Lowrance electronic M68C User Manual

www.lowrance.com
Pub. 988-0152-031
M68C S/Map &
M68C IceMachine
Fish-finding Sonar & Mapping GPS
Installation and Operation
Instructions
All rights reserved.
Lowrance
®
is a registered trademark of Lowrance Electronics, Inc.
Marine-Tex is a trademark of Illinois Tool Works Inc.
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: M68............................................ 3
How your Sonar Works................................................................. 4
How your GPS Works ................................................................... 5
Introduction to GPS and WAAS................................................... 5
How to Use this Manual: Typographical Conventions................ 7
Sec. 2: Installation & Accessories .......................................... 9
Preparations.................................................................................. 9
Transducer Installation................................................................ 9
Recommended Tools and Supplies ......................................... 10
Selecting a Transducer Location................................................ 10
How Low Should You Go?....................................................... 11
Shoot-Thru-Hull vs. Transom Mounting ............................... 12
Transom Transducer Assembly and Mounting ......................... 13
Trolling Motor Bracket Installation........................................... 16
Transducer Orientation and Fish Arches.................................. 17
Shoot-Thru-Hull Preparation and Installation ......................... 18
Power and Cable Connections.................................................... 22
Mounting the Sonar Unit: In-Dash or Bracket ......................... 23
Portable Sonar Installation........................................................ 27
Portable Transducer Assembly .............................................. 29
Sec. 3: Basic Sonar Operation.............................................. 31
Keyboard Basics.......................................................................... 31
Memory........................................................................................ 32
Menus .......................................................................................... 32
Main Menu .............................................................................. 32
Sonar Menu ............................................................................. 33
Pages ........................................................................................... 35
Basic Sonar Quick Reference ............................................... 37
Sonar Operations ........................................................................ 38
Fish Symbols vs. Full Sonar Chart ........................................ 40
Other Free Training Aids ....................................................... 41
Sec. 4: Sonar Options & Other Features ...........................43
ASP (Advanced Signal Processing) ......................................... 43
Alarms ......................................................................................... 44
Depth Alarms .......................................................................... 44
Zone Alarm .............................................................................. 45
Fish Alarm............................................................................... 46
Chart Speed................................................................................. 47
ColorLine.................................................................................. 47
Depth Cursor............................................................................... 49
Depth Range - Automatic ........................................................... 49
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Depth Range - Manual................................................................ 50
Turn Auto Depth Range on Again:..................................... 50
Depth Range - Upper and Lower Limits ................................... 50
FasTrack .................................................................................. 52
Fish I.D. (Fish Symbols & Depths) ......................................... 52
FishTrack................................................................................. 53
Overlay Data ............................................................................... 54
Change Displayed Data Font Size: ........................................ 55
Ping Speed & HyperScroll....................................................... 56
Reset Options .............................................................................. 57
Sensitivity & Auto Sensitivity.................................................... 58
Turn Auto Sensitivity Back on:.............................................. 59
Set Keel Offset ............................................................................59
Sonar Color Mode........................................................................ 60
Sonar Page & Sonar Chart Display Options ............................. 61
Full Sonar Chart ..................................................................... 61
Split Zoom Sonar Chart.......................................................... 61
Digital Data/Chart .................................................................. 62
Flasher..................................................................................... 62
Sonar Simulator.......................................................................... 63
Stop Chart ................................................................................... 63
Surface Clarity............................................................................ 64
Zoom Pan..................................................................................... 65
Sec. 5: Ice Fishing.................................................................... 67
Icemachine Mode Operation....................................................... 68
Sensitivity ............................................................................... 70
Colorline
Battery Gauge ......................................................................... 72
Sonar Signal Interpretation ....................................................... 72
Ice Flasher Options..................................................................... 73
Split Zoom Display Mode........................................................ 73
Color Modes............................................................................. 74
Scouting Through the Ice ...........................................................75
Sec. 6: Sonar Troubleshooting.............................................. 77
Sec. 7: Basic GPS Operations................................................ 81
Keyboard ..................................................................................... 81
Power/Lights (Turn Unit On and Off) ....................................... 82
Main Menu .................................................................................. 82
Pages ........................................................................................... 84
Sonar Page .............................................................................. 84
Satellite Status Page .............................................................. 84
Navigation Page...................................................................... 86
Full Map Page ......................................................................... 88
.............................................................................. 71
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GPS Quick Reference ............................................................. 91
Find your Current Position ........................................................ 92
Moving around the Map: Zoom & Cursor Arrow Keys.............. 92
Selecting any Map Item with the Cursor .................................. 93
Set a Waypoint............................................................................ 93
Create Waypoint at Current Position .................................... 93
Create Waypoint on Map........................................................ 94
Create Waypoint by Entering a Position ............................... 95
