HDS-5x

Fish Finding Sonar

Operation manual

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Introduction

Introduction

About this manual

Thank you for purchasing from Lowrance, the industry leader in marine technology. This manual documents how to adjust features and options in your display unit. The information in each section follows the same sequence as your display unit???s menus. If you would like information on how to get the most out of your unit, visit our web site, www.lowrance.com; click on the Support tab and select Tips and Tutorials.

Manual Conventions

When you are instructed to press a button in this manual, the button will be shown in all caps and bold text like ??? Menu, Exit, Enter, etc. If you are instructed to select an item from a menu, the item to be selected will be listed in bold like ???

Brightness, Key beeps, etc.

For example: Press Menu, select Language and press Enter.

Lowrance Customer Service (800) 324-1356

Canada (800) 661-3983 or (905) 629-1614

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Introduction

Lowrance HDS-5x Sonar

ZOUT: Zooms out the screen so you can see more of the water column

ZIN: Zooms in the screen, allowing you to get a closer look at desired returns

FREQ: changes transducer

frequency

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Getting Started

Getting Started

Turning on the Unit

Press the Power/Light key to turn on the unit. To turn off the unit, press the Power/Light key, select Power Off and press

Enter.

Setup wizard

The Setup wizard will appear when unit is turned on for the first time. To choose your own settings, do not run the setup wizard. To restart the Setup wizard, re- store defaults.

This unit???s keypad can be used in two ways. Pressing the arrow symbols on the keypad will move the cursor in the corresponding direction on the screen and allow you to scroll through menus.

Backlight

Tap the Light/Power key to make adjustments to the backlight level and open the Backlight Menu. To turn on Night Mode from the menu, highlight Night Mode and press enter. Night mode optimizes the display for low light conditions.

Cursor

Use the unit???s keypad to move the cursor around the display, select onscreen objects, highlight data items and view sonar history. Press Exit to remove the cursor from the screen.

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Getting Started

Language

Selects language used for menus, text boxes and messages.

To select a language:

1.Press Menu twice.

2.Select System and press ENTER

3.Highlight Language and press ENTER.

4.Use the keypad to select a language and press ENTER.

Menus

This unit has a Settings menu, a Pages screen and several context menus. The Settings menu provides access to the settings menus for the main

operation modes: Sonar and Radar. The Settings menu is accessed by pressing MENU twice.

Closing Menus

Press the EXIT key to close a menu. Repeatedly pressing EXIT will close all menus, taking you back to the main screen.

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Getting Started

Selecting a Fishing Mode

Fishing modes enhance the performance of your unit by providing preset packages of sonar settings geared to specific fishing conditions.

To select a fishing mode:

1.Press Menu twice.

2.Select Sonar and press enter.

3.Highlight Fishing Mode and press enter.

4.Select the desired fishing mode and press enter.

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Getting Started

Restore Defaults

The Restore Defaults command switches the unit back to the settings it had when you purchased it (default).

To Restore Defaults:

1.Press Menu twice.

2.Select System and press enter.

3.Highlight Restore Defaults and press Enter.

4.Select each item you want to restore or delete and press Enter.

5.Select OK and press Enter.

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Pages

Pages

Pages Screen

Consists of page icons that scroll horizontally around the Pages menu. To view the pages screen, press the Pages key.

Selecting Pages

Pressing the keypad left or right will move the page icons around the menu. To select a page, move the desired page icon to the center of the screen.

When selected, the page name will be highlighted in blue at the top of a list of combo display options. Its icon, will be framed by a blue border below the list. To display the page, press ENTER.

NOTE: Hold down the Pages key to switch active panels when viewing combo pages.

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Pages

Data Overlay

Data overlay is information you can display on top of the page screen, allowing you to customize each page with desired data.

Data Overlay menu

Every page option has its own Data Overlay menu. The menu allows you to edit, add or remove overlay data from the display. To access Data Overlay menu, select a page option and press menu.

Edit Overlay menu

Accesses data overlay options for all the unit???s page screens.

To access Edit Overlay menu:

1.Select Edit data overlay from the Data overlay menu and press Enter.

2.Press menu. The Edit overlay menu will appear.

Edit Mode

When a gauge is added to the display it will be shown in edit mode. Analog and bar gauges are shaded in blue when they are in Edit Mode. Digital Gauges will be shown with a blue border.

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Pages

Move or Placing a Gauge

The Move gauge command allows you to move data overlay to any position on the screen. When you use the Place gauge command, the gauge will be locked in its current position.

To move/place a gauge:

1.Press the Enter key when the gauge is in edit mode. Four directional arrows will appear.

2.Use the keypad to move the gauge into the desired location.

3.Press Enter to place the gauge.

Select Data

Used to select data that will be shown on the data overlay display. When selecting data you first will open a main data category and then choose data to be displayed from the a data subcategory.

Switches data overlay display between analog, digital and bar gauge formats, provided the format is appropriate for the selected data type.

To change the gauge type:

1.With the gauge in edit mode, press Menu.

2.Select Configure and press Enter.

3.Select Type and press Enter.

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Pages

Digital format

Selects the size of the data overlay display. Data overlay can be displayed in four sizes.

With the gauge in edit mode (shaded in blue) press the Zoom out key to increase overlay size; press the Zoom in key to decrease overlay size.

Limits

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Pages

Configuration menu

Allows you to Add/Remove sources and adjust Bezel, Caption and Invert Text Settings. Other configuration menu options are covered previously in the section.

To access the Configuration menu, highlight Configuration on the Edit Overlay menu and press enter.

Add Source

Displays the same type of data from different sources on the same analog gauge.

If, for example, you have multiple engines, you could select port engine RPM as your data type and then display starboard engine RPM using the Add source command.

Both data sources could be displayed simultaneously on an analog gauge with two needles; one dedicated to each source.

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Pages

Sonar Page

Displays the water column moving from right to left on your unit???s screen. On the right side of the screen, the Amplitude Scope bar previews echoes about to appear on the display.

The sonar page supports multiple splitscreen views and 14 color palette settings. Sonar display options are covered in more detail in the Sonar Operation section.

On the Sonar Page you can:

???Move the cursor to any location on the screen to get a depth reading

???Show fish echoes as fish symbols with fish depths

???Adjust Range to view only desired portion of the water column

To access the Sonar Page, use the keypad to highlight Sonar on the Pages menu and press ENTER.

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Pages

Radar Page (optional)

Displays the PPI (Position Plan Indicator) screen, Range Rings and the cursor.

The PPI can be shifted to show more of a desired portion of the screen (Look Ahead, Center & Offset) and the color palette can be changed to show returns in white, yellow, black or green. The radar page is covered in more detail in the Radar Operation section.

On the Radar Page you can:

???Overlay compass data, range rings and EBL/VRMs on display

???Choose screen orientation from Head Up, Course Up & North Up

???Make radar targets more visible via Target Expansion

Use the keypad to highlight Radar on the page screen and press ENTER to access the Radar Page.

NOTE: You will only be able to see the Radar page if your unit is connected to a radar.

Info Page

Consists of multiple gauges ??? Analog, Digital and Bar ??? that can be customized to display selected data. Customizing the info page allows you to monitor several types of desired data at the same time.

On the Info Page you can:

???Select data to be displayed in analog gauge or digital formats

???Change the page layout using one of three templates

???Select the range (scale) of analog gauges

To access the Info Page, use the keypad to select Info on the pages screen and press

enter.

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Pages

Info menu

Controls Info page data, page layout and data display format selection. To access the Data menu, press Menu while on the Info page.

Dashboards

Layout templates that are customized with selected data and saved for on-the-water viewing. You can customize a different layout template for each dashboard or add custom data to the same layout template and save it as a different dashboard each time.

