Thank you for choosing Humminbird®, America’s #1 name in fishfinders.
Humminbird® has built its reputation by designing and manufacturing
top-quality, thoroughly reliable marine equipment. Your Humminbird® is
designed for trouble-free use in even the harshest marine environment. In
the unlikely event that your Humminbird® does require repairs, we offer an
exclusive Service Policy - free of charge during the first year after purchase,
and available at a reasonable rate after the one-year period. For complete
details, see the separate warranty card included with your unit. We
encourage you to read this operations manual carefully in order to get full
benefit from all the features and applications of your Humminbird® product.
To contact our Customer Resource Center, call 1-800-633-1468 or visit our
web site at www.humminbird.com.
WARNING! This device should not be used as a navigational aid to prevent collision,
grounding, boat damage, or personal injury. When the boat is moving, water depth may
change too quickly to allow time for you to react. Always operate the boat at very slow
speeds if you suspect shallow water or submerged objects.
WARNING! Disassembly and repair of this electronic unit should only be performed by
authorized service personnel. Any modification of the serial number or attempt torepair the
original equipment or accessories by unauthorized individuals will void the warranty.
WARNING! This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and/or reproductive harm.
NOTE: Some features discussed in this manual require a separate purchase, and
some features areonlyavailable on international models. Every effort hasbeenmade
to clearly identify those features. Please read the manual carefully in order to
understand the full capabilities of your model.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE STATEMENT: It is the intention ofHumminbird® to be
a responsible corporate citizen, operating in compliance with known and applicable
environmentalregulations, and a good neighbor in the communities where we make or sell
our products.
WEEE DIRECTIVE: EU Directive 2002/96/EC “Waste of ElectricalandElectronic Equipment
Directive (WEEE)” impacts most distributors, sellers, and manufacturers of consumer
electronics in the European Union. The WEEE Directive requires the producer of consumer
electronics to take responsibility for the management of waste from their products to
achieve environmentally responsible disposal during the product life cycle.
Page 3
WEEE compliance maynot be required in your location for electrical &electronic equipment
(EEE), nor may it be required for EEE designed and intended as fixed or temporary
installation in transportation vehicles such as automobiles, aircraft, and boats. In some
European Union member states, these vehicles are considered outside of the scope of the
Directive, and EEE for those applications can be considered excluded from the WEEE
Directive requirement.
This symbol (WEEE wheelie bin) on product indicates the product must not be
disposed of with other household refuse. It must be disposed of and collected for
recycling and recovery of waste EEE. Humminbird® will mark all EEE products in
accordance with the WEEE Directive. It is our goal to comply in the collection,
treatment, recovery, and environmentally sound disposal of those products; however, these
requirements do vary within European Union member states. For more information about
where you should dispose of your waste equipment for recycling and recovery and/or your
European Union member state requirements, please contact your dealer or distributor from
which your product was purchased.
ROHS STATEMENT: Product designed and intended as a fixed installation or part of a
system in a vessel may be considered beyond the scope of Directive 2002/95/EC of the
European Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 2003 on the restriction of the use of
certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
ATTENTION INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS: Products sold in the U.S. are not
intended for use in the international market. Humminbird® international units provide
international features and are designed to meet country and regional regulations.
Languages, maps, time zones, units of measurement, and warranty are examples of
features that are customized for Humminbird® international units purchased through
our authorized international distributors.
To obtain a list of authorized international distributors, please visit our web site at
www.humminbird.comor contact our Customer Resource Center at(334) 687-6613.
Navionics® Gold, HotMaps™, and HotMaps Premium™ are registered trademarks of Navionics®.
500 Series™, Fish ID+™, Humminbird®, RTS™, RTS Window™, Structure ID®, WhiteLine™,
UniMap™, and X-Press™ Menu are trademarked by or registered trademarks of Humminbird®.
Finding the Cause of Noise .................................................................................. 88
500 Series™ Fishfinder Accessories89
Specifications90
Glossary91
Contact Humminbird®99
NOTE: Entries in this Table of Contents which list (International Only) are only
available on products sold outside of the U.S. by our authorized international
distributors. To obtain a list of authorized international distributors, please visit our
web site at www.humminbird.com or contact our Customer Resource Center at
(334) 687-6613.
NOTE: Entries in this Table of Contents which list (with Temp/Speed only) require
the purchase of separate accessories. You can visit our web site at
www.humminbird.com to order these accessories online or contact our
Customer Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468.
NOTE: Some features discussed in this manual require a separate purchase, and
some features are only available on international models. Every effort has been
made to clearly identify those features. Please read the manual carefully in order to
understand the full capabilities of your model.
vi
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Page 11
Power On the Unit
Follow the instructions below to power on your Humminbird® control head.
581i Combo Title Screen
1. Press thePOWER/LIGHT key.
2. When the Title screen is displayed, press the MENU key to access the
Start-Up Options Menu.
3. Use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to select Normal (if there is a
transducer attached to the control head), or Simulator (if there isn’t a
transducer attached to the control head).
NOTE: See Start-Up Options Menu for more information.
• If a functioning transducer is connected, Normal operation will be
selected automatically at power up, and your Fishfinder can be
used on the water.
• If a transducer is not connected and you wait too long to select a
Start-Up Option, the system will default to whichever menu is
already highlighted.
• In Simulator you can learn how to use your control head and save
settings in advance for later use.
1
Power On the Unit
Page 12
How Sonar Works
Sonar technology is based on sound waves. The 500 Series™ Fishfinder uses
sonar to locate and define structure, bottom contour and composition, as well
as depth directly below the transducer.
Your 500 Series™ Fishfinder sends a sound wave signal and determines
distance by measuring the time between the transmission of the sound wave
and when the sound wave is reflected off of an object; it then uses the reflected
signal to interpret location, size, and composition of an object.
Sonar is very fast. A sound wave can travel from the surface to a depth of
240 ft (70 m) and back again in less than 1/4 of a second. It is unlikely that your
boat can “outrun“ this sonar signal.
SONAR is an acronym for SOund and
NAvigation Ranging. Sonar uses precision
sound pulses or “pings“ which are emitted
into the water in a teardrop-shaped beam.
The sound pulses “echo“ back from objects
in the water such as the bottom, fish, and
other submerged objects. The returned
echoes are displayed on the LCD screen.
Each time a new echo is received, the old
echoes are moved across the LCD, creating
a scrolling effect.
How Sonar Works
2
Page 13
When all the echoes are viewed side by side, an
easy to interpret “graph“ of the bottom, fish, and
structure appears.
The sound pulses are transmitted at various
frequencies depending on the application. Very
high frequencies (455 kHz) are used for greatest
definition but the operating depth is limited. High
frequencies (200 kHz) are commonly used on
consumer sonar and provide a good balance
between depth performance and resolution. Low
frequencies (83 kHz) are typically used to achieve
greater depth capability.
The power output is the amount of energy
generated by the sonar transmitter. It is commonly
measured using two methods:
• Root Mean Square (RMS) measures power
output over the entire transmit cycle.
• Peak to Peak measures power output at the
highest points.
The benefits of increased power output are the
ability to detect smaller targets at greater
distances, ability to overcome noise, better high
speed performance and enhanced depth capability.
3
How Sonar Works
Page 14
DualBeam Sonar
Your 500 Series™ Fishfinder uses a 200/83 kHz
DualBeam sonar system with a wide (60°) area
of coverage. DualBeam sonar is optimized to
show the greatest bottom definition using a
narrow (20°) beam yet can still indicate fish
found in the wide (60°) beam when the
Fish ID+™ feature is turned on. DualBeam is
ideal for a wide range of conditions - from
shallow to very deep water in both fresh and
salt water. Depth capability is affected by such
factors as boat speed, wave action, bottom
hardness, water conditions, and transducer
installation.
How Sonar Works
4
Page 15
How GPS Works
Your 500 Series™ Fishfinder also supports GPS (Global Positioning System) and
chartplotting. It uses GPS and sonar to determine your position, display it on a
grid, and provide detailed underwater information.
GPS uses a constellation of satellites that
continually send radio signals to the earth. The
GPS receiver on your boat receives signals from
satellites that are visible to it. Based on time
differences between each received signal, the GPS
receiver determines its distance to each satellite.
With distances known, the GPS receiver
mathematically triangulates its own position. With
once per second updates, the GPS receiver then
calculates its velocity and bearing.
GPS was originally intended for military use; however, civilians may also take
advantage of its highly accurate position capabilities, typically within +/- 10
meters, depending on conditions. This means that 95% of the time, the GPS
receiver will read a location within 10 meters of your actual position. Your GPS
Receiver also uses information from WAAS (the Wide Area Augmentation
System), EGNOS (the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service), and
MSAS (the MTSAT Satellite Augmentation System) satellites if they are
available in your area.
The following GPS functionality is currently supported by the 500 Series™
Fishfinder when it is connected to the included GPS receiver:
• View current position
• View current track (breadcrumb trail)
• View precision speed and heading from your GPS receiver
• Save tracks, waypoints, and routes
• Travel a route and navigate from one waypoint to the next.
See Chart View and Introduction to Navigation: Add Maps to Your Fishfinder
for more information.
5
How GPS Works
Page 16
What’s On the Sonar Display
The 500 Series™ Fishfinder can display a variety of useful information about
Depth - Water depth; can be set to alarm when
the water becomes too shallow.
Speed - If a Temp/Speed accessory or GPS
Receiver is attached, the Fishfinder can display
the speed of the boat and can keep a Triplog of
nautical or statute miles traveled.
Temperature - Water surface temperature.
Timer - Elapsed time with Temp/Speed
Accessory or GPS Receiver.
Distance - Distance traveled with Temp/Speed
Accessory or GPS Receiver.
Average Speed - Average speed reading with
Temp/Speed Accessory or GPS Receiver.
Second Sonar Return - When the sonar signal
bouncesbetweenthebottom and thesurfaceof the
water and back again. Use the appearance of the
second return to determine bottom hardness. Hard
bottomswillshowa strongsecond return,while soft
bottoms will show a very weakone or none atall.
Cursor Dialog Box - Indicates cursor depth on
the display and the depth of the bottom directly
below the cursor. The Latitude and Longitude of
the cursor position, the distance to travel to the
cursor position, and the bearing to the cursor
position are shown with a GPS receiver. A
waypoint can be marked at the cursor position
for later retrieval and use with a GPS receiver.
NOTE: Entries in this view that list (with Temp/Speed or GPS Receiver) are available if either
the information from the GPS receiver will be displayed on the view.
What’s On the Sonar Display
6
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the area under your boat, including the following items:
Bait Ball
Hollow Fish Symbol (83kHz, Wide Beam)
Fish - The Fishfinder displays fish as arches
and/or fish icons, and can be set to alarm
when a fish of a certain size is detected.
When a target is detected, a Fish ID+™
symbol appears on the display with the
depth displayed above it. The size of the
symbol indicates the intensity of the sonar
return. The unit will clearly show schools of
Bait Fish as "clouds" of different shapes and
sizes, depending on the number of fish and
boat speed.
Thermoclines - Layers of water with different
temperatures that appear at different depths
and different times of the year. A thermocline
typically appears as a continuous band of gray
levels moving across the display at the same
depth.
Cursor - Available in Freeze Frame and can
be positioned in the Sonar View to provide
depth ofasonar returnand bottomdepth below
the cursor.
