Lowrance electronic IFINDER PRO User Manual 2
www.lowrance.com
Pub. 988-0148-411
iFINDER Pro
Handheld Mapping GPS Receiver
Operation Instructions
Copyright © 2003 Lowrance Electronics, Inc.
All rights reserved.
iFINDER
Lowrance
Navionics
DURACELL
RAYOVAC
Pro is a trademark of Lowrance Electronics, Inc.
®
is a registered trademark of Lowrance Electronics, Inc.
is a registered trademark of Navionics, Inc.
is a registered trademark of Duracell, Inc.
is a registered trademark of Rayovac Corporation.
Points of Interest Data in this unit are by infoUSA,
copyright 2001-2003, All Rights Reserved. infoUSA is a
trademark of infoUSA, Inc.
eXitSource Database, copyright 2001-2003 Zenrin Co.
Ltd. Exit Authority and eXitSource are trademarks of
Zenrin Co. Ltd.
Lowrance Electronics may find it necessary to change or end our
policies, regulations and special offers at any time. We reserve the right
to do so without notice. All features and specifications subject to change
without notice. All screens in this manual are simulated.
For free owner's manuals and other information,
visit our web site:
www.lowrance.com
Lowrance Electronics Inc.
12000 E. Skelly Dr.
Tulsa, OK USA 74128-2486
Printed in USA.
Table of Contents
Sec. 1: Read Me First! ...............................................................1
Capabilities and Specifications: iFINDER
How iFINDER Works ................................................................... 4
Introduction to GPS and WAAS................................................... 6
How to Use this Manual: Typographical Conventions................ 8
Sec. 2: Installation & Accessories .......................................... 9
Power............................................................................................. 9
Batteries .................................................................................... 9
Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter........................................... 11
NMEA/DGPS Cable Connections............................................... 11
NMEA/DGPS Wiring .............................................................. 13
MMC or SD Memory Card Installation ..................................... 14
FreedomMaps .......................................................................... 15
Aquabag Waterproof Travel Pouch Installation ....................... 15
External Antenna ....................................................................... 16
R-A-M
Bracket Mounting Systems .......................................... 17
Other Accessories........................................................................ 18
Sec. 3: Easy Mode Operation................................................. 19
Keypad......................................................................................... 19
Power/Lights (Turn Unit On and Off) ....................................... 20
Main Menu .................................................................................. 20
Pages ........................................................................................... 21
Satellite Status Page .............................................................. 21
Navigation Page...................................................................... 22
Map Page................................................................................. 24
iFINDER
Easy Mode Quick Reference ............................. 28
Find your Current Position ........................................................ 29
Moving around the Map: Zoom & Cursor Arrow Keys.............. 29
Selecting any Map Item with the Cursor .................................. 30
Searching..................................................................................... 30
Set Home Waypoint .................................................................... 32
Navigate Back Home ..............................................................32
Set Man Overboard (MOB) Waypoint........................................ 33
Navigate Back to MOB Waypoint .......................................... 33
Navigate to Cursor Position on Map.......................................... 33
Navigate to a Point of Interest................................................... 35
Creating and Saving a Trail....................................................... 35
Displaying a Saved Trail ........................................................ 36
Navigating or Backtracking a Trail ........................................... 36
Visual Back Trailing ............................................................... 36
Navigate a Back Trail............................................................. 36
Clearing or Erasing a Trail .................................................... 37
i
Pro.......................... 2
Transfer Custom Maps and GPS Data Files ............................. 38
Switch to Advanced Mode........................................................... 40
Switch Back to Easy Mode from Advanced Mode ................. 40
Sec. 4: Advanced Mode Operation ....................................... 41
Keypad......................................................................................... 41
Power/Lights (Turn Unit On and Off) ....................................... 42
Main Menu .................................................................................. 42
Pages ........................................................................................... 42
Satellite Status Page .............................................................. 42
Position Page........................................................................... 43
Navigation Page...................................................................... 44
Map Page................................................................................. 45
Moving around the Map: Zoom & Cursor Arrow Keys.............. 46
Find Distance from Current Position to Another Location ...... 46
Find Distance from Point to Point ............................................. 46
Find your Current Position ........................................................ 47
Icons............................................................................................. 47
Create Icon on Map................................................................. 47
Create Icon at Current Position ......................................... 48
Delete an Icon ......................................................................... 48
Load GPS Data Files from an MMC .......................................... 48
Navigate ...................................................................................... 49
Navigate Back Home ..............................................................49
Navigate Back to Man Overboard Waypoint......................... 49
Cancel Navigation................................................................... 50
Navigate a Route..................................................................... 50
Navigate to Cursor Position on Map...................................... 50
Navigate to an Icon................................................................. 50
Navigate to Point of Interest (POI) ........................................ 50
Navigate to a Waypoint .......................................................... 50
Navigate a Trail ...................................................................... 51
Backtrack a Trail .................................................................... 52
Routes.......................................................................................... 52
Create and Save a Route ........................................................52
Delete a Route ......................................................................... 54
Save GPS Data Files to an MMC............................................... 54
Searching..................................................................................... 54
Switch to Easy Mode................................................................... 56
Switch Back to Advanced Mode from Easy Mode ................. 56
Trails ........................................................................................... 56
Create and Save a Trail.......................................................... 57
Clear a Trail ............................................................................ 57
Delete a Trail .......................................................................... 57
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Edit a Trail Name ................................................................... 57
Transfer Custom Maps and GPS Data Files ............................. 57
Utilities........................................................................................ 58
Alarm Clock............................................................................. 58
Sun/Moon Rise & Set Calculator............................................ 59
Trip Calculator........................................................................ 59
Trip Down Timer..................................................................... 59
