Raymarine DSM250 User Manual

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DSM250

Digital Sounder Module

Owner’s Handbook

Document number: 81211_1 Date: December 2002

DSM250 Digital Sounder Module iii

DSM250 Digital Sounder Module Owner’s Handbook

December 2002

Intended Use

Raymarine DSM250 Digital Sounder Modules provide echo sounder data that can be displayed on Raymarine PLUS Radar, Chartplotter, or Fishfinder display units. DSM250 Digital Sounder Modules are intended for recreational depth finding and fishfinding purposes.

SAFETY NOTICES

This equipment must be installed and operated in accordance with the instructions contained in this manual. Failure to do so can result in personal injury and/or navigational inaccuracies. In particular:

HIGH VOLTAGE. The DSM250 contains high voltages. Adjustments require specialized service procedures and tools only available to qualified service technicians – there are no user serviceable parts or adjustments. The operator should never

remove the cover or attempt to service the equipment.

CAUTION:

Removing the transducer cable from the rear of the DSM250 while the sounder module is powered on can cause sparks. Only remove the transducer cable after power has been removed from the DSM250. As with any electronic device, be sure the sounder module is mounted where it is well ventilated and free from gasoline fumes.

If the transducer cable is accidentally removed while the DSM250 is powered on, remove power from the sounder module, replace the transducer cable, and then return power to the module. As a safety feature, the DSM250 only recognizes that the transducer is connected at power-up.

iv DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

EMC Conformance

All Raymarine equipment and accessories are designed to the best industry standards for use in the recreational marine environment.

The design and manufacture of Raymarine equipment and accessories conform to the appropriate Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards, but correct installation is required to ensure that performance is not compromised.

Preface

This handbook describes the Raymarine DSM250 Digital Sounder Module (200/50 kHz).

This device must be connected to an ter, or Fishfinder display unit to show echo sounder data. The DSM250 will not work with older HSB (non-PLUS) displays.

Note: Older HSB (non-PLUS) display units must be upgraded to before they can function with the DSM250.

Echo sounder systems require an appropriate Raymarine transducer unit and inter-connecting cable. Details for selecting and installing the transducer are described in document number 81196, Transducers for Fishfinders Owner’s Handbook.

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PLUS Radar, Chartplot-

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This handbook contains very important information on the installation and operation of your new equipment. In order to obtain the best results in operation and performance, please read this handbook thoroughly.

Raymarine’s Technical Services representatives or your local dealer will be available to answer any questions you may have.

Conventions

Raymarine echo sounding (sonar) devices with integrated displays are known as Fishfinders. In this document, the DSM250— which does not have its own display—is alternatively called a Digital Sounder Module, Sounder, or just Module. The DSM250’s image data can be viewed on a display unit when that display is in Sonar Mode.

DSM250 Digital Sounder Module v

Throughout this handbook, the dedicated (labelled) keys are shown in bold capitals; for example, MENU. The soft key functions, menu names and options are shown in normal capitals; for example, SCREEN.

Operating procedures, which may consist of a single key-press or a sequence of numbered steps, are indicated by a ➤ symbol in the margin. When the procedure requires you to press a soft key, the soft key icon is shown in the margin.

Technical Accuracy

The technical and graphical information contained in this handbook, to the best of our knowledge, was correct as it went to press. However, the Raymarine policy of continuous improvement and updating may change product specifications without prior notice. As a result, unavoidable differences between the product and handbook may occur from time to time, for which liability cannot be accepted by Raymarine.

Warranty

To register your DSM250 Digital Sounder Module ownership, please take a few minutes to fill out the warranty registration card found at the end of this handbook. It is very important that you complete the owner information and return the card to the factory in order to receive full warranty benefits.

Raymarine Products and Services

Raymarine products are supported by a network of Authorized Service Representatives. For information on Raymarine products and services, contact either of the following:

United States Raymarine, Inc.

22 Cotton Road, Unit D Nashua, NH 03063-4219 USA Telephone:1-603-881-5200

1-800-539-5539

Fax: 1-603-864-4756

vi DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

Europe Raymarine Ltd

Anchorage Park Portsmouth, Hampshire England PO3 5TD Telephone: +44 (0) 23 9269 3611 Fax: +44 (0) 23 9269 4642

Or, you may contact us on the World Wide Web at:

www.raymarine.com

This product contains technology provided under license by Acorn Group plc. The copyright of this intellectual property is acknowledged by Raymarine, Inc. as are Acorn’s trademarks and patents. Acorn’s world wide web address is www.acorn.com.

Raymarine is a registered trademark of Raymarine Limited. SeaTalk is a registered trademark of Raymarine Limited.

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is a trademark of Raymarine Limited.

Pathfinder PLUS is a trademark of Raymarine Limited.

DSM250 Digital Sounder Module vii

SAFETY NOTICES ........................................................iii

EMC Conformance .......................................................... iv

Warranty ............................................................................ v

Raymarine Products and Services ..................................... v

Chapter 1: Overview .................................................................. 1-1

1.1 Introduction .......................................................... 1-1

How to Use This Handbook ...........................................1-2

What's New ....................................................................1-3

General ...........................................................................1-4

Sonar Mode Display Features ........................................1-5

1.2 Sonar Mode Display ............................................. 1-5

Operating Modes ...........................................................1-7

Sonar Options ................................................................1-8

Sounder Functions .........................................................1-9

Chapter 2: Installation .............................................................. 2-1

2.1 Introduction .......................................................... 2-1

Planning the Installation ................................................ 2-2

EMC Installation Guidelines .........................................2-2

2.2 Unpacking and Inspecting the Components ......... 2-4

2.3 Selecting the Equipment Location ........................ 2-4

Sounder Module Mounting Location ............................2-4

2.4 Cable Runs ............................................................ 2-5

2.5 Mounting the Sounder Module ............................. 2-8

2.6 System Connections ............................................. 2-9

DC Power Connection .................................................2-10

Ground Connection ......................................................2-11

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Connection ............................................................2-12

Transducer Connection ................................................2-13

viii DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

EMC Conformance ......................................................2-15

Chapter 3: Getting Started ....................................................... 3-1

3.1 Introduction ...........................................................3-1

3.2 Powering on the Sounder Module ......................... 3-1

Status LED .....................................................................3-1

3.3 Updating Software on the Display Unit ................3-2

3.4 Selecting Repeater Mode ......................................3-2

3.5 Selecting Sonar Mode ...........................................3-3

3.6 Simulator Mode .....................................................3-5

Viewing Simulator Data .................................................3-6

Chapter 4: System Setup ........................................................... 4-1

4.1 Introduction ...........................................................4-1

4.2 Changing the Set Up Parameters ...........................4-1

4.3 System Set Up Parameters ....................................4-3

Data Boxes .....................................................................4-5

Bearing Mode .................................................................4-6

Cursor Reference ...........................................................4-6

Cursor Readout ..............................................................4-6

Day/Night ......................................................................4-6

Help ................................................................................4-7

Soft Keys ........................................................................4-7

Key Beep ........................................................................4-7

MOB Data ......................................................................4-7

Autopilot Pop Up ...........................................................4-7

Menu Timeout Period ....................................................4-7

Units ...............................................................................4-8

Variation Source .............................................................4-8

Bridge NMEA Heading .................................................4-9

NMEA-Out Set Up ........................................................4-9

Cursor Echo .................................................................4-11

DSM250 Digital Sounder Module ix

Date and Time Settings ................................................4-11

GPS SOG/COG Filter ..................................................4-12

Compass Set Up ...........................................................4-12

Language ......................................................................4-12

Simulator ......................................................................4-12

4.4 Sonar Set Up Parameters ..................................... 4-13

Target Depth ID ............................................................4-14

Color Bar ......................................................................4-14

Depth Digit Size ...........................................................4-14

Sonar HSB Mode .........................................................4-14

Depth Offset .................................................................4-15

Speed Calibrate ............................................................4-16

Temperature Calibrate .................................................4-16

Sonar History ...............................................................4-16

Sonar Interference Rejection .......................................4-16

Sonar Simulator ...........................................................4-17

Version/Serial Numbers ...............................................4-17

Chapter 5: Basic Display Controls ............................................ 5-1

5.1 Introduction .......................................................... 5-1

Simulator ........................................................................5-1

5.2 Setting Color and Brightness ................................ 5-1

Lighting and Contrast (Monochrome Displays) ............5-1

Brightness and Color Settings (Color Displays) ............5-2

5.3 Controlling the Display ......................................... 5-5

Selecting the Display Mode ...........................................5-6

Switching Between Sounder and Other Modes ...........5-12

5.4 Display Control Functions .................................. 5-13

Viewing Data Boxes ....................................................5-14

Changing the Scroll Speed ...........................................5-14

Selecting the Power Setting .........................................5-15

Changing the Sounder Range ......................................5-16

Selecting the Frequency ...............................................5-19

Using Bottom Lock ......................................................5-20

Using A-Scope .............................................................5-22

x DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

Using Zoom .................................................................5-24

Chapter 6: Sonar Mode Operation ........................................... 6-1

6.1 Introduction ...........................................................6-1

6.2 Interpreting and Adjusting the Sounder Image .....6-1

Fish Indications ..............................................................6-2

Bottom Indications .........................................................6-3

Using White Line ...........................................................6-5

Adjusting Display Gain (Sensitivity) .............................6-5

Using Alarms .................................................................6-8

6.3 Using VRM to Determine Depth & Distance from

Vessel ...................................................................6-10

6.4 Waypoints ............................................................6-12

Placing a Waypoint ......................................................6-13

6.5 MOB ....................................................................6-14

Chapter 7: Maintenance and Problem Solving ...................... 7-1

7.1 Maintenance ..........................................................7-1

Routine Checks ..............................................................7-1

Cleaning Instructions .....................................................7-1

EMC Servicing and Safety Guidelines ..........................7-2

7.2 Resetting the System .............................................7-3

7.3 Problem Solving ....................................................7-4

Status LED .....................................................................7-6

How to Contact Raymarine ............................................7-7

Worldwide Support ......................................................7-10

Appendix: Specifications ........................................................A-1

Chapter 1: Overview 1-1

Chapter 1: Overview

1.1 Introduction

This handbook describes the DSM250 Digital Sounder Module. The DSM250 receives sonar signals from a transducer mounted in the water and transmits data via or Chartplotter display unit already installed in your vessel, eliminating the need for a separate display unit. You may also connect the module to an existing PLUS Fishfinder display for improved performance.

Note: Older HSB (non-PLUS) display units must be upgraded to before they can function with the DSM250.

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to a Pathfinder PLUS Radar

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-1

Figure 1-1: DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

The DSM250 employs a very high transmission repetition or “ping” rate which, along with the digital adaptive high sample rate receiver, ensures that fish and bottom structure are presented in superb detail and optimal color allocation (in color LCD displays). The DSM250 digital bandwidth adaptation adjusts the receiver band width dynamically from very wide to very narrow, as required by the actual water conditions. This provides superior fish and bottom detection in conditions where other fishfinders see very little or nothing at all.

1-2 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

The DSM250 features dual frequency (200 kHz and 50 kHz) operation and—depending on the transducer installed and conditions—up to 1000 watts RMS output power and performance from 3 ft (1m) up to 5000 ft (1700 m).

This handbook describes DSM250 functions and how to use

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PLUS Radar, Chartplotter, or Fishfinder display unit controls to operate sonar operations. Controls that are specific to either Radar, Chartplotter, or Fishfinder display unit functions are not described in this document but can be found in the handbook for that display.

Note: Many illustrations in this handbook show example screens. The screen you see on your display depends on your system configuration and set up options, so it may differ from the illustration.

How to Use This Handbook

If you are installing the DSM250 yourself, you should read Chapter 2 before you start the installation.

For an overview of the display unit controls, read Chapter 5.

Chapter 3 will help you start using your system.

For detailed information on sounder module operations, refer to Chapter 6.

To change the system set up default settings, read Chapter 4.

Chapter 1 gives an overview of the display unit controls and sonar operation.

Chapter 2 provides planning considerations and detailed instructions for installing the DSM250 and connecting the unit to the display unit via

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Chapter 3 provides instructions for setting up your system to suit your preferences. You should read this chapter to determine how to change the sonar system from the default settings.

Chapter 4 shows how to start using the display and viewing sonar echo data.

Chapter 5 details operating the display unit’s controls in Sonar mode.

Chapter 1: Overview 1-3

Chapters 6 provides detailed information for operating the sonar functions - selecting depth range limits, adjusting gain, color and STC, setting alarms, using the VRM marker, marks and man overboard.

Chapter 7 provides information on user maintenance, and what to do if you experience problems.

The Appendix lists the technical specifications for the DSM250.

What's New

The DSM250 operates much like traditional Raymarine fishfinders. If you are already familiar with our displays, you won’t have much difficulty using the DSM250. Below is a list of DSM250 features that differ from our traditional fishfinder displays.

• No integral display. You connect the DSM250 to an

Radar, Chartplotter, or Fishfinder display unit to show echo sounder data.

• Digital sonar. The DSM250 employs a digital dynamic adaptive

receiver and transmitter for dramatically improved fish and bottom detection in any water conditions.

• New automatic Gain modes. These automatic modes make the

gain adjustments for you, based on depth and water conditions. The DSM250 provides three pre-defined automatic gain settings for Cruising, Trolling, and Fishing. See Adjusting Display Gain (Sensitivity) on page 6-5.

• Bottom hunt feature. The DSM250 features a digital “Hunt

mode” that automatically searches for the bottom when the sounder is in Auto Range. Unlike our fishfinder displays, the DSM250 stays in manual range when placed there—it does not switch to auto mode by itself. When you are trying to automatically find bottom, you need to have the sounder module set to Auto Range mode. Refer to Hunt Mode on page 5-18.

• Auto frequency. When set to Auto Frequency, the DSM250 also

alternates frequencies when hunting for bottom. If set for Manual frequency, the unit does not switch frequencies when bottom hunting. This differs from traditional Raymarine fishfinder displays. Details are found in Selecting the Frequency on page 5-19.

• New Auto STC mode. You can now let the sounder unit automat-

ically choose the optimal STC level for reducing background noise that often appears in shallow water. See STC on page 6-8.

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PLUS

1-4 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

• Transducer detection. For safety reasons, if the transducer is

disconnected and then reconnected while the sounder is powered on, the DSM250 does not detect that the transducer has been reattached. In this case, you must power down the DSM250, reconnect the transducer cable, and then power the sounder module back on before it operates properly.

• Status LED. The LED on the connector panel provides valuable

status information. The LED blinks green while the module is operating normally. If the unit detects a problem, the LED blinks amber to indicate a warning or red for an error. The number of times the LED blinks is a code representing the nature of the problem. Refer to Status LED on page 7-6.

General

The DSM250 system, illustrated below, is comprised of the Digital Sounder Module, an

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PLUS Radar, Chartplotter, or Fish-

finder display unit, transducer, and associated cables.

Transducer

Digital Sounder Module

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PLUS Display Unit

Figure 1-2: Basic Echosounder System using the DSM250

The DSM250 module is waterproof to CFR46 and can be installed either above or below deck.

