
SI-TEX SVS-650
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SVS-650 Color LCD Echo Sounder
Revised March 2012
Operation & Installation Manual

SI-TEX SVS-650
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SVS-650 Fish finder System
CAUTION
The SVS-650 Color LCD Echo sounder Systems employs the latest in proven technology to provide
accurate fish & bottom information. The navigation functions of SVS-650 are totally dependent
upon the capability of the navigation source to provide accurate position information. This
device is only an aid to navigation. It should not be used to replace other sources of navigation
information.
CAUTION
The performance of LCD displays is degraded by continuous direct exposure to high
temperatures. When not in use, covering the display with the included plastic sun cover will
help extend the service life of the display.

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Welcome
Thank you for purchasing the SI-TEX SVS-650
The SVS-650 is a premium multifunction Fish Finder System. SVS-650 front panel keyboard and
its wide screen viewing area make placement easy. Although SVS-650 offers many advanced
features, operation is simplified through the use of popup menus similar to those found on
personal computers. The SI-TEX SVS-650 Color LCD Fish finder System opens a new chapter
of performance and integration in Fish finder system display and management. Whether you are
a Cruiser or Sport fisherman or both, SVS-650 gives you the information you need.
Features of the SVS-650
Comprised of a display unit and a dual frequency transducer.
The main features of the SVS-650 are:
▶ A large 6.5” Direct Sunlight Viewable High Definition LCD Display, in a vertical format to
provide maximum sonar resolution! 750x450 pixels.
▶ Fish finder offer’s Superior fish detection and bottom discrimination using the new SI-TEX
Digital Sounder System.
▶ Adapts to changing seabed and water conditions providing fully automatic “hands free”
operation.
▶ A Powerful best in class 600 watt dual frequency 50/200Khz transceiver.
▶ Digital technology eliminates unwanted noise and provides the clearest images possible at
all times.
▶ Multiple Display Modes: Normal (Single or Dual Freq.), Bottom Zoom, Bottom Lock, Shift,
Split Screens, GPS Position, Waypoint Steering, Navigation Highway.
▶ Auto & Manual Range & Gain Controls, Each Frequency can be independently controlled!
Also, Auto & Manual Shift.

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Features of the SVS-650 (continued)
▶ 10 Page Screen Capture Memory allows you to take Snap Shots of the Fish Finder Screen
and save them to memory.
▶ 10 Event point memory allows you to instantly save a Fishing location and compute your
course steering info back to the spot.
▶ Waterproof to IPX7 International Standard
▶ Very easy to operate, with front panel knobs for Gain and STC, Simple Menu Format, and all
controls labeled in plain English.
▶ New White Line / Black Line Bottom Discriminator .
▶ Fish Symbols
▶ Depth Alarm, Sea Temperature Alarm, Fish Alarm
▶ Standard equipment includes Snap on Sun Cover.

SVS-650 Specifications
Power Output
Sixteen Colors plus choice of background colors Blue,
Dark Blue, White, Black
English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Vietnamese
NMEA0183(GGA,RMC,VTG,VHW)
NMEA0183(DPT,DBT,MTW,TLL)
FT, FA, M, JapnFM, ItalFM
9 steps - 4x, 2x, 1x, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, Stop
0-10ft up to 0-4800ft in 24 selectable ranges
Hi/Lo Depth, Hi/Lo Temperature, Fish Alarm, Arrival, XTE
Normal, Bottom Zoom, Bottom Lock, A-Scope, Normal
Dual Freq., Dual Freq. Bottom Zoom, Shift, VRM,
Position, Highway, Steering
Interference Rejection, Noise Rejection, Color Rejection,
Depth Marker (VRM), White Line, Image Capture, Event
Marker, Bottom Enhance, Pulse, Output Power, Alarms,
Brightness, Night Palette.
Overhead Mounting Bracket, Flush Mount kit

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SVS-650 Introduction
Standard Equipment Configuration List
Mounting Bracket
(*Optional
Overhead mounting bracket
& Flush Mount kit)

SVS-650 Introduction
<Front>
<Rear>
Transducer Connection
6.5inch Hi-Res. Color LCD
Power & Data Interface Connection

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SVS-650 Introduction
Keypad
Programmable favorite function key
Selects from the 8 Fish Finder Display Modes
Similar to a Computer Mouse Control
Recalls main menu display
Returns to the previous display
Manual Depth Range Selector Keys.
Stores Screen Snap Shots or Event Positions
Activates the Variable Range Marker function
Push Button: Pressing this control selects either
Auto Gain or Manual Gain control
Rotary Control:
Rotating this control adjusts gain levels
Rotary Control:
Rotating this control adjusts STC levels. Also selects
Menu item from main menu display screen
Push Button: Press this Control for ENTER Key
Power On/Off Key, Long Push for Power Off.
Quick push activates Screen Brightness
and Night time palette selections

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SVS-650 Introduction
How to use [Power/Brightness]
▶ Press [PWR/BRT]
1) Turning off the power
Hold the [BRT/PWR] key down until the end of the 3 second count down timer.
2) Adjusting Screen Brightness
Quick Press of the [BRT/PWR] key allows the user to control Screen Brightness and Night display
mode. Use the up/down arrow keys of the cursor pad to adjust the Screen Brightness.
3) Selecting DAY/NIGHT Mode.
Press [BRT/PWR] shortly and the DAY/NIGHT Modes can be selected.
Use the left / right Arrow keys of the cursor pad to select the Day or Night Screen palettes
Choosing the Control Frequency on the Dual Frequency Screen
▶ In Dual Frequency Operation, Pressing the left / right Cursor Pad Arrow keys will move red highlight
box from right to left sides of the screen. The active control frequency is then highlighted in RED.

