Lowrance X-15A User Manual

To turn

press

"4"

mediately

the 2nd

key.

this feature

The

paper speed

slow

that the function

To turn the

and Print

the 2nd
"7"

key.

mediately speed

the

function

When

combination of

board

and

the 2nd

press

Alternate

feature

and

key

The

paper

has been turned

entering

you

KEY

on,

then

key,

down,

press

signifying

is enabled.

Transmit

off,

simply

then

press

speed

up, signifying

number

any

on the

keys

make

a

mistake,

then 0.

simply

the

will im-

press
the

will im-

that

oft.

or

key-

This

will

clear the

if

ple,

Limit
feet
Lower
and

You

Limit

To

the

level of

or Pulse

the

page,

then

wanted

you

of 50 feet and

instead,

Limit

the

keyboard

could then

for the desired

cause the

Disbrimination,

Width at the

simply press

the

corresponding key (DISC,

5CC/MARK,
be

reprinted

keyboard.

to set a Lower

before

Key press

or

immediately.

pressed

pressing

2nd

will

be

5

press

range.

X-15A to

bottom of

2nd and

PULSE)

-

For exam-

40

the

-

0

cleared.

-

0

Lower

reprint

SCC,

and it will

INSTALLATION AND

X-15A

COMPUTER SONAR

OPERATION MANUAL

Paper

APPROXIMATE

Without

LOWER

LIMIT

RANGE

Below 840

RANGE

Below 840 0.15

(feet)

10-120

130-510 0.5

520-830 0.15

LOWER

LIMIT

(feet)

10-120

130-510 0.20

520-830

Inches Hours

Per Mm

APPROXIMATE PAPER

With

Alternate Transmit and

Inches

Per Mm

0.5

0.15 66

Saving

PAPER SPEED

Alternate

Minimum

Paper Speed

1.0 10

0.15 66

Minimum

Paper

Transmit and Print

Per

20
66

Speed

Hours

Per Roll

20

50
66

Feature

I

Roll Per Mm

—

SPEED

Maximum

Paper Speed

Inches

2.35

1.4

0.75

0.75

Print

Maximum

Paper Speed

Inches

Per Mm Per

1.4 7.14

0.8

0.75 13.3

0.75

Hours

Per Roll

4.25

7.14

13.3

13.3

Hours

Roll

12.5

13.3

LITHO

USA

988-0096-01

•LOWRANCE

12000 F,

SKELLY

ELECTRONICS,

DR,

TULSA,

OK

INC.

74128

PDF compression, OCR, web-optimization with CVISION's PdfCompressor

function

causes

other

revolution.

every

four

stylus only prints

other

revolution,

information doesn't

the "over

good

at slower

Also,

are

spread

which,

the

revolution in-

things:

problem,

printt'
records

paper

the scale

out

more,

legible.

possibility

This

is the un-

the

of the

third bottom echo

on the

of the

targets

happens

frequency

happen

on

models. Reverberation

scattered

the transmitted

by

and the

scattered

at the

paper

page. Many

interfere

that

you

mainly

units,

higher

noise marks

bottom,

in

heavy

or baitfish

causes a

to be

lines

By enabling

Print

function,

triggered only

times as

energy

amount of

as

often)

the

printed

the Transmit

the transmit-

half as

normal,

into the water

power, just

which reduces

paper speed.

paper

by using

the Alter-

stylus

This

are

num-

mak-

of

top

with fish

wish

ef-

on

but it

fre-

sig-

between

great

on the

putting

the

A

sig-

can

feature.

INDEX

Specifications
Service

Introduction

How

Installation

Transducer Selection

Basic
Suppressor

Paper Speed

GRAYLINE®

Range

Lower Limit .

Upper
Lines

Marker
Scale

End Of

Zero

How

Paper Loading

Stylus

Stylus
Do's and Dont's

Troubleshooting
Advanced

Surface

Feet, Fathoms,

Transmitter

Discrimination
Transmit

Information

It Works

Operation

Limit

Paper

Adjust

To Read

Replacement

Belt

Graphs

Replacement

Operation

Clarity

Control

Meters

Pulse Width

and Print Alternate

(SCC)

1
1

2
2

3

4
4

5
6

7

7

8
9
9

9

10
10
10

11

..14

.15
.16

.16

17

17
18

18

20

21

level whereas

the

is

(4)

should
noise

tion, simply press

noise
4,

nation) Key.
immediate

be used

is

To use the Discrimination

rejection

then

of noise

Discrimination

the bottom of
the level is entered

the

strongest

present.

desired,

the

press

There should

change

present

setting

the

highest

level and

when

only

the level of

DISC

in the amount

on the

paper

and at inter-

vals thereafter.

The Discrimination

be disabled at

-

0

Press:

2-——

2'I-

Figure

DISC.

Enter a Discrimination

level of 2.

-

2

--• -

40

ing

Example:

Result:

Transmit and

When

using

or if

water,

serve
slow
than

However,

"over

get

you

paper,

the

paper speed

the automatic

when

print'

heavy printing

difficult to read.

also be lost

A feature that

the X-15A

is the Transmit and

time

any

DISC

-••--— ______

Print Alternate

the X-15A in

wish to

it

due to this.

be desirable

may

system

doing so, you may

or

very

an area that is

over

Much detail can

is available on

value

severe

func-

from 1 to

(Discrimi-

be an

The

paper.

is

printed

each time

-function can

at

by press-

--

2

deep

simply

con-

even more

allows.

dark,

Print Alternate
when

activated,

to

print every

stead of

accomplishes

1. Since the

every
recorded

have

therefore

attainable
speeds.

bers

them more

ing

2. Reduces the

"wrap-around".
desirable occurrence

second or

printed

or middle

times this can

or other
to see.

3. Reduces the reverberation

fect. This

lower
can

quency

is

heavy,

caused

nal

becoming trapped

the surface

usually
plankton layers

schools. This
many
page.

and

is

to

ter

many
less

(same

not

amount of noise seen.

