323 Operations Manual
323 Operations Manual
Thank You!
Thank you for choosing Humminbird??, America's #1 name in fishfinders. Humminbird?? has built its reputation by designing and manufacturing
Contact our Customer Resource Center at either
at www.humminbird.com.
WARNING! This device should not be used as a navigational aid to prevent collision, grounding, boat damage, or personal injury. When the boat is moving, water depth may change too quickly to allow time for you to react. Always operate the boat at very slow speeds if you suspect shallow water or submerged objects.
WARNING! Disassembly and repair of this electronic unit should only be performed by authorized service personnel. Any modification of the serial number or attempt to repair the original equipment or accessories by unauthorized individuals will void the warranty. Handling and/or opening this unit may result in exposure to lead, in the form of solder.
WARNING! This product contains lead, a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm.
Humminbird??, DualBeam PLUS???, SmartCast??, Selective Fish ID+TM, WhiteLine??, QuadraBeam???, RTS??,
?? 2005 Humminbird??, Eufaula AL, USA. All rights reserved.
NOTE: Entries in this Table of Contents which list (International only) are only available on products sold outside of the US by our authorized International Distributors. To obtain a list of authorized International Distributors, please visit our website at www.humminbird.com or contact our Customer Resource Center at
NOTE: Entries in this Table of Contents which list (with Temp/Speed) require the purchase of a separate accessory. You can visit our website at www.humminbird.com to order this accessory online or contact our Customer Resource Center at
How Sonar Works
Sonar technology is based on sound waves. The 300 Series??? Fishing System uses sonar to locate and define structure, bottom contour and composition, as well as depth directly below the transducer.
Your 300 Series??? Fishing System sends a sound wave signal and determines distance by measuring the time between the transmission of the sound wave and when the sound wave is reflected off of an object; it then uses the reflected signal to interpret location, size, and composition of an object.
Sonar is very fast. A sound wave can travel from the surface to a depth of 240 ft (70 m) and back again in less than 1/4 of a second. It is unlikely that your boat can "outrun" this sonar signal.
SONAR is an acronym for SOund and NAvigation Ranging. Sonar utilizes precision sound pulses or "pings" which are emitted into the water in a teardrop- shaped beam.
The sound pulses "echo" back from objects in the water such as the bottom, fish and other submerged objects. The returned echoes are displayed on the LCD screen. Each time a new echo is received, the old echoes are moved across the LCD, creating a scrolling effect.
When all the echoes are viewed side by side, an easy to interpret "graph" of the bottom, fish and structure appears.
The sound pulses are transmitted at various frequencies depending on the application. Very high frequencies (455 kHz) are used for greatest definition but the operating depth is limited. High frequencies (200 kHz) are commonly used on consumer sonar and provide a good balance between depth performance and resolution. Low frequencies (83 kHz) are typically used to achieve greater depth capability.
The power output is the amount of energy generated by the sonar transmitter. It is commonly measured using two methods:
??? Root Mean Square (RMS) measures power output over the entire transmit cycle.
??? Peak to Peak measures power output at the highest points.
The benefits of increased power output are the ability to detect smaller targets at greater distances, ability to overcome noise, better high speed performance and enhanced depth capability.
DualBeam PLUS??? Sonar
Your 300 Series??? Fishing System uses a 200/83 kHz DualBeam PLUS??? sonar system with a wide (60??) area of coverage. DualBeam PLUS??? sonar has a narrowly focused 20?? center beam, surrounded by a second beam of 60??, expanding your coverage to an area equal to your depth. In 20 feet of water, the wider beam covers an area 20 feet wide. The 20?? center beam is focused on the bottom, to show you structure, weeds and cover. The 60?? wide beam is hunting for fish in the wide coverage area. DualBeam PLUS??? sonar returns can be blended together, viewed separately or compared
What???s On the Display
The 300 Series??? Fishing System can display a variety of useful information about the area under and adjacent to your boat, including the following items:
Do Not print this page
Fish - fish are displayed as arches and/or fish icons, and the unit can be set to alarm when a fish of a certain size is detected. When a target is detected and Fish ID+ is on,
200 kHz, Narrow Beam Shaded Fish Symbol
Bait Ball
Hard Bottom
Rocky Bottom
Second Sonar Return - when the sonar signal bounces between the bottom and the surface of the water and back again. Use the appearance of the second return to determine bottom hardness. Hard bottoms will show a strong second return, while soft bottoms will show a very weak one or none at all.
Cursor Dialog Box - indicates cursor depth directly below the cursor.
Thermoclines - layers of water with different temperatures that appear at different depths and different times of the year. A thermocline typically appears as a continuous band of many gray levels moving across the display at the same depth.
Soft Bottom
RTS?? (Real Time Sonar) Window
Battery Voltage - the voltage of the boat???s on the display and the depth of the bottom battery; can be set to alarm if the voltage
falls below a certain point.
What???s On the Display
The 300 Series??? Fishing System can display a variety of useful information about the area under and adjacent to your boat, including the following items:
Depth - water depth; can be set to alarm when the water becomes too shallow.
Speed - if a Temp/Speed accessory or GPS Receiver is attached, the 300 Series??? can display the speed of the boat, and can keep a Triplog of nautical or statute miles traveled.
Cursor - available in Freeze Frame and can depth of a sonar return and bottom depth
be positioned in the Sonar View to provide below the cursor.
83 kHz, Wide Beam Hollow Fish Symbol
Structure - where fish may be hiding.
Fish - fish are displayed as arches and/or fish icons, and the unit can be set to alarm
Temperature - water Do Not print this page
Timer - elapsed time with Temp/Speed
Distance - distance traveled with
Average Speed -
average speed reading
when a fish of a certain size is detected. When a target is detected and Fish ID+ is on, a Fish ID+TM symbol with depth is displayed. The size of the symbol shows the intensity of the sonar return. The unit will clearly show schools of Bait Fish as "clouds" of different shapes and sizes, depending on the number of fish and boat speed.
200 kHz, Narrow Beam Shaded Fish Symbol
Bait Ball
Hard Bottom
Rocky Bottom
Second Sonar Return - when the sonar signal bounces between the bottom and the surface of the water and back again. Use the appearance of the second return to determine bottom hardness. Hard bottoms will show a strong second return, while soft bottoms will show a very weak one or none at all.
Cursor Dialog Box - indicates cursor depth directly below the cursor.
Thermoclines - layers of water with different temperatures that appear at different depths and different times of the year. A thermocline typically appears as a continuous band of many gray levels moving across the display at the same depth.
Soft Bottom
RTS?? (Real Time Sonar) Window
Battery Voltage - the voltage of the boat???s on the display and the depth of the bottom battery; can be set to alarm if the voltage
falls below a certain point.
Views
The views available on your 300 Series??? Fishing System are:
???Sonar View
???Zoom View
???200/83 kHz Split Sonar View
???Big Digits View
???Circular Flasher View.
Sonar View is the default view. When the VIEW key is pressed, the display cycles through the available views. When the EXIT key is pressed, the display cycles through the available views in reverse order. Any view can be hidden or displayed as part of the view rotation using the Views Menu tab.