Trip Up Timer ......................................................................... 59
Waypoints.................................................................................... 59
Create a Waypoint .................................................................. 59
Create Waypoint on Map .................................................... 59
Create Waypoint at Current Position ................................ 59
Create a Man Overboard Waypoint ...................................59
Create a Waypoint by Average Position ............................ 60
Create a Waypoint by Projecting a Position ...................... 60
Select a Waypoint ................................................................... 60
Delete a Waypoint................................................................... 61
Edit a Waypoint (Name, Symbol, Position or Altitude) ........ 61
Sec. 5: System & GPS Setup Options................................... 63
Alarms ......................................................................................... 63
Auto Satellite Search.................................................................. 64
Check MMC Files and Storage Space........................................ 65
Com Port Configuration ............................................................. 65
Configure DGPS.......................................................................... 66
Configure NMEA ........................................................................ 66
Coordinate System Selection...................................................... 67
Map Fix.................................................................................... 69
Customize Page Displays ........................................................... 70
Customize Position Page ........................................................ 70
Customize Navigation Page ................................................... 70
Customize Map Page .............................................................. 70
DGPS Status ............................................................................... 71
External Passive Antenna.......................................................... 71
GPS Simulator ............................................................................ 72
Simulating Trail or Route Navigation ................................... 73
Map Auto Zoom........................................................................... 73
Map Data..................................................................................... 73
Show Map Data....................................................................... 74
Popup Map Information.......................................................... 74
Draw Boundaries ....................................................................74
Fill Land with Gray ................................................................ 74
Map Overlays (Range Rings; Lat/Long Grid) ........................ 74
Map Datum Selection ................................................................. 75
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Map Detail Category Selection................................................... 76
Map Orientation ......................................................................... 76
Navionics
Charts....................................................................... 78
Display a Navionics Chart...................................................... 78
Port Information .....................................................................79
Tidal Current Information ..................................................... 80
Tide Information ..................................................................... 82
Pop-Up Help................................................................................ 83
Power Saving .............................................................................. 84
Stop GPS Engine..................................................................... 85
Use Indoors ............................................................................. 86
Reset Options .............................................................................. 86
Require DGPS ............................................................................. 87
Screen Contrast and Brightness ................................................ 87
Set Language .............................................................................. 89
Set Local Time ............................................................................ 89
Software Version Information.................................................... 90
Sounds and Alarm Sound Styles................................................ 91
Track Smoothing......................................................................... 91
Trail Options ............................................................................... 92
Flash Trails on Screen Option................................................ 92
Update Trail Option................................................................ 93
Update Trail Criteria (Auto, Time, Distance) ....................... 93
Trail Update Rate (Time, Distance)....................................... 94
Delete Trail ............................................................................. 94
New Trail................................................................................. 94
Trail Visible/Invisible and Other Trail Options .................... 95
Units of Measure......................................................................... 95
Sec. 6: Searching......................................................................97
Find Addresses............................................................................ 97
Find any Item Selected by Map Cursor ................................... 100
Find Home Waypoint................................................................ 100
Find Interstate Highway Exits ................................................ 101
Find Map Places or Points of Interest (POI) ...........................102
Find Streets or Intersections.................................................... 104
Find Waypoints (Advanced Mode only) ................................... 107
Sec. 7: Supplemental Material............................................ 109
Index......................................................................................... 115
iv
A CAREFUL NAVIGATOR NEVER RELIES ON ONLY ONE METHOD
TO OBTAIN POSITION INFORMATION.
WARNING!
When showing navigation data to a position (waypoint), a GPS unit will show
the shortest, most direct path to the waypoint. It provides navigation data to the
waypoint regardless of obstructions. Therefore, the prudent navigator will not
only take advantage of all available navigation tools when traveling to a waypoint, but will also visually check to make sure a clear, safe path to the waypoint
is always available.
When a GPS unit is used in a vehicle, the vehicle operator is solely responsible for operating the vehicle in a safe manner. Vehicle operators
must maintain full surveillance of all pertinent driving, boating or flying conditions at all times. An accident or collision resulting in damage
to property, personal injury or death could occur if the operator of a
GPS-equipped vehicle fails to pay full attention to travel conditions and
vehicle operation while the vehicle is in motion.
CAUTION
WARNING!
v
Notes
vi
Section 1: Read Me First!
How this manual can get you out on the road, fast!
Welcome to the exciting world of GPS satellite navigation! We know
you're anxious to begin finding your way with this space-age technology, but we have a favor to ask. Before you grab the batteries and head
outside, please give us a moment or two to explain how our manual can
help you get the best performance from this remarkable little GPS unit.
First, we want to thank you for buying an iFINDER
you're a first-time user or a professional navigator, you'll discover that
the iFINDER is a true pocket-sized, full-featured mapping GPS receiver. When you team an iFINDER with one of our specialized maps or
our custom mapping software MapCreate 6, you have an incredible
combination. No other consumer GPS mapping system on the market
offers so much information and so many features in one package.
Our goal for this book is to get you on the road or out to the woods and
water fast, with a minimum of fuss. Like you, we'd rather spend more
time traveling, and less time reading the manual!
So, we designed our book so that you don't have to read the whole thing
from front to back for the information you want. At the start (or end) of
each segment, we'll tell you what content is coming up next. If it's a
concept you're already familiar with, we'll show you how and where to
skip ahead for the next important topic. We've also made it easy to look
up any tips you may need from time to time. Here's how:
Pro. Whether
The manual is organized into seven sections. This first section is an
introduction to Lowrance GPS. It tells you the basics you need to know
before you can make the unit look around and tell you where you are.
