Garmin 160 BLUE User Manual

Fishﬁ nder 160 Blue

owner’s manual

GARMIN International, Inc. 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062, U.S.A. Tel. 913/397.8200 or 800/800.1020 Fax 913/397.8282

GARMIN (Europe) Ltd. Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, SO51 9AQ, U.K. Tel. 44/1794.519944 Fax 44/1794.519222

GARMIN Corporation No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan Tel. 886/2.2642.9199 Fax 886/2.2642.9099

All rights reserved. Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded or stored in any storage medium, for any purpose without prior written consent of GARMIN Corporation. GARMIN Corporation hereby grants permission to download a single copy of this manual onto a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to be viewed for personal use, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual contains the complete text of this copyright notice and provided further that any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual is strictly prohibited.

Information in this manual is subject to change without notice. GARMIN Corporation reserves the right to change or improve its products and to make changes in the content without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes. Visit the GARMIN web site (www.garmin.com) for current updates and supplemental information concerning the use and operation of this and other GARMIN products.

GARMIN, DCG, and See-Thru are registered trademarks and Fishﬁ nder 160 Blue is a trademark of GARMIN Corporation and may not be used without the express permission of GARMIN Corporation.

December 2001 Part Number 190-00199-00 Rev. B Printed in Taiwan

Thank you for choosing the GARMIN Fishﬁ nder 160 Blue™. This product is designed for easy operation and to provide years of reliable service.

Please take the time to read this Owner’s Manual, and learn the operation of your new unit. This will help ensure that you get the most from the Fishﬁ nder 160 Blue.

If you encounter a problem, or just have a question, contact our Product Support Department at 913-397-8200 or 800-800-1020, Monday — Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time.

Enjoy your new Fishﬁ nder 160 Blue and once again thank you for choosing GARMIN.

Introduction

Customer Service

Product Registration

Help us better support you by completing our on-line registration today! Have the serial number of your Fishﬁ nder 160 Blue handy and connect to our web site (www.garmin.com). Look for the Product Registration link on the Home page.

Why should you register your Fishﬁ nder 160 Blue?

• Notiﬁ cation of product updates

• Notiﬁ cation of new products

• Lost or stolen unit tracking

GARMIN Corporation warrants this product to be free from defects in materials

and manufacture for one year from the date of purchase. GARMIN will, at its sole

Introduction

Limited Warranty

option, repair or replace any components that fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor. The customer is, however, responsible for any transportation costs. This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident or unauthorized alteration or

repairs.

THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY ARISING UNDER ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL

RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

IN NO EVENT SHALL GARMIN BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE, OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE

ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

To obtain warranty service, call the GARMIN Customer Service department (913-397-8200 or 800-800-1020) for a returned merchandise tracking number. The unit should be securely packaged with the tracking number clearly marked on the outside of the package and sent freight prepaid and insured to a GARMIN warranty service station. A copy of the original sales receipt is required as the proof of purchase for warranty repairs. GARMIN retains the exclusive right to repair or replace the unit or software or offer a full refund of the purchase price at its sole discretion. SUCH REMEDY SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY.

The Fishﬁ nder 160 Blue Standard Package Includes:

• Fishﬁ nder 160 Blue

• Protective Front Cover

• Surface Mount Bracket with Knobs

• Power/Data Cable

• Owner’s Manual and Quick Reference Guide Label

• Dual Frequency Transom Mount Transducer (with depth/temp)* and separate Speed Sensor*

Optional Dual Frequency Transducers and Accessories:

Plastic Transom Mount (with depth/temp)* Bronze Thru-Hull (depth only) Plastic Thru-Hull (depth only) Speed Sensor* Temperature Sensor 10’ Transducer Extension Cable 20’ Transducer Extension Cable Second Mounting Station Flush Mounting Kit Swivel Mount, 1” RAM Cigarette Lighter Adapter Power/Data Cable 18-Pin A/C PC Adapter (US) 18-Pin A/C PC Adapter (EURO)

* Included with Optional Package

Introduction

Packaging and Accessories

iii

Introduction

Table of Contents

Introduction..........................................................i-vi

Customer Service ..................................................................... i

Limited Warranty .................................................................... ii

