Garmin 250, 250C User Manual

Fishfi nder 250/250C

high-resolution sonar
owner’s manual

(Fishfi nder 250C shown)

© Copyright 2004 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries

Garmin International, Inc.
1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, KS 66062, U.S.A.
Tel. [phone] or 800/800.1020 Fax [phone]

Garmin (Europe) Ltd.
Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey SO51 9DL, U.K.
Tel. [phone] Fax [phone]

Garmin Corporation
No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan
Tel. [phone] Fax [phone]

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. Garmin hereby grants permission to download a single copy of this
manual and of any revision of this manual onto a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to be viewed and to print one copy of this manual or any
revision hereto, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual or revision must contain the complete text of this copyright notice and provided
further that any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is strictly prohibited.

Information in this manual is subject to change without notice. Garmin 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®, See-Thru® and DCG (Depth Control Gain)® are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries and may not be used without the express
permission of Garmin.

February 2004 Part Number 190-00328-00 Rev. A Printed in Taiwan

Preface

Thank you for choosing the Garmin Fishfi nder 250/250C. This product is designed for easy operation

and to provide years of reliable service.

Operations for the Fishfi nder 250 and Fishfi nder 250C are the same unless othewise noted. To ensure
that you get the most from the Fishfi nder 250/250C, please take the time to read this Owner’s Manual and
learn the operation of your new unit. This manual is broken down into three sections. Section One covers the

installation and testing for the
and operations of the
provides information on interpreting the sonar graph.

Product Support

If you encounter a problem or just have a question, our Product Support Department can be reached
Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm Central Time.

By phone at— 1-800-800-1020 or [phone]

Online at— http://www.garmin.com/contactUs/techSupport.jsp

Check the Garmin Web Site (www.garmin.com) for links to Product Support and Product FAQ’s

Enjoy your new Fishfi nder 250/250C and once again thank you for choosing Garmin.

Product Registration

Help us better support you by completing our on-line registration today! Connect to our web site
(www.garmin.com) and look for the Product Registration link on the Home page. Your unit’s serial number is
located on the back of the unit.

Fishfi nder 250/250C. Section Two provides detailed references to the features

Fishfi nder 250/250C. Section Three gives a basic overview of how sonar works and

Introduction

Preface and

Registration

NOTE: If you have previously registered a Garmin product purchase, we invite you to re-

)

register using our on-line system. Many services provided by our product registration system
are now automated and re-registering your purchase ensures you the best possible support
from Garmin.

i

Introduction

Warranty and

Serial Number

Serial Number

Use this area to record the serial number (8-digit number
located on the back of the unit) in case it is lost, stolen, or
needs service. Be sure to keep your original sales receipt in a
safe place or attach a photocopy inside the manual.

Serial Number:

*

*

,

The Fishfi nder 250/250C is fastened shut with screws. Any
attempt to open the case to change or modify the unit in any
way will void your warranty and may result in permanent
damage to the equipment.

LIMITED WARRANTY

This Garmin product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for one year from
the date of purchase. Within this period, Garmin will at its sole 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, provided that the customer shall be responsible for any transportation cost. 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.

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.

To obtain warranty service, contact your local Garmin authorized dealer. Or call Garmin Customer Ser­vice at one of the numbers shown below, for shipping instructions and an RMA tracking number. The unit
should be securely packed with the tracking number clearly written on the outside
should then be sent, freight charges prepaid, to any Garmin warranty service station. A copy of the original
sales receipt is required as the proof of purchase for warranty repairs.

Products sold through online auctions are not eligible for rebates or other special offers from Garmin.
Online auction confi rmations are not accepted for warranty verifi cation. To obtain warranty service, an
original or copy of the sales receipt from the original retailer is required. Garmin will not replace missing
components from any package purchased through an online auction.

of the package. The unit

Garmin International, Inc. Garmin (Europe) Ltd.
1200 East 151st Street Unit 4, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate
Olathe, Kansas 66062, U.S.A. Romsey, SO51 9DL, U.K.

ii

Phone: [phone] Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone] FAX: [phone]

Software License Agreement

BY USING THE FISHFINDER 250/250C, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDI­TIONS OF THE FOLLOWING SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT. PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT
CAREFULLY.