4. Slows

nificant amount of
be saved

nate Transmit and Print

21

PDF compression, OCR, web-optimization with CVISION's PdfCompressor

resolution.

For

example,

transmitter
selected,

control is rotated to
transmitter

850

ps. Returning

control to minimum will restore

unit to a 50

length.

The X-15A will

transmitter

tom of the

ride the

distinguish

pulse
printed

will

to 100

initial

played

micro-computer.

from the other information

on the

P-100

print

micro-seconds.)

pulse length

as P-SO.

To set the initial transmitter

pulse length, simply press

keyboard
desired and then

PULSE

key.

the initial transmit

150

micro-seconds,

-

PULSE. This will override the

micro-computer's

set the initial transmitter

to 150 micro-seconds.

length
P-iSO will be

of the

paper

has been confirmed.

try

When

an initial transmit

is

length

set,

fixed for all

changed.)

To return control back to the

micro-computer, press

and the
the initial

Example:

Result:

micro-computer

pulse length.

Press:

1

PDF compression, OCR, web-optimization with CVISION's PdfCompressor

if a 50

pulse length

and the

pulse length

paper

Suppressor

pulse length

the

transmitter

ps

display

when

initial

ps

is

maximum,

would be

Suppressor

pulse

the initial

at the bot-

over-

you

To

the initial transmitter

the

paper,

the

(if

graph

is set

pulse

A 50

would be dis-

us

on the

the initial

For

to

depth settings

pulse length

press

example,

pulse length

press

selection and

printed

signify

this

length

the

to

set

- 5 -

1

pulse

at the bottom

that the en-

(Note:

pulse

will be

until

-

0

PULSE

will select

Set the initial transmit

-

PULSE

to 100

pulse length

micro-seconds.

-

-

0

0

the

the

---—-bO-—-F-ILU

Figure

—

Ia—-—

2L1---——.-—

39

—•---••-—- —.

-•-—--

Discrimination

Noise

pulses

complaint

about sonar

had the

system
quite

from the

Pulse

to the

patented

for

effective at

display.

Width.)

Suppression

it increases the

which decreases

length
and causes

to

together

0

instead of
installed in the X-15A's

micro-processor
process
ceiver,

are noise and eliminate
then
echoes.

ted

increased,
high

munity

to

Discrimination is a

the

determine which

print only

this

Using

pulse

resolution and

can be achieved.

(The Suppressor

are

the

most often received

units. Lowrance has

Suppression

many years

eliminating

(See

The

only

system

transmitter's

targets

merge

that are close

into

two distinct

that

output

from the re-

the

legitimate

concept,

does not have to be

therefore records with

high

Control

be used with the Discrimination to

cancel OUT
noise whenever

not

required.)

heavy

interference or

high

There are four levels of Dis-

crimination that can be used. The
lowest value

is the weakest

(1)

20

———-

largest

29-—-

which is

noise

Transmit

drawback

is that

pulse

resolution

one "blob"

images.

program

enables

it

signals
them,

to

the transmit-

noise im-

may

resolution is

SPECIFICATIONS

Depth Ranges:

Feet, fathoms,

Operating Frequency:

192 kHz
second); accuracy

percent.

Pulse

(duration

(192,000 cycles per

Length:

of

(30-2000gs programable)

Operating Voltage:

Minimum: 10 volts DC
Maximum: 15 volts DC

Operating

0.7 to 1.8

printing density

power.

Output

1600 watts

(200

Weight:

8.5 lb.

Dimension:

With Gimbal Mount:
Width

Height

Depth

Instrument

Width

Height

Depth

NOTICE

Periodically

Current:

amps depending

Power:

watts

(3.9 Kg)

-

12¼"

-

9"

-

6%"

-

101/4"

-

8¼"

-

6%"

ducer Face with
to remove

any

collect Oil and dirt on the face

—

X-15A

meters.

is within 0.6

pulse):

typical peak-to-peak.
RMS)

Only:

wash the Trans-

oil

200-l000ps

and

output

and

soap

film that

on

water

may

will reduce

sensitivity

prevent sounding.

GOT A PROBLEM? LET US

HELP!

If

have a

you

sonar

unit,

chance to

for

repair.

Assistance can often be ex-

tended

Write or call one of our Authorized

Service Centers or the Lowrance
Electronics, Inc.,

vice

(Toil-free 1-800-331-3889).

are
partment may

by telephone

Department

Please detail the

experiencing.

the inconvenience of

unit.

your

If

it is determined that

must be

structions will be
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM AND

PARTS LIST
Diagram

Lowrance TRUELINE RECORD-
ER,

Lowrance

East

homa 74128. Be sure and

returned,

Should

and

send

Skelly

problem

please give

before

help

or letter.

Customer Ser-
in

Tulsa,

problem you

Our Service De-

be able to save

returning

full

provided.

desire a Schematic

you

Parts list for

to PARTS

$1.00

Electronics, Inc.,

Drive, Tulsa,

the Model Number and Serial

Number of
INSTRUMENT

your

SONAR

NOTE: This sonar uses LPG -605 Chart

or

may

with

even

your

us a

sending

OK.

unit

your

shipping

your

LIST,

12000

Okla-

give

Paper.

it in

you

in-

us

1. INTRODUCTION

The Lowrance X-15A is a

sophisticated recording depth
sounder. Thanks to a micro-com-

the X-1 5A can do more than

puter,

other sonar unit in its

any
range plus many

more. Thanks to a
board,

at

changing

tom
boat

unit's
upper

full control of the

your fingertips

demands of

conditions,

speed.

sensitivity, suppression

and lower

that cost much

waterproof key-

to meet the

water

You can select the

depth range, pa-

per speed, GRAYLINE,
more features. The

Lowrance variable

system

Discrimination feature not

combined with

ters out false
torting

synchronized
function to

the real

provide

patented

suppression

signals

ones,

with the

clear

without dis-

highly

price

system

and

bot-

and

level,

many

varying

depth,

the new

only

but is

GRAYLINE

signals

fil-

under all conditions.

