Si-tex ES502 User's Manual

ES502

Dual Frequency 50 & 200kHz Black Box Fish Finder

Copyright 2008 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.

User Manual

code: (D 110608e)

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 ES502 is not built water proof. Please make sure to avoid water intru-

sion into the unit. Water damage is not covered by the warranty.

♦ Extensive exposure to heat may result in damage to the ES502.
♦ Connection to the power source with reversed polarity will damage the ES502

severely. This damage is not covered by the warranty.

♦ The ES502 contains dangerous high voltage circuits which only experienced

technicians MUST handle.

WARNING

♦ When plugging in or unplugging a transducer to the ES502 make sure power

is turned off.

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.

4 User Manual

Contents

Important Information ................................................................................. 4

CAUTION ................................................................................. 4

WARNING ................................................................................. 4

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 17

2.2.5 Chart/Fish page 17

2.2.6 Fish Finder and Radar pages ONLY FOR COLOR MAX 11/COLOR MAX PRO/

COLOR MAX WIDE E/COLOR MAX WIDE I/COLOR MAX SEALINK I/
COLOR MAX SEALINK E/EXPLORER II PLUS/COLOR MAX 15/TRAWL PLOT 12/

2.3 ZOOM MODES ............................................................................... 19

2.4 SOUNDER ADJUSTMENTS WITH SOFT KEYS .................................................... 19

2.5 INFO ON FISH FINDER: SYSTEM INFORMATION ............................................... 20

3. Setup your Fish Finder ............................................................................... 21

3.1 FISH FINDER SETUP MENU ........................................................................... 21

TRAWL PLOT 12 SD ........................................................................... 18

2.3.1 The Bottom Lock Zoom ...................................................................... 19

2.3.2 The Marker Zoom .............................................................................. 19

2.5.1 The System Update menu .................................................................. 20

3.1.1 Preset Mode ............................................................................... 21

3.1.2 Gain Mode ............................................................................... 21

3.1.3 Range Mode ............................................................................... 21

3.1.4 Depth ............................................................................... 21

3.1.5 Shift ............................................................................... 22

3.1.6 Bottom Range ............................................................................... 22

3.1.7 Frequency ............................................................................... 22

3.1.8 Interference Rejection ....................................................................... 22

3.1.9 Sensitivity ............................................................................... 22

3.1.9.1 Frequency ........................................................................... 22

3.1.9.2 Gain ............................................................................... 22

3.1.9.3 STC ............................................................................... 22

3.1.9.4 STC Length .......................................................................... 22

3.1.9.5 STC Strengh ........................................................................ 23

3.1.9.6 Surface Noise Filter ............................................................... 23

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3.1.10 Display Setup ............................................................................... 23

3.1.10.1 Color Settings ONLY FOR COLOR CHART PLOTTER ................................ 23

3.1.10.2 Scrolling Speed .................................................................... 23

3.1.10.3 White Line ........................................................................... 23

3.1.10.4 Fish Symbols ........................................................................ 23

3.1.10.5 Water Temperature ............................................................... 23

3.1.11 Transducer Setup .............................................................................. 24

3.1.11.1 Keel Offset ........................................................................... 24

3.1.11.2 Calibrate Sound Speed .......................................................... 24

3.1.11.3 Calibrate Water Speed ........................................................... 24

3.1.11.4 Calibrate Water Temperature .................................................. 24

3.1.11.5 Calibrate Aux Temperature ..................................................... 24

3.1.12 Alarms ............................................................................... 24

3.1.12.1 Shallow Water ...................................................................... 24

3.1.12.2 Depth Water ........................................................................ 25

3.1.12.3 Temperature Upper ............................................................... 25

3.1.12.4 Temperature Lower ............................................................... 25

3.1.12.5 Temperature Rate ................................................................. 25

3.1.12.6 Fish Alarm ........................................................................... 25

3.1.13 Load Settings from User C-CARD ......................................................... 25

3.1.14 Save Settings to User C-CARD ............................................................ 25

3.1.15 Restore Current Preset Defaults .......................................................... 25

4. ES502 ............................................................................... 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 ............................................................................ 30

4.6 POWER SUPPLY WIRING DIAGRAM ................................................................ 31

4.7 SUGGESTED PLOTTER CONNECTIONS ............................................................ 32

5. Transducers ............................................................................... 33

6. Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................ 35

Analytical Index ............................................................................... 39

CERTIFICATE OF LIMITED WARRANTY .................................................................. 41

6 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 functions activation in this User Manual is related to the
following chart plotter models (see the following table). Whenever it is necessary,
a note has been inserted for those models with operational differences.