Navigate to a Waypoint .............................................................. 95
Set Man Overboard (MOB) Waypoint........................................ 96
Navigate Back to MOB Waypoint .............................................. 96
Navigate to Cursor Position on Map.......................................... 97
Navigate to a Map Place............................................................. 99
Creating and Saving a Trail....................................................... 99
Displaying a Saved Trail .......................................................... 101
Navigating Trails...................................................................... 101
Visual Trailing ...................................................................... 102
Navigate a Trail (Forward)................................................... 102
Navigate a Back Trail (Backtrack, or Reverse) ................... 104
Cancel Navigation..................................................................... 105
Sec. 8: Advanced GPS Operations .....................................107
Find Distance from Current Position to Another Location .... 107
Find Distance from Point to Point ........................................... 107
Icons........................................................................................... 107
Create Icon on Map............................................................... 108
Create Icon at Current Position ........................................... 108
Delete an Icon ....................................................................... 108
Navigate to an Icon............................................................... 109
Routes........................................................................................ 109
Create and Save a Route ......................................................110
Delete a Route ....................................................................... 112
Edit a Route .......................................................................... 112
Navigate a Route................................................................... 113
Navigate a Route in Reverse ................................................ 114
Trails ......................................................................................... 115
Delete a Trail ........................................................................ 115
Edit a Trail Name ................................................................. 115
Edit a Trail Color .................................................................. 116
Edit a Trail Pattern .............................................................. 116
Utilities...................................................................................... 116
Alarm Clock........................................................................... 116
Sun/Moon Rise & Set Calculator.......................................... 116
Trip Calculator...................................................................... 116
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Trip Down Timer................................................................... 116
Trip Up Timer ....................................................................... 117
Waypoints.................................................................................. 117
Delete a Waypoint................................................................. 117
Edit a Waypoint (Name, Symbol and Position) ................... 117
Selecting a Waypoint ............................................................ 118
Set a Waypoint by Average Position .................................... 118
Set a Waypoint by Projecting a Position.............................. 118
Sec. 9: System & GPS Setup Options................................. 119
Alarms ....................................................................................... 119
Auto Satellite Search................................................................ 120
Coordinate System Selection.................................................... 121
Map Fix ..................................................................................... 122
Customize Page Displays ......................................................... 124
Customize Map or Navigation Page..................................... 124
Customize Position Page ...................................................... 124
GPS Simulator .......................................................................... 125
Simulating Trail or Route Navigation ................................. 126
Initialize GPS............................................................................ 126
Map Auto Zoom......................................................................... 127
Map Data................................................................................... 127
Earth Map Detail .................................................................. 127
Pop-Up Map Info ................................................................... 128
Fill Water with White........................................................... 128
Map Overlays (Range Rings; Lat/Long Grid) ...................... 128
Map Datum Selection ............................................................... 128
Map Detail Category Selection................................................. 129
Map Orientation ....................................................................... 130
Overlay Data ............................................................................. 131
Pop-Up Help.............................................................................. 133
Reset Options ............................................................................ 134
Screen Contrast and Brightness .............................................. 134
Set Language ............................................................................ 135
Set Local Time .......................................................................... 135
Show WAAS Alarm................................................................... 136
Software Version Information.................................................. 136
Sounds and Alarm Sound Styles.............................................. 137
Track Smoothing....................................................................... 138
Trail Options ............................................................................. 138
Delete All Trails .................................................................... 139
Update Active Trail Option .................................................. 139
Update Trail Criteria (Auto, Time, Distance).................. 139
Trail Update Rate (Time, Distance)................................. 139
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Delete Trail ........................................................................... 140
New Trail............................................................................... 140
Trail Visible/Invisible and Other Trail Options .................. 141
Transparency ............................................................................ 141
Units of Measure....................................................................... 142
Sec. 10: Searching................................................................. 143
Find any Item Selected by Map Cursor ................................... 143
Find Map Places........................................................................ 144
Find Streets or Intersections.................................................... 146
Find Waypoints......................................................................... 150
Sec. 11: Supplemental Material.......................................... 153
Index......................................................................................... 159
A CAREFUL NAVIGATOR NEVER RELIES ON ONLY ONE METHOD TO OBTAIN POSITION INFORMATION.
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.
WARNING!
CAUTION
WARNING!
v
Notes
vi
Section 1:
Read Me First!
How this manual can get you out on the water, fast!
Welcome to the exciting world of digital sonar and GPS! We know you're anxious to begin finding fish, but we have a favor to ask. Before you grab the unit and begin installing it, please give us a moment or two to explain how our manual can help you get the best performance from your combination fish finder and GPS receiver.