The unit includes connections to:

• power

• the transducer

• the display unit, via

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• ground

D6160-1

Chapter 1: Overview 1-5

Transducer

The DSM250 requires a transducer, mounted either thru-hull, inhull, or on the transom.

Transducers can measure water depth, and if so equipped, temperature, distance traveled, and/or speed. It is important to position your transducer correctly. For details on transducers, including location and installation instructions, see document number 81196, Transducers for Fishfinders Owner’s Handbook.

Note: If speed, temperature, or distance travelled are being input to the display unit via SeaTalk, the SeaTalk value is displayed instead of the value transmitted by the DSM250.

Sonar Mode Display Features

When connected to a display unit and switched to Sonar mode, the following data can be viewed:

• Depth, speed, and temperature, if the transducer is so equipped

• Single or split frequency sonar display – 50 kHz, 200 kHz

• Display options – sonar window, zoom, bottom lock, and AScope

• Horizontal and vertical half-screen windows to display additional data. Position data requires GPS.

1.2 Sonar Mode Display

When you first switch the display unit into Sonar mode, the scrolling bottom graph is displayed. This is a graphical representation of the echoes seen by the DSM250. As time passes, this display scrolls from right to left and becomes a record of the echoes seen. A typical display is shown in Figure 1-3 .

The images at the right hand side of the display are the most recent echoes. Some echoes indicate fish, and others show the bottom. It can also indicate bottom structures, such as a reef or shipwreck. The upper and lower depth range limits are shown.

The sonar screen includes a status bar that displays transducer frequency and indicates which auto settings are enabled (Gain, Color Gain, Range, Zoom and Frequency), and alarm status (fish and shallow/deep water depths).

1-6 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

You can customize the sounder by choosing what is displayed and how it is displayed (including language and units). For example, you can set the scroll speed of the bottom graph display, and you can select the range to adjust the depth displayed.

You can view the cursor position and a variety of data (such as speed and depth) from the transducer and other equipment in userselectable data boxes. These data boxes can be moved around the screen and they can be switched on or off.

Chapter 3 includes details on adjusting the display, other set up options are described in Section 4.4.

Auto Mode Indicators

Power Frequency Zoom Range Color gain Gain

Alarm enabled Shallow, Deep Fish

Target Depth ID On

Frequency

Alarm Indicators

Cursor,

controlled by trackpad

Bottom depth

AUTO GCRZFH

50kHz

ZOOMFREQUENCY

BTM.LOCK A-SCOPE

Figure 1-3: Typical Display in Sonar Mode

Water surface

Depth markers

Target image (fish arch)

Target image depth

Range

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Chapter 1: Overview 1-7

Operating Modes

Depending on the types of display(s) you have connected via up to four full-screen modes – sonar, chart, radar, and data log are available. You select the operating mode using the DISPLAY key as described in Chapter 3.

You can also set Windows On to split the display into two half- screen windows (horizontal or vertical) to show supplementary data, or to display sonar and chart or radar simultaneously.

Horizontal Half -Screen Window Options

Using horizontal half screens, the main operating mode is displayed in the upper window; you choose what is displayed in the lower window. The following information, if available on your system, can be shown:

Table 1-1: Horizontal Half-Screen Window Options

Full-screen mode Horizontal Half-Screen Window Options

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Sonar Mode Course Deviation Indicator (CDI), Bearing and Distance

Chart Mode CDI, BDI, Navigation Data (databoxes), Radar, Sonar

Radar Mode CDI, BDI, Navigation Data, Chartplotter, Sonar

Data Log Mode Half-screens not available

Indicator (BDI), Depth/Temp graph, Chart plotter, Radar

Vertical Half -Screen Window Options

This option splits the sounder vertically. The left hand window displays data boxes; there are three different sets of data (A, B, and C) that you can select for display. The following information is available only in Sonar Mode:

Table 1-2: Vertical Half-Screen Window Options

Full-screen mode

A Temperature, Speed, Depth

B Position (latitude and longitude), Course Over Ground

C Waypoint Range and Bearing, COG, SOG, Depth

Vertical Half-Screen Window Options

(COG), Speed Over Ground (SOG), Depth

1-8 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

Note: Receiving and displaying position data requires that a GPS is connected to your Raymarine system.

Horizontal Half-Screen

AUTO GCRZFH

50kHz

XTE

0.28nm

WPT BRG

351°T

WPT RNG

Vertical Half-Screen

AUTO GC FH

TEMPERATURE

30 0MINUTES

50kHz

20.1

15.1

10.1

SPEED

DEPTH

kts

26.8nm

STEER PORT

WAYPOINT 001

ZOOMFREQUENCY

BTM.LOCK A-SCOPE

TTG

h:59m

ZOOMFREQUENCY

BTM.LOCK A-SCOPE

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Figure 1-4: Half-Screen Windows in Sonar Mode

Details on selecting windows are given in Chapter 3.

For details on the radar, chartplotter or fishfinder display, please refer to the Owner’s Handbook supplied with that unit.

Sonar Options

The DSM250 provides controls to select additional modes:

• Frequency – you can select the transducer frequency: 50 kHz for wide coverage and deep water, 200 kHz for a detailed view, both frequencies simultaneously or auto-frequency. The default setting is auto-frequency, which determines the optimum frequency of operation based on the current depth.

• Bottom Lock – changes the operating mode to re-set the bottom. It provides a bottom-up view: the bottom is used as the reference, its image is flattened and depths are displayed here. Bottom lock mode is used primarily to filter out the bottom structure and display fish details only.

• A-Scope – displays a real-time image of the bottom structure and fish directly below the transducer. The A-Scope window also displays the patented Bottom Coverage width indication.

Chapter 1: Overview 1-9

• Zoom – enlarges all or part of the bottom graph display. You can select x2, x4, or x6 magnification and the zoom area can be automatically or manually adjusted.

You can select the Zoom or Bottom Lock image to be displayed in place of the regular bottom graph display. Alternatively, you can set the display window to be split vertically with the bottom graph displayed in the right hand screen and the Zoom or Bottom Lock image displayed in the left hand screen. See Figure 1-5 .

If you choose dual frequency, the scrolling bottom graph is displayed in both frequencies, split horizontally. Zoom, Bottom Lock, or A-Scope can be displayed with the dual frequency graph.

All of these options are available when the sonar data is displayed in a half-screen window.

Sounder Functions

The DSM250 includes the following functions:

• Automatic or manual selection of scroll speed for bottom graph display

• Automatic or manual selection of transducer frequency

• Automatic or manual selection of depth range limits

• Automatic or manual selection of Gain, Color Gain, and STC settings

• Set up alarms for Fish, Shallow water and Deep water

• VRM marker to determine depth and distance

Operation of these functions is described in Chapter 3 and Chapter 6.

1-10 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

AUTO GC Z H

SPLIT

AUTO GC Z H

SPLIT

200kHz

50kHz

ZOOMFREQUENCY

Split Frequency Split Frequency with A-Scope

AUTO GC Z H

BTM.LOCK A-SCOPE

200kHz

50kHz

AUTO GC Z H

ZOOMFREQUENCY

SPLIT

200kHz

50kHz

80 6.8

27.2

BTM.LOCK A-SCOPE

75 55

ZOOMFREQUENCY

Bottom Lock Split with Bottom Graph Zoom Split with Split Frequency

BTM.LOCK A-SCOPE

ZOOMFREQUENCY

Figure 1-5: Sonar Display Options

BTM.LOCK A-SCOPE

D6202-1

Chapter 2: Installation 2-1

Chapter 2: Installation

2.1 Introduction

This chapter provides installation instructions for your DSM250. Basic systems, such as that in Figure 2-1 below, are explained. Details for mounting the DSM250 and connecting the equipment are included.

Transducer

Compass

Digital Sounder Module

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12/24V Supply

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PLUS Display Unit

GPS

Junction

SeaTalk

Distribution Panel

Box

D6164-1

NMEA

12/24V Supply

12V Supply

Figure 2-1: DSM250 in an Integrated System

Note: If you wish to practice using the unit before installation, connect the HSB cable to a PLUS display unit and use the simulator mode as described in Chapter 3. For power, connect a 12V or 24V DC power supply, attaching the red wire via a quick blow 8A fuse to positive and the black wire to negative. See Section 3.6 for details.

For the system to display depth, water temperature and speed, you must install the transducer type(s) capable of transmitting the appropriate data.

For full functionality of the radar and chartplotter you need to provide position and heading data. For details, refer to the handbooks for those products.

2-2 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

Planning the Installation

Before you install your system, plan the installation, considering:

• Correct transducer for your application. See document number 81196, Transducers for Fishfinders Owner’s Handbook.

• Location of the display unit, as described in Section 2.3

• Cable Runs, including cables for an integrated system (to provide heading and position data, etc.), as described in Section 2.4.

EMC Installation Guidelines

All Raymarine equipment and accessories are designed to the best industry standards for use in the recreational marine environment.

Their design and manufacture conforms to the appropriate Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards, but correct installation is required to ensure that performance is not compromised. Although every effort has been taken to ensure that they will perform under all conditions, it is important to understand what factors could affect the operation of the product.

The guidelines given here describe the conditions for optimum EMC performance, but it is recognized that it may not be possible to meet all of these conditions in all situations. To ensure the best possible conditions for EMC performance within the constraints imposed by any location, always ensure the maximum separation possible between different items of electrical equipment.

For optimum EMC performance, it is recommended that wher- ever possible:

• Raymarine equipment and cables connected to it are:

• At least 3 ft (1 m) from any equipment transmitting or cables

carrying radio signals, e.g., VHF radios, cables and antennas. In the case of SSB radios, the distance should be increased to 7ft (2m).

• More than 7 ft (2 m) from the path of a radar beam. A radar

beam can normally be assumed to spread 20 degrees above and below the radiating element.

• The equipment is supplied from a separate battery from that used for engine start. Voltage drops below 10 V and starter motor transients can cause the equipment to reset.

Chapter 2: Installation 2-3

This will not damage the equipment, but may cause the loss of some information and may change the operating mode.

• Raymarine specified cables are used. Cutting and rejoining these cables can compromise EMC performance and must be avoided unless doing so is detailed in the installation manual.

• If a suppression ferrite is attached to a cable, this ferrite should not be removed. If the ferrite needs to be removed during installation it must be reassembled in the same position.

Suppression Ferrites

The following illustration shows typical cable suppression ferrites used with Raymarine equipment. Always use the ferrites supplied by Raymarine.

D3548-3

Figure 2-2: Typical Suppression Ferrites

Connections to Other Equipment

If your Raymarine equipment is to be connected to other equipment using a cable not supplied by Raymarine, a suppression ferrite must always be attached to the cable that is closest to the Raymarine unit.

2-4 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

2.2 Unpacking and Inspecting the Components

Unpack your system carefully, to prevent damage to the equipment. Save the carton and packing, in case you need to return a unit for service.

Check that you have all the correct system components. These depend on your system package, as follows:

Table 2-1: Parts and Accessories

Item Part No. Supplied / Option

DSM250 Digital Sounder Module E62007 supplied

Handbook, DSM250 Handbook, Transducers for Fishfinders Quick Reference Card, Fishfinder mode

Mounting screws, #8 (x4) N/A supplied

Power cable, 3 pin, 3 m R69053 supplied

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cable assy

3 ft 3 in (1 m) 10 ft (3 m) 20 ft (6 m) 30 ft (10 m) 60 ft (20m)

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In Line Terminator

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Splitter Cable

Transducer and Cables (See

Transducers for Fishfinders Handbook

81196

81211 81196 86066

R55001 R55002 R55003 R55004 E55010 R58117 E55040

— —

)

2.3 Selecting the Equipment Location

Sounder Module Mounting Location

The DSM250 is waterproof to CFR46 is and designed to be mounted either above or below deck. The unit should be protected from physical damage and excessive vibration.

WARNING:

Mount the DSM250 in a protected area away from prolonged exposure to rain, salt spray, and direct sunlight, but well ventilated. Locate the sounder as close to the transducer as possible. Raymarine suggests not locating the DSM250 on the main console.

supplied supplied supplied

option supplied option option option option option

Chapter 2: Installation 2-5

CAUTION:

Do not mount the DSM250 in the engine compartment.

When planning the installation, the following should be considered to ensure reliable and trouble free operation:

• Access: There must be sufficient space below the unit to enable cable connections to the panel connectors, avoiding tight bends in the cable.

• Interference: The selected location should be far enough away from devices that may cause interference, such as motors, generators, and radio transmitter/receivers (see the EMC guidelines earlier in this section).

• Magnetic compass: Mount the unit at least 3 ft (1m) away from a magnetic compass.

• Cable runs: The unit must be located near a DC power source. The power cable supplied is 10 ft (3 m), but a longer cable can be used if desired. Refer to Section 2.4.

The maximum length of cable between the sounder module and the transducer unit should not normally exceed 30 ft (10 m). If you need to use a longer cable, refer to Section 2.4.

• Environment: Good ventilation is required to prevent the unit from overheating.

2.4 Cable Runs

Consider the following before installing the system cables:

• You will need to attach the power, transducer, and HSB cables.

• All cables should be adequately secured, protected from physical

• Sharp bends must be avoided.

CAUTION:

Removal of the transducer cable from the DSM250 while power is turned on can cause sparks. As with any electronic device, be sure the sounder module is mounted where it is well ventilated and free from gasoline fumes.

Additional cables will be required if you are installing an integrated system.

damage, and protected from exposure to heat. Avoid running cables through bilges or doorways, or close to moving or hot objects.

2-6 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

• Where a cable passes through an exposed bulkhead or deckhead, a watertight feed-through should be used.

• Secure cables in place using tie-wraps or lacing twine. Coil any extra cable and tie it out of the way.

You will need to run the following cables:

• Power cable, supplied with the unit. This 10 ft (3 m) cable has a connector plug at one end for connecting to the sounder module, and 3 wires at the other end for connecting the power supply. The power cable may be extended by up to 60 ft (20 m) using a wire gauge of AWG 12 or greater. The DSM250 is intended for use on ships’ DC power systems rated from 10.7 V to 32 V.

• HSB cable, supplied with the unit. This 10 ft (3m) cable is used to connect the DSM250 to the display unit. Other lengths of HSB cables are available from Raymarine. See Table 2-1 Parts and Accessories on page 2-4.

• Transducer cab le, supplied with the transducer. This 30 ft (10 m) cable has a connector plug (with an outer nut that you must attach) at one end for the display unit or extension cable. The transducer cable may be extended up to a maximum of 60 ft (20 m) using optional extension cables. For details, see document number 81196, Transducers for Fishfinders Owner’s Handbook.

WARNING:

Do not cut the transducer cable or remove the connector. Do not try to shorten or splice the cable. Cutting the transducer cable will severely reduce sonar performance. If the cable is cut, it must be replaced—it cannot be repaired. Cutting the cable will also void the warranty.

Chapter 2: Installation 2-7

1.65 in (41.8 mm)

3.46 in

(88 mm)

Weight: 2.2 lbs (1.0 Kg)

9.96 in (252.9 mm)

9.51 in (241.6 mm)

10.76 in (273.3 mm)

Figure 2-3: DSM250 Unit Dimensions

Compass Safe Distance: 39 in (1 m)

D6168-1

7.37 in (187.2 mm)

2.43 in (61.7 mm)

2-8 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

2.5 Mounting the Sounder Module

The DSM250 can be installed either above or below deck using the supplied hardware.