NOTE: You can toggle through the dashboard templates on the screen by pressing the keypad left/right.

Edit

Used to select information displayed on the Info page. To switch the screen to Edit Mode, select Edit from the Info menu and press enter. The active gauge will be shaded in blue (analog) or surrounded by a blue border (digital and bar).

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Pages

To edit gauge display:

1.Use the keypad to select the gauge you want to edit and press enter. The Select Info menu will appear.

2.Use the keypad to select a data category and press enter. A list of subcategories will appear.

3.Select the desired subcategory and press enter.

4.Press Menu. The Edit Info menu will appear.

5.Select Save and press enter.

Edit Info menu

Changes Info Page gauge data, allowing you to display desired data on analog, digital and bar gauges. It also controls gauge limits.

To access the Edit Info menu, switch the screen to Edit mode and press menu.

To select info:

1.Highlight Select Info from the Edit Info menu and press enter. The Select Info menu will appear.

2.Use the keypad to select the desired category and press enter. A list of subcategories will appear.

3.Select the desired subcategory and press enter.

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Pages

To add source:

1.Select Add Source from the Edit Info menu and press enter.

2.Use the keypad to select the desired category and press enter. A list of subcategories will appear.

3.Select the desired subcategory and press enter.

To remove a source:

1.Highlight Remove Source from the Edit Info menu and press enter. The Remove data-source window will appear.

2.Select the source you want to remove and press enter.

To Configure Limits:

1.Highlight Configure Limits on the Edit Info menu and press enter. The Configure Limits menu will appear.

2.Select the desired text box and press enter.

3.Use the keypad to enter the desired limit or warning threshold.

4.Select OK and press enter.

NOTE: The Limits portion of the Configure Limits menu will only be shown when configuring analog gauge limits.

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Pages

Change Layout

Controls the gauge layout of dashboard templates and customized dashboards. That allows you to select a desired gauge layout template for all dashboards.

To change layout:

1.Highlight the desired dashboard and press enter.

2.Select Change Layout from the Info menu and press enter.

3.Use the keypad to choose a gauge layout template and press enter.

Add Dashboard

Allows you to customize and save multiple dashboard templates. Desired data can be added to the gauges on each dashboard, allowing you to create custom dashboards for a variety of fishing conditions. You can even use the same gauge layout template for each dashboard.

When you have created all desired dashboards, press the keypad left/right to toggle through your dashboards.

To add a dashboard:

1.Select Add Dashboard from the Info menu and press enter. The Change Layout menu will appear.

2.Select the desired gauge layout and press enter. Refer to the previous Edit segment to customize the dashboard.

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Pages

To remove dashboards:

Opens the Settings menu. Settings information is covered in detail in the Settings menu section.

Utilities

Allows you to set alarms, view sonar logs and access other system settings.

To access Utilities:

1.Use the keypad to center the utilities icon on the screen.

2.Scroll down the list of utilities until the desired option is highlighted.

3.Press ENTER.

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Pages

Displaying Combo Pages

You can display multiple pages at the same time by scrolling the desired page???s icon to the center of the screen and then choosing a secondary page from the list of combo page display options.

To display a combo page:

1.Use the keypad to select the first page for the combo display. This is the primary page, which will be displayed in the left panel.

2. Select another page from the primary page???s combo Primary page display list. This is the secondary page. It will be

displayed in the right panel.

3.Press Enter. The selected combo page will be displayed.

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Pages

Displaying Multiple Panels

Multiple panels can be displayed by setting up a combo display using a page that supports the Split feature. By displaying multiple panels, you can view more information on the screen at one time.

To display multiple panels:

1.Select a Split view for the sonar page. (Accessing the Split feature is covered in detail in the Sonar section.)

2.Press the Pages key and use the keypad to center the Sonar icon on the screen.

3.Use the keypad to select Info

Page from the combo page display list. Press Enter. The combo page will be displayed with the Sonar split view on the

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Pages

Moving panel cursor left/right will change the size of each panel

To adjust panel sizes:

1.With the combo page or multi-panel display on the screen, press the Pages key.

2.Press menu. Highlight Adjust Panel Sizes from the Data Overlay menu and press enter.

3.Press the keypad left/right to adjust the panels to a desired size and press enter.

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Sonar

Sonar Operation

To access the Sonar Page:

1.Press the Pages key.

2.Use the keypad to select Sonar and press ENTER.

Viewing Sonar History

You can review your recent sonar history by moving the cursor to the left until the screen starts to move in reverse.

To resume normal operation, move the cursor all the way to the right of the screen or press Exit.

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Sonar

Sonar Menu

Accesses features ranging from Auto Sensitivity and Depth

Range to Frequency and Stop Sonar.

From the Sonar Page, press MENU to access the Sonar

Menu.

Sensitivity

Controls the level of detail shown on the display. Increasing Sensitivity will show more detail on the screen; decreasing Sensitivity displays less. Too much detail will clutter the screen. Conversely, desired echoes may not be displayed if Sensitivity is set too low.

NOTE: By default, Sensitivity is set to auto mode. You may have to turn off Auto Sensitivity to set sensitivity to a desired level. Auto Sensitivity is covered in more detail later in this section.

Auto Sensitivity

Keeps sensitivity at a level that works well under most conditions, reducing the need for adjustments. You can make minor changes to sensitivity with Auto Sensitivity turned on, but you will have to turn it off to make significant adjustments.

Auto Sensitivity can be turned on/off by selecting Auto Sensitivity from the Sonar menu and pressing ENTER.

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Sonar

Distinguishes strong sonar echoes from weak sonar echoes. That makes it easier for you to distinguish fish or structure from the bottom.

A hard return will be shown as a wide, bright yellow line, whereas a soft return will be a narrow reddish-blue line.

Range

Range set to 60 feet

Used to select the section of the water column ??? from surface to bottom ??? shown on the display. When there is a portion of the water column you want to focus on, select a range from the Depth Range menu that includes the desired area.

The values on the Range menu determine the depth shown on the display. If you selected 20m from the

range menu the unit will display 0-20m of the water column, regardless of the water depth. There are

21 depth ranges, including automatic and custom

settings. The automatic setting will set the range from the water surface to water depth.

Frequency

This unit supports three transducer frequencies; two of which are supported by your transducer. 200 kHz has the highest sensitivity and best target discrimination in shallower water; 83 kHz offers a wider cone angle for greater water coverage and 50 kHz provides the best depth penetration. You can view both available frequencies at the same time by setting up a sonar split screen.

Split

Adjusts the configuration of sonar page display using one of four options: No Split,

Zoom, Bottom Lock and Flasher.

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Sonar

???No Split ??? displays full sonar screen

???Zoom ??? splits display with a zoomed-in panel on the left (press Zoom key to increase zoom) and a normal sonar view on the right

???Bottom Lock ??? splits the display with a 2X zoom on the left; a normal sonar view on the right. Keeps the bottom on the screen at all times.

???Flasher ??? splits the display with a flasher-style sonar on the left; a normal sonar view on the right

Stop Sonar

Pauses the sonar chart, allowing you to get a closer look at sonar echoes.

Adjust

Sensitivity and Colorline can also be adjusted from the Sonar menu by using the Adjust command.

To Adjust Sensitivity and Colorline:

1.Highlight Adjust on the Sonar menu and press ENTER. Press the keypad up/down to select the Sensitivity or Colorline scrollbar.

2.Press the keypad left/right to make adjustments.

3.Press Exit.

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Sonar

3.Select the Upper or Lower Limit dialog box. Press ENTER. The numerical keypad will appear.

4.Use the keypad to enter the desired value in the corresponding upper or lower limit dialog box. Press ENTER.