NOTE: When you change any menu settings that affect the sonar, the view will update immediately (i.e. you don???t have to exit the menu to apply the change to the screen). For instance, by switching between "Inverse" and "Structure ID??" from the
Sonar View
Sonar View presents a historical log of sonar returns. Depth is always displayed. Readouts for temperature and speed are automatically displayed if the appropriate accessory is connected. The most recent sonar returns are charted on the right side of the window; as new information is received, the older information is moved across the display to the left. A Digital Depth Readout is displayed in the upper left corner. A scale with Upper and Lower Depth Range readouts appears along the right edge of the Sonar View. The scale indicates the distance from the surface of the water to a depth range sufficient to show the bottom. Depth Range is automatically selected to keep the bottom visible on the display, although you can adjust it manually as well (see Sonar
These information boxes can be customized to show only the information desired (see Setup Menu Tab, Select Readouts).
Sonar View
Cursor Dialog Box
Lower Depth
Range
NOTE: If the Depth number is flashing, it means that the unit is having trouble locating the bottom. This usually happens if the water is too deep, the transducer is out of the water, the boat is moving too fast, or for any other reason that the unit can???t accurately receive continuous data.
Understanding Sonar History
It is important to understand the significance of the 300 Series??? Fishing System display. The display does NOT show a literal
Real Time Sonar (RTS??) Window
A Real Time Sonar (RTS??) Window appears on the right side of the display in the Sonar View only. The RTS?? Window always updates at the fastest rate possible for depth conditions and shows only the returns from the bottom, structure and fish that are within the transducer beam. The RTS?? Window plots the depth and intensity of a sonar return (see Sonar Menu - RTS?? Window).
that was detected by a sonar return at a particular time. As both the boat and the targets (fish) may be moving, the returns are only showing a particular segment of time when objects were detected, not exactly where those objects are in relation to other objects shown on the display.
The Narrow RTS?? Window indicates the sonar intensity through the use of grayscale. The grayscale used matches the bottom view grayscale setting used in the sonar history window (i.e. Inverse, Structure ID??, WhiteLine??, Bottom Black). The depth of the sonar return is indicated by the vertical placement of the return on the display depth scale.
The Wide RTS?? Window indicates the sonar intensity through the use of a bar graph. The length of the plotted return provides an indication of whether the return is weak or strong. The depth of the sonar return is indicated by the vertical placement of the return on the display depth scale. The Wide RTS?? Window does not make use of grayscale.
Freeze Frame
Freeze Frame - Pressing any arrow on the
Bottom Presentation
As the boat moves, the unit charts the changes in depth on the display to create a profile of the Bottom Contour. The type of bottom can be determined from the return charted on the display. A Hard Bottom such as compacted sediment or flat rock appears as a thinner line across the display. A Soft Bottom such as mud or sand appears as a thicker line across the display. Rocky Bottoms have a broken, random appearance.
Bottom Contour Profile with RTS?? Window.
Temp/Speed Accessory is optional.
Hard Bottom
Soft Bottom
Rocky Bottom 
The sonar returns from the bottom, structure and fish can be represented as either
Inverse (default), WhiteLine??, Structure ID??, or Bottom Black. See Sonar
Menu: Bottom View for details on how to set the bottom view.
Inverse is a method where weak returns are shown with dark pixels and strong returns with lighter pixels. This has the benefit of ensuring that weak signals will be clearly visible on the display.
Structure ID?? represents weak returns as light pixels and strong returns as dark pixels. This has the benefit of ensuring that strong returns will be clearly visible on the display.
WhiteLine?? highlights the strongest sonar returns in white, resulting in a distinctive outline. This has the benefit of clearly defining the bottom on the display.
Bottom Black displays all pixels below the bottom contour as black, regardless of signal strength. This has the benefit of providing a high contrast between the bottom and other sonar returns on the display. Any targets such as fish, structure and thermoclines will be shown using the Structure ID?? method.
Sonar Zoom View
Sonar Zoom View increases the displayed resolution to separate sonar returns that are very close together, such as those caused by fish suspended close to the bottom or within structure. In Zoom View, the display is split to show a narrow slice of the full range view on the right and the zoomed view on the left. The full range view on the right also contains the Zoom Preview Box that shows what part of the full range view is shown in zoom view on the left; the Zoom Preview Box tracks the bottom in the full range view.
As the depth changes, the zoomed view updates automatically to display a magnified image of the bottom. The Zoom Preview Box shows where the zoomed view is in relation to the full range view. The Zoom Level, or magnification, is displayed in the lower left corner and can be changed to suit conditions (see Sonar
Digital depth is displayed in the upper left hand corner. The digital readouts in the Sonar Zoom View cannot be customized; therefore, information such as water temperature and voltage are unavailable in the Sonar Zoom View.
200/83 kHz Split Sonar View
Split Sonar View displays sonar returns from the 83 kHz wide beam on the left side of the screen and displays sonar returns from the 200 kHz narrow beam on the right side of the screen. Depth is always displayed in the upper left hand corner. You can use the Split Sonar View to make side by side comparisons between the sonar returns from the 83 kHz wide beam and the 200 kHz narrow beam.
The digital readouts in the Split Sonar View cannot be customized; therefore, information such as water temperature and voltage are unavailable in the Split Sonar View.
200/83 kHz Split Sonar View
200 kHz
Sonar History Window
Big Digits View
Big Digits View provides digital data in a large,
Key Functions
Your 300 Series??? Fishing System user interface consists of a set of
POWER/LIGHT Key
Big Digits View
Depth
Temperature 
Speed
Timer shows the time elapsed since Triplog was last reset
Distance is the distance traveled since the Triplog was last reset
Voltage - the battery voltage.
Average Speed shows the speed since the Triplog was last reset
The POWER/LIGHT key is used to turn the 300 Series??? Fishing System on and off, and also to adjust the backlight and contrast of the display.
Press the POWER/LIGHT key to turn the unit on. The Title screen is then displayed until the Fishing System begins sonar operation.
Your Fishing System will start up with the backlight on and will automatically turn it off to conserve power. To turn the backlight on for night fishing, or to adjust the display contrast, press the POWER/LIGHT key to access the Light and Contrast menu. Use
the
Circular Flasher View
Circular Flasher View displays Real Time Sonar (RTS??) data in the traditional flasher format. Depth and temperature are always displayed. The digital readouts in the Flasher View cannot be customized.
Press and hold the POWER/LIGHT key for 3 seconds to turn the unit off. A message will appear telling you how many seconds there are until shutdown occurs. Your Fishing System should always be turned off using the POWER/LIGHT key. This will ensure that shutdown occurs properly and any menu settings will be saved.
VIEW Key
The VIEW key is used to cycle through all available views. Press the VIEW key to advance to the next view. Repeatedly pressing VIEW cycles through all views available. Views can be hidden to optimize the system to your fishing requirements (see Setup Menu Tab: Select Views, Advanced).
MENU Key
The MENU key is used to access the menu system.