Section 2 will help you get the batteries and MultiMedia Card (MMC)
correctly installed in your iFINDER. We'll also tell you about some of
the accessories available for your unit.
Section 3 is the heart of our book, Easy Mode Operation. It will introduce you to the basic GPS functions. We lead off this section with a onepage Easy Mode Quick Reference. (If you've already figured out
how to load the batteries yourself, and you just can't wait any
longer, turn to the Quick Reference on page 28 and head outside with your iFINDER!)
The rest of Section 3 contains short, easy-to-scan lessons that follow
one another in chronological order. They're all you'll need to know to
find your way on the water or in the wilderness quickly.
1
Easy Mode operation will meet the navigation needs of many users.
But, after you've learned the basics (or if you already have some GPS
experience), you may want to try out some of iFINDER's many advanced navigation features. That brings us to Section 4, Advanced
Mode Operation. After we introduce the Advanced Mode menus and
submenus, this section contains the rest of iFINDER's command functions, organized in alphabetical order.
When you come to a GPS menu command on the iFINDER screen, you can
look it up in the manual by skimming over the table of contents or index,
just flipping through Section 3 or scanning through the command portion of
Section 4.
iFINDER is ready to use right out of the box, but you can fine tune and
customize its operation with dozens of options. We describe how to use
general system options along with GPS options in Section 5, System
Setup and GPS Setup Options. This section covers both Easy Mode and
Advanced Mode options.
In Section 6, we go into more detail on one of iFINDER's most remarkable capabilities — Searching. We'll introduce a couple of search examples in both the Easy and Advanced mode sections, but there are so
many map items you can search for, we had to give this function it's
own section in the manual! For example, did you know iFINDER can
look up business phone numbers, functioning as a virtual Yellow
Pages? We’ll show you how in Section 6.
Finally, in Section 7, we offer Supplemental Material, including a list of
the GPS datums used, warranties, and customer service information.
Now, if you're into the fine details, glance over the next segment on
specifications to see just how much GPS power you hold in your hand.
It's important to us (and our power users), but if you don't care how
many waypoints iFINDER can store or how long the batteries last, skip
ahead to important information on how iFINDER works, on page 4.
Capabilities and Specifications: iFINDER Pro
General
Display:............................ 3" (7.3 cm) diagonal high contrast Film Su-
perTwist.
Resolution:...................... 240 pixel x 180 pixel resolution; 43,200 total
pixels.
Backlighting:.................. White LED screen backlighting for night and
low-light viewing.
2
Input power:......................3 volts DC (two 1.5v AA batteries); operates up
to 12 hours on batteries when using one-second
position updates (longer update rates and optional power saving settings further extend
battery life, but will reduce GPS accuracy).
Cigarette lighter power adapter included.
Case size:......................... 5.6" H x 2.5" W x 0.9" D (142 x 65 x 25 mm);
water resistant to IPX-2 standards.
Weight:............................. 7.68 ounces (219 grams) with batteries.
GPS
Receiver: ......................... Internal, 12 parallel channel GPS+WAAS; ad-
vanced active remote external antenna included.
Recording: ...................... Removable MMC or SD memory cards for
recording GPS trip details, displaying custom maps, upgrading operating system software and transferring trip data to personal
computer without a slow serial connection.
USB card reader included with unit.
MMC slots: ...................... One, inside battery compartment. Accepts
non-proprietary MMC or SD memory cards.
Background map:.......... Built-in custom, detailed Lowrance map.
Contains: low-detail maps of the whole world
(containing cities, major lakes, major rivers,
political boundaries); and medium-detail
maps of the United States (containing all incorporated cities; Interstate, U.S. and state
highways; Interstate highway exits and exit
services information; large- and mediumsized lakes and streams.)
Custom mapping: .......... Accepts custom, higher-detail MapCreate 6
mapping on memory cards, with searchable
Points-of Interest database of hotels, restaurants, shopping, services and more. Navion-
ics
charts on MMC cards optional.
Mapping memory: ......... Up to 512 MB on one MMC (MultiMedia
Card) or SD (Secure Digital Card.)
Position updates: .......... Every one second.
Position points: ............. 1,000 waypoints; 1,000 event marker icons.
3
Graphic symbols for
waypoints or event
marker icons: ................. 42.
Routes:............................. 100; up to 100 waypoints per route.
Plot Trails: ...................... 99 savable; up to 9,999 points per trail.
Man Overboard:............. MOB feature precisely marks man overboard
location with special icon, then automatically
displays navigation data to that position.
Audible alarms: ............. Arrival/off-course/detination passed/anchor.
Com Port: ........................ One serial communications port, NMEA 0183
version 2.0 compatible. Allows exchange of
position data with another device, such as an
autopilot or personal computer. Optional
combination serial/power cable available.
Zoom range:.................... 40 ranges; 0.02 to 4,000 miles.
NOTE:
The above memory capacities refer only to iFINDER's on-board
memory. The amount of GPS data you can record and save for recall later is only limited by the number of MMC cards you have.
How iFINDER Works
You'll navigate faster and easier if you understand how iFINDER scans
the sky to tell you where you are on the earth — and, where you're going. (But if you already have a working understanding of GPS receivers
and the GPS navigation system, skip on ahead to Section 2, Installation
& Accessories on page 9. If you're new to GPS, read on, and you can
later impress your friends with your new-found knowledge.)