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SVS-650 Introduction
Screen
GAIN (A): Auto Gain GAIN (M): Manual Gain

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SVS-650 Introduction
How a Fish finder Works-
The SVS-650 echo sounder consists of a transceiver display unit and a dual frequency transducer.
An electronic signal pulse is generated in the transmitter section of the display unit, and sent to the
transducer; this signal is converted into an ultrasonic pulse and is transmitted through the water until it
strikes an object or the bottom. The pulse is then reflected back, hits the transducer surface, and is
reconverted into an electronic signal by the transducer. Then it is amplified in the receiver section,
processed in the main logic section, and displayed, as an image on the LCD screen. This is exactly
the same as a medical ultrasound device that you might have seen in your Doctor’s office; the main
difference is that the SVS-650 operates at a much lower frequency then a medical ultra sound system.
When your boat travels from point A to point B (Picture 1), the system records the pulses received
back from the transducer installed on your boat as a cross-sectional view in the water.
(Picture 2) indicates a cutaway view under the water when your boat moves from A to point B.
The screen shows the latest scan data at the right side edge of the LCD Screen. After the next scan, the
previous data is moved to the left. In this way the SVS-650 assembles all of the recorded data into a
histogram of what has passed under your boat during the last minute or two.

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Installation of the SVS-650
The Installation process has four parts:
Mounting the Display
Mounting the transducer
Connecting the Cables for the transducer and power supply
Setting up the unit
A careful installation will assure maximum performance from your new SVS-650.
Display Unit Location
Select a location for your Display unit that provides easy viewing from all likely operators’ positions.
The display unit is designed to be mounted on either a console or from an overhead surface using an
optional aluminum overhead mounting bracket. The Display unit is also designed for flush mounting
using an optional flush mount bracket kit. Locate the display in an area with protection from the
elements. Also, consider access to the rear panel of the unit for connecting the power and transducer
cables.
Display Unit Installation
Temporarily install the mounting bracket on the SVS-650 display unit and place the unit at the selected
location. Check the suitability of the location and make any adjustments. When all is satisfactory, use
the holes in the mounting bracket as a guide and mark the hole locations on the mounting surface.
Install the display unit into the mounting bracket. Check alignment and operation of the pivots and
security of the mounting. Make any adjustments necessary to prevent binding and assure even
meshing of the pivot locking washers. It is advised to remove the display unit and store it in a safe
place to prevent damage during the rest of the installation process.

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About Transducers:
There are several different kinds of transducers that can be used with the SVS-650.
The “Thru-Hull” and “Transom-mount” types are used most often. Most transducer types can
measure the Water Depth. Some of the transducers also have two other sensors: a paddle wheel
which detects the speed of the boat thru the water, and a sensor for the water temperature. The
transducer is very important to the overall operation of the fish finder. It is also very important that the
transducer be installed correctly. The transducer will give the most reliable readings if it looks into
water which is smooth and undisturbed. If you install the transducer so air bubbles or turbulence flow
across the face of the transducer, the overall system performance will be reduced.
There are three important rules for placing any type of transducer:
1) The transducer should be continuously covered by water when the boat is moving. If the
transducer is mounted too close to the side of the boat it may be exposed when the boat is turning or
up on plane
2) The transducer should be located where turbulence or air bubbles will not pass across the face of
the transducer. Do not locate the transducer behind any running strakes, intakes, or thru-hull fittings
which will create turbulence.
3) The transducer should be located where it will not be affected by the wash from the propeller(s)
Selecting the correct type of Transducer:
Before you begin the installation, double-check to be sure that you have the correct type of transducer
for your boat. Also, make sure that the transducer has the correct connector installed and is the
correct frequency for the SVS-650.
Use a Thru-Hull transducer if:
Your boat has a straight-shaft inboard engine(s). This type of transducer is installed via a hole drilled
thru the hull.
Use a Transom-mount transducer if:
Your boat has an outboard or inboard/outboard engine(s) only. This type of transducer must be
mounted ahead of or beside the propeller(s) Do not use a transom mount on an inboard boat.

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See the table below for a list of optional transducers
SVS-650 Transducer Options
Plastic transom mount w/
depth, spd, temp.
Bronze thru hull depth &
temp.
Bronze thru hull depth,
speed, & temperature
B-60-0 - CX
(for 0º to 7º hull dead
rise)
Bronze thru Hull, Tilted
Element Flush Mount, Depth
& Temperature Only
B-60-12 - CX
(for 8º to 15º hull dead
rise)
Bronze thru Hull, Tilted
Element Flush Mount, Depth
& Temperature Only
B-60-20 - CX
(for 16º to 24º hull dead
rise)
Bronze thru Hull, Tilted
Element Flush Mount, Depth
& Temperature Only
15ft Transducer Extension Cable
30ft Transducer Extension Cable
Adapter Cable for use with All Dual Freq. CVS-106 Versions

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Installation
Installing the Transducer Cable-
Thru-Hull and Transom-Mount Installation considerations:
Do Not Cut the transducer cable or remove the connector during installation! Do not try to
shorten or splice the cable. The transducer cable includes several wires, along with shielding and
insulation. If the cable is cut, it cannot be repaired. (Cutting the cable will also void the warranty.)
During installation, if you need to drill any holes for the cable, they must be large enough to accept the
connector. (3/4" or 19mm) This will allow you to complete the installation without cutting the wire.
Installing a Thru-Hull Transducer:
Thru Hull transducers come in many different styles, and provide the best overall sounder
performance. Inboard vessels require the use of a thru-hull transducer due to the location of the
props in relationship to the transom. Please consult with your Authorized SI-TEX Dealer for a
recommendation concerning the correct choice of thru-hull transducer for optimum fish finder
performance. Si-TEX recommends that all thru-hull transducers be installed by a qualified Marine
Professional!