CAUTION:

Do not mount the DSM250 in the engine compartment.

To allow for proper water drainage and ease of cable connection, the DMS250 should be mounted vertically, so that the cables can hang below the unit, as in Figure 2-4 .

To mount the DSM250:

1. Hold the module in the location where you want to mount it, making sure the unit is perpendicular to the floor, as in Figure 2-4 .

2. With a pencil, mark the tops (narrow ends) of the four key holes onto the mounting surface. Set aside the module.

3. Drill a 9/64" pilot hole at each of the four marked locations.

Note: For fiberglass with a gelcoat surface, you should overdrill the surface to prevent the gelcoat from chipping when driving in the screw. Before drilling the pilot hole, hand drill the marked location with an oversized bit and countersink to approximately 3/8" diameter.

4. Drive the supplied #8 screws into the pilot holes. Screw them in about half way.

5. Mount the module to the surface, slipping the screw heads through the four key holes.

6. Press the module downward so the screws align with the narrow end of the keyholes.

7. Tighten the screws. Do not overtighten.

Chapter 2: Installation 2-9

D6183-1

Figure 2-4: Mounting the DSM250

2.6 System Connections

The rear of the display unit provides the following connection sockets:

• Transducer connection.

• Ground connection.

• Power, for 12 V, 24 V, or 32 V DC power connection and one RF

ground (screen) connection.

• HSB, in/out connector for connecting to an

play (Chartplotter, Fishfinder or Pathfinder Radar)

hsb

PLUS Series dis-

D6161-1

Figure 2-5: DSM250 Connector Panel

The following sections detail the connectors used when installing the DSM250.

2-10 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

DC Power Connection

The DSM250 is intended for use on ships’ DC power systems rated from 10.7 V to 32 V.

The power connection to the unit should be made at either the output of the battery isolator switch, or at a DC power distribution panel. Raymarine recommends that power is fed directly to the DSM250 via its own dedicated cable system and MUST be protected by a thermal circuit breaker or fuse on the red (positive) wire, installed close to the power connection.

A 10 ft (3 m) power cable is supplied for connecting the ship’s DC power to the unit. The power cable may be extended by up to 60 ft (20 m) using a wire gauge of AWG 12 or greater.

DC power is connected at the three-pin POWER connector on the unit’s connector panel. The connector (viewed from the outside) and pin functions are shown in the following diagram and table.

D6162-1

Figure 2-6: Power Connector

Pin No. Function Color

1 Battery positive (12/24/32 V systems) Red

2 Battery negative Black

3 Shield (drain wire) No insulation

The RED wire must be connected to the feed from the positive (+) battery terminal and the BLACK wire to the feed from the negative (–) battery terminal. The shield wire (drain) should be connected to the ship’s RF ground as described in Ground Connection on page 2-11.

Install a quick blow 8 amp fuse on the red (positive) wire.

Chapter 2: Installation 2-11

WARNING:

If the power connections are accidentally reversed th e system will not work. Use a multimeter to ensure that the input power leads are connected for correct polarity.

There is no power switch on the DSM250. The unit turns on when the power cord is attached to ship’s power and plugged into the POWER connector on the connector panel.

Note: You should locate the DSM250 so that the power cord can be easily removed, if necessary. If the sounder is placed in a difficult-toreach location, Raymarine strongly suggests installing an on/off switch on the DSM250 power cord at a point where it is easily accessible.

Ground Connection

It is important that an effective RF ground is connected to the system. A single ground point should be used for all equipment. You may ground the DSM250 by connecting the drain wire (shield) of the Power Input cable to the ship’s RF ground. If you need to extend the wire, the extension wire should be an 8 mm braid or AWG 10 multi-stranded cable.

If your vessel has a dedicated ground strap available, you may alternatively attach it to the ground wing nut on the rear panel of the module.

If your vessel does not have an RF system, connect the drain wire to the negative battery terminal.

The DC system should be either:

• Negative grounded, with the negative battery terminal connected to the ship’s ground.

• Floating, with neither battery terminal connected to the ship’s ground.

WARNING:

This system is not intended for use on “positive” ground vessels. The power cable Ground (earth) connections must be connected to the ship’s ground as described above.

2-12 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

hsb

Connection

The DSM250 must be connected to an

hsb

PLUS Radar, Chartplotter, or Fishfinder display unit to show echo sounder data. The DSM250 will not work with older HSB (non-PLUS) displays.

Note: Older HSB (non-PLUS) display units must be upgraded to

hsb

before they can function with the DSM250.

An HSB cable is required to connect the sounder module to the display unit for showing echo sounder data. A 3m (10 ft) HSB cable is supplied with the DSM250. These cables are also available in lengths of 1, 6, 10, and 20 m. See Table 2-1 Parts and Accesso- ries on page 2-4 for the complete list and associated part numbers.

The HSB cable is attached to the three-pin male connector marked

HSB on the connector panel of the sounder module. The connector

pins are shown in the following diagram; this is information is provided as an aid to fault diagnosis.

HSB connector

HSB connector Pin Pin name Function

1 CGND Screen

Pin 1 Pin 3

Pin 2

2 HSB_POS HSB

3 HSB_NEG HSB

Rear of Display Unit

2 3

HSB

D4253-4

Figure 2-7: HSB Connector

The HSB cables have ferrite clamps attached at each end to ensure EMC conformance.

Chapter 2: Installation 2-13

Transducer Connection

A 30 ft (10m) cable is supplied with the transducer. The transducer cable may be extended up to a maximum of 60 ft (20 m) using optional extension cables. For details, see document number 81196, Transducers for Fishfinders Owner’s Handbook.

The transducer cable connector (and Y-shaped connector, if supplied) has a nut that has been removed to aid installation. To enable you to complete the installation without cutting the cable, ensure that any holes you drill are large enough to accept the connector, with the nut removed (approximately 13/16" or 21 mm).

WARNING:

Take care not to pull on the cable. This can damage the transducer wires.

Before attaching the transducer cable, you will need to attach the connector nut and split ring. These items, plus a wedge tool, are included in the transducer packaging.

The transducer cable is attached to the 7 pin male connector marked How you connect the cable depends on the type of transducer you have installed:

TRANSDUCER on the connector panel of the DSM250.

• Combined depth/speed/temp transducers (‘triducers’) have a 7

pin female connector. Attach the transducer cable connector directly to the display unit.

• Combined speed/temperature transducers have a 3 pin female

connector that requires the use of an additional Y-shaped cable (Raymarine part number E66022) to attach to the 7 pin connector on the display. This Y-cable is included with your speed/temperature transducer.

Attach the 7 pin female connector on the Y-cable to the sounder module, and then attach the transducer cable to the 3 pin male connector on the Y-cable.

• Depth-only transducers have a 7 pin female connector.

Attach the transducer cable connector directly to the sounder module.

If being installed in conjunction with a speed/temperature transducer, attach the Y-cable’s 7 pin female connector to the sounder module, and then attach the transducer cable to the 7 pin male connector on the Y-cable.

2-14 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

Note: If your system requires both a Y-cable and a transducer extension cable, ensure that you connect the Y-cable to the sounder module and the extension cable to the transducer.

The connector pins are shown in the following diagram, together with the connections and wire colors; this is information is provided as an aid to fault diagnosis.

WARNING:

D4850-2

Figure 2-8: DSM250 Transducer Connector

Function Color

No.

1 Speed Red 5 Speed/Temp Ground Brown

2 Tem p White 6 + Depth Blue

3 Shield Drain 7 - Depth Black

4 Sense Green

Function Color

No.

CAUTION:

Removing the transducer cable from the rear of the DSM250 while the sounder module is powered on can cause sparks. Only remove the transducer cable after power has been removed from the DSM250.

Chapter 2: Installation 2-15

EMC Conformance

Always check the installation before going to sea to make sure that it is not affected by radio transmissions, engine starting, etc.

D6177-1

Figure 2-9: Properly Mounted Sounder Module

2-16 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

Chapter 3: Getting Started 3-1

Chapter 3: Getting Started

3.1 Introduction

This chapter provides basic instructions to get you started using the DSM250 Digital Sounder Module. It describes automatically updating the display unit’s software to be compatible with the DSM250, if necessary. It also describes Simulator mode and can help you to become familiar with the basic functions of the display’s controls in Sonar operation mode. More detailed information on using the controls and operating in Sonar mode is provided in Chapter 5 and Chapter 6, respectively.

Note: All se ttings described in this chapter are retained when the unit is powered off. However, there is a one-minute delay from the time you make the setting change to when the DSM250 places it in memory. If you power down the sounder less than one minute after making a change, the setting is lost.

3.2 Powering on the Sounder Module

There is no power switch on the DSM250. The unit turns on when the power cord is attached to ship’s power and plugged into the POWER connector on the connector panel.

WARNING:

The DSM250 should be located so that the power cord can be easily removed, if necessary. If the sounder is placed in a difficultto-reach location, Raymarine strongly suggests installing a power switch on the DSM250 power cord at a point where it is easily accessible.

Status LED

The LED on the front panel blinks green when the module is powered on and operating normally. If the unit detects a problem, the LED blinks amber to indicate a warning or red for an error. The number of times the LED blinks is a code representing the nature of the problem. See Status LED on page 7-6 for more details.

3-2 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

3.3 Updating Software on the Display Unit

Before it can show sonar data received from the DSM250, the display unit must be running a software version that recognizes the sounder module on the gram routine that automatically polls the software version running on the display unit and if necessary, updates it (via compatible with the DSM250.

➤ To automatically check and update the display unit software version:

1. Ensure both the DSM250 and display unit are powered off.

2. Ensure the HSB cable is properly connected between the units.

3. Disconnect the transducer cable from the DSM250. (This is

essential.)

4. Power on the DSM250.

5. Within 30 seconds of powering on the DSM250, power on the dis-

play unit. If running an older version, the display software is updated and the unit beeps. When the software update is complete (or if no update is required), the normal startup screen appears on the display.

6. Power off the DSM250 and reconnect the transducer.

7. Power on the DSM250.

hsb

network. The DSM250 contains a pro-

hsb

) to be

3.4 Selecting Repeater Mode

Depth data that is to be shared over the from the device that has been designated as the master sonar unit. Only a DSM250 or an ter unit. For the DSM250 master to repeat its sonar image data to a display unit, the display must be designated as the REPEATER.

When using the DSM250 with a PLUS radar or chartplotter display, this is not an issue—the DSM250 is automatically set as the master and the display unit the repeater. However, the DSM250 can also repeat its image data on a fishfinder display. In this case, both units are capable of collecting sonar data so you must tell the display it is to be a repeater for the DSM250 and not a master unit on its own.

If your DSM250 is repeating its sonar data over a PLUS radar or chartplotter display, the proper settings are made automatically. You need do nothing else.

hsb

network is sourced

PLUS fishfinder display can be a mas-

Chapter 3: Getting Started 3-3

However, if your repeater display is a PLUS fishfinder, you must tell the unit to be a repeater.

➤ To set the fishfinder display to be the sonar repeater:

SONAR

SET UP¬

1. Press the MENU key.

The Menu soft keys appear.

2. Press the SONAR SET UP soft key.

The Sonar Set Up menu appears.

3. Press the trackpad until the SONAR HSB MODE parameter is high-

lighted (selected).

4. Press the REPEATER soft key.

5. Press ENTER.

The display unit is now designated as the Repeater.

Full details on setting up your DSM250 and display are given in Chapter 4.

3.5 Selecting Sonar Mode

If properly connected to an Fishfinder display unit, you can begin viewing echo sounder data by setting the display to Sonar mode.

hsb

PLUS Radar, Chartplotter, or

DISPLAY

Note: Data, such as depth, speed, temperature, log, and trip are still available even if Sonar mode is not selected.

➤ To set the mode, press the DISPLAY key to show the DISPLAY pop-up,

then press again to cycle through the modes available, shown in Figure 3-1 .

3-4 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

"DISPLAY" TO SELECT FULL SCREEN OPTION

SOFTKEYS TO SELECT WINDOW OPTION

CURSOR

BRG RNG

099

2.410

0 0

RADAR

WINDOWS

OFF ON

CHART SONAR LOG

SELECT

WINDOWS

HOR VER

SPLIT

D6191-1

Figure 3-1: Using the DISPLAY Key

The selected mode is shown by an icon with a black (monochrome display) or red (color LCD) border and the mode is displayed on the screen.

When SONAR mode is shown (as in Figure 3-1 ), press ENTER or CLEAR. The default soft keys are displayed. The display shows the sounder screen.

Chapter 3: Getting Started 3-5

AUTO G RZ

50kHz

Figure 3-2: Typical Sonar Mode Display

3.6 Simulator Mode

The DSM250 includes a simulator function that enables you to practice operating in Sonar Mode without data from the transducer. The sounder must be connected to an Chartplotter, or Fishfinder display unit to show echo sounder data. The DSM250 will not work with older HSB (non-PLUS) displays.

Note: Older HSB (non-PLUS) display units must be upgraded to before they can function with the DSM250.

Before using Simulator mode, make sure the HSB cable is connected from the DSM250 to the display unit and that both the DSM250 and display unit are connected to ship’s power.

If you have not fully installed the sonar module, you can still operate in Simulator mode by connecting the module and display devices via the HSB cable. Then connect the DSM250 and the display unit to a 12V or 24V DC power supply, attaching the red wire from the power lead to positive (+) and the black wire to negative (-).

ZOOMFREQUENCY

BTM.LOCK A-SCOPE

D6180-1

hsb

PLUS Radar,

hsb

3-6 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

Figure 3-3 demonstrates how to setup the DSM250 for Simulator mode; Chapter 2 gives full installation details.

Digital Sounder Module

hsb

PLUS Display Unit

hsb

Figure 3-3: Simulator Mode Setup

Viewing Simulator Data

After you have properly connected and powered up the DSM250 and display units, you can toggle Simulator mode on and off using the Sonar Setup menu.

➤ To view simulated sounder images:

SONAR

SET UP¬

1. Press the MENU key on display unit.

The Setup soft keys appear.

2. Press the SONAR SET UP soft key.

The Sonar setup menu pop-up is displayed.

3. Use the trackpad to move the selection bar over the option

SONAR SIMULATOR. The simulator soft keys are displayed.

4. Press the ON soft key to switch on the sonar simulator.

5. Press ENTER twice to return to the default display.

When simulator mode is on a simulator dialog box is displayed.

RF Ground

Red

Black

DC Volts

D6197-1

When the display is switched off then on again, simulator mode is maintained. It is recommended that you select the System Set Up Menu and switch off simulator mode when you have finished.

Note: Any waypoints placed on the chartplotter in simulator mode are retained in the database list and are available for use in routes.

Chapter 4: System Setup 4-1

Chapter 4: System Setup

4.1 Introduction

Once you have installed your DSM250 and are familiar with its basic operation (described in Chapter 2 and Chapter 3), you need to set it up so that it displays information according to your preferences.

