Lowrance electronic X96 User Manual

www.lowrance.com

Pub. 988-0151-401

X96 & X96TX

Fish-finding & Depth Sounding Sonar

Installation and Operation

Instructions

No part of this manual may be copied, reproduced, republished, transmitted or distributed for any purpose, without prior written consent of Lowrance Electronics. Any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual is strictly prohibited.

Lowrance

is a registered trademark of Lowrance Electronics, 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. On the cover: X96 shown.

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

Section 1: Read Me First!......................................................... 1

Capabilities and Specifications: X96 & X96TX ...........................2

How Sonar Works ......................................................................... 3

How to use this manual: typographical conventions .................. 3

Arrow Keys................................................................................ 4

Keyboard ................................................................................... 4

Menu Commands ...................................................................... 4

Instructions = Menu Sequences ............................................... 4

Section 2: Installation & Accessories.................................... 5

Preparations.................................................................................. 5

Transducer Installation................................................................ 5

Recommended Tools and supplies............................................ 6

Single-frequency transom installations ............................... 6

Single-frequency trolling motor installations...................... 6

Shoot-through hull installations .......................................... 6

Selecting a Transducer Location.............................................. 6

How low should you go?............................................................ 7

Shoot-thru-hull vs. Transom Mounting ................................... 8

Shoot-thru-hull Installation ................................................... 17

Speed/Temperature Sensors................................................. 18

Optional Speed Sensor Installation ....................................... 20

Power Connections...................................................................... 21

Mounting the Unit: Bracket, In-Dash or Portable .................... 22

Bracket Installation................................................................ 23

In-Dash Installation ............................................................... 25

Portable Installation............................................................... 25

Section 3: Basic Sonar Operation ........................................ 27

Keyboard .....................................................................................27

Power/lights on and off ............................................................... 28

Main Menu .................................................................................. 28

Pages ........................................................................................... 29

Sonar Pages............................................................................. 30

Basic Sonar Quick Reference ..................................................... 33

Sonar Operations ........................................................................ 34

Fish Symbols vs. Full Sonar Chart ........................................ 36

Other Free Training Aids ....................................................... 37

Section 4: Options & Features.............................................. 39

ASP (Advanced Signal Processing) ..................................... 39

To change the ASP level: ........................................................ 39

Alarms ......................................................................................... 40

Depth Alarms .......................................................................... 40

To adjust and turn on the shallow alarm: ......................... 40

To adjust and turn on the deep alarm: .............................. 41

Zone Alarm .............................................................................. 41

To adjust and turn on the zone alarm:............................... 41

Fish Alarm............................................................................... 42

To turn on the fish alarm:................................................... 42

Brightness ................................................................................... 42

Calibrate Speed........................................................................... 43

Chart Speed................................................................................. 43

Contrast....................................................................................... 44

Depth Cursor............................................................................... 44

Depth Range - Automatic ........................................................... 45

Depth Range - Manual ............................................................... 46

To switch to Manual Depth Range:.................................... 46

To turn Auto Depth Range on again: ................................. 46

FasTrack .................................................................................. 46

Fish I.D. (Fish Symbols & Depths) ......................................... 47

To turn the Fish I.D. feature on: ............................................ 48

FishTrack ................................................................................. 48

To turn on FishTrack:............................................................. 49

FishReveal ............................................................................... 49

To turn FishReveal on: ...........................................................50

Grayline



..................................................................................... 51

To adjust the Grayline level: .................................................. 51

HyperScroll .............................................................................. 53

Noise Rejection............................................................................ 53

Overlay Data ............................................................................... 53

To turn off displayed data:.................................................. 54

To change displayed overlay data size: .............................. 54

Ping Speed & HyperScroll....................................................... 55

To change Ping Speed: ............................................................ 56

To adjust Sensitivity:.............................................................. 56

To turn off HyperScroll:.......................................................... 56

Pop-up Help................................................................................. 56

Reset Options .............................................................................. 57

Reset Water Distance ................................................................. 58

Screen Contrast and Brightness ................................................ 58

Once in the Screen menu:.................................................... 58

Sensitivity & Auto Sensitivity.................................................... 59

Automatic Sensitivity ............................................................. 60

To turn Auto Sensitivity back on: ..........................................61

Set Keel Offset ............................................................................61

Set Language .............................................................................. 62

Software Version Information.................................................... 62

Sonar Chart Mode....................................................................... 63

To change the chart mode scheme: ........................................ 63

Sonar Chart Display Options ..................................................... 63

Full Sonar Chart ..................................................................... 64

Digital Data/Chart .................................................................. 65

Customizing the Digital Data Screen ................................ 65

Sonar Simulator.......................................................................... 66

Stop Chart ................................................................................... 67

Surface Clarity............................................................................ 68

To adjust the Surface Clarity level: ....................................... 68

Units of Measure......................................................................... 69

Zoom & Zoom Bar ....................................................................... 70

Section 5: Troubleshooting ...................................................71

iii

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!