CHART PLOTTER NAME DESCRIPTION SOFTWARE

COLOR MAX 5E 5" Sunlight Readable Vertical Color Display S4egSW5vc

External Smart GPS Receiver

COLOR MAX 5I 5" Sunlight Readable Vertical Color Display S4igSW5vc

Internal GPS Receiver

COLOR MAX 6 5.6" Sunlight Readable Color Display S3egSW7c

External GPS Receiver

NAVMATE E 5.6" Sunlight Readable Vertical Color Display S3egSW7vc

External Smart GPS Receiver

NAVMATE I 5.6" Sunlight Readable Vertical Color Display S3igSW7vc

Internal GPS Receiver

COLOR MAX WIDE E 7" Sunlight Readable Wide Color Display S4egSW7wc

External Smart GPS Receiver

COLOR MAX WIDE I 7" Sunlight Readable Wide Color Display S4igSW7wc

Internal GPS Receiver

COLOR MAX WIDE E 7" Sunlight Readable Wide Color Display S3egSW7wc

External Smart GPS Receiver

COLOR MAX WIDE I 7" Sunlight Readable Wide Color Display S3igSW7wc

Internal GPS Receiver

COLOR MAX SEALINK E 7" Sunlight Readable WVGA Color Display S4egSW8wc

External Smart GPS Receiver

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COLOR MAX SEALINK I 7" Sunlight Readable WVGA Color Display S4igSW8wc

Internal GPS Receiver

COLOR MAX PRO 11" Sunlight Readable Color Display S4egSW11c

External Smart GPS Receiver & Video Input

COLOR MAX 11 11" Color Display S3egSW11c

External Smart GPS Receiver & Video Input

COLOR MAX 11* 11" Color Display XSegSW11c

External Smart GPS Receiver & Video Input

TRAWL PLOT 12 SD 12" Color Display S5egSW12c

External Smart GPS Receiver & Video Input

TRAWL PLOT 12* 12" Color Display XSegSW12c

External Smart GPS Receiver & Video Input

COLOR MAX 15 15" Color Display S5egSW15c

External Smart GPS Receiver & Video Input

COLOR MAX 15 15" Color Display S3egSW15c

External Smart GPS Receiver & Video Input

EXPLORER II Plus Controller for Color Display S5egSWctc

External Smart GPS Receiver

EXPLORER II Plus Controller for Color Display S3egSWctc/ctcj

External Smart GPS Receiver

EXPLORER II Plus* Controller for Color Display XSegSWctcj

External Smart GPS Receiver

NOTE* To connect the unit below s/n 4129999 (before February 2005) 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: ES502

♦♦

Technical specification, dimension and installation of the ES502 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.

8 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, thermoclines (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 a 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)
♦ Bottom Lock (capability to magnify a user defined range around the

bottom)

♦ White Line (help distinguish between fish and bottom, when fish are

swimming close to the bottom)

♦ STC (allows reducing or eliminating the surface clutter)
♦ Interference Rejection (allows reducing interference from other boats/

Fish Finders)

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♦ Noise Filter
♦ Fish Symbol feature (*)
♦ Automatic Setup Transducer. Recognition for devices (automatic

transducer identification and parameters setup for best performance)

♦ Alarms Handling (Shallow Alarm, Depth Water Alarm, Fish Alarm, Tem-

perature 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 2 (see Par. 4.7), follow the procedure:

[MENU] + [MENU] + "ADVANCED" + [ENTER] + "Input/Output" + [ENTER]
+ "Port 2 Input" + [ENTER] + "BBFF 50/200" + [ENTER]

10 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.

1

Warning message

Echogram window

2

Color Bar

3

4

Digital Depth

5

Water temperature

6

Alarm Bar

Depth ruler

7

8

Variable Depth Marker (VDM)

Zoom Bar

9

A-Scope

10

Operating Frequency

11

1

2

3

4

5

Fig. 2.1 - The Fish Finder page

10

11

6

7

8

9

6

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

Bar located on the right side of the Depth Ruler, showing the shallow water
and deep water alarm values. The alarm is triggered when depth is outside
the range.

Depth Ruler

Vertical graduated bar located along the right side of the screen. 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 located on the left side of the Depth Ruler, showing the portion of the
Echogram currently represented in the zoomed window (on the left part of
the screen). It is turned On selecting the Echo Sounder Split 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:

1

Fishes

Thermoclines

2

White Line

3

4

Surface Clutter

Structures

5

Bottom Echo Profile

6

Fig. 2.1.1 - The Fish Finder Echogram

12 User Manual

1

2

3

4

5

6

Fishes

Fishes are represented as arcs because of the cone angle of the transducer.
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

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:

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and powered On.

13

[MENU] + "PAGE" + [ENTER] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER]

Fig. 2.2.1 - Fish Finder page selection by Menu

COLOR MAX 11/COLOR MAX PRO/COLOR MAX 15:

[DATA] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + select the desired page + [ENTER]

TRAWL PLOT 12/TRAWL PLOT 12 SD:

[PAGE] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + select the desired page + [ENTER]

The screen is shown in the following figure:

Fig. 2.2.1a - Fish Finder page selection by Menu

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].