Garmin grants you a limited license to use the software embedded in this device (the “Software”) in binary
executable form in the normal operation of the product. Title, ownership rights and intellectual property
rights in and to the Software remain in Garmin.

You acknowledge that the Software is the property of Garmin and is protected under the United States of
America copyright laws and international copyright treaties. You further acknowledge that the structure,
organization and code of the Software are valuable trade secrets of Garmin and that the Software in source
code form remains a valuable trade secret of Garmin. You agree not to decompile, disassemble, modify,
reverse assemble, reverse engineer or reduce to human readable form the Software or any part thereof, or to
create any derivative works based on the Software. You agree not to export or re-export the Software to any
country in violation of the export control laws of the United States of America.

,

WARNING: This product, its packaging, and its components contain chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. This Notice is being provided in accordance
with California’s Proposition 65. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please refer
to our web site at http://www.garmin.com/prop65.

Introduction

Software License Agreement

iii

Introduction

Packing List

Before installing and getting started with your unit, please check to see that your package includes the

following items. The package part number can be found on the outside of the box. If any parts are

missing, please contact your Garmin dealer immediately.

Fishfi nder 250 Standard Package (010-00343-00 w/o transducer):

• Fishfi nder 250 Unit • Swivel Mount Bracket and Knobs • Power/Data Cable • Owner’s Manual

• Self-Adhesive Quick Reference Guide • Protective Cover • Flush-Mount Hardware Kit

Fishfi nder 250 Optional Package (010-00343-01) includes Standard Package, plus:

• Dual Frequency (200/50kHz, 10/40°) Plastic Transom Mount Transducer with Depth and Temp

Fishfi nder 250 Optional Package (010-00343-02) includes Standard Package, plus:

• Single Frequency (200kHz, 14°) Plastic Transom Mount Transducer with Depth and Temp

)

For the most recent list of available accessories for your

unit, current user manuals and software updates, visit our

web site at www.garmin.com.

iv

Fishfi nder 250C Standard Package (010-00341-00 w/o transducer):

• Fishfi nder 250C Unit • Swivel Mount Bracket and Knobs • Power/Data Cable • Owner’s Manual

• Self-Adhesive Quick Reference Guide • Protective Cover • Flush-Mount Hardware Kit

Fishfi nder 250C Optional Package (010-00341-01) includes Standard Package, plus:

• Dual Frequency (200/50kHz, 10/40°) Plastic Transom Mount Transducer with Depth and Temp

• Separate Speed Sensor

Fishfi nder 250C Optional Package (010-00341-02) includes Standard Package, plus:

• Single Frequency (200kHz, 14°) Plastic Transom Mount Transducer with Depth and Temp

• Separate Speed Sensor

Optional Accessories:

• Quick-Release Flush Mount Bracket; US A/C PC Adapter; EURO A/C PC Adapter; Cigarette Lighter
Adapter; 2nd Mounting Station; 10 ft. Transducer Extension cable; 20 ft. Transducer Extension cable;
Temperature probe; Speed sensor; Plastic, thru-hull mount, Temp & Speed sensor only.

Transducers

The transducer acts as the eyes and ears of your sonar, transmitting sound waves toward the bottom in a
cone shape. Proper transducer selection and installation are important to the operation of your unit. It is best
to select a transducer that suits the depth of the water that you are on.

A wide cone angle transducer works best in shallower water, providing a large coverage or viewing area,
but at a decreased bottom resolution. In deep water this can result in a large area where fish cannot be seen.

A narrow cone angle transducer is better suited to deep water installations, providing a smaller coverage
or viewing area than a wide cone transducer, but with improved bottom resolution and a smaller dead zone.

Optional Transducers:

Included in the Optional Packages (p. iv) are transom mount transducers and separate speed sensors.
These transducers provide good all-around performance. In addition, a variety of optional transducers are
available from your local dealer or direct from Garmin.

