Lowrance electronic X58DF, X51 User Manual

www.lowrance.com
Pub. 988-0105-951
X51 and X58DF
Fish-finding & Depth Sounding Sonars
Installation and Operation
Instructions
Copyright © 2002 Lowrance Electronics, Inc.
All rights reserved.
®
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
Introduction .................................................................................. 1
Capabilities and Specifications: X51 and X58DF........................ 1
Installation.................................................................................. 2
Transducer Installation................................................................ 2
Recommended Tools and Supplies ........................................... 3
Selecting a Transducer Location.............................................. 3
Shoot-Thru-Hull vs. Transom Mounting ................................. 5
Transom Transducer Assembly and Mounting .......................5
Trolling Motor Installation (Single-Frequency only) ............ 11
Shoot-Thru-Hull Preparation and Installation ..................... 12
Speed/Temperature Sensors....................................................... 15
Speed Sensor Installation....................................................... 17
Power Connections...................................................................... 18
Mounting the Sonar Unit: In-Dash, Bracket or Portable .........19
In-Dash Installation ............................................................... 19
Bracket Installation................................................................ 20
Portable Sonar Installation .................................................... 21
Operation and Features......................................................... 23
Keyboard Basics.......................................................................... 23
Turn On and Off...................................................................... 23
Menus .......................................................................................... 24
Display – Opening Screen ..........................................................25
Chart Scroll (Stopping and Starting)......................................... 25
Screen Display Modes or Pages.................................................. 26
Full Chart................................................................................ 26
Split Chart............................................................................... 27
Dual-Frequency Split Chart (X58DF only)............................ 28
Lrg Digital (Large Digital) ..................................................... 29
Flasher..................................................................................... 29
Range........................................................................................... 30
Range - Upper and Lower Limits............................................... 30
Zoom ............................................................................................31
Sensitivity ...................................................................................33
Grayline
Fish I.D. ................................................................................... 36
FishTrack................................................................................. 37
FishReveal............................................................................... 38
Chart Scroll Speed and HyperScroll....................................... 39
Noise Reject and ASP (Advanced Signal Processing) ............ 40
Alarms ......................................................................................... 41
.................................................................................... 35
Fish Alarm............................................................................... 41
Shallow and Deep Alarms ......................................................42
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System Setup ............................................................................ 44
Backlights................................................................................ 44
Display Contrast ..................................................................... 44
Depth Units of Measure.......................................................... 45
Temperature Units of Measure .............................................. 46
Speed and Distance Log Units of Measure............................ 46
Reset Distance Log.................................................................. 47
Preset Unit (Reset All Options).............................................. 47
System Info.............................................................................. 48
Simulator................................................................................. 48
Chart Setup............................................................................... 49
Limit Search............................................................................ 49
Frequency (Change Transducer Frequency – X58DF only).. 50
Digital Data Size for Depth,
Temperature, Speed, and Distance Log................................. 51
Scales ....................................................................................... 52
Chart Mode (see FishReveal) ..................................................... 38
Troubleshooting ..........................................................................53
Warranty and Service Information............................................ 57
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Introduction
Thank you for buying a Lowrance sonar! Your unit is a high-quality sonar designed for both professional and novice fishermen. All Lowrance sonars have an automatic mode that finds and displays the bottom, fish, underwater structure and more – right out of the box. All you have to do is press the on (
PWR
) key.
However, if you want to fine-tune your unit, press the The X51 and X58DF have several powerful features you can control by scrolling through easy-to-use menus with the arrow and menu keys.
To get started with your Lowrance sonar, first read the installation sec­tion. It contains instructions for mounting the sonar unit, the trans­ducer and any optional accessories, such as a speed sensor.
Following recommended installation practices will pay off in optimum performance of your Lowrance sonar. Improper installation can cause problems down the road, especially if the transducer is badly mounted.
After you've read the installation instructions, install the unit and ac­cessories. Then, read the rest of the manual. The more you know about your sonar, the better it will work for you.
Take advantage of the Simulator feature. It allows you to practice oper­ating your sonar before you get it in the water. And when you finally head for your favorite fishing hole, take this manual along for reference.
MENU UP
key.
Capabilities and Specifications: X51 and X58DF
General
Case size:......................... 5.2" H x 5.4" W x 2.6" D (13.2 cm H x 13.6 cm
W x 6.6 cm D) sealed, waterproof; suitable for saltwater use.
Display:............................ High-contrast Film SuperTwist LCD; 4.0"
(10.2 cm) diagonal viewing area.
Resolution:...................... 240 pixels (vert.) x 160 pixel (horiz.) resolu-
tion; 38,400 total pixels
Backlighting:.................. Backlit screen and keypad for night use.
Input power:................... 10 to 17 volts DC.
Current drain: ............... 300 ma lights off; 400 ma lights on.
Back-up memory: .......... Built-in memory stores sonar settings when
unit is turned off.