2. HOW IT WORKS

When the unit is turned

electronically

drives a
the

right edge

The

per.
belt.

When the

of the

paper

made. This is called

and

mark,

of the water. The

Figure

regulated

lightweight

of the

is attached to this

stylus

stylus

a

small mark is

represents

1

GRAPH

PAPER

belt located at

stylus

recording pa-

is at the

the zero

the surface

an

on,

motor

top

continues

TRAVEL

move down the

to

while the sound

paper

traveling through

when an echo is

lus makes another mark on the

The

paper.
which reflected the echo can be

read in feet
tion on the

is

scale

printed

The

paper speed

a variable

by

the

detected,

depth

by comparing

paper

on the

speed

one revolution of the

narrow mark will be made

very
the flexible

stylus,

of the

edge

pulse

water,

of the

object

to the

depth

paper.

is controlled

motor.

stylus

but the

is

and

the

sty-

its loca-

During

a

belt,

by

paper

will move a small amount before
the next revolution. Each mark will
blend into the one before so that a

composite "picture"

will

be

made,

one

of the

tiny

target

mark at

a time.

Due to the

this unit

operation
parts.

"Basic

everything
necessary

wide
you

-

Sensitivity, Suppression, Paper

Speed,

few

Will be

tions.

mastered the basic

the

has,

section

The first section is

Operation"

that is

to use

variety

how to use the basic controls

special

X-15A,

of situations. It will tell

GRAYLINE,

functions. This section

adequate

However,

you may.

some of the features described in

PULLEY

DRIVE

sTYLUs

DRIVE

STYLUS

PULLEY

2 19

features that

many

this manual has the

into two

split

entitled

and covers

absolutely

the X-1SA

Range, plus

in

a

for most situa-

once

B ELT

have

you

operation

wish to

of

try

a

the

Suppressor

down to minimum when

for fish.

However,

to have

resolution is not a concern. When
using

easier for the unit to detect a

er

bottom or from fish. This is called
"Probability

The

longer pulse

a sonar in

pulse coming

probability

able to detect an echo
from

deep

cause the further the sound
has to

comes.
length,

travel,

By broadening

in

is transmitted and it is easier for

the receiver to detect it.

For this

in the X-15A

puter

increases the initial

unit

the
set

pulse length

the unit when the
trol is turned to

initial
same rate as the

ample,

to 260

pulse length
the LOWER LIMIT is set

feet,
would be 390 is.

600 feet and

as

the

by

LOWER

LIMIT
(feet)

10

20
30

40-200

From 210 feet to 600

pulse length

with the LOWER LIMIT set

feet,

the initial transmit

control turned

looking

it is

helpful

sometimes

width when

it is

deeper

water,

long-

back from the

of Echo Detection".

of the unit

water is diminished be-

being

returning

pulse

the weaker it be-

the

essence,

reason,

a

the micro-com-

automatically

pulse

deeper

operator. (Note:

lower limits are

is the

pulse length

Suppressor

minimum.)

pulse

larger signal

length

Initial

con-

INITIAL

TRANSMIT

PULSE
WIDTH

(micro-seconds)

110
130
160

200

the

feet,

increases at the

depth.

For ex-

the initial transmit

would be 260

pa

to 390

pulse

Finally,

below,

from

the initial

pulse length

micro-seconds.

The transmit
be increased from
at

any

pressor
maximum amount of

added to the initial transmitter
pulse length

micro-seconds. In other

the LOWER LIMIT is

and the

feet,

rotated to the maximum

the transmitter

be 1220 micro-seconds.

initial +

Earlier,

tionship
target

increases,
resolution is

the

of

pulse

olution

The X-15A allows

advantage

of

possible
transmitter

from what the
selects
Limit.

The initial

length
2000

ps by

board.
mitter

pulse

three inch

50

ps

a

half,

pulse

length

resolution! No other

corder in
give you

the

initial transmitter

the

suppressor

used to

If

creasing
Discrimination function described
below can be

noise and

remains at

pulse

the initial

time

by rotating

control clockwise. The

pulse

is

approximately

set to 420

Suppressor

pulse length

=

800

1220.)

we talked about the rela-

between

separation.

width is

becomes much better.

pulse length

As

pulse length

target separation

degraded. However,

decreased,

you

of

this fact

to

override the initial

pulse

length setting

micro-computer

according

can be set

By setting

resolution is

is

equivalent

and 30 s initial

the market

this feature. After

to the Lower

transmitter

from 30 s to

entering

width to

is

it on

the

100

to an

equal

graph

today

initial trans-

to

pulse length,

control can still be

cancel out noise

the

pulse length

used to eliminate

still have

good

600

can

length

point

the

Sup-

length

800

words,

control is

position,

would

(420

and

or

res-

to take

by making

pulse

the

key-

a

s,

obtained,

inch and

transmit

one inch

re-

can
setting

in-

by

or the

if

if

it

PDF compression, OCR, web-optimization with CVISION's PdfCompressor

Fathoms,

Feet,

The X-1SA will

in

feet, fathoms,

though

the unit will revert back to

the feet mode whenever

turned

any

the 2nd

2nd

off,

mode

key

-

2 for

Meters

display

or meters. Al-

it is

simple

wish

you

and then 1 for

fathoms,

by pressing

and 2nd

the

power

to

change

depth

feet,

-

3 for meters.

When the unit is in the Feet

mode,
played.

I.! U's

I.! U

I.!

meters mode.
Example: Display

Press: 2nd

Result:

o

---—-—--

H

9
2

lb lb

20

Figure

By looking

U's,

display

i.e., Feet-, Fathoms-,
Transmit

The noise

in the X-15A is a

length
circuit,

used on all the Lowrance's vari-

able

graphs. Basically,

principle
are of

the receiver circuit can
justed

one U will be dis-

only

In the Fathom

will be

displayed.