NOTE When the Radar* is connected, two other displaying pages are available too,

(*) ONLY FOR COLOR MAX 11/COLOR MAX PRO/COLOR MAX WIDE E/COLOR MAX WIDE I/COLOR MAX

SEALINK E/COLOR MAX SEALINK I/EXPLORER II PLUS/COLOR MAX 15/TRAWL PLOT 12/TRAWL

PLOT 12 SD

Radar/FF and Radar/FF/Chart/Nav Data. See the Radar* User Manual
for more information.

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.

14 User Manual

In the picture below, the four soft keys are customized to select the four Fish
Finder page:

Fig. 2.2.1.1 - Fish Finder page selection by Soft Key

Press [FF STD] to show the Full page, [FF DF] to show the Dual Frequency page,
[FF SPLT] to show the Zoom page and [FF +MAP] to show the Chart/Fish page.

NOTE When the Radar* is connected, any soft key can be assigned any of the Fish

(*) ONLY FOR COLOR MAX 11/COLOR MAX PRO/COLOR MAX WIDE E/COLOR MAX WIDE I/COLOR MAX

SEALINK E/COLOR MAX SEALINK I/EXPLORER II PLUS/COLOR MAX 15/TRAWL PLOT 12/TRAWL

PLOT 12 SD

Finder or Radar* pages. See the Radar* User Manual for more information.

2.2.2 Fish Finder Full page

To display the Fish Finder Full Page Echogram, follow this procedure:

COLOR MAX 11/COLOR MAX PRO/COLOR MAX 15:

TRAWL PLOT 12/TRAWL PLOT 12 SD:

[MENU] + "PAGE" + [ENTER] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Full" + [ENTER]

[DATA] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Full" + [ENTER]

[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.

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The ENTER key

Pressing [ENTER] activates the Sensitivity menu (see Par. 3.1.1) that allows
tuning the Gain, the Surface Noise Filter and the STC.

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:

COLOR MAX 11/COLOR MAX PRO/COLOR MAX 15:

TRAWL PLOT 12/TRAWL PLOT 12 SD:

[MENU] + "PAGE" + [ENTER] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Dual Fre­quency" + [ENTER]

[DATA] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Dual Frequency" + [ENTER]

[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.

16 User Manual

2.2.4 Zoom page

To display the zoomed Fish Finder page on the left half of the screen and the un­zoomed Fish Finder Echogram on the right half of the screen, follow this procedure:

[MENU] + "PAGE" + [ENTER] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Zoom" +
[ENTER]

COLOR MAX 11/COLOR MAX PRO/COLOR MAX 15:

[DATA] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Zoom" + [ENTER]

TRAWL PLOT 12/TRAWL PLOT 12 SD:

[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:

COLOR MAX 11/COLOR MAX PRO/COLOR MAX 15:

TRAWL PLOT 12/TRAWL PLOT 12 SD:

[MENU] + "PAGE" + [ENTER] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Chart/Fish"
+ [ENTER]

[DATA] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Chart/Fish" + [ENTER]

[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]:

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17

♦ 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.

♦ 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.

2.2.6 Fish Finder and Radar pages ONLY FOR COLOR MAX 11/COLOR MAX PRO/COLOR

MAX WIDE E/COLOR MAX WIDE I/COLOR MAX SEALINK I/COLOR MAX SEALINK E/EXPLORER II Plus/

COLOR MAX 15/TRAWL PLOT 12/TRAWL PLOT 12 SD

To display the Radar page on the left half of the screen and the Fish Finder
Echogram on the right half of the screen, follow this procedure:

COLOR MAX 11/COLOR MAX PRO/COLOR MAX 15:

TRAWL PLOT 12/TRAWL PLOT 12 SD:

[MENU] + "PAGE" + [ENTER] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Radar/FF" +
[ENTER]

[DATA] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Radar/FF" + [ENTER]

[PAGE] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Radar/FF" + [ENTER]

Fig. 2.2.6 - Radar/FF page

Otherwise to display the Radar and Fish Finder Combo pages, follow this procedure:

[MENU] + "PAGE" + [ENTER] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Radar/FF/
Chart/Nav Data" + [ENTER]

COLOR MAX 11/COLOR MAX PRO/COLOR MAX 15:

[DATA] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Radar/FF/Chart/Nav Data" + [ENTER]

TRAWL PLOT 12/TRAWL PLOT 12 SD:

[PAGE] + "FISH FINDER" + [ENTER] + "Radar/FF/Chart/Nav Data" + [ENTER]

Fig. 2.2.6a - Combo page

18 User Manual

When in Split/Combo pages, the active view is highlighted by a focus (Yellow
frame). The keyboard commands are related to that focused view. To move the
focus press [MENU] twice.

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 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/down to adjust the Depth value by 10ft time and
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.

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19

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.

The FREQ Soft Key

By pressing [FREQ] it is possible to select the Frequency to which the Sensitivity
parameters are applied.
This option is available only in the Dual Frequency page.