This is achieved using the soft key controls that are displayed when you press the ME

In most cases, you will only need to use the MENU key options when you first set up your system. As you become more familiar with your system, you may decide to customize some aspects, such as the screen and help setting.

This chapter covers the following topics:

• Changing the default set up parameters

• Sounder specific parameter functions and default settings

You should check the functions of the parameters and decide on the new settings before making the changes.

NU key.

4.2 Changing the Set Up Parameters

The set up parameters are divided into two sections:

• System, to control the aspects of the system that are not specific to

the sounder module.

• Sonar, to control the Sonar-mode display preferences, including

HSB mode, calibration, and simulator.

This section provides instructions for displaying and changing the default values. The following sections list the parameters and their possible settings and describe the function of each parameter in turn.

4-2 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

➤ To change settings:

1. Press the MENU key in Sonar mode to display the set up soft keys.

SYSTEM

SET UP¬

SONAR

SET UP¬

SCROLL

SPEED

TRIP

RESET

D5019-1

2. Press the soft key for the set up you desire.

The requested set up menu is displayed, listing the parameters and their current settings.

3. Use the trackpad to move the selection bar up and down the list.

An arrow is displayed at the top or bottom right-hand corner if you can scroll the list to display further parameters. As each line is highlighted, the soft keys are updated to show the settings available.

• For parameters that have a numeric value, or more than four possible settings, a scroll list is displayed above two of the soft keys.

• Some parameters are controlled by a slider that is displayed above two of the soft keys.

• For some parameters, a soft key provides access to a submenu of further options.

4. Press the soft key corresponding to the desired setting or, for scroll lists, use the soft keys to scroll forwards or backwards through the list until the desired setting is displayed. This setting is retained when you move the selection bar on to the next parameter in the menu list.

For sliders, press the appropriate soft key repeatedly to increase or decrease the slider value in individual steps, or press and hold the key to change the setting quickly.

5. Once you have set all the desired values, press ENTER to clear the menu and return to the set up soft keys.

6. Press ENTER, MENU, or CLEAR to clear the soft keys and return to the default display.

Chapter 4: System Setup 4-3

4.3 System Set Up Parameters

SYSTEM

SET UP¬

The SYSTEM SET UP option enables you to set up your system configuration and personal preferences.

The following table lists the System menus and their options, shows the factory default setting, and provides a space for you to make a note of your new setting. Each parameter is described in the following subsections.

Table 4-1: System Set Up Parameters

Menu Options

DATA BOXES

POSITION SPEED DEPTH COG SOG TIME DATE WIND WAYPOINT CROSS TRACK ERROR HEADING LOG/TRIP PILOT VMG TEMPERATURE TIDE SET/DRIFT

BEARING MODE MAGNETIC OR TRUE TRUE

OFF, LAT/LONG, or TDs OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF, APPARENT, TRUE, BOTH OFF, LAT/LON, RNG/BRG/TTG OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF, WIND, WPT, or BOTH OFF or ON OFF or ON

Factory Default

OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF

New Setting

CURSOR REFERENCE MAG/TRUE or RELATIVE RELATIVE

CURSOR READOUT OFF, LAT/LONG, RNG/BRG, or

BOTH

DAY/NIGHT DAY/NIGHT DAY

HELP OFF or ON ON

SOFT KEYS OFF or ON ON

KEY BEEP OFF or ON ON

MOB DATA DR or POSITION DR

PILOT POP-UP OFF or ON OFF

RNG/BRG

4-4 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

Table 4-1: System Set Up Parameters

Menu Options

MENU TIMEOUT PERIOD NO TIMEOUT, 10, 20, or

DISTANCE UNITS NAUTICAL MILES, STATUTE

SPEED UNITS KNOTS, MILES PER HOUR, or

DEPTH UNITS METERS, FEET, OR FATHOMS FEET

TEMPERATURE UNITS CENTIGRADE or FAHRENHEIT FAHRENHEIT

VARIATIO N SOURCE AUTOMATIC or MANUAL AUTOMATIC

BRIDGE NMEA HEADING OFF or ON OFF

NMEA-OUT SET UP

APB

BWC

BWR DBT DPT MTW RMB RSD RTE TTM VHW VLW WPL GGA GLL RMA RMC VTG ZDA

30 SECONDS

MILES, KILOMETERS, or KILOYARDS

KM PER HOUR

OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON

Factory Default

NO TIMEOUT

NAUTICAL miles

KNOTS

ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON ON

New Setting

CURSOR ECHO

RADAR CURSOR IN CHART CURSOR IN SEATALK CURSOR OUT CURSOR ECHO LOCAL

DATE FORMAT DD/MM/YY or MM/DD/YY MM/DD/YY

TIME FORMAT 12 HO UR o r 24 HO UR 12 HOUR

OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON OFF or ON

OFF OFF OFF ON

Chapter 4: System Setup 4-5

Table 4-1: System Set Up Parameters

Menu Options

TIME OFFSET UTC, or local offset value:

GPS SOG/COG FILTER HIGH, MEDIUM, or LOW

COMPASS SET UP LINEARISE COMPASS or

LANGUAGE English (UK), English (US),

SIMULATOR OFF, DATA, RADAR or BOTH OFF

Plus or minus up to 12 hours, in whole hours

ALIGN HEADING

Danish, French, Germ an, Dutch, Icelandic, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, or Finnish

Data Boxes

Press the SELECT BOXES soft key to display the data box sub-menu. This enables you to select up to 6 data boxes that you can display on the sounder.

Note:

1. A fixed set of sixteen (nine in the monochrome displays) of these data items are available for display in the Nav Data half-screen window (see Chapter 3).

2. In addition to these grouped data boxes, boxes for the cursor readout, VRM/EBL data, waypoint data, MOB data and simulator status are displayed when selected or when the appropriate function is active.

3. Radar data is available only if the display is a PLUS Series radar display or is connected to one via

hsb

Factory Default

UTC

English (US)

New Setting

Data boxes provide regularly used data in a compact form so that most of the graphics can still be seen. The ones you select here can be turned on and off as a group during normal operation, and you can also move them around the screen individually using the context-sensitive cursor. Refer to Viewing Data Boxes on page 5-

14.

4-6 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

Bearing Mode

The mode (magnetic or true) of all the bearing and heading data displayed. This is indicated in the radar status bar after the heading value, if displayed.

Cursor Reference

The mode of the bearing data displayed for the cursor readout. The bearing information can be displayed in either of two forms:

• Relative: The bearing relative to your vessel’s heading.

• Mag/True: The actual bearing in either degrees magnetic or degrees true. This option is only available in Radar mode if your system includes a radar display and you have heading data from a compass.

If you choose this mode, the selection you made for the previous parameter (Bearing Mode), °M or °T, is displayed in the cursor (Rng/Brg) data boxes. The current units are shown for the heading value in the status bar at the top of the screen.

Cursor Readout

This option controls whether radar cursor data is shown in latitude and longitude or in range and bearing. Alternatively, you can show both types of readout, in separate boxes, or turn the cursor data box off.

You can also turn the cursor readout box(es) on and off during normal operation, via the SCREEN default soft key.

Day/Night

This option enables you to change the display between day and night modes.

On a color LCD, NIGHT mode uses a different color palette, more suited to night time viewing. The default setting is DAY.

For monochrome displays, the normal DAY presentation displays black targets on a white background. If you select NIGHT, the pic- ture is reversed, so that white targets are shown on a black background to reduce the intensity of the image.

Chapter 4: System Setup 4-7

Help

When Help is set to ON, a prompt appears when selecting a soft key or menu choice and when using the context-sensitive cursor. The help message is cleared when an action is selected.

Soft Keys

When the Soft Keys option is set to ON, the default soft keys are displayed if no other operation is in progress.

When the Soft Keys option is set to OFF, the default soft keys are only displayed when a soft key is pressed. They also disappear if no operation is performed for 10 seconds.

Key Beep

This option controls whether or not the keys sound a tone when you press them.

MOB Data

This option controls whether MOB data is based on position data, or on dead reckoning (DR). Dead reckoning normally provides a better indication of the course to an object in the water, on the assumption that your vessel and the object are both subject to the same tide and wind effects.

Autopilot Pop Up

This option controls whether or not the autopilot pop up is displayed. When set to ON, when the status and locked heading of the autopilot changes, they are displayed in a pop up box. The box is removed from the display after two seconds. When Autopilot Pop set to OFF, the pop up box is disabled.

Menu Timeout Period

With no timeout set, menus and soft key labels remain displayed until you clear them by pressing ENTER, CLEAR or the appropriate dedicated key.

If you set a value here, the menus and soft key labels are cleared if a key has not been pressed for the specified number of seconds.

4-8 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

This setting does not affect the default soft key labels, which are controlled by the Soft Keys option (see above).

Units

You can set the units for speed, depth, and temperature. The units you set will be used to display all data, including information received from other instruments on the system. However, the distance units do not affect the instrumented range of the radar, which is always in nautical miles.

Note: The ‘Units’ values set here are also used in the other display modes.

Variation Source

The variation value is the difference between True and Magnetic direction data for heading or bearing values. The Variation Source option provides soft keys for selecting Auto or Manual variation mode, displays the current variation value for each and highlights the currently selected mode.

Auto Mode

If you select Auto mode, the unit obtains the value of variation automatically, normally from received data. The variation value that is used depends on the data available and is selected in the following order of priority:

1. Variation value from the same source as the heading data:

• If heading data is being taken from NMEA, then variation is

also taken from NMEA

• If heading is taken from SeaTalk, then SeaTalk variation is

used

2. Variation value from a different source:

• If heading data is being taken from NMEA, but no NMEA

variation is available, then variation is taken from SeaTalk

• If heading is taken from SeaTalk, but no SeaTalk variation is

available, then variation is taken from NMEA

3. A calculated variation value, using position data, if no SeaTalk or NMEA value is available

4. The current manual variation value, if no SeaTalk or NMEA value and no position data is available

Chapter 4: System Setup 4-9

Manual Mode

If you select Manual mode, by pressing either of the MANUAL keys, you can specify the local variation value according to the area in which you are operating. Press the appropriate MANUAL key to adjust the variation up or down, to a maximum of 30° East or West.

This value is then transmitted to any other SeaTalk instruments on your system. It is retained if you turn the display off and on again.

In Manual mode, incoming NMEA variation is ignored. However, if the variation is changed on another SeaTalk instrument, the new value is used and the manual value that is displayed is updated.

Note: The Manual variation value defaults to 0°, so it is important to set up a value if variation is not available from an external source.

Bridge NMEA Heading

The display unit sends NMEA input data to the SeaTalk bus. The Bridge NMEA Heading option can be used to prevent NMEA heading data being bridged onto the SeaTalk bus.

For example, if you have a course computer connected on SeaTalk and NMEA, and an active compass connected on NMEA (for MARPA), SeaTalk data overrides NMEA data in the course computer.

You should therefore switch OFF the Bridge NMEA Heading option to ensure the course computer receives the same NMEA heading input as the rest of the system.

NMEA-Out Set Up

This option lets you disable the transmission of specific NMEA sentences, which may be necessary if you have other instruments sending the same data as your sounder.

For example, if the DPT (depth) sentence is set ON but the sounder’s transducer is designed to sense temperature and speed only, the depth value will be transmitted as zero. If you also have an ST60 Depth instrument installed, there may be confusion between the zero depth sent by the sounder and the actual depth sent by the ST60. Turning OFF the DPT sentence disables the read- ing from the sounder.

4-10 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

The factory default for all NMEA sentences is transmission ON. Disable the sentence by selecting the OFF soft key.

The following table displays the available NMEA sentences and their meanings.

Table 4-2: NMEA Sentences

Sentence Meaning

APB Autopilot Sentence “B”

BWC Bearing & Distance to Waypoint

BWR Bearing & Distance to Waypoint – Rhumb Line

DBT Depth Below Transducer (see note below)

DPT Depth (see note below)

MTW Water Temperature

RMB Recommended Minimum Navigation Information

RSD Radar System Data

RTE Routes

TTM Trac ked Targe t M ess age

VHW Water Speed and Heading

VLW Distance Travelled through the Water

WPL Waypoint Location

GGA Global Positioning System Fix Data

GLL Geographic Position – Latitude/Longitude

RMA Recommended Minimum Specific Loran-C Data

RMC Recommended Minimum Specific GPS/TRANSIT Data

VTG Course Over Ground and Ground Speed

ZDA Time and D ate

The changes do not take effect until after ENTER is pressed. Consult your NMEA instrumentation documentation to determine which strings should remain ON.

Chapter 4: System Setup 4-11

Note: The DSM250 outputs the same depth value for DBT and DPT, regardless of the Depth Offset value in Sonar Setup.

Cursor Echo

You can set up an integrated system so that radar and chartplotter displays connected via SeaTalk can display each other’s cursors. Cursor echo functions so that you can display a chart cursor on the radar picture, or a radar cursor on the chart picture (you cannot display a remote radar cursor in a radar window nor can you display a remote chart cursor in a chart window). When the appropriate options are switched on, each display shows its own cursor, plus the cursor of the other display with appropriate cursor text (RDR or CHRT) to indicate its origin. This means that you could move the cursor over a target on the radar display and check the identity of the target by looking at the radar cursor position on the chartplotter.

Press the CURSOR ECHO soft key to display the cursor transfer soft keys. The following options can be toggled ON or OFF:

• Radar Cursor In: displays the cursor from another radar on the

chart display or chart window (default - OFF).

• Chart Cursor In: displays the cursor from another or chartplot-

ter on the radar display or radar window (default - OFF).

Note: The remote display must have SeaTalk Cursor Out enabled.

• SeaTalk Cursor Out: enables the output, onto SeaTalk, of the

display’s own cursor (default - OFF).

• Cursor Echo Local: echoes the cursor position between open

windows on the same display (default - ON).

If you set the options to OFF, no cursor echo information is displayed.

Date and Time Settings

Set your preferred date format (DD/MM/YY or MM/DD/YY) and time format (12 or 24 hour). If you wish to display local time, use the soft keys to change from UTC to the desired time offset. This can be up to plus or minus 12 hours, in hourly steps.

4-12 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

GPS SOG/COG Filter

The SOG/COG filter averages the velocity vectors to compensate for the oscillating motion of the vessel, giving a clearer indication of the vessel’s course and speed. The filter does not affect the calculation of the GPS position. The velocity vectors calculated from the GPS Signal give an instantaneous measure of speed and direction of the GPS antenna. The COG and SOG can therefore seem erratic under certain conditions. For example, when a vessel is moving slowly through rough seas, the antenna moves from side to side as well as in the direction of the vessel.

Slow moving vessels, or vessels sailing in rough seas will benefit from a high setting, whereas a power boat that can quickly change speed and direction will benefit from a low setting.

Select the SOG/COG filter setting as required. This can be set to HIGH, MEDIUM or LOW.

Compass Set Up

This option is used to calibrate a Raymarine heading sensor such as the Pathfinder Smart Heading System. Controls are provided for LINEARISE COMPASS, which detects and corrects for heading errors caused by metal objects, and ALIGN HEADING, which matches the displayed heading to a known heading or transit.

Refer to the Handbook supplied with your heading sensor for more details.