Packaging and Accessories...................................................... iii

Unit Display ........................................................................... vi

Installation ...........................................................1-9

Transducers............................................................................. 1

Transom Mount Installation ................................................... 2

In-hull Installation .................................................................. 3

Speed Sensor Installation......................................................... 4

Wiring Harness Installation ..................................................... 5

Wiring to a Fuse Block ............................................................ 5

Display Installation (Surface Mount) .......................................7

Display Installation (Flush Mount) .......................................... 8

Testing the Installation ............................................................9

Unit Operation...................................................10-29

Keypad Functions .................................................................10

Backlight ................................................................................ 10

Display Information ...............................................................11

Using the Adjustment Bar:

Range ..................................................................................... 12

Zoom .....................................................................................13

View.......................................................................................13

Gain ....................................................................................... 14

Setup Menu:

Chart Tab

Frequency .............................................................................. 15

Fish Symbols.......................................................................... 16

Whiteline ...............................................................................17

Scroll Speed ...........................................................................17

Scale....................................................................................... 18

Tools Tab

Depth Line ............................................................................. 18

Flasher ...................................................................................19

Simulator ...............................................................................19

Noise Reject ...........................................................................19

Numbers Tab

Number Size ..........................................................................20

Battery Voltage........................................................................ 21

Temperature........................................................................... 21

Speed ..................................................................................... 22

Depth Number ....................................................................... 22

Alarms Tab

Fish Alarm ............................................................................23

Shallow Water ........................................................................24

Deep Water ............................................................................24

Battery Voltage .......................................................................25

System Tab

Contrast .................................................................................25

Beeper ....................................................................................26

NMEA Output........................................................................26

Language................................................................................26

Calibrations Tab

Keel Offset..............................................................................27

Water Type .............................................................................27

Calibrate Speed ......................................................................27

Units Tab

Depth ...................................................................................28

Temperature...........................................................................28

Speed .....................................................................................28

Memory Tab

Remember..............................................................................29

Factory Setup .........................................................................29

Software Version.....................................................................29

On the Water ....................................................30-35

Understanding Sonar..............................................................30

Transducer Coverage ..............................................................31

Understanding the Chart........................................................32

Whiteline ...............................................................................33

Thermoclines .........................................................................34

Simulator Mode......................................................................35

Appendix A: Speciﬁ cations.................................... 36

Appendix B: Alarm Messages and Icons................ 37

Appendix C: Index ................................................. 38

Introduction

Table of Contents

Introduction

What can the Fishﬁ nder 160 Blue

Display?

The screen shots shown in this manual are simulated. Images seen during actual operation will be inﬂ uenced by environmental conditions, and may differ from the images shown here.

The Fishﬁ nder 160 Blue is capable of displaying a variety of useful information about the underwater environment. Below are a few things the unit will help you see.

Water Depth

The unit displays water depth and can provide a warning for shallow or deep-water conditions.

Battery Voltage

The unit can display the battery voltage that is available to the unit.

Water Temperature

If equipped with a capable transducer or temperature sensor, the unit can display the water temperature.

Speed Over Water*

If equipped with a capable transducer or speed sensor, the unit can display the boat’s speed over water.

Fish

The unit displays ﬁ sh as arches or ﬁ sh symbols, and can alert you when a ﬁ sh is detected.

Thermocline and Structure

With GARMIN’s See-Thru® technology, the Fishﬁ nder 160 Blue can display more than just the thermocline and structure. The unit displays ﬁ sh in and below the thermocline, trees, brush and deadfall like you have never seen before!

Bottom Shape and Type

Garmin’s unique DCG® (Depth Control Gain) system provides a clear graphic representation of the bottom type and its shape.

Transducer Frequency*

If equipped with a capable transducer, the unit will display the frequency selected for use; either 200kHz, 50kHz or Dual.

* Requires optional transducer or speed sensor

Transducers

The transducer acts as the eyes and ears of your new sonar. Proper transducer selection and installation are critical to the operation of your unit.

Installation

Included in the Optional Package is a 200/50kHz frequency (10°/40° cone angle), depth and temperature sensing, transom mount transducer. This transducer provides good all-around performance. Other optional dual frequency transducers are available from your local dealer or GARMIN.