2.5 INFO ON FISH FINDER: SYSTEM INFORMATION

If you want to know information about the Fish Finder connected, follow the
procedure:

A window will be shown with the desired information on the Fish Finder Library
row and on the Fish Finder module row.

[MENU] + "About..." + [ENTER]

XXXX V. X.yy R [GG/MM/YYYY]

V2.1.333.2000 B [18/01/2008]

BBFF 50/200

Fig. 2.5 - System Information page

8

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:

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.

[MENU] + "About..." + [ENTER] + [MENU] + "Update BBFF Firmware" +
[ENTER]

Turn Off and after a few seconds turn On the ES502 in case of failed firmware
upload.

WARNING

20 User Manual

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:

3.1.1 Preset Mode

Allows applying the following Fish Finder operating mode presets Fish and Cruise.
See the following table.

Fish : Gain Mode = Auto, Range Mode = Auto, Frequency = do not change, Shift = 0, STC = Short if

Cruise : Gain Mode = Auto, Range Mode = Auto, Frequency = do not change, Shift = 0, STC = Short if

[MENU]

Fig. 3.1 - Fish Finder Setup menu

[MENU] + "PRESET MODE" + [ENTER]

Freq=200kHz and Mid if Freq=50kHz, Scrolling Speed = 10, Fish Symbols = Echo, A-Scope = On,
Surface Noise Filter = Off.

Freq=200kHz and Mid if Freq=50kHz, Scrolling Speed = 10, Fish Symbols = Echo, A-Scope = On,
Surface Noise Filter = 4.

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

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

This option is available only when Range Mode is Manual and it is disabled in Auto
Range and Bottom Lock Mode.

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[MENU] + "DEPTH" + [ENTER]

21

3.1.5 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.

3.1.6 Bottom Range

This option is available when Range Mode is Bottom Lock.

[MENU] + "BOTTOM RANGE" + [ENTER]

3.1.7 Frequency

Allows you to choose the frequency between Auto, 50 kHz or 200 kHz when single
frequency page is selected.

[MENU] + "FREQUENCY" + [ENTER]

3.1.8 Interference Rejection

Selects a filter to remove interference from other Fish Finders.

[MENU] + "INTERF REJECT" + [ENTER]

3.1.9 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
are related to the Frequency selected.

[MENU] + "SENSITIVITY" + [ENTER]

Fig. 3.1.9 - Fish Finder Sensitivity menu

NOTE The Frequency value is only displayed: to select the desired frequency see the

previous Par. 3.1.7.

3.1.9.1 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.

3.1.9.2 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.

3.1.9.3 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.

3.1.9.4 STC Length

If STC is Custom, it is possible to change the Length of the Sensitivity Time
Constant.

22 User Manual

3.1.9.5 STC Strengh

If STC is Custom, it is possible to change the Strength of the Sensitivity Time
Constant.

3.1.9.6 Surface Noise Filter

This function implements an advanced time varying filter that allows suppressing
the surface clutter efficiently while leaving fish targets visible.

NOTE Thus imposing the capability of the Fish Finder to correctly detect the weakest

echoes coming from a very deep bottom.

3.1.10 Display Setup

The Display Setup Menu allows you to change the color scheme of the Fish Finder
display, adjusts the chart scrolling rate, enables or disables the White Line and
allows determining the graphical representation of fishes.

3.1.10.1 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.

NOTE Only Gray Scale and Reversed Gray Scale are available on the 11" Gray Levels

3.1.10.2 Scrolling 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] + "DISPLAY SETUP" + [ENTER]

Fig. 3.1.7 - Fish Finder Display Setup menu

chart plotters.

3.1.10.3 White Line

Controls how the chart plotter displays information about the bottom type (hard
or soft).

3.1.10.4 Fish Symbols

This selection allows determining the graphical representation of underwater sus­pended targets. See the following table.

Echo : shows echoes
Echo + Icon : shows the Fish icon and echoes

Echo + Icon + Depth: shows the Fish icon, depth values and the fish echoes
Echo + Depth : shows depth values

Icon : shows Fish icons
Icon + Depth : shows Fish icons and their depth (accordingly to currently selected depth unit)

The Fish icons displayed are among four different shapes depending on the size of
the Target (Small, Med, Big, Huge).

3.1.10.5 Water Temperature

Allows you to choose the Water Temperature label displayed over the echogram

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23

between Primary and External.

3.1.11 Transducer Setup

The Transducer Setup menu contains settings that does not require frequent
changes.

3.1.11.1 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 transducer's location.

3.1.11.2 Calibrate Sound Speed

Allows calibrating the value of Sound Speed in the water, depending on the water
temperature and salinity.

3.1.11.3 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.

3.1.11.4 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.

[MENU] + "TRANSDUCER SETUP" + [ENTER]

Fig. 3.1.11 - Fish Finder Transducer menu

3.1.11.5 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.