5.Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to input the desired limit in the other dialog box.

Ping Speed

Ping Speed controls the rate the transducer uses to send sonar waves into the water. A higher ping speed will yield the best results when you are moving across

the water at a high rate of speed or fishing from a dock. The reverberation of too much ping speed can cause interference on the screen.

When using two units on your boat, lowering the ping speed of one of the units will prevent interference (cross-talk) caused by one transducer detecting pings from the other transducer. The default setting is suitable for most conditions. Highlight Ping Speed on the Sonar menu and press the keypad left/right to make adjustments.

Sonar Options

Adjusts display settings and the configuration of the display.

The Sonar Options menu allows you to split the screen between two sonar views, change the color of the display, use Fish ID and add graphical elements to screen that will enhance your sonar experience.

To access the Sonar Options menu, select Sonar Options from the sonar menu and press ENTER.

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Sonar

To select a Split option:

1.From the Sonar Options menu, highlight Split and press ENTER.

The Split menu will appear.

2.Use the keypad to select the desired option and press ENTER.

Palette

Sonar display color templates with varying degrees of color and brightness. On the Palette menu, you can select a sonar display template suited for your fishing conditions from 14 palette options.

A bottom brown palette clearly separates fish and structure from the bottom

Palette menu

To select a Palette:

1.From the Sonar Options menu, highlight Palette and press ENTER.

2.Use the keypad to select the desired palette and press ENTER.

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Sonar

Displays a dark line over the bottom surface, making it easier to distinguish the bottom from fish, trees and other objects.

To turn on/off the Depth Line, select Depth Line and press ENTER.

Amplitude Scope

Allows you to see the amplitude of real-time echoes as they appear on the display. The Amplitude Scope displays live returns even when you are viewing your sonar history. To turn off the Scope, highlight Amplitude scope on the Sonar Options menu and press ENTER.

Amplitude Scope

Zoom Bars

When your unit is in Split Zoom mode, zoom bars show which echoes will be displayed on the screen when the display is zoomed in to a particular zoom range. Only echoes shown between the top and bottom of a zoom bar will be displayed at that selected zoom range.

To turn on/off Zoom Bars, highlight Zoom Bars on the Sonar Options menu and press ENTER.

NOTE: When the screen is zoomed, you can use the Zoom Pan feature to scroll up and down the water column. That allows you to see portions of the water column not visible at the selected zoom range. When turned on, Zoom Bars will appear when the Zoom in key is pressed.

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Sonar

Both ??? turns on both Symbols and Depths.

To select a Fish ID option:

1.Highlight Fish ID and press Enter.

2.Select Symbols, Depths or Both and press ENTER.

Fish ID Beeps ??? sounds a tone when Fish ID detects a fish.

Measure Distance

Used to measure the distance from one location to another on the sonar display.

To Measure distance:

1.Move the cursor to the starting location.

2.Select Measure distance on the Sonar menu and press Enter.

3.Move the cursor to the second location. The Measure distance line will appear with the distance between the two locations shown in the cursor dialog box.

4.To measure another position, press Enter and move the cursor to the desired location.

Source

Allows you to select the sonar source for your unit. You can select your unit as the source, or choose another unit on your ethernet network, allowing you to share sonar returns from one unit with other units on the network.

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Sonar

To share/receive sonar data:

1.Press Menu twice, select Sonar and press Enter. Make sure the units sharing sonar have network sonar turned on.

2.Press Exit twice.

3.Access the Sonar page, on the unit that will be sharing its sonar (master).

4.Press Menu, select Source and press Enter.

5.Select This unit and press Enter.

6.Press Exit.

NOTE: To stop receiving shared sonar, turn off network sonar on the desired units.

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Radar

Radar Operation (optional)

Radar orientation indicator

Range

To access the Radar Page:

1.Press the Pages key.

2.Use the keypad to select the Radar Icon and press ENTER.

NOTE: You will only be able to see the Radar page if your unit is connected to a radar.

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Radar

Radar menu

Use the Radar menu to make adjustments to radar display settings and features that not only change the appearance of the display, but also make navigation easier.

To access the Radar menu, press the Menu key when the Radar page is on the display.

Radar State

Controls radar transmission modes: Off, Transmit and Standby. Off turns off the radar. Transmit broadcasts a radar signal and standby leaves the radar on, but does not broadcast a signal.

To select Radar State:

1.Press Menu, highlight Radar State and press

Enter.

2.Select the desired state and press enter.

NOTE: It can take 90 seconds or more to transition from Off to Standby.

Adjust menu

From the Adjust menu you can make adjustments to Gain, Sea clutter, Rain clutter, Interference rejection and Target boost.

To access the Adjust menu:

1.From the Radar menu select Adjust and press ENTER. The Adjust menu will appear.

2.Highlight the desired setting and press the Arrow keypad left/right to make adjustments.

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Radar

Adjust menu options

Auto Gain

Selecting Auto gain from the Radar menu will automatically set the sensitivity of the receiver to a level that works well under most conditions, reducing the need for adjustments. If you make adjustments to the Gain level when Auto gain is on, Gain will switch to manual mode.

To select Auto Gain:

1.Press the MENU key. The Radar menu will appear

2.Select Auto gain and press ENTER.

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Radar

Sea Clutter

Allows you to select the Sea Clutter adjustment mode ??? Auto or Manual. If you make changes to Sea Clutter when it is in auto mode (Harbor or Offshore), Sea Clut- ter will switch to Manual mode.

Acquire Targets

Used to select MARPA (Mini Automatic Radar Plotting Aid) targets. Refer to the Radar Settings segment in the Settings section for information on using MARPA.

Position

You can move the PPI (Plan Position Indicator) to different locations on the radar display. There are three Position options: Center, Look Ahead and Offset.

To change the PPI position:

1.Select Position from the Radar menu and press enter.

2.Select the desired position and press enter.

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Radar

Position

Symbology

Used to turn on/off symbols displayed on the PPI screen, including range rings, range markers and compass overlay. Rather than turn off each display feature individually, the Symbology feature allows you to remove them all at once.

To toggle Symbology on/off highlight Symbology on the radar menu and press enter.

EBL/VRM

An Electronic Bearing Line (EBL) is a radial line used to show the bearing of a radar target to your vessel. A Variable Range Marker (VRM) is a range ring used to measure the precise distance to a radar target. Selecting EBL/VRM from the Radar Menu allows you to place up to two EBL/VRMs on the PPI display.

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Radar

EBL/VRM menu

Places selected Electronic Bearing Line and Variable Range Marker on the display.

To select an EBL/VRM:

1.Press the Menu key.

2.Use the keypad to select the EBL/VRM and press ENTER.

3.Use the keypad to move the EBL and increase/decrease the size of the VRM. Press Exit.

EBL/VRM menu

Adjust

Adjusts size and location of active EBL/VRM.

To adjust an EBL/VRM:

1.From the Radar menu highlight EBL/VRM and press enter.

2.Select Adjust and press enter.

3.Use the keypad to make adjustments to the EBL/VRM. Press

Exit.

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Radar

Turns on/off on screen EBL/VRM information box.

To turn on/off the EBL/VRM information box, highlight Data box on the EBL/VRM menu and

press enter.

Guard Zones

Guard Zone menu

NOTE: We recommend a 70-75% Guard Zone sensitivity setting for the BR24 to see smaller targets. Adjust as needed for your situation.

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Radar

To turn on a Guard Zone:

1.Press Menu, select Guard Zones and press Enter.

2.Highlight Guard Zone 1 or Guard Zone 2 and press Enter.

To change the shape of Guard Zones

1.Select Shape and press Enter.

2.Select the desired shape and press Enter.

Using the Adjust menu:

1.Select Adjust and press Enter.