ShadedFish Symbol(200kHz, Narrow Beam)
RTS (Real Time Sonar) Window™
Structure - Where fish may be hiding.
device is connected to the 500 Series™ Fishfinder. If both devices are connected, then only
It is important to understand the significance of
the display. The display does not show a literal
3-dimensional representation of what is under
the water. Each vertical band of data received by
the control head and plotted on the display
represents something that was detected by a
sonar return at a particular time. As both the boat
and the targets (fish) may be moving, the returns
are only showing a particular segment of time
when objects were detected, not exactly where
those objects are in relation to other objects
shown on the display.
The returned sonar echoes are displayed on the screen. As a new echo is
received, the historical data scrolls left across the view.
RReeaallTTiimmeeSSoonnaarr((RRTTSS™))WWiinnddooww
A Real Time Sonar (RTS™) Window appears on the right side of the display in
the Sonar View only. The RTS Window™ updates at the fastest rate possible for
depth conditions and shows only the returns from the bottom, structure, and
fish that are within the transducer beam. The RTS Window™ plots the depth
and intensity of a sonar return (see Sonar Menu Tab: RTS Window™).
The Narrow RTS Window™
indicates the sonar intensity
through the use of grayscale.
The grayscale used matches
the Bottom View grayscale
setting (Inverse, StructureID
WhiteLine™, Bottom Black).
The depth of the sonar return
is indicated by the vertical
placement of the return on the
display depth scale.
What’s On the Sonar Display
The Wide RTS Window™
indicates the sonar intensity
through the use of a bar
graph. The length of the
®
,
plotted return indicates
whether the return is weak or
strong. The depth of the sonar
return is indicated by the
vertical placement of the
return on the display depth
scale. The Wide RTS
Window™ does not use
grayscale.
Freeze Frame & Active Cursor - Press any arrow on the 4-WAY Cursor Control key,
and the screen will freeze and a cursor will be displayed. Use the 4-WAY Cursor
Control key to move the cursor over a sonar return, and the depth of the sonar
return will be displayed at the bottom of the screen in the cursor information box.
The RTS Window™ continues to update in Freeze Frame. Pressing EXIT will exit
Freeze Frame, and the display will start to scroll. Freeze Frame is available in the
Sonar and Sonar Zoom Views.
Instant Image Update - You can change a variety of sonar menu settings (such
as Sensitivity or Upper Range), and the adjustments will be shown instantly on
the screen.
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What’s On the Sonar Display
Page 20
BBoottttoommPPrreesseennttaattiioonn
As the boat moves, the unit charts the changes in depth on the display to create
a profile of the Bottom Contour. The type of bottom can be determined from
the return charted on the display. A Hard Bottom such as compacted sediment
or flat rock appears as a thinner line across the display. A Soft Bottom such as
mud or sand appears as a thicker line across the display. Rocky Bottoms have
a broken, random appearance.
Bottom Contour Profile with RTS Window™
Hard Bottom
Soft Bottom
Rocky Bottom
The sonar returns from the bottom, structure, and fish can be represented as
Inverse, Structure ID®, WhiteLine™, or Black (Bottom Black). See Sonar
X-Press™ Menu: Bottom View to set the bottom view.
What’s On the Sonar Display
10
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Inverse is a method where weak returns are
shown with dark pixels and strong returns with
lighter pixels. This has the benefit of ensuring that
weak signals will be clearly visible on the display.
Structure ID® represents weak returns as light
pixels and strong returns as dark pixels. This has
the benefit of ensuring that strong returns will be
clearly visible on the display.
WhiteLine™ highlights the strongest sonar returns
in white resulting in a distinctive outline. This has
the benefit of clearly defining the bottom on the
display.
Black (Bottom Black) displays all pixels below the
bottom contour as black, regardless of signal
strength. This has the benefit of providing a high
contrast between the bottom and other sonar
returns on the display.
11
What’s On the Sonar Display
Page 22
Views
S
onar
View
Accessory
Test View
Chart
V
iew
GPS
Diagnostic
View
S
elf Test
View
Chart/Sonar
Combo View
S
o
n
a
r
Z
o
o
m
V
i
e
w
B
ird’s Eye
View
Big Digits
V
iew
The sonar and navigation information from your
Fishfinder are displayed on the screen in a variety
of easy-to-read views. There are many views
available on your Fishfinder. When you press the
VIEW key, the display cycles through the
available views on your screen. When you press
the EXIT key, the display cycles through the
available views in reverse order.
When you first power up the control head, Sonar View will be the default view.
You can display and hide any view to suit your fishing preferences.
NOTE: When you change any menu settings that affect the sonar, the view will update
immediately. You don't have to exit the menu to apply the change to the screen.
Views
Sonar views:
Sonar View
Sonar Zoom View
Big Digits View
Navigation views:
Bird’s Eye View
Chart View
Chart/Sonar Combo View
Self Test View
(see Start-Up Options Menu)
Accessory Test View
(see Start-Up Options Menu)
GPS Diagnostic View
(see Start-Up Options Menu)
Details about each view are available on the following pages.
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To customize your view rotation:
You can choose which views are hidden or visible in your view rotation.
1. Press the MENU key twice to access the tabbed Main Menu, then
press the RIGHT Cursor key until the Views tab is selected.
2. Press the UP or DOWN Cursor keys to select a View.
3. Press the LEFT or RIGHT Cursor keys to change the status of the view
from Hidden to Visible or vice versa.
To change the Digital Readouts:
Each view displays digital readout information (such as speed or time), which
varies with the view selected, the accessory attached, and whether or not you
are navigating. The digital readouts on the Sonar View can be customized. See
Setup Menu Tab: Select Readouts for more information.
1. Press the MENU key twice to access the tabbed Main Menu, then
press the RIGHT Cursor key until the Setup tab is selected.
2. Press the DOWN key to highlight Select Readouts, and press the RIGHT
Cursor key to access the Select Readouts submenu.
NOTE: If the Select Readouts option does not appear under the Setup tab, change the
User Mode to Advanced.
3. Press the UP or DOWN Cursor keys to select a Readout position, then
press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to choose what will be displayed in
that position. To hide the data window, select Off. (Course, Navigation,
Off, Position, Speed, Temperature, Time+Date, Triplog, Voltage, Time)
13
Views
Page 24
Sonar View
Sonar View presents a historical log of sonar returns. The most recent sonar
returns are charted on the right side of the display. As new information is
received, the historical information scrolls left across the display.
• Upper and Lower Depth Range numbers indicate the distance from the
surface of the water to a depth range sufficient to show the bottom.
• Depth is automatically selected to keep the bottom visible on the display,
although you can adjust it manually as well (see Sonar X-Press™ Menu).
• Digital Readouts shown on the display will change based on the Select
Readouts settings or the optional-purchase accessories attached (see
Setup Menu Tab: Select Readouts).
• Freeze Frame - Use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to freeze the display
and move the cursor over a sonar return. The depth of the sonar return will
be displayed at the bottom of the screen in the cursor information box.
Sonar View
Depth
Speed
Upper Depth
Range
Temperature
Triplog
Sonar History
Window
Cursor
Dialog Box
NOTE: If the Depth number is flashing, it means that the unit is having trouble locating
the bottom. This usually happens if the water is too deep, the transducer is out of the
water, the boat is moving too fast, or for any other reason that the unit can’t accurately
receive continuous data.
Views
14
Cursor
RTS Window™
Lower Depth
Range
Page 25
Sonar Zoom View
Sonar Zoom View provides a magnified view of the bottom and structure. The
Sonar Zoom View makes it easier to see separate sonar returns that would
usually be displayed close together, such as those caused by fish suspended
close to the bottom or within structure.
• The Zoom Level, or magnification, is displayed in the lower left corner
of the display. Press the + or - ZOOM keys to increase or decrease the
zoom level.
• The Zoomed View is displayed on the left side of the screen. As the
depth changes, the zoomed view updates automatically.
• The Full Range View is displayed on the right side of the screen. The
Full Range View includes the Zoom Preview Box, which shows where
the zoomed view is in relation to the full range view.
• The Upper and Lower Depth Range numbers indicate the high and low
range of the water which is being viewed.
Sonar Zoom View
Depth
Zoomed View
Upper Depth Range,
Full Range View
Upper Depth Range,
Zoom View
Zoom Preview Box
Zoom Level
Digital depth is displayed in the upper left hand corner. The
digital readouts in the Sonar Zoom View cannot be
customized; therefore, information such as water temperature
and voltage are unavailable in the Sonar Zoom View.
15
Full Range View
Lower Depth Range,
Zoom View
Lower Depth Range,
Full Range View
Views
Page 26
Big Digits View
Big Digits View provides digital data in a large, easy-to-see format.
• Digital Readouts: Depth is always displayed. Readouts for temperature,
speed, and Triplog information are displayed automatically if the
appropriate accessory is connected to the Fishfinder.
NOTE: The digital readouts in the Big Digits View cannot be customized.
• The Triplog shows distance traveled, average speed, and time elapsed
since the Triplog was last reset.
Big Digits View
Timer shows the
Depth
Temperature
Speed
time elapsed since Triplog
was last reset
Distance is the distance
traveled since the Triplog
was last reset
Voltage displays
the battery voltage
Average Speed shows the
speed since the Triplog
was last reset
Views
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Bird’s Eye View
Bird's Eye View shows a 3D perspective view of the track and the chart’s land
contour from a point above and behind the boat (the eye point). As the boat turns,
the eye point moves to follow the boat.
• To shift the eye point position so that you can look off to the sides, or
even behind the boat: Press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to turn the
eye point right or left. Press the UP Cursor key to move the eye point
forward, and press the DOWN Cursor key to move the eye point
backward.
• Press the EXIT key to move the eye point back to its original position
behind and above the boat.
Bird’s Eye View
Depth
Land Contour
Boat Icon
Speed of Boat
Water Surface
Temperature
17
Bearing of Boat
with Respect to
True North
Views
Page 28
Chart View
Chart View shows cartography from the built-in UniMap™ or an optional
MMC/SD map for the area surrounding your current position. The current track
(also known as the position history or breadcrumb trail) showing where the
boat has been, along with saved tracks, waypoints, and the current route (when
navigating), are overlaid on the chart.
• Use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to shift/pan the chart to another area.
• Press the ZOOM (+/-) keys to zoom in and out.
• Press the INFO key to get information on the chart objects near the cursor.
Chart View without Active Cursor, shown with
Optional-Purchase Navionics® Cartography
Views
Depth
Map Scale
Speed of Boat
Water Surface
Temperature
Cartography
Bearing of Boat
with Respect
to True North
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Chart View with Active Cursor, shown with
Optional-Purchase Navionics® Cartography
Depth
Cartography
Active Cursor
Map Scale
Distance to the
Cursor and
Bearing
to Cursor
Latitude and
Longitude
Position
of Cursor
Bearing of Boat
with Respect
to True North
Chart/Sonar Combo View
Combo View is displayed as a split screen, with Chart View on the left and
Sonar View on the right side of the screen. To change the width of the Sonar
Window, press the MENU key once and select Sonar Window from the
X-Press™ Menu.
Combo View
Depth
Map Scale
Water
Surface
Temperature
19
Sonar Window
Cartography
Speed of Boat
Bearing of
Boat with
Respect to
True North
Views
Page 30
VViieewwOOrriieennttaattiioonn
Both Chart and Combo Views allow you to choose the orientation of the view
(see Navigation Menu Tab: Chart Orientation). In both orientations, the view
pans automatically, so that the boat is always centered on the display.