3.1.12 Alarms

The Alarms menu allows you to define additional sonar alarm settings for Fish
Alarm, Shallow Alarm, Depth Alarm and Temperature Upper/Lower/Rate.

3.1.12.1 Shallow Water

Triggers an alarm when depth becomes shallower than the value set.

24 User Manual

[MENU] + "ALARM" + [ENTER]

Fig. 3.1.12 - Fish Finder Alarms menu

3.1.12.2 Depth Water

Triggers an alarm when depth becomes deeper than the value set.

3.1.12.3 Temperature Upper

Triggers an alarm when the transducer reports a temperature (from TEMP 1 sen­sor) above the value set.

3.1.12.4 Temperature Lower

Triggers an alarm when the transducer reports a temperature (from TEMP 1 sen­sor) below the value set.

3.1.12.5 Temperature Rate

Triggers an alarm when the transducer reports a temperature (from TEMP 1 sen­sor) variation rate above the value set.

3.1.12.6 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.

3.1.13 Load Settings from User C-CARD

Load the complete settings from the User C-CARD and changes the active menu
settings.
Insert the User C-CARD into the slot, then follow the procedure:

[MENU] + "LOAD SETTINGS FROM USER C-CARD" + [ENTER]

3.1.14 Save Settings to User C-CARD

This is useful to avoid the user having to retune up Radar after a Clear RAM
operation or a software update.
Insert the User C-CARD into the slot, then follow the procedure:

[MENU] + "SAVE SETTINGS TO USER C-CARD" + [ENTER]

3.1.15 Restore Current Preset Defaults

This option restores the default values only for the current presets (see Par. 3.1.1,
Preset Mode) and does not affect the other presets. Follow the procedure:

A confirmation window is shown. Select "YES" and press [ENTER] again.

User Manual

[MENU] + "RESTORE CURRENT PRESET DEFAULTS" + [ENTER]

25

26 User Manual

4. ES502

This chapter provides instructions to assist in planning the installation of the ES502.

4.1 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

♦ Display Colors : 16 colors on color chart plotter or 16 gray

♦ Display Vertical Resolution : up to 400 pixels (depending on chart

♦ 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 : 2.5Ft (0.76m) to 1200Ft (366m)

1KW/50kHz : 5Ft (1.52m) to 4000Ft (1219m)

500W/200kHz : 2.5Ft (0.76m) to 700Ft (213m)

500W/50kHz : 5Ft (1.52m) to 1500Ft (457m)

NOTE* This is not a guaranteed specification. The actual maximum depth capability

of the system depends on the type of transducer fitted, the reflectivity of the
bottom, water condition, etc.

♦ Status LED
♦ External Buzzer : 12VDC, 400mA
♦ Speed Sensor : if available on transducer
♦ Temperature Sensor : one channel TEMP1 (if available on

♦ NMEA Output sentences : Depth: $SDDPT, $SDDBT

♦ Operating temperature range : 0°C to +50°C
♦ Storage temperature range : -20°C to +70°C
♦ Weight : 1 kg (2,20 LBS)
♦ Water Proof Specification : IP 54
♦ Case Size : 7.62" (193.30mm) x 6.87"

levels on gray levels chart plotter

plotter screen resolution)

Max Typical = 980Ft (299m)

Max Typical = 2700Ft (823m)

Max Typical = 600 Ft (183m)

Max Typical = 1350 Ft (411m)

transducer), optional second channel
TEMP2

Speed: $VWVHW
Trip Log: $VWVLW
Water Temperature: $YXMTW
TEMP2 Temperature: $YXXDR

(174.30mm) x 2.19" (55.50mm)

When the package containing the ES502 is first opened, please check it for the
following contents (if any parts are missing contact the dealer the ES502 was
purchased from):

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27

♦ ES502 (with Power Serial and optional devices cables already connected)
♦ Fuse 5 Amp. + fuseholder
♦ User Manual

4.2 DIMENSIONS

174.30mm [6.87"]

193.30mm

[7.62"]

Fig. 4.2 - ES502 Dimensions

174.30mm

[6.87"]

[2.19"]

55.50mm

[2.19"]

55.50mm

4.3 MOUNTING THE FISH FINDER

The ES502 should be preferably 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 ES502

4.3.1 Installation

Picture showing actual example of the ES502 installation.

28 User Manual

Fig. 4.3.1 - The ES502 Installation

♦ Fix the ES502 to the mounting location using the four screws (holes

diameter 4 mm), see Fig. 4.3.1.

♦ 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

ES502 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 different LED behaviors, representing different diagnostic conditions.
These are described below.

♦ OFF

The ES502 is not powered or maintenance/update routines are running.

♦♦

♦ ON, CONTINUOUSLY

♦♦

There is no communication with the chart plotter, and no transducer is
connected.

♦♦

♦ 1 long flash every 2 seconds

♦♦

A transducer is connected properly, but there is no communication with
the chart plotter.