Section 1: Read Me First!

How this manual can get you out on the water, fast!

Welcome to the exciting world of digital sonar! We know you're anxious to begin finding fish, but we have a favor to ask. Before you grab your unit and begin installing it, please give us a moment to explain how our manual can help you get the best performance from your compact, wide-screen, fish finder.

First, we want to thank you for buying a Lowrance sonar. Whether you are a first time user or a professional fisherman, you'll discover your unit is easy to use, yet capable of handling demanding sonar tasks. You won't find another sonar unit with this much power and this many features for this price!

Our goal for this book is to get you on the water fast. Like you, we would 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 is a concept you are 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 6 sections. This first section is an introduction to the sonar unit. It tells you the basics you need to know before you can make the unit look below the surface to find some fish.

Section 2 will help you install your unit and the transducer. 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 run your sonar, right out of the box. This section features a one-page Sonar Quick Reference. (If you've already jumped ahead and

figured out how to install the unit yourself, and you just can't wait any longer, turn to the Quick Reference on page 33 and head for the water with your sonar 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 encounter a sonar menu command on the unit's screen, you can look it up in the manual by skimming over the table of contents, flipping through Section 3 or scanning through the sonar options in Section 4.

If you're having difficulty with your sonar, you can find an answer to the most common problems in Section 5, Sonar Troubleshooting.

Finally, in Section 6, we offer Supplemental Material, including a list of warranty and customer service information.

Now, if you are into the fine details, glance over the next segment on specifications to see just how much sonar 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, skip ahead to page 3 for important information on how sonar works.

Capabilities and Specifications: X96 & X96TX

General

Display:............................ 5.0" (12.7 cm) diagonal high contrast Film

SuperTwist; programmable to viewing preference.

Resolution:...................... 320 pixel x 320 pixel resolution; 102,400 total

pixels.

Backlighting: ……………Incandescent backlit screen with multiple

lighting levels; backlit keypad

Input power:................... 10 to 15 volts DC.

Case size:......................... 5.4" H x 6.9" W x 3.4" D (13.8 x 17.6 x 8.6

cm); sealed and waterproof; suitable for saltwater use.

Back-up memory: .......... Built-in memory stores sonar records for

decades.

Languages:...................... 10; menu languages selectable by user.

Sonar

Frequency:...................... 200 kHz

Transducers: .................. A Skimmer



transducer comes packed with

your sonar unit with a 20° cone angle.

Watts: ............................... 1,500 peak-to-peak power/375 RMS power.

Sonar sounding

depth capability: ........... 800 feet (243 meters). 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 display.

Audible alarms: ............. Deep/shallow/fish/zone.

Automatic ranging:....... Yes, with instant screen updates.

Zoom bottom track: ...... Yes.

Split-screen zoom:......... Yes.

Surface water temp: ..... Yes.

Speed/distance log: ....... Optional (requires optional speed sensor).

NOTICE!

The storage temperature range 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 listed on the last page.

How Sonar Works

Sonar has been around since the 1940s, so if you already know how it works, skip ahead to the next segment on the typographical conventions used in this manual. But, if you've never owned a sonar fish finder, this segment will tell you the under water basics.

Sonar is an abbreviation for SOund NA technology developed during World War II for tracking enemy submarines. 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 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.

vigation and Ranging, a

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 a horizontal line depth cursor on the sonar screen. The arrow keys also 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:

DEPTH CURSOR. 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 data type.

Instructions = Menu Sequences

Most functions you perform with the sonar 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 turning on the Fish ID feature would look like this:

1. From the Sonar Page, press

2. Press → or → ↓ to

FISH ID SYMBOLS|ENT|EXIT|EXIT.

MENU|↓ to SONAR FEATURES|ENT.