's will be

-

2

mode,

Three

displayed

Fathoms

in the

—-----

—-— --——--.--—-—

-

I

38

at the number of

one can determine the

mode that the unit is

Pulse

suppression system

discrimination

and is the same as the one

suppression

that most noise

relatively

that it will

so

--

depth

Meters.

Width

patented pulse

suppression

pulses

be ad-

accept

and

only

flashers

it works on the

short duration.

two

in,

long pulses,

will be

desired information
structure, etc.)

Of

is

to

course,

length

at the same time so that the re-

turn echoes would be
the receiver.

This is

rance

transmitter's

The

increased
pression control,

"tracks" the amount of increased
pulse

narrow noise
ing only

fish or the

ceiver

at all

-u

H

8
2

20

If

by

The

system

to

separate targets,

when the

creased.
transmitter

the X-15A when

turned
display

6 inches

only
words,

apart

paper, they
separate

mitter is

pulse length.
the transmitter's

400

jis, (by rotating

sor control
two fish arches will blend
and show

even a "blob" on the

sibly

With a 400

width,

have to be at least 12 inches
apart

two

separate

This is

18

then the short

canelled

out,

will be

the transmitter's

(fish,

pulses

and

only

bottom,

displayed.

pulse

the

would have to be increased

accepted

exactly

suppression system

what the Low-

pulse length

the front

by

length, cancelling

pulses,

panel

and

the receiver

and

out

by

does.

is

sup-

any

display-

the return echoes from

bottom,

sensitivity

this

etc.

(Note:

is not diminished

process.)

only disadvantage

is

resolution,

pulse length

A

200

or the

is

diminished

is in-

s (micro-second)

pulse length

power

will allow the unit to

on,

two fish or

apart.

targets

In other

Re-

to this

ability

used on

is first

that are

if two fish that are 6 inches

are

displayed

will show

arches when the trans-

operating

clockwise)

up

those same two fish will

before

why

they

it is

on the

as two

up

with a 200

if we increase

Now,

pulse length

the

Suppres-

those same

together

as one fish or

transmit

ps

will show

pulse

arches on the

important

to leave

graph

ps

to

pos-

paper.

as

up

graph.

the section entitled "Advanced

eration". This

several other features that will en-

able the serious

chapter

will describe

operator

to

Op-

get

the maximum benefit from this

equipment.

We

urge you

ual

thoroughly
yourself
though

unit,

the

and the front
Should

just

with the

this is a

it is

power

you require

have a

our Customer Service

free 1-800-331-3889.

toll

homa residents call collect
1-918-437-6881.)

closed list for a service center in

area.

your

to

happy

to read this man-

and familiarize

controls.

advanced

very

to

easy

of the

panel

question, please

A

representative

help

you.

thanks to

use,
micro-computer

controls.
extra

Or check the en-

Al-

or

help,

call

Department

(Okla-

-

will be

II INSTALLATION

depth

the unit can

viewing

bolt

may

thin

the unit.

18" to a

unit in

2

—

sounder

convenient

any

may

be tilted for

angle.

wood

mounting.

be

required

fiberglass panels

location is closer

magnetic compass,

be made with

operation

to be sure

be in-

area,

Holes in

A wood

on the

to

Mounting

The

stalled in
provided

the best
the bracket base allow

screw or
stiffener

back of
support

If the desired

than

a trial run should

the

Figure

that the

compass readings

are

not affected.

Power Connections

Twelve volt DC

sounder should

depth

the boat's 12 volt electrical

by

tem. The

tached to an
buss,

with electrical
cable should be attached

to the

If a

ordinary

at

any

ply

dered,
then use

all

An

is

supplied

power

but if

you

battery.

longer

#18

hardware or electrical

store.

Splices

however,

crimp-type splices. Tape

splices

with electrical

in-line fuse holder with

with the X-15A. Be cer-

—

power

be

cable

may

accessory

have

problems

interference,

cable is

lamp

required,

cord available

should be sol-

if this isn't

for the

supplied

be at-

or

power

the

directly

sup-

done,

tape.

fuse

tain to install this as close to the

source

power
battery

sible. This will
sonar unit and the

or

power buss)

the event a short occurs.

connectors are

the fuse holder to the

cable. The red wire in the

cable is the

positive

The black wire is the

negative

The

cidental
damage

reversed. The unit
until the

Ground

(Negative)

conductor.

is

graph

polarity

will occur if the

proper polarity

as the boat

(such

protect

supplied

as

pos-

both the

cable

power

Crimp

to attach

power

power

conductor.

ground

wires are

will not

is

from

operate

applied.

protected

reversals and no

or

3

sys-

use

in

ac-

PDF compression, OCR, web-optimization with CVISION's PdfCompressor

TRANSDUCER SELECTION

Lowrance offers

the choice

you

of transducers With either an 8 de-

or 20

gree
will

interchange

192 kHz sonar units. In

words, any

ment can
rance transducer of the same

frequency

kind,
However,

manufacturer's transducer will re-
sult in a

Now

ducer

best fit

erally,

ers

(20 degree)

for

operating

at medium

cone

degree

Lowrance sonar instru-

be used

without

and no loss of

the use of

loss

can select the trans-

you

design

your specific

wide cone

depths.

angle

more of the underwater world.
15 feet of
cone

water,

angle

area of the bottom that's
mately

degree

6 feet across. The 8

transducer covers

about a 2 foot circle.

Figure

Depth

L. it g I

1,0,

It" it 53 I

12,0 20 70 I

20'at:

3

C,,,

Angle

Diameter I

0:- gt

14 30 I

I
I

cone

with

of

performance.

and cone

angle

are

in shallow water or

allows

the 20

allows

angle

of our

any

other

with

retuning

performance.

any

needs. Gen-

ideally

The 20

you

you

Low-

any

of

other

angle

transduc-

suited
degree

to see

degree

to see an

approxi-

only

that

any

to

In

50'

100' is,

zoo'

8°at3db

Thus,

transducer when

gree

fish or
drop-offs,

around
However,

ducer won't

depths
transducer,

sharp drop-off

water environment

deeper)

would use a 20 de-

you

looking

structure,

to

easily

find

and to see fish that are

. . not

you.

the 20

penetrate

as well as the 8

just

degree

to

below

trans-

greater

degree

nor will it show a

as well. In a

feet or

the narrow cone

(100

angle

more desirable because it can
more

accurately

tion of the fish or

deeper

energy

smaller

water. Since the sound

is concentrated in a

area,

detect the loca-

drop-off

in

it can reach to

deeper depths.