Main Menu - Press the MENU key twice for the tabbed Main Menu System. The Main Menu System is organized under tabbed headings to help you find a specific menu item quickly: Alarms, Sonar, and Setup tabs are part of your tabbed Main Menu System. Use the LEFT or RIGHT
The
???Use the DOWN or UP arrow keys to select a menu choice from the menu list, then use the LEFT or RIGHT arrow keys to change a menu setting.
NOTE: Menu choices are implemented and saved immediately - no further action is required.
???In all Sonar views but the Big Digits view, pressing any
EXIT Key
The EXIT key has multiple functions, depending on the situation:
???If an alarm is sounding, pressing EXIT will cancel the alarm.
???If a menu tab is selected, pressing EXIT will exit the menu mode and return to the view.
???If a menu is active, pressing EXIT will return to the previous level in the menu system.
???Pressing EXIT will cycle through the available views in reverse order.
???If Freeze Frame is active, pressing EXIT will return to a scrolling display.
Powering Up the Unit
Turn on your 300 Series??? Fishing System by pressing the POWER/LIGHT key. The Title screen is 323 displayed until the Fishing System begins operation. Your Fishing System will begin Normal or Simulator operation, depending on the presence
or absence of a transducer.
323 Title Screen
The Menu System
The menu system is divided into
NOTE: The
as whether you are in Normal or Advanced User Mode.
Main Menu Tabs - Less
User Mode (Normal or Advanced) - An Advanced Mode is provided for users who desire the highest level of control over the Fishing System and Normal Mode for users who desire greater simplicity and fewer menu choices. Additional Advanced menu choices will be displayed throughout the menu system when you navigate to specific menus while in Advanced Mode. Any changes made while in Advanced Mode will remain in effect after you switch back to Normal Mode. See Setup Menu Tab: User Mode for specific instructions on changing to Advanced User Mode.
Sonar Tab, Normal Mode
Sonar Tab, Advanced Mode
Main Menu System
Normal User Mode
Press the MENU key twice for the Main Menu, then use the
NOTE: The Main Menu choices will vary depending on whether you are in Normal or Advanced User Mode.
Total Screen Update - when you change any menu settings that affect the Sonar View, the view will update immediately (i.e. you don???t have to exit the menu to apply the change to the screen). For instance, by switching between ???Inverse??? and "Structure ID??" from the
Press the MENU key when the Title screen is displayed to access the
Normal Operation
Use Normal operation for on the water operation with a transducer connected. In addition, your 300 Series??? Fishing System uses advanced transducer detection methods to determine if a transducer is connected. If a functioning transducer is connected, Normal operation will be selected automatically at power up and your Fishing System can be used on the water.
Exit Normal operation by powering your Fishing System off.
Simulator
Use the Simulator to learn how to use your 300 Series??? Fishing System before taking your boat on the water. The Simulator is a very powerful tool that simulates on the water operation, providing a
NOTE: To get the full benefit of the Simulator, it is important to select Simulator manually from the
A message will appear on the display periodically to remind you that you are using the Simulator.
Exit the Simulator by powering your Fishing
System off.
Simulator
The Sonar
NOTE: Upper Range only appears in Advanced User Mode when in Sonar, Split Sonar, Big Digits and Circular Flasher Views.
NOTE: Zoom Level only appears in Sonar Zoom View.
System Status Accessory Test Screen
Exit System Status by powering your Fishing System off.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity controls how much detail is shown on the display and will adjust the sensitivity of all sonar frequencies. Increasing the sensitivity shows more sonar returns from small baitfish and suspended debris in the water; however, the display may become too cluttered. When operating in very clear water or greater depths, increased sensitivity shows weaker returns that may be of interest. Decreasing the sensitivity eliminates the clutter from the display that is sometimes present in murky or muddy water. If Sensitivity is adjusted too low, the display may not show many sonar returns that could be fish.
NOTE: The Sensitivity setting is a global setting and will adjust the sensitivity of all sonar frequencies, as compared to specific sensitivity adjustments (such as 83 kHz Sensitivity) which allow you to adjust the level of sensitivity for one specific beam.
To adjust the Sensitivity:
1.Highlight Sensitivity on the Sonar
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Upper Range
(Advanced: Sonar, Split Sonar, Big Digits and Circular Flasher Views only)
Upper Range sets the shallowest depth range that will be displayed on the Sonar, Split Sonar, Big Digits and Circular Flasher views. The Upper Range menu choice is available when User Mode is set to Advanced (see Setup Menu Tab: User Mode) and can only be accessed from the Sonar, Split Sonar, Big Digits and Circular Flasher views. Upper Range is often used with Lower Range.
For example, if you are only interested in the area between 20 and 50 feet deep, you should set the Upper Depth Range to 20 and the Lower Depth Range to 50. The Sonar View will then show the 30 foot area between 20 and 50, and will not show the surface or the bottom (assuming the bottom is deeper than 50 feet), and will show greater detail for that area between 20 and 50 feet.
NOTE: A minimum distance of 10 feet will be maintained between the Upper and Lower Range regardless of the manual settings entered.
To adjust the Upper Range:
1.Make sure you are in Advanced Mode, then highlight Upper Range on the Sonar
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Lower Range
Lower Range sets the deepest depth range that will be displayed. Automatic is the default setting. When in automatic mode, the lower range will be adjusted by the unit to follow the bottom. Selecting a specific setting locks the depth range into Manual mode. Use both Upper and Lower Range together to view a specific depth range manually when looking for fish or bottom structure.
M will be displayed in the lower right corner of the screen when you start manually
adjusting the Lower Range to indicate that you are in Manual mode.
For example, if you are fishing in 60 feet of water but are only interested in the first 30 feet (surface to a depth of 30 feet) you should set the Lower Depth Range limit to 30. The display will show the 0 to 30 foot range, allowing you to see a more detailed view than you would see if the display went all the way to the bottom.
NOTE: A minimum distance of 10 feet will be maintained between the Upper and Lower Range regardless of the manual settings entered.
To adjust the Lower Range:
1.Highlight Lower Range on the Sonar
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Chart Speed
Chart Speed determines the speed at which the sonar information moves across the display, and consequently the amount of detail shown. A faster speed shows more information and is preferred by most anglers; however, the sonar information moves across the display quickly. A slower speed keeps the information on the display longer, but the bottom and fish details become compressed and may be difficult to interpret. Regardless of the Chart Speed setting, the RTS?? Window will update at the maximum rate possible for the depth conditions. Adjust Chart Speed to your personal preference.
To adjust the Chart Speed:
1.Highlight Chart Speed on the Sonar
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Bottom View
Bottom View selects the method used to represent bottom and structure on the display.
Inverse represents weak returns as dark pixels and strong returns as lighter pixels. This has the benefit of ensuring that weak signals will be clearly visible on the display.
Structure ID?? represents weak returns as light pixels and strong returns as dark pixels. This has the benefit of ensuring that strong returns will be clearly visible on the display.
WhiteLine?? highlights the strongest sonar returns in white resulting in a distinctive outline. This has the benefit of clearly defining the bottom on the display.