Translated into complete English, step 1 above would mean: "Start on the Sonar Page. Press the Menu key then repeatedly press (or press and hold) the down arrow key to scroll down the menu and select (highlight) the Sonar Features menu command. Then press the Enter key."

Step 2 would mean: "Press the right arrow or press the right arrow key followed by the down arrow key to select (highlight) the Fish ID symbols command. Next, press the Enter key, then press the Exit key twice."

Section 2:

Installation & Accessories

Preparations

You can install the sonar system 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 vessel!

1. Determine the approximate location for the sonar unit, so you can plan how and where to route the cables for the transducer and power. 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 unit.

5. Install the power cable and route it to the sonar unit.

6. Mount the sonar unit.

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.

Skimmers typically use a one-piece, stainless steel 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 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 can not be removed.

transducer on a

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 5/8" 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.

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, 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

location

Transom

cente

line

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

Poor angle

Good and poor transducer locations.

Good location

How low should you go?

For most situations, you should install your transducer so 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.

Transducer

Hull bottom

Align transducer centerline with hull bottom.

There, however, 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 want, 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 and it can not be knocked off when docking or when loading the boat on the trailer.

The shoot-thru-hull installation, however, 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.

The following instructions sometimes vary depending on the mounting bracket that came with your transducer. Skimmers come with a onepiece stainless steel 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 z14° 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.

Trans

ducer

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

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.

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.

B. Two-piece bracket: Assemble the transducer and bracket as shown

Flat washer

in the following figure. Temporarily slide the bolt though the transducer assembly but do not 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 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

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

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

Position transducer mount on transom and mark mounting holes.

Side view shown (left) and seen from above (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.

Route cable over bolt and through bracket. Side view shown (left) and

seen from above (right).

Both bracket types: Attach the transducer to the transom. Slide the

Flat-bottom hull

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

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 will be 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 used for the mounting screws.

7. Make a test run to determine the results. If the bottom is lost at

Flat washer

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.)

TMB-S bracket

Bolt

Internal tooth washer

Nut

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.

TRANSDUCER ORIENTATION AND FISH ARCHES

If you do not get good fish arches on your display, there is a good possibility 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 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 selected 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 location that gave you the best sonar returns and read through the instructions on the following pages for 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.

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

This unit 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. You, however, can only use one accessory at a time. If you would like to use a speed sensor and a second temperature sensor at the same time, you will need a combination device.

NOTE:

The X-96 is packed with a transducer containing a built-in temp sensor. If you want a speed sensor or additional 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-2U. 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.

See the following wiring diagram for temperature and speed sensor combinations.

Sonar unit rear view

T2-U temp sensor

Power/transducer cable.

Sonar unit with secondary temperature sensor. Primary temp sensor

Power/transducer cable.

Temp sensor built into transducer

is built into the transducer.

Sonar unit rear view

SP-U speed sensor or combo speed/ temp sensor.

Temp sensor built into transducer

Sonar unit with external speed sensor or combo speed/temp sensor.

The primary temperature sensor is built into the transducer.

Optional Speed Sensor Installation

If you wish to purchase an optional speed sensor for your unit, refer to the accessory ordering information inside the back cover of this manual. The following instructions describe how to install the speed sensor.

Recommended tools for this job include: drill, 5/8" drill bit, 1/8" drill bit for pilot holes, screwdriver. Required supplies for this job include: four #8 stainless steel wood screws (3/4" long), high quality, marine grade aboveor below-waterline caulking compound.

First find a location on the boat's transom where the water flow is smoothest. Don't mount the sensor behind strakes or ribs. These will disturb the water flow to the speed sensor. Make sure the sensor will remain in the water when the boat is on plane. Also make sure the location doesn't interfere with the boat's trailer. Typically, the sensor is mounted about one foot to the side of the transom's centerline.

Once you've determined the proper location for the unit, place the sensor on the transom. The bottom of the bracket should be flush with the hull's bottom. Using the sensor as a template, mark the hull for the screws' pilot holes. Drill four 1/8" holes, one in each end of the slots.

Mount the sensor to the hull using #8 stainless steel wood screws (not included). Use a high quality, marine grade above- or below-waterline caulking compound to seal the screws. Make sure the sensor is flush with the bottom of the hull and tighten the screws.

Good location

Stern view showing good location for mounting sensor on transom.

Transom

Bottom of hull

Speed sensor mounting: side view (left) and rear view (right.)

Bottom of hull

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