Both the 8

degree

degree

Lowrance transducers

accurate bottom
though

wider on
cause

bottom.

edge
true

tells

bottom,

the bottom

the 20

are

you

Remember,

of the

depth.

you

The rest of the

the

i.e. whether

signal

composition

a soft or hard

III

BASIC OPERATION

On-Off and

Rotate the

clockwise to turn the unit on.
Sensitivity

the volume control on a

weaker

with

higher settings

When

when

information is
sitivity setting

water or over
toms, (which

echos),

be

higher.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity

knob works much like
signals

cruising,

just simple

desired,
can be low. In

soft,

produce

the

setting

and the 20

readings,

degree

seeing

is

signal

model be-

more of the

the shallow

shows

you

of

are over

you

bottom,

etc.

Control

knob

radio,

will be detected

of the knob.

or at other times

bottom contour

the Sen-

muddy

weak

will have to

4

for

you.

deep-

give

even

much

the

signal

the

—

The

deep

bot-

is

that

into the unit and the transducer
in contact with the water.

Symptom

The unit is

not move.

"ON",

but

paper

What To Do

Tape paper

to cardboard

take-up post.

Symptom

Recorder marks are faint or dim.

*

What To Do

Clean
stylus;

viewing

check

door;

battery

replace

connections.

Symptom

Recorded marks are

is torn

paper

What

To Do

Bend

the

pressure

VI

ADVANCED OPERATION

Surface

by stylus.

stylus slightly

on

paper.

Clarity

The surface

of the chart

extend

paper

feet below the sur-

many

very heavy;

Control

markings

can,

to reduce

at

face. This often interferes with fish

signals
called Surface Clutter and is

caused
bubbles caused
boat

or other

by algae

wakes,

bait

targets.

and

plankton,

wave action or

by

or

fish,

l2-----—-

Figure

37 SCC "2"

does

spool

the

(SCC)

at

the

times,

This

is

tempera-

I—

ture inversions.

is

The surface clutter

can be reduced or eliminated

the MARKJSCC control

using

on the front

To use the

thru 4 and

on

1

key.

surface
imum effect on
clutter. 2 and
effects. The amount of SCC that
used is

the chart

SOC is
Two

levels, S-2,

panel keyboard.

SCC, press

then the MARK/SOC

has a minimum effect on

4

clutter,

has the max-

reducing

3 have intermediate

printed
used,

at the bottom of

paper.

If one level of

then

etc.

S-i is

The effect on surface clutter

should
only

to reduce the

nals can be eliminated
this

function
0-MARK/SOC and

top

function will be disabled.
Example:

immediately

the amount of

clutter,

method,

If

you

also.

wish to turn the SOC

OFF,

simply press

ENTER A SOC

the

LEVEL OF 2.

Press: 2 - SCO

air

Result:

(See Figure

_17

37.

markings

by

key

1

key

surface

printed.

be seen. Use

SOC

required

as fish

sig-

by using

SOC

is

PDF compression, OCR, web-optimization with CVISION's PdfCompressor

wheels

dure used to

one. BE SURE

the new

by reversing

remove the old

stylus

6. Close the front of

Latch both

catches at the

the

fingers

are

pointed

the case.

the

proce-

of

UP.

top

of the unit.

MAINTENANCE

NOTE: The
damaged

ten when the

pulled

stylus
ten

when

rolls.

down to remove the
Black carbon dust is created dur-

the

ing

oil-free

soft,
viewing

hind the
compressed

blow

dust out of the case and

away

is

dry

All mechanical

should be

be sure

loose.

HIGH VOLTAGE is

transmitter section when the

is ON.

made

son to

tronic

All electrical
be checked

cleaned as

The

face of the

mounted

be

washed

soapy
cumulated rod

This is
contact between

stylus may

if it is in front of the

down.

to the

Remember to move the belt

from

and free of oil.

No

by any

modify

section.

water to remove

essential to have

platen assembly

Always

back side of the

changing

recording process.

to clean the

rag

door and metal

paper.

they

Low

air

may

moving parts

connections

checked

haven't worked

attempt

unauthorized

or

repair

connections

periodically

necessary.

transducer,

on the transom

periodically

grime

the transducer

be

move the

the

paper

stylus.

Use a

platen

pressure

be used to

if the air

periodically

be

the

should

and

should

with mild

any

or

oily

good

in the

per-

elec-

if

ac-
film.

present

should

pla-

is

pla-

be-

unit

and the water.

DO

SECTION

Do

carry

and roll
Do use

of

the

from the last

take-up post.

Do

future

Do clean

and
five rolls

DON'T

the recorded

keep

reference.

the rubber roller after

ofpaper.

SECTION

DONT OPEN THE

THE UNIT IS

Don't

pull

down when the

front.

Don't store

case or behind the

dow.

(Except

tape.)

Don't

forget

the

to

take-up

Don't rotate the
Don't use

or abrasive cleansers.

vents,
TROUBLESHOOTING

Symptom

On/Off switch is

and

stylus

What To Do

Check
battery

corrosion.

fuse;

for

Symptom
On/Off

mark,
signal.

What To
Be

switch is

but no echoes or bottom

Do

sure the transducer is

a

spare

paper.

empty

roll of

fuse,

stylus belt,

cardboard core

on the

paper

graphs

the

stylus belt, wheels,

every

CASE WHEN

ON.

the

platen

any objects

assembly

stylus

is at the

inside the

viewing

for small

to

tape

core.

oily cloths,

paper

pieces

the

paper

belt

stylus

strong

SECTION

but the

'ON",

don't move.

up.

check connections at

tightness

and

"ON",

have

plugged

for

win-

of

to

sol-

zero

GRAYL NI

—

-

/

rrIviv

Han

'nan

a n--• a.

r

Figure

are

will

caused

flecting

water,
bottom and back.

brush

Figure

SENSITIVITY: PROPER SETTiNG

4

When

high Sensitivity settings

a second bottom echo

used,
appear.