First, we want to thank you for buying a Lowrance sonar/GPS unit. Whether you're a first time user or a professional fisherman, you'll dis­cover that your unit is easy to use, yet capable of handling demanding navigation and sonar tasks.
Our goal for this book is to get you on the water fast, with a minimum of fuss. Like you, we'd rather spend more time boating or fishing 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:
The manual is organized into 11 sections. This first section is an intro­duction to the M68 sonar and GPS. It tells you the basics you need to know before you can make the unit look around and tell you where you are, or look below the surface to find some fish.
Section 2 will help you install your unit, as well as the transducer (the most important part of any sonar installation). We'll also tell you about some of the available accessories.
Section 3 covers Basic Sonar Operation. It will show you how easy it is to run your sonar, right out of the box. This section features a one-page Sonar Quick Reference. (If you've already jumped ahead and fig-
ured out how to install the unit yourself, and you just can't wait any longer, turn to the Quick Reference on page 37 and head for the water with your unit!)
After you've gained some experience with your sonar, you'll want to check out Section 4, which discusses more advanced Sonar Options and Other Features.
When you come to a sonar menu command on the unit's screen, you can look it up in the manual by skimming over the table of contents or the in-
1
dex, or just flipping through Section 3 or scanning through the sonar op­tions in Section 4.
Section 5 is a brief introduction to the powerful ice fishing applications of the M68C and M68C IceMachine. (See section 2 to learn how you can get the most out of your M68C with the addition of a special portable power pack for ice fishing.)
If you're having difficulty with your sonar, you can find an answer to the most common problems in Section 6, Sonar Troubleshooting.
The manual switches from sonar to navigation in Section 7, which in­troduces you to Basic GPS Operations. This section features a one-
page GPS Quick Reference on page 91.
Section 7 contains short, easy-to-scan GPS lessons that follow one an­other in chronological order. They're all you'll need to know to find your way on the water quickly.
After you've learned the basics (or if you already have some GPS expe­rience), you may want to try out some of the unit's many advanced navigation features. That brings us to Section 8, Advanced GPS Opera- tions. This section contains the rest of the unit's GPS command func­tions, organized in alphabetical order.
When you come to a GPS menu command on the screen, you can look it up in the manual by skimming over the table of contents or index, just flipping through Section 7 or scanning through the command portion of Section 8.
This unit is ready to use right out of the box, but you can fine tune and customize its operation with dozens of options. Since sonar is the unit's key feature, we put the main sonar options in Section 4. Some options, such as screen brightness settings, affect both sonar and GPS opera­tions. We describe how to use those common options along with GPS options in Section 9, System Setup and GPS Setup Options. Section 9 is organized in alphabetical order.
In Section 10, we go into more detail on one of the unit's most remarkable GPS capabilities — Searching. There are so many map items you can search for, we had to give this function its own section in the manual!
Finally, in Section 11, 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 sonar and GPS power your unit con­tains. It's important to us (and our power users), but, if you don't care how many watts of power the unit has, or how many waypoints it can store, skip ahead to important information on how sonar works, on page
4. (Background on GPS begins on page 5.)
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Capabilities and Specifications: M68
General
Display:............................ High-contrast Film SuperTwist LCD. Diago-
nal viewing area: 3.5" (8.9 cm).
Resolution:...................... 160 pixel x 240 pixel resolution; 38,400 total
pixels.
Backlighting:.................. LED backlit screen with multiple lighting lev-
els; backlit keypad.
Input power:................... 10 to 17 volts DC.
Current drain: ............... 170 ma lights off; 240 ma lights on.
Case size:......................... 5.8" H x 4.3" W x 2.5" D (14.7 cm H x 10.8 cm
W x 6.6 cm D) sealed, waterproof; suitable for saltwater use.
Back-up memory: .......... Built-in memory stores GPS data for dec-
ades. User settings are stored when unit is turned off.
Languages:...................... 10; menu languages selectable by user.
Sonar
Frequency:...................... 200 kHz.
Transducer:...................... A Skimmer
your sonar unit. Its 20° cone angle offers a wide fish detection area of up to 60º with high sensitivity settings. Operates at boat speeds up to 70 mph (61 kts).
Transmitter: ................... 800 watts peak-to-peak; 100 watts RMS.
Sonar sounding
depth capability: ........... 600 feet (180 meters). Actual capability de-
pends on transducer configuration and in­stallation, bottom composition and water con­ditions. All sonar units typically read deeper in fresh water than in salt water.
Depth display:................ Continuous display.
Audible alarms: ............. Deep/shallow/fish/zone.
Automatic ranging:....... Yes, with instant screen updates.
Auto bottom track:........ Yes
Zoom bottom track: ...... Yes.
Split-screen zoom:......... Yes.
