Lowrance Electronic Lms 522C Igps Users Manual 527C DF &

LMS-527cDF iGPS to the manual acf5b771-f2c3-a924-097c-567aae0c2a90

2015-02-05

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Pub. 988-0152-181

LMS-522c iGPS &
LMS-527cDF iGPS
Fish-finding Sonar & Mapping GPS

Installation and Operation
Instructions

No part of this manual may be copied, reproduced, republished, transmitted or distributed for any purpose, without prior written consent of
Lowrance. Any unauthorized commercial distribution of this
manual is strictly prohibited.
Lowrance® is a registered trademark of Lowrance Electronics, Inc.
MapCreate™, FreedomMaps™ and NauticPath™ are trademarks of
LEI. Fishing Hot Spots® is a registered trademark of Fishing Hot Spots
Inc. LakeMaster® and Pro Maps are trademarks or registered trademarks of WayPoint Technologies, Inc. Navionics® is a registered
trademark of Navionics, Inc. DURACELL® is a registered trademark of
Duracell, Inc. RAYOVAC® is a registered trademark of Rayovac Corporation. Energizer® and e2® are registered trademarks of Energizer Holdings, Inc.
Points of Interest Data in this unit are by infoUSA,
copyright © 2001-2006, All Rights Reserved. infoUSA is a
trademark of infoUSA, Inc.
Lowrance Electronics may find it necessary to change or end our policies, regulations and special offers at any time. We reserve the right to
do so without notice. All features and specifications subject to change
without notice. All screens in this manual are simulated. On the cover:
LMS-527CDF iGPS.
For free owner's manuals and the most current information on
this product, its operation and accessories,
visit our web site:

www.lowrance.com

Lowrance Electronics Inc.
12000 E. Skelly Dr.
Tulsa, OK USA 74128-2486
Printed in USA.

Table of Contents

Section 1: Read Me First! ......................................................... 1
Specifications: LMS-522c iGPS and LMS-527cDF iGPS ............. 3
How to use this manual: typographical conventions ................ 10
Section 2: Installation............................................................. 13
Preparations ................................................................................ 13
Transducer Installation .............................................................. 13
Single-frequency transom installations ............................. 14
Dual-frequency transom installations ............................... 14
Single-frequency trolling motor installations ................... 14
Shoot-through hull installations ........................................ 14
Selecting a Transducer Location ............................................ 14
How low should you go? .......................................................... 15
Shoot-thru-hull vs. Transom Mounting ................................. 16
Transom Transducer Assembly And Mounting .................... 17
Trolling Motor Bracket Installation (single-frequency only) 23
Transducer Orientation and Fish Arches.............................. 23
Shoot-Thru-Hull Preparation ................................................. 24
Hulls With Flotation Materials .......................................... 24
Testing Determines Best Location ......................................... 25
Shoot-thru-hull Installation ................................................... 27
Speed/Temperature Sensors ................................................. 28
Optional Speed Sensor Installation ....................................... 28
Power Connections ...................................................................... 30
Powering Your Display Unit ...................................................... 31
Power Diagram A ........................................................................ 32
Power Diagram B ........................................................................ 33
Powering a NMEA 2000 Network Bus ...................................... 33
Connecting to a NMEA 2000 Network .................................. 34
NMEA 0183 Wiring (Data cable) ........................................... 34
Mounting the Unit: Bracket or Portable ................................... 35
MMC or SD Card Memory Card Installation............................ 39
Other Accessories ........................................................................ 40
Cleaning Towel ........................................................................ 40
Face Cover ................................................................................... 41
Section 3: Basic Sonar Operation ........................................ 43
Keyboard ...................................................................................... 43
Power/lights on and off ............................................................... 44
Main Menu................................................................................... 44
Pages ............................................................................................ 46
Satellite Status Page............................................................... 46
Navigation Page ...................................................................... 47
Map Page ................................................................................. 47
i