First, think of your iFINDER as a small but powerful computer. (But
don't worry — we made iFINDER easy to use, so you don't need to be a
computer expert to find your way!) The iFINDER includes a keypad
and a screen with menus so you can tell it what to do. The screen also
lets iFINDER show your location on a moving map, as well as point the
way to your destination.
This pocket-sized computer also contains an antenna and specialized
scanning receiver, something like your car radio. But instead of your
favorite dance tunes, this receiver tunes in to a couple of dozen GPS
satellites circling the earth. (It will also listen in to the WAAS satellites
in orbit, but more about that in the upcoming segment introducing you
to GPS and WAAS.)
iFINDER listens to signals from as many satellites as it can "see" above
the horizon, eliminates the weakest signals, then computes its location in
4
relation to those satellites. Once iFINDER figures its latitude and longitude, it plots that position on the moving map shown on the screen. While
the screen is updated once a second, your iFINDER is making these internal calculations and determining its position several times a second!
The performance doesn't stop there. Stored in the permanent memory of
each iFINDER is a basic background map of the entire world. We lock it in
here at the factory — you can't change or erase this map.
Another portion of iFINDER's onboard memory is devoted to recording
GPS navigation information, which includes waypoints, event marker
icons, trails and routes. This lets you look back the way you came.
Think of this data storage like the hard drive memory in a computer or
a tape in a cassette tape recorder. You can save several different GPS
data files, erase 'em and record new ones, over and over and over again.
Like any computer file, these GPS Data Files (file format *.usr) can be
shared between iFINDERs, other Lowrance GPS or sonar/GPS units,
even personal computers.
iFINDER has one more thing in common with a personal computer.
Just as computers have a floppy disk drive for storing and exchanging
files, iFINDER has a slot for an MMC (MultiMedia Card) or SD (Secure
Digital) Card flash memory card. These solid-state memory devices are
about the size of a postage stamp, but can hold data ranging from 8 MB
to 512 MB in size. (Compare that to a floppy disk's 1.44 MB capacity!)
iFINDER uses all that MMC space for two key purposes.
First, you can backup your onboard GPS Data Files by copying them to
the MMC. Since the MMC is removable (like a floppy disk or a cassette
tape), you can store these GPS Data Files on a personal computer
equipped with an MMC card reader. (Or store them on a pocketful of
MMCs, if you don't have a computer.) Our MapCreate mapping software
can save, edit or create its own GPS Data Files, which can be copied to
the MMC and then loaded from the MMC into iFINDER's memory.
(NOTE: No matter where they come from, GPS Data Files must be
loaded from the MMC into memory before iFINDER can use them.)
The other key GPS use for MMCs is storage of special high-detail, custom maps, which you can produce on your computer with our MapCreate software. These MapCreate custom maps contain much greater detail than the basic background map. These Custom Map Files (file
format *.lcm) can also be shared between iFINDERs, other Lowrance
GPS or sonar/GPS units and personal computers.
You make your own Custom Map Files with our MapCreate software,
but you don't have to. We also sell ready-to-use FreedomMaps. These
custom maps are pre-loaded on MMCs. (No computer work required!).
5
iFINDER automatically reads Custom Map Files directly from the MMC
or SD Card. To use a custom map, all you need to do is slide an MMC
containing a map into the unit.
Introduction to GPS and WAAS
Well, now you know the basics of how iFINDER does its work. You
might be ready to jump ahead to Section 2, Installation & Accessories,
on page 9, so you can install the batteries. Or you might want to see
how our text formatting makes the manual tutorials easy to skim. If
that's the case, move on to "How to Use This Manual" on page 8. But, if
you want to understand the current state of satellite navigation, look
over this segment describing how GPS and its new companion WAAS
work together to get you where you're going.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) was launched July 17, 1995 by
the United States Department of Defense. It was designed as a 24hour-a-day, 365-days-a-year, all weather global navigation system for
the armed forces of the U.S. and its allies. Civilian use was also available at first, but it was less accurate because the military scrambled
the signal somewhat, using a process called Selective Availability (SA).
GPS proved so useful for civilian navigation that the federal government discontinued SA on May 2, 2000, after the military developed
other methods to deny GPS service to enemy forces. Reliable accuracy
for civilian users jumped from 100 meters (330 feet) under SA to the
present level of 10 to 20 meters (about 30 to 60 feet.)
Twenty-four satellites orbit 10,900 nautical miles above the Earth,
passing overhead twice daily. A series of ground stations (with precisely
surveyed locations) controls the satellites and monitors their exact locations in the sky. Each satellite broadcasts a low-power signal that identifies the satellite and its position above the earth. Three of these satellites
are spares, unused until needed. The rest virtually guarantee that at
least four satellites are in view nearly anywhere on Earth at all times.
A minimum of three satellites are required to determine a 2D fix.
6
The system requires signal reception from three satellites in order to
determine a position. This is called a 2D fix. It takes four satellites to
determine both position and elevation (your height above sea level —
also called altitude). This is called a 3D fix.
Remember, the unit must have a clear view of the satellites in order to
receive their signals. Unlike radio or television signals, GPS works at
very high frequencies. These signals can be easily blocked by trees,
buildings, an automobile roof, even your body.
Like most GPS receivers, iFINDER doesn’t have a compass or any
other navigation aid built inside. It relies solely on the signals from the
satellites to calculate a position. Speed, direction of travel, and distance
are all calculated from position information. Therefore, in order for
iFINDER to determine direction of travel, you must be moving and the
faster, the better. This is not to say that it won’t work at walking or
trolling speeds — it will. There will simply be more "wandering" of the
data shown on the display.
