User Manual
Copyright 2005 Seiwa - Hong Kong
All rights reserved. Printed in Italy. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any
means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher.
BB 50/200
Dual Frequency 50 & 200kHz Black Box Fish Finder
CODE: A-160205
4 User Manual
Contents
Important Information ................................................................................. 6
CAUTION ................................................................................. 6
About this User Manual ................................................................................. 7
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 7
CONVENTIONS USED ................................................................................. 7
HOW THIS USER MANUAL IS ORGANIZED ............................................................... 8
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE ................................................................................. 8
1. Overview ................................................................................. 9
1.1 FISH FINDER ................................................................................. 9
Features & Functions ................................................................................. 9
1.2 Selecting the Fish Finder port ........................................................................ 10
2. Fish Finder ............................................................................... 11
2.1 UNDERSTANDING THE FISH FINDER PAGE ..................................................... 11
2.1.1 Understanding the Echogram display ................................................... 12
2.2 DISPLAYING THE FISH FINDER PAGE ............................................................. 13
2.2.1 How to select the Fish Finder page ....................................................... 13
2.2.1.1 Selection by Soft Key ............................................................ 14
2.2.2 Fish Finder Full page .......................................................................... 15
2.2.3 Dual Frequency page ......................................................................... 16
2.2.4 Zoom page ............................................................................... 16
2.2.5 Chart/Fish page ............................................................................... 17
2.3 ZOOM MODES ............................................................................... 18
2.3.1 The Bottom Lock Zoom ...................................................................... 18
2.3.2 The Marker Zoom .............................................................................. 18
2.4 SOUNDER ADJUSTMENTS WITH SOFT KEYS .................................................... 18
2.5 INFO ON FISH FINDER: SYSTEM INFORMATION ............................................... 19
2.5.1 The System Update menu .................................................................. 19
3. Setup your Fish Finder ............................................................................... 21
3.1 FISH FINDER SETUP MENU ........................................................................... 21
3.1.1 Preset Mode ............................................................................... 21
3.1.2 Gain Mode ............................................................................... 21
3.1.3 Range Mode ............................................................................... 21
3.1.4 Depth Mode ............................................................................... 22
3.1.5 Bottom Range ............................................................................... 22
3.1.6 Depth ............................................................................... 22
3.1.7 Shift ............................................................................... 22
3.1.8 Scroll Speed ............................................................................... 22
3.1.9 White Line ............................................................................... 22
3.1.10 Interference Rejection ....................................................................... 22
3.1.11 Frequency ............................................................................... 22
3.1.12 Sensitivity ............................................................................... 22
3.1.12.1 Frequency ........................................................................... 23
3.1.12.2 Gain ............................................................................... 23
3.1.12.3 Noise Tresohold .................................................................... 23
3.1.12.4 STC ............................................................................... 23
3.1.13 Fish Symbol ............................................................................... 23
3.1.14 Color Settings ONLY FOR COLOR CHART PLOTTER .................................. 23
3.1.15 Transducer Setup .............................................................................. 24
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3.1.15.1 Keel Offset ........................................................................... 24
3.1.15.2 Calibrate Sound Speed .......................................................... 24
3.1.15.3 Calibrate Water Speed ........................................................... 24
3.1.15.4 Calibrate Water Temperature .................................................. 24
3.1.15.5 Calibrate Aux Temperature ..................................................... 24
3.1.16 Alarms ............................................................................... 24
3.1.16.1 Shallow Water ...................................................................... 24
3.1.16.2 Depth Water ........................................................................ 25
3.1.16.3 Temperature Upper ............................................................... 25
3.1.16.4 Temperature Lower ............................................................... 25
3.1.16.5 Temperature Rate ................................................................. 25
3.1.16.6 Fish Alarm ........................................................................... 25
4. BB 50/200 ............................................................................... 27
4.1 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................... 27
4.2 DIMENSIONS ............................................................................... 28
4.3 MOUNTING THE FISH FINDER ....................................................................... 28
4.3.1 Installation ............................................................................... 28
4.3.2 Installing Optional Devices ................................................................. 29
4.4 STATUS LED ............................................................................... 29
4.5 EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS ............................................................................ 31
4.6 POWER SUPPLY WIRING DIAGRAM ................................................................ 32
4.7 PLOTTER CONNECTION DIAGRAM .................................................................. 32
5. Transducers ............................................................................... 35
6. Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................ 37
Analytical Index ............................................................................... 41
6 User Manual
Important Information
CAUTION
♦ Please read through this manual before the first operation. If you have any
questions, please contact the Company's customer service or your local
dealer.
♦ The BB 50/200 is not built water proof. Please make sure to avoid water
intrusion into the unit. Water damage is not covered by the warranty.
♦ Extensive exposure to heat may result in damage to the BB 50/200.
♦ Connection to the power source with reversed polarity will damage the BB
50/200 severely. This damage is not covered by the warranty.
♦ The BB 50/200 contains dangerous high voltage circuits which only experi-
enced technicians MUST handle.
NOTE We will not be liable for errors contained herein, or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with the performance or use of this
material.
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User Manual
About this User Manual
INTRODUCTION
The chart plotter combined with the sonar performance of the Fish Finder is one of
the most advanced marine navigation system available.
Please read carefully this User Manual to learn the operating features for your unit.
Refer to your chart plotter User Manual for all other unit operating instructions.
CONVENTIONS USED
Throughout this User Manual, the labelled keys are shown in capital letters enclosed in square brackets, for example [ENTER]; the software keys are shown in
small capital letters enclosed in square brackets, for example [EDIT].
Menu operations are in bold characters listed by keys sequence with the menu
names enclosed between inverted commas, for example [MENU] + "ALARMS"
+ [ENTER] means: press the [MENU] key, using the cursor key select the Alarms
menu and then press [ENTER].
Any menu operation and function activation in this User Manual is related to 5.7,
8 and K chart plotter LCD models (see the following table). Whenever it is necessary, a note has been inserted for 10.4 and 12.1 LCD models.