Sonar Page ............................................................................... 48
Basic Sonar Quick Reference ............................................... 51
Sonar Operations ........................................................................ 52
Fish Symbols vs. Full Sonar Chart ........................................ 54
Other Free Training Aids ....................................................... 55
Section 4: Sonar Options........................................................ 57
ASP™ (Advanced Signal Processing) ......................................... 57
Alarms.......................................................................................... 58
Depth Alarms .......................................................................... 58
Zone Alarm .............................................................................. 59
Fish Alarm ............................................................................... 60
GPS Alarms ............................................................................. 61
NMEA 2000 Alarms .................................................................... 62
Calibrate Speed ........................................................................... 63
Chart Speed ................................................................................. 64
Colorline™ ................................................................................... 65
Depth Cursor ............................................................................... 66
Depth Range - Automatic ........................................................... 67
Depth Range - Manual................................................................ 67
Depth Range - Upper and Lower Limits ................................... 68
FasTrack™ ................................................................................... 69
Fish I.D.™ (Fish Symbols & Depths) ......................................... 70
FishTrack™.................................................................................. 72
Frequency (Change Frequency) (LMS-527cDF only)................ 72
HyperScroll™............................................................................... 73
Log Sonar Chart Data................................................................. 74
Noise Rejection ............................................................................ 75
Overlay Data ............................................................................... 75
Ping Speed & HyperScroll™ ....................................................... 78
Reset Options............................................................................... 79
Reset Water Distance.................................................................. 80
Set Keel Offset............................................................................. 80
Sensitivity & Auto Sensitivity.................................................... 81
Automatic Sensitivity ............................................................. 82
Sonar Chart Mode ....................................................................... 83
Sonar Page & Sonar Chart Display Options ............................. 84
Full Sonar Chart ..................................................................... 84
Split Zoom Sonar Chart .......................................................... 85
Split Frequency Sonar Chart (LMS-527cDF only)................ 85
Digital Data/Chart .................................................................. 86
Customize Page Displays........................................................ 86
Flasher ..................................................................................... 88
Sonar with Custom Gauges ........................................................ 88
ii

Sonar Simulator .......................................................................... 91
Stop Chart.................................................................................... 93
Surface Clarity ............................................................................ 94
Transparency............................................................................... 95
Upper and Lower Limits............................................................. 96
Zoom & Zoom Bar........................................................................ 96
Zoom Pan ..................................................................................... 96
Section 5: Sonar Troubleshooting ....................................... 97
Section 6: Basic GPS Operations ....................................... 101
Keyboard .................................................................................... 101
Power/lights on and off ............................................................. 102
Main Menu................................................................................. 102
Pages .......................................................................................... 104
Sonar Page ............................................................................. 104
Satellite Status Page............................................................. 104
Navigation Page .................................................................... 106
Map Page ............................................................................... 109
Background map vs. MapCreate map content .................... 110
Map with Sonar ..................................................................... 113
Map with Custom Gauges..................................................... 114
Radar.......................................................................................... 115
Basic GPS Quick Reference ................................................ 117
Find Your Current Position...................................................... 118
Moving Around the Map: Zoom & Cursor Arrow Keys........... 118
Selecting Any Map Item With the Cursor ............................... 119
Searching ................................................................................... 119
Set a Waypoint .......................................................................... 121
Navigate To a Waypoint ........................................................... 123
Set Man Overboard (MOB) Waypoint...................................... 123
Navigate Back to MOB Waypoint ............................................ 124
Navigate to Cursor Position on Map........................................ 124
Navigate to a Point of Interest ................................................. 126
Creating and Saving a Trail ..................................................... 126
Displaying a Saved Trail .......................................................... 128
Navigating Trails ...................................................................... 129
Visual Trailing....................................................................... 129
Navigate a Trail (forward).................................................... 129
Navigate a Back Trail (backtrack, or reverse) .................... 131
Transfer Custom Maps and GPS Data Files ........................... 132
Custom Maps: ........................................................................ 132
GPS Data files: ...................................................................... 132
Cancel Navigation ..................................................................... 134
Section 7: Advanced GPS Operations.............................. 135
iii