• North-Up: True North is shown at the top of the display. Objects located
to the north of the boat are drawn above the boat.
• Course-Up: The direction of motion of the boat is shown at the top of the
display. Objects ahead of the boat are drawn above the boat.
When the boat is stationary, it is drawn as a circle. When the boat is in motion,
it takes on a boat shape, pointed in the direction of motion (always Up in the
Course-Up orientation).
VViieewwiinnggCCaarrttooggrraapphhyy
In the Chart or Combo Views there are several cartography-related functions
that you can access using various keys.
Panning: Use the 4-WAY Cursor
Control key to move the chart around
on the display in the direction of the
key being pressed. When you do this,
a bull's eye cursor is drawn at the
center of the screen and is linked to
the boat by a gray line, even if the
boat is off the screen. At the same
time, the temperature and speed
boxes in the lower left corner are
replaced with the distance and
bearing from the boat to the cursor
Chart View with Cursor Present, shown with
Optional-Purchase Navionics® Cartography
position and the latitude/longitude
coordinates of the cursor.
Views
20
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Zooming: Press the Plus (+) key to Zoom In and the Minus (-) key to Zoom Out to
see the cartography at different magnification levels. The zoom level is indicated
on the left side of the display. If you zoom in beyond the available chart data, the
display will go into Overzoom mode whereby the last available chart data is
amplified to reflect the level selected. If you zoom in so far that no cartography is
available, a lat/long grid will be drawn instead.
Chart Info: Press the INFO key to get detailed information about the chart. If
the cursor is active, you will see information about the chart objects located
near the cursor.
If the cursor is not active, the Chart Info
submenu will appear. Use the 4-WAY Cursor
Control key to select the nearest port, the
nearest tide station, or the nearest current
station and see information about any of these
objects.
NOTE: The built-in UniMap™ does not contain any
Port, Tide, or Current information. This information is
only available from optional-purchase MMC/SD cards.
Nearest Port: The position and services information for the nearest port to your
present position will be displayed. Press the EXIT key to remove the information
box and the cursor bull’s eye will be centered over the port position. The cursor
information boxes at the bottom of the display will indicate the distance and
bearing to the port from your present position.
Nearest Tide Station: Tide information for the nearest tide station to your
present position will be displayed. This includes the position of the station and
the times of the high and low tides for today’s date. A tide graph is also
displayed showing the rise and fall of the tides for the 24 hour time period
encompassing the date. You can change the date to look at tide information
before or after the date displayed by pressing the LEFT or RIGHT Cursor key
respectively. Press the EXIT key to remove the information box, and the cursor
bull’s eye will be centered over the tide station position. The cursor information
boxes at the bottom of the display indicate the distance and bearing to the tide
station from your present position.
21
Views
Page 32
Nearest Current Station: Current information for the nearest current station to
your present position will be displayed. This includes the position of the station
and the current changes for today. Two graphs are also presented that show the
time, direction, and flow speed of the current changes for the 24 hour time
period of today’s date. You can change the date to look at current information
before or after the date displayed by pressing the LEFT or RIGHT Cursor key
respectively. Press the EXIT key to remove the information box, and the cursor
bull’s eye will be centered over the current station position. The cursor
information boxes at the bottom of the display will indicate the distance and
bearing to the current station from your present position.
Views
22
Page 33
Introduction to Navigation
Use your 500 Series™ Fishfinder to mark waypoints at areas of interest and to
navigate to those waypoints via a savable route. A route represents the shortest
intended distance between waypoints. You can also view and save tracks,
which represent the actual path of the boat.
Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks
Waypoints are stored positions (latitude, longitude) that allow you to mark
areas of interest or navigation points (i.e. a marker buoy, dock, or fishing hole).
Your Fishfinder can store up to 3000 waypoints.
Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks
Depth
Decluttered
Waypoints
Track
Waypoint
DTG:
Distance to
Go to
Waypoint
Water
Surface
Temperature
Speed of Boat
23
Route
XTE: Cross Track
Error. Distance
of Boat from
Route
BRG: Bearing to
Waypoint
Bearing of Boat
with Respect to
True North
Introduction to Navigation
Page 34
NOTE: When two or more waypoints overlap, or are displayed close together on a
chart view, the screen will automatically declutter—waypoint names will shorten
and the waypoint icons will change into small gray icons.
To view a Decluttered Waypoint at full size, use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to
move the cursor onto a decluttered waypoint icon. When the cursor snaps onto the
icon, the full-size waypoint name and icon will be displayed. You can also press the
ZOOM+ key until you can see the individual waypoints on the screen. See
Navigation Menu Tab: Waypoint Decluttering to turn off this feature.
Routes link two or more waypoints together to create a path for navigation and
are used in trip planning. You can link individual waypoints together by using the
GOTO key. A route represents your intended navigation and shows the shortest
path from each waypoint to the next. As you travel a route, staying on the route
line is the most efficient way to get to your destination, although you should
always look out for obstacles not shown on the chart. Your 500 Series™
Fishfinder can store up to 50 routes that can each contain up to 50 waypoints.
Tracks consist of detailed position history and are displayed as a breadcrumb
trail of trackpoints. The Current Track shows the position history since the unit
was powered up (maximum of 20,000 trackpoints displayed). You can clear the
Current Track or save it at any time. Your 500 Series™ Fishfinder can store up
to 50 saved tracks, each containing 20,000 trackpoints. The current track
represents your actual path so far.
Introduction to Navigation
24
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Save, Edit, or Delete a Waypoint
Save your current position as a waypoint: On any view, press the MARK key to
save the current position of the boat as a waypoint.
Save the cursor position as a waypoint: On the Chart or Combo View, use the 4-
WAY Cursor Control key to move the cursor to the position you want to save as a
waypoint. Then press the MARK key to save the position as a waypoint.
Save a position from the sonar history: On any Sonar View, use the 4-WAY Cursor
Control key to move the cursor to a feature in the sonar history (also called the
Sonar Saver feature). Press the MARK key to create a waypoint at the location
where that sonar reading was taken. The new waypoint will also record the depth
at that location.
NOTE: When you save a waypoint by any of these methods, a numerical
waypoint name is automatically assigned. You can edit the waypoint information
later to give it a different name and select an icon to represent it (see Programor Edit the waypoint fields).
Display the Waypoints Submenu: From any view, press the MENU key twice to
display the Main Menu, then use the RIGHT Cursor key to select the Navigation
tab. Select Waypoints, and press the RIGHT Cursor key to display the Waypoints
submenu.
25
Introduction to Navigation
Page 36
Program a specific position as a waypoint: To create a waypoint that is NOT
your current position, from the Waypoints submenu select Create, and press
the RIGHT Cursor key. Use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to program a waypoint
name, latitude, longitude, and icon before selecting Save.
Edit a waypoint: From the Waypoints submenu, select Edit and press the
RIGHT Cursor key to display the saved waypoints list. Select the waypoint you
want to edit and press the RIGHT Cursor key. Use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key
to edit a waypoint name, latitude, longitude, and icon before selecting Save.
To make it easier to select a waypoint to edit, select Sort By and press the
RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to select a sort order:
• Name shows the waypoints alphabetically.
• Time shows the most recently-created waypoint first.
• Distance shows the closest waypoint first.
Program or Edit the waypoint fields: Use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to
move from field to field, and the UP and DOWN Cursor keys to change values
once you are in a field.
In the Waypoint Name, Latitude, and Longitude fields, press the UP and
DOWN Cursor keys to change the letter or number. All upper and lower case
letters are available, as well as digits 0-9 and some punctuation characters.
In the Waypoint Icon field, press the UP and DOWN Cursor keys to change
the icon used to represent the waypoint on the Combo and Chart Views. You
can exit these fields with the LEFT and RIGHT Cursor keys or by pressing the
EXIT key.
Delete a waypoint: From the Waypoints submenu, select Delete, and press the
RIGHT Cursor key to display the saved waypoints list. Select the waypoint you
want to delete, then press the RIGHT Cursor key. You will be asked to confirm
deletion before the waypoint is permanently deleted.
Introduction to Navigation
26
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Navigate to a Waypoint or Position
Navigate to the cursor position: From the Chart or Combo View, use the
4-WAY Cursor Control key to move the cursor to a position or waypoint on the
display. Press the GOTO key. Navigation will begin immediately.
Navigate to a specified waypoint: Press the GOTO key. Press the DOWN Cursor
key to highlight a waypoint from the saved waypoints list, and press the RIGHT
Cursor key to start navigation.
NOTE: By repeating the previous instructions, you can add more waypoints to create
a longer multi-segment route.
Chart View
Decluttered
Waypoints
Waypoint
Map
Scale
Skipping a waypoint: From the Navigation X-Press™ Menu, select Skip Next
Waypoint, and press the RIGHT Cursor key. If there is not another waypoint to
skip to, navigation will be cancelled.
Cancel navigation: From the Navigation X-Press™ Menu, select Cancel
Navigation, and press the RIGHT Cursor key. Canceling navigation removes the
route and any waypoints created using the GOTO key, but it does not remove
any saved routes from memory. You will be prompted to save the current route
when you cancel navigation.
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Introduction to Navigation
Page 38
Add a Waypoint Target or Trolling Grid
The Waypoint Target shows a target consisting of concentric circles in various
distance ranges centered on the waypoint you choose. The Trolling Grid shows
various distance ranges in grid format from the waypoint you choose. The
trolling grid can be used as a guide when trolling around a waypoint.
Chart View with Target
Add a Waypoint Target: From the
Waypoints submenu, select Target, and
press the RIGHT Cursor key to display
the saved waypoints list. Select a
waypoint and press the RIGHT Cursor
Waypoint
key.
Target
Add a Trolling Grid: From the
Waypoints submenu, select Grid, and
press the RIGHT Cursor key to display
the saved waypoints list. Select a
Chart View with Grid
waypoint and press the RIGHT Cursor
key. The grid can also be rotated to any
heading by adjusting the Grid Rotation
setting on the Navigation Main Menu.
Remove Target or Trolling Grid: Press
Waypoint
the MENU key once, and choose
Trolling
Remove Target or Remove Grid from the
Grid
Navigation X-Press™ Menu.
NOTE: Only one waypoint can have either a target or a grid applied to it at one time.
If you apply a target or a grid to a new waypoint, the original waypoint will lose its
target or grid.
NOTE: The spacing of the rings on the waypoint target and the spacing of the grid lines
on the trolling grid are the same as the length of the scale bar on the left edge of the
display. Zooming in or out will decrease or increase the spacing, respectively.
Introduction to Navigation
28
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Save, Edit, or Delete a Route
Save the current route: While you are navigating, the current route can be
saved. From the Navigation X-Press™ Menu, select Save Current Route, and
press the RIGHT Cursor key. Navigation will continue.
Display the Routes submenu: From any view, press the MENU key twice to
display the Main Menu, then press the RIGHT Cursor key to select the
Navigation tab. Press the DOWN Cursor key until Routes is highlighted, and
press the RIGHT Cursor key to display the Routes submenu.
Create a route: From the Routes submenu, select Create and press the RIGHT
Cursor key. A Route Edit dialog box will be displayed with an empty route. You
can name the route, add waypoints to the route from the saved waypoints list,
and order the waypoints in the route using the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to
move between fields.
Edit a saved route: From the Routes submenu, select Edit and press the RIGHT
Cursor key. A Route Edit dialog box will be displayed. Select the route you want
to edit and press the RIGHT Cursor key. Re-name the route or change, delete,
or re-order the waypoints used in the route.