Bottom Black displays all pixels below the bottom contour as black, regardless of signal strength. This has the benefit of providing a high contrast between the bottom and other sonar returns on the display. Any targets such as fish, structure and thermoclines will be shown using the Structure ID?? method.
See Bottom Presentation for more information.
To adjust the Bottom View:
1.Highlight Bottom View on the Sonar
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Zoom Level
(Sonar Zoom View only)
Zoom Level sets the magnification level for the Sonar Zoom View, and is only available on the
To adjust the Zoom Level:
1.Highlight Zoom Level on the Sonar
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
NOTE: The Zoom Preview Box tracks the bottom and cannot be moved by the user.
Bottom Lock
(Sonar Zoom View only)
Bottom Lock changes the mode of the Zoomed view in the Sonar Zoom View. Bottom Lock continuously graphs the bottom at a constant point on the display regardless of changes in depth. This "flattens" out the bottom contour, but is effective at showing fish on or near the bottom.
To turn on Bottom Lock:
1.In the Sonar Zoom View, highlight Bottom Lock on the Sonar
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Bottom Range
(Sonar Zoom View only, when Bottom Lock is On)
Bottom Range allows you to control how much of the water column, measured up from the bottom, is shown in the Sonar Zoom View. Choose a small value to see low- lying bottom structure or details of the bottom return. Choose a larger value to see large structure in deeper water. It is possible to set the Bottom Range to be greater than the depth. In this case, you may see surface clutter in a wavy band that mirrors changes in the depth.
To adjust the Bottom Range:
1.In the Sonar Zoom View, highlight Bottom Lock on the Sonar
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
3.Once you turn on Bottom Lock, the Bottom Range
Sonar Menu Tab
Press the MENU key twice to access the Main Menu System and then press the RIGHT Cursor key to select the Sonar tab.
NOTE: Menu choices will vary depending on system settings such as whether the unit is set for Advanced User mode or what transducer is currently selected.
Sonar Menu
Beam Select
Beam Select sets which sonar returns from the transducer will be displayed on the screen.
When set to 200/83 kHz, the returns from both beams are blended by starting with the 83 kHz wide beam return, dimming it, and then overlaying it with the 200 kHz narrow beam return. The darker 200 kHz narrow beam sonar returns will stand out from the paler 83 kHz wide beam sonar returns. The Split Sonar View continues to display the sonar returns from each beam in their respective windows. The blended information is shown in the Sonar View, Sonar Zoom View and the Big Digits View. The RTS?? Window in the Sonar View and the Circular Flasher View will only show the returns from the 200 kHz narrow beam.
When set to 200 kHz, only the returns from the 200 kHz narrow beam will be displayed in the Sonar View, the Sonar View, the Sonar Zoom View, the Big Digits View and the Circular Flasher View. The Split Sonar View will continue to display returns from both beams in their respective windows. The RTS?? Window in the Sonar View will display the returns from the 200 kHz narrow beam.
When set to 83 kHz, the returns from the 83 kHz wide beam will be displayed in the Sonar View, the Sonar Zoom View, the Big Digits View and the Circular Flasher View. The Split Sonar View will continue to display returns from both beams in their respective windows. The RTS?? Window will display the returns from the 83 kHz wide beam.
To use Beam Select:
1.Highlight Beam Select on the Sonar main menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Fish ID+TM
Fish ID+TM uses advanced signal processing to interpret sonar returns, and will display a Fish Symbol when very selective requirements are met. When a fish is detected, a fish icon and its depth are displayed above the return that has been classified as being a fish. Three different fish size icons represent the intensity of the sonar return, and provide an indicator of relative fish size.
Targets detected in the 200 kHz narrow beam are represented as Shaded Fish Symbols, and targets detected in the 83 kHz wide beam are represented as Hollow Fish Symbols.
Transducer Cone and Fish Arches
When Fish ID+TM is turned off, the Fishing System shows only the raw sonar returns on the display. These returns will often result in "arches" forming on the display, indicating potential targets. Due to the transducer beam angle, the distance to a fish decreases as the fish moves into the beam, and then increases as it moves out again, creating a Fish Arch when this distance change is shown on the display. Boat speed, chart speed, and the position of the fish within the sonar beam greatly affect the shape of the arch.
To turn Fish ID+ on or off:
1.Highlight Fish ID+ on the Sonar main menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Fish ID Sensitivity
Fish ID Sensitivity adjusts the threshold of the Fish ID+TM detection algorithms. Selecting a higher setting allows weaker returns to be displayed as fish. This is useful for identifying smaller fish species or baitfish. Selecting a lower setting displays fewer fish from weak sonar returns. This is helpful when seeking larger species of fish. Fish ID Sensitivity is used in conjunction with Fish ID+TM. Fish ID+TM must be On for Fish ID Sensitivity to affect the ability of the Fishing System to identify sonar returns as fish.
To change the Fish ID Sensitivity setting:
1.Highlight Fish ID Sensitivity on the Sonar main menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Real Time Sonar (RTS??) Window
RTS?? Window sets the RTS?? Window to either Wide or Narrow, or turns it off in the Sonar View. The RTS?? Window always updates at the fastest rate possible and only displays returns that are within the transducer beam. (See Real Time Sonar (RTS??) Window for additional detail).
To change the RTS?? Window setting:
1.Highlight RTS Window on the Sonar main menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Zoom Width
Zoom Width adjusts the width of the Zoom window on the Sonar Zoom View.
To change the Zoom Width Setting:
1.Highlight Zoom Width on the Sonar main menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
83 kHz Sensitivity
(Advanced)
83 kHz Sensitivity changes the sensitivity of the 83 kHz beam. Increasing the 83 kHz Sensitivity will display additional weak returns and decreasing the 83 kHz Sensitivity will display fewer weak returns. The 83 kHz Sensitivity menu choice is only available when User Mode is set to Advanced (see Setup Menu Tab: User Mode).
NOTE: 83 kHz Sensitivity is particularly useful for adjusting the sensitivity of the 83 kHz sonar returns in the 200/83 kHz Split Sonar View. The 83 kHz sensitivity can be adjusted without affecting the sensitivity of the 200 kHz returns shown in the 200 kHz sonar window.
To set the 83 kHz Sensitivity:
1.Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, then highlight 83 kHz Sensitivity on the Sonar main menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Depth Lines
(Advanced)
Depth Lines divide the display into four equal sections which are separated by three horizontal depth lines. The depth of each line is displayed along the depth scale. You can either turn Depth Lines On or Off. The Depth Lines menu choice is available when User Mode is set to Advanced (see Setup Menu Tab: User Mode).
Depth Lines
Depth
Lines
To change the Depth Lines setting:
1.Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, then highlight Depth Lines on the Sonar main menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Surface Clutter
(Advanced)
Surface Clutter adjusts the filter that removes surface clutter noise caused by algae and aeration. The lower the setting, the less surface clutter will be displayed. The Surface Clutter menu choice is available when User Mode is set to Advanced (see
Setup Menu Tab: User Mode).