GPS alone is plenty accurate for route navigation, but the U.S. Federal
Aviation Administration has special aircraft navigation needs that go
beyond basic GPS. So, the FAA has developed a program to boost GPS
performance with its Wide Area Augmentation System, or WAAS. The
FAA commissioned the system on July 11, 2003.
WAAS is designed to increase GPS accuracy to within 7.6 meters vertically
and horizontally, but it consistently delivers accuracies within 1-2 meters
horizontal and 2-3 meters vertical, according to the FAA. It does this by
broadcasting correction signals on GPS frequencies. Your unit automatically receives both GPS and WAAS signals.
However, there are some fringe areas of the U.S., including parts of
Alaska, that do not yet receive robust WAAS coverage. Continued WAAS
development is planned to extend WAAS coverage in the years to come.
WAAS boosts the accuracy of land GPS navigation, but the system is
designed for aircraft. The satellites are in a fixed orbit around the
Equator, so they appear very low in the sky to someone on the ground
in North America. Aircraft and vessels on open water can get consistently good WAAS reception, but terrain, foliage or even large man-made
structures can sometimes block the WAAS signal from ground receivers.
You'll find that using your GPS receiver is both easy and amazingly
accurate. It’s easily the most accurate method of electronic navigation
available to the general public today. Remember, however, that this
receiver is only a tool. Always have another method of navigation available, such as a map or chart and a compass.
7
Also remember that this unit will always show navigation information
in the shortest line from your present position to a waypoint, regardless
of terrain! It only calculates position, it can’t know what’s between you
and your destination, for example. It’s up to you to safely navigate
around obstacles, no matter how you’re using this product.
How to use this manual: typographical conventions
Many instructions are listed as numbered steps. The keypad and arrow
"keystrokes" appear as boldface type. So, if you're in a real hurry (or
just need a reminder), you can skim the instructions and pick out what
menu command to use by finding the boldface command text. The following paragraphs explain how to interpret the text formatting for
those commands and other instructions:
Arrow Keys
The arrow keys control the movement of dotted cross-hair lines on your
mapping screen called the cursor. The arrow keys also help you move
around the iFINDER menus so you can execute different commands.
They are represented by symbols like these, which denote the down ar-
row key, the up arrow, the left arrow and the right arrow: ↓ ↑ ← →.
Keyboard
The other keys perform a variety of functions. When the text refers to a
key to press, the key is shown in bold, sans serif type. For example, the
"Enter/Save" key is shown as
Menu Commands
A menu command or a menu option will appear in small capital letters,
in a bold sans serif type like this:
are to select this command or option from a menu or take an action of
some kind with the menu item. Text that you may need to enter or file
names you need to select are shown in italic type, such as trail name.
Instructions = Menu Sequences
Most functions you perform with iFINDER are described as a sequence
of key strokes and selecting menu commands. We've written them in a
condensed manner for quick and easy reading.
For example, instructions for backtracking a trail in Easy Mode would
look like this:
1. Press
MENU|↓ to NAVIGATE TRAIL|ENT.
2. Now, begin moving and follow your iFINDER.
Translated into complete English, step 1 means: "Press the Menu key.
Next, press the down arrow key to scroll down the menu and select (highlight) the Navigate Trail menu command. Finally, press the Enter key."
Also note that throughout this text, we will refer to the iFINDER Pro as
iFINDER, or simply as the unit.
ENT and the "Menu" key is shown as MENU.
ADVANCED MODE. These indicate that you
8
Section 2:
Installation & Accessories
Power
The iFINDER operates from AA batteries or on 3 volts DC using an
optional external power cable with a cigarette lighter adapter. When
the power cable is used, the iFINDER automatically switches to it if the
external power is greater than the battery voltage. If the external
power fails, the unit automatically switches to the batteries.
Flash memory will keep your stored data safe and accessible for the life
of the product — after the unit is turned off, no battery or external
power is needed to store your data.
Batteries
The unit requires two, 1.5 volt AA batteries. We recommend that you
use alkaline batteries for the best trade-off between battery life and
cost. We recommend DURACELL
If you're looking for an extended-life battery, the Duracell
tery has performed well in our tests.
brand, but other brands will work.
ULTRA bat-
You can also use rechargeable AA alkaline batteries, such as those
made by RAYOVAC
batteries. We do not recommend nickel cadmium (NiCd) rechargeable
batteries because we tend to get poor battery life from them.
Rechargeable alkaline batteries will not last as long as standard alkaline batteries. However, rechargeable NiMH batteries should give you
suitable battery life.
NOTE:
The battery gauge on the Satellite Status Page may not read accurately with some battery brands because discharge rates can vary
significantly. This is especially true for rechargeables. This battery
gauge was calibrated for alkaline batteries.
Do not mix different battery types. Mixing battery types may cause
leakage. (For example, don’t use both alkaline and NiMH batteries at
the same time, and don't use standard alkalines with rechargeable alkalines.)
, or rechargeable AA nickel metal hydride (NiMH)
9
Battery Installation
Turn the unit over so that the back is facing you. Place your thumb on
the large arrowhead on the battery compartment cover. Press in and
down, toward the bottom of the unit (in the direction indicated by the
arrow). The battery cover will snap off.
Remove iFINDER battery cover.
Install the batteries according to the decal in the battery compartment,
which shows the correct polarity. Point the positive pole of the upper battery to the left; point the positive pole of the bottom battery to the right.