Find Distance from different Locations ................................... 135
Find Distance from Point to Point ........................................... 135
Icons ........................................................................................... 136
Create Icon on Map ............................................................... 136
Create Icon at Current Position ........................................... 136
Delete an Icon ........................................................................ 136
Navigate to an Icon ............................................................... 137
Routes ........................................................................................ 137
Create and Save a Route ...................................................... 138
Delete a Route ....................................................................... 140
Edit a Route Name ................................................................ 141
Edit Route Waypoints ........................................................... 141
Navigate a Route ................................................................... 142
Navigate a Route in Reverse ................................................ 142
Trails .......................................................................................... 143
Delete a Trail ......................................................................... 143
Edit a Trail Name ................................................................. 144
Edit a Trail Color .................................................................. 144
Edit a Trail Pattern............................................................... 144
Utilities ...................................................................................... 145
Alarm Clock ........................................................................... 145
Sun/Moon Rise & Set Calculator.......................................... 145
Trip Calculator ...................................................................... 145
Trip Down Timer ................................................................... 145
Trip Up Timer........................................................................ 145
Waypoints .................................................................................. 145
Delete a Waypoint ................................................................. 145
Edit a Waypoint..................................................................... 146
Selecting a Waypoint ............................................................ 147
Set a Waypoint by Average Position .................................... 148
Set a Waypoint by Projecting a Position.............................. 148
Section 8: System & GPS Setup Options .......................... 149
Alarms........................................................................................ 149
Auto Satellite Search ................................................................ 150
Check MMC Files and Storage Space...................................... 151
Communications Port Configuration ....................................... 151
Configure NMEA....................................................................... 152
Coordinate System Selection.................................................... 152
Map Fix ...................................................................................... 154
Customize Page Displays.......................................................... 155
GPS Simulator........................................................................... 156
Hide GPS Feature ..................................................................... 158
Initialize GPS ............................................................................ 158
iv

Map Auto Zoom ......................................................................... 159
Map Data ................................................................................... 159
Map Datum Selection................................................................ 161
Map Detail Category Selection................................................. 162
Map Orientation........................................................................ 162
NauticPath™ USA Marine Charts........................................... 164
Nautical Chart Notes ............................................................ 164
Port Information.................................................................... 165
Tidal Current Information.................................................... 166
Tide Information ................................................................... 168
Navionics® Charts ..................................................................... 169
Overlay Data ............................................................................. 170
Pop-up Help ............................................................................... 174
Reset Options............................................................................. 175
Screen Contrast and Brightness .............................................. 176
Set Language ............................................................................. 177
Set Local Time ........................................................................... 177
Show WAAS Alarm ................................................................... 178
Software Version Information .................................................. 179
Sounds and Alarm Sound Styles .............................................. 180
Track Smoothing ....................................................................... 181
Trail Options.............................................................................. 181
Transparency............................................................................. 184
Units of Measure ....................................................................... 185
Section 9: Searching.............................................................. 189
Find Streets ............................................................................... 190
Find Any Item Selected by Map Cursor .................................. 191
Find Interstate Highway Exits ................................................ 191
Find Map Places or Points of Interest (POI) ........................... 194
Find Streets or Intersections.................................................... 196
Find a Street .......................................................................... 196
Find an Intersection.............................................................. 197
Find Waypoints ......................................................................... 199
Section 10: NMEA 2000 ......................................................... 203
NMEA 2000 Menu..................................................................... 203
Internal GPS Receiver .............................................................. 203
To switch from internal GPS to LGC module.................. 203
Bus Setup................................................................................... 204
Engine & Tank Configuration.................................................. 205
Tank Select ........................................................................ 206
Tank Size ........................................................................... 206
Set Configuration button .................................................. 206
Device Configuration Menu.................................................. 207
v