The transducer transmits sound waves toward the bottom in a cone shape. The wider the cone angle, the larger the coverage area at a given depth. While it is good to see as large of an area as possible, it is best to select a frequency setting that suits the water that you are on.

With a dual frequency transducer, you may select either a 200kHz frequency, a 50kHz frequency or both. The 50kHz frequency setting provides a wide cone angle. This wide cone angle produces a large coverage area, but less detailed bottom resolution. In areas where bottom contours change quickly, this can result in “dead zones” where fish cannot be seen.

In contrast, the 200kHz frequency setting provides a narrow cone angle. This narrow cone angle produces a smaller viewing area (compared to a wide cone angle at the same depth), but with improved bottom resolution and a smaller dead zone.

The Dual frequency setting will provide you the most accurate depth and fish returns by transmitting signals at both 200kHz and 50kHz.

50 kHz

wide cone angle

200 kHz

narrow cone angle

dead zone

fish not seen

Transducers

Installation

Mounting the Transducer

DO NOT mount the transducer behind strakes, struts, ﬁ ttings, water intake or discharge ports, or anything that creates air bubbles or causes the water to become turbulent. It is important that the transducer be in calm, non-turbulent water for optimal performance.

NOTICE: Both the Transom Mount Transducer and the Speed Sensor must be installed separately. These two sensors may not be combined.

Proper transducer installation is key to getting the best performance from your new unit. If the transducer lead is too short, extension cables are available from you GARMIN dealer. DO NOT cut the transducer lead or any part of the transducer cable, as this will void your warranty. The cable cannot be spliced and connected to any existing (GARMIN or nonGARMIN) transducer cables.

Following are some tips and basic installation instructions for the optional dual frequency transducer and speed sensor. Detailed installation instructions are provided in the transducer kits.

Transom Mount Installation

Dual Frequency Transom Mount Transducer (with depth/temp).

Apply marine sealant to all screw threads to prevent water from seeping into the transom.

Transducer should extend 1/8" below fiberglass hull or 3/8" below aluminum hull

Mount the transducer parallel with the bottom.

Mount the transducer cable cover well above the waterline.

Make sure that the transducer is below water level when the boat is on plane at high speed

Do not mount transducer directly in the path of the prop. The transducer can cause cavitation that may degrade the boat's performance and damage the prop.

In-Hull Installation

To avoid drilling a hole to mount a thru-hull transducer, a transom mount transducer may be used with epoxy inside a boat (also called “shootthru-hull” installation). For a transducer to be mounted inside the hull (shoot-thru, not thru-hull), the boat must be ﬁ berglass, no core (contact your boat manufacturer if you are unsure). Test by placing a small amount of water inside the hull, placing the transducer on top of the water, then verifying the accuracy of the locators versus the current water depth. If they are the same, use epoxy (non-silicone based) to afﬁ x the transducer to the inside of the hull. If using a temperature sensing transducer, the temperature displayed will reflect the hull temperature.

Selecting a Location

The location has to be solid ﬁ berglass, devoid of any air bubbles,

laminates, ﬁ llers or dead air space. The location needs to be in an area of clean water at all speeds. Do not place the transducer over any strakes or behind any obstruction on the hull that would create turbulence.

Testing the Location

Place the transducer in the water, pointed directly at the bottom, and set the unit for optimum performance. Place the transducer in the test device as show on the side bar. If the sonar performance is signiﬁ cantly degraded, another location will need to be tested.

Strip Caulk or RTV Sealer

Installation

Mounting the Transducer

Many modern hulls have a pre-located pocket for In-hull transducer installation. If you are unsure if your hull is equipped with a prelocated pocket, contact your hull manufacturer.

Weight transducer to

PVC Pipe or a Can

hold it in place

Fill Pipe or Can with water or a light mineral oil

Continued on page 4

Hull Surface

Testing the Location

Installation

Mounting the Transducer/

Speed Sensor

Apply twisting motion

to eliminate any

trapped air bubbles

Weight transducer in place for at least 24 hours

Installing the Transducer

Slow cure

2-part epoxy

Strip Caulk or RTV Sealer

In-Hull Installation (continued)

Installing the Transducer:

1. Lightly sand the surface of the hull and face of the transducer with 400 grit wet or dry sandpaper.

2. Build a dam using strip caulk about 1/4” tall. Pour about 1/8” of 2-part, slow cure epoxy in the dam. Place the transducer in the epoxy, turning the transducer to work out any air bubbles.