Language

Select the language in which you wish information to be displayed. The selected language will be used for screen text, labels, menus, and options, but will not affect the letters displayed by the context-sensitive cursor. The language setting also affects the display format for lat/long position information.

Simulator

The simulator enables you to operate your display without data from the transducer and/or external data sources. The system set up simulator options have the following functions:

• Data provides simulated numerical data, and a waypoint display.

Chapter 4: System Setup 4-13

• Radar provides simulated radar picture, with example targets.

The picture does not change if you change the range, although the range rings are adjusted (see radar documentation).

• Both provides simulated data and radar picture.

When the simulator is switched on, a SIMULATOR data box is dis- played during operation, showing the simulation selected.

Sonar simulator mode is set in the Sonar setup menu, described in Section 4.4.

4.4 Sonar Set Up Parameters

SONAR

SET UP¬

The SONAR SET UP option enables you to set up the sounder according to your system configuration and your personal preferences.

The following table lists the Sonar Set Up parameters and their options, shows the factory default setting, and provides a space for you to make a note of your new setting. Each parameter is described in the following subsections.

Table 4-3: Sonar Mode Set Up Parameters

Parameter Options

TARGET DEPTH ID OFF

COLOR BAR OFF

DEPTH DIGIT SIZE LARGE

SMALL

SONAR HSB MODE REPEATER

MASTER

DEPTH OFFSET Value 0.0

SPEED CALIBRATE 0% to 200% 100%

TEMP CALIBRATE -9.0 °F to +9.0 °F 0°F

Factory Default New Setting

OFF

LARGE

MASTER

SONAR HISTORY LARGE or SMALL LARGE

SONAR INT REJ AUTO, L OW or HIGH AUTO

SONAR SIMULATOR OFF

OFF

4-14 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

Target Depth ID

You can select whether the depth is shown for sonar echoes displayed on the screen. When Target Depth ID is set to ON, the depth is displayed just above each fish echo. When set to OFF, the depth of each echo is not displayed.

Color Bar

The color bar indicates the range of echoes displayed in each color (shade of gray for monochrome displays). When set to ON the color bar is displayed on the right hand side of the display.

Depth Digit Size

The depth under the boat is displayed in the bottom left hand corner of the display. You can select small or large digits for the depth display.

Sonar HSB Mode

Note: This parameter only pertains when the display to which you are outputting DSM250 image data is a PLUS fishfinder. If your display is a PLUS radar or chartplotter display, the REPEATER setting is automatically selected and cannot be changed.

The Sonar HSB Mode setting designates whether the display showing sounder data is the MASTER unit from which depth data is to be sourced or a REPEATER of sonar data received from a master unit. Only one unit should be designated the master at a time.

Note: Ensure that there is only one sonar master unit on the work. Having more than one master unit will cause unpredictable results.

A sonar MASTER unit is connected directly to the transducer. Only a DSM250 or a PLUS fishfinder display can be designated as the master. A REPEATER display is connected via unit so it can display sonar data the master has collected. A REPEATER can be a radar, chartplotter or fishfinder display. Because the DSM250 does not have a display of its own, the DSM250 is always designated as the MASTER. Therefore, all dis- play units showing sonar data from the DSM250 must be designated as a REPEATER.

hsb

to the master

hsb

net-

Chapter 4: System Setup 4-15

This is not an issue when showing DSM250 data on a radar or chart display because these units can never be a sonar master. In this case, the DSM250 is automatically set as the master and the display unit as the repeater. In fact, the MASTER selection is grayed out when the sounder module is connected to a PLUS radar or chart display.

However, if the display unit is a PLUS fishfinder, you are given a choice. You must set the fishfinder display to REPEATER so that there is no conflict on the

hsb

network (the DSM250 is always

designated as a master). You would only select MASTER when you want to control the PLUS fishfinder display rather than the DSM250. In this case, the fishfinder display unit must have its own transducer connected and the DSM250 must be powered off or have its HSB cable disconnected (thus removing it from the

hsb

network).

Note: If you switch the PLUS fishfinder display from REPEATER to MASTER, you must remove the DSM250 from the

hsb

network and

power off & on the display unit for the changes to take effect.

Summary

1. When the display is a PLUS radar or chart unit, you can ignore

this parameter; the REPEATER setting is made for you automatically.

2. When the display is a PLUS fishfinder and you are using the

DSM250, select REPEATER.

3. When the display is a PLUS fishfinder and you want the display to show its own sonar data rather than that of the DSM250, select MASTER. In this scenario, the DSM250 must be powered off or be physically removed from the

hsb

network.

Depth Offset

The depth offset is added to the measured depth value before it is displayed. You can specify the depth as a positive value (WATER- LINE OFFSET) or a negative value (KEEL OFFSET). The depth offset can be set adjusted in 0.1 increments of the units you have assigned for Depth Units in the setup parameters of the display unit: meters, fathoms, or feet.

4-16 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

Speed Calibrate

If the transducer is equipped with a speed paddle wheel, the DSM250 calculates the speed of the boat through the water. The speed calibrate option enables you to adjust the displayed speed so that it matches your actual speed through the water. You can adjust the displayed speed from 1% to 200%.

If the sounder reading is too low, set Speed Calibration to more than 100%. If the sounder reading is too high, set Speed Calibration to less than 100%.

Temperature Calibrate

If the transducer is equipped with a thermistor, the DSM250 calculates the temperature of the water. The temperature calibrate option enables you to adjust the displayed temperature. You can adjust the displayed temperature by -9.0°F to +9.0°F.

Sonar History

Sonar History determines the number of data sample columns that appear on the screen at one time. The options are: SMALL, which displays 240 columns of data or LARGE, which shows 480 columns.

Information displayed in a single column using the LARGE setting would occupy two columns with SMALL. As a result, twice as much data history is displayed under the LARGE setting. Data displayed using SMALL appears wider and scrolls across the screen faster.

Sonar Interference Rejection

Two or more sonar-equipped vessels operating within range of each other can create interference on the sounder screen. This usually appears as vertical streaks in the water that do not represent actual targets.

The DSM250 includes a SONAR INT REJ option that can reduce such interference, either manually or automatically. LOW rejects only a small amount of the extraneous objects. Use this setting when you want to be sure that what has been removed are really false returns.

Chapter 4: System Setup 4-17

HIGH cleans up much more interference but can degrade the

appearance of actual targets. AUTOMATIC selects the best rejection level for you.

The default setting is AUTOMATIC.

Sonar Simulator

The simulator enables you to operate your display without data from the transducer, in order to become familiar with the sounder features and functions.

All controls are functional in Simulator mode with the exception of STC.

Version/Serial Numbers

The area at the bottom of the Sonar Setup screen gives version information for the system.

This area is informational only; it is not editable.

DISPLAY SW VERSION displays the software version of the display unit.

MASTER SW VERSION displays the software version and product type of the master unit, which under most circumstances would be the DSM250.

MASTER S/N displays the serial number of the master unit, which under normal circumstances would be the DSM250.

4-18 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

Chapter 5: Basic Display Controls 5-1

Chapter 5: Basic Display Controls

5.1 Introduction

This chapter will help you to become familiar with the functions of the display’s controls in Sonar mode. More detailed information on operating Sonar display mode is provided in Chapter 6.

Simulator

The DSM250 includes a simulator function that enables you to practice operating display controls in Sonar Mode without data from the transducer. Section 3.6 describes how to switch the display to simulator mode.

The DSM250 must be connected to an plotter, or Fishfinder display unit to show echo sounder data. The DSM250 will not work with older HSB (non-PLUS) displays.

Note: Older HSB (non-PLUS) display units must be upgraded to before they can function with the DSM250.

hsb

PLUS Radar, Chart-

hsb

5.2 Setting Color and Brightness

Brightness settings depend on the type of display you have. Monochrome displays offer lighting and contrast settings, while color displays have brightness and color settings.

Lighting and Contrast (Monochrome Displays)

You can change the level of backlighting and contrast for the screen and keys. The key lighting is set the same as the screen lighting, except that it remains switched on at its lowest level even when the screen lighting is turned off, so that you can always find the keys.

5-2 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

➤ To change the lighting and contrast:

1. Press the MULTI key (or the MULTI knob on CRT radar units) to

display the soft key controls: The last-used soft key is highlighted in inverse video (white text on a black background).

37%70%

POWER

AUTO LO HI

LIGHT CONTRAST

WHT LINE

OFF ON

2. Press the LIGHT soft key if it is not already highlighted.

3. The LIGHT soft key toggles lighting ON/OFF.

4. Use the trackpad (up or down) to increase or decrease the setting. You can press and hold the trackpad to change the setting more rapidly. The lighting level is adjusted as you change the setting.

5. Press the CONTRAST soft key. Adjust the setting in the same way as for the lighting. There are 64 different contrast levels.

50%

6. Press ENTER to return to the default screen, with the new lighting and contrast levels retained, or press CLEAR to discard the

CONTRAST

changes and return to the default screen.

If lights are left ON when you switch off the display, the next time the display is switched on, the lights will be ON, but at the default setting of 42%. The new contrast level is retained until you reset it, unless you set the control very low or very high; in this case, the contrast will be restored as follows:

Contrast set < 30%restored to 30% Contrast set > 70%restored to 70%

Brightness and Color Settings (Color Displays)

D4895-2

The MULTI key on a color LCD unit provides controls to set up the display colors and brightness. You can choose the background color and the color threshold; color threshold lets you determine which echoes are displayed, by selecting the minimum color strength the sounder uses.

Chapter 5: Basic Display Controls 5-3

You can also select the color set, for a bold or soft color palette. The brightness of the screen can be adjusted over a wide range, suitable for viewing in daylight (high brightness level) or at night (low brightness level).

The key lighting is automatically adjusted as you alter the screen lighting, so that you can always find the keys. If you set the backlight to a high level, the key lighting is dimmed; if you set the backlight to a low level, the key lighting level is increased.

Adjusting the Brightness

➤ To change the screen brightness:

1. Press the MULTI key to display the soft key controls:

70%

POWER

AUTO LO HI

LIGHT

2. The LIGHT soft key indicates the brightness level, use the trackpad

(up or down) to increase or decrease the setting. You can press and hold the trackpad to change the setting more rapidly. The brightness level is adjusted as you change the setting.

3. Press ENTER to return to the default screen, with the new bright-

ness level.

➤ To set the screen brightness to 100%:

MULTI

Press and hold the M increased to 100%.

The brightness level is retained when you switch off the display.

Note: During night-time use, the brightness level may be set very low. When subsequently operated during the day it may not be apparent that the display is on. Press MULTI, and then use the trackpad to increase brightness. Alternatively, press and hold MULTI for one second to set the brightness to 100%.

COLOR

SETTINGS

WHT LINE

OFF ON

D4896-2

ULTI key for one second. The brightness is

5-4 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

Selecting the Background Color

Five colors are available for the sonar display background – black, dark gray, light gray, white, and dark blue. The color you select is used on all the sounder windows (scrolling bottom, Zoom, Bottom Lock, and A-Scope).

You will probably find that you need to change the background color in different light conditions. For example, a white background is probably easiest to see in bright sunlight, but a black background may be preferable at night.

➤ To change the background color:

MULTI

COLOR

SETTINGS

B'GROUND

COLOR

1. Press the MULTI key to display the soft key control.

2. Press the COLOR SETTINGS soft key.

3. Press the BGROUND COLOR soft key. The background color soft keys are displayed below a pallet of available colors. The selected color is highlighted.

4. Press the left or right BACKGROUND COLOR soft key until the desired color is highlighted. The sounder display changes, so you can see the effect as you change the background color.

5. Press ENTER or CLEAR twice to return to the MULTI soft keys.

MULTI

COLOR

SETTINGS

Selecting the Color Threshold

You use the color threshold control to determine the minimum echo strength that is displayed. Each range of echo strengths is displayed in a color as shown in the color bar; you select the minimum strength that is displayed by blanking echo colors below the required minimum.

If you blank a color, the corresponding echoes are displayed in the background color. You can remove up to six colors, but you cannot remove the strongest color.

The color threshold you select is used on all the sounder windows (scrolling bottom, Zoom, Bottom Lock, and A-Scope).

➤ To change the color threshold:

1. Press the MULTI key to display the soft key controls.

2. Press the COLOR SETTINGS soft key.

Chapter 5: Basic Display Controls 5-5

3. Press the COLOR THRESH soft key.

The color threshold soft keys are displayed below color indicator

COLOR

THRESH

showing the available echo colors. The weakest color is at the bottom of the indicator, the strongest color at the top; you can remove colors from the bottom up.

4. Press the left or right ADJUST COLOR THRESHOLD soft key to

change the color threshold. Pressing the left key removes out the next color up, it increases the minimum strength displayed. Pressing the right key displays the next color down, it decreases the minimum strength displayed.

5. Press ENTER or CLEAR twice to return to the MULTI soft keys.

Selecting the Color Settings

➤ To change the color palette:

MULTI

COLOR

SETTINGS

COLOR SET

1 2

1. Press the MULTI key to display the soft key controls.

2. Press the COLOR SETTINGS soft key.

3. Press the COLOR SET soft key.

This toggles between color set 1, bolder colors, and color set 2, softer colors.

4. Press ENTER or CLEAR twice to return to the default screen.

5.3 Controlling the Display

You control the display using the cursor and control keys. You start all operations from the default screen, from which the default soft keys are displayed:

ZOOM BTM.LOCKFREQUENCY

When you have completed an action using the soft keys, press ENTER or CLEAR to return to the default screen; you may need to press ENTER or CLEAR several times to back-track through the soft key hierarchy.

Note: If you have set up your system so that the default soft keys are not displayed all the time, press any soft key to display the labels.

The remainder of this section describes how to select the mode of operation and switch half-screen windows on/off.

A-SCOPE

D5010-1

5-6 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

The controls are summarized in the laminated Quick Reference card that accompanies this handbook.

Selecting the Display Mode

If the data is available on your system, the following display modes can be selected:

• Radar

•Chart

• Sonar (Fishfinder)

• Data Log

You use the DISPLAY key to select the full-screen display mode. The DISPLAY key also accesses the soft keys for the half-screen window options for additional information.

➤ To select Sonar mode:

DISPLAY

SPLIT

HOR VER

1. Press the DISPLAY key. The DISPLAY pop-up appears, as shown in Figure 5-1 . The selected mode is shown by an icon with a black (monochrome display) or red (color LCD) border and the mode is displayed on the screen.

2. Continue to press DISPLAY until SONAR mode is shown.

3. Press ENTER or CLEAR. The Sonar screen is displayed with its default soft keys. The associated half-screen window soft keys are also displayed.

You can also set Windows On to split the display into two halfscreen windows (horizontal or vertical) to show supplementary data, or to display sonar and chart or radar simultaneously. Split screen options are described in the following sections.

Chapter 5: Basic Display Controls 5-7

"DISPLAY" TO SELECT FULL SCREEN OPTION

SOFTKEYS TO SELECT WINDOW OPTION

CURSOR

BRG 099 RNG 2.410nm

0 0

RADAR

WINDOWS

OFF ON

CHART SONAR LOG

SELECT

WINDOWS

HOR VER

SPLIT

D6212-1

Figure 5-1: Selecting the Display Mode

Horizontal Half -Screen Window Options

Using horizontal half screens, the main operating mode is displayed in the upper window; you choose what is displayed in the lower window.