CHART PLOTTER NAME DESCRIPTION SOFTWARE LCD
MURENA 5.6" Sunlight Readable Color Display S3egSW7vc 5.7
External Smart GPS Receiver
MURENA iGPS 5.6" Sunlight Readable Color Display S3igSW7vc
Internal GPS Receiver
TIGERSHARK Plus 5.6" Gray Levels Display S3egSW7m
External Smart GPS Receiver
MILLENNIUM 7 5.6" Gray Levels Display S3igSW7m
Internal GPS Receiver
NAUTILUS iGPS Plus 5.6" Sunlight Readable Color Display S3egSW7c
External GPS Receiver
MILLENNIUM 7 Color 5.6" Sunlight Readable Color Display S3igSW7c
Internal GPS Receiver
BARRACUDA 7" Sunlight Readable Color Display S3egSW7wc 8
External Smart GPS Receiver
BARRACUDA iGPS 7" Sunlight Readable Color Display S3igSW7wc
Internal GPS Receiver
EXPLORER MK-II Plus Controller for Color Display XSegSWctcj K
External Smart GPS Receiver
BARRAMUNDI 11" Color Display XSegSW11c 10.4
External Smart GPS Receiver & Video Input
BARRAMUNDI Plus 11" Sunlight Readable Color Display XSegSW11c
External Smart GPS Receiver & Video Input
8 User Manual
SEAWAVE 12 MK II * 12" Color Display XSegSW12c 12.1
External Smart GPS Receiver
NOTE* To connect the SEAWAVE 12 MK II below s/n 4129999 please contact your
local dealer (to make the hardware change necessary).
HOW THIS USER MANUAL IS ORGANIZED
♦ CHAPTER 1: Overview
Introduction to the basic information on the Fish Finder, its features
and use.
♦ CHAPTER 2: Fish Finder
Helps you understand how the chart plotter is connected to the Fish
Finder and how to operate to improve your fishing.
♦♦
♦♦
♦ CHAPTER 3: Setup your Fish Finder
Description of the Fish Finder Setup menu.
♦♦
♦♦
♦ CHAPTER 4: BB 50/200
Technical specification, dimension and installation of the BB 50/200
and set up of the hardware configuration.
♦♦
♦♦
♦ CHAPTER 5: Transducers
Introduction to the basic information on the transducer (device that
transmits and receives sound waves into the water).
♦♦
♦♦
♦ CHAPTER 6: Frequently Asked Questions
The Analytical index is at the end of this User Manual.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE
If your chart plotter does not operate properly, please refer to the chart plotter
User Manual.
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User Manual
1. Overview
The Fish Finder consists of a high power transmitter, sensitive receiver and a
transducer. The Fish Finder sends an electrical pulse to the transducer which
contains an element that converts the pulse into acoustic (sound) wave which is
sent through the water. As this wave travels from the transducer to the bottom, it
may strike fish, structures, thermal clines (temperature changes in the water).
When the wave strikes an object(s) a certain amount of the wave is reflected back
to the transducer depending on the composition and shape of the object. When
the reflected wave is returned to the transducer it is converted into an voltage
and is amplified by the receiver, processed and sent to the display. The speed of
sound in water is roughly 4800 ft./sec, so the time lapse between the transmitted
signal and the received echo can be measured and the distance to the object
determined.
Fig. 1 - Fish Finder working principle
1.1 FISH FINDER
Features & Functions
♦ A-Scope (displays Sonar Echo in real time)
♦ 2X and 4X Zoom (capability to magnify any part of the Echogram image
of a fixed rate)
♦ Full auto to manual, working preset modes (Fish, Cruise, Autorange,
Bottom Lock, Manual)
♦ Bottom Lock (capability to magnify a user defined range around the
bottom)
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♦ White Line (help distinguish between fish and bottom, when fish is swim-
ming close to the bottom)
♦ STC (allows reducing or eliminating the surface clutter)
♦ Interference Rejection (allows reducing interference from other boats/
Fish Finders)
♦ Noise Filter
♦ Fish Symbol feature (*)
♦ Automatically Transducer Setup. Recognition for devices (automatic
trasducer identification and parameters setup for best performance)
♦ Alarms Handling (Shallow Alarm, Depth Alarm, Fish alarm, Tempera-
ture Upper, Temperature Lower)
NOTE* On specific software version available.
1.2 SELECTING THE FISH FINDER PORT
If the Fish Finder is connected to the Port 3 (see Par. 4.7), follow the procedure:
[MENU] + [MENU] + "ADVANCED" + [ENTER] + "Input/Output" + [ENTER]
+ "Port 3 Input" + [ENTER]+ "BBFF 50/200" + [ENTER]
This is the default setting if the connecting cable supplied with the Fish Finder is
used.
If the Fish Finder is connected to the Port 2 (see Par. 4.7), follow the procedure:
[MENU] + [MENU] + "ADVANCED" + [ENTER] + "Input/Output" + [ENTER]
+ "Port 2 Input" + [ENTER] + "BBFF 50/200" + [ENTER]
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User Manual
2. Fish Finder
This chapter is intended to help you understand how the chart plotter with the
Fish Finder connected operates to improve your fishing.
2.1 UNDERSTANDING THE FISH FINDER PAGE
The display on chart plotters shows a history of time of the echoes received by
the transducer. The chart plotters have a menu that allows adjustments to receiver sensitivity, depth range and scrolling speed of the Fish Finder display.
Fig. 2.1 - The Fish Finder page
The following is a short description of terms listed in the previous Fig. 2.1:
Warning Message
Flashing label "Simulation" when the echo sounder is in Simulation mode.
Echogram window
Graphic presentation of sonar soundings recorded as a continuous profile
scrolling across the screen from right to left. Such recordings represent the
image of the water beneath your boat, items appear as they pass under your
transducer; the items on the right side of the screen are closer to you than
those on the left. The correct interpretation of the Echogram allows retrieving
useful information about what is under the boat. See the following Par. 2.1.1
for more information.
Color Bar
Colored scale located on the left side of the screen that shows the colors used
in the Echogram to represent the echoes strength. The color on the top of the
bar represents the maximum sonar strength, while the color on the bottom of
the bar represents the minimum sonar strength.
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Digital Depth
Readout of the current bottom depth.
Water Temperature
Readout of the current water temperature returned by the TEMP 1 sensor
included into specific transducers.