2.Press the keypad up/down to select the desired setting.

3.When the desired setting is selected, press the keypad left/right to make adjustments.

4.After adjustments are completed, press Enter.

To choose alarm trigger (vessels entering or exiting zones):

1.Select Alarm when and press Enter.

2.Select the desired option and press Enter.

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Settings

Settings Menu

The Settings Menu provides access to installation and advanced configuration settings for your unit. To access the Settings menu, press Menu twice.

Settings Menu Options

System

Used to change system settings like units, language and key beeps.

To access the System menu:

1.Press Menu twice.

2.Highlight System and press enter.

System Menu

Language

Selects the language used on menus and dialog boxes. US units will be geofenced to English only if operated beyond 30 degrees West or beyond the international date line to the East.

To select a language:

1.Select Language from the System menu and press enter.

2.Highlight the desired language and press Enter. A window will appear indicating the unit must restart to switch languages.

3.Select Yes and press enter. The unit will restart.

Text Size

This unit will display text in two sizes: Small and Normal. The Text Size menu allows you to select the size of menu text.

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Settings

To change Text Size:

1.Highlight Text Size from the System menu and press Enter.

2.Use the keypad to select the desired text size and press enter.

Key Beeps

By default, a tone (key beep) will sound when any key is pushed on the unit. You can change key beep volume or turn them on or off from the

1.Highlight Key Beeps on the System menu and press enter.

2.Select the desired setting and press enter.

Time (optional)

Used to change local time to offset differences in time zone and to select the way time and date will be displayed.

To set Time or Date format:

1.Highlight Time on the System menu and press enter. The Time menu will appear.

2.Select the Time format or Date format dropdown menu and press enter.

3.Use the keypad to select the desired format and press enter.

4.Highlight OK and press enter.

To set Local Time:

1.Select Local Time on the Time menu and press the keypad left/right to select the desired offset.

2.Highlight OK and press enter.

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Settings

Screen Capture

Saves images of your unit???s screen to your unit. You will only be able to review images on your unit. You can not save them to an MMC/SD card.

To take a screen capture:

1.Select Screen Capture from the System menu and press enter.

2.Press the LIGHT/Power key to capture the current screen. Repeat this step take additional screen captures.

NOTE: To view screenshots, go to the Pages menu, access

Utilities and select Files.

Restore Defaults

The Restore Defaults command switches the unit back to the settings it had when you purchased it (default). Instructions on Restoring defaults are covered in the

Getting Started section.

Advanced

A fine tuning adjustment for advanced users that allows you to turn on/off features and control settings like duplicate waypoint names and slider hold off.

Advanced Settings menu

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Settings

To access Advanced Settings:

1.Select Advanced on the Settings menu and press enter.

2.Highlight a desired setting and use the right/left arrow keys to open (???) or close (+) the setting.

To adjust cursor settings:

1.Highlight the desired cursor setting and press enter. A dialog box will appear.

2.Use the arrow keys to select the desired value and press enter.

About

Used to view your unit???s current software version. To check the unit???s software version, highlight About on the System menu and press enter.

Pages

Used to make adjustments to overlay data, combo page panels and to turn on/off SIRIUS radio (if applicable). Overlay data setting adjustments are covered in the Pages section.

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Settings

Sonar Settings

The Sonar Settings Menu is used to modify Sonar options and display settings like Sonar Source, Noise Rejection and Fishing Mode.

To access the Sonar Settings:

1.Press MENU twice.

2.Select Sonar and press ENTER.

Sonar Settings Menu

Network Sonar

Allows your unit to send/receive sonar data from another sonar unit on an ethernet network. To turn on/off network sonar, highlight Network sonar on the Sonar Settings menu and press enter. Sonar sharing is covered in the Sonar section.

Noise Rejection

Interference from bilge pumps, engine vibration, air bubbles, etc, can clutter your unit???s display. Noise Rejection uses ASP (Advanced Signal Processing) to automatically clear interference from the display.

To adjust Noise Rejection:

1.Highlight Noise Rejection on the Sonar Settings menu and press

ENTER.

2.Use the keypad to select the desired option and press enter.

Surface Clarity

Wave action, boat wakes and temperature inversion are some of the sources that can cause onscreen clutter near the surface. Surface Clarity reduces surface clutter by decreasing the sensitivity of the receiver near the surface.

Surface Clutter

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Settings

To adjust Surface Clarity:

1.Select Surface Clarity from the Sonar Settings menu and press

ENTER.

2.Use the keypad to choose the desired option.

Scroll Speed

Controls how fast the sonar chart scrolls across the screen. A slower scroll speed is best suited for ice fishing or fishing while

at anchor. It is also useful when you want to record a higher quality sonar log in deep water. By default, Scroll Speed is set to normal.

To make adjustments, select Scroll Speed from the Sonar Settings menu and use the keypad to make adjustments.

Manual Mode

Advanced user mode that bypasses digital depth to give you greater control of ping settings. Digital depth causes the unit to search for the bottom regardless of the portion of the water column you are targeting. While you still will get good results using digital depth, it prevents you from getting optimum performance in certain situations, like fishing for suspended targets.

In Manual Mode the unit sends sonar signals (pings) only to the depth range you select. Adjustments made to the range setting will be reflected in your unit???s ping speed. That makes it easy to get the best scrolling speed and the best screen resolution for a selected range.

Select Manual Mode from the Sonar Settings menu and press ENTER to turn on/ off Manual Mode.

46

Settings

Fishing Modes

Enhances the performance of your unit by providing preset packages of sonar settings geared to specific fishing conditions.

Settings optimized for fishing modes include: Color Palette, Sensitivity,

Interference Rejection, Surface Clarity and Ping Speed, among others. Fishing modes allow you to spend more time fishing and less time adjusting settings.

NOTE: Use Shallow Water Fishing mode when fishing in less than 60 feet of water.

47

Settings

To select a Fishing Mode:

1.Select Fishing Mode from the Sonar Settings menu and press

Enter.

2.Use the keypad to select the desired mode and press enter.

Reset Fishing Mode

Resets selected fishing mode to default settings. That is useful when you want to clear settings adjustments made while using a fishing mode. To restore fishing mode defaults, select Reset Fishing Mode and press ENTER

Installation Menu

Controls unit settings like Keel Offset, Water Speed Calibration and Transducer Type (only for components connected to this display unit through the blue sonar connector). You can not adjust settings of network components through the Installation menu.

To access the Installation menu, highlight Installation on the Sonar Settings menu and press ENTER.

Sonar Installation menu

Keel Offset

All transducers measure water depth from the transducer to the bottom. As a result, water depth readings do not account for the distance from the transducer to the keel or from the transducer to the water surface. You can use Keel Offset to factor those distances into the unit???s depth calculations.

Keel Offset (-3.5 feet)

Accounting for the distance from the transducer to the keel will prevent you from striking underwater objects or running aground, which could damage the keel. Offsetting the distance from the transducer to the water surface will give you a more precise depth reading.

48

Settings

Before setting keel offset, measure the distance from the transducer to the lowest part of the keel. If, for example, the keel is 3.5 feet below the transducer, it will be input as ???3.5 feet.

NOTE: To input a keel offset that accounts for the distance from the transducer to the water surface, you will enter a posi- tive number. If the transducer is 1.5 feet below the waterline, it will be input as +1.5 feet. That will give you a more precise depth reading.

To set Keel Offset:

1.Highlight the Keel Offset text box on the Installation menu and press enter.

2.Use the keypad to enter the desired keel offset. Select OK and press enter.

1.Select the Water Speed Calibration text box from the Installation menu and press enter. The Water Speed Calibration keypad will appear.