Device Information and Device Data ................................... 207
Fuel Management Menu........................................................... 208
Tank Location .................................................................... 208
Fuel Added ......................................................................... 208
Add Fuel............................................................................. 209
Fill Tank............................................................................. 209
Adding Fuel to Tank ............................................................. 209
Engine Operations................................................................. 209
Engine Select ..................................................................... 209
NMEA 2000 Alarms .................................................................. 210
Waypoint Sharing ..................................................................... 211
Backlight Synchronization ....................................................... 211
Configuring EP Sensors............................................................ 212
EP-35 Temperature Configuration ...................................... 212
Advanced Options menu ....................................................... 213
Instance.............................................................................. 213
Restore Defaults ................................................................ 213
To restore default settings ................................................ 213
EP-10 Fuel Flow Configuration............................................ 213
Advanced Options menu ....................................................... 214
Instance.............................................................................. 214
Restore Defaults ................................................................ 214
EP-15 Fluid Level Configuration ......................................... 215
To input Device Name:...................................................... 215
To select Tank Instance (Location): ................................. 215
To select Fluid Type: ......................................................... 216
To input Tank Size: ........................................................... 216
Advanced Options menu ....................................................... 217
Instance.............................................................................. 217
Restore Defaults ................................................................ 217
To restore default settings: ............................................... 217
Suzuki Engine Interface Configuration............................... 218
Advanced Options menu ....................................................... 219
Instance.............................................................................. 219
Restore Defaults ................................................................ 219
To restore default settings: ............................................... 219
Calibrating EP Sensors............................................................. 220
EP-10 Fuel Flow Calibration................................................ 220
To check fuel flow accuracy:.............................................. 220
To calibrate an EP-10 Fuel Flow:..................................... 221
To Reset Calibration: ........................................................ 221
EP-15 Fluid Level Calibration ............................................. 221
2-Point Calibration............................................................ 221
vi

3-Point Calibration............................................................ 222
5-Point Calibration............................................................ 223
Engine Trim Calibration....................................................... 225
Reset Trim Calibration ......................................................... 226
Bennett Trim Tabs Calibration ............................................ 226
To calibrate Trim Tabs:..................................................... 226
To Reset Calibration: ........................................................ 227
Section 11: Supplemental Material ................................... 229

vii

NOTICE!
The storage and operation temperature range for your unit is from -20
degrees to +167 degrees Fahrenheit (-28 degrees to +75 degrees Celsius). Extended storage or operation in temperatures higher or lower
than specified will damage the liquid crystal display in your unit. This
type of damage is not covered by the warranty. For more information,
contact the factory's Customer Service Department; phone numbers are
listed on the last page of the manual.
WARNING!
A CAREFUL NAVIGATOR NEVER RELIES ON ONLY ONE METHOD
TO OBTAIN POSITION INFORMATION.

CAUTION
When showing navigation data to a position (waypoint), a GPS unit will show
the shortest, most direct path to the waypoint. It provides navigation data to the
waypoint regardless of obstructions. Therefore, the prudent navigator will not
only take advantage of all available navigation tools when traveling to a waypoint, but will also visually check to make sure a clear, safe path to the waypoint
is always available.

WARNING!
When a GPS unit is used in a vehicle, the vehicle operator is solely responsible for operating the vehicle in a safe manner. Vehicle operators
must maintain full surveillance of all pertinent driving, boating or flying
conditions at all times. An accident or collision resulting in damage to
property, personal injury or death could occur if the operator of a GPSequipped vehicle fails to pay full attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation while the vehicle is in motion.

viii

Section 1: Read Me First!
How this manual can get you out on the road, fast!
Welcome to the exciting world of digital sonar and GPS! We know
you're anxious to begin navigating and finding fish, but we have a favor
to ask. Before you grab the unit and begin installing it, please give us a
moment or two to explain how our manual can help you get the best
performance from your compact, wide-screen, combination fish finder
and mapping GPS receiver.
First, we want to thank you for buying a Lowrance sonar/GPS unit.
Whether you're a first time user or a professional fisherman, you'll discover that your unit is easy to use, yet capable of handling demanding
navigation and sonar tasks. When you team your unit with our custom
mapping software MapCreate™ 6, you have an incredible combination.
You won't find another combination GPS and sonar unit with this
much power and this many features for this price!
Our goal for this book is to get you on the water fast, with a minimum
of fuss. Like you, we'd rather spend more time boating or fishing and
less time reading the manual!
So, we designed our book so that you don't have to read the whole thing
from front to back for the information you want. At the start (or end) of
each segment, we'll tell you what content is coming up next. If it's a
concept you're already familiar with, we'll show you how and where to
skip ahead for the next important topic. We've also made it easy to look
up any tips you may need from time to time. Here's how:
The manual is organized into 10 sections. This first section is an introduction to the LMS-522c iGPS and LMS-527cDF iGPS. It tells you the
basics you need to know before you can make the unit look around and
tell you where you are, or look below the surface to find some fish.
Section 2 will help you install your unit, the transducer and the GPS
antenna module. We'll show you how to get the MultiMedia Card
(MMC) correctly installed inside the unit. We'll also tell you about some
of the available accessories.
Section 3 covers Basic Sonar Operation. It will show you how easy it is
to run your sonar, right out of the box. This section features a one-page
Sonar Quick Reference. (If you've already jumped ahead and figured out how to install the unit yourself, and you just can't wait
any longer, turn to the Quick Reference on page 51 and head
for the water!)
1