Alarm Bar
Bars showing the shallow water and deep water alarm values. The alarm is
triggered when depth is outside the range.
Depth ruler
Vertical graduated bar. It is a scale which reflects the depth of the area being
displayed.
Variable Depth Marker (VDM)
Horizontal line on to the Echogram window with a depth label. The up/down
cursor keys can move it up and down. The label displays the depth of the
cursor position. It can be moved to any location pinpointing the depth of a
target.
Zoom Bar
Bar showing the portion of the Echogram currently represented in the zoomed
window (on the left part of the screen). It is turned on selecting Zoom Full
display page.
A-Scope
A real time representation of fish and bottom features passing through the
beam of the transducer. It is drawn as horizontal lines whose length and hue
is proportional to the sonar strength returned. When the default palette is
selected, the strongest sonar returns will be shown as the color displayed of
the top of Color Bar while the weakest as the bottom color.
Operating Frequency
Readout of the selected operating frequency.
2.1.1 Understanding the Echogram display
The main elements that can be easily distinguished into an Echogram are:
Fig. 2.1.1 - The Fish Finder Echogram
Fishes
Fishes are represented as arcs because of the cone angle of the transducer.
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User Manual
In fact as the boat passes over the fish the leading edge of the cone strikes
the fish, causing a display pixel to be turned on. As the boat passes over the
fish, the distance to the fish decreases turning each pixel on at a shallower
depth on the display. When the boat is directly over the fish, the first half of
the arch is formed and since the fish is closer to the boat, the signal is stronger and the arch is thicker. As the boat moves away from the fish, the distance increases and the pixels appear at progressively deeper depths forming
the remaining half of the arch.
Thermoclines
Are the zones where two layers of different water temperatures meet. The
greater the temperature differential, the thicker the thermocline is shown on
the screen. Thermoclines are represented as horizontal stripes of noise. They
are very important for fishing since often many species of game fish like to
suspend in, just above, or just below the thermoclines.
White Line
The White Line shows the difference between hard, soft bottoms and even
distinguishes between fishes and structures located near the bottom. In this
way it is easier to tell the difference between a hard and soft bottom and even
to distinguish fishes and structures located nearby the bottom. For example,
a soft, muddy or weedy bottom returns a weaker echo that is shown with a
narrow white line while a hard bottom returns a strong echo that causes a
wide white bottom line.
Surface Clutter
Appears like noise at the top of the screen extending many feet below the
surface. It’s caused by many things, including air bubbles, bait fish, plankton
and algae.
Structures
Generally, the term “structure” is used to identify objects like wrecks and
weeds rising from the bottom.
Bottom Echo Profile
Bottom profile recorded by the Fish Finder. When the echo sounder is set in
auto-range mode it is automatically kept in the lower half of the screen.
Other Elements
Large anchoring cables are returned by the echo sounder as very long and narrow
arcs on the screen.
2.2 DISPLAYING THE FISH FINDER PAGE
This section will take you through the frequently used operations and assist you
to customize the look of the chart plotter using the Fish Finder.
NOTE The Fish Finder display page is available only if the Fish Finder is connected
and powered On.
2.2.1 How to select the Fish Finder page
The Page Selection menu allows you to change the Fish Finder page displayed. To
access this menu:
[MENU] + "PAGE" + [ENTER] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER]
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Fig. 2.2.1 - Fish Finder page selection by Menu
NOTE On 10.4 Model: [DATA] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER]
On 12.1 Model:
[PAGE] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER]
The screen is shown in the following figure:
Fig. 2.2.1a - Fish Finder page selection by Menu On 10.4 and 12.1 Types
The menu now shows four selections related to the Fish Finder, Full, Dual Frequency, Zoom and Chart/Fish. Move the cursor to select the desired item and
then press [ENTER].
2.2.1.1 Selection by Soft Key
The default soft keys configuration can be customized. When the Fish Finder is
connected, any soft key can be assigned any of the Fish Finder pages.
Pressing and holding down any of the four soft key shows a pop-up window on the
top of the soft key pressed that contains all possible data pages assignable to the
soft key pressed. Move the cursor key up/down to place the selector on the
desired item; move the cursor key to the right or press [ENTER] to set the selected item; move the cursor key to the left or press [CLEAR] to close the pop-up
window.
In the picture below, the four soft keys are customized to select the four Fish
Finder page:
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User Manual
Fig. 2.2.1.1 - Fish Finder page selection by Soft Key
Press [FF STD] to show the Full page, [FF DF] to show theDual Frequency page,
[FF SPLT] to show the Zoom page and [FF +MAP] to show the Chart/Fish page.
2.2.2 Fish Finder Full page
To display the Fish Finder Full Page Echogram, follow this procedure:
[MENU] + "PAGE" + [ENTER] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Full" + [ENTER]
NOTE On 10.4 LCD:
[DATA] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Full" + [ENTER]
On 12.1 LCD:
[PAGE] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Full" + [ENTER]
Fig. 2.2.2 - The 200kHz Fish Finder Full page
NOTE The frequency displayed depends on the selection done in the Frequency item
(see Par 3.1.9).
The MENU key
Pressing [MENU] activates the Fish Finder Setup menu (see Par. 3.1). Pressing
[MENU] subsequent times toggles between the Fish Finder Setup menu and the
Main menu.
The Cursor key
Moving the Cursor key up/down adjusts the Variable Depth Marker (VDM) up or
down on the screen.
The ENTER key
Pressing [ENTER] activates the Sensitivity menu (see Par. 3.1.1) that allows
tuning the Gain, the Noise Threshold and the STC.
16 User Manual
Fig. 2.2.2a - Sensitivity sub-menu
Pressing [CLEAR] turns off the Sensitivity menu.
The CLEAR key
By pressing [CLEAR] the Variable Depth Marker (VDM) is hidden.
The ZOOM IN and ZOOM OUT keys
From this page pressing [ZOOM IN] once changes to Zoom 2X, pressing
[ZOOM IN] twice changes to Zoom 4X, while pressing [ZOOM OUT] reverts to
Zoom 2X and no zoom.