The following information, if available on your system, can be shown:

Table 5-1: Horizontal Half-Screen Window Options

Full-screen mode

Sonar Mode C DI, BDI , Dep th/Te mp, Cha rt, R ada r

Horizontal Half-Screen Window Options

Chart Mode CDI, BDI, Nav Data, Radar, Sonar

Radar Mode CDI, BDI, Nav Data, Chart, Sonar

Data Log Mode Half-screens not available

5-8 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

• Chart display: If data is available on the display or via the link, it can be displayed.

• Radar display: If data is available on the display or via the link, it can be displayed.

• Depth/temp graph (Sonar mode only): This shows a plot water temperature and depth against time.

• CDI: This gives the Course Deviation Indicator graphical display, with data relating to the target waypoint.

• BDI: This gives the Bearing and Distance Indicator graphical display, with data relating to the target waypoint.

• Nav Data (Chart or Radar mode): This shows sixteen data boxes, providing navigational data in the units specified in your set up.

➤ To select a Horizontal half-screen window for display:

1. From the full-screen Sonar mode, press the DISPLAY key. The following soft keys are displayed with an image of each available window:

DISPLAY

WINDOWS

OFF ON

SELECT

WINDOWS

2. Set SPLIT to HOR. To select a different window, press either SELECT WINDOWS soft key until the desired window is highlighted. If nec-

essary, press WINDOWS OFF ON to toggle Windows on.

3. Press ENTER.

4. To toggle Windows off, press the WINDOWS OFF ON soft key.

SPLIT

HOR VER

D5011-1

hsb

If any data boxes were displayed at the bottom of the full-screen image, they are switched off until you return to full-screen mode.

Note: You can use the SCREEN soft key in chart mode to switch the data boxes on. They are displayed in the upper window.

Figure 5-2 and Figure 5-3 show the half-screen horizontal win-

dows (in Sonar mode).

Chapter 5: Basic Display Controls 5-9

CDI Window

AUTO GCRZFH

50kHz

BDI Window

AUTO GCRZFH

50kHz

STEER PORT

WAYPOINT 001

BTM.LOCK A-SCOPE

ZOOMFREQUENCY

WINDOWS

OFF ON

SELECT

WINDOWS

Depth/Temperature Window

AUTO GCRZFH

TEMPERATURE (°C)

26.4

26.0

25.6

25.2

24.8

24.4

24.0

23.6

23.2

ZOOMFREQUENCY

50kHz

MINUTES

BTM.LOCK A-SCOPE

0.28nm

WPT BRG

351°T

WPT RNG

26.8nm

SPLIT

HOR VER

DEPTH (ft)

XTE

TTG

h:59m

XTE

225°T

1.45nm

20 20

nm nm

10 10

STEER STARBOARD

WINDOWS

OFF ON

WAYPOINT 001

ZOOMFREQUENCY

SELECT

WINDOWS

BTM.LOCK A-SCOPE

WPT BRG

351°T

WPT RNG

23.1nm

TTG

h:13m

SPLIT

HOR VER

D6165-1

Chart Window

AUTO GCRZFH

12.8

131

170

200

0102030405060

50kHz

ZOOM MORE¬FREQUENCY CHRT SNR

WINDOWS

OFF ON

SELECT

WINDOWS

SPLIT

HOR VER

WINDOWS

OFF ON

Figure 5-2: Horizontal Half-Screen Windows

SELECT

WINDOWS

SPLIT

HOR VER

D6166-1

5-10 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

Radar Window

AUTO GCRZFH

50kHz

DISPLAY

WINDOWS

OFF ON

ZOOM MORE¬FREQUENCY RDR SNR

SELECT

WINDOWS

SPLIT

HOR VER

D6211-1

Figure 5-3: Radar Half-Screen Window

Vertical Half -Screen Window Options

You can also use the DISPLAY key to select a data window that is vertically split with the full-screen Sonar mode display. Vertical half-screen windows are only available in Sonar mode. Three data windows are available, each window provides several large-format data boxes for specific information as follows:

• Data Window A – provides surface temperature with a 30 minute temperature graph, speed through water, and depth.

• Data Window B – provides position, course over ground (COG), speed over ground (SOG), and depth.

• Data Window C – provides waypoint range and bearing, course over ground (COG), speed over ground (SOG), and depth.

Chapter 5: Basic Display Controls 5-11

"DISPLAY" TO SELECT FULL SCREEN OPTION

SOFTKEYS TO SELECT WINDOW OPTION

CURSOR

BRG 099

RNG 2.410nm

CHART SONAR LOG

RADAR

0 0

WINDOWS

OFF ON

SELECT

WINDOWS

SPLIT

HOR VER

D6191-1

Figure 5-4: Selecting Vertical Half-Screen Windows

Note: Receiving and displaying position data requires that a GPS is connected to your Raymarine system.

AUTO GC F

TEMPERATURE

30 0MINUTES

SPEED

DEPTH

ZOOMFREQUENCY

50kHz

20.1

15.1

10.1

kts

BTM.LOCK A-SCOPE

AUTO GC F

POSITION

81°06^34W 28°17^07N

COURSE OVER GROUND

SPEED OVER GROUND

DEPTH

ZOOMFREQUENCY

50kHz

kts

BTM.LOCK A-SCOPE

D6207-1

WINDOWS

OFF ON

WINDOWS

OFF ON

SELECT

WINDOWS

SPLIT

HOR VER

Figure 5-5: Vertical Half-Screen Windows A and B

SELECT

WINDOWS

SPLIT

HOR VER

D6208-1

5-12 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

AUTO GC F

Rng 2.95nm Brg 093°T

COURSE OVER GROUND

SPEED OVER GROUND

WAYPOINT

50kHz

WINDOWS

OFF ON

DEPTH

ZOOMFREQUENCY

kts

SELECT

WINDOWS

BTM.LOCK A-SCOPE

SPLIT

HOR VER

D6209-1

Figure 5-6: Vertical Half-Screen Window C

Returning to the Full-Screen Display

To return to the full-screen display you can turn windows off, as previously described. To return to full-screen display:

DISPLAY

➤ Press and hold the DISPLAY key for 2 seconds to return to the

currently selected full-screen (upper window) display.

Switching Between Sounder and Other Modes

When you have both sounder and chart displayed in half-screen windows the soft key CHRT SNR lets you toggle operating control between the sounder and the chart window.

ZOOM MORE¬FREQUENCY

CHRT SNR

D5013-1

➤ To change the active window when you are displaying the sonar/chart

horizontal split window, press the CHRT SNR soft key to toggle control between the sounder and chart display. The current active display is highlighted in gray (monochrome display) or red (color LCD) on the

CHRT SNR label and the cursor appears in that window.

Chapter 5: Basic Display Controls 5-13

Alternatively, when you have both sounder and radar displayed in half-screen windows the soft key RDR SNR lets you toggle operat- ing control between the sounder and the radar window.

ZOOM MORE¬FREQUENCY RDR SNR

➤ To change the active window when you are displaying the sonar/radar

horizontal split window, press the RDR SNR soft key to toggle control between the sounder and radar display. The current active display is highlighted in gray (monochrome display) or red (color LCD) on the RDR SNR label and the cursor appears in that window.

If a window is active, i.e., control of the cursor via the trackpad is available in that window, and you switch windows off, control automatically returns to the full-screen (upper/right window) mode.

5.4 Display Control Functions

Sonar mode automatically locates the bottom and displays the information using an appropriate scroll speed and range. However, controls are provided so you can adjust scroll speed and range. You can also select the transducer frequency and select certain data for display. This section describes how to use the controls to set-up your sounder display:

• Viewing databoxes

• Changing the scroll speed

• Changing the range

• Selecting the power setting

• Selecting the frequency

In addition this section describes how to select the Sonar mode display options.

• Display Bottom Lock

• Display A-Scope

• Zoom an area of the image.

5-14 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

Viewing Data Boxes

The cursor data box and a group of up to six data boxes can be displayed if the information is available on your system. Yo u

select which data is displayed in the boxes during system set up as described in Chapter 4. The default data box positions are

along the bottom of the display. Each box can be moved to the desired position on the screen using the context-sensitive cursor.

To switch data boxes on and off as a group you need to go to Chart mode. Switching the databoxes on/off in Chart mode also affects their display in Sonar mode and vice-versa. You can switch them off and on individually using the System Set Up menu, as described in Section 4.3.

Changing the Scroll Speed

The standard fishfinder display is the scrolling bottom image. This is a graphical representation of the echoes seen by the sounder. New information appears at the right hand side of the display and scrolls to the left.

The speed at which the display scrolls is adjustable. As illustrated in Figure 5-7 , if you select a faster speed, more detail is displayed and is useful when you are looking for fish; if you select a slower speed the information remains on the display for longer.

Section of bottom shown at higher scroll speed

Section of bottom shown at slower scroll speed

Figure 5-7: Effect of the Scroll Speed

Display shows more detail

Display shows longer history

D5024-3

Chapter 5: Basic Display Controls 5-15

The DSM250 defaults to manual scroll adjustment at full speed (100%). Use the trackpad to decrease the scroll speed in 10% increments down to 0% (pause). Unlike automatic adjustment, manual scroll speed is not related to boat speed over the bottom.

Alternatively you can have the sounder automatically adjust the scroll speed, based on boat speed. If you select automatic adjustment, the scroll speed is related to boat speed as follows:

• Less than, or equal to 0.5 kts, scroll speed is constant at 10%

• Between 0.5–15 kts, scroll speed varies linearly with boat speed

• Greater than 15 kts, scroll speed is constant at 100%

You can also pause the display in either manual or automatic mode. The depth indication continues to be updated.

➤ To change the scroll speed:

1. Press MENU, then press the SCROLL SPEED soft key.

2. If necessary, press the SCROLL AUTO MAN soft key to toggle the

SCROLL

SPEED

setting between AUTO and MAN.

3. For manual adjustment, use the trackpad to change the scroll speed in 10% increments from 0 to 100%. You can press and hold the trackpad to change the value more rapidly.

4. Press ENTER to return to the Menu soft keys, then ENTER again to return to the default display.

➤ To pause the scrolling display:

1. Press MENU, then press the SCROLL SPEED soft key.

2. Press the PAUSE soft key. The display stops scrolling and the key is

PAUSE

relabeled RESUME.

3. To resume scrolling, press the RESUME soft key. The key is relabeled PAUSE.

4. Press ENTER to return to the Menu soft keys, then ENTER again to return to the default display.

Selecting the Power Setting

The POWER soft key provides adjustment of the transducer signal. When AUTO is selected (default), the sounder automatically determines the optimal power setting based on the current depth, speed, and (bottom) signal strength. When AUTO is selected the current automatic power setting is indicated in the top status line by an L (low) or H (high).

5-16 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

If, however, you wish to manually adjust the power to suit current conditions, you can select either LO or HI power. LO power (100 W) is normally used in depth ranges less than 8 ft (2.4 m) and HI power (600 or 1000 W, depending on your transducer) is typically selected for depths greater than 12 ft (3.7 m).

➤ To change the power setting:

MULTI

1. Press the MULTI key (MULTI knob on CRT radar units) to display

the soft key controls.

POWER

AUTO

2. Press the POWER soft key to toggle between AUTO, LO, or HI

power. The selected setting is highlighted.

3. Press ENTER or CLEAR to return to the default screen.

Changing the Sounder Range

By default, the sounder automatically adjusts the display range, selecting the shallowest range that keeps the bottom in the lower half of the display window. Shift is disabled (the value is ignored) when auto-range is selected.

Alternatively, the RANGE key lets you select the maximum depth displayed on the scrolling bottom and A-Scope displays. You can also set the shift value to move the image window up or down within the current range.

The following range/shift values are available:

Table 5-2: Range and Shift Values

Feet Fathoms Meters

Range Shift Range Shift Range Shift

5 1 1 1 2 1

10 2 2 1 4 1

15 5 3 1 6 2

20 5 4 1 8 2

30 10 5 1 10 2

40 10 8 2 15 5

50 10 10 2 20 5

60 20 15 5 25 5

Chapter 5: Basic Display Controls 5-17

Table 5-2: Range and Shift Values

Feet Fathoms Meters

80 20 20 5 30 10

100 25 25 5 40 10

150 50 30 10 50 10

200 50 40 10 60 20

250 50 50 10 80 20

300 100 60 20 100 25

400 100 80 20 150 50

600 200 100 25 200 50

800 200 150 50 300 100

1000 250 200 50 400 100

1500 500 250 50 500 100

2000 500 300 100 600 200

2500 500 400 100 800 200

3000 1000 500 100 1000 250

3500

875 600 150 1200 300

RANGE

AUTO MAN

4000 1000 700 175 1400 350

4500 1500 750 250 1500 500

5000 1250 850 170 1700 425

Depths greater than 3000 ft (1000 m) require a high performance transducer

➤ To adjust the range and shift values:

1. Press RANGE, this sets adjustment to manual and the range soft keys are displayed. The range adjusts up or down depending on the direction pressed.

2. Use the RANGE key to adjust the range: press the up arrow to select a shallower range, press the down arrow to select a deeper range.

3. If desired, press the RANGE AUTO MAN soft key to select AUTO range.

AUTO range is indicated by the letter R in the status bar.

5-18 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

4. To adjust the shift, press the appropriate SHIFT soft key: use the up

soft key to select a shallower shift, use the down soft key to select a deeper shift. The image window is shifted up by the selected amount. Pressing the SHIFT keys sets the range to MANUAL.

5. Press ENTER to return to the default display.

Hunt Mode

The DSM250 features a digital “Hunt mode” that automatically searches for the bottom while the sounder is in Auto Range. If bottom cannot be determined while AUTO RANGE is selected, the DSM250 pings the last known depth, and then incrementally increases the ping depth to a maximum value determined by the transducer type (see Table 5-3 ) until the bottom is found. If bot- tom is not found, the sounder returns to the original depth and repeats the process.

If AUTO FREQUENCY is also selected (see Selecting the Frequency on page 5-19) when the sounder completes the auto range hunt process, the process is repeated in the other frequency. If MANUAL FREQUENCY is selected, hunt mode only continues in the selected frequency. This process continues until bottom is detected or you switch to manual range mode.

The maximum depth to which Hunt mode searches is determined by the high power output of the transducer, as follows:

Table 5-3: Maximum Depths for Hunt Mode

200 kHz 50 kHz

600 W

1000 W

1000 ft (400 m) 3000 (1000 m)

1500 ft (500 m) 5000 (1700 m)

For example, let’s say a DSM250 with a 1000 W transducer is set for auto range & auto frequency and bottom is currently detected at 500 ft using 200 kHz. The bottom signal becomes lost, so the sounder switches to Hunt mode. Pinging begins at 500 ft using 200 kHz and increments to 1500 ft. If bottom is not detected, the sounder switches to 50 kHz, repeats pinging at 500 ft, and increments up to a maximum of 5000 ft. If bottom is still not detected, the DSM250 returns to 500 ft using 200 kHz to continue the process.