This is normal

the

by

returning

off the surface of

making

a second

signal

the

trip

If detailed information about

individual

piles,

5

fish,

I

and is

re-

to

the

or the

thermocline is
sitivity

approximately

to the

Figure

'1

SENSITIVITY:

knob

illustration below to see

6

what effect the

setting
information.

"arched"

accomplished
with the

point,

has on

Recording

Sensitivity

or

tion "Arched

information about

function of

Suppression

The

used to reduce
noise.

is

caused
(such

tem)

Suppression

Noise,
undesired

any

by

as the

or

by

water which is call

both

cases,

desired,

should be rotated to

the ¾

2

TOO LOW

point.

Sensitivity

the recorded

individual fish

signature

higher.

Signatures"

your

an electrical

engine's

air bubbles

the noise

can

at

trolling speed

knob at the ¾

Refer to the sec-

this

important

recorder.

Control

Control is

interference from

in

electronic

signal.

source,

ignition sys-

in disturbed

cavitation. In

could

duce unwanted marks on

paper. (See Figures
Fortunately,

tively

real sonar
Suppression

system

short

pulses

noise

short in time

signals. Advancing

knob will cause

to

reject

without

7 &

pulses

compared

these

reducing

unwanted,

the

Sen-

Refer

control

with an

usually

for more

terms,

It can

be

pro-

the

8.)

are rela-

to

the

the

the

be

PDF compression, OCR, web-optimization with CVISION's PdfCompressor

16

5

unwanted noise marks. Most

ratic,

of the time at low or

speeds,

necessary.

'a L2

no

suppression

P

ppj

trolling

will be

Vp fl

Figure

33

Figure

34

Figure

Figure

sensitivity

sive with Lowrance. However,
high suppression settings,

graph
the

the bottom or from other

be decreased.

9

suppression selling,

Advance the knob

far as

7

1L1

as

42

8

in

This

patented

record becomes

to

ability

Therefore,

&1O.)

necessary

LOWER

LIMIT

RANGE

10-120

130-510

520-830

Below

Figure

any way.

exclu-

design

separate

(See Figure

Without

is

with

the

coarse and

fish from

fish will

the lower the

the better.

setting only

to remove the er-

APPROXIMATE

as

Alternate fransmit and Print

Figure
Paper Speed

This knob

the chart

graphs,
depths,

trol
when

PAPER SPEED

Minimum

Paper Speed

Inches Hours Inches

(feet)

840 0.15 66

Per Mm Per Roll Per Mm

1.0 10 2.35

0.5 20

0.15 66 0.75

9 suPPRESSION:

10 PROPER

Control

adjusts

For

paper speed

least the ¾

This will show

to at

up

trolling.

turn the

paper.

in shallow

Maximum

Paper

1.4 7.14

0.75 13.3

TOO HIGH

SETtING

to

speed

detailed

good

to medium

position

Speed

Hours

Per Roll

4.25

13.3

of

con-

prop-

I

'wtrM4QWteI1*Ltts4vna JMPI

•' {

,.vcvi

Figure

STYLUS
CAUTION

sent

when the unit is turned

1. TURN

2. Release both catches on the

3. The

4.

35

BELT REPLACEMENT

—

in the electronic

High

voltage

section

on.

THE UNIT OFF.

of the case. Pull out and

top

down on the

front and the

the

wheels located at the

edge

Refer to

Move the front

DOWN

the center

Grasp

belt.

stylus

belt

stylus

of the

platen

Figurel

to

position

of the

the belt at the

the case

of

top

platen

to

expose

rides over two

right

assembly.

on

page2.

of the belt

the

stylus

platen.

stylus

holder with the thumb and

forefinger

and move it

gently

is

pre-

at

ISiM •••.

3

iif4L'

Figure

5.

15

36

left while

to the

belt off
other

Figure
Position the new belt on

the wheels with the

forefinger. (See

36.)

N-

pushing

the

the

PDF compression, OCR, web-optimization with CVISION's PdfCompressor

STYLUS
CAUTION

REPLACEMENT

—

High voltage

is

sent in the electronic section

when

the unit is turned on.

1. TURN

2.
top

down on the
front

(See

3. The

wheels located at the
edge

Move the front of the belt
DOWN to

the center of the

4.

Hold the

with
the old

left

THE UNIT OFF.

Release both catches on the

of the case. Pull out and

of the case

to

Figure 25.)

stylus

of the

one

edge

top

expose

the

stylus

belt rides over two

right

platen assembly.

position

stylus

finger,

the

stylus

platen.

belt

stationary

and remove

stylus by starting

and

moving

it out

at its

from under the tabs on the

lus

holder.

5. Before
lus,

installing

be sure it

by camparing

6. Refer to
the

correctly

holder. Be sure it moves

in the

the

it is

move

7. After

won't
the

ure

Figure

new

stylus

under the tabs on the

two slots. If

stylus

rubbing

freely.

installing,

print

paper

35,bend

so that more

erted

against

steel

plate.

all the

print

down more

leg

that it

digs

the new

is bent

it to

properly

Figure

34to be sure

is

positioned

not,

from the

away

on until it does

if

the

way

in

right leg

does not

bend

not so far

(but

paper).

stylus

all

the

as shown

the

pressure

the stainless

If it still

way,

into the

sty-

33.

freely

bend

edge

down

Fig-

is ex-

the left

8. Close the front of the case.

Latch both catches on

the

of the case.

pre-

belt.

at

sty-

down

top

er fish arches

keeps high
being

comprçssed.

should be turned down

speed
when

using

This will
pearing

microcomputer

slow

the maximum

chart

paper

water. The chart below

deep

,

the

points

of the

speed

:

RANGE PAPER SPEED

10'llO' Fastest

120'-490' Medium Fast

at low

speeds

information from

speed

The

paper

the unit in

prevent gaps

in the record. In

will

deep

from

fact,

automatically

speed

when

operating

where the maximum

is slowed.

paper

Paper

Speed

of the

Paper Speed

500'-790'

Medium Slow

Paper Speed

800' & Below

The chart

even further

per speed

in the record

gaps

paper speed
record is achieved. The

speed may

.

not

looking

conserve

tion about

Alternate Transmit and Print func-

tion in the Advanced

section.