Edit waypoint order in a route: From the Route Edit dialog box, highlight a
waypoint in the In Route list, and press the RIGHT Cursor key to access the
Waypoint In Route submenu. From this submenu, you can move the waypoint
up or down in the route order or delete it from the list.
Delete a saved route: From the Routes submenu, select Delete and press the
RIGHT Cursor key. Select the route you want to delete and press the RIGHT
Cursor key. You will be asked to confirm your choice by pressing the RIGHT
Cursor key again before the route is deleted.
Travel a saved route: From the Routes submenu, select Travel, and press the
RIGHT Cursor key. The saved routes list will appear. Select the route you want to
travel, and press the RIGHT Cursor key to make this route the current route and
begin navigation. You may also travel the route in forward or reverse order by
changing the Direction setting in the saved routes list.
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Introduction to Navigation
Page 40
Route Info: From the Routes submenu, select Info, and press the RIGHT Cursor
key. The saved routes list will appear. Select a route, and press the RIGHT
Cursor key. The following information will be displayed for the route you select:
The waypoints in the route, with the distance and bearing from each waypoint
to the next, as well as the distance and bearing from the current position to the
first waypoint in the route.
Save or Clear a Current Track
Save the current track: From the Navigation X-Press™ Menu, select Save
Current Track, and press the RIGHT Cursor key. The track will remain on the
display but will change from black to gray. To remove the track completely from
the display, see Edit, Delete, or Hide Saved Tracks.
NOTE: When you save a track, a name is automatically assigned. The track name
consists of a date/time stamp, but can be re-named later (see Edit, Delete, or HideSaved Tracks).
Clear the current track: From the Navigation X-Press™ Menu, select Clear
Current Track, and press the RIGHT Cursor key. The track will be removed from
the display and permanently deleted.
Edit, Delete, or Hide Saved Tracks
Display the Saved Tracks Submenu: From any view, press the MENU key twice
to display the Main Menu, then press the RIGHT Cursor key to select the
Navigation tab. Select Saved Tracks, and press the RIGHT Cursor key to display
the Saved Tracks submenu.
Edit a saved track: From the Saved Tracks submenu, select Edit, and press the
RIGHT Cursor key to display the saved tracks list. Select the track you want to edit
and press the RIGHT Cursor key.
When the Edit Track dialog box appears, use the Cursor keys to move between
fields. In the Name field, the UP and DOWN Cursor keys change the letter or
number. All upper and lower case letters are available, as well as digits 0-9 and
some punctuation characters. You can exit the Name field with the LEFT and
RIGHT Cursor keys or by pressing the EXIT key. Select Save and press the RIGHT
Cursor key to save your changes.
Introduction to Navigation
30
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Delete a saved track: From the Saved Tracks submenu, select Delete, and press
the RIGHT Cursor key to display the saved tracks list. Select the track you want
to delete and press the RIGHT Cursor key. You will be asked to confirm deletion
before the track is permanently deleted.
Hide or display a saved track: From the Saved Tracks submenu, select Visibility,
and press the RIGHT Cursor key to display the saved tracks list. Select the track
you want to hide or display and press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to select
Hidden or Visible. Press the EXIT key to return to the Saved Tracks submenu.
Add Maps to Your Fishfinder
Your 500 Series™ Fishfinder includes a built-in UniMap™ with a more detailed
map of North America (Domestic models) or a more detailed map of Europe and
Southeast Asia, including Australia and New Zealand (International models).
You can also purchase MMC/SD cards with additional chart information for a
particular location. When you install the MMC/SD cards in your control head, your
500 Series™ Fishfinder will retrieve that chart and display it automatically.
NOTE: The MMC/SD Cards require a separate purchase. Your 500 Series™ Fishfinder supports
Navionics® Gold, HotMaps™ and HotMaps™ Premium on MMC or SD card media. Your 500
Series™ Fishfinder does NOT support Navionics® Classic Charts or Platinum™ Cartography.
To insert an MMC/SD card:
1. Remove the MMC/SD slot cover.
2. Position the MMC/SD card so that the label
faces the right side of the unit, and insert the
card into the slot. Press down on the card
until it clicks into place.
Inserting an MMC/SD
into the Card Slot
3. Close the slot cover and turn the knob just
1/4 of a turn to close. Do NOT overtighten, as
this will not improve water resistance and
may damage the cover.
4. To Remove: Press the MMC/SD card into the
slot and then release. The card will eject, and
you can then pull the card from the slot.
31
Introduction to Navigation
Page 42
Export Navigation Data
You can export all saved Tracks, Waypoints, and Routes from your Fishfinder to
an optional-purchase MMC/SD card.
To Export All Navigation Data:
1. Make sure that an optional-purchase MMC/SD card is installed in the slot.
2. Press the MENU key twice to access the Main Menu, then press the
RIGHT Cursor key until the Navigation tab is selected.
3. Highlight Export All Nav Data and press the RIGHT Cursor key. The
Confirm dialog box will appear. To confirm export, press the RIGHT
Cursor key once more. To cancel export, press the LEFT Cursor key.
NOTE: If no MMC card is installed, an error message will be displayed. Insert the MMC
card and try again.
NOTE: The MMC/SD cards and MMC/SD Card Reader require separate purchases. The
MMC/SD Card Reader accessory can be used in conjunction with your personal
computer to view and organize your exported navigation data. To purchase this
accessory, visit our web site at www.humminbird.com or contact our Customer
Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468.
Introduction to Navigation
32
Page 43
What’s on the 500 Series™ Control Head
Your 500 Series™ Fishfinder interface is easy to use. A combination of keys and
special features allows you to control what you see on the display. Refer to the
following illustration, and see Key Functions for more information.
2
1
ScreenMENU key
1
INFO key*
2
ZOOM (-) key
3
ZOOM (+) key
4
VIEW key
5
4-WAY Cursor Control key
6
(LEFT, RIGHT, UP, or DOWN Cursor keys)
MMC/SD Card slot cover
3
MARK key
EXIT key
GOTO key
POWER/LIGHT key
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
7
8
9
10
11
12
*Your control head will have one of the INFO keys shown here. Both
keys function in the same way.
33
What’s on the 500 Series™ Control Head
Page 44
Key Functions
Your Fishfinder user interface consists of a set of easy-to-use keys that work
with various on-screen views and menus to give you flexibility and control over
your fishing experience.
POWER/LIGHT Key
The POWER/LIGHT key is used to power the Fishfinder on and off.
You can also use the POWER/LIGHT key to adjust the backlight
and contrast of the display.
Power On the control head: Press the POWER/LIGHT key to power on the unit.
When the Title screen is displayed, press the MENU key to access the Start-Up
Options Menu.
Power Off the control head: Press and hold the POWER/LIGHT key for 3
seconds. A message will appear to indicate how many seconds there are until
shutdown occurs. To ensure that shutdown occurs properly and any menu
settings will be saved, your Fishfinder should always be turned off using the
POWER/LIGHT key.
Adjust the Backlight or the Display Contrast:
Press the POWER/LIGHT key to access the Light
and Contrast submenu. Use the 4-WAY Cursor
Control key to select Light or Contrast, and then
use the LEFT or RIGHT Cursor key to change the
settings. Press EXIT to exit the Light and Contrast
submenu.
NOTE: Your 500 Series™ Fishfinder will start up with the backlight on and will
automatically turn it off to conserve power.
Key Functions
34
Page 45
VIEW Key
The VIEW key is used to cycle through all available views. Press the
VIEW key to advance to the next view. Repeatedly pressing VIEW
cycles through all views available. Views can be hidden to optimize the system to
your fishing requirements (see Views or Views Menu Tab).
NOTE: Press the EXIT key to cycle through the views in reverse order.
INFO Key
Press the INFO key while in Bird's Eye, Chart, or Combo View
to display information about objects that are near an active
cursor. If the cursor is not active, the Chart Info submenu will be displayed. See
Views: Viewing Cartography for more information.
NOTE: Your control head will have one of the keys shown here. Both keys function in
the same way.
MENU Key
The MENU key is used to access the menu system. See The
Menu System for more information.
• Start-Up Options Menu: Press the MENU key during the power up
sequence to view the Start-Up Options menu.
• X-Press™ Menu: Press the MENU key once in any view to access the
X-Press™ Menu, which provides frequently-used menu settings that
correspond with the current view or navigation mode.
• Main Menu: Press the MENU key twice in any view to access the Main
Menu, which is organized under tabbed headings to help you find a
specific menu item quickly.
35
Key Functions
Page 46
4-WAY Cursor Control Key
(LEFT, RIGHT, UP, or DOWN Cursor keys)
The 4-Way Cursor Control key has multiple functions, which
depend on the view, menu, or situation.
• Menu Selection: Press the DOWN or UP Cursor keys to highlight a
menu option, then press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to change a
menu setting. The changes will be activated and saved immediately.
• Freeze Frame: In Sonar View, press any arrow on the 4-WAY Cursor
Control key to freeze the display and move the active cursor to a location
on the screen. A cursor dialog box will display to show the depth of the
location you choose.
• Active Cursor: Press any arrow on the 4-WAY Cursor Control key, and
the active cursor will appear on the screen.
• In any Chart View, the 4-WAY Cursor Control key also pans the charts
and highlights decluttered waypoint icons.
NOTE: In either Freeze Frame or Active Cursor mode, you can also make the cursor
move diagonally by pressing in between two of the arrows on the 4-WAY Cursor
Control key.
• Bird’s Eye View: The 4-WAY Cursor Control key controls the motion of
the eye point.
MARK Key
Press the MARK key while in any view to mark the position of a
waypoint. The MARK key function works if you have the GPS
receiver connected.
• Active Cursor: The waypoint will be marked at the cursor location.
• Inactive Cursor: The waypoint will be marked at the boat location.
Key Functions
36
Page 47
GOTO Key
The GOTO key has multiple functions, which depend on the
situation.
• Active Cursor: Press the GOTO key while in any view to create a
waypoint and start navigation towards that waypoint.
• Inactive Cursor: Press the GOTO key to display the saved waypoints list,
and then highlight a waypoint. Press the RIGHT Cursor key to begin
navigation.
ZOOM (+/-) Key
In any of the Navigation Views or the Sonar Zoom View,
press the +/-Zoom key to change the scale of the view to
appear closer or farther away.
EXIT Key
The EXIT key has multiple functions, which depend on the
situation:
• If an alarm is sounding, press the EXIT key to cancel the alarm.
• If a menu tab is selected, press the EXIT key to exit the menu mode and
return to the view.
• If a menu is active, press the EXIT key to return to the previous level in
the menu system.
• From any view, press the EXIT key to cycle through the available views
in reverse order.
• If Freeze Frame is active, press the EXIT key to return to a scrolling
display.
• If the Cursor is active, press the EXIT key to remove the cursor from the
display.
37
Key Functions
Page 48
Multi-Media Card
(MMC)/SD Slot
The multi-media card (MMC)/SD slot on your
control head can be used with MMC/SD cards
(optional-purchase required) to add detailed
charts to your Fishfinder or export navigation
Inserting an MMC/SD
into the Card Slot
NOTE: The MMC/SD Cards require a separate purchase. For more information, visit our
web site at www.humminbird.com or contact our Customer Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468.
data from your Fishfinder (see Introduction to
Navigation).