Surface water temp: ..... Yes, built into transducer.
transducer comes packed with
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GPS
Receiver/antenna: ......... Internal 12 parallel channel GPS/WAAS.
Position updates: .......... Every second.
Position points: ............. 1,000 waypoints; 1,000 event marker icons.
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/destination passed/anchor.
Graphic symbols for waypoints or event
marker icons: ................. 42.
Routes:............................. 100; up to 100 waypoints per route.
Plot Trails: ...................... 10 savable; up to 9,999 points per trail.
Zoom range:.................... 39 ranges; 0.02 to 4,000 miles.
NOTICE!
The storage and operation temperature range for your unit is from
-4 degrees to +167 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees to +75 degrees Celsius). Extended storage or operation in temperatures higher or
lower than specified will damage the liquid crystal display in your unit. This type of damage is not covered by the warranty. For more
information, contact the factory's Customer Service Department; phone numbers are listed on the last page.
How Your Sonar Works
Sonar has been around since the 1940s, so if you already know how it works, skip down to read about the relatively new technology of GPS. But, if you've never owned a sonar fish finder, this segment will tell you the underwater basics.
Sonar is an abbreviation for SOund NA ogy developed during World War II for tracking enemy submarines. (Lowrance developed the world's first transistorized sportfishing sonar in
1957.) A sonar consists of a transmitter, transducer, receiver and dis­play. In simple terms, here's how it finds the bottom, or the fish:
The transmitter emits an electrical impulse, which the transducer con­verts into a sound wave and sends into the water. (The sound frequency can't be heard by humans or fish.) The sound wave strikes an object (fish, structure, bottom) and bounces back to the transducer, which converts the sound back into an electrical signal.
The receiver amplifies this return signal, or echo, and sends it to the
vigation and Ranging, a technol-
4
display, where an image of the object appears on the scrolling sonar chart. The sonar's microprocessor calculates the time lapse between the transmitted signal and echo return to determine the distance to the object. The whole process repeats itself several times each second.
How Your GPS Works
You'll navigate faster and easier if you understand how this unit 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 unit as a small but powerful computer. (But don't worry — we made this unit easy to use, so you don't need to be a computer expert to find your way!) The unit includes a keypad and a screen with menus so you can tell it what to do. The screen also lets the unit show your location on a moving map, as well as point the way to your destination.
This unit uses an internal antenna/receiver module, which makes the whole system work 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.)
Your unit listens to signals from as many satellites as it can "see" above the horizon, eliminates the weakest signals, then computes its location in relation to those satellites. Once it figures its latitude and longitude, the unit plots that position on the GPS screen. The whole process takes place several times a second!
Another portion of the unit'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, and retrace your path. 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 again.
Introduction to GPS and WAAS
Well, now you know the basics of how the unit does its work. You might be ready to jump ahead to Section 2, Installation & Accessories, on page 13, so you can mount your unit and plug in the power. 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
10. But, if you want to understand the current state of satellite naviga­tion, look over this segment describing how GPS and its new companion
5
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.
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.
A minimum of three satellites are required to determine a 2D 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.
6
Like most GPS receivers, this unit 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 the unit 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.
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
7
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 control a hori­zontal line depth cursor on the sonar screen. The arrow keys help you move around the menus so you can execute different commands. They are represented by symbols like these, which denote the down arrow
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/Icons" key is shown as
ENT and the "Menu" key is shown as MENU.
Menu Commands
A menu command or a menu option will appear in small capital letters, in a bold sans serif type like this:
ROUTE PLANNING. These indicate that you 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 show in italic type, such as trail name.
Instructions = Menu Sequences
Most functions you perform with this unit 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 navigating a trail would look like this:
1. From the Plotter Page, press
2. Press to Trail 1|
ENT|| to NAVIGATE|ENT.
MENU|MENU| to MY TRAILS|ENT.
3. You are asked to wait while it converts the trail into a route.
4. The wait message disappears and the unit begins showing navi­gation information along the trail. Now, begin moving and follow your unit's directions.
Translated into complete English, step 1 above would mean: "Start on the Plotter Page. Press the Menu key twice. Next, repeatedly press (or press and hold) the down arrow key to scroll down the menu and select (highlight) the My Trails menu command. Finally, press the Enter key."
Step 2 would mean: "Press the down arrow key repeatedly to scroll to the trail named Trail 1, and press Enter. Next, press the right arrow key and then the down arrow key to highlight the Navigate command, then press Enter."
8
Section 2:
Installation & Accessories
Preparations
You can install the sonar and GPS systems in some other order if you prefer, but we recommend this installation sequence:
CAUTION:
You should read over this entire installation section before drill­ing any holes in your vehicle or vessel!