After you have gained some experience with your sonar, you'll want to
check out Section 4, which discusses more advanced Sonar Options and
Other Features.
When you come to a sonar menu command on your unit’s screen, you can
look it up in the manual by skimming over the table of contents, just flipping through Section 3 or scanning through the sonar options in Section 4.
If you're having difficulty with your sonar, you can find an answer to
the most common problems in Section 5, Sonar Troubleshooting.
The manual switches from sonar to navigation in Section 6, which introduces you to Basic GPS Operations. This section features a onepage GPS Quick Reference on page 117.
Section 6 contains short, easy-to-scan GPS lessons that follow one another in chronological order. They're all you'll need to know to find your
way on the water quickly.
After you've learned the basics (or if you already have some GPS experience), you may want to try out some of the unit’s many advanced
navigation features. That brings us to Section 7, Advanced GPS Operations. This section contains the rest of your unit’s GPS command functions.
When you come to a GPS menu command on the screen, you can look it
up in the manual by skimming over the table of contents, flipping
through Section 6 or scanning the command portion of Section 7.
Your unit is ready to use right out of the box, but you can fine tune and
customize it's operation with dozens of options. Since sonar is the unit's
key feature, we put the main sonar options in Section 4. Some options,
such as screen brightness settings, affect both sonar and GPS operations. We describe how to use those common options along with GPS
options in Section 8, System Setup and GPS Setup Options.
In Section 9, we go into more detail on one of the unit’s most remarkable
GPS capabilities — Searching. We'll introduce a search example in the
Basic GPS Operation section, but there are so many map items you can
search for, we had to give this function it's own section in the manual! For
example, did you know your unit can look up business phone numbers,
functioning as a virtual Yellow Pages? We’ll show you how in Section 9.
Finally, in Section 10, we offer Supplemental Material, including a list
of the GPS datums used, warranties and customer service information.
Now, if you're into the fine details, glance over the next segment on specifications to see just how much sonar and GPS power your unit contains.
2

It's important to us (and our power users), but, if you don't care how
many watts of power the unit has, or how many waypoints the your unit
can store, skip ahead to important information on how the sonar works,
on page 5. (Background on GPS begins on page 6.)

Specifications: LMS-522c iGPS and LMS-527cDF iGPS
General
Display: ............................5.0" (12.7 cm) diagonal high contrast color
Film SuperTwist LCD; programmable to
viewing preference.
Resolution: ......................480 pixel x 480 pixel resolution; 230,400 total pixels.
Backlighting: ..................Incandescent backlit screen with multiple
lighting levels; backlit keypad.
Input power: ...................10 to 15 volts DC.
Case size: .........................5.4" H x 6.9" W x 3.4" D (13.8 x 17.6 x 8.6
cm); sealed and waterproof; suitable for saltwater use.
MMC slots: .......................One with waterproof door (SD card compatible).
Recording: ........................ GPS uses MMC & SD cards for recording trip
details and displaying charts or custom maps.
Sonar uses them to record and save sonar
chart logs.
Back-up memory:...........Built-in memory stores sonar records and
GPS data for decades. User settings are
stored when unit is turned off.
Languages: ......................10; menu languages selectable by user.
Sonar
Frequency: ......................LMS-527cDF: 50/200 kHz.
LMS-522c: 200 kHz.
Transducers: .....................A dual-frequency Skimmer® transducer with
built-in temperature sensor is packed with the
LMS-527cDF. It has 35°/12° cone angles. A
single-frequency Skimmer transducer with
built-in temperature sensor is packed with the
LMS-522c. It has a 20° cone angle. Transducers operate at speeds up to 70 mph (61 kts).
3