Chapter 5: Basic Display Controls 5-19

When bottom is found, Hunt mode ceases and the sounder adjusts to the range and frequency appropriate for the new depth.

While the DSM250 searches in Hunt mode, a constantly changing ‘stairstep’ pattern is displayed as the sounder switches depths and frequencies. This situation is most likely to happen while the vessel is travelling at a high rate of speed.

If you do not wish to view this stairstep hunt pattern, switch to MANUAL RANGE to turn off Hunt mode. Then, when you reduce speed, return to AUTO RANGE to continue the hunt for bottom.

Selecting the Frequency

The DSM250 uses dual frequency sonar—50 kHz and 200 kHz— and can be used in either auto or manual modes.

The DSM250 can automatically select the appropriate frequency, based on the current display range. As the depth increases while in Auto Frequency mode, the sounder module shifts from 200 kHz to 50 kHz at 250 ft (80 m). As the depth decreases, the sounder module switches from 50 kHz to 200 kHz at 150 ft (50 m).

The Auto Frequency setting is also useful for automatically searching for bottom, as described in Hunt Mode on page 5-18.

Alternatively, you can manually select either frequency, or both frequencies simultaneously (split frequency). Each is suitable for a particular purpose:

50 kHz Frequency

When using this frequency, the transducer scans a wide area. The 50 kHz signal penetrates water well, so is good for use in deep water.

200 kHz Frequency

When using this frequency, the transducer scans a narrower area, but produces a more detailed view. The 200 kHz signal is good for finding fish near the bottom or close together. It is better for use in shallow water.

5-20 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

Split Frequency

The transducer can operate in both 50 kHz and 200 kHz frequencies at the same time. If you choose split frequency operation, the scrolling bottom display is split horizontally; the upper half shows the 200 kHz detailed view and the lower half shows the 50 kHz image.

➤ To change the frequency:

FREQUENCY

1. Press the FREQUENCY soft key. The frequency selection soft keys

are displayed.

2. Press the appropriate soft key – 50 KHZ, 200 KHZ or SPLIT. The

scrolling bottom is displayed in the selected frequency. If you choose split, the scrolling bottom is displayed in both frequencies with 200 kHz in the upper window and 50 kHz in the lower window.

3. If desired, press the AUTO FREQUENCY soft key to set AUTO mode ON. AUTO frequency is indicated by the letter F in the status bar.

4. Press ENTER or CLEAR to return to the default display.

You can choose the split frequency display with the sonar display options, Bottom Lock, A-Scope, or Zoom.

Using Bottom Lock

The scrolling bottom display provides a top-down view, refer- enced from the surface of the water. Bottom Lock shows a water column of fixed height, referenced from the bottom, that appears flat. It removes bottom detail to provide an image of objects directly above the bottom and is useful when you are looking for fish that feed close to the bottom.

You can select the Bottom Lock image to be vertically split with the scrolling bottom display or it can replace the scrolling bottom display.

As illustrated in Figure 5-8 , the bottom is shown as a straight line. Note that some bottom features may extend above this line. The actual depth reading is given in the bottom left hand corner of the Bottom Lock display.

Chapter 5: Basic Display Controls 5-21

Range intervals on Bottom Lock are measured up from the bottom (rather than down from the surface). Thus, the bottom is shown as zero and the top number indicates the maximum distance above the bottom being displayed. You can adjust the Bottom Lock range.

If the A-Scope or Zoom image was displayed, selecting Bottom Lock automatically switches OFF A-Scope and Zoom. If you have split frequency selected, the Bottom Lock image is displayed in both frequency windows.

If Target Depth ID is ON (see Target Depth ID on page 4-14), the target depth is displayed as distance from the bottom.

➤ To display the Bottom Lock image:

BTM.LOCK

1. Press the BTM. LOCK soft key. The Bottom Lock selection soft

keys are displayed.

2. Press the BTM. LOCK OFF ON soft key to toggle the function ON.

3. Press the BTM. LOCK FULL SPLIT soft key to toggle between a full

window bottom lock image or split windows. The bottom lock image is displayed. If you select split windows, the sounder display is split vertically, with the bottom lock image in the left hand window and the scrolling bottom display in the right hand window. In a split window display, a vertical bar appears (along the right hand edge of the scrolling bottom image) that references the range being displayed in the bottom lock window. This bar varies in height as the bottom lock range is changed.

4. To adjust the range, press the appropriate BTM LOCK RANGE soft

key: press the up arrow to select a larger range, press the down arrow to select a smaller range.

5. Press ENTER or CLEAR to return to the default display.

5-22 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

AUTO GC Z H

200kHz

ZOOMFREQUENCY

BTM.LOCK A-SCOPE

Figure 5-8: Bottom Lock Display with Split Windows

➤ To reposition the bottom lock image:

1. Use the trackpad to move the cursor to the bottom image until the text B

2. Press ENTER, a horizontal line appears, indicating the cursor is

L is displayed near the cursor.

active. Use the trackpad to move the line to the desired bottom lock image position.

3. Press ENTER to reposition the bottom lock image, or CLEAR to cancel the operation.

Using A-Scope

The scrolling bottom display provides a historical record of sonar echoes. Use the A-Scope screen to show raw sonar data directly from the transducer beam. This gives you a “real time” image of fish and bottom structure directly below the transducer. This function is very useful in showing the strength of the echo returned from a fish. At the lower end of the window, A-Scope also displays the patented Bottom Coverage width indication.

D6186-1

Chapter 5: Basic Display Controls 5-23

➤ To display the A-Scope image:

A-SCOPE

MODE

1 2 3

A-SCOPE OFF ON

1. Press the A-SCOPE soft key. The display is split vertically, with the

A-Scope image in the right hand window and the scrolling bottom image in the left hand window.

2. Press the A-SCOPE MODE soft key to select one of the three modes

for A-Scope, as demonstrated in Figure 5-9 : i. Mode 1, in which the A-Scope image is angled outward as the

signal width (indicated with dotted lines) increases with depth.

ii. Mode 2, in which the image expands to take up the entire

A-Scope window, providing greater resolution.

iii. Mode 3, in which only the left hand side of the image dis-

played in Mode 2 expands to the entire A-Scope window. This mode provides the greatest resolution.

3. Press ENTER to accept your selection.

Note: If the Bottom Lock or Zoom image is displayed, selecting AScope automatically switches OFF Bottom Lock and Zoom. If you have split frequency selected, the A-Scope image is displayed in both frequency windows.

➤ To remove the A-Scope image:

1. Press the A-SCOPE soft key.

2. Press the A-SCOPE ON OFF soft key to toggle off A-Scope.

3. Press ENTER.

5-24 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

A-SCOPE Mode 1 Mode 2

AUTO G Z

Figure 5-9: The Three Modes of A-Scope

Using Zoom

Zoom enlarges all or part of the scrolling bottom display. You can select automatic zoom so the sounder keeps the bottom in the lower half of the display window. Alternatively, you can manually pick the area to be zoomed.

50kHz

ZOOMFREQUENCY

100

52.3

100

BTM.LOCK A-SCOPE

52.3

A-SCOPE

Mode 3

52.3

A-SCOPE

D6189-1

ZOOM

FULL SPLT

➤ To select Zoom:

1. Press the ZOOM soft key.

2. Press the ZOOM ON OFF soft key to toggle zoom on.

3. Press the ZOOM FULL SPLT soft key to toggle between a full win- dow zoom image or split windows. If you select split windows, the display is split vertically, with the zoom image in the left hand window and the scrolling bottom display in the right hand window. See Figure 5-10 .

In a split window display, a vertical Zoom Range Bar appears (along the right hand edge of the scrolling bottom image) that marks the range being displayed in the zoom window. This bar varies in height with the selected zoom level. The depths of the upper and lower boundaries of the Zoom Range Bar are displayed in the upper and lower right corners of the Zoom window.

Chapter 5: Basic Display Controls 5-25

Zoom Cursor, controlled by trackpad Manual mode only

AUTO G RZ

ZOOM

50kHz

ZOOM

AUTO MAN

ZOOM

X 2 4 6

ZOOM

OFF ON

Zoom Factor

ZOOMFREQUENCY

BTM.LOCK A-SCOPE

D6200-1

Figure 5-10: Zoom with Split Screen

4. Press the ZOOM AUTO MAN soft key to toggle the setting between AUTO and MAN. The automatic setting adjusts the position of the

zoom window so that bottom details are always in view. The manual setting enables you to reposition the range of the zoomed image.

5. For zoom level selection, press the ZOOM X 2 4 6 soft key until the desired zoom level is selected. The greater the zoom, the smaller the area you are viewing, so the smaller the Zoom Range Bar.

6. Press ENTER or CLEAR to select.

➤ To turn off Zoom:

1. Press the ZOOM soft key. The Zoom soft keys are displayed.

2. Press the ZOOM ON OFF soft key to toggle zoom off.

3. Press ENTER or CLEAR to return to the default display.

If manual zoom is selected, you can reposition the area of the image that is zoomed.

Zoom Range Bar

5-26 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

➤ To reposition the zoom window:

1. If you have not already done so, make sure the unit is set to

MANUAL zoom.

2. If the cursor is not already visible, press ENTER for the cursor to

appear.

3. Use the trackpad to place the cursor in the zoom window. The text

ZOOM is displayed near the cursor, as in Figure 5-10 .

4. Press ENTER. A horizontal Zoom Position Line appears, indicat-

ing the cursor is active. See Figure 5-11 .

5. Use the trackpad to move the Zoom Position Line up or down on the screen: Moving the line UP toward the surface moves the Zoom Window DOWN toward the bottom. Moving the Zoom Position Line DOWN moves the Zoom Window UP.

Note: If you wish to move the window beyond what is displayed, you must move the Zoom Position Line to the edge of the window, press

ENTER

, return the Zoom Position Line to the opposite edge of the window, and then repeat the process. You may need to do this several times.

6. After you have moved the Zoom Position Line to the desired posi-

tion, press ENTER to reposition the zoom image, or CLEAR to cancel the operation.

Chapter 5: Basic Display Controls 5-27

Zoom Position Line, move UP to lower Zoom window move DOWN to raise window

AUTO G RZ

ZOOM

50kHz

ZOOMFREQUENCY

BTM.LOCK A-SCOPE

D6201-1

Figure 5-11: Repositioning the Zoom Window

Selecting Zoom automatically switches OFF Bottom Lock and AScope, if either of these images were being displayed. If you have split frequency selected, the selected Zoom image is displayed in both frequency windows.

Note:

1. The vertical Zoom Range Bar shows the range being displayed in the zoom (left side) window.

2. The size of this zoom range is determined by the zoom factor (2x, 4x or 6x).

3. The position of the zoom range on the scrolling bottom (right side) window is determined by whether you are using automatic or manual zoom mode. AUTO positions the zoom range at the sea bottom. In MANUAL, the range is positioned by moving the Zoom Position Line with the trackpad.

5-28 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

Chapter 6: Sonar Mode Operation 6-1

Chapter 6: Sonar Mode Operation

6.1 Introduction

Basic operation, including a description of the different display options, was given in Chapter 5. This chapter explains how to use the display unit to show sonar data. It describes how to fine-tune the image and use the controls to get additional information.

This chapter covers the following topics:

• Interpreting and Adjusting the Sounder Image, including fish and bottom indications, using the white line feature and adjusting gain (sensitivity)

• Viewing Data Windows

• Setting up and Using Alarms for fish, shallow water and deep water

• Using a VRM to Determine Depth and Distance from Boat to a particular spot

• Placing Waypoints

• Using the Man Overboard (MOB) function

Note: The settings described in this chapter are retained when the unit is powered off. However, there is a one-minute delay from the time you change the setting to when the DSM250 places it in memory. If you power down the sounder less than one minute after making a change, the setting is lost.

Note: Many of the parameters on the DSM250 have both manual and automatic modes. The automatic setting takes advantage the hardware’s advanced digital technology. As a result, the sounder typically performs better in automatic mode than in manual.

For better performance, Raymarine recommends that you select AUTO mode wherever it is an option.

6.2 Interpreting and Adjusting the Sounder Image

The DSM250 uses sound waves to find fish and show the bottom of a lake or sea. The transducer sends high-frequency sound waves into the water; these sound waves strike fish, the bottom, or other objects in the water and return as echoes. The DSM250 interprets these echoes to present an image of the fish and bottom.

6-2 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

The strength of echoes is indicated by different colors (or shades of gray in monochrome displays). You can use this information to determine the size of fish and the bottom structure. Other objects in the water, such as debris and air bubbles, also return echoes; these echoes are generally weaker than the fish or bottom echoes and produce background noise or clutter on the display.

The sounder provides controls to reduce the background noise and to adjust the way in which echoes of different strengths are displayed. The color displays also let you select the background color and remove the display colors for weaker echoes.

The sounder provides a White Line feature which helps to distinguish between the bottom and fish (or other objects such as weed) that are close to the bottom.

Fish Indications

When the sounder detects a fish, it displays an arch-shaped mark. In general, a larger arch indicates a larger fish, though this rule is not always true. Let’s say that there are two fish of the same size: one is close to the surface, the other is near the bottom. The fish which is close to the surface has a larger arch because, being closer, more sound waves get returned to the module.

To display the depth of the fish, switch on the TARGET DEPTH ID from the SONAR SET UP menu, as described in Section 4.4, Sonar Set Up Parameters.

The sound waves are actually reflected by the swim bladder near the center of the fish, not by the body of the fish. The size of this swim bladder is different for different kinds of fish and this can affect the size of fish arches on the image. A fish with a large swim bladder produces a large fish arch, while a fish with a small one produces a small arch. Several arches together show a school of fish. Figure 6-1 illustrates some typical fish indications.

Chapter 6: Sonar Mode Operation 6-3

An arch-shaped image indicates a fish.

The same fish appears differently when shown by the

50 kHz

200 kHz

50 kHz or 200 kHz transducer beams.

A shallow arch is generated when the the boat is moving slowly.

This indicates a group of small fish.

A fish moving under a stopped boat shows as a line.

When the boat is moving very fast, a fish appears as two parallel lines.

D5017-2

Figure 6-1: Fish Indications

Effect of Frequency and Boat Speed

The return from a fish has a different appearance depending on the frequency used: 50kHz produces a wide beam, so a fish spotted by this frequency gives a broad arch; the 200 kHz beam is narrower so the same fish produces a narrower arch.

The shape of the arch is also affected by the speed of the boat. If the boat is moving slowly, the arches tend to be longer; if the boat is moving more quickly, the arches are short and peaked. If the boat is moving very fast, a fish may be indicated by vertical lines.

In Bottom lock mode the fish arches may appear distorted as the bottom topography is removed from the image.

Bottom Indications

The bottom usually produces a strong echo, enabling the DSM250 to display great detail. The sounder module can indicate many different kinds of bottom conditions.

As illustrated in Figure 6-2 , a hard bottom appears as a thin line.

6-4 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

Hard bottom (sand)

Soft bottom (mud)

Rocky bottom

White line feature on:

D5016-2

Figure 6-2: Sounder Bottom Indications

An uneven bottom which is covered with rocks or coral produces a complex display; the bottom image is irregular, with long tails pointing upward. A wreck produces a similar image.