Multi-Media Card (MMC)/SD Slot
38
Page 49
The Menu System
The Menu System is divided into easy-to-use menu modules as follows:
• Start-Up Options Menu: Press the MENU key during the power on
sequence to view the Start-Up Options Menu. From the Start-Up
Options Menu, you can choose the following Fishfinder Modes:
Normal, Simulator, and System Status.
• X-Press™ Menu: The X-Press™ Menu provides a shortcut to the most
frequently-used settings, and the options on the X-Press™ Menu
correspond with the current view.
• Main Menu: The Main Menu is a standard set of menu settings which
are organized under the following tabbed headings: Alarms, Sonar,
Navigation, Setup, and Views.
NOTE: The X-Press™ Menu(s) and the Main Menu options can also be expanded or
simplified by setting the User Mode to Advanced or Normal (see Main Menu: UserMode).
39
The Menu System
Page 50
Start-Up Options Menu
Press the MENU key during the power on sequence to view the Start-Up
Options Menu, and select one of the modes described on the following pages.
Also, see Power on the Unit for additional information.
NNoorrmmaall
Use Normal for on-the-water operation with a transducer connected. If a
functioning transducer is connected, Normal operation will be selected
automatically at power up, and your Fishfinder can be used on the water.
To exit Normal operation, power off your Fishfinder.
Start-Up Options Menu
40
Page 51
SSiimmuullaattoorr
Use Simulator to learn how to use your Fishfinder before taking your boat on the
water. The Simulator is a very powerful tool that provides a randomly-updated
display which simulates on the water operation.
Simulator
We recommend going through this
manual while using the Simulator,
since all of the menus function and
affect the display in the same way as
they would in Normal operation. Any
menu changes you make will be saved
for later use.
NOTE: It is important to select Simulator
manually from the Start-Up Options
Menu as opposed to letting the
Fishfinder enter Simulator automatically
(as it will if a transducer is not connected
and you do nothing during power up).
A message will appear often on the display to indicate Simulator mode.
To exit Simulator, power off your Fishfinder.
SSyysstteemmSSttaattuuss
Use System Status to view system connections and to conduct a unit self-test.
After you select System Status from the Start-Up Options Menu, press the
VIEW key to display the following options:
• Self Test
• Accessory Test
• GPS Diagnostic View
To exit System Status, power off your Fishfinder.
41
Start-Up Options Menu
Page 52
Self Test displays results from the internal diagnostic self test, including unit
serial number, Printed Circuit Board (PCB) serial number, software revision,
total hours of operation, and the input voltage.
Self Test Screen
Accessory Test lists the accessories connected to the system.
Accessory Test Screen
NOTE: The speed accessory will be detected only if the paddlewheel has moved since your
Fishfinder was powered up.
Start-Up Options Menu
42
Page 53
GPS Diagnostic View shows a sky chart and numerical data from the GPS
receiver. The sky chart shows the location of each visible GPS satellite with its
satellite number and a signal strength bar. A dark gray bar indicates that the
satellite is being used to determine your current position. A light gray bar
indicates that the satellite is being monitored, but is not yet being used.
This view also reports the current position, local time and date, and other
numeric information. The current GPS Fix Type is reported as No Fix, 2D Fix, 3D
Fix, or Enhanced. An Enhanced fix has been augmented using information from
WAAS, EGNOS, or MSAS. A 3D or Enhanced Fix is required for navigation.
HDOP (the Horizontal Dilution of Precision) is a GPS system parameter which
depends on the current satellite configuration. HDOP is used to calculate the
Estimated Position Error.
GPS Diagnostic View
Sky Chart
Satellite Being
Monitored
Current Latitude
and Longitude
Fix Type
Satellite
Being Used
43
Start-Up Options Menu
Page 54
X-Press™ Menu
The X-Press™ Menu provides a shortcut to your
most frequently-used settings. The options
provided on the X-Press™ Menu correspond
with the current view. For example, if you are in
a Sonar View and press the MENU key once, the
X-Press™ Menu
To use an X-Press™ Menu:
1. In any view, press the MENU key once.
2. Press the UP or DOWN Cursor keys to highlight an X-Press™ Menu
option, then use the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to change the menu
setting.
NOTE: The X-Press™ Menu will collapse temporarily and the screen will update if it is
affected by your menu setting change, which allows you to see the effects of your
change immediately.
3. Reactivate the X-Press™ Menu by pressing the UP or DOWN Cursor
keys.
Total Screen Update - When you change any menu settings that affect the
current view, the view will update immediately (i.e. you don’t have to exit the
menu to apply the change to the screen).
Sonar X-Press™ Menu will display.
Menu options can be simplified or expanded by setting the User Mode to
Normal or Advanced. See Main Menu: User Mode for details.
X-Press™ Menu
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Main Menu
The Main Menu provides the standard set of
menu options, including the settings that are
changed less frequently. The Main Menu is
organized under the following tabs to help you
find a specific menu item quickly: Alarms,
Sonar, Navigation, Setup, and Views.
NOTE: Menu options can be expanded or simplified by
setting the User Mode to Advanced or Normal. See
Main Menu: User Mode for details.
Main Menu (Normal User Mode)
To use the Main Menu:
1. In any view, press the MENU key twice.
2. Press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to highlight a menu tab.
3. Press the DOWN or UP Cursor keys to select a specific menu option
under that tab.
4. Press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys again to change a menu setting.
• A down arrow at the bottom of a menu means that you can scroll to
additional menu options using the DOWN Cursor key.
• A right or left arrow on a menu option means that you can use the RIGHT
or LEFT Cursor keys to make changes or to see more information.
• Press the EXIT key to move quickly to the top of the tab.
Total Screen Update - When you change any menu settings that affect the
current view, the view will update immediately (i.e. you don’t have to exit the
menu to apply the change to the screen).
Noise Filter adjusts the sonar Noise Filter to limit interference on the display
from sources such as your boat engine, turbulence, or other sonar devices.
• From any menu option on a menu tab, press the EXIT key to jump directly
to the top of the tab.
• From the bottom of a menu tab, press the DOWN Cursor key to jump
directly to the top of the tab.
• From the top of a menu tab, press the LEFT or RIGHT Cursor keys to scroll
to the next tab. You can also jump to the beginning or end of the tab
rotation by repeatedly pressing the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys.
• If there is a down arrow at the bottom of a menu tab, press the DOWN
Cursor key to scroll to additional menu options.
• If there is a right or left arrow on a menu option, press the RIGHT or LEFT
Cursor keys to make setting changes or see more information.
• If you press MENU or EXIT to leave the Main Menu and then return to theMain Menu at a later time, the menu will open to the same tab as the last
time the Main Menu was displayed.
NNootteeffoorraallllMMeennuuSSeettttiinnggss
The settings in all menus are adjusted in the same way. Simply use the 4-WAY
Cursor Control key to highlight a menu option, and then change the settings or
activate the option (see Main Menu or X-Press™ Menu).
Below is an example of how the menu options are described in this manual.
Each description shows the menu option appearance, the available settings,
and the specific control head settings required (i.e. advanced user mode,
international only, view, navigation, or accesssory).
Menu options can be simplified or expanded by setting your Fishfinder User Mode
to Normal or Advanced.
Normal Mode is the default setting when you first power on your 500 Series™
Fishfinder. Normal mode is provided for users who want greater simplicity and
fewer menu choices.
Advanced Mode is provided for users who want the highest level of control over
the Fishfinder. Several menu settings are added to the Main Menu when the
User Mode is changed to Advanced.
To change the User Mode setting:
1. Press the MENU key twice to access the Main Menu.
2. Press the RIGHT Cursor key until the Setup tab is selected.
3. Press the DOWN Cursor key to highlight User Mode on the Setup main
menu.
4. Press the LEFT or RIGHT Cursor keys to change the User Mode setting.
(Normal, Advanced, Default = Normal)
NOTE: Any changes made while in Advanced Mode will remain in effect after you
switch back to Normal Mode.
For example, the Select Readouts menu option is available when the User Mode is set
to Advanced. If you change the Select Readouts settings while operating in Advanced
User mode, the Select Readouts you choose will continue to display on the screen even
if you switch back to Normal User Mode.
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Main Menu
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Sonar Tab, Normal Mode
Sonar Tab, Advanced Mode
Main Menu
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Sonar X-Press™ Menu
Sonar X-Press™ Menu
(Sonar Views only)
The Sonar X-Press™ Menu provides a shortcut
to your most frequently-used settings. Press the
MENU key once while in any of the Sonar Views
to access the Sonar X-Press™Menu.
NOTE: Menu options can be expanded or simplified by
setting the Fishfinder User Mode to Advanced or
Normal. See Main Menu: User Mode for details.
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Sonar X-Press™ Menu
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Sensitivity
Settings: Low = 1, High = 20; Default = 10
Sensitivity controls how much detail is shown on the display and will adjust
the sensitivity of all sonar frequencies.
When operating in very clear water or greater depths, increase the sensitivity
to see weaker returns that may be of interest. If the sensitivity is adjusted too
high, the display may become too cluttered.
Decrease the sensitivity to eliminate the clutter from the display that is
sometimes present in murky or muddy water. If Sensitivity is adjusted too low,
the display may not show many sonar returns that could be fish.
NOTE: The Sensitivity setting is a global setting and will adjust the sensitivity of all
sonar frequencies.
Sensitivity at LowSensitivity at Medium
Sonar X-Press™ Menu
Sensitivity at High
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Upper Range
(Advanced: Sonar and Big Digits Views only)
Settings: 0 to 790 ft or 0 to 257 m [International Models
only]; Default = 0
Upper Range sets the shallowest depth range that will be displayed on the Sonar
and Big Digits Views. Upper Range is often used with Lower Range.
For example, if you are only interested in the area between 20 and 50 feet deep, you
should set the Upper Depth Range to 20 and the Lower Depth Range to 50. The Sonar
View will then show the 30 foot area between 20 and 50 and will not show the surface
or the bottom (assuming the bottom is deeper than 50 feet). Greater detail will be shown
for the area between 20 and 50 feet.
NOTE: A minimum distance of 10 feet will be maintained between the Upper and
Lower Range regardless of the manual settings entered.
Lower Range
Settings: AUTO, 10 to 800 ft, 3 to 260 m [International
Models only]; Default = AUTO
Lower Range sets the deepest depth range that will be displayed by the unit.
Auto: The Lower Range will be adjusted by the unit to follow the bottom
automatically. Auto is the default setting.
Manual: You can adjust the Lower Range to lock the unit on a particular depth.
“M” will be displayed in the lower right corner of the screen to indicate the unit
is in Manual mode. Adjust the Upper and Lower Range together to view a
specific depth range, especially when looking for fish or bottom structure.
For example, if you are fishing in 60 feet of water but are only interested in the first 30
feet (surface to a depth of 30 feet), you should set the Lower Depth Range limit to 30.
The display will show the 0 to 30 foot range, which allows you to see a more detailed
view than you would see if the display went all the way to the bottom.
NOTE: A minimum distance of 10 feet will be maintained between the Upper and
Lower Range regardless of the manual settings entered.
Chart Speed determines the speed at which the sonar information moves across
the display, and consequently the amount of detail shown.
A faster speed shows more information and is preferred by most anglers;
however, the sonar information moves across the display quickly. A slower speed
keeps the information on the display longer, but the bottom and fish details
become compressed and may be difficult to interpret. Regardless of the Chart
Speed setting, the RTS Window™ will update at the maximum rate possible for
the depth conditions.
Bottom View selects the method used to represent bottom and structure on the
display. See What’s on the Sonar Display: Bottom Presentation for more
information.