Transmitter:....................3,000 watts peak-to-peak/375 watts RMS.
Sonar sounding
depth capability:............LMS-527cDF: 2,500 feet/762 meters.
LMS-522c: 1,000 feet/305 meters.
(Actual capability depends on transducer
configuration and installation, bottom composition and water conditions. All sonar
units typically read deeper in fresh water
than in salt water.)
Depth display: ................Continuous display.
Graph recording: ...........Up to 1 GB on one MMC (or SD) card
Audible alarms: ..............Deep/shallow/fish/zone.
Automatic ranging: .......Yes, with instant screen updates.
Auto bottom track: ........Yes
Zoom bottom track:.......Yes.
Split-screen zoom: .........Yes.
Surface water temp: .....Yes, built into transducer.
Speed/distance log: .......Yes, with optional speed sensor (sensor included with LMS-527cDF.)
GPS
Receiver/antenna:............Internal; Built in 12 parallel channel NMEA
2000-ready GPS/WAAS receiver/antenna.
Background map: ..........Built-in custom, detailed Lowrance map.
Contains: enhanced detail of continental U.S.
and Hawaii. Includes more than 60,000 nav
aids and 10,000 wrecks/obstructions in
coastal and Great Lakes waters. Metro areas, selected major streets/highways and interstate exit services details included.
Custom mapping:...........MapCreate™ 6 software optional; optional
plug and play LEI FreedomMaps™ offer the
same high-detail without the computer work
of MapCreate. Other plug and play mapping
options include IMS™ Fishing Hot Spots®,
LEI NauticPaths™ charts and Navionics®
charts.
4

Mapping memory: ...........Up to 1 GB on one MMC (or SD) card.
Position updates:...........Every second.
Position points: ..............1,000 waypoints; 1,000 event marker icons.
Audible alarms: ..............Arrival/off-course/anchor.
Graphic symbols for
waypoints or event
marker icons:..................42.
Routes: .............................100; up to 100 waypoints per route.
Plot Trails:.......................10 savable; up to 9,999 points per trail.
Zoom range: ....................39 ranges; 0.02 to 4,000 miles.
NOTE:
The above memory capacities refer only the unit’s on-board memory.
The amount of GPS or sonar data you can record and save for recall
later is only limited by the number of MMC cards you have.
NOTICE!
The storage temperature range for your unit is from -4 degrees to +167
degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees to +75 degrees Celsius). Extended storage in temperatures higher or lower than specified will damage the liquid crystal display in your unit. This type of damage is not covered by
the warranty. For more information, contact the factory's Customer
Service Department; phone numbers are listed on the last page.

How Lowrance Sonar Works
Sonar has been around since the 1940s, so if you already know how it
works, skip down to read about the relatively new technology of GPS.
But, if you've never owned a sonar fish finder, this segment will tell you
the under water basics.
Sonar is an abbreviation for SOund NAvigation and Ranging, a technology developed during World War II for tracking enemy submarines.
(Lowrance developed the world's first transistorized sportfishing sonar in
1957.) A sonar consists of a transmitter, transducer, receiver and display. In simple terms, here's how it finds the bottom, or the fish:
The transmitter emits an electrical impulse, which the transducer converts into a sound wave and sends into the water. (The sound frequency
can't be heard by humans or fish.) The sound wave strikes an object
(fish, structure, bottom) and bounces back to the transducer, which
converts the sound back into an electrical signal.
5

The receiver amplifies this return signal, or echo, and sends it to the
display, where an image of the object appears on the scrolling sonar
chart. The sonar's microprocessor calculates the time lapse between the
transmitted signal and echo return to determine the distance to the
object. The whole process repeats itself several times each second.
Your unit can record a log of the sonar signals that scroll across the
screen and save them to the MMC memory card. (These recordings are
also called sonar charts or sonar graphs.) You can replay this sonar log
in the unit using the Sonar Simulator function, or play it back on a personal computer using our free Sonar Viewer. The viewer is available for
download from the Lowrance web site, www.lowrance.com.
You can save several different sonar log files, erase 'em and record new
ones, over and over again. The size of your sonar recordings is only limited by the free space available on your MMC.