1. Determine the approximate location for the sonar/GPS unit, so you can plan how and where to route the power/transducer cable. This will help you make sure you have enough cable length for the desired con­figuration.
2. Determine the approximate location for the transducer and its cable route.
3. Determine the location of your battery or other power connection, along with the power cable route.
4. Install the transducer and route the transducer cable to the so­nar/GPS unit.
5. Route the power cable from the unit's location to an appropriate power source and connect it there.
6. Connect the transducer/power cable to the unit and mount the so­nar/GPS unit to the bracket.
Transducer Installation
These instructions will help you install your Skimmer transom, on a trolling motor or inside a hull. Please read all instruc­tions before proceeding with any installation.
Your Skimmer transducer typically comes packaged with a one-piece stainless steel bracket for mounting it to the transom of your boat. The optional trolling motor mount uses a one-piece plastic bracket with an adjustable strap. These are "kick-up" mounting brackets. They help pre­vent damage if the transducer strikes an object while the boat is moving. If the transducer does "kick-up," the bracket can easily be pushed back into place without tools.
Read these instructions carefully before attempting the installation. Determine which of the installation methods is right for your boat.
9
transducer on a
Remember, the transducer location and installation is the most critical part of a sonar installation.
Recommended Tools and supplies
If you prefer the option of routing the cable through the transom, you will need a 5/8" drill bit.
NOTE:
The following installation types also call for these recommended tools and required supplies that you must provide (supplies listed here are not included):
Transom installation
Tools include: two adjustable wrenches, drill, #29 (0.136") drill bit, flat­head screwdriver. Supplies: high quality, marine grade above- or below- waterline sealant/adhesive compound.
Trolling motor installations
Tools: two adjustable wrenches, flat-head screwdriver. Supplies: plastic cable ties.
Shoot-through hull installations
Tools: these will vary depending on your hull's composition. Consult your boat dealer or manufacturer. Other tools are a wooden craft stick or similar tool for stirring and applying epoxy, and a paper plate or piece of cardboard to mix the epoxy on. Supplies: rubbing alcohol, 100 grit sandpaper, specially formulated epoxy adhesive available from LEI (see ordering information on the inside back cover). A sandwich hull also requires polyester resin.
Selecting a Transducer Location
1. The location must be in the water at all times, at all operating speeds.
2. The transducer must be placed in a location that has a smooth flow of water at all times. If the transducer is not placed in a smooth flow of water, interference caused by bubbles and turbulence will show on the sonar's display in the form of random lines or dots whenever the boat is moving.
NOTE:
Some aluminum boats with strakes or ribs on the outside of the hull create large amounts of turbulence at high speed. These boats typically have large outboard motors capable of propelling the boat at speeds faster than 35 mph. Typically, a good transom location on aluminum boats is between the ribs closest to the engine.
3. The transducer should be installed with its face pointing straight down, if possible. For shoot-thru applications: Many popular fishing
10
boat hulls have a flat keel pad that offers a good mounting surface. On
prevent the transducer from
location
Deadrise less than 10
vee hulls, try to place the transducer where the deadrise is 10° or less.
°
Pad
Left, vee pad hull; right, vee hull. A pod style transducer is shown
here, but the principle is the same for Skimmers inside a hull.
Strakes
4. If the transducer is mounted on the transom, make sure it doesn't interfere with the trailer or hauling of the boat. Also, don't mount it closer than approximately one foot from the engine's lower unit. This will prevent cavitation (bubble) interference with propeller operation.
5. If possible, route the transducer cable away from other wiring on the boat. Electrical noise from engine wiring, bilge pumps and aerators can be displayed on the sonar's screen. Use caution when routing the transducer cable around these wires.
CAUTION: Clamp the trans­ducer cable to transom near the transducer. This will help
entering the boat if it is knocked off at high speed.
Good location
Poor location
Good
Poor angle
Good and poor transducer locations.
Good location
How low should you go?
For most situations, you should install your Skimmer transducer so that its centerline is level with the bottom of the boat hull. This will usually give you the best combination of smooth water flow and protec­tion from bangs and bumps.
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Transom
Transducer
centerline
Hull bottom
Align transducer centerline with hull bottom.
However, there are times when you may need to adjust the transducer slightly higher or lower. (The slots in the mounting brackets allow you to loosen the screws and slide the transducer up or down.) If you fre­quently lose bottom signal lock while running at high speed, the trans­ducer may be coming out of the water as you cross waves or wakes. Move the transducer a little lower to help prevent this.
If you cruise or fish around lots of structure and cover, your transducer may be frequently kicking up from object strikes. If you wish, you may move the transducer a little higher for more protection.
There are two extremes you should avoid. Never let the edge of the mounting bracket extend below the bottom of the hull. Never let the bottom – the face – of the transducer rise above the bottom of the hull.