2.Use the arrow keys to enter the percentage difference in speed data. Select OK and press enter.

NOTE: If the paddlewheel is reading a slower speed than the GPS unit, you will input a positive (+) percentage. Conversely, a negative (???) percentage will be entered if the paddlewheel is reading a faster speed than the GPS unit.

49

Settings

Water Speed Averaging

Averages water speed by measuring your speed at a selected interval. Water speed intervals range from one to 30 seconds. If you select five seconds, your water speed will be recorded every five seconds, then averaged.

To select a Water Averaging interval :

1.Highlight the Water Speed Averaging box on the Installation menu.

2.Press the keypad left/right to select the desired interval.

3.Highlight OK and press enter.

1.Select the Temperature Calibration text box from the Installation menu and press enter. The Water Temperature Calibration dialog box will appear.

2.Use the arrow keys to enter the percentage difference between temperature sources. Select OK and press enter.

NOTE: If the temperature sensor is reading a lower temperature than the other temperature source, you will input a positive (+) percentage. Conversely, a negative (???) percentage will be entered if the temperature sensor is reading a higher temperature than the other temperature source.

Temperature Averaging

Averages temperature by measuring temperature data at a selected interval. Temperature intervals range from one to 30 seconds.

If you select five seconds, your temperature will be averaged using measurements taken every five seconds.

50

Settings

To select a Temperature Averaging interval:

1.Highlight the Temperature Averaging box on the Installation menu.

2.Press the keypad left/right to select the desired interval and press enter.

Transducer Type

Selects the transducer model connected to your display unit. In some transducers with built-in temperature sensors, the temperature may not be accurate if the correct transducer is not selected from the Transducer Type menu.

To select a Transducer Type:

1.Highlight Transducer Type box on the

Installation menu and press enter. The Select Transducer menu will appear.

2.Use the keypad to your transducer type and press enter.

3.Highlight OK and press enter.

Transducer type menu

51

Settings

Radar Settings Menu (optional)

Controls Radar options and display settings like Target Expansion, Orientation and Bearings.

To access the Radar settings menu:

1.Press menu twice.

2.Select Radar and press enter.

Radar Settings

Target Expansion

Increases the size of radar targets, making them easier to see on the radar display. To turn on/off Target Expansion, highlight Target Expansion and press ENTER.

Target Trails

Creates an onscreen history of the movement of radar targets, making it easier to monitor the direction and position of targets in relation to your vessel.

To set Target Trails:

Palette

Radar echoes can be displayed in black, white, green or yellow. The Palette feature allows you to select the color that suits your viewing preferences.

To change the Palette:

1.Highlight Palette on the Radar Settings menu and press enter.

2.Use the keypad to select the desired color palette and press enter.

52

Settings

Orientation

Controls the way the map moves in relation to the movement of your vessel. That allows you to select a desired method for viewing your surroundings on the radar display.

???Course Up ??? map stays at same orientation as the initial bearing to the selected waypoint.

???Heading Up ??? unit keeps your heading at the top of the screen, regardless of the direction you are traveling.

???North Up ??? North is always shown at the top of the screen.

To change Map Orientation:

1.Highlight Map Orientation on the Radar

Settings menu and press enter.

2.Use the keypad to select the desired option and press enter.

Threshold

Controls the level of radar returns. That allows you to unclutter the display by removing unwanted signals. To make adjustments, select Threshold and press the keypad left/right.

North Indicator

The North indicator is shown on the outer circle of the radar display. To turn on/ off North Indicator, select North Indicator from the Radar Settings menu and press

ENTER.

53

A Compass overlay can be displayed on the background of the radar page. To turn on/off the Compass overlay, select Compass and press ENTER.

Bearings

Bearings allows you to choose if you want the direction you are headed to show as True Magnetic (TM) or Relative (R). T/M or True/Magnetic will show your direction based on magnetic north. R or Relative will show your direction based on your relative heading.

54

Settings

To set T/M or R:

1.Press menu twice.

2.Select Radar and press enter.

3.Highlight Bearings and press enter.

4.Use the arrows to select a bearing and press Enter.

MARPA

MARPA automatically tracks selected radar targets, making it easier to avoid collisions. You can track up to 10 targets simultaneously. MARPA uses default or selected CPA (closest point of approach) and TCPA settings (Time to closest point of approach) to determine if a selected target is safe, dangerous or lost.

NOTE: To use Radar overlay or MARPA, an RC42 heading sensor and a valid GPS fix is required. Your display, radar system and RC42 heading sensor need to be connected to the NMEA2000 network.

Please refer to the HDS installation manual.

???Safe ??? not on an approaching path to your vessel

???Dangerous ??? on an approaching path to your vessel; when a target

breaches the selected CPA or TCPA thresholds the target will be classified as dangerous

???Lost ??? selected target moves out of MARPA range

You can change CPA and TCPA values on the Dangerous vessels dialog.

Dangerous vessels dialog

55

Settings

To adjust CPA and TCPA settings:

1.Press menu twice

2.Select Vessels and press Enter.

3.Select Dangerous Vessels and press Enter.

4.Select the CPA or TCPA text box and press Enter.

5.Follow the onscreen instructions and press enter.

6.Select Save and press Enter.

Acquiring new target

Acquired targets

Selecting MARPA targets:

1.From the Radar page, press Menu.

2.Select Acquire Targets and press Enter.

3.Move the cursor over a desired target and press

Enter.

4.Repeat Step 3 to select more targets.

5.Press Exit to remove the cursor from the display.

Canceling MARPA targets

You can cancel MARPA targets individually or all at once.

56

Settings

To cancel individual targets:

1.Press the keypad to activate the cursor.

2.Move the cursor over a target you are tracking and press Menu.

3.Select Cancel Target and press Enter.

To cancel all targets:

1.From the radar page, press Menu.

2.Select Cancel All MARPA Targets and press Enter.

MARPA Settings

There are two settings on the MARPA menu: History Length and Safe Ring.

Similar to the target trails features, history length controls the length of trails on selected targets making it easier to follow target movement.

The Safe Ring provides a graphical representation of CPA settings.

To select history length:

1.Select MARPA and press Enter.

2.Select History Length and press Enter.

3.Select the desired settings and press Enter.

57

Settings

Target Alarms

You can be alerted when a MARPA target breaches CPA or TCPA thresholds by setting an alarm.

To set MARPA target alarm:

1.Press menu twice.

2.Select Alarms and press

Enter.

3.Select Settings and press

Enter.

4.Select Vessels and press

Enter.

5.Select the desired alarm and press Enter.

Viewing MARPA targets on Vessels list

You can view a list of MARPA targets by selecting Vessels from Utilities on the Pages menu.

Installation

Provides access to the Radar Installation menu. Your installation menu will vary depending on the type of radar your have connected to your HDS unit.

To access Radar Installation menu:

1.Press the MENU key twice.

2.Highlight Radar and press ENTER.

3.Select Installation and press ENTER.

58

Settings

Installation Adjustment Menu

The installation adjustment menu is used to make adjustments to bearing alignment, range offset, antenna height and open array park angle.

When the installation adjustment menu is accessed, press the keypad up/down to select a feature. Press the keypad left/ right to make adjustments to a selected feature.

Close and press enter.

Bearing alignment

Used to align the bow of your vessel with the heading line (zero point). Bearing alignment is also referred to as zero bearing.

To make adjustments to bearing alignment, switch the radar state to Transmit and set radar orientation to Heading Up.

To select Heading up orientation:

1.From the Radar Page, press MENU.

2.Select Orientation and press ENTER.

3.Use the keypad to select Heading Up and press ENTER.

4.Press EXIT.