Replace the battery compartment cover. Align the cover latch tab with
the slot inside the case. With a finger, press the bottom of the cover in
and then up, toward the top of the unit
Replace battery compartment cover. Align
tab with slot, left. Press in cover bottom, right
10
Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter
To use external DC power: Plug the CA-5 power cable's cigarette lighter
adapter into a cigarette lighter receptacle. Next, slide the other connector over the power contacts on the bottom of the iFINDER case.
Attach CA-5 external power cable to iFINDER.
WARNING:
Do not remove the cigarette lighter adapter and splice
the exposed wires directly to a 12-volt power system. The
cigarette lighter adapter contains in the plug a protective fuse and a voltage regulator to convert 12 volts
down to about 3 volts. Without this regulator, connecting
your unit to a 12-volt power source will destroy the unit.
This damage will not be covered by your warranty.
The iFINDER can use three other optional external cables to supply a
NMEA/serial data connection or a combination of power and data.
These cables are discussed in the following segment on NMEA/ DGPS.
NMEA/DGPS Cable Connections
NMEA is a standard communications format for marine electronic
equipment. For example, an autopilot can connect to the NMEA interface on this unit and receive positioning information. The unit can exchange information with any device that transmits or receives NMEA
0183 data.
DGPS is an acronym for the Differential Global Positioning System.
DGPS supplements and boosts the accuracy of basic GPS. DGPS was
developed by the U.S. Coast Guard, which is responsible for the system's operation in the United States. Since its creation, DGPS has become the international maritime standard for marine navigation.
The most popular DGPS system relies on a grid of ground-based transmitters that send correction signals to DGPS receivers. These in turn,
11
connect to the GPS receiver (such as the iFINDER Pro). Lowrance offers an optional DGPS receiver for your unit.
To exchange NMEA or DGPS data, Lowrance offers an optional data
only cable and two power/data combo cables:
PC-DI5 NMEA/Serial cable with DB-9 plug.
The PC-DI5 is a NMEA/serial communications cable. It has a standard
female DB-9 connector on one end to attach your unit to a computer's
serial communications port.
PC-DI6 NMEA/Serial cable with DB-9 plug and power converter.
The PC-DI6 combines a cigarette lighter power adapter with a DB-9
plug for a NMEA/serial com port connection to a laptop computer or
other device. This is our favorite cable for connecting the iFINDER Pro
to a laptop computer in an RV or other vehicle. By transmitting NMEA
data to the computer, you can get live position data for GPS-compatible
mapping software.
You can also run one of our free Lowrance GPS emulators on your laptop, and operate it with real-time position information.
To use it, plug the power adapter into a cigarette lighter socket, plug
the DB-9 connector into a serial port on the computer and attach the
cable to the iFINDER. Then see "Com Port Configuration" in Sec. 5.
12
PC-DI4 NMEA/Serial cable with power converter.
Yellow (R
The PC-DI4 is similar to the previous accessory, but the serial cable
portion has bare wires instead of the DB-9 plug. This allows you to
make a NMEA or serial connection with a device that doesn't use a DB9 plug. See the following diagrams for general wiring connections. Read
your other product’s owner’s manual for more wiring information.
NMEA/DGPS Wiring
To exchange NMEA or DGPS data, the unit has one NMEA 0183 version
2.0 compatible communication port. Com port one (Com-1) can be used to
receive NMEA-format GPS data or DGPS data. Com-1 can also transmit
NMEA format GPS data to another device.
In the PC-DI4 cable, the wires for the com port are combined with the
power wires to form the power/data cable. Com-1 uses the yellow wire
to receive, the orange wire to transmit and the black shield wire for
signal ground.
eceive)
Com-1
To unit
Com-1 wiring to receive DGPS position information
Com-1
To unit
Com-1 wiring to transmit NMEA position information
Orange (Transmit)
Shield (Ground)
from a DGPS receiver.
Orange (Transmit)
Shield (Ground)
to another NMEA-compatible device.
Transmit
Receive
Ground
NMEA Receive
Ground
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To DGPS
Receiver
To Other
GPS Receiver
Com-1
Yellow (R
To unit
eceive)
Shield (Ground)
Com-1 wiring to receive NMEA position information
from some other GPS receiver.
NMEA Transmit
Ground
To Other
Device
MMC or SD Memory Card Installation
Your iFINDER uses a MultiMedia Card to store information, such as
custom maps, waypoints and other GPS data. The unit can also use Secure Digital Cards (SD cards) to store information.
NOTE:
Throughout this manual, we will use the term MMC, but just remember that your unit can use an MMC or SD Card to store data.
Both of these solid-state flash memory devices are about the size of a
postage stamp. An SD card is slightly thicker than an MMC. As this
manual went to press, MMCs were available in storage capacities of 8
MB, 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB and 128 MB. SD cards were available in
capacities of 8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB and up. We
have successfully tested SD cards up to 512 MB.
Additional MMC cards are available from LEI Extras; see ordering information inside the back cover of this manual. MMCs and SD cards
are also available at many consumer electronics stores.
The MMC slot is located in the battery compartment, behind the batteries on the right side of the unit. The battery compartment decal
points out the slot, which is also marked by small white letters on the
circuit board.
To remove an MMC
1. Remove battery compartment cover.
2. Remove batteries, if present.
3. Hold unit upright in left hand. Use a thumbnail or fingernail to grab
the groove along the bottom edge of the MMC.
4. Drag the MMC from the slot into the battery compartment.
5. Hold iFINDER face up and give it a shake to dump the MMC into
your hand or onto a work surface.