• 200/50kHz, 12/45°, plastic, transom mount, depth, temp

• 200/50kHz, 12/45°, plastic, transom mount, depth, temp, speed

• 200/50kHz, 12/45°, bronze, thru-hull mount, depth

• 200/50kHz, 12/45°, bronze, thru-hull mount, depth, temp, speed

• 200/50kHz, 12/45°, bronze, thru-hull mount/long stem, depth, temp, speed

• 200/50kHz, 12/45°, plastic, thru-hull mount, depth

• 200/50kHz, 12/45°, plastic, adjustable. in-hull mount

• 200kHz, 14°, plastic, transom mount, depth

• 200kHz, 14°, plastic, transom mount, depth, temp

• 200kHz, 14°, plastic, transom mount, depth, temp, speed

• 200kHz, 8°, plastic, transom mount, depth, temp

• 200kHz, 8°, plastic, transom mount, depth, temp, speed

• 200kHz, 12°, bronze, thru-hull mount, depth

• 200kHz, 12°, bronze, thru-hull mount, depth, temp

• 200kHz, 9°, bronze, thru-hull mount, depth, temp, speed

• 200kHz, 12°, plastic, thru-hull mount, depth

• 200kHz, 12°, plastic, thru-hull mount, depth, temp

• 200kHz, 14°, plastic, in-hull mount, depth

• 200kHz, 14°, plastic, trolling motor mount, depth, temp

Introduction

Selecting a Transducer

Wide cone angle

Narrow cone angle

dead zone

fish not seen

X

X

v

Introduction

Table of Contents

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

Preface and Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ii

Software License Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Packing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

Selecting a Transducer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

Section One: Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Unit Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Wiring and Interfacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Mounting the Transducer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

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

Section Two: Unit Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22

Keypad Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Sonar Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Using the Adjustment Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Adjustment Menu Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

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

Zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

View/Span . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Target Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Whiteline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

vi

Depth Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Noise Reject . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Scroll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Size Split . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Pausing the Sonar Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Graph Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

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

Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Custom Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Background Color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Number Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Temperature and Water Speed . . . . . . . . .17

Tools Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Color Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Temperature Graph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Advanced Data Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Temp Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Log and Graph Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Reset (Scale) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Log Duration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Alarms Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Fish Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Shallow/Deep Water Alarms . . . . . . . . . . .19

Drift Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Water Temperature Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Battery Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Timer Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

System Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Beeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Display Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Simulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

NMEA Input/Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Factory Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Software Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Reset Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Units Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Distance and Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Position Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Heading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Sonar Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Water Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Depth Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Automatic Scroll Speed Limit . . . . . . . . . .21

Keel Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Transducer Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Calibrate Water Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Time Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Time Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Time Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Daylight Saving Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Current Time and Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Section Three: On the Water . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-26

Understanding Sonar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Transducer Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Understanding the Graph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Whiteline and Thermoclines . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Appendices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-30

Appendix A: Specifi cations and Cleaning . . . .27

Appendix B: Messages and Alarms . . . . . . . . .28

Appendix C: Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Installing the Fishfi nder 250/250C

The Fishfi nder 250/250C must be properly installed according to the following instructions to get the
best possible performance. To complete the installation, you’ll need the appropriate fasteners and tools.
Verify that all cables can reach the unit mounting location and also take time to read through these instruc­tions prior to installation. Be sure to always wear safety goggles and a dust mask when drilling, cutting or
sanding. When in doubt, seek professional assistance.

Selecting a Proper Location

Choose a location that provides optimal viewing while operating the vessel and allows easy access to
the unit’s keypad. Select a mounting surface strong enough to support the weight of the unit and protect
it from excessive vibration and shock. DO NOT mount the bracket in a location where the unit is exposed
to extreme temperature conditions. When installing the mounting bracket, be sure to allow room for the
connection/routing of the power and transducer cables.

Swivel Mounting the Fishfi nder 250/250C Unit

The Fishfi nder 250/250C’s compact, waterproof case is suitable for mounting in exposed locations or
at the nav station. The unit comes with a swivel-mount bracket that can be used for console or overhead
mounting. When choosing a location for the display unit, make sure you consider the following conditions:

• There should be at least a 3” (8 cm) clearance behind the case to allow connection of the transducer
and power/data cables.

• The mounting surface should be sturdy enough to support the unit and protect it from excessive
vibration and shock.