♦♦

♦ 2 short flashes every 2 seconds or 1 short flash every 2 seconds

♦♦

The ES502 and the transducer are operating properly. This is the nor­mal behaviour when everything is working.

♦♦

♦ 3 short flashes every 2 seconds

♦♦

The ES502 has detected a transducer without transducer ID. On the chart
plotter a warning window is shown, select "IGNORE" and press [ENTER]:
the ES502 is working at low power.

♦♦

♦ 4 short flashes every 2 seconds

♦♦

The ES502 has detected a transducer without transducer ID. On the chart

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29

plotter a warning window is shown, select "CANCEL" and press [ENTER]:
the ES502 is not sending any signal.

4.5 EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS

Fig. 4.5 - ES502 External Wiring

30 User Manual

4.6 POWER SUPPLY WIRING DIAGRAM

We recommended the installation of a switch and a (5A) fuse in the positive DC
supply to the ES502. The ES502 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 ES502 and the chart
plotter.

Chart Plotter

+

-

+

Fuse

F

Fig.4.6 - The ES502 and the chart plotter could be turned Off

Switch

+

12V DC
Battery

Chart Plotter

+

-

+

Fuse

Switch

Fig.4.6a - The ES502 could be turned Off without turning Off the chart plotter

F

+

12V DC
Battery

-

-

-

-

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31

4.7 SUGGESTED PLOTTER CONNECTIONS

The following are suggested "Fish Finder - chart plotter" connections.

NOTE On the chart plotter with software "S3" the Port 1 is optoisolated, so the Pin

If the chart plotter has a 8 pin Power & I/O connector see the following picture:

4 - Green is the Input 1- and it is not the GND COMMON for the Port 2. The
described connections are valid too.

QUICK DISCONNECT BRACKET CABLE

WIRE COLOR

RED
BLACK
WHITE
GREEN
YELLOW
BROWN
GRAY
ORANGE
PINK
BLU

FUNCTION

+10-35 Vdc
GND/COMMON
INPUT 1+
GND
OUTPUT 1+
INPUT 2+
OUTPUT 2+
INPUT 3+
OUTPUT 3+
GND

BBFF PLOTTER CABLE

WIRE COLOR

BROWN
GRAY
BLACK

Fig.4.7 - Connection to the Fish Finder for chart plotter with quick disconnect bracket

1

POWER & I/O

BBFF Plotter Cable

CABLE COLOR

BROWN

GRAY

BLACK

FUNCTION

FF TX+
FF RX+
FF GND

Female 8 Pin

Chart Plotter

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

5

5

X

6

6

7

7

X

8

8

Power &
I/O cable

of

Chart Plotter

Male 8 Pin

POWER & I/O CONNECTOR

PIN

WIRE COLOR

1

BLACK

2

RED

3

WHITE

4

GREEN

5

GREY

6

YELLOW

7

BROWN

8

BLUE

FUNCTION

GND/COMMON
PWR+ (10-35 Vdc)
INPUT 1+
COMMON
OUTPUT 2+
OUTPUT 1+
INPUT 2+
OUTPUT EXTERNAL ALARM+

Fig.4.7a - Connection to the Fish Finder for chart plotter with 8 pin Power & I/O connector

FUNCTION

BBFF TX+
BBFF RX+
BBFF GND

Only for the TRAWL PLOT 12/TRAWL PLOT 12 SD chart plotter see the following
picture:

POWER & I/O

Fig.4.7b - Connection to the Fish Finder for TRAWL PLOT 12/TRAWL PLOT 12 SD chart plotter

POWER & I/O CONNECTOR

PIN

WIRE COLOR

1

BLACK GND/COMMON

2

RED PWR+ (10-35 Vdc)

3

WHITE INPUT1+

4

GREEN GND

5

GREY NOT CONNECTED

6

YELLOW OUTPUT1+

7

BROWN GND

8

BLU OUTPUT EXTERNAL ALARM+

FUNCTION

BBFF PLOTTER CABLE

WIRE COLOR

GRAY
BROWN
BLACK

FUNCTION

BBFF RX+
BBFF TX+
BBFF GND

32 User Manual

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.

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33

34 User Manual

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Rubber Gasket

Panel

PCB

GPS

Chart Plotter

cable

Power & I/O

cable

Cap

Grommet

Cap

6.1 How can I disconnect the cables from the ES502 in case
I need to do so for the installation?

♦ Open the ES502 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)

♦ 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 ES502 box screwing the four screws.

Fig. 6.1b - The BB 50/200 (III)

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35

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.
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.

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 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 90% of the cases, however in extreme
situations the auto modes may fail and thus it is necessary to switch to the Manual
mode.

6.6 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 feet), when the water is full of materials in suspension, with bad sea
conditions.

6.7 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.

6.7.1 Auto-range fails in very shallow waters displaying a digital depth

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 from the surface to the bottom). Try decreasing the
STC value to SHORT in shallow waters or to switch it to VERY SHORT or OFF.