Surface
Clutter
To change the Surface Clutter setting:
1.Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, then highlight Surface Clutter on the Sonar main menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Noise Filter
(Advanced)
Noise Filter adjusts the sonar Noise Filter to limit interference on the display from sources such as your boat engine, turbulence, or other sonar devices. The Noise Filter menu choice is available when User Mode is set to Advanced (see Setup Menu Tab: User Mode).
NOTE: The Off setting removes all filtering; Low, Medium and High settings add progressive filtering of the sonar returns. In some deep water situations, the High setting may actually hinder your unit???s ability to find the bottom.
To change the Noise Filter setting:
1.Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, then highlight Noise Filter on the Sonar main menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Max Depth
(Advanced)
Max Depth adjusts the maximum depth of operation. The performance of your Fishing System can be tuned to the maximum depth you will be fishing in by setting the Max Depth. When a maximum depth is set, your Fishing System will not attempt to acquire sonar data below that depth, thus increasing overall performance. When Max Depth is set to Auto, the Fishing System will acquire bottom readings as needed (within the capacity of the unit). If the bottom is deeper than the Max Depth setting, the digital depth readout will flash, indicating that the Fishing System cannot locate the bottom. The Max Depth menu choice is available when User Mode is set to Advanced (see Setup Menu Tab: User Mode).
To change the Max Depth setting:
1.Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, then highlight Max Depth on the Sonar main menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Water Type
(Advanced)
Water Type configures your unit for operation in fresh or salt water. The Water Type menu choice is available when User Mode is set to Advanced (see Setup Menu Tab: User Mode).
NOTE: In salt water, what would be considered a large fish might be 2 to 10 times bigger than a large fish in fresh water (depending on the type of fish you are seeking). The salt water setting allows for a greater range in fish size adjustment to account for this. Also, make sure that the Water Type is set accurately, especially in salt water, as this affects the accuracy of deep water depth readings.
1.Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, then highlight Water Type on the Sonar main menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Alarms Menu Tab
From any view, press the MENU key twice to access the Main Menu System. The Alarms tab will be the default selection.
NOTE: When an alarm is triggered, you can silence it by pressing any key. The alarm will be silenced, and will not be triggered again until a new instance of the alarm condition is detected.
Depth Alarm
Depth Alarm sounds when the depth becomes equal to or less than the menu setting.
To change the Depth Alarm setting:
1.Highlight Depth Alarm on the Alarms main menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Fish ID Alarm
Fish ID Alarm sounds when the Fishing System detects fish that correspond to the alarm setting. Fish ID Alarm will only sound if Fish ID+TM is on.
For example, if you've set the Fish ID Alarm to sound for Large fish only, the Fish ID alarm will sound when a
To change the Fish ID Alarm setting:
1.Highlight Fish ID Alarm on the Alarms main menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Off
Large
Large/Medium
All
Low Battery Alarm
Low Battery Alarm sounds when the input battery voltage is equal to or less than the menu setting. The battery alarm will only sound for the battery that is connected to the 300 Series??? Fishing System. The Low Battery Alarm should be set to warn you when the battery voltage drops below the safety margin that you have determined. For instance, if you are running a trolling motor (battery operated), you would want to set the Low Battery Alarm to sound before the battery voltage drops too low for it to be used to start your main,
To change the Low Battery Alarm setting:
1.Highlight Low Battery Alarm on the Alarms main menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Temp Alarm
Temp Alarm sounds when the water temperature detected by the 300 series??? reaches the Temp Alarm setting, which is either set in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius [International Models only]. For example, if the Temp Alarm is set to 58 degrees Fahrenheit, and the water temperature falls from 60 degrees to 58 degrees, the Temp Alarm will sound. Similarly, if the water temperature rises from 56 degrees to 58 degrees, the Temp Alarm will also sound.
To change the Temp Alarm setting:
1.Highlight Temp Alarm on the Alarms main menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Alarm Tone
Alarm Tone selects the pitch of the alarm sound. A brief tone will be produced as you adjust the Alarm Tone so that you can select the tone that you can hear best.
To change the Alarm Tone setting:
1.Highlight Alarm Tone on the Alarms main menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Setup Menu Tab
From any view, press the MENU key twice to access the tabbed Main Menu System, then press the RIGHT cursor key until the Setup tab is selected.
NOTE: Menu choices will vary depending on system settings such as whether the unit is set for Advanced User mode, whether it is an International model, or whether a Temp/Speed is currently connected.
Setup Menu
Units - Depth
Units - Depth selects the units of measure for all depth-
related readouts.
To change the Units - Depth setting:
1.Highlight Units - Depth on the Setup menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Units - Temp
(International only)
Units - Temp selects the units of measure for all
International Models Only.
To change the Units - Temp setting:
1.Highlight Units - Temp on the Setup menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Units - Distance
(with Temp/Speed)
Units - Distance selects the units of measure for all
To change the Units - Distance setting:
1.Highlight Units - Distance on the Setup menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Units - Speed
(with Temp/Speed)
Units - Speed selects the units of measure for
To change the Units - Speed setting:
1.Highlight Units - Speed on the Setup menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
User Mode
User Mode sets the menu system to either Normal or Advanced. When set to Normal (default setting,) only the basic menu options are shown. When set to Advanced, additional menu choices are available.
To change the User Mode setting:
1.Highlight User Mode on the Setup menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Language
(International only)
Language selects the display language for menus. International Models only.
To change the Language setting:
1.Highlight Language on the Setup menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Triplog Reset
(with Temp/Speed)
Triplog Reset resets the Triplog to zero, and will appear in the menu if a Temp/Speed Accessory is connected and the paddlewheel has moved at least once. The Triplog provides the following information: timer for elapsed time, distance traveled since last reset, and average speed.
NOTE: See Setup Menu Tab: Select Readouts (Advanced) to find out how to display Triplog
information on the screen.
To Reset Triplog:
1.Highlight Reset Triplog on the Setup menu.
2.Use the RIGHT
3.The Confirm dialog box will appear. To reset the Triplog, press the RIGHT Cursor key once more. To cancel Reset Triplog, press the LEFT Cursor key.
Restore Defaults
Restore Defaults resets ALL menu settings to their factory defaults. Use this menu choice with caution!
To Restore Defaults:
1.Highlight Restore Defaults on the Setup menu.
2.Use the RIGHT
3.The Confirm dialog box will appear. To reset the defaults, press the RIGHT Cursor key once more. To cancel Restore Defaults, press the LEFT Cursor key.
Select Views
(Advanced)
Select Views sets the available views to either hidden or visible in the view rotation. The view will be removed from the view rotation if it is set to Hidden and will be displayed in the view rotation if it is set to Visible. The following views are available:
???Sonar View
???Sonar Zoom View
???SplitSonarView
???Big Digits View
???Circular Flasher
???Self Test
???Accessory Test
Select Views
The display status of these views can be changed only when in Advanced User Mode
(see Setup Menu Tab: User Mode.)
To Select Views:
1.Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, then highlight Select Views on the Setup menu.