Shoot-thru-hull vs. Transom Mounting
In a shoot-thru-hull installation, the transducer is bonded to the inside of the hull with epoxy. The sonar "ping" signal actually passes through the hull and into the water. This differs from a bolt-thru-hull installa­tion (often called simply "thru-hull"). In that case, a hole is cut in the hull and a specially designed transducer is mounted through the hull with a threaded shaft and nut. This puts the transducer in direct contact with the water.
Typically, shoot-thru-hull installations give excellent high speed opera­tion and good to excellent depth capability. There is no possibility of transducer damage from floating objects, as there is with a transom­mounted transducer. A transducer mounted inside the hull can't be knocked off when docking or loading on a trailer.
However, the shoot-thru-hull installation does have its drawbacks. First, some loss of sensitivity does occur, even on the best hulls. This varies from hull to hull, even from different installations on the same hull. This is caused by differences in hull lay-up and construction.
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Second, the transducer angle cannot be adjusted for the best fish arches on your sonar display. (This is not an issue for flasher-style sonars.) Lack of angle adjustment can be particularly troublesome on hulls that sit with the bow high when at rest or at slow trolling speeds.
Third, a transducer CAN NOT shoot through wood and metal hulls. Those hulls require either a transom mount or a thru-hull installation.
Fourth, if your Skimmer transducer has a built in temp sensor, it will only show the temperature of the bilge, not the water surface temp.
Follow the testing procedures listed in the shoot-thru-hull installation section at the end of this lesson to determine if you can satisfactorily shoot through the hull.
TRANSOM TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLY AND MOUNTING
The best way to install the transducer is to loosely assemble all of the parts first, place the transducer's bracket against the transom and see if you can move the transducer so that it's parallel with the ground.
1. Assembling the bracket. Press the two small plastic ratchets into the sides of the metal bracket as shown in the following illustration. Notice there are letters molded into each ratchet. Place each ratchet into the bracket with the letter "A" aligned with the dot stamped into the metal bracket. This position sets the transducer's coarse angle adjustment for a 14° transom. Most outboard and stern-drive transoms have a 14° angle.
Dot
Align plastic ratchets in bracket.
2. Aligning the transducer on the transom. Slide the transducer between the two ratchets. Temporarily slide the bolt though the transducer assembly and hold it against the transom. Looking at the transducer from the side, check to see if it will adjust so that its face is parallel to the ground. If it does, then the "A" position is correct for your hull.
If the transducer's face isn't parallel with the ground, remove the transducer and ratchets from the bracket. Place the ratchets into the holes in the bracket with the letter "B" aligned with the dot stamped in the bracket.
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Reassemble the transducer and bracket and place them against the transom. Again, check to see if you can move the transducer so it's parallel with the ground. If you can, then go to step 3. If it doesn't, repeat step 2, but use a different alignment letter until you can place the transducer on the transom correctly.
Ratchets
Insert bolt and check transducer position on transom.
3. Assembling the transducer. Once you determine the correct posi­tion for the ratchets, assemble the transducer as shown in the fol­lowing figure. Don't tighten the lock nut at this time.
Metal
Nut
washer
Rubber washers
Assemble transducer and bracket.
Metal washer
Bolt
4. Drilling mounting holes. Hold the transducer and bracket assembly against the transom. The transducer should be roughly parallel to the ground. The transducer's centerline should be in line with the bottom of the hull. Don't let the bracket extend below the hull!
Mark the center of each slot for the mounting screw pilot holes. You will drill one hole in the center of each slot.
Drill the holes using the #29 bit (for the #10 screws).
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Transom
Flat-bottom hull
Transom
Position transducer mount on transom and mark mounting holes.
Side view shown at left and seen from above at right.
5. Attaching transducer to transom. Remove the transducer from the bracket and re-assemble it with the cable passing through the bracket over the bolt as shown in the following figures.
Route cable over bolt and through bracket. Side view shown at left and
seen from above at right.
Attach the transducer to the transom. Slide the transducer up or down until it's aligned properly with the bottom of the hull as shown in the preceding and following figures. Tighten the bracket's mount­ing screws, sealing them with the sealant/adhesive compound.
Adjust the transducer so that it's parallel to the ground and tighten the nut until it touches the outer washer, then add 1/4 turn. Don't over tighten the lock nut! If you do, the transducer won't "kick-up" if it strikes an object in the water.
Align transducer centerline with hull bottom and attach to transom.
Bottom
of
hull
Deep-"vee" hull
15
6. Route the transducer cable through or over the transom to
Flat washer
the sonar unit. Make sure to leave some slack in the cable at the transducer. If possible, route the transducer cable away from other wiring on the boat. Electrical noise from the engine's wiring, bilge pumps, VHF radio wires and cables, and aerators can be picked up by the sonar. Use caution when routing the transducer cable around these wires.