2.2.3 Dual Frequency page
To display the Fish Finder Dual Echogram, follow this procedure:
[MENU] + "PAGE" + [ENTER] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Dual Frequency" + [ENTER]
NOTE On 10.4 LCD: [DATA] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Dual Frequency"
+ [ENTER]
On 12.1 LCD: [PAGE] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Dual Frequency"
+ [ENTER]
Fig. 2.2.3 - Fish Finder Dual Frequency mode
The Cursor key
Moving the cursor to the right or the left moves the Variable Depth Marker (VDM)
between the 50 and 200kHz displays. Moving the cursor up or down will move the
VDM up and down. Press [CLEAR] to hide the VDM.
The ZOOM IN and ZOOM OUT keys
From this page pressing [ZOOM IN] once changes to Zoom 2X, pressing
[ZOOM IN] twice changes to Zoom 4X, while pressing [ZOOM OUT] reverts to
Zoom 2X and no zoom.
2.2.4 Zoom page
To display the zoomed Fish Finder page on the left half of the screen and the unzoomed
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User Manual
Fish Finder Echogram on the right half of the screen, follow this procedure:
[MENU] + "PAGE" + [ENTER] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Zoom" +
[ENTER]
NOTE On 10.4 LCD:
[DATA] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Zoom" + [ENTER]
On 12.1 LCD:
[PAGE] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Zoom" + [ENTER]
Fig. 2.2.4 - Fish Finder Zoom Page
The Depth Cursor is shown only on the unzoomed Fish Finder Echogram.
The ZOOM IN and ZOOM OUT keys
When in this page pressing [ZOOM IN] changes to Zoom 4X, pressing [ZOOM
OUT] changes to Zoom 2X.
2.2.5 Chart/Fish page
To display the Chart page on the left half of the screen and the Fish Finder
Echogram on the right half of the screen, follow this procedure:
[MENU] + "PAGE" + [ENTER] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Chart/Fish"
+ [ENTER]
NOTE On 10.4 LCD: [DATA] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Chart/Fish" +
[ENTER]
On 12.1 LCD: [PAGE] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Chart/Fish" +
[ENTER]
Fig. 2.2.5 - Fish Finder Chart/Fish page
The MENU key (to change the active window)
When in Chart/Fish mode pressing [MENU]:
♦ if the focus (the active window) in on the Chart, the Main menu is
shown. Pressing again [MENU] opens the Fish Finder Setup menu and
moves the focus to the Fish Finder.
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♦ if the focus (the active window) in on the Fish Finder, the Fish Finder
Setup menu is shown. Pressing again [MENU] opens the Main menu
and moves the focus to the Chart.
NOTE When the focus is on the Chart, all keys behave as in standard chart mode.
2.3 ZOOM MODES
2.3.1 The Bottom Lock Zoom
The Bottom Lock Zoom mode is activated when the Fish Finder is in Auto Range or
Bottom Lock mode (see Par. 3.1.3) and the Variable Depth Marker (VDM) is not
displayed on the screen.
In Bottom Lock Zoom mode the Fish Finder Echogram is automatically moved up/
down as to keep the Bottom Line always visible in the lower half of the screen.
NOTE Moving the Cursor key up/down displays the Variable Depth Marker (VDM)
switching the Fish Finder in Marker Zoom mode.
2.3.2 The Marker Zoom
The Marker Zoom mode is activated either when the Fish Finder is in Manual
Range mode (see Par. 3.1) or the Depth Cursor is displayed on the screen.
In Marker Zoom mode the Fish Finder Echogram position is controlled by moving
the Variable Depth Marker (VDM) and pressing and holding [ENTER] for 1 second
on the selected position. Moving the Variable Depth Marker (VDM) over the top or
below the bottom of the screen, automatically moves up/down the current zoomed
Echogram view and re-position the Variable Depth Marker (VDM) at the center of
the screen.
NOTE Pressing [CLEAR] hides the Depth Cursor and if the Fish Finder is in Auto
Range or Bottom Lock mode switches into Bottom Lock Zoom mode.
2.4 SOUNDER ADJUSTMENTS WITH SOFT KEYS
When the Fish Finder page is active, by pressing one of the Soft Keys, the main
functions to adjust the Fish Finder are shown on the Soft Keys labels on the
screen. The Soft Keys labels disappear automatically if no keys are pressed after
5 seconds or by pressing [CLEAR].
The GAIN Soft Key
By pressing [GAIN] the Gain changes between AUTO GAIN and MANUAL GAIN.
If MANUAL GAIN, use the cursor left/right to adjust it: a bar with the % symbol is
displayed on the screen above the [GAIN] label.
If AUTO GAIN, use the cursor left/right to adjust the Gain Offset: a bar with the %
symbol is displayed on the screen above the [GAIN] label.
The NOISE Soft Key
By pressing [NOISE] you can adjust the NOISE THRESHOLD and the value is
displayed on the window above the [NOISE] label.
The RANGE Soft Key
By pressing [RANGE] the window switches to the next RANGE status: MANUAL,
BOTTOM LOCK and AUTO.
If MANUAL, use the cursor up/downj to adjust the Depth value by 10ft time and
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User Manual
use the cursor left/right to adjust the Shift. When in meters the step is 2 meters
and it increases to 10 meters when the key is pressed for more than 1 second.
If BOTTOM LOCK, use the cursor up/down to adjust the Bottom Range value by
10ft at a time.
If AUTO RANGE, the range value is set automatically by the ES and it cannot be
changed by the user.
The STC Soft Key
The [STC] changes the STC value between OFF/SHORT/MID/LONG. The current
value of STC is shown on a window right over the [STC] label.
2.5 INFO ON FISH FINDER: SYSTEM INFORMATION
If you want to know information about the Fish Finder connected, follow the
procedure:
[MENU] + "About..." + [ENTER]
A window will be shown with the desired information on the Fish Finder Library
row and on the Fish Finder module row.
Fig. 2.5 - System Information page
2.5.1 The System Update menu
The System Update menu allows downloading the Fish Finder firmware into the
Fish Finder device. To select this menu follow the procedure:
[MENU] + "About..." + [ENTER] + [MENU] + "Update BBFF Firmware" +
[ENTER]
The current Fish Finder firmware version is shown in the System Update window
that appears on the screen.