2.Use the RIGHT
3.The Select Views submenu will appear, showing a list of all Views that can be hidden or made visible. Use the UP or DOWN Cursor keys to select a particular view, then use the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to change the View status from Visible to Hidden or vice versa.
Select Readouts
(Advanced, Sonar view only)
Select Readouts sets individual digital readouts on the Sonar View. This Advanced feature allows you to select what data will be displayed in each of 5
Data windows can display readouts from supported accessories such as Temp/Speed. Each data window can either be empty or contain one of the following:
-Speed (will be displayed if a Temp/Speed Accessory is attached and the paddlewheel has moved at least once)
-Temperature
-Triplog (will be displayed if a Temp/Speed Accessory is attached and the paddlewheel has moved at least once)
Select Readouts
-Voltage
-Water Speed (will only be displayed if a Temp/Speed Accessory is attached and the paddlewheel has moved at least once).
Depth Offset
(Advanced)
Depth Offset will adjust the digital depth readout to indicate depth from the waterline or boat's keel. Enter a positive vertical measurement from the transducer to the waterline to read the depth from the waterline. Enter a negative vertical measurement from the transducer to keel to read the depth from the keel. This menu choice is available only when in Advanced User Mode (see Setup Menu Tab: User Mode.)
To change the Depth Offset setting:
1.Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, then highlight Depth Offset on the Setup menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Temp Offset
(Advanced)
Temp Offset will adjust the temperature readout by the amount entered. This menu choice is available only when in Advanced User Mode (see Setup Menu Tab: User Mode.)
To change the Temp Offset setting:
1.Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, then highlight Temp Offset on the Setup menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Speed Calibration
(Advanced, with Temp/Speed only)
Speed Calibration will adjust the speed readout by the percentage entered, and will appear in the menu if a Temp/Speed Accessory is connected and the paddlewheel has moved at least once, when the unit is in Advanced User Mode (see Setup Menu Tab: User Mode.)
To change the Speed Calibration setting:
1.Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, then highlight Speed Calibration on the Setup menu.
2.Use the LEFT or RIGHT
Troubleshooting
Before contacting the Humminbird?? Customer Resource Center, please read the following section. Taking the time to review these troubleshooting guidelines may allow you to solve a performance problem yourself, and therefore avoid sending your unit back for repair.
300 Series??? Doesn???t Power Up
If your 300 Series??? doesn???t power up, use the Installation Guide that also comes with it for specific confirmation details, making sure that:
???The power cable is properly connected to the 300 Series??? control head.
???The power cable is wired correctly, with red to positive battery terminal and black to negative terminal or ground.
???The fuse is operational.
???The battery voltage of the power connector is at least 10 Volts.
Correct any known problems, including removing corrosion from the battery terminals or wiring, or actually replacing the battery if necessary.
300 Series??? Defaults to Simulator with a Transducer Attached
A connected and functioning transducer will cause the
???Using the Installation Guide that also comes with your Fishing System, check to make sure that the transducer cable is securely connected to the Fishing System. Reconnect if necessary, and power up the Fishing System again to see if this fixes the problem.
???Replace the
???Check the transducer cable. Replace the transducer if the cable is damaged or corroded.
Display Problems
There are several main conditions or sources of possible interference that may cause problems with the quality of the information displayed on the control head. Look in the following table for some symptoms of display problems and possible solutions:
Finding the Cause of Noise
Electrical noise usually affects the display with many black dots at high speeds, and high sensitivity readings. One or more of the following sources can cause noise or interference:
The control head loses power at high speeds.
When the boat moves at higher speeds, the bottom disappears or suddenly weakens, or the display contains gaps.
There are no fish detected, even when you know they are in the water under the boat, or sonar readings seem weak or faulty.
If the power output of your boat???s engine is unregulated, the control head may be protecting itself using its
The transducer position may need to be adjusted. A mix of air and water flowing around the transducer (cavitation) may be interfering with the inter- pretation of sonar data. See your Installation Guide for suggestions on adjusting the transducer position.
Electrical noise from the boat???s engine may be interfering with sonar reception. See Finding the Cause of Noise for more information.
Sonar readings may be affected if the transducer is not positioned correctly (i.e. mounted at an angle, not straight down), or there is some kind of mechanical interference, either because it is mounted inside a hull that is too thick for proper sonar transmission, the bond between the transducer and the hull is not airtight, or because the transducer is dirty. Check with your Installation Guide for guidance on
Low battery voltage may be affecting the power of signal transmission.
Electrical noise from the boat???s engine may be interfering with sonar reception. See Finding the Cause of Noise for more information.
Specifications
NOTE: Humminbird?? verifies maximum stated depth in saltwater conditions, but actual depth performance may vary due to transducer installation, water type, thermal layers, bottom composition and slope.
NOTE: Product specifications and features are subject to change without notice.
Glossary
Sonar Terms:
Alarm, Depth: Depth Alarm is a
Alarm, Temperature: Temperature Alarm is a
Backlight: Backlight is a
Beam (Sonar Beam): A sonar beam is the
Big Digits View: Big Digits View is a Humminbird?? feature that displays the sonar graph and enlarged digital readouts for easy reading from a distance. This is a great tool when monitoring the digital depth is important - such as with higher boat speeds, or when viewing the unit from a distance. When speed input is available, the Big Digits View also shows the TripLog. See TripLog.
Bottom Black: Bottom Black is a Humminbird?? feature that "fills in" the area of the display below the bottom contour. Bottom Black is preferred by some anglers because of its high contrast and easy readability, even though it can obscure bottom hardness information.
Bottom Contour: Bottom Contour is the profile of the bottom graphed to the display as the depth changes.
Bottom Hardness: Bottom Hardness is the density (or composition) of the bottom, which can often be determined by interpreting the main sonar return. Varying levels of hardness can be determined by interpreting the "thickness" of the sonar return. Hard returns appear thin and black, softer returns appear thicker and less black. It is important to note that a sonar return from a sloping bottom can have the appearance of a softer bottom.
Cavitation: Cavitation is the effect of air bubbles created as the propeller rotates and the boat moves through the water.
Chart Speed: Chart Speed is a
Cone Angle: The cone angle is the angular measurement of the sonar beam at a specific dB down point (i.e.
Customizable Digital Readouts: Customizable Digital Readouts is a Humminbird?? feature that permits the user to select the specific digital information that appears in the main Sonar view (i.e. Speed, Temperature, Barometric Pressure, TripLog, etc.)
Dead Zone: The dead zone is the area of the sonar beam that is received after the main bottom return. Fish and other objects close to the bottom that fall within the dead zone will probably not be visible in the sonar beam. Precision sonar beams, such as the Humminbird?? 20?? beam, have a smaller dead zone than wider sonar beams.