Cancel Navigation
(only when Navigating)
Settings: Follow screen instructions to activate.
Cancel Navigation discards the current route and exits Navigation Mode. This
menu option will only appear when you are currently navigating a route. This
will not delete a previously-saved route.
Sonar X-Press™ Menu
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Navigation X-Press™ Menu
Navigation X-Press™ Menu
(Navigation Views only)
The Navigation X-Press™ Menu provides a
shortcut to your most frequently-used settings.
Press the MENU key once while in the Bird's
Eye, Chart, or Combo View to access the
Navigation X-Press™ Menu.
NOTE: Menu options will vary depending on system
settings, such as whether you are currently navigating.
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Navigation X-Press™ Menu
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Waypoint [Name]
(Only with an active cursor on a waypoint)
Settings: Edit, Delete, Target, Grid
Waypoint [Name] allows you to view the Waypoints submenu for the waypoint
under your cursor. You can move the cursor onto an existing waypoint and press
the MENU key once, or use Cursor to Waypoint to select a waypoint from the
saved waypoints list.
NOTE: See Introduction to Navigation for more Waypoints information.
The Waypoint Submenu contains the following menu options:
Edit allows you to edit the Name, Position (Latitude and Longitude), and
select the Icon that will be used to represent the waypoint in the Chart
and Combo Views.
Delete allows you to delete a waypoint from the saved waypoints list.
Target allows you to apply a target to a waypoint selected from the
saved waypoints list.
Grid allows you to apply a trolling grid to a waypoint selected from the
saved waypoints list.
Cursor to Waypoint
(Chart or Combo View only)
Settings: Follow screen instructions to activate.
Cursor to Waypoint allows you to quickly move the cursor to any saved
waypoint so that you can locate it or edit it. This X-Press™ Menu option only
appears if you have saved waypoints.
Save Current Track
Settings: Follow screen instructions to activate.
Save Current Track allows you to save the current track on the display. After
the current track is saved, a new current track is started. Save Current Track
appears on the Navigation X-Press™ Menu after navigation is stopped.
Navigation X-Press™ Menu
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Clear Current Track
Settings: Follow screen instructions to activate.
Clear Current Track allows you to clear the current track on the display and
start a new track at the present position.
Save Current Route
(only when Navigating)
Settings: Follow screen instructions to activate.
Save Current Route allows you to save the current route being displayed. This
menu option will only appear when you are currently navigating a route.
Skip Next Waypoint
(only when Navigating)
Settings: Follow screen instructions to activate.
Skip Next Waypoint removes the next waypoint from the current route. This
menu option will only appear when you are currently navigating a route.
Cancel Navigation
(only when Navigating)
Settings: Follow screen instructions to activate.
Cancel Navigation discards the current route and exits Navigation Mode. This
menu option will only appear when you are currently navigating a route. This
will not delete a previously-saved route.
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Navigation X-Press™ Menu
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Remove Target
(only if a Target is Active)
Settings: Press the RIGHT Cursor key to activate.
Remove Target removes the waypoint target from the display. This menu option
will only appear when a target has already been applied to a waypoint.
NOTE: See Introduction to Navigation: Add a Waypoint Target or Trolling Grid for
more information.
Remove Grid
(only if a Grid is Active)
Settings: Press the RIGHT Cursor key to activate.
Remove Grid removes the waypoint grid from the display. This menu option will
only appear when a grid has already been applied to a waypoint.
NOTE: See Introduction to Navigation: Add a Waypoint Target or Trolling Grid for
more information.
Sonar Window
(Combo View only)
Settings: Wide, Medium, Narrow; Default = Medium
Sonar Window sets the size of the Sonar Window in the Combo View. Sonar
Window can only be accessed from the Combo View.
Navigation X-Press™ Menu
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Waypoint [Name]
(Most recently-created waypoint)
Settings: Edit, Delete, Go To, Target, Grid
Waypoint [Name] allows you to view the waypoints submenu for the most
recently created waypoint. You must have pressed the MARK key at least once
since you last powered up the Fishfinder for this menu option to appear.
NOTE: See Introduction to Navigation for more information.
The Waypoint Submenu contains the following menu options:
Edit allows you to edit the Name, Position (Latitude and Longitude), and
select the Icon that will be used to represent the waypoint in the Chart
and Combo Views.
Delete allows you to delete a waypoint from the saved waypoints list.
Go To allows you to select a waypoint and start navigation toward that
waypoint, or add that waypoint to the end of the current route.
Target allows you to apply a target to a waypoint selected from the
saved waypoints list.
Grid allows you to apply a trolling grid to a waypoint selected from the
saved waypoints list.
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Navigation X-Press™ Menu
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Alarms Menu
Alarms Menu Tab
From any view, press the MENU key twice to
access the Main Menu. The Alarms tab will be
the default selection.
NOTE: When an alarm is triggered, you can silence it
by pressing any key. The alarm will be silenced, and
will not be triggered again until a new instance of the
alarm condition is detected.
Alarms Menu Tab
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Depth Alarm
Settings: OFF, 1 to 100 feet, or 0.5 to 30 meters
[International Models only]; Default = OFF
Depth Alarm sounds when the depth becomes equal to or less than the menu
setting.
Fish ID Alarm
Settings: Off, All, Large/Medium, Large; Default = Off
Fish ID Alarm sounds when the Fishfinder detects fish that correspond to the
alarm setting. Fish ID Alarm will only sound if Fish ID+™ is on. For example, if
you've set the Fish ID Alarm to sound for Large fish only, the Fish ID alarm will
sound when a large-sized fish is detected.
Off
All
Large/Medium
Large
Low Battery Alarm
Settings: Off, 8.5V - 13.5V; Default = Off
Low Battery Alarm sounds when the input battery voltage is equal to or less
than the menu setting. The battery alarm will only sound for the battery that is
connected to the Fishfinder. The Low Battery Alarm should be set to warn you
when the battery voltage drops below the safety margin that you have
determined.
For example, if you are running a trolling motor (battery operated), you would want to set
the Low Battery Alarm to sound before the battery voltage drops too low for it to be used
to start your main, gasoline-powered engine.
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Alarms Menu Tab
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Temp. Alarm
Settings: Off, 33-120 [Fahrenheit], 0-50 [Celsius];
Default = Off
Temp. Alarm sounds when the water temperature detected by the Fishfinder
reaches the Temp. Alarm setting, which is either set in degrees Fahrenheit or
Celsius [International Models only].
For example, if the Temp. Alarm is set to 58 degrees Fahrenheit, and the water temperature
falls from 60 degrees to 58 degrees, the Temp. Alarm will sound. Similarly, if the water
temperature rises from 56 degrees to 58 degrees, the Temp. Alarm will also sound.
Off Course Alarm
Settings: Off, 25 to 3000 ft, 10 to 1000 m [International
Models only]; Default = 300 ft, 100 m
Off Course Alarm allows you to set how far the boat is allowed to move off
course before the Off Course Alarm will sound during navigation.
Arrival Alarm
Circle
Alarms Menu Tab
Off Course
Limits
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Arrival Alarm
Settings: Off, 25 to 3000 ft, 10 to 1000 m [International
Models only]; Default = 150 ft, 50 m
Arrival Alarm sounds when the boat has either exceeded the distance to the
destination waypoint, or has entered the Arrival Alarm Circle, based on the
menu setting when navigating. Arrival Alarm allows you to set how close the
boat must be to the destination waypoint before the Arrival Alarm will sound.
Drift Alarm
Settings; Off, 25 to 3000 ft, 10 to 1000 m [International
Models only]; Default = Off
Drift Alarm allows you to set the size of a perimeter around the boat’s anchored
position. If the anchored boat drifts outside of that perimeter, the Drift Alarm
will sound.
Drift Alarm Perimeter
Drift
Alarm
Circle
Alarm Tone
Settings: High, Medium, Low; Default = Medium
Alarm Tone selects the pitch of the alarm sound. A brief tone will be produced as
you adjust the Alarm Tone so that you can select the tone that you can hear best.
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Alarms Menu Tab
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Sonar Menu
Sonar Menu Tab
Press the MENU key twice to access the Main
Menu and then press the RIGHT Cursor key until
the Sonar tab is selected.
NOTE: Menu options can be expanded or simplified
by setting the User Mode to Advanced or Normal. See
Main Menu: User Mode for details.
Sonar Menu Tab
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Surface Clutter
Settings: Low = 1 to High = 10; Default = 5
Surface Clutter adjusts the filter that removes surface clutter noise caused by
algae and aeration. The lower the setting, the less surface clutter will be
displayed.
Surface Clutter
Surface
Clutter
TVG
Settings: On, Off; Default = On
TVG (Time Variable Gain) adjusts the sonar returns on the display to show less
clutter and more fish size accuracy. In other words, when TVG is On, a large
arch on the display means a large fish has been detected.
When TVG is off, the Fishfinder shows only the raw sonar returns on the
display. While the raw data may create more clutter on the display, it also
reveals more arches and better jig tracking on the screen.
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Sonar Menu Tab
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Fish ID+™
Settings: Off, On; Default = On
Fish ID+™ uses advanced signal processing to interpret sonar returns and will
display a Fish Symbol when very selective requirements are met. When a fish is
detected, a fish icon and its depth are displayed above the return that has been
classified as being a fish. Three different fish size icons represent the intensity of
the sonar return and provide an indicator of relative fish size.
DualBeam sonar models represent targets detected in the 200 kHz narrow
beam as Shaded Fish Symbols and targets detected in the 83 kHz wide beam
as Hollow Fish Symbols.
200 kHz, Narrow Beam
Shaded Fish Symbols
83 kHz, Wide Beam
Hollow Fish Symbols
When Fish ID+™ is turned off, the Fishfinder shows only the raw sonar
returns on the display. These returns will often result in “arches“ forming on the
display, indicating potential targets. Due to the transducer beam angle, the
distance to a fish decreases as the fish moves into the beam, and then
increases as it moves out again, creating a Fish Arch when this distance change
is shown on the display. Boat speed, chart speed, and the position of the fish
within the sonar beam greatly affect the shape of the arch.
Transducer Cone and Fish Arches
Sonar Menu Tab
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Fish ID Sensitivity
Settings: Low = 1, High = 10; Default = 5
Fish ID Sensitivity adjusts the threshold of the Fish ID+™ detection algorithms.
Selecting a higher setting allows weaker returns to be displayed as fish. This is
useful for identifying smaller fish species or baitfish. Selecting a lower setting
displays fewer fish from weak sonar returns. This is helpful when seeking larger
species of fish.
Fish ID Sensitivity is used in conjunction with Fish ID+™. Fish ID+™ must be
On for Fish ID Sensitivity to affect the ability of the Fishfinder to identify sonar
returns as fish.
Real Time Sonar (RTS™) Window
Settings: Wide, Narrow, Off; Default = Narrow
RTS Window™ sets the RTS Window™ to either Wide or Narrow, or turns it off
in the Sonar View. The RTS Window™ always updates at the fastest rate
possible and only displays returns that are within the transducer beam. See
What’s on the Sonar Display for more information.
NOTE: The Wide RTS Window™ does not use grayscale.
RTS Window™ (Wide)
RTS Window™ (Narrow)
RTS Window™ (Off)
Zoom Width
Settings: Narrow, Medium, Wide; Default = Wide
Zoom Width adjusts the width of the zoomed view on the Sonar Zoom View,
which is on the left side of the display. See Views: Sonar Zoom View for more
information.