Insert the C-CARD with the firmware in one of the chart plotter available slots,
and the press [ENTER] to update. Now select "YES" and press [ENTER] to confirm.
20 User Manual
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3. Setup your Fish Finder
3.1 FISH FINDER SETUP MENU
The Fish Finder Setup menu provides access to additional functions, setup and
layout/data field options.
From the Fish Finder page, access this menu by pressing:
[MENU]
Fig. 3.1 - Fish Finder Setup menu
3.1.1 Preset Mode
Allows applying the following Fish Finder operating mode presets: Fish, Cruise,
Autorange, Bottom Lock and Manual. See the following table.
[MENU] + "PRESET MODE" + [ENTER]
Fish : Gain Mode = Auto, Range Mode = Auto, Gain Offset = +5%, Shift = 0, STC = Short, Noise Level
= 2, Scrolling Speed = 10, Fish Symbols = Echo, A-Scope = On.
Cruise : Gain Mode = Auto, Range Mode = Auto, Gain Offset = 0, Shift = 0, STC = Short, Noise Level =
4, Scrolling Speed = 10, Fish Symbols = Echo, A-Scope = On.
Autorange : Gain Mode = Manual, Range Mode = Auto, Shift = 0, STC = Short, Noise Level = 2,
Scrolling Speed = 10, Fish Symbols = Echo, A-Scope = On.
Bottom Lock : Gain Mode = Auto, Range Mode = Auto shift, Gain Offset = +5%, Bottom Range = 10m (30Ft),
STC = Short, Noise Level = 2, Scrolling Speed = 10, Fish Symbols = Echo, A-Scope = On.
Manual : Gain Mode = Manual, Range Mode = Manual, STC = Short, Noise Level = 2, Scrolling Speed = 10,
Fish Symbols = Echo, A-Scope = On.
3.1.2 Gain Mode
Selects Auto or Manual.
[MENU] + "GAIN MODE" + [ENTER]
3.1.3 Range Mode
Selects among Manual, Auto Range and Bottom Lock. When in Manual Range
Mode it is possible to set Shift (the offset from the surface) (see Par. 3.1.6) and
Depth (see Par. 3.1.5) on which the Fish Finder shall operate. When in Auto
Range Mode the Fish Finder determines automatically the range as to keep the
22 User Manual
bottom visible in the lower left of the screen. In this mode, Shift is always set to
0. In Bottom Lock Mode the Fish Finder automatically tracks the range around
the bottom specified by the Bottom Range value.
[MENU] + "RANGE MODE" + [ENTER]
3.1.4 Depth Mode
This option is avauilable when Range Mode is Manual. If Depth Mode is Auto, the
Fish Finder will search for the bottom in the whole depth range (0 - 4000 Feet)
even if the range displayed is lower. If Range Mode is Manual, the Fish Finder will
search the bottom only within the range manually set by the user. In the former
case the bottom search is slower because always search the whole range. In the
latter case the bottom search is quicker and is particulary usefull when, due to
extreme working conditions, the Fish Finder have some difficulties in finding the
bottom.
[MENU] + "DEPTH MODE" + [ENTER]
3.1.5 Bottom Range
This option is available when Range Mode is Bottom Lock.
[MENU] + "BOTTOM RANGE" + [ENTER]
3.1.6 Depth
This option is available only when Range Mode is Manual and it is disabled in Auto
Range and Bottom Lock Mode.
[MENU] + "DEPTH" + [ENTER]
3.1.7 Shift
This option is available only when Range Mode is Manual and it is disabled in Auto
Range and Bottom Lock Mode.
[MENU] + "SHIFT" + [ENTER]
NOTE The bottom Range, Depth, Shift will apply to the currently selected frequency.
3.1.8 Scroll Speed
Adjusts the chart scrolling rate. Note that the scrolling rate is limited by the sound
speed and the depth according with the following relation: the deeper the setting,
the slower the scrolling rate. 100% is the maximum possible.
[MENU] + "SCROLL SPEED" + [ENTER]
3.1.9 White Line
Controls how the chart plotter displays information about the bottom type (hard
or soft).
[MENU] + "WHITE LINE" + [ENTER]
3.1.10 Interference Rejection
Selects a filter to remove interference from other Fish Finders.
[MENU] + "INTERF REJECT" + [ENTER]
3.1.11 Frequency
Allows you to choose the frequency between 50 kHz or 200 kHz when single
frequency page is selected.
[MENU] + "FREQUENCY" + [ENTER]
3.1.12 Sensitivity
The Sensitivity menu is accessible both from the Fish Finder Setup menu and by
pressing [ENTER] when in Fish Finder pages. All settings in the Sensitivity menu
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User Manual
are related to the Frequency selected.
[MENU] + "SENSITIVITY" + [ENTER]
Fig. 3.1.12 - Fish Finder Sensitivity menu
NOTE The Frequency value is only displayed: to select the desired frequency see the
previous Par. 3.1.11.
3.1.12.1 Frequency
This option is available only in the Dual Frequency page. It allows you to select
the Frequency to which the Sensitivity parameters are applied.
3.1.12.2 Gain
Allows you to control the Gain of the unit's receiver. To see more details on the
screen, increase the receiver sensitivity by selecting a higher gain percentage. If
there is too much detail or if the screen is cluttered, lowering the sensitivity may
increase the clarity of the display.
3.1.12.3 Noise Tresohold
Helps filter unwanted noise from the chart. It can be turned from 0 (no noise filtering) to 5 (maximum noise filtering).
3.1.12.4 STC
Sensitivity Time Constant: it is a time varying gain curve which attenuates the
sonar receiver gain in shallow water, increasing the gain gradually as the depth
increases. This is for the purpose of filtering out surface clutter.
3.1.13 Fish Symbol
This selection allows determining the graphical representation of underwater suspended targets. See the following table.
[MENU] + "FISH SYMBOL" + [ENTER]
Off : shows echoes
Icon : shows Fish icons
Icon + Depth : shows Fish icons and their depth (accordingly to currently selected depth unit)
Icon + Echo : shows the Fish icon and echoes
Icon + Echo + Depth: shows the Fish icon, depth values and the fish echoes
Depth : shows depth values
The Fish icons displayed are among four different shapes depending on the size of
the Target (Small, Med, Big, Huge).