59

Settings

To Adjust Bearing Alignment:

1.Line up the bow of your vessel with a stationary target (lighthouse, pier, etc) at least 1 nm away

2.Select Adjust Bearing Alignment from the Radar Installation menu and press ENTER. The Installation Adjustment menu will appear.

3.Press the keypad left/right to rotate the radar image so the reference target is at 0?? or 12 o???clock from the radar center.

Range offset

Eliminates the time lag between real radar returns and the time it takes data to be processed by the radar software. Range Offset is also referred to as zero range and trigger delay.

Range Offset Sequence. The circle shrinks as range is increased.

To Adjust Range Offset:

1.Use the ZOOM IN/ ZOOM OUT keys to set range to 1/8 nm.

2.Highlight Adjust range offset from the Radar Installation menu and press ENTER. The installation adjustment menu will appear.

3.Press the keypad to the left set range offset to 0. Press enter.

4.If there is a blank, black circle around the center or a solid circle of color at the center, increase the range offset until the circle disappears or almost disappears.

5.If you increase the range offset too far, decrease it until the circle appears again.

60

Settings

Antenna Height

Antenna height is the distance from the waterline to the Antenna (scanner). It is important to correctly input antenna height to prevent problems with the Sea Clutter feature.

To Adjust Antenna Height:

1.Select Adjust Antenna Height from the Installation menu and press enter.

2.Press the keypad left/right to input the distance from the antenna to the water surface. Press exit.

Tune

You should not have to adjust Tune for the life of this unit. This feature is intended for use by only trained technicians.

Fast scan mode (BR24 Radar only)

Increases the speed of the radar scanner when the range is set to 1.5nm or less. That aids in collision avoidance by giving you more updates on the movement of targets in your vicinity.

To use Fast Scan mode:

1.Press menu twice.

2.Select Radar and press Enter.

3.Select Installation and press Enter.

4.Highlight Fast scan mode and press Enter.

5.Press Exit twice to return to the display.

6.Zoom in the radar display to 1.5nm or less and BR24 scanning speed will increase.

61

Settings

Sidelobe suppression (BR24 only)

Sidelobes are false returns caused by the reflection of your radar signal. Sidelobe suppression helps reduce the impact of sidelobes on your radar display. The default Auto mode will work well under most conditions.

Manually adjusting Sidelobe suppression:

1.Press menu twice.

2.Select Radar and press Enter.

3.Select Installation and press Enter.

4.Highlight Sidelobe suppression and press Enter.

5.Highlight Sidelobe suppression and press the keypad left/right to make manual adjustments.

6.Press Exit.

Reset Radar to Factory Defaults

Resets radar to factory default settings.

62

Settings

Fuel

Used to input fuel data like engine/tank configuration, fuel tank capacity and engine calibration. Your unit uses that data to calculate the overall fuel performance of your vessel. To access the Fuel menu, select Fuel from the

Controls engine calibration and is used to input the amount of fuel added to the tank(s). Engines must be calibrated with your fuel tanks to get correct readings on fuel economy, fuel used, etc.

Refuel menu

It is important to enter the amount of fuel added to your tank(s) each time fuel is added. That ensures the correct fuel data is used in the unit???s fuel performance calculations.

To input fuel added:

1.Select Refuel from the Fuel menu and press enter.

2.Use keypad to select the Amount Added window and press enter.

The Amount Added text box will appear.

3.Use the keypad to input the amount of fuel added and press enter.

63

Settings

To set tank to full:

1.Highlight the Set to full checkbox on the Refuel screen and press

enter.

2.Highlight OK and press enter.

The calibration options screen will

appear. You are

ready to calibrate. Tank set to full

To calibrate engine(s):

1.With the calibration options screen displayed, select the checkbox next to the engine you would like to calibrate .

2.Highlight OK and press enter. The Calibration screen will appear.

3.Use the keypad to highlight the Actual amount used window and press enter.

4.Input the amount of fuel used in the Actual amount used dialog box and press enter.

5.Highlight the Next button and press enter. The Confirm calibration screen will appear.

6.After confirming calibration data, highlight OK and press enter.

64

Settings

Vessel Setup

Controls vessel configuration, which includes selecting the number of engines/ fuel tanks and inputting the capacity of each fuel tank. Vessel Setup data must be configured before you can calibrate your engine(s).

To access the Vessel Setup menu, highlight Vessel Setup on the Fuel menu and press enter.

Calibration

info button: getVessel Setup calibration info

here

65

Settings

Engine/Tank Configuration

Used to input the number of engines and fuel tanks on your vessel. Your unit must have that information to be able to calibrate you engine(s).

To select engine-tank configuration:

1.Highlight the vessel configuration drop-down menu and press enter.

2.Select a engine/tank configuration and press enter.

3.Highlight the Save button and press enter.

To input tank size:

1.Highlight the Tank size text box and press enter.

2.Use the keypad to input the size of the selected tank and press enter.

3.Repeat Step 2 for each tank on your vessel.

4.Select the Save button and press enter.

Calibrate

Launches engine calibration information window referring you to your fuel sensor???s installation manual.

66

Settings

Alarms

This unit has alarms covering everything from depth and water temp rate to fuel and waypoint radius. The alarms list has three tabs: Active, History and Settings.

???Active ??? used to view alarms that have been enabled

???History ??? shows log of alarm activity, which includes data like when

alarms were triggered and when they were cleared

???Settings ??? provides access to Alarms list, allowing you to enable

alarms and set alarm limits

NOTE: Some alarms will not work unless a corresponding sensor is connected to the unit or the network.

To enable/disable an Alarm:

1.Select Alarms from the Settings menu and press enter.

2.Highlight Settings and press enter.

3.Select the desired alarm from the alarms list and press enter.

67

Settings

To silence an alarm:

When an Alarm is triggered, a tone will sound and a alarm window will appear on the screen. Press Enter to silence the alarm and close the alarm window.

After alarm is silenced its corresponding alarm bell will continue to flash in the bottom left corner of the screen. To remove the bell from the screen, disable the alarm and then enable it again. The bell will not reappear unless the alarm is triggered.

Set Limit

Sets thresholds (limits) that will trigger the alarm when met or exceeded. If a threshold can be set for a particular alarm, the Set Limit button will appear at the bottom of the screen when that alarm is highlighted on the alarm list.

To set alarm limit:

1.Highlight the desired alarm on the alarm screen and press Menu.

2.Select Set Limit and press enter. The

Alarm Limit keypad will appear.

3.Input the desired alarm threshold and press enter.

Siren Enabled

When the Siren is enabled, a tone will sound when an alarm is triggered. To enable sirens, highlight Siren Enabled on the Alarms menu and press ENTER.

Units

Controls the unit of measure used for unit data. Only Imperial and Nautical units will be shown if the unit is operated outside of a zone defined by 30 degrees west longitude and the International Date Line.

To access the Units menu, select Units from the Settings menu and press enter.

To change a unit of measure:

1.Select a unit from the Units menu. Press enter.

2.Select the a unit of measure and press enter.

68

Settings

Network

Controls network configuration, data sources, serial port settings, waypoint sharing and allows you to monitor network performance (NMEA 2000 and ethernet) and network devices.

To access the Network menu, select Network from the Settings menu and press enter.

Network menu

Auto Configure

Resets all Data Sources to default settings and removes all instances on networked HDS units.

To auto configure a network:

1.Select Auto Configure from the Network menu and press enter.

2.Highlight Yes and press enter.

Data Sources

An advanced feature that allows you to use data from a network data source or data from a sensor connected to your unit.

1.Select a data category and press the keypad to the right. A subcategory list will appear.

2.Select a subcategory and press the keypad to the right. A list of sources will be displayed.

3.Highlight a desired data source and press enter.