Decibel: A Decibel is the measurement for sound pressure level, or "intensity" of the sonar return. See dB Down Point.
dB Down Point: The dB Down Point is the standard decibel level at which the sonar cone angle is measured, and is written as "@
Display, FSTN: FSTN is an acronym for Film
DualBeam PLUS???: DualBeam PLUS??? is a Humminbird?? sonar configuration that uses two sonar beams simultaneously, and combines the information from both beams into one view by overlapping the data
Feature Memory: Feature Memory is a Humminbird?? feature that retains the user's menu settings in permanent memory. Settings are retained even when the unit is powered off indefinitely.
Fish Arch: A Fish Arch is the apparent "arch" that appears on the display when any object moves through the sonar cone. The arch results from a gradual decrease in distance to an object as it moves into the sonar cone. The distance to an object changes due to the conical shape of the sonar beam, which causes the distance to be greater at the edges of the beam than at the center of the beam. When this distance change is graphed on the display, an arch appears.
Fish ID+???: Fish ID+??? is a Humminbird?? feature that uses advanced sonar processing algorithms to determine if a detected object is likely to be a fish. When the sonar signal from an object meets strict parameters, the unit draws a Fish Symbol (or icon) and the digital depth of the target. On DualBeam and DualBeam PLUS??? units, fish detected in the narrow center beam are shown as shaded symbols, and fish detected in the wider beam are shown as hollow symbols.
Fish Symbol: A Fish Symbol is the graphic that is displayed on the screen when Fish ID+ determines that a sonar return is likely to be a fish. See Fish ID+.
Freeze Frame: Freeze Frame is a Humminbird?? feature that pauses the sonar scrolling so that the image on screen can be studied with greater detail. See Instant Image Update.
Frequency: Frequency is a measure of the number of sound wave cycles per second of a sound impulse transmitted underwater. A typical frequency for fishfinders is 200 kHz, which offers a good balance of performance under many conditions. Lower frequencies, such as 50 kHz, are capable of penetrating to greater depths, but with less resolution. Higher frequencies, such as 455 kHz, offer greater resolution, but are limited in depth performance. Humminbird?? uses a variety of frequencies that are optimized for specific applications.
Grayscale: Grayscale is the use of varying shades of gray to represent the strength of the sonar signal on the display, and is a very intuitive method of presenting information. Traditionally, the strongest sonar signals are represented in black, and progressively weaker signals are represented in progressively lighter shades of gray.
Grayscale, Inverse: Inverse Grayscale is a Humminbird?? feature that reverses the correlation of sonar signal strength and the shade of gray typically used to represent it. The strongest sonar signals are represented by "white", and progressively weaker signals are represented in progressively darker shades of gray. While somewhat
of enhancing the apparent sensitivity because the weaker signals appear bolder. Inverse grayscale works well in very clear water.
Instant Image Update: Instant Image Update is a Humminbird?? feature that updates all the sonar information on the display when Sensitivity and a variety of sonar settings (Bottom View, Range, etc.) are modified. This differs from the traditional functionality that only updates the new sonar information collected after the setting change. Instant Image Update permits more accurate
Maximum Depth Menu: The Maximum Depth Menu is a Humminbird?? feature that optimizes performance based on the maximum operational depth set by the user. Many Humminbird?? units can operate across a very broad depth range (up to 2500 feet) which causes the unit to "look" up to that full depth under some circumstances. Due to the speed of sound in water, this can result in less responsiveness because the unit has to wait for a longer period of time to receive the sonar signal. When the Maximum Depth menu is set to a lower value, the unit only looks up to the setting, which increases the responsiveness of the unit. This is an important feature for anyone operating in shallower depths!
Noise: Noise is unintentional, external sound waves that interfere with the optimal operation of sonar. Noise appears as random "dots" on the display, and is caused by a variety of sources. Electrical noise (from trolling motors, bilge pumps, VHF radios) typically manifests as a consistent dot pattern. Electrical noise can be isolated by selectively turning on and off other electrical devices to determine the source. Often
Pixels: Pixels are the "picture elements", or small square blocks, that make up the image on the LCD. Measured as a vertical by horizontal number (i.e. 640V x 320H), this key specification typically indicates the quality of resolution. In fishfinders, the total resolution (vertical multiplied by horizontal) is often less important than the "Vertical Pixel" resolution. See Pixels, Vertical.
Pixels, Vertical: Vertical Pixels are a number of vertical picture elements in a single column on an LCD display. More vertical pixels provide finer resolution of targets detected by sonar. Essentially, a vertical distance (the depth), when divided by a larger number, breaks that distance into smaller samples, each representing a smaller area and thus providing more detail. In fishfinders, vertical pixels are more critical than horizontal pixels because the horizontal axis of the display represents time, or history. Sonar information on the horizontal axis can vary greatly, depending on boat speed and the Chart Speed setting. A greater number of horizontal pixels show more sonar history that the boat has passed through. On many models, Humminbird?? provides the most vertical pixels to provide a better display resolution. See Chart Speed and Pixels.
Power Output: Power output is the amount of sound energy emitted into the water by the sonar transmitter. Power output is measured using either RMS (Root Mean Square) or
Pulse Width (Pulse Length): Pulse Width is the length of time that a sonar sound burst is transmitted into the water. Shorter pulse widths provide better target separation, but cannot travel to great depths. Longer pulse widths provide better depth penetration, but result in poorer target separation. Humminbird?? varies pulse width based on depth to optimize both target separation and depth performance. See Target Separation.
QuadraBeam???: QuadraBeam??? is a Humminbird?? sonar configuration that uses four sonar beams for a more detailed bottom image. QuadraBeam??? uses the DualBeam PLUS??? configuration for downlooking, and also adds two additional beams to look to the left and right. The sonar beams pointing to the left and right provide the
ability to spot fish and structure over a wide 90?? area, and to identify on which side of the boat they are located. See DualBeam PLUS???.
Quick Disconnect Mount: The Quick Disconnect Mounting system is an exclusive Humminbird?? feature that permits the unit to be easily removed from the mounting base by pressing a release button, and
Real Time Sonar: Real Time Sonar is a Humminbird?? technology that delivers ultra- fast sonar transmitter/receiver operation and results in a more detailed instantaneous view of what is under the boat. The Real Time Sonar window is a vertical band at the right side of the display that shows the instantaneous sonar return from the transducer at a particular instant. The RTS?? Window menu option permits the user to adjust the window to show the full sonar signal return, or just a narrower band that indicates intensity using grayscale. Real Time Sonar relies on very fast Sonar Update Rate (Ping Speed). See Sonar Update Rate.
Receiver: See Transmitter.
Second Return: The Second Return is a term that describes the appearance of a second sonar return below the primary sonar return (bottom contour) at exactly twice the true depth. The second return is caused by the same sonar energy bouncing off the bottom once, rebounding to the water surface and then traveling back down to the bottom to be reflected again. Second returns are more common in shallow water and over hard bottoms; it is actually possible to see a third sonar return under some circumstances. The second return provides useful information to help determine bottom hardness, as areas with harder bottoms will generally create a second return. The second return can be used as a guide to set Sensitivity when in shallower water.
Sensitivity: Sensitivity is a user feature that adjusts the sensitivity of the sonar system to show more or less detail in the water. Higher sensitivities are often preferred; however, when the water contains debris (silt, storm debris, etc.) it can be difficult to pick out targets. Conversely, if sensitivity is set too low, relevant targets may be missed.