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Sonar Menu Tab
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Depth Lines
(Advanced)
Settings: Off, On; Default = On
Depth Lines divide the display into four equal sections which are separated
by three horizontal depth lines. The depth of each line is displayed along the
depth scale. You can turn Depth Lines On or Off.
Noise Filter adjusts the sonar Noise Filter to limit interference on the display
from sources such as your boat engine, turbulence, or other sonar devices.
The Off setting removes all filtering. Low, Medium, and High1, High2, High3
settings add progressive filtering of the sonar returns. High1, High2, and High3
are useful when there is excessive trolling motor noise, but in some deep water
situations, the High settings may actually hinder your unit’s ability to find the
bottom.
Sonar Menu Tab
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Max Depth
(Advanced)
Settings: AUTO, 10 to 800 ft, 3 to 260 m [International
Models only]; Default = AUTO
Max Depth controls the maximum depth of operation. When Max Depth is set
to Auto, the Fishfinder will acquire bottom readings as needed (within the
capacity of the unit). When Max Depth is set to match your fishing maximum
depth, your Fishfinder will not attempt to acquire sonar data below that depth,
so more detail will be shown on the screen.
NOTE: If the bottom is deeper than the Max Depth setting, the digital depth readout
will flash, indicating that the Fishfinder cannot locate the bottom.
Water Type
(Advanced)
Settings: Fresh, Salt (shallow), Salt (deep); Default =
Fresh)
Water Type configures your unit for operation in fresh or salt water. In salt
water, you can also choose the shallow or deep setting.
Water Type affects the accuracy of deep water depth readings. In salt water,
what would be considered a large fish might be 2 to 10 times bigger than a
large fish in fresh water (depending on the type of fish you are seeking). The
salt water setting allows for a greater range in fish size adjustment to account
for this difference.
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Sonar Menu Tab
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Navigation Menu Tab
Press the MENU key twice to access the Main
Menu, then press the RIGHT Cursor key until the
Navigation tab is selected.
NOTE: Menu options will vary depending on system
settings, such as whether you are currently navigating.
NOTE: Menu options can be expanded or simplified by
setting the User Mode to Advanced or Normal. See
Main Menu: User Mode for details.
Navigation Menu Tab
Navigation Menu Tab
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Current Track
Settings: Save, Clear, Appearance
Current Track allows you to view the Current Track submenu. See Introduction
to Navigation: Save or Clear a Current track for more information.
The Current Track Submenu contains the following menu options:
Save allows you to save the current track.
Clear allows you to delete the current track.
Appearance allows you to change the style and color of the current
track. (Breadcrumb Trail, Dashed Line, Solid Line or Wide Line, and if a
line, choose a grayscale color).
Saved Tracks
Settings: Edit, Delete, Default
Saved Tracks allows you view the Saved Tracks submenu. See Introduction to
Navigation: Edit, Delete, or Hide Saved Tracks for more information.
The Saved Tracks Submenu contains the following menu options
Edit allows you to select a saved track and change its Name, Visibility
(hidden or visible), Style, and Color (for track line styles only).
Delete allows you to delete a track from the saved tracks list.
Default sets the default appearance of your tracks, including Visibility
(hidden or visible), Style, and Color (for track line styles only).
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Navigation Menu Tab
:
Page 80
Waypoints
Settings: Create, Edit, Delete, Cursor To, Go To,
Target, Grid
Waypoints allows you to view the Waypoints submenu. See Introduction to
Navigation for more information.
The Waypoints Submenu contains the following menu options:
Create allows you to create a new waypoint, name it, and edit it
immediately. The current boat position will be used as the default, but
you can set the coordinates to any valid position. The icon used to
represent the waypoint in the Chart and Combo Views can also be
changed.
Edit allows you to choose from the saved waypoints list, and then edit
the Name and Position (Latitude and Longitude), as well as assign an
Icon to represent the waypoint in the Chart and Combo Views.
Delete allows you to delete a waypoint from the saved waypoints list.
Cursor To allows you to move the cursor quickly to a waypoint from the
saved waypoints list.
Go To allows you to select a waypoint and start navigation toward that
waypoint or add that waypoint to the end of the current route.
Target allows you to apply a target to a waypoint selected from the
saved waypoints list.
Grid allows you to apply a trolling grid to a waypoint selected from the
saved waypoints list.
NOTE: Only one waypoint can have either a target or a grid applied to it at one time. If
you apply a target or a grid to a new waypoint, the original waypoint will lose its target
or grid.
NOTE: The spacing of the rings on the waypoint target and the spacing of the gridlines
on the trolling grid is the same as the length of the scale bar on the left edge of the
display. Zooming in or out will decrease or increase the spacing, respectively.
Navigation Menu Tab
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Routes
Settings: Create, Edit, Delete, Travel, Info
Routes allows you to view the Routes submenu. See Introduction to Navigation:
Save, Edit, or Delete a Route for more information.
The Routes Submenu contains the following menu options:
Create allows you to create a new route from an empty route, name it,
and add saved waypoints to it immediately. You can also change the
waypoint order of the route from this menu.
Edit allows you to select a saved route and change its name and the
waypoints in it.
Delete allows you to delete a route from the saved routes list.
Travel allows you to choose a route from the saved routes list and use
it as your current route. Routes can be traveled in either the forward or
reverse direction. When you select a route, navigation begins
immediately.
Info provides information about the route you choose from the saved
routes list, including the distance and bearing from each waypoint to
the next.
Chart Orientation
Settings: North-Up, Course-Up; Default = North-Up
Chart Orientation allows you to select whether the Chart and Combo Views
should be drawn North-Up or Course-Up. The Chart Orientation setting does
not apply to the Bird’s Eye View (see Viewing Cartography).
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Navigation Menu Tab
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Chart Detail Level
Settings: Basic, Navigation, Underwater, All; Default = All
Chart Detail Level allows you to select how much chart detail you want
displayed on the Navigation Views.
NOTE: Some chart details are only available with optional-purchase MMC/SD cards.
Basic shows land areas, ports, obstructions, and restricted areas.
Navigation shows navaids, landmarks, ferryways, and navigation routes
in addition to the Basic information.
Underwater shows depth contours, fishing areas, underwater wrecks,
tides and currents in addition to the Basic and Navigation information.
All shows roads, buildings, railways, and other notations in addition to
the Basic, Navigation, and Underwater information.
Map Borders
Settings: Hidden, MMC/SD Only, All Visible;
Default = MMC/SD Only
Map Borders allows you to display or hide map borders. The dotted lines of a
Map Border indicate an area which contains a different map.
Map Borders
Navigation Menu Tab
Map
Borders
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Lat/Lon Grid
Settings: Hidden, Visible; Default = Hidden
Lat/Lon Grid allows you to display or hide a grid showing latitude and longitude
lines.
Spot Soundings
Settings: Hidden, Visible; Default = Hidden
Spot Soundings allows you to display or hide spot soundings, which are depth
measurements shown on the chart.
NOTE: Spot Soundings are only available with optional-purchase MMC/SD cards.
Chart Select
Settings: Various, Default = Auto
Chart Select allows you to choose which chart to use if you have built-in charts
or a map card. If you select Auto, you unit will select a chart automatically.
North Reference
Settings: True, Magnetic; Default = True
North Reference allows you to have bearings displayed with one of two
orientations: True North or Magnetic North.
Waypoint Decluttering
(Advanced)
Settings: On, Off; Default = On
Waypoint Decluttering allows you to set the declutter feature On or Off. When
two or more waypoints overlap, or are displayed close together on a chart view,
the screen will automatically declutter—waypoint names will shorten and the
waypoint icons will change into small gray icons. Select Off to to display
waypoints at regular size.
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Navigation Menu Tab
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Grid Rotation
Settings: 0° to 89°, Default = 0°
Grid Rotation
allows you to set the orientation of the trolling grid in degrees,
where a setting of 0° displays a standard North, South, East, West alignment.
See Introduction to Navigation: Add a Waypoint Target or Trolling Grid for
information.
NOTE: This feature may appear as either Trolling Grid Rotation or Grid Rotation,
depending on your model.
Trackpoint Interval
Settings: 1 second, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds,
30 seconds, or 60 seconds; Default = 1 second
Trackpoint Interval allows you to select the time period between trackpoints.
The current track can only contain up to 20,000 trackpoints, so longer time
periods cause the track to extend back further in time, but will be less detailed.
Trackpoint Interval works in conjunction with Track Min Distance. Both
conditions must be met before a trackpoint is added to the current track. During
slow travel or drift, setting both Trackpoint Interval and Track Min Distance to
small values will allow you to increase the track resolution.
Track Min Distance
(Advanced)
Settings: 1 to 300 ft, or 1 to 100 m [International Units
only]; Default = 16 ft, 5 m
Track Min Distance allows you to set a minimum distance of travel before a
trackpoint is added to the track.
Track Min Distance works in conjunction with Trackpoint Interval. Both
conditions must be met before a trackpoint is added to the current track. During
slow travel or drift, setting both Trackpoint Interval and Track Min Distance to
small values will allow you to increase the track resolution.
Navigation Menu Tab
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Map Datum
(Advanced)
Settings: Various, Default = WGS 84
Map Datum allows you to change the map coordinate system used by the
Fishfinder to match those of a paper map.
Set Simulation Position
(Advanced)
Settings: Follow screen instructions to activate.
Set Simulation Position allows you to set the position of the boat used in the
Simulator. Press any arrow on the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to activate the
cursor and move it to the coordinates where you want start the simulation.
Then confirm the position using the Set Simulation menu setting.
NOTE: The cursor must be active in order for this procedure to work. If the cursor was
not active before you began this procedure, an error message will appear. Exit the
menu, set the cursor, then try again.
Set Map Offset
(Advanced)
Settings: Follow screen instructions to activate.
Set Map Offset allows you to change the map offset used by your Fishfinder.
Press the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to activate the cursor and move it to the
location where the Map Offset will be applied. Then, confirm the map offset
position using the Set Map Offset menu setting.
The Map Offset will be applied to all maps and not just the map that requires
the correction. The Map Offset should be cleared if a different map is to be used.
NOTE: The cursor must be active in order for this procedure to work. If the cursor was
not active before you began this procedure, an error message will appear. Exit the
menu, set the cursor, then try again.
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Course Projection Line
Settings: Hidden, Visible; Default = Visible
Course Projection Line allows you to display or hide an arrow extending from the
bow of the boat that projects your current course, and shows where the boat will
go if you continue on your present course.
Clear Map Offset
(Advanced)
Settings: Follow screen instructions to activate.
Clear Map Offset allows you to clear the Map Offset. The Clear Map Offset
menu option is available when Map Offset is active.
Export All Nav Data
Settings: Follow screen instructions to activate.
Export All Nav Data allows you to export all saved Tracks, Waypoints, and
Routes to an MMC/SD card. If an MMC card isn’t installed, an error message
will be displayed. Insert the MMC card and try again. See Introduction toNavigation for more information.
Delete All Nav Data
(Advanced)
Settings: Follow screen instructions to activate.
This menu option should be used with caution!
Delete All Nav Data allows you to delete all saved Tracks, Waypoints, and
Routes.
Navigation Menu Tab
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Setup Menu Tab
From any view, press the MENU key twice to
access the tabbed Main Menu, then press the
RIGHT Cursor key until the Setup tab is selected.
NOTE: Menu options will vary depending on which
accessories are attached to the unit.