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Sonar
Frequency:...................... 200 kHz (or 50/200 kHz – X58DF only).
Transducers: .................. A dual-frequency Skimmer
transducer comes packed with the X58DF. It has 35°/12° cone angles. Single frequency models for X51 with a 20° cone angle are sold separately. Both models offer a wide fish detection area of up to 60º with high sensitivity settings.
Transmitter: ................... 1500 watts peak-to-peak power (typical); 188
watts RMS power (typical).
Sonar sounding
depth capability: ........... 800 feet (244 meters) at 200 kHz; 1500 feet
(450 meters) at 50 kHz (X58DF only). Actual capability depends 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 digital readout.
Audible alarms: ............. Deep/shallow/fish.
Automatic ranging:....... Yes, with instant screen updates.
Zoom bottom track: ...... Yes.
Split-screen zoom:......... Yes.
Surface water temp: ..... Yes, with optional external temperature sen-
sor, combo speed/temp sensor or transducer with built-in temp.
Speed/distance log: ....... Yes, with optional speed sensor or combo
speed/temp sensor.
Key features: FishReveal; HyperScroll; Grayline
; ASP; Fish I.D.
symbols; FishTrack; full one-year warranty.
NOTICE!
The storage temperature for your unit is from -4 degrees to +167 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees to +75 degrees Celsius). Extended storage 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 inside the manual's back cover.
Transducer Installation
These instructions will help you install your Skimmer transom, on a trolling motor or inside a hull. These instructions cover
2
transducer on a
both single- and dual-frequency Skimmer transducers. Please read all instructions before proceeding with any installation.
The smaller single-frequency Skimmers typically use a one-piece, stainless steel mounting bracket. The larger dual-frequency Skimmers typically use a two-piece, plastic mounting bracket. The trolling motor mount uses a one-piece plastic bracket with an adjustable strap.
These are all "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 mounting positions is right for your boat. Use extreme care if mounting the transducer inside the hull, because once it is epoxied into position, the transducer usually cannot be removed.
Remember, the transducer 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 1" drill bit. A transom mount requires use of a high quality, marine grade above- or below-waterline caulking compound. The fol­lowing installation types also call for these recommended tools and re­quired supplies (supplies are not included):
Single-frequency transom installations
Tools include: two adjustable wrenches, drill, #29 (0.136") drill bit, flat­head screwdriver. Supplies: none.
Dual-frequency transom installations
Tools: two adjustable wrenches, drill, #20 (0.161") drill bit, flat-head screwdriver. Supplies: four, 1" long, #12 stainless steel slotted wood screws.
Single-frequency 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. Supplies: 100 grit sandpaper, good quality epoxy adhesive.
Selecting a Transducer Location
1. The transducer must be placed in a location that has a smooth flow of water at all times. If the transducer is to be mounted inside the hull,
3
then the chosen location must be in the 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 location on alumi­num boats is between the ribs closest to the engine.
2. The transducer should be installed with its face pointing straight down, if possible.
3. 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.
4. 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 prevent the transducer from entering the boat if it is knocked off at high speed.
Good location
Poor location
Good location
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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Transducer centerline
Align transducer centerline with hull bottom.
Transom
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
Typically, shoot-thru-hull installations give excellent high speed opera­tion and good to excellent depth capability. There is no possibility of damage from floating objects. It can't be knocked off when docking or loading on the 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.
Second, the transducer angle cannot be adjusted for the best fish arches. This can be a problem on some hulls that sit with the bow high when at rest or at slow trolling speeds. Follow the procedure 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 these transducers 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.
5
The following instructions sometimes vary depending on the mounting bracket that came with your transducer. Single frequency Skimmers come with a one-piece stainless steel bracket, while dual frequency Skimmers come with a two-piece plastic mounting bracket. Use the set of instructions that fits your model.
1. Assembling the bracket. A. One-piece 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.
B. Two-piece bracket: Locate the four plastic ratchets in the trans­ducer's hardware package. Press two ratchets into the sides of the plas­tic bracket and two on either side of the transducer as shown in the fol­lowing illustrations. Notice there are letters molded into each ratchet.
Place the ratchets into the bracket with the letter "A" aligned with the alignment mark molded into the bracket. Place the ratchets onto the transducer with the letter "A" aligned with the 12 o'clock position on the transducer stem. These positions set the transducer's coarse angle adjustment for a 14° transom. Most outboard and stern-drive tran­soms have a 14° angle.
Alignment letters
Alignment
positions
Transducer
Transducer bracket
Insert and align ratchets.
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Transducer
bracket
Transducer
Ratchet
Add ratchets to bracket and transducer.
Ratchet
2. Aligning the transducer on the transom. A. One-piece bracket: Slide the transducer between the two ratch-
ets. 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.
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 3A. If it doesn't, repeat step 2A, 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.
7
B. Two-piece bracket: Assemble the transducer and bracket as shown in the following figure. Temporarily slide the bolt though the transducer assembly but don't tighten the nut at this time. Hold the assembled transducer and bracket 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" positions are correct for your hull.