3. Weight the transducer in place and allow to cure for 24 hours.

Speed Sensor Installation

The speed sensor should be mounted as near the center of the boat

as possible. Like the transducer, for the speed sensor to operate properly, it should be located in non-turbulent water. Follow the directions in the speed sensor installation instructions to assemble the speed sensor with the mounting bracket, drill holes in the transom, mount the assembly and route the cable.

Drill a 3/4” hole well above the water line. Coat the inside of the hole with Marine Sealant.

Adjust the speed sensor so it is parallel with the bottom of the boat. If the speed sensor is not adjusted properly, the sonar may experience inaccurate or degraded speed readings.

Position Cable Clamps about one-third of the distance from the hole to the transducer.

Drill 1/8” pilot holes 3/8” deep for the mounting screws. Coat the screws with Marine Sealant before installing them.

Wiring Harness Installation

The Fishfinder 160 Blue comes with a wiring harness that connects the unit to power and the transducer with one easy-to-remove connection. Make sure the wiring harness will reach the unit before beginning installation.

If it is necessary to extend the power/data wires, use a wire of comparable size and keep your extension as short as possible. If the transducer lead is too short, DO NOT cut the transducer lead to lengthen the cable. This will void the warranty. Transducer extension cables are available in 10’ or 20’ lengths from your GARMIN dealer.

Wiring to a Fuse Block

If your boat has an electrical system, it may be possible to wire the unit

Install 2-Amp Fuse

directly to an unused holder on your current fuse block. If you are using the boat’s fuse block, remove the in-line fuse holder supplied with the unit.

Installation

Installing the Wiring Harness

10-18 Volt Boat Supply

Installing the Wiring Harness:

1. Determine the polarity of the fuse holder using a Test Light or Volt Meter.

2. Install the Red (+) wire on the Positive Fuse Holder Terminal.

3. Install the Black (-) wire on the Negative Fuse Holder Terminal.

4. Install a 2 amp fuse in the Fuse Holder.

During a typical installation, only the Red and Black wires are used. The Blue wire supplies NMEA data, and doesn’t have to be connected for normal operation of the unit. The Yellow (alarm) wire is not used, because the Fishﬁ nder 160 Blue does not support external alarms.

Continued on page 6

Boat Ground

Fishﬁ nder 160 Blue

Black Wire

Red Wire

Installation

Wiring Harness Installation (continued)

If your boat does not have a fuse block, the unit can be wired directly to the battery. Make sure the 2-Amp in-line fuse supplied with the unit is installed.

Installing the Wiring Harness

Power/Dataer/Data ConnectionConnection

Speed Temp Transducer

Connecting a Transducer to Multiple Sensors

The Fishﬁ nder 160 Blue can be connected to another piece of NMEAcompatible electronic equipment. If equipped with a capable transducer and speed sensor, the Fishﬁ nder 160 Blue sends depth, temperature and speed information that could be displayed on another device.

(BLUE) NMEA Out

NMEA Device

(RED) +10 to +15 VDC

(BLACK) Ground

Power Source

2-Amp

In-Line Fuse

TRANSDUCER CONNECTION

Display Installation (Surface Mount)

The Fishﬁ nder 160 Blue can be mounted to a ﬂ at surface using the

supplied Surface Mount Bracket.

Surface Mounting the Display:

1. Position the Surface Mount Bracket in the desired location. Leave approximately 2” behind the unit for cable clearance.

2. Mark the location of the four mounting holes with a pencil.

3. Drill pilot holes for the mounting fasteners (not included in kit).

4. Secure the Surface Mount Bracket using the mounting fasteners.

5. Slip the unit into the Surface Mount Bracket.

6. Tighten the knobs to secure the unit to the bracket.

The Surface Mount Bracket is designed to be secured using a ﬂ at head screw. If you use a screw with a countersunk head, you risk damaging the Surface Mount Bracket.

Installation

Installing the Display

Mounting Bracket

Surface Mount

Bracket

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