6.7.2 Auto range fails, and the digital depth readout displays a very

This usually happens if the STC is off or is set to a low value causing disturbances 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.

36 User Manual

readout deeper than the actual value. What should I do?

shallow reading. What should I do?

6.7.3 Auto-range fails in very deep waters displaying a digital very

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 enough, the Fish
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.

shallow depth readout. What should I do?

6.8 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 there are two modes: 1) if Sur­face Declutter = OFF, it is possible to set the STC value to custom setting the STC
length to the same size of the surface clutter, and increasing the STC strength
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. 2) Using Surface Declutter, increase the Sur­face Declutter value until the surface declutter disappears completely.

6.9 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.

6.10 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.

6.11 The Fish Finder is in auto gain mode but the picture
displays too many small targets, what shall I do to reduce
the screen clutter?

Try increasing the NOISE LEVEL or decreasing the GAIN OFFSET.

6.12 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

User Manual

37

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.

6.13 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.

38 User Manual

Analytical Index

A

A-Scope ............................................... 9, 12

About ...................................................... 20

active window .......................................... 17

Alarm Bar ................................................ 12

Alarms .................................................... 24

Alarms Handling ....................................... 10

B

Bar ................................................... 11, 12

Bottom Echo Profile ................................... 13

Bottom Lock ............................................... 9

Bottom Lock Zoom .................................... 19

Bottom Range .......................................... 22

C

Calibrate Aux Temperature ......................... 24

Calibrate Sound Speed ............................... 24

Calibrate Water Speed ............................... 24

Calibrate Water Temperature ...................... 24

Case Size ................................................. 27

CAUTION ................................................... 4

Chart/Fish ................................................ 14

Chart/Fish page .................................. 15, 17

CLEAR key ............................................... 16

Clutter ..................................................... 37

Color Bar ................................................. 11

Color Settings ........................................... 23

connections .............................................. 31

Cruise ........................................... 9, 21, 36

Cursor key ......................................... 15, 16

D

Depth ...................................................... 21

Depth Range ............................................ 27

Depth Ruler .............................................. 12

Depth Water ............................................. 25

Depth Water Alarm ................................... 10

Digital Depth ............................................ 12

Dimensions .............................................. 28

Display Colors .......................................... 27

Display Setup ........................................... 23

Dual Frequency ........................................ 14

Dual Frequency page ........................... 15, 16

E

Echogram ................................................ 11

Echogram display ...................................... 12

ENTER key ............................................... 16

External Buzzer ........................................ 27

External Wiring ......................................... 30

F

Features .................................................... 9

Fish .............................................. 9, 21, 36

Fish Alarm ......................................... 10, 25

Fish Finder ................................................. 9

Fish Finder Combo pages ........................... 18

Fish Finder page ....................................... 11

Fish Symbol ....................................... 10, 23

Fishes ..................................................... 13

focus ....................................................... 18

Freq Soft Key ........................................... 20

Frequency ......................... 12, 15, 20, 22, 27

Full ......................................................... 14

Full page ................................................. 15

Functions ................................................... 9

fuseholder ................................................ 28

G

Gain ............................................. 19, 22, 38

Gain Mode ............................................... 21

Gain Soft Key ........................................... 19

I

Information ................................................ 4

Installation ........................................ 28, 35

Interference Rejection ........................... 9, 22

K

Keel Offset ............................................... 24

L

LED ......................................................... 27

Load Settings ........................................... 25

M

Marker Zoom ............................................ 19

MENU key .......................................... 15, 17

N

NMEA ...................................................... 27

Noise Filter .............................................. 10

O

Operating Frequency ................................. 12

Output Power ........................................... 27

Output sentences ...................................... 27

P

package ................................................... 27

Page Selection .......................................... 13

PCB ......................................................... 35

Polarity .................................................... 27

Port ......................................................... 10

Power ...................................................... 27

Power Connection ..................................... 31

Power Consumption ................................... 27

preset ........................................... 9, 21, 36

Preset Mode ............................................. 21

R

Radar pages ............................................. 18

Radar/FF page .......................................... 18

Range ..................................................... 19

Range Mode ............................................. 21

Range Soft Key ......................................... 19

receiver ..................................................... 9

Resolution ................................................ 27

Restore Current Preset Defaults .................. 25

S

Save Settings ........................................... 25

Scrolling Speed ......................................... 23

