (right.)

Bottom of hull

Route the sensor's cable through or over the transom to the sonar unit. If you need to drill a hole in the transom to pass the connector through, the required hole size is 7/8".

Caution:

The sensor is now ready for use. Connect the sensor to the in-line connector on the power/sensor cable. If you have any questions concerning the installation of the sensor, please contact your local boat dealer.

POWER CONNECTIONS

The unit works from a twelve-volt battery system. For the best results, attach the power cable directly to the battery. You can attach the power cable to an accessory or power buss, however you may have problems with electrical interference. Therefore, it's safer to go ahead and attach the power cable directly to the battery.

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