To add an MMC or SDC
1. Remove battery compartment cover.
2. Remove batteries, if present.
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3. Hold unit upside down in left hand. Grasp the bottom corner of the
MMC with your other hand. The MMC label should be toward you.
4. Use the white lines and text on the circuit board as a guide and drop
the MMC into the slot.
5. Gently shake the unit or use your finger to nudge the MMC into vertical alignment. Then, gently push the card into the slot with your finger.
6. Replace the batteries and battery cover.
FreedomMaps
FreedomMaps are pre-made custom maps that cover multiple states,
provinces, countries or other geographic regions on a single memory
card. They give you all the features found in our MapCreate™ mapping
software, but without the necessity of using a computer. FreedomMaps
are available for the United States, Canada and Europe. In 2004, FreedomMaps with topographic contours will become available for the United
States and Canada.
Like custom maps built in MapCreate, the custom map on a FreedomMap
card contains all of these features: rivers/lakes/tributaries; more than
60,000 critical navigation aids; more than 10,000 wrecks/obstructions in
coastal and Great Lakes waters; interstate/federal/state highways; interstate exit services; searchable Points-of-Interest (POI) database including:
airports, hotels, restaurants, entertainment, emergency services; rural
roads and city streets; cities and towns; railways; key landmarks; searchable street intersections and street addresses; national parks and forests
with boundaries; wildlife preserves; and more!
FreedomMaps come to you preloaded on a single 128 or 256 MB memory card. Simply insert the memory card into your Lowrance GPS unit,
and you're ready to go.
FreedomMaps are available through LEI-Extras. To order a card (or for
a list of the areas available) see the ordering information in the back of
this manual.
Aquabag Waterproof Travel Pouch Installation
The waterproof travel pouch keeps your GPS dry when the going gets
wet. An adjustable neck strap on the pouch keeps your unit within
reach. The pouch is made of a transparent material that is rugged, yet
easy to see through. The pouch is flexible enough for you to operate the
iFINDER's keys with the unit inside. To use it, open the closure flap
15
and unroll the anti-moisture baffle to open the bag. Slip the unit inside.
Roll up the baffle tightly and close the outer flap.
Insert iFINDER into bag upside down, left. That makes it easier to
read when wearing the unit around your neck, right.
NOTE:
If you want to leave the unit on to record a trail as you travel, insert the unit in the bag right-side up, with the internal antenna
pointed up. This allows much better satellite signal reception.
External Antenna
A GPS antenna requires a clear view of the sky for optimum operation.
Inside a vehicle, your iFINDER can sometimes maintain satellite lock
while sitting on the seat beside you, but we don't recommend this for
optimum performance.
Since the "view" is restricted to what can be seen through the windows,
this operating mode will reduce position accuracy and will increase the
chance of losing satellite lock. Inside a vehicle, the unit operates best
with an optional external antenna mounted on the windshield, on the
dash or on the top of the vehicle.
The external antenna includes a magnetic base that allows temporary
mounting on any flat ferrous metal surface. A suction-cup mount allows
you to attach the antenna to a windshield.
The iFINDER Pro can use the passive FA-8 antenna or the active RAA3 antenna. The active antenna offers a further performance boost by
amplifying the satellite signals it receives. This is especially helpful
when operating in areas such as dense forests, which can obstruct GPS
signals. Your unit will automatically switch between the active RAA-3
and it's internal antenna (located in the top of the case). If you pur-
16
chase the passive FA-8, you must use a menu check box to manually
switch between it and the internal antenna. See the topic "External
Passive Antenna" in Sec. 5.
Attach iFINDER antenna to windshield bracket with two screws.
You may achieve good results by simply placing the external antenna
on the top of the dash, at the base of the windshield. A piece of the rubber non-skid shelf liner material available in recreational vehicle supply stores will also help hold the antenna in place.
To use the antenna: Mount it in a location with an unobstructed view of
the sky. Plug the connector into the unit's antenna socket, located on
the back, in the upper left corner of the case.
R-A-M Bracket Mounting Systems
Several R-A-M mounting brackets are available for your iFINDER.
There are permanent mounts and temporary mounts suitable for virtually any boat, aircraft or other vehicle, even motorcycle handlebars.
Two R-A-M mounting systems for your unit.
17
One model has a mounting arm and cradle attached to a swivel ball
plate that can be screwed or bolted to a supporting surface. Another has
a moldable, weighted, rubber foot and gooseneck for support virtually
anywhere without screws or adhesives. R-A-M even has suction cup
bases for attachment to windscreens or fiberglass surfaces. See your
Lowrance dealer or visit the LEI web site for the latest options; accessory ordering information is on the inside back cover of this manual.
For a complete look at the many mounting options, visit the R-A-M web
site at www.ram-mount.com.
Other Accessories
Other iFINDER accessories include a belt holster with a see-through
cover, MMC cards, MMC card readers and MapCreate™ 6 custom
mapping software for your computer. (The iFINDER Pro Plus model
ships with the GPS Accessory Pack, which is composed of the MapCreate CDs, the card reader, and one memory card.)
If these accessories are not available from your dealer, see the accessory ordering information on the inside back cover of this manual.
From left to right, see-through belt holster, MapCreate™ 6 CD-ROM,
MMC card reader for USB ports. The holster's clear cover allows the
unit to remain locked on to satellites while in the holster.
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Section 3:
2
Easy Mode Operation
This section addresses Easy Mode operation for iFINDER's main GPS
functions. The principles are the same in both operating modes, so this
discussion also serves as a good introduction to Advanced Mode work.