If the transducer's face isn't parallel with the ground, remove and disassemble the transducer and ratchets. Place the ratchets into the bracket holes with the letter "B" aligned with the bracket alignment mark. Place them on the transducer aligned with the 12 o'clock posi­tion on the transducer stem.
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 3B. If it doesn't, repeat step 2B, but use a different alignment letter until you can place the transducer on the transom correctly.
Bolt
Flat washer
Assemble transducer and bracket.
Lock washer
Nut
Flat washer
3. Assembling the transducer. A. One-piece bracket: 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
Rubber washers
Assemble transducer and bracket.
washer
Metal washer
Bolt
8
B. Two-piece bracket: Once you determine the correct position for the ratchets, assemble the transducer as shown in the figure in step 2B. Don't tighten the lock nut at this time.
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. For the one-piece bracket, use the #29 bit (for the #10 screws). For the two-piece bracket, use the #20 bit (for the #12 screws).
Transom
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. A. One-piece bracket: 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.
For single frequency Skimmer, route cable over bolt and through
bracket. Side view shown at left and seen from above at right.
9
Both bracket types: 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 caulking 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.
Bottom
of
hull
Flat-bottom hull Deep-"vee" hull
Align transducer centerline with hull bottom and attach transducer to
transom. Rear view of dual frequency Skimmer shown.
6. Route the transducer cable through or over the transom to 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 be 1".
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 used for the mounting screws.
10
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 (single-frequency only)
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.)
TMB-S bracket
Bolt
Internal tooth washer
Nut
Flat washer
Attach motor mounting bracket to transducer.
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.
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.
11
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.
Partial fish arches
Transducer aimed
too far back
Transducer aimed
too far forward
Full fish arch
Proper transducer angle
Transducer angles and their effects on fish arches.
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
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
12
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.
Fill with epoxy
Flotation material
Inner hull
Epoxy to hull first
Epoxy the transducer to a solid portion of the 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, 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.
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.
To choose the proper location for thru-hull mounting, anchor the boat in 60 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. Adjust the sensitivity and range controls until a sec­ond bottom echo is seen on the display. (You will need to turn off both automatic and ASP.) Don't touch the controls once they've been set.
Next, take the transducer out of the water and place it in the water in the sump of the boat. Observe the sonar signal to see if there is a no­ticeable decrease in sensitivity. The second bottom signal may disap­pear and the bottom signal may decrease in intensity.
Move the transducer around to find the best location. If the sensitivity control must be increased greatly to compensate, then the transducer should be mounted on the outside of the hull. If not, then mark the lo-
13
cation that shot through the hull the best and follow the instructions on the following pages for a shoot-thru-hull mounting.
Transducer location
(high speed)
Shoot-thru-hull transducer locations for
high speed or trolling speed operation.
Transducer location
(trolling speed)
Shoot-thru-hull Installation
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 surface of the hull must be flat so the entire transducer face is in contact with the hull prior to bonding.
Spread epoxy here
Sand this surface
Epoxy transducer to hull.
2. Follow the instructions on the epoxy package and mix it thoroughly. Do not mix it too fast, because it will cause bubbles to form in the ep­oxy. Apply a small amount on the face of the transducer as shown above, then spread a small amount onto the sanded area on the hull.
14
Place the transducer into the epoxy, twisting and turning it to force any air bubbles out from under the transducer face. The face of the transducer should be parallel with the hull, with a minimum amount of epoxy between the hull and transducer. After the epoxy dries, route the cable to the sonar unit.
Speed/Temperature Sensors
The X51 and X58DF can accept as many as two temperature sensors, which can be used to monitor the temperature of surface water, a live well or some other location. These units can also accept an optional speed sensor for showing speed and distance traveled.
The X58DF is packed with a speed sensor and a transducer containing a built-in temp sensor. If you want a second temp reading, you will need either an external temp sensor or a combination speed/temp sen­sor. See the Accessory Ordering Information in the back of this manual.
If a second temp sensor is used, it must be the model TS-2X. This model has a fixed electronic "address" which designates it as the second of two temp sensors. Dual temperatures are only displayed on the Full Chart page. The Large Digital page will only display the primary temperature sensor.
Primary temp sensor built into transducer
TS-2X secondary external temp sensor shown as T2
Full Chart page showing dual temperature display.
Using any additional sensors also requires use of the MY-4X adapter cable. See the following charts for sample sensor combinations and ca­ble connections.
15
MY-4X Cable
X51 or X58DF rear view
Temperature sensor built into transducer
SP-X speed-only sensor
X51 or X58DF with external speed sensor.
A temperature sensor is built into the transducer.
X51 or X58DF rear view
Transducer with no temperature sensor
MY-4X Cable
X51 using a transducer without built-in temperature sensor.
In this example, an external temperature sensor is used.
TS-1X temperature sensor
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