SONAR: SONAR is the acronym for SOund and NAvigation Ranging. Sonar technology uses precision sound bursts transmitted underwater to determine the distance and other attributes of objects in the water. Distance can be determined because the speed of sound in water is constant, and the time for the signal to return is measured. Sound also travels very quickly underwater, making sonar a responsive,
Sonar Echo Enhancement: Sonar Echo Enhancement is a Humminbird?? feature that describes the high degree of sonar sensitivity achieved through a combination of transmitter/receiver and software algorithms. The result of Sonar Echo Enhancement is to display virtually everything in the water that is of interest to the angler, including bait fish, game fish, thermoclines, weed beds, subtle structure, and more.
Sonar Update Rate: Sonar Update Rate is the number of times per second that the transmitter/receiver sends and receives sonar signals. A very fast sonar update rate collects more information and provides a more detailed image of the bottom, fish and structure. Many Humminbird?? units operate at up to 40 times per second when in single frequency operation. Due to the limitation of the speed of sound in water, the update rate begins to slow as depth increases to deeper than 50 feet. In very shallow water (less than 10 feet), however, update rates as much as 60 times per second can be achieved.
Speed: Speed is the rate at which the boat moves through the water. Boat speed can be measured as Speed Over Ground or Speed Through Water. Speed Over Ground is provided by GPS, and is the measurement of the boats progress across a given distance. Speed Through Water is provided by a speed paddlewheel, and is the measurement of the flow past the boat, which may vary depending on current speed and direction. Speed Through Water is most critical for anglers using downriggers, as it impacts the running depth of the down riggers. Speed Over Ground is optimal for navigation, as accurate destination times can be derived from this measurement. Humminbird?? products allow for input and display of both sources.
Structure: Structure is a general term for objects on the bottom that present a discontinuity and are a likely attractor for fish. This includes bottom contour features
a wide range of other potential objects (sunken boats, reefs). Humminbird?? units excel at showing structure with great detail over a wider area due to unique sonar configurations developed for the angler.
Structure ID??: Structure ID?? is a Humminbird?? feature that describes the traditional grayscale method of presenting sonar information. See Grayscale.
Surface Clutter: Surface Clutter is a phenomenon where sonar returns are reflected off of tiny objects near the surface of the water, including algae and even air bubbles. Typically, saltwater environments have significantly greater surface clutter than freshwater due to continuous wind and wave action that causes aeration at the surface. The Surface Clutter menu provides manual control to bias the default settings under extreme conditions.
Target Separation: Target Separation is the measurement of minimum distance that a fishfinder needs to be able to recognize two very close objects as two distinct targets (i.e. two fish hanging very close, or a fish hanging very close to structure). Humminbird?? findfinders provide a very good 2 1/2 inches of target separation in shallower than 100 feet of depth. Target separation decreases as depth increases due to the need for a longer Pulse Width to achieve greater depth. See Pulse Width.
Thermoclines: Thermoclines are water layer(s) of distinctly different temperatures that create a sonar reflection due to the density of the differing water temperatures. Typically a thermocline will appear as a continuous band across the display at some distance above the bottom contour. Thermoclines are of interest to anglers because fish will suspend above or below the thermocline as they seek the optimum temperature and oxygen levels.
Time Variable Gain: Time Variable Gain is a processing step applied to the sonar return to "normalize" the data so that objects of equal size (i.e. fish) appear to be the same size, even if they are separated by a good distance. Time Variable Gain is a fundamental attribute of good sonar.
Total Screen Update??: A Humminbird?? feature that refreshes and updates all the sonar information on the display when a range change occurs. Without Total Screen Update??, only the most recent sonar information would be drawn to the new range, and the old sonar information would continue to scroll off the screen at the old range.
Transducer: The transducer mounts on the boat and is in contact with the water. It converts the electrical energy from the transmitter into sound energy, forming the sonar beam. Internally, the transducer consists of one or more piezo electric disks that expand by very minute amounts to create the sound wave. This element also works in reverse, converting the returned sound energy back into an electrical signal that the receiver interprets. Transducers are available for many specific mounting applications for the boat, such as a transom mount, trolling motor mount, etc. Humminbird?? offers many sophisticated transducers, often with multiple piezo electric elements designed to form
Transmitter: The transmitter and receiver are matched parts of the sonar system that send (transmit) and listen to (receive) the sonar signals, and work in conjunction with the transducer. Humminbird?? transmitters have an extremely fast cycling design that can send signals up to 60 times per second, as well as produce the varying levels of power output needed for different depths and conditions. Additionally, the transmitter has the capability to create very precise sonar pulses needed for a high degree of target separation. Humminbird?? receivers are extremely sensitive, but within a narrow "bandwidth" to discriminate against noise from external sources. Additionally, the receiver offers a wide "dynamic range" which provides the ability to receive very strong signals alternating with very weak signals, without the strong signal overwhelming the weak signal. See Transducer and Noise.
TripLog: TripLog is a Humminbird?? feature that provides an
TrueArch??: TrueArch?? is a Humminbird?? feature that provides true fish arches, as opposed to artificial arches or symbols. Humminbird?? units are capable of producing fish arches due to the extremely sensitive DualBeam PLUS??? sonar receiver with its wide 60?? sonar beam. See Fish Arch.
Viewing Angle: Viewing Angle is an attribute of an LCD that characterizes visibility of the display when viewing from off the central axis, such as when standing to the side of the fishfinder. Wider viewing angles are better because the information remains visible even when viewing from the side.
WhiteLine??: WhiteLine?? is a Humminbird?? feature that highlights the strongest sonar return on the display using a very light gray band. This is preferred by some anglers who have grown accustomed to the feature on paper graph chart recorders.
WideSide??: WideSide?? is a Humminbird?? sonar configuration used in an optional transducer. WideSide?? uses three sonar beams pointing to the left, right and down. Beams pointing to the left and right are effective for spotting fish and structure near the surface or on the bank. The downlooking beam provides depth information directly below the boat.
Zoom: Zoom is a feature that focuses in on a smaller area of the bottom to provide enhanced resolution. With enhanced resolution, the angler can more easily see fish hanging in structure or multiple fish hanging close together. Split screen zoom divides the display into the full range view on the right, and the zoomed view on the left. Humminbird?? offers
Zoom, Bottom Lock: Bottom Lock Zoom is a feature that focuses on a smaller area just above the bottom to provide enhanced resolution. Unlike regular zoom, it continuously graphs the bottom at a constant point on the display regardless of changes in depth. This "flattens" out the bottom contour, but is effective at showing fish on or near the bottom, and is preferred by many saltwater anglers.
Contact Humminbird??
Contact the Humminbird?? Customer Resource Center in any of the following ways:
By Telephone
(Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Standard Time):
By
(typically we respond to your
custserv@johnsonoutdoors.com
For direct shipping, our address is:
Humminbird
Service Department
678 Humminbird Lane
Eufaula, AL 36027 USA