69

Settings

Data Source menu

Allows you to change the name and scope of a source and add/ remove sources from a NMEA 2000 or ethernet network. To access a Data Source menu, highlight a desired source and press Menu.

Rename

Used to rename a Data Source. That makes it easier to recognize one data source from another when they are the same type of source.

To Rename a data source:

1.Select Rename from the desired data source menu and press enter. A keyboard will appear.

2.Input the desired name and select OK and press enter.

New

Allows you to create a new instance of a data source.

To create new data source instance:

1.Select New from the desired source menu and press enter. A keyboard will appear.

2.Input the name of the new instance, select OK and press enter.

Remove

Removes an instance from the Data Source Selection list.

To remove an instance, select Remove from the desired data source menu and press enter. The data source is removed from the Data Source Select list.

Scope

Controls the way data source settings are shared/not shared on an ethernet network. Scope lets you select a mode that allows data source settings to be shared by HDS units on an ethernet network (Global).

You can also select a mode that allows each HDS unit to have individual data source settings (Local).

Scope Settings

70

Settings

To select a scope:

1.Highlight Scope on the selected device???s data source menu and press enter.

2.Use the keypad to select Global or Local and press enter.

Reset Global and Reset Local

Selecting Reset Global will reset all the source selections to default settings and removes all instances on all networked HDS units.

Reset Local is used to change all source selections on your HDS unit from Local to Global.

To reset global or local sources:

1.Highlight Reset Global or Reset Local and press enter. A confirma- tion message will appear.

2.Select Yes and press enter.

Device List

Displays a list of devices connected to a NMEA 2000 network.

To access the device list, Select Device List from the Network menu and press enter.

From the Device List you can:

??? View device data

??? Change the device instance

??? Configure device alarms

??? Configure devices

??? Calibrate devices

??? Enable/disable WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS for GPS antenna by configuring HDS iGPS

Device Menu

Controls the way data is displayed on the Device list. To access the Device menu, highlight the desired device and press menu.

71

Settings

Device Menu Options

Details Accesses the Device Information screen

Refresh Refreshes the device list

Sort Allows you to sort device list by Model ID or Serial No.

Configuring Devices

Devices have different configuration options. Name, tank size and location can be configured on some devices; only the name can be configured on others. Some devices like a fuel flow, can be calibrated from the device list.

To configure a device name or device tank size:

1.Select a device from the device list and press enter. The Device Information screen will appear.

2.Highlight the Configure button and press enter. The Device

Configuration screen will appear.

3.Highlight the Name or Tank Size text box and press enter. A keypad will appear.

4.Use keypad to input the desired information. Select OK and press enter.

NOTE: For more information on device configuration refer to the documentation that came with your device.

72

Settings

To configure device location:

1.Select a device from the device list and press enter. The Device Information screen will appear.

2.Highlight the Configure button and press enter. The Device

Configuration screen will appear.

3.Highlight the Location dropdown menu and press enter.

4.Select the desired location and press enter.

Instance

You can change a device instance from the Device Configuration screen. This, however, should only be attempted by a qualified technician.

Calibrating devices

Several devices can be calibrated from the devices list including Fluid Levels, Fuel Flows and Trim Tabs. Every device that can be calibrated from the devices list, will have a calibrate button on the Device Information screen. The calibrate button opens the Device Calibration screen, which has onscreen calibration instructions for the device.

To access calibration instructions:

1.Select the desired device from the device list and press enter.

2.Highlight the Calibrate button on the Device Information screen and press enter. Follow the onscreen calibration instructions.

NOTE: For more information on device calibration, refer to the documentation that came with your device.

73

Settings

Diagnostics

Displays diagnostic information on NMEA 2000 networks displays the status of information shared between units (UDB). From the UDB tab, you also can select a unit to be used as the master (primary) unit when sharing information. To access the Diagnostics screen, select Diagnostics from the Network menu and press enter.

NMEA 2000 receive/send waypoint

Turns on/off the unit???s ability to send and receive waypoints across a NMEA 2000 network. NMEA 0183 receive waypoint controls the unit???s ability to receive way- points over a NMEA 0183 network.

To turn on/off NMEA send/receive waypoint commands, highlight the desired NMEA send/receive option and press enter.

NOTE: To send waypoints, your must have access to GPS through an NMEA 2000 network.

When your unit has access to GPS, waypoints will be automatically received/sent when the feature is turned on.

To view waypoints:

1.Access Utilities from the Pages menu.

2.Select Waypoints and press Enter.

Serial Ports

Configures communication ports to send or receive data with another electronic device, like an autopilot.

74

Settings

To configure serial ports:

1.Highlight Serial Ports on the Network menu and press enter.

2.Select the desired setting and press Enter.

3.Use the keypad to select the desired option and press enter.

4.Highlight OK and press enter.

NMEA 0183 Output

Controls NMEA 0183 sentences used, allowing you to select the type of messages your unit will transmit when communicating with other NMEA 0183 devices.

NOTE: There is no graphical display of dangerous vessels on the HDS-5x. You can view the numerical position and bearing of dangerous vessels from the Vessels menu.

Vessels (only available if connected to AIS receiver)

Controls settings used to monitor vessels transmitting AIS information in your area.

That makes it easier to navigate safely through high traffic areas.

To access the Vessels menu, select Vessels from the Settings menu and press enter.

75

Specifications

Specifications: HDS-5x

77

Unit Care

Unit Care

Cleaning the screen

Clean the screen with a mixture of distilled water (50%) and white distilled vinegar (50%) or Windex?? Vinegar Multi Surface. Do not use any type of abrasive cleaners. They will remove the Anti-Reflection coating from the glass.

Inspect the buttons

Make sure that no buttons are stuck in the down position. If one is stuck, wiggle the button to free it back to the normal position.

Debris in the keyboard contacts

In case there is dirt or other debris covering the contacts inside the keypad, press down on the button in question and wiggle it to try to restore its function

Clean the connections

Corrosion or oxidation could occur on the power cable connector pins and fuse- holder. This can prevent sufficient power from flowing to the unit. Clean the connections to be sure. Sometimes the substance is clear and not easily seen.

Contact & Service Information

For spare parts or service information, please contact one of our local sales offices or visit our website:

www.lowrance.com

78

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

If your unit is not working, or if you need technical help, use the following troubleshooting section before contacting the customer service department.

Unit won???t turn on

1.Check the power cable???s connection at the unit.

2.Make sure the power cable is wired properly. The red wire connects to the positive battery terminal, black to negative or ground.

3.Check the fuse.

4.Measure the battery voltage at the unit???s power connector. You will measure the two biggest pins. It should be at least 10 volts. If it isn???t, the wiring to the unit is defective, the bat- tery terminals or wiring on the terminals are corroded, or the battery needs charging.

Unit freezes, locks up, or operates erratically

1.Electrical noise from the boat???s motor, trolling motor, or an accessory may be interfering with the sonar unit. Rerouting the power and transducer cables away from other electrical wiring on the boat may help. Route the sonar unit???s power cable directly to the battery instead of through a fuse block or ignition switch.

2.Inspect the transducer cable for breaks, cuts, or pinched wires.

3.Check the transducer and power connector. Make sure it???s securely plugged into the unit.

Weak bottom echo, erratic readings or no fish returns

1.Make sure face of the transducer is parallel to the ground.

Refer to the installation manual for more information.

2.If the transducer is mounted inside the hull, be sure it is shooting through only one layer of fiberglass, that it is securely bonded to the hull and DOES NOT have air

79

Troubleshooting

bubbles. (See the Installation Section for how to install the transducer.)

3.When attaching a transducer to the inside of a hull, ONLY use epoxy available from LEI (see inside back cover for or- der information).