Before you turn on iFINDER and find where you are, it's a good idea to
learn about the different keys, the three Page screens and how they all
work together. BUT, if you just can't wait to get outside, grab the batteries and turn to the one-page Quick Reference on page 28.
Keypad
7
4
3
6
5
8
iFINDER Pro keypad.
1. PWR/LIGHT (Power & Light) – The PWR key turns the unit on and
off and activates the backlight.
2. PAGES – Pressing this key switches the unit between the three different page screens in Easy Mode. (Satellite, Navigation and Map.)
Each page represents one of the unit's major operation modes.
3. MENU – Press this key to show the menus, which allow you to select
or adjust a feature from a list.
4. ARROW KEYS – These keys are used to navigate through the
menus, make menu selections, move the map cursor and enter data.
5. ENT/SAVE (Enter & Save) – This key allows you to save data, accept values or execute menu commands.
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9
1
6. EXIT – The Exit key lets you return to the previous screen, clear
data or erase a menu.
7. FIND – The Find key launches the iFINDER search menus and
some navigation functions.
8. ZOUT – (Zoom Out) – This key lets you zoom the screen out to see a
larger geographic are on the map. Less detail is seen as you zoom out.
9. ZIN – (Zoom In) – This key lets you zoom the screen in to see greater
detail in a smaller geographic area on the map.
Power/lights on and off
To turn on the unit, press PWR. To turn on the backlight, press PWR
again. Pressing PWR once again will turn off the backlight. (Press EXIT
to clear any message or alarm displays.)
Turn off the unit by pressing and holding the
PWR key for 3 seconds.
Main Menu
Easy Mode has a single Main Menu, which contains some function commands and some setup option commands. The tutorial lessons in this section will deal only with functions, the basic commands that make
iFINDER do something. iFINDER will work fine for these lessons right out
of the box with the factory default settings. But, if you want to learn about
the various options, see Sec. 5, System Setup and GPS Setup Options.
Main Menu, Easy Mode.
The Main Menu commands and their functions are:
Go To Cursor command: navigates to the current cursor position on
the map
Cancel Navigation command: turns off the navigation command after
you have reached the end of a back trail or your destination waypoint,
Point of Interest or map cursor location.
20
Screen command: changes the contrast or brightness of the display
screen and backlight delay.
Sounds command: enables or disables the sounds for key strokes and
alarms and sets the alarm style.
Power Saving command: configures power saving mode to extend battery life.
Navigate Trail command: sets up navigation back to the start of the
current trail.
Clear Trail command: clears all the points stored in the plot trail.
Sun/Moon command: finds the rising and setting time of the sun and
the moon.
Units of Measure command: changes the speed or distance units. Also
used to change the heading, time and temperature formats.
Set Local Time command: sets the time for your local time zone.
Advanced Mode command: used to switch from Easy Mode to Ad-
vanced Mode. Easy Mode shows only the most commonly used features
to simplify the interface and simplify operation.
Transfer My Data command: load from or save to an MMC card GPS
Data Files containing waypoints, routes, trails and event marker icons.
Software Info command: shows the product name and software version
of the unit's operating system software, as well as copyright notices.
Pages
Easy Mode has three Page displays that represent the three major operating modes. They are the Satellite Status Page, the Navigation Page
and the Map Page. They are accessed by pressing the
Pressing
PAGES repeatedly scrolls among the three screens in an end-
less circular loop.
Satellite Status Page
This Page, shown in the following images, provides detailed information on the status of iFINDER's satellite lock-on and position acquisition. To get to the Satellite Status Page: press
PAGES repeatedly until
the page you want appears.
No matter what page you are on, a flashing current position indica-
tor/question mark symbol and flashing GPS data displays indicate that
satellite lock has been lost and there is no position confirmed. This page
shows you the quality and accuracy of the current satellite lock-on and
position calculation.
WARNING:
Do not begin navigating with this unit until the numbers
have stopped flashing!
21
PAGES key.
Satellite Page. Left view indicates unit has not locked on to any satel-
lites and does not have a fix on its position. Center view shows satel-
lites being scanned. Right view shows satellite lock-on with a 3D posi-
tion acquired (latitude, longitude and altitude.)
This screen shows a graphical view of the satellites that are in view.
Each satellite is shown on the circular chart relative to your position.
The point in the center of the chart is directly overhead. The small inner ring represents 45° above the horizon and the large ring represents
the horizon. North is at the top of the screen. You can use this to see
which satellites are obstructed by obstacles in your immediate area if
you hold the unit facing north.
The GPS receiver is tracking satellites that are in bold type. The receiver hasn't locked onto a satellite if the number is grayed out, therefore it isn't being used to solve the position.
Beneath the circular graph are the bar graphs, one for each satellite in
view. Since the unit has twelve channels, it can dedicate one channel
per visible satellite. The taller the bar on the graph, the better the unit
is receiving the signals from the satellite.
The "Estimated Position Error" (horizontal position error) shown in the
upper right corner of the screen is the expected error from a benchmark
location. In other words, if the EPE shows 50 feet, then the position
shown by the unit is estimated to be within 50 feet of the actual location. This also gives you an indicator of the fix quality the unit currently has. The smaller the position error number, the better (and more
accurate) the fix is. If the position error flashes dashes, then the unit
hasn't locked onto the satellites, and the number shown isn't valid.
Navigation Page
This Page has a compass rose. It shows your direction of travel and the
direction to a recalled waypoint. The navigation screen looks like the
one in the following image when you're not navigating to a waypoint or
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