A softer bottom or a bottom covered with seaweed produces a wide line, as the sound waves reflect from different layers of the bottom. In Figure 6-2 (section B), the sounder is getting a good echo from the bottom, so the upper layer of the bottom is shown as dark gray.

Notice that the lower layer of the bottom is shown as a lighter gray, this indicates a weaker echo. This could mean that the upper layer is soft; some sound waves may get through this layer and be reflected by a more solid layer below.

It is also possible that the sound waves are making two complete trips – hitting the bottom, bouncing off the boat, then reflecting off the bottom again; this can happen if the water is shallow, the bottom is hard, or gain is set high.

Chapter 6: Sonar Mode Operation 6-5

Using White Line

The White Line feature separates echoes from fish near the bottom and the bottom itself. When the White Line is switched on, the sounder displays the echoes differently.

On color LCDs, the strongest echoes are displayed in the background color with a thin line on top. All other echoes remain unchanged.

On monochrome displays, the weakest echoes continue to be displayed in the background color (white), but colors for the other signal are reversed. Thus, from the strongest to the second weakest the colors are: light gray with a thin black line on top, dark gray, black.

➤ To switch the white line feature on and off:

MULTI

1. Press the MULTI key (knob). The WHT LINE soft key is displayed.

WHT LINE

OFF ON

2. Press the WHT LINE soft key to toggle the white line feature ON or OFF.

Adjusting Display Gain (Sensitivity)

The sounder provides controls for GAIN, COLOR GAIN, and STC. These controls, accessed from the GAIN key (or GAIN knob on radar CRT units), are used to reduce background noise and determine how different strength echoes are shown. Automatic adjustment of each of these parameters is available; alternatively you can manually adjust the settings using the trackpad.

GAIN

MANUAL

75%

COLR GAIN

A U T O

STC

GAIN ADJUST 200 50

AUTO

45%

CRUISING

Note: Automatic Gain settings take advantage the hardware’s advanced digital technology. As a result, the sounder typically performs better in automatic mode than manual. For better performance Ray-

marine recommends selecting AUTO mode for all Gain options.

If you change the settings, the new GAIN, COLOR GAIN, or STC val- ues and mode (auto or manual) remain set even when you turn off the display.

6-6 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

GAIN ADJUST 200 50

MULTI

GAIN

GAIN ADJUST 200 50

You adjust gain for each transducer frequency independently. Press the GAIN

ADJUST soft key to highlight the frequency for

which you are making adjustments. You may change settings for one frequency while displaying the other.

➤ To adjust a parameter:

1. Press the GAIN key or rotate the GAIN knob on radar CRT units.

The gain sliders are displayed. The slider last used is highlighted (displayed in inverse video) to show that it is selected.

2. If necessary, press the GAIN ADJUST soft key to select the desired

frequency for adjustment.

3. If necessary, press the desired soft key to highlight (select) the desired slider. Press it again, if necessary, to toggle between AUTO a nd MAN UAL modes.

4. In manual mode, use the trackpad to move the selected slider up or down. You can press and hold the trackpad to move the slider quickly rather than in single steps. As you move the slider, the value displayed in the slider is updated. The new setting takes immediate effect.

Note: Because the changes to the settings take effect immediately, you cannot revert to the previous settings by pressing CLEAR.

5. When you have set all the controls to the levels you desire, press ENTER or CLEAR to return to the default display.

GAIN

MANUAL

80%

GAIN

Gain

The GAIN, or sensitivity, of the display adjusts background noise by varying echo strength for display. The value of the gain control determines the strength above which echoes are displayed. If the gain is low only the strongest echoes are displayed. As the gain is increased, weaker echoes (from air bubbles, for example) are also displayed.

Pressing the GAIN soft key cycles the sounder from manual through three levels of automatic

Manual gain should be set high enough to see fish and bottom detail but without too much background noise. Generally, a high gain is used in deep and/or clear water; a low gain in shallow and/ or murky water.

gain adjustment.

Chapter 6: Sonar Mode Operation 6-7

The automatic gain modes finds the ideal sensitivity level for you, based on depth and water conditions. Automatic gain modes take advantage the hardware’s advanced DSP technology. As a result, the sounder typically achieves a sharper image in any of the automatic gain modes than is possible in manual mode.

The DSM250 provides three pre-defined automatic gain settings:

CRUISING is the lowest automatic gain setting. It is ideal for view-

AUTO

45%

ing sonar image with a minimum of background noise as you are travelling to your fishing spot.

TROLLING is a slightly higher gain setting that displays more

CRUISING

detailed echos as you search for targets.

FISHING is the highest automatic gain setting. It gives the best details of the targets you have located but also displays the most background noise and surface clutter.

Note: The automatic gain modes are named so as to suggest when you might use them. However, it is not necessary for you to select, for example, Fishing Mode only when you are fishing. You may want to take advantage of Fishing Mode’s higher gain even when cruising at high speeds. Your personal preference should determine which automatic gain mode you use, not necessarily your boat speed.

MULTI

GAIN

MANUAL

50%

CLR GAIN

Color Gain

The COLOR GAIN determines how echoes of different strengths are displayed. Three shades of gray (monochrome display) or seven colors (color LCD) per palette are available and the echo strengths are divided into three (monochrome) or seven (color) bands to correspond with each shade of gray/color.

The color bar on the right hand side of the display, when set to ON in the Sonar Set Up menu (see Section 4.4), shows the colors being used, with strongest echo color at the top and the weakest echo color at the bottom.

The COLOR GAIN control sets the lower limit for the top color band: All echoes with a signal strength above this value are displayed in the strongest shade/color. All echoes weaker than this value are divided equally between the remaining shades/colors.

6-8 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

Setting a low value produces wide band for the weakest color, but a small signal band for the other colors; setting a high value gives a wide band for the strongest color, but a small signal band for the other colors.

Note: On a color LCD, the sounder also provides a COLOR THRESH- OLD control to reduce the number of colors displayed. THRESHOLD

with

COLOR GAIN

to determine how echoes are displayed.

Use

COLOR

The DSM250 provides automatic or manual COLOR GAIN adjustment. Automatic adjustment displays colors based on current conditions, with as many colors as possible, while minimizing noise and clutter. As conditions change the auto-color gain adjusts. If you select manual adjustment, you will need to re-adjust the gain as conditions change.

STC

MULTI

GAIN

MANUAL

15%

STC

STC (Sensitivity Time Control) reduces surface clutter by reducing the gain in the top 100 ft of the display. This function is useful for reducing noise (caused by air bubbles and floating debris) that often appears in shallow water. A low STC value has little effect on gain in shallow water; a high STC

value decreases the gain in shal-

low water so that only the strongest echoes are displayed.

Although you can manually set the STC level, Raymarine recommends letting the sounder module choose the proper level for you by selecting AUTO STC. Automatic STC mode takes advantage the hardware’s advanced DSP technology, which typically achieves a sharper image in auto mode than is possible in manual mode.

STC is not available in Sonar Simulator mode.

Using Alarms

MULTIALARMS

The ALARMS key is used to set up alarms; three alarms are available to alert you of fish, shallow water, and deep water. Each alarm can be toggled ON and OFF and you set the depth at which shallow and deep water alarms are triggered: ranging from 2–3000 ft (or 2–4900 ft for high performance transducers).

You may want to use the shallow and deep water alarms when you are anchored. Set the limits to just above and below your anchor depth; the sounder triggers an alarm if the anchor drags and the boats moves into shallower or deeper water.

Chapter 6: Sonar Mode Operation 6-9

• Fish Alarm – If this alarm is ON the unit sounds a buzzer when-

ever it finds a fish. Different buzzer tones are used to indicate fish detected by the 50 kHz and 200 kHz frequencies.

• Shallow water – You set depth at which the shallow water alarm triggers. When the depth is less than that set, the buzzer sounds and a pop-up window describing the alarm is displayed. You cannot set the shallow alarm to be deeper than the deep alarm.

• Deep water – You set depth at which the deep water alarm triggers.When the depth is more than that set, the buzzer sounds and a pop-up window describing the alarm is displayed. You cannot set the deep alarm to be shallower than the shallow alarm.

Note: The Deep Alarm must be set at a depth that is greater than the depth at which the Shallow Alarm is set. Conversely, the Shallow Alarm must be set at a depth that is less than the depth at which the Deep Alarm is set.

After you have acknowledged the sounding of a shallow or deep water alarm, a minimum of 30 seconds must elapse before a another shallow/deep alarm can sound again.

The top line status bar shows the condition of the alarms:

• indicates an alarm is enabled. The speaker symbol is unfilled until an alarm is triggered and silenced, then the symbol is shown solid.

• S indicates the shallow alarm is enabled; a pop-up window indicates when the alarm is triggered.

• D indicates the deep alarm is enabled; a pop-up window indicates when the alarm is triggered.

• indicates the fish alarm is enabled.

External Alarms

All SeaTalk system alarms (except autopilot, shallow, and deep) alarms are received and displayed in Sonar mode. You can silence these alarms by pressing any key. No other action is taken except to silence the alarm.

6-10 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

➤ To set an alarm:

1. Press the ALARMS key. The alarms soft keys are displayed.

ALARMS

FISH

ALARM

OFF ON

SHALLOW

ALARM

DEEP

ALARM

D5031-1

2. For the shallow or deep alarms, press the SHALLOW ALARM or DEEP ALARM soft key then use the up or down soft keys to change

the alarm limit. Press the up arrow (right) soft key to select deeper water; press the down arrow (left) soft key to select shallower water.

3. If desired, press the ALARM OFF ON soft key to toggle the alarm on or off. If you turn the shallow or deep alarm off, its value is retained and will be used when you turn the alarm on again.

4. Press ENTER or CLEAR to save the changes and clear the list.

➤ To silence an alarm and clear the alarm message, press any key.

6.3 Using VRM to Determine Depth & Distance from Vessel

VRM/EBL

The VRM (variable range marker) key is used in Sonar mode to determine the depth and distance-behind-boat of an object on the display. The VRM function is available on the scrolling sonar display, bottom lock, and zoom windows.

A VRM is displayed as a cross hair with height and width of the display window. The center of the crosshair is the reference for which depth and distance-behind-boat are displayed. You can use the context-sensitive cursor to move the VRM over a particular object.

Depth is displayed, in the system units, on the right hand edge of horizontal line. In the scrolling sonar and zoom windows depth is measured from the surface down. In the bottom lock window, depth is measure from the bottom up.

Distance-behind-boat is displayed next to the vertical line, at the top of the window. The VRM distance units correspond to the depth units assigned in the system set up parameters you have assigned for your display unit, as follows:

Chapter 6: Sonar Mode Operation 6-11

System Depth Unit VRM Distance Unit

Meters meters

Feet feet

Fatho ms feet

The distance-from-boat continues to update as your boat moves.

However, the vertical line does not scroll with the scrolling sonar image. If the display range changes, the VRM adjusts its relative position so that it does not move out of the visible display area.

When you switch on the VRM, it is displayed at its last position (unless off screen, in which case it is displayed on-screen).

If the sounder is in split frequency display mode or a zoom window is displayed with the scrolling sonar image, then the VRM is shown in both windows at the same position. If bottom lock is displayed with the scrolling sonar image, the crosshair lines appear in bottom lock window but not in the scrolling sonar window.

VRM/EBL

VRM

➤ To switch the VRM on, or re-position an off-screen VRM:

1. Press VRM/EBL.

The VRM is displayed in its last-used position. The cursor is positioned at the center of the crosshair and has control of the VRM, as indicated by four-way arrow, the solid crosshair and the text VRM.

2. Use the trackpad to position the center of the crosshair over the desired object. The depth and distance-from-boat are updated as you move the cursor.

3. Press ENTER to drop the VRM. The crosshair is displayed as a dashed line.

➤ To move a VRM:

1. Move the cursor over the VRM you wish to change then press ENTER. The cursor is positioned at the center of the crosshair and has control of the VRM, as indicated by four-way arrow, the solid crosshair and the text V

RM.

6-12 DSM250 Digital Sounder Module

2. Use the trackpad to move the cursor and VRM to the desired position.

3. Press ENTER to drop the VRM, or CLEAR to abandon the operation and return the VRM to its previous position.

➤ To switch the VRM off:

VRM/EBL

VRM

6.4 Waypoints

MARKS

The MARKS key lets you to place up to 998 waypoints. A waypoint is a position, normally entered on a chart as a reference, or as a place to go to. This section provides details that are specific to placing Waypoints in Sonar mode.

Note: You can only place a waypoint in Sonar mode if you have valid position data from a GPS.

A waypoint can be placed at the cursor position or at the vessel’s current position (this is sometimes known as an event mark); all waypoints placed on the sounder are stored in a waypoint database list with position, depth and temperature when it was placed.

Waypoints placed on the sounder are displayed as a solid vertical line on the scrolling bottom, Zoom and Bottom Lock displays. The waypoint number is shown at the top of the vertical line. The waypoint scrolls to the left with the scrolling bottom display.

If you place a waypoint at the cursor position in Sonar mode and a chart window is open, the waypoint is displayed on the chart. You can GOTO, EDIT and ERASE a cursor waypoint.

Press VRM/EBL. The VRM is switched off.

Move the cursor over the VRM, until the text VRM appears, then press CLEAR.

Note: When in chart mode, if you place a waypoint at the cursor position, it is not shown on the display in Sonar mode.

If you place a waypoint at the vessel position in Sonar mode it is shown in the chart window.

Raymarine DSM250 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

DSM250 Digital Sounder Module Owner’s Handbook

Preface

Conventions

Technical Accuracy

Warranty

Raymarine Products and Services

Contents

Chapter 1: Overview

1.1 Introduction

How to Use This Handbook

What's New

General

Transducer

Sonar Mode Display Features

1.2 Sonar Mode Display

Operating Modes

Horizontal Half -Screen Window Options

Vertical Half -Screen Window Options

Sonar Options

Sounder Functions

Chapter 2: Installation

2.1 Introduction

Planning the Installation

EMC Installation Guidelines

Suppression Ferrites

Connections to Other Equipment

2.2 Unpacking and Inspecting the Components

2.3 Selecting the Equipment Location

Sounder Module Mounting Location

2.4 Cable Runs

2.5 Mounting the Sounder Module

2.6 System Connections

DC Power Connection

Ground Connection

Transducer Connection

EMC Conformance

Chapter 3: Getting Started

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Powering on the Sounder Module

Status LED

3.3 Updating Software on the Display Unit

3.4 Selecting Repeater Mode

3.5 Selecting Sonar Mode

3.6 Simulator Mode

Viewing Simulator Data

Chapter 4: System Setup

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Changing the Set Up Parameters

4.3 System Set Up Parameters

Data Boxes

Bearing Mode

Cursor Reference

Cursor Readout

Day/Night

Help

Soft Keys

Key Beep

MOB Data

Autopilot Pop Up

Menu Timeout Period

Units

Variation Source

Auto Mode

Manual Mode

Bridge NMEA Heading

NMEA-Out Set Up

Cursor Echo

Date and Time Settings

GPS SOG/COG Filter

Compass Set Up

Language

Simulator

4.4 Sonar Set Up Parameters

Target Depth ID

Color Bar

Depth Digit Size