3.1.14 Color Settings ONLY FOR COLOR CHART PLOTTER
Allows you to change the color scheme of the Fish Finder display. The available
colors are Blue Background, White Background, Black Background, Gray Scale
and Reversed Gray Scale.
[MENU] + "COLOR SETTINGS" + [ENTER]
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NOTE Only Gray Scale and Reversed Gray Scale are available on the 11" Gray Levels
chart plotters.
3.1.15 Transducer Setup
The Transducer Setup menu contains settings that does not require frequent
changes.
[MENU] + "TRANSDUCER SETUP" + [ENTER]
Fig. 3.1.15 - Fish Finder Transducer menu
3.1.15.1 Keel Offset
It is the transducer depth offset from the surface. This makes it possible to measure depth from the surface instead of from the trasducer's location.
3.1.15.2 Calibrate Sound Speed
Allows calibrating the value of Sound Speed in the water, depending on the water
temperature and salinity.
3.1.15.3 Calibrate Water Speed
Allows calibrating the value of Water Speed sensor. The calibration value, in the
range between -10% to +10%, will be applied to the water speed from the transducer.
3.1.15.4 Calibrate Water Temperature
Allows the calibration on the Water Temperature sensor. Using the readings from
a precise temperature measuring device, insert here a positive/negative offset to
display right value on Fish Finder screens.
3.1.15.5 Calibrate Aux Temperature
Allows the calibration of the Aux Temperature sensor. Using the readings from a
precise temperature measuring device, insert here a positive/negative offset to
display right value on FF screens.
3.1.16 Alarms
The Alarms menu allows you to define additional sonar alarm settings for Fish
Alarm, Shallow Alarm, Depth Alarm and Temperature Upper/Lower/Rate.
[MENU] + "ALARM" + [ENTER]
Fig. 3.1.16 - Fish Finder Alarms menu
3.1.16.1 Shallow Water
Triggers an alarm when depth becomes shallower than the value set.
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3.1.16.2 Depth Water
Triggers an alarm when depth becomes deeper than the value set.
3.1.16.3 Temperature Upper
Triggers an alarm when the transducer reports a temperature (from TEMP 1 sensor) above the value set.
3.1.16.4 Temperature Lower
Triggers an alarm when the transducer reports a temperature (from TEMP 1 sensor) below the value set.
3.1.16.5 Temperature Rate
Triggers an alarm when the transducer reports a temperature (from TEMP 1 sensor) variation rate above the value set.
3.1.16.6 Fish Alarm
The options for Fish Alarm set the size of the fishes that, if detected by the unit,
switches an alarm to sound. These options are: Off, Small, Medium, Big and
Huge. The alarm sounds if the set size (or bigger) is detected.
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4. BB 50/200
This chapter provides instructions to assist in planning the installation of the
BB 50/200.
4.1 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
♦ Display Colors : 16 colors on color chart plotter or 16 gray
levels on gray levels chart plotter
♦ Display Vertical Resolution : up to 400 pixels (depending on chart
plotter screen resolution)
♦ Power Requirements : 10 - 35 Volt dc
♦ Over Voltage protection
♦ Reverse Polarity protection
♦ Power Consumption - operating:17W max
♦ Power Consumption - stand by : 1.7W max
♦ Operating Frequency : Dual 50 and 200kHz
♦ Output Power : 500/1000W (4000/8000Wpp)
♦ Depth Range
1KW/200kHz : 2.5 Ft (0.8m) to 1200Ft (365m)
1KW/50kHz : 5 Ft (1.6m) to 4000Ft (1219m)
500W/200kHz :
2.5 Ft (0.8m) to 700Ft (213m)
500W/50kHz : 5 Ft (1.6m) to 1500Ft (457m)
♦ Status LED
♦ External Buzzer : 12VDC, 400mA
♦ Speed Sensor : if available on transducer
♦ Temperature Sensor : one channel TEMP1 (if available on
transducer), optional second channel
TEMP2
♦ NMEA Output sentences : Depth: $SDDPT, $SDDBT
Speed: $VWVHW
Trip Log: $VWVLW
Water Temperature: $YXMTW
TEMP2 Temperature: $YXXDR
♦ Operating temperature range : 0C to +50C
♦ Storage temperature range : -20C to +70C
♦ Weight : 1 kg (2,20 LBS)
♦ Water Proof Specification : IP 54
♦ Case Size : 7.62" (193.30mm) x 6.87"
(174.30mm) x 2.19" (55.50mm)
When the package containing the BB 50/200 is first opened, please check it for
the following contents (if any parts are missing contact the dealer the BB 50/200
was purchased from):
♦ BB 50/200 (with Power Serial and optional devices cables already con-
nected)
♦ User Manual
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4.2 DIMENSIONS
Fig. 4.2 - BB 50/200 Dimensions
4.3 MOUNTING THE FISH FINDER
The BB 50/200 should be preferabily mounted in a dry and well ventilated location. Do not mount it where it will be submerged in liquids or exposed to high
temperature.
Fig. 4.3 - The BB 50/200
4.3.1 Installation
Picture showing actual example of the BB 50/200 installation.
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Fig. 4.3.1 - The BB 50/200Installation
♦ Fix the BB 50/200 to the mounting location using the four screws (holes
diameter 4 mm), see Fig. 4.3.2.
♦ Route the CHART PLOTTER cable to the chart plotter.
♦ Mount the transducer according to the instructions provided with it.
♦ Connect the POWER cable to the battery. Please be advised that the
BB 50/200 when not operating will remain in Stand-By mode.
4.3.2 Installing Optional Devices
See the External Connection diagram.
4.4 STATUS LED
There are seven different LED behaviors, representing seven different diagnostic
conditions. These are described below.
♦ 1. BOOTLOADER
LED Behavior: OFF
The BB 50/200 is running in the bootloader, or is not powered on at all.
♦ 2. STANDALONE DST, NO TRANSDUCER MODE
LED Behavior: ON, steady
The BB 50/200 is in Standalone DST (Depth, Speed, Temperature) mode,
but is not pinging because Transducer ID has not detected a transducer. This condition will occur if there is no communication with the
chart plotter, and no transducer is connected.