'

GRAYLINE CONTROL

Slowest
Speed

paper may

by adjusting

control.

down until a solid

also be slowed when

for fish or to

For more informa-

paper.

saving paper,

Paper

be slowed

the

Remember,
appear,

turn the

paper

simply

read the

Operation

The GRAYLINE function can be

used to outline the bottom contour
which

beneath trees and
also

give

otherwise be hidden

might

brush;

clues to the

it can

composition

of the bottom. A hard bottom re-

turns a

a wide

weedy
signal

narrow

very strong signal causing

line. A

gray
bottom returns a weaker

which is

gray

soft,

muddy

emphasized

line. Do not advance

and

water.

ap-

the

in

gives

pa-

if

or

with

the control

line on the

showing

the

target

/.

too far or it will
target completely,

no

black,

difficult to see.

12

-

p

,.

which makes

(•

t,a

Figure

RANGE

keyboard

tween 0-10' and 2540'-2550'.

Please read this section

to

range capabilities.

Lower Limit

X-15A,

(See Figure 13.)

simply press

a

the

LOWER

12

The

range

to select

the most out of

get

When

you

the

range

To

change

keyboard,

LIMIT

function utilizes the

first turn on the

will be 0-60 feet.

to a

deeper range,

the desired

and then

key.

gray

C

At

4.

. a'

p.

t

(t

GRAYLINE "ON"

any range

carefully

X-1SA's

your

depth

press

be-

on

the

PDF compression, OCR, web-optimization with CVISION's PdfCompressor

14 7

—

—U—I --L'--

Figure

Example: Change range

The

16-—

LI0_

6M

U11-----D-I-—

Figure

(10,

13

feet.

Press: 8- 0

will then be

depth

14

Any depth

20, 30, 500,

-

--——-——

— -

in a

used as a lower limit

—----611--U—l

LOWER LIMIT

displayed.

-_________

multiple

etc.) may

displayed

the bottom of the chart

Example: Change range

Press: 1

The
(See Figure

Note that the

slows
setting.

UPPER LIMIT

Many

feet.

depth

- 5 - 0 -

will then be

15.)

LOWER LIMIT

paper speed

automatically

at this

times it is desirable to ex-

12

-36---

MB

to 0-80

6--—----

of ten

be

at

paper.

to 0-150

displayed:

range

--

30

--

60

--

90—-

—12n —120—

-

Figure

a section of the area that is

pand
displayed

-—-----—————- —-———

——-—-—---—---——-—---

—-—-—------———

15

on the

graph

recorder to

show more detail. This is made

possible by
segments

by using
tion.

allows

range

of the

Example:

Press: 2

The

depth

—26

- ——-—

—92

-

62-—fl-

Figure

Example:

Press: 4— 0 - UPPER LIMIT

The

range

(See

The

can be used

the X-15A to show

of the underwater world

the UPPER LIMIT func-

the UPPER

Using

to

you

in
chart

display

multiples

paper.

Turn on unit and set

to 20-60 feet.

range

- 0 -

UPPER LIMIT

will then be

-

-

--

LIMIT

any depth

of 10 at the

displayed.

—-- -

-

-52

L-hB B- I-

16

Set

will then be

Figure17.)

and.

Upper

in various combina-

range

Lower

to 40-60 feet.

displayed:

Limits

8

an

60

90—

key

top

may

tape

housing

together

to the

take-up

Small

be stored inside

for this

of the

top

on the

returning

squarely

—

(See Figure 30.)

of

the
Close the

assembly by pressing

tabs

retainer and

tainer back to the

position.

(See Figure 31.)

9. Turn the small knob at the

left hand side of the

upper

platen assembly

amount of tension on

small
the

paper.

against

Push the

10.

back to its
Be sure it

inside the

11. Close the front of the case.

Latch both catches on

It should be

the

platen. (Figure 32.)

platen assembly

operating position.

engages

of the case.

top

of the case.

12. Turn the unit on. Move the

Chart

Speed

knob

wise. Watch the

enough

ing smoothly

across the
per

'uphill", repeat step

to be sure

platen.

flutters or

and

begins

core.

pieces

purpose.

platen

the two

paper

the re-

operating

to

a

put

snug

the catch

the

clock-

fully

paper long

it is mov-

evenly

If the

pa-

to run

8.

top

Figure

13

29

PDF compression, OCR, web-optimization with CVISION's PdfCompressor

'II ————HO—

'UI

02

Figure

Figure

23

26

Figure

24

4. Pull out and down on the tab
at the

assembly

per spools. (See

5. To

remove the full

and the
press

gether

assembly,
down

(See

roll can now be

up

moved

shafts.

6. Pull the
from the

same manner. Install

the

empty

take-up

Align
core with the tabs on the

lower

7. Slide a fresh roll of

position
shaft on the

platen assembly.

must
the roll.

8. Draw the end of the
across the face of

around the

the

take-up

12

center of the

top

to

expose

empty supply spool,

the

Figure 25.)

take-up

the two metal tabs to-

on

the

and

on the

Figure 26.)

from the
(See

empty supply

right

core onto the

shaft.

the two .notches in the

take-up spool.

on the

spool

(See Figure 29.)

of the

top

out and

pull

retainer.

paper

The furl take-

easilly

paper

Figure 27.)

core

side in the

(See Figure2a)

paper

supply

side of the

right

The

off the bottom of

paper

paper

the

friction

core,

roller,

and

tape

platen

pa-

roll

platen

re-

core

in

side

platen,

over

it

——

6

bfl——fl—I—--L'—---

Figure

17 Example:

tions to show

surface to the bottom and
where inbetween.

samples
in the back of this manual.

settings
either the UPPER LIMIT or

LOWER LIMIT

range

immediately.

the

LINES
on, depth

the
Lines

of chart

If

wish to

you

at

any

will be

depth setting.