NOTE: Menu options can be expanded or simplified
by setting the User Mode to Advanced or Normal. See
Main Menu: User Mode for details.
Units - Speed selects the units of measure for speed-related readouts, and will
appear in the menu if a Temp/Speed Accessory is connected and the
paddlewheel has moved at least once, or if the GPS Receiver is connected.
Setup Menu Tab
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User Mode
Settings: Normal, Advanced; Default = Normal
User Mode sets the menu system to Normal or Advanced. When set to Normal
(default setting), the basic set of menu options are shown in the menu system.
When set to Advanced, additional menu options are added to the menu system.
See Main Menu: User Mode for details.
Language
(International only)
Settings: Various, Default = English
Language selects the display language for menus. International Models only.
Triplog Reset
Settings: Follow screen instructions to activate.
Triplog Reset resets the Triplog to zero, and will appear in the menu if a
Temp/Speed Accessory is connected and the paddlewheel has moved at least
once, or if the GPS Receiver is connected.
The Triplog provides the following information: timer for elapsed time, distance
traveled since last reset, and average speed.
NOTE: See Views to find out how to display Triplog information on the screen.
Restore Defaults
Settings: Follow screen instructions to activate.
Use this menu choice with caution!
Restore Defaults resets ALL menu settings to their factory defaults.
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Setup Menu Tab
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Select Readouts
(Advanced, Sonar View only)
Settings: Various, Default = Off
Select Readouts sets the information to display
The readout
position on
the screen
is shown in
the Select
Readouts
Window.
Select Readouts
NOTE: The availability of the digital readout information corresponds with the view
selected, the accessory attached, and whether or not you are navigating.
in each of the 6 fixed-position data windows
arranged around the left and bottom edges of
the Sonar View screen. To leave the data
window blank, select Off. See Views to change
the Select Readouts.
Data windows can display readouts from
supported accessories such as GPS Receiver or
Temp/Speed. Each data window can be empty
or contain one of the following information
categories:
• Course• Time + Date
• Navigation• Triplog
• Position• Voltage
• Speed• Time
• Temperature
Setup Menu Tab
Default Sonar View
Sonar View with Select Readouts
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Depth Offset
(Advanced)
Settings: -10.0 to +10.0 ft, or -3 to 3 m [International
Models only]; Default = 0
Depth Offset will adjust the digital depth readout to indicate depth from the
waterline or boat's keel. Enter a positive vertical measurement from the
transducer to the waterline to read the depth from the waterline. Enter a
negative vertical measurement from the transducer to keel to read the depth
from the keel.
Temp. Offset
(Advanced)
Settings: -10.0 to +10.0 degrees, Default = 0
Temp. Offset will adjust the temperature readout by the amount entered.
Speed Calibration
(Advanced, with Temp/Speed only)
Settings: -20% to +20%, Default = 0%
Speed Calibration will adjust the speed readout by the percentage entered,
and will appear in the menu if a Temp/Speed Accessory is connected and the
paddlewheel has moved at least once.
Local Time Zone
(Advanced)
Settings: Various, Default = EST [UTC-5] - Eastern
Standard Time
Local Time Zone selects your time zone in reference to the time reported by the
GPS receiver when Time+Date is selected as a Digital Readout on the Sonar
View (see Setup Menu Tab: Select Readouts).
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Setup Menu Tab
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Daylight Saving Time
(Advanced)
Settings: Off, On; Default = Off
Daylight Saving Time adjusts the time display to account for local Daylight
Saving Time when Time+Date is selected as a Digital Readout on the Sonar
View (see Setup Menu Tab: Select Readouts).
Selecting On adds one hour to the time display adjusted for your local time
zone. Selecting Off leaves the time display as adjusted for your local time zone.
Position Format
(Advanced)
Settings: dd.ddddd°, dd°mm.mmm', or dd°mm'ss";
Default = dd°mm.mmm'
Position Format selects the format of the latitude and longitude position display.
Time Format
(Advanced, International only)
Settings: 12 hour, 24 hour; Default = 12 hour
Time Format changes the time format used by the unit. Time Format selects a
12 hour or 24 hour format for the time of day displayed when Time + Date is
selected as a Digital Readout on the Sonar View (see Setup Menu Tab: SelectReadouts).
Date Format changes the date format used by the unit. Date Format selects the
format for the date display when Time + Date is selected as a Digital Readout
on the Sonar View (see Setup Menu Tab: Select Readouts).
Setup Menu Tab
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NMEA Output
(Advanced)
Settings: Off, On; Default = Off
NMEA Output turns the NMEA* output on or off. NMEA Output should be
turned On if you connect the NMEA Output wires of the GPS Receiver cable to
another NMEA-compatible device, such as an autopilot.
*NMEA 0183 is a National Marine Electronics Association standard for data
communication.
NOTE: A separate purchase of accessory AS-HHGPS may be required for the NMEA
output function.
The following NMEA sentences are output when NMEA Output is turned On:
DPT - Depth
MTW - Water Temperature
GLL - Lat/Lon Position
GGA - GPS Fix Data
RMC - Recommended Minimum Specific GNSS Data
VTG - Course Over Ground and Ground Speed
ZDA - Time and Date
When navigating, the following NMEA sentences are also output when
NMEA Output is turned On:
APB - Autopilot Sentence B
BWR - Bearing and Distance to Waypoint
RMB - Recommended Minimum Navigation Info
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Setup Menu Tab
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Sonar
Settings: Off, On; Default = Off
Sonar sets whether the Sonar views are shown in the View rotation. Select Off
to deactivate Sonar and remove the Sonar Views from the View rotation.
Demonstration
Settings: Off, Visible; Default = Visible
Demonstration controls whether the Demonstration Mode is visible or off. The
Demonstration Mode appears on the screen if you don’t press any keys during
the warning screen at power up. Menu settings cannot be saved in
Demonstration (see Power on the Unit and Start-Up Options Menu).
Setup Menu Tab
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Views Menu
Views Menu Tab
From any view, press the MENU key twice to
access the tabbed Main Menu, then press the
RIGHT Cursor key until the Views tab is selected.
This menu tab allows you to set the available
views to either hidden or visible in the view
rotation. The view will be removed from the view
rotation if it is set to Hidden and will be displayed
in the view rotation if it is set to Visible.
NOTE: See Views for more information.
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Views Menu Tab
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Troubleshooting
Before contacting the Humminbird® Customer Resource Center, please read the
following section. Taking the time to review these troubleshooting guidelines
may allow you to solve a performance problem yourself, and therefore avoid
sending your unit back for repair.
Fishfinder Doesn’t Power Up
If your Fishfinder doesn’t power up, use the Installation Guide that also comes
with it for specific confirmation details, making sure that:
• The power cable is properly connected to the Fishfinder control head.
• The power cable is wired correctly, with red to positive battery terminal
and black to negative terminal or ground.
• The fuse is operational.
• The battery voltage of the power connector is at least 10 Volts.
Correct any known problems, including removing corrosion from the battery
terminals or wiring, or actually replacing the battery if necessary.
Fishfinder Defaults to Simulator with a Transducer Attached
A connected and functioning transducer will cause the newly-started
Fishfinder to go into Normal operating mode automatically. If, when you power
up the Fishfinder, it goes into Simulator mode automatically, even though a
transducer is already connected, this means that the control head is not
detecting the transducer. Perform the following troubleshooting tasks:
• Using the Installation Guide that also comes with your Fishfinder, check
to make sure that the transducer cable is securely connected to the
Fishfinder. Reconnect if necessary, and power up the Fishfinder again
to see if this fixes the problem.
• Replace the non-functioning transducer with a known good transducer
if available and power up the control head again.
• Check the transducer cable. Replace the transducer if the cable is
damaged or corroded.
Troubleshooting
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Display Problems
There are several main conditions or sources of possible interference that may
cause problems with the quality of the information displayed on the control
head. Look in the following table for some symptoms of display problems and
possible solutions:
ProblemPossible Cause
The control head loses
power at high speeds.
If the power output of your boat’s engine is unregulated,
the control head may be protecting itself using its
over-voltage protection feature. Make sure the input
voltage does not exceed 20 Volts.
When the boat moves
at higher speeds, the
bottom disappears or
suddenly weakens, or
the display contains
gaps.
There are no fish
detected, even when
you know they are in
the water under the
boat, or sonar readings
seem weak or faulty.
The transducer position may need to be adjusted. A mix of
air and water flowing around the transducer (cavitation)
may be interfering with the interpretation of sonar data.
See your Installation Guide for suggestions on adjusting the
transducer position.
Electrical noise from the boat’s engine may be interfering
with sonar reception. See Finding the Cause of Noise for
more information.
Sonar readings may be affected if the transducer is not
positioned correctly (i.e. mounted at an angle, not straight
down), or there is some kind of mechanical interference,
either because it is mounted inside a hull that is too thick
for proper sonar transmission, the bond between the
transducer and the hull is not airtight, or because the
transducer is dirty. Check with your Installation Guide for
guidance on re-positioning the transducer, and make sure
the transducer is clean.
Low battery voltage may be affecting the power of signal
transmission.
Electrical noise from the boat’s engine may be interfering
with sonar reception. See Finding the Cause of Noise for
more information.
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Troubleshooting
Page 98
Finding the Cause of Noise
Electrical noise usually affects the display with many black dots at high speeds,
and high sensitivity readings. One or more of the following sources can cause
noise or interference:
Possible Source of NoiseIsolation
Other electronic devices
Turn off any nearby electronic devices to see
if the problem goes away, then turn them on
one at a time to see if the noise re-appears.
The boat’s engine
Cavitation from the boat’s
propeller
To determine whether the boat’s engine is the
source of the noise, increase the RPMs while
the boat is in neutral and stationary to see if
the noise increases proportionately; if noise
appears when you rev the engine, the
problem could be the spark plugs, alternator,
or tachometer wiring. Replace the spark plugs
with resistor plugs, install an alternator filter,
or route the control head power and
transducer cables away from the engine
wiring.
Turbulence created by the propeller can cause
noise; make sure the transducer is mounted
at least 15” (38 cm) from the propeller, and that
the water flows smoothly over the face of the
transducer at all times.
Troubleshooting
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500 Series™ Fishfinder Accessories
Accessories customize the Humminbird® Fishfinder to your needs and enable
you to stay on the edge of new technology. When an accessory is connected to
the Humminbird® Fishfinder, additional menus and readouts are added
automatically to the Main Menu System. Accessories available today that are
supported by your Humminbird® include:
Temperature/Speed: Simply plugs into the Humminbird® control head and
provides real time speed and temperature readouts, as well as a valuable
Triplog function.
NOTE: If an external Temperature/Speed (TS-W) or Temperature (TG-W) accessory is
connected AND a transducer with temperature built in is connected at the same time,
the TS-W or TG-W accessory will override the temperature built into the transducer.
Be sure to check out our web site www.humminbird.com for additional new
and exciting accessories to grow your Humminbird® Fishfinder!
NOTE: Each accessory requires a separate purchase. You can visit our web site
at www.humminbird.com or contact our Customer Resource Center at
1-800-633-1468 for additional details.
IPX Rating . . . . . . . . . IP67 Waterproof/Submersible @ 1 m for 30 minutes
and dust tight
NOTE: Humminbird® verifies maximum stated depth in saltwater conditions, but actual
depth performance may vary due to transducer installation, water type, thermal layers,
bottom composition and slope.
NOTE: Product specifications and features are subject to change without notice.
Specifications
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