♦ 3. STANDALONE DST
LED Behavior: 1 long flash every 2 seconds
The BB 50/200 is in Standalone DST mode, and is pinging normally.
This condition will occur if a transducer is connected properly, but there
is no communication with the chart plotter. In Standalone DST mode,
the NMEA 0183 output produces standard NMEA Depth, Speed, and
Temperature sentences.
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♦ 4. NORMAL FISH FINDER MODE
LED Behavior: 1 short flash every 2 seconds
The BB 50/200 and the transducer are operating properly. This is the
normal behavior when everything is working.
♦ 5. WAITING FOR CONT
LED Behavior: 2 short flashes every 2 seconds
The BB 50/200 is not pinging because it is waiting for a command from
the chart plotter.
♦ 6. LOW POWER MODE
LED Behaviour: 3 short flashes every 2 seconds
The BB 50/200 has not detected a transducer without trasducer ID,
but the "ignore" command has been selected on the chart plotter so the
unit is pinging at low power.
♦ 7. NO TRANSDUCER MODE
LED Behavior: 4 short flashes every 2 seconds:
The BB 50/200 is not pinging because transducer ID has not detected a
transducer and the "ignore" command has not been selected on the
chart plotter.
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4.5 EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS
Fig. 4.5 - BB 50/200 External Wiring
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4.6 POWER SUPPLY WIRING DIAGRAM
We recommended the installation of a switch and a (5A) fuse in the positive DC
supply to the BB 50/200. The BB 50/200 is active sending the digital depth through
the NMEA interface even when the power (chart plotter) is turned off, thus the
need for a switch.
In the example below you will notice the positive DC power connection is run
through a switch and a fuse before connecting it to the BB 50/200 and the chart
plotter.
Fig.4.6 - The BB 50/200 Power Connection
4.7 PLOTTER CONNECTION DIAGRAM
If the chart plotter has a quick disconnect bracket (see the chart plotter User
Manual) see the following picture to make the connection to the chart plotter:
Fig.4.7 - Connection to the Fish Finder for chart plotter with quick disconnect bracket
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User Manual
If the chart plotter has a 8 pin Power & I/O connector see the following picture:
Fig.4.7a - Connection to the Fish Finder for chart plotter with 8 pin Power & I/O connector
Only for the SEAWAVE 12 MK II chart plotter see the following picture:
Fig.4.7b - Connection to the Fish Finder for SEAWAVE 12 MK II chart plotter
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5. Transducers
The transducer is a device that transmits and receives sound waves into the
water. The active component inside the transducer is commonly referred to as an
element but actually is a piezoelectric ceramic material.
Please refer to your dealer and/or installer to choose your transducer. Seiwa
suggest transducers.
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User Manual
6. Frequently Asked Questions
6.1 How can I disconnect the cables from the BB 50/200 in
case I need to do so for the installation?
♦ Open the BB 50/200 box unscrewing the four screws (see the following
figure).
Fig. 6.1 - The BB 50/200 (I)
♦ Once the screws are removed, pull out the panel and the Printed Circuit
Board (PCB). Unscrew the cables from the PCB.
Fig. 6.1a - The BB 50/200 (II)
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♦ Wire the cables as needed.
♦ Reconnect the cables to the PCB (see the Fig. 4.5 for reference).
♦ Push the panel towards the case (be sure to have well positioned the
rubber gasket). Close the BB 50/200 box screwing the four screws.
Fig. 6.1b - The BB 50/200 (III)
6.2 How can I set optimal operating parameters.
Optimal operating parameters can be set accordingly with the intended use of the
Fish Finder, anyway to quickly get optimal operational parameters for fishing it is
possible to select the FISH preset from the Fish Finder Setup menu, while for
cruising it is possible to select the CRUISE preset.
6.3 What are preset modes?
Preset modes are pre-defined settings of the Fish Finder operating parameters.
There are five preset. You can use them to quickly set the Fish Finder in the most
commonly used operating modes. These are:
♦ CRUISE: sets the Fish Finder in full auto mode with the sensitivity set-
tings (GAIN OFFSET, NOISE level and STC) optimized for displaying at
best the bottom.
♦ FISH: sets the Fish Finder in full auto mode with the sensitivity setting
optimized for target searching.
♦ AUTORANGE: sets the autorange mode and the manual gain mode.
♦ BOTTOM LOCK: sets the range mode to bottom lock and the manual
gain mode.
♦ MANUAL: sets the range mode and the gain mode to manual.
6.4 How can I restore the Fish Finder default operating
parameters?
Simply select the CRUISE or the FISH preset. This will restore optimal operating
parameters for either cruising or fishing.
6.5 I’m using the Fish Finder in manual mode, how can I set
the parameters for optimal operation.
Setting operating parameters for optimal operation depends upon environment
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User Manual
conditions, user feeling and intended usage of the Fish Finder (e.g. fishing or
cruising), anyway a good starting point is to select a full auto preset such as
CRUISE or FISH and then, after waiting a while to allow the echogram displayed
to stabilize around the auto calculated parameters, switch to the MANUAL preset
mode. At this point it will be possible to fine tune the operating parameters by
slightly changing the auto calculated parameters.
6.6 Can I always leave the Fish Finder in Full Auto/(auto gain
and auto range) mode?
Yes, but note that the full auto mode suits the 90% of the cases, however in
extreme situations the auto modes mail fail and thus it is necessary to switch to
the Manual mode.
6.7 What are extreme situations in which auto modes may
fail?
When the bottom is very deep, at high boat speed, when the bottom is very
shallow (< 5 feets), when the water is full of materials in suspension, with bad sea
conditions.
6.8 What should I do if the auto modes fail?
Failure of auto modes can happen for various reasons. Hereafter you can find a
range of possibilities.
6.8.1 Auto-range fails in very shallow waters displaying a
digital depth readout deeper than the actual value. What
should I do?
This usually happens if the STC is set to LONG or MID and the bottom is shallow
or SHORT if the bottom is very shallow causing the auto-range to hook to the
second or third echo from the bottom (since in shallow waters the sound bounces
more times back and forth the surface to the bottom). Try decreasing the STC
value to SHORT in shallow waters or to switch it to VERY SHORT or OFF.