When the X-15A is first turned

paper.

off, press

printed

This will not

lines will be

If

you

turn the lines back

LINES

Example:

Result:

-

Figure

key again.

Turn lines off:

Press: LINES

U EQ lI—I

D—I

18

-

segments

display your

time,

keys.

desire to turn the

the LINES

key

from the

any-

Representative

are shown

paper

simply press

The current

on the

change

printed

on,

press

2

29

hO--

depth

paper

on

key.

the

Ii

PDF compression, OCR, web-optimization with CVISION's PdfCompressor

MARKER

event marker function is in-

An

the X-15A so that events

be marked when desired. To

marker, simply press

and a vertical line will

key

displayed

Hold

vertical line will be

long

-----

2

HE

-—-

bU

across the entire

the MARK

as the

—---- --—-

2-

I

19

- —

To

cluded in

may
use the

MARK

be

page.

and a
for as

down.

Press: MARK

Result:

—

Figure

SCALE

The numbers that indicate the

or scale

depth
desired.

once will

Pressing

stop

scale numbers. The scale

displayed again by pressing
SCALE

displayed

key.

Remember,

at

any

either the UPPER

LOWER
Example:

Result:

(See

LIMIT

Press: SCALE

Figure2O)

9

key
is held

key

be deleted if

may

the SCALE

the

printing

the scale

time

by pressing

LIMIT or the

key.

down

printed

:i.bU...I..

of the

may

may

the

12

Lw

key

be

the

be

0—

—

10

-4

—

20

—

30

40—

—

50

—

so

Figure

the time on

curves
vice-versa)

ducer is

If

the

until the fish show the
arched

22

If

a

partial

arch occurs most of

your

but not back

up,

it is

not

pointed

transducer is

your

transom, adjust

signature.

unit,

because the trans-

This

-v-,

mark

(the

down,

straight

mounted on

the

down.

transducer

distinctive

take

may

or

some trial and error until the cor-

rect

Sharp,

mounting

is achieved.

well defined

signatures

will occur most often when the

Sensitivity
point,

knob is set at the ¾

or

higher.

Remember,

that

there must be some movement

between the boat and the fish to

develop

this means

speeds

gear

THERMOCLINES

lake is seldom constant from

to bottom.

peratures

a warm and cool

called a thermocline. The

and thickness of the thermocline

can

of

be two or

depths.

ant to the fisherman because

the arched mark.

trolling

with the main

at minimum throttle

The

temperature

Layers

and the

form,

layer

with the season or time

vary

In

day.

Thermoclines are

deep

more,

lakes there

at different

at

of

Usually
slow

very

engine

setting.

water

in

in the

top

of different tem-

junction

of water is

depth

may

import-

they

are areas where fish are active.

times bait fish will be above

Many

the thermocline while
fish

suspend just

Your Lowrance X-15A can de-

tect this invisible

but the

water,

probably
point,

PAPER LOADING
CAUTION

have to be set at the 1/2

or

higher.

below it.

layer

Sensitivity

—

High voltage

sent in the electronic section

when the unit is turned on.

1. TURN THE UNIT OFF.

2. Release both catches on the

of the case. Pull out and

top

of

down on the
front to

sembly. (See Figure 23.)

3. Move the

to

position

the back side of the

on

ten. NEVER move the belt

—

the

damaged. (See Figure 24.)
SPECIAL NOTE: The

be

may

assembly

less the

moved to
platen.

top

expose

stylus may

damaged

stylus

the

stylus

the

marking stylus

is

pulled

has been

the back side of the

larger game

in the

knob will

is

pre-

-

of the case

as-

platen

belt

DOWN,

pla-

be

stylus

if the

platen

down un-

up

Figure

END-OF-PAPER MARKER

has a red line

tom of the

there is

end of the

20

The

graph paper

only

in

the X-1SA

to

signify

at the bot-

when

printed

paper

2 to 3 feet before the

paper.

ZERO ADJUST

Occasionally,

the

stylus

line does not

near the

place

paper.

Figure

21

A zero

placed
the X-15A near the

hand corner so that the zero line's
position may

the

on the back inside wall of

paper.

the case front and look

Open

for the decal

JUST". You

when

or

stylus

print

top

adjust

changing

the zero

belt,

at the same

of the chart

control has been

upper

be

adjusted

marked 'ZERO AD-

have to

may

left

on

pull

the

paper transport assembly

down to

see the decal for the first time.

Push the

on the unit.

hands
and

present.)

Insert a 6"-8"

transport

(Caution

away

stylus. High voltage

closed and turn

from the

long

—

Keep

belt

stylus

is

screwdriver

with a 1/s" blade into the zero ad-

hole and rotate the control on

just

the circuit board until the zero line

is at the desired

This

may

also be

the unit turned OFF.

control,
driver and turn

Repeat

then remove the screw-
until

the desired

position. (Note:

adjusted

with

Adjust

power

back ON.

the zero line is in

position.)

the

IV HOW TO READ GRAPHS
"Arched

A remarkable

Signatures"

advantage

of

the

X-15A is that it can record indi-

vidual fish with a characteristic
arched mark that

from their
The

low.
moves into the sonar's cone of
sound is shown as

When the fish has moved to

stationary surroundings.

reason for this is shown be-
The

distance to a fish when it

the center of the
tance to it will be

and as it

"B"),

the distance will increase

cone,

as shown in line "C".

again

10 11

separates

"A".

cone,

shorter,

moves out of the

the

(line

them

dis-

PDF compression, OCR, web-optimization with CVISION's PdfCompressor