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39

Sensitivity ......................................... 20, 22

Sensitivity menu ....................................... 16

Sensitivity Time Constant .......................... 22

Setup menu ....................................... 15, 21

Shallow Alarm .......................................... 10

Shallow Water .......................................... 24

Shift ........................................................ 22

Soft Key ............................................ 14, 19

SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 27

Speed Sensor ........................................... 27

Split/Combo page ..................................... 19

Status LED ......................................... 27, 29

STC ......................................... 9, 20, 22, 36

STC Length .............................................. 22

STC Soft Key ............................................ 20

STC Strengh ............................................. 23

Structures ................................................ 13

Surface Clutter ............................... 9, 13, 37

Surface Noise Filter ................................... 23

System Information .................................. 20

System Update menu ................................ 20

T

Temperature ................................. 12, 23, 27

Temperature Lower ............................. 10, 25

Temperature Rate ..................................... 25

Temperature Upper ............................. 10, 25

Thermoclines ............................................ 13

Transducer ..................................... 9, 10, 24

Transducer Setup ...................................... 24

Transducers ............................................. 33

transmitter ................................................. 9

U

User C-CARD ............................................ 25

V

Variable Depth Marker .................... 12, 15, 19

VDM .............................................12, 15, 19

Voltage .................................................... 27

W

WARNING .................................................. 4

Warning Message ...................................... 11

Water Proof .............................................. 27

Water Temperature ............................. 12, 23

Weight .................................................... 27

White Line ..................................... 9, 13, 23

working principle ........................................ 9

Z

Zoom .................................................. 9, 14

Zoom Bar ................................................. 12

ZOOM IN key ...................................... 16, 17

ZOOM OUT key ................................... 16, 17

Zoom page ......................................... 15, 17

40 User Manual

CERTIFICATE OF LIMITED WARRANTY

Providing you present a valid proof of purchase, SI-TEX warrants all parts of each new product against
defect in material and workmanship under normal use and will repair or exchange any parts proven to be
defective at no charge for a period of two years for parts and one year for labor from the date of purchase,
except as provided below under Limited Warranty Exceptions.
Defects will be corrected during normal working hours by an authorized SI-TEX dealer, service center, or at
the SI-TEX office in St. Petersburg, Florida. There will be no charge for labor for a period of one year from
the date of purchase, except as provided below under Limited Warranty Exceptions.
This Warranty and Proof of Purchase must be made available to the authorized SI-TEX service location or
dealer at the time of service.

SI-TEX will not be responsible for equipment which has been subjected to water or lightning damage,
accident, abuse, or misuse, nor any equipment on which the serial number label has been removed, altered
or mutilated. SI-TEX assumes no responsibility for damage incurred during installation.
This Limited Warranty is effective only with respect to the original purchaser. Any cost associated with
transduc er replacement, other than the cost of the transducer itself, is specifically excluded from this Limited
Warranty. Travel cost incurred will not be accepted for SI -TEX products. THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES
WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE FACE HEREOF.

Charges for overtime, stand-by, holiday, and per diem are specifically excluded from the Limited Warranty.
Chart paper, stylus, stylus belt, lamps, and fuses are consumable items and are not covered by this Limited
Warranty. Installa tion workmanship or materials, except as provided directly by SI-TEX, are not covered by
this Limited Warranty. SI-TEX equipment or parts thereof which have been repaired or altered except by an
authorized SI-TEX dealer or service center are not warranted in any respect.
Transducer, software update, battery, microphone, magnetron, and microwave components and water
damage on water resistant VHF radio are items excluded from the two-year warranty and are covered by
warranty for a period of one year for both parts and labor. SI-TEX will not, at any time, assume any costs or
labor charges for checkout or external line fuse replacement or problems not found to be at fault in
equipment itself.

THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES OR GUARANTEES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WHICH EXT END
BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION ON THE FACE HEREOF, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND MERCHANTABILITY. SI -TEX HAS NO OTHER LIABILITY TO PURCHASE
FOR DIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE OR ANY THEORY INCLUDING ABSOLUTE LIABILITY,
TORT, OR C ONTRACT. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY CANNOT BE ALTERED OR MODIFIED IN ANY WAY
AND SHALL BE INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA. THIS
WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO THE CONTINENTAL U.S.A., ALASKA, HAWAII, AND CANADA.

To provide better flexibility, SI -TEX gives you the option of obtaining service under this warranty by either:

a) Contacting an authorized SI-TEX service station (The closest service station may be found by contacting your

dealer of purchase.) OR

b) Shipping your equipment prepaid via UPS or truck with insurance prepaid to SI -TEX at the address

provided below. SI-TEX will, whenever possible, make all repairs covered by Limited Warranty
within two weeks of receiving the equipment in Florida and return same to you, freight prepaid.

c) You must present a copy of your Purchase Sales Slip at the time you request warranty service.

SI-TEX offers a complete line of quality marine electronics including echo sounders, electronic charting systems,

radars, autopilots, GPS/WAAS/Loran receivers, SSB receivers, VHF radios, and integrated systems.

For more information, contact your SI -TEX dealer or the main office, located in St. Petersburg, Florida.

HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE U NDER THIS WARRANTY

LIMITED WARRANTY EXCEPTIONS

SPECIFIC EXCLUSIONS

Shipping/Mailing Address

:

SI-TEX

Koden America, Inc.

11001 Roosevelt Blvd., Suite 800

St. Petersburg, FL 33716

727-57 6-5734

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41