6.8.2 Auto range fails, and the digital depth readout displays a
very shallow reading. What should I do?
This usually happens if the STC is off or is set to a low value causing disturbs from
surface clutter to be stronger than bottom echoes. Try increasing the STC value.
As general rule STC has to be set as in shallow waters and LONG in depth waters.
6.8.3 Auto-range fails in very deep waters displaying a digital
very shallow depth readout. What should I do?
The Fish Finder capability to detect the bottom decreases as the bottom depth
increase. If the bottom composition is soft as mud, if the sea conditions are bad,
if there are thermoclines or the water is full of materials in suspension it can
further decrease thus causing the digital depth readout to fail. When this happens
the auto-range algorithm also fails. To recover from this situation it is necessary
to switch to manual range mode and to set the manual depth mode. When manual
depth mode is selected the algorithm that calculates the digital depth readout
searches for the bottom within the range manually selected by the user. At this
point it is necessary to increase manually the range until the bottom becomes
graphically visible. If the echoes from the bottom are strong enought, the Fish
40 User Manual
Finder shall look to the bottom giving a correct depth reading and shall be possible to return in auto range mode. Please note that if one or more of the conditions that reduce the echoes from the bottom listed above is true the bottom may
be not visible at all, in this situation a strong thermocline or surface clutter may
be interpreted by the Fish Finder as the bottom.
6.9 At a very shallow range upper half of the screen appears
almost completely filled by the surface clutter. How can
I eliminate it?
This is normal in shallow waters. To clean up the surface clutter without degrading
the digital depth readout algorithm functionality it is possible to set the STC value
to custom setting the STC lenght to the same size of the surface clutter, and
increasing the STC strenght until the image on the screen cleans up. Please note
that in very shallow waters it is usually better to switch to manual gain mode to
reduce gain fluctuation due to rapidly changing bottom conditions.
6.10 Why do I never see fishes in the range between 0 to 0.7
meters?
The minimum range of the fish finder is 0.7 meters. In this interval the Fish Finder
can detect neither the bottom nor any target.
6.11 How can I reduce the surface clutter?
You can act by: properly setting the STC as described at 6.12 and also by increasing the NOISE LEVEL and reducing the GAIN or the GAIN OFFSET (if you are in
auto gain mode). However please note that a strong attenuation of surface clutter
may also reduce the capability to detect targets.
6.12 The Fish Finder is in auto gain mode but the picture
display too many small targets, what shall I do to reduce
the screen clutter?
Try increasing the NOISE LEVEL or decreasing the GAIN OFFSET.
6.13 In very shallow waters when the AUTO GAIN mode is
selected there are fluctuations in the bottom profile
width and its color representation. What should I do?
In very shallow waters the environment situation (bottom/water condition) vary
very quickly thus causing the auto gain algorithm to create oscillations while
trying to set optimal GAIN value for each situation. To avoid this it is advisable to
switch to MANUAL GAIN mode and fine tune the GAIN to a fixed setting.
6.14 In very deep waters even setting the GAIN to its maximum value I cannot see the bottom what shall I do?
Try decreasing the NOISE LEVEL. If still the bottom is not visible there is nothing
you can do, the bottom echo is simply too weak to be detected.
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User Manual
Analytical Index
50/200kHz Full Display .............................. 14
A
A-Scope ............................................... 9, 12
Alarm ........................................... 10, 12, 24
Alarm Bar ................................................ 12
B
Bottom Echo Profile ................................... 13
Bottom Lock ............................................... 9
C
Calibrate Aux Temperature ......................... 24
Case Size ................................................. 27
Chart/Fish Display ..................................... 14
CLEAR key .................................... 16, 18, 19
Color Bar ................................................. 11
Colors ..................................................... 27
connection ............................................... 32
Cursor key ......................................... 15, 16
D
Depth ................................................ 22, 25
Depth Alarm ............................................. 10
Depth Mode .............................................. 22
Depth Range ............................................ 27
Depth ruler .............................................. 12
Digital Depth ............................................ 12
Dimensions ................................... 28, 37, 38
Display Colors .......................................... 27
E
Echogram ................................................ 11
ENTER key ............................................... 15
F
Features .................................................... 9
Fish Finder port ........................................ 10
Fish Finder Setup menu ............................. 21
Fishes ..................................................... 12
Frequency .......................................... 12, 22
Full Display ............................. 14, 15, 16, 17
G
Gain ........................................................ 23
Gain Mode ............................................... 21
I
Image Speed ............................................ 27
Input Format ............................................ 27
Installation ........................................ 27, 37
Interference Rejection ......................... 10, 22
K
Keel Offset ............................................... 24
M
MENU key .......................................... 15, 17
Mounting ................................................. 28
N
Noise Filter ........................................ 10, 38
Noise Tresohold ........................................ 23
O
Operating Frequency ........................... 12, 27
Output Power ........................................... 27
P
Page Selection menu ................................. 13
Power Consumption ................................... 27
Power Requirements .................................. 27
Preset Mode ....................................... 21, 23
R
Range Mode ............................ 21, 22, 23, 24
Resolution ................................................ 27
S
Scroll Speed ............................................. 22
Selezione della Porta ................................. 10
Sensitivity menu ................................. 15, 22
Sensitivity Time Constant .......................... 23
Shallow Alarm .......................................... 10
Shallow Water .................................... 24, 25
Shift ........................................................ 22
STC ................................................... 10, 23
Structure ................................................. 13
Surface Clutter ......................................... 13
T
temperature ............................................. 27
Temperature Lower ............................. 10, 25
Temperature Rate ..................................... 25
Temperature Upper ............................. 10, 25
Thermoclines ............................................ 13
transducer ..................................... 9, 24, 35
Transducer Setup ...................................... 24
V
Variable Depth Marker ......................... 12, 15
VDM .................................................. 12, 15
Vertical Resolution .................................... 27
W
Warning Message ...................................... 11
Water Temperature ................................... 12
Weight .................................................... 27
White Line .................................... 10, 13, 22
Z
Zoom ...................................................... 12
Zoom Bar ................................................. 12
Zoom Full Display ..................................... 14
ZOOM IN/OUT keys ............................. 16, 17
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