4.Do NOT use RTV silicone rubber adhesive or any other type of epoxy. The LEI epoxy is specially formulated so that it will cure properly for shoot-through applications.

5.Clean the face of the transducer. Oil, dirt and fuel can cause a film to form on the transducer, reducing its effectiveness.

6.Electrical noise from the boat???s motor or trolling motor can interfere with the sonar. This causes the sonar to automati- cally increase its discrimination or noise rejection feature. This can cause the unit to eliminate weaker signals such as fish and can display lines across the screen.

7.The water may be deeper than the sonar???s ability to find the bottom. If the sonar can???t find the bottom signal while it???s in the automatic mode, the digital sonar display will flash con- tinuously. It may change the range to limits far greater than the water you are in. If this happens, place the unit in the manual mode, then change the range to a realistic one, (for example, 0-100 feet) and increase the sensitivity. As you move into shallower water, a bottom signal should appear.

8.Check the battery voltage. If the voltage drops, the unit???s transmitter power also drops, reducing its ability to find the bottom or targets.

Bottom echo disappears at high speeds, erratic reading or weak bottom echo while boat is moving

1.This is likely due to cavitation (turbulence) in the water sur- rounding the transducer. You may need to move the trans- ducer lower in the water or to another location. The trans- ducer cannot send or receive signals through air bubbles.

2.Electrical noise from the boat???s motor or trolling motor can interfere with the sonar. This causes the sonar to automatically increase its discrimination or noise rejection feature. This can cause the unit to eliminate weaker signals such as fish or even structures from the display. Try using resistor spark plugs or routing the sonar unit???s power and

80

Troubleshooting

transducer cables away from other electrical wiring on the boat.

3.When trolling over weed beds in 20ft of water or less, you may experience vertical bars, loss of the chart picture, or the digital depth. First, do a soft reset of the unit. Then go to the Full Sonar Chart screen. Press Menu and select So- nar Features. Now turn the Chart Manual Mode to On. This will leave everything in Automatic Mode except depth. Now go back to the main menu and set the depth range for the depth you are in such as 0-20 feet.

4.It can sometimes be difficult for a high-powered unit to cap- ture the lightning-fast return in shallow water. Turn off the automatic sensitivity setting and manually reduce the sensi- tivity until the unit locks onto the bottom.

5.If two or more sonar units using the same frequency are op- erating at the same time, one or more of them may lose the depth reading due to the interference. It is like two radio sta- tions trying to both broadcast on 97.3FM. In shallow water, if the transducers are far enough apart, you may be able to operate them together. However, the deeper the water, the wider the beams spread out. When they cross each other, the interference occurs.

No fish arches when Fish I.D. is turned off

1.If you are using a transom-mounted transducer, the angle of the transducer may prevent a fish arch from displaying properly. If the arch slopes up but not down, then the front of the transducer is too high and needs to be lowered. If only the back half of the arch is shown, the nose of the trans- ducer is angled too low and needs to be raised. This is the most common problem if a partial arch is displayed.

2.The sensitivity may not be high enough. For the unit to dis- play a fish arch, it has to be able to receive the fish???s echo from the time it enters the cone until it leaves. If the sensitiv- ity is not high enough, the unit shows the fish only when it is in the center of the cone.

3.Use the Zoom feature. It is much easier to display fish arch- es when zoomed in on a small range of water than a large one. If your boat is in water deeper than 20ft, try setting the upper and lower limits to a 20ft depth section, such as 40ft

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to 60ft or whatever depth you expect the fish to appear at. This will maximize the screen resolution to show small ob- jects larger on the screen. It is unlikely you will see average- sized fish display as arches in a 100ft deep water column.

4.The boat must be moving at a slow trolling speed to see fish arches. If the boat is motionless, fish stay in the cone and show as horizontal lines on screen. This is especially applicable to ice fishing.

Noise

1.A major cause of sonar problems is electrical noise. This usually appears on the sonar???s display as random patterns of dots or lines. In severe cases, it can completely cover the screen with black dots, or cause the unit to operate errati- cally, or not at all.

2.To eliminate or minimize the effects of electrical noise,

off including the engine. Turn on your sonar unit.

Sensitivity should be set at 70-75 percent. There should be a steady bottom signal on the display. Now turn on each piece of electrical equipment on the boat and view the effect on the sonar???s display.

3.If you find noise interference is from an electrical instru- ment, trolling motor, pump, or radio, you can usually reroute the sonar unit???s power cable and transducer cable away from the wiring causing the interference. VHF radio antenna cables radiate noise when transmitting, so be sure to keep the sonar???s wires away from it. You may need to route the sonar unit???s power cable directly to the battery to isolate it from other wiring on the boat.

4.If no noise displays on the sonar unit from electrical equip- ment, then make sure everything except the sonar unit is turned off, then start the engine. Increase the RPM with the gearshift in neutral. If noise appears on the display, the problem could be one of three things; spark plugs, alterna- tor, or tachometer wiring. Try using resistor spark plugs, al- ternator filters, or routing the sonar unit???s power cable away from engine wiring to help eliminate noise problems. Make sure to use the in-line fuse supplied with the unit when wir- ing the power cable to the battery.

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Troubleshooting

5.When no noise appears on the sonar unit after all of the above tests, then the noise source is probably cavitation. Many people make sonar installations which function per- fectly in shallow water, or when the boat is at rest. In most cases, the cause of the malfunction is the location and/or angle of the transducer. The face of the transducer must be placed in a location that has a smooth flow of water at all boat speeds. Read your transducer owner???s manual or the Installation instructions in this manual for the best mounting position.

Update the Software

Make sure your unit has the latest software version. Go to the Software

Update page on Lowrance.com. You can download updates for free.

Reset the Unit

Sometimes resetting your unit can solve unusual issues. Go to Lowrance. com to access a list of reset procedures for Lowrance products. Locate the one that applies to the model you own. Try a Soft Reset first, this will return your settings to factory defaults. If you decide to try a Hard Reset, save any important stored data to an MMC or SD card or write the information down. The data will be deleted during this process.

Radar won???t Start Up

If the radar, does not start up, try the following steps:

1.Verify head unit has the latest code that supports radar.

2.Verify that the communication port is set to RADAR

3.Turn the unit, radar and network off, then turn everything back on. On power up the Radar should start initializing.

Change over to the Radar Page and see if the unit is initial- izing or giving the count down indication.

a.If you are getting a countdown: allow it to complete and then try to power on the Radar. If the Radar does not start rotating then the Radar will need to be sent in for service.

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Troubleshooting

b. If you are NOT getting a countdown, press MENU, se- lect RADAR INFORMATION and press ENT. Highlight FORCE STATUS UPDATE and press ENT.

Pay attention to the RX/TX buttons.

c. If the TX is not lighting up then either you do not have the com port set to RADAR or the GPS unit is defective. Verify that the Com Port is set properly, if it is then the Lowrance unit will need to be sent in for repair.

d.If the TX is blinking but the RX is not then you are not getting any information from the RIM, the processor or the Radar. There is a fuse inside the processor that has more than likely blown. Remove the front left black screw, then remove the grounding post on the right side of the front of the unit. Gently slide the front cover off, the fuse is located on the left side of the board. This fuse is very tight and difficult to remove, you may need to use a pair of pliers to get a good grip on it and gently try to pull it out. Replace the fuse, the faceplate, and the screws, making sure that the front face is securely seated so not to lessen the water seal.

4.If the communication is hooked up properly and all informa- tion fields are properly displayed on the ???radar information??? page, but the unit starts to warm up but you never see a count down to standby on the screen and then radar com- munication is lost after one minute. The voltage supply to the Radar Antenna or the gauge wire supplying the voltage may be to small.

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