WARNING:
Clamp the transducer cable to the transom close to the transducer. This can prevent the transducer from enter­ing the boat if it is knocked off at high speed.
If you need to drill a hole in the transom to pass the connector through, the required hole size is 5/8".
Caution:
If you drill a hole in the transom for the cable, make sure it is lo­cated above the waterline. After installation, be sure to seal the hole with the same marine grade above- or below-waterline seal­ant/adhesive used for the mounting screws.
7. Make a test run to determine the results. If the bottom is lost at high speed, or if noise appears on the display, try sliding the trans­ducer bracket down. This puts the transducer deeper into the water, hopefully below the turbulence causing the noise. Don't allow the transducer bracket to go below the bottom of the hull!
TROLLING MOTOR BRACKET INSTALLATION
1. Attach the optional TMB-S bracket to the transducer as shown in the following figure, using the hardware supplied with the transducer. (Note: The internal tooth washer is supplied with the TMB-S.)
Bolt
Attach motor mounting bracket to transducer.
Internal tooth washer
Nut
2. Slide the adjustable strap supplied with the TMB-S through the slot in the transducer bracket and wrap it around the trolling motor. Po­sition the transducer to aim straight down when the motor is in the water. Tighten the strap securely.
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TMB-S bracket
3. Route the transducer cable alongside the trolling motor shaft. Use plastic ties (not included) to attach the transducer cable to the troll­ing motor shaft. Make sure there is enough slack in the cable for the motor to turn freely. Route the cable to the sonar unit and the trans­ducer is ready for use.
Transducer mounted on trolling motor, side view.
TRANSDUCER ORIENTATION AND FISH ARCHES
If you do not get good fish arches on your display, it could be because the transducer is not parallel with the ground when the boat is at rest in the water or at slow trolling speeds.
Transducer aimed
too far back
Full fish arch
Transducer angles and their effects on fish arches.
Partial fish arches
Proper transducer angle
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Transducer aimed
too far forward
If the arch slopes up – but not back down – then the front of the trans­ducer is too high and needs to be lowered. If only the back half of the arch is printed, then the nose of the transducer is angled too far down and needs to be raised.
NOTE:
Periodically wash the transducer's face with soap and water to re­move any oil film. Oil and dirt on the face will reduce the sensitivity or may even prevent operation.
SHOOT-THRU-HULL PREPARATION Hulls With Floatation Materials
The transducer installation inside a fiberglass hull must be in an area that does not have air bubbles in the resin or separated fiberglass lay­ers. The sonar signal must pass through solid fiberglass. A successful transducer installation can be made on hulls with flotation materials (such as plywood, balsa wood or foam) between layers of fiberglass if the material is removed from the chosen area. See the figure below.
WARNING:
Do not remove any material from your inner hull unless you know the hull's composition. Careless grinding or cutting on your hull can result in damage that could sink your boat. Contact your boat dealer or manufacturer to confirm your hull specifications.
Fill with polyester resin
Flotation material
Epoxy to hull first
Epoxy the transducer to a solid portion of the hull.
Inner hull
Outer hull
For example, some (but not all) manufacturers use a layer of fiberglass, then a core of balsa wood, finishing with an outer layer of fiberglass. Removing the inner layer of fiberglass and the balsa wood core exposes the outer layer of fiberglass. The transducer can then be epoxied di­rectly to the outer layer of fiberglass. After the epoxy cures for 24 hours, fill the remaining space with polyester resin. When the job is finished, the hull is watertight and structurally sound. Remember, the sonar signal must pass through solid fiberglass. Any air bubbles in the fiberglass or the epoxy will reduce or eliminate the sonar signals.
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Testing Determines Best Location
Second bottom
True bottom
Ideally, the shoot-thru transducer should be installed as close to the transom as possible, close to the centerline. This will give you the best performance during high speed maneuvers.
Transducer location
(high speed)
Shoot-thru-hull transducer locations for
high speed or trolling speed operation.
Transducer location
(trolling speed)
To choose the proper location for shoot-thru-hull mounting, follow these testing procedures: (You may need a helper to complete these steps.)
1. Anchor the boat in about 30 feet of water. Add a little water to the sump of the boat. Plug the transducer into the sonar unit, turn it on, then hold the transducer over the side of the boat in the water. Adjust the sensitivity and range controls until a second bottom echo is seen on the display. (You'll need to turn off Auto Sensitivity, Auto Depth Range and ASP. Try a range setting that is two to three times the water depth. The harder (more rocky) the bottom, the easier it will be to get a second bottom signal.) Don't touch the controls once they've been set.