NOTE

:

,

The temperature range for the Fishfi nder 250/250C is 5°F to 130°F (-15°C to 55°C).
Extended exposure to temperatures exceeding this range (in storage or operating condi­tions) may cause failure of the LCD screen. This type of failure and related consequences are
NOT covered by the manufacturer’s limited warranty.

Installation

Unit Installation

1

Installation

Unit Installation

OK

The swivel base is designed to be secured using a pan
head screw or machine bolt. If you use a screw with a
countersunk head, you risk damaging the Mounting
Bracket.

To swivel mount the Fishfi nder 250/250C display:

Tools (not included) — Drill, Screwdriver (Phillips or Standard), three #8 (4mm) pan head machine bolts

with matching nuts and washers and a 5/32” (5mm) drill bit, OR three #8 pan head self-tapping screws and
an appropriately-sized drill bit for drilling starter holes.

1. Using the swivel base as a template, mark the location of the three holes that are used to secure the
bracket to the mounting surface.

2. If securing the base with machine bolts, drill three 5/32” (5mm) holes at the locations you marked. OR,
if securing the base with self-tapping screws, drill starter holes at the locations you marked. Starter holes
should generally be no deeper than half the screw length.

3. Secure the swivel base with three bolts or screws. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.

4. Place the rest of the mount over the swivel base and secure with the short knob.

Secure the base and attach the mount

2

Installing the Unit on the Mounting Bracket

1. Align the slot on the back of the unit with the long mounting knob and slide in place. It may be neces­sary to adjust the long mounting knob to spread the bracket arms apart. (Turn counter-clockwise to
widen the bracket arms, clockwise to tighten.)

2. Adjust the unit angle and tighten the long mounting knob until snug.

3. To tilt the unit, loosen the long mounting knob on the right side of the bracket assembly.

4. To rotate the entire bracket, twist it left or right. The bracket clicks as you turn it.

5. Tighten all knobs once the desired viewing angle is obtained.

Installation

Unit Installation

Slide the unit onto the bracket

Adjust for optimal viewing

3

Hex Nuts

Installation

Unit Installation

Washer

Studs

Flush Mounting the Fishfi nder 250/250C Unit

The Fishfi nder 250/250C can be fl ush mounted on a fl at panel. When fl ush mounting the Fishfi nder
250/250C, be sure to choose an appropriately sized location for the unit. Check that all cables reach the
unit mounting location before beginning installation. Use the Flush Mount Template provided in the box to
determine a location. Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask when drilling, cutting or sanding.

To fl ush mount the Fishfi nder 250/250C:

Included Mounting Hardware — 4 - 3mm Studs, 4 - Flat Washers, 8 - 3mm Hex Nuts.

Tools (not included) — Center Punch, Drill, 1/8” (3mm) Drill Bit, 3/8” (6mm) Drill Bit, Jig Saw, 1/16”

(2mm) Allen Wrench, 9/35” (7mm) Wrench.

1. Trim the Flush Mount Template and tape in the desired location.

2. Using a Center Punch, indent the center of each Mounting Hole location.

3. Using a 1/8” (3mm) drill bit, drill the four Mounting Holes.

4. Using a 3/8” (6mm) drill bit, drill a hole for a location to begin cutting the mounting surface.

5. Using the Jig Saw, cut the mounting surface along the inside of the dashed line indicated on the
template. Be very careful when cutting this hole, there is only a small amount of clearance
between the unit and the Mounting Holes. It may be prudent to cut slightly inside the indicated
line and then sand or fi le the panel as needed to obtain the best fi t.

6. Install the four Mounting Studs into the unit by screwing the shorter section into the back of the unit.
Use a 1/16” (2mm) Allen Wrench to tighten the Mounting Studs until the stops contact the case. Be
careful not to overtighten as this may damage the Mounting Stud. The studs have a reusable thread­locking patch pre-applied from the factory.

7. Place the unit in position inside the cutout area of the mounting surface.

8. Place washers over the Mounting Studs, then thread on one Hex Nut per Mounting Stud. Tighten all four
Hex Nuts until the unit is snug against the mounting surface. Install and tighten the second Hex Nut on
all four Mounting Studs to lock the fi rst Hex Nut in place.

4