Example of a second bottom signal. Unit is in 30 feet of water, with
Manual range setting
range set at 80 feet and sensitivity set at 87 percent.
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2. Next, take the transducer out of the water and place it in the water in the sump of the boat, face down. (The transducer face is shown in the figure on the following page.) Notice how the signal strength de­creases. The second bottom signal will probably disappear and the bot­tom signal intensity will likely decrease.
3. Now move the transducer around to find the best location with the strongest possible bottom signal. If you find a spot with an acceptable bottom signal, mark the location and move on to step 4.
If you can't get an acceptable bottom signal, try turning up the sensi­tivity by three or five keystrokes and then move the transducer around once more. If you find a spot that works, mark it and move on to step 4.
If you have to turn up sensitivity by more than five keystrokes to get a good signal, the transducer should be mounted on the outside of the hull. This is especially true if you have to turn sensitivity all the way up to get a decent bottom signal.
4. Most people can get good results by following steps 1 through 3, so this step is optional. If you want to make an extra effort to be absolutely sure that your selected location will work under all conditions, make a test run with the boat on plane and observe the bottom signal. You'll need to figure some way to prop the transducer into position while you make your test run. (A brick or two might be sufficient to hold it in place.)
5. When you're satisfied with a location, mark it and proceed with the installation.
Shoot-thru-hull Installation
If you are installing the transducer on a hull with floatation material sandwiched within the hull, refer to the text "Hulls With Flotation Ma­terials" beginning on page 18.
1. Make sure the area is clean, dry and free of oil or grease, then sand both the inside surface of the hull and the face of the transducer with 100 grit sandpaper. The sanded hull area should be about 1-1/2 times the diameter of the transducer. The surface of the hull must be flat so the entire transducer face is in contact with the hull prior to bonding. After sanding, clean the hull and transducer with rubbing alcohol to remove any sanding debris.
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Spread epoxy here
Sand this surface
Epoxy transducer to hull.
WARNING:
Use only the epoxy available from LEI. It has been for- mulated to work with these installation procedures. Other epoxy types may be too thin or may not cure to the right consistency for optimum transducer performance.
2. The epoxy consists of the epoxy itself and a hardener. Remove the two compounds from the package and place them on the paper plate.
Thoroughly stir the two compounds together until the mixture has a uniform color and consistency. Do not mix too fast or bubbles will form in the epoxy. After mixing, you have 20 minutes to complete the installation before the epoxy becomes unworkable.
Spread a thin layer of epoxy (about 1/16" or 1.5 mm thick) on the face of the transducer as shown in the previous figure. Make sure there are no air pockets in the epoxy layer! Then, apply the remaining ep­oxy to the sanded area on the hull.
3. Press the transducer into the epoxy, twisting and turning it to force any air bubbles out from under the transducer face. Stop pressing when you bottom out on the hull. When you're finished, the face of the transducer should be parallel with the hull, with a minimum amount of epoxy between the hull and transducer.
4. Apply a weight, such as a brick, to hold the transducer in place while the epoxy cures. Be careful not to bump the transducer while the ep­oxy is wet. Leave the weight in place for a minimum of three hours. Allow the epoxy to cure for 24 hours before moving the boat.
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5. After the epoxy has cured, route the cable to the sonar unit and it's
for saltw
a
ter installations
ready to use.
POWER AND CABLE CONNECTIONS
The unit works from a 12-volt battery system. For the best results, at­tach the power cable directly to the battery. You can attach the power cable to an accessory or power buss, however you may have problems with electrical interference. Therefore, it's safer to go ahead and attach the power cable directly to the battery.
CAUTION:
When using the unit in a saltwater environment, we strongly rec­ommend that you shut off the power supply to the power cable when the unit is not in use. When the unit is turned off but still connected to a power supply, electrolysis can occur in the power cable plug. This may result in corrosion of the plug body along with the electri­cal contacts in the cable and the unit's power socket.
In saltwater environments we recommend you connect the power cable to the auxiliary power switch included in most boat designs. If that results in electrical interference, or if such a switch is not available, we recommend connecting direct to the battery and in­stalling an inline switch. This will let you shut off power to the power cable when the unit is not in use. When you are not using the unit, you should always shut off power to the power cable, es­pecially when the power cable is disconnected from the unit.
To unit
Black wire
Power and transducer connections for the M68 sonar
units (direct battery connection shown).
Optional power off switch
12 volt
battery
Red wire with 3 amp fuse
If possible, keep the power cable away from other boat wiring, espe­cially the engine's wires. This will provide the best isolation from elec­trical noise. If the cable is not long enough, splice #18 gauge wire onto it. The power cable has two wires, red and black. Red is the positive
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