How Lowrance GPS Works
You'll navigate faster and easier if you understand how your unit scans
the sky to tell you where you are on the earth — and, where you're going. (But if you already have a working understanding of GPS receivers
and the GPS navigation system, skip ahead to Section 2, Installation &
Accessories on page 13. If you're new to GPS, read on, and you can later
impress your friends with your new-found knowledge.)
First, think of your unit as a small but powerful computer. (But don't
worry — we made the unit easy to use, so you don't need to be a computer expert to find your way!) It includes a keypad and a screen with
menus so you can tell it what to do. The screen also lets the unit show
your location on a moving map, as well as point the way to your destination.
This gimbal-mounted unit uses an external antenna/receiver module,
which makes the whole system work something like your car radio. But
instead of your favorite dance tunes, this receiver tunes in to a couple
of dozen GPS satellites circling the earth. (It will also listen in to the
WAAS satellites in orbit, but more about that in the upcoming segment
introducing you to GPS and WAAS.)
Your unit listens to signals from as many satellites as it can "see"
above the horizon, eliminates the weakest signals, then computes its
location in relation to those satellites. Once the unit figures its latitude
and longitude, it plots that position on the moving map shown on the
screen. The whole process takes place several times a second!

The performance doesn't stop there. Stored in the permanent memory
of each unit is a basic background map of the entire world. We lock it in
here at the factory — you can't change or erase this map.
The background map is suitable for many navigation chores, but for
maximum accuracy and much more detail, you need our optional mapmaking software, MapCreate™ 6. Some unit features — such as searching for businesses and addresses — won't work without a custom MapCreate map. There is so much detail in our background map (and even
more in MapCreate) that we'll describe their contents and differences
in Section 6, Basic GPS Operations, on page 101.
Another portion of the unit’s onboard memory is devoted to recording
GPS navigation information, which includes waypoints, event marker
icons, trails and routes. This lets you look back the way you came.
Think of this data storage like the hard drive memory in a computer or
a tape in a cassette tape recorder. You can save several different GPS
data files, erase 'em and record new ones, over and over again.
Your unit has one more thing in common with a personal computer.
Just as computers have a floppy disk drive for storing and exchanging
files, the unit has a slot for an MMC (MultiMedia Card) or SDC (Secure
Digital card) flash memory card. These solid-state memory devices are
about the size of a postage stamp, but can hold data ranging from 8 MB
to 1 GB. (Compare that to a floppy disk's 1.44 MB capacity!) Your unit
uses all that MMC space for two key GPS purposes. (The MMC is also
used to record sonar logs.)
First, you can backup your onboard GPS Data Files by copying them to
the MMC. Since the MMC is removable (like a floppy disk or a cassette
tape), you can store these GPS Data Files on a personal computer
equipped with an MMC card reader. (Or store them on a pocketful of
MMCs, if you don't have a computer.) Our MapCreate mapping software
can save, edit or create its own GPS Data Files, which can be copied to
the MMC and then loaded from the MMC into unit’s memory. (NOTE:
No matter where they come from, GPS Data Files must be loaded from
the MMC into memory before your unit can use them.)
The other key GPS use for MMCs is storage of special high-detail, custom maps, which you can produce on your computer with our MapCreate software. These MapCreate custom maps contain much greater detail than the basic background map. These Custom Map Files (file
format *.lcm) not only may be shared between the LMS-522c and
527cDF, but also with other Lowrance GPS and sonar/GPS units as
well as personal computers. (For example, the exact same MMC, cus7

tom map files and GPS data files can be used interchangeably between
your gimbal-mounted unit and the hand-held iFINDER™ GPS receiver.)
Your unit automatically reads Custom Map Files directly from the
MMC or SDC. To use a custom map, all you need to do is slide an MMC
containing a map into the unit.

Introduction to GPS and WAAS
Well, now you know the basics of how your unit does its work. You
might be ready to jump ahead to Section 2, Installation & Accessories,
on page 13, so you can mount your unit and plug in the power. Or you
might want to see how our text formatting makes the manual tutorials
easy to skim. If that's the case, move on to "How to Use This Manual"
on page 10. But, if you want to understand the current state of satellite
navigation, look over this segment describing how GPS and its new
companion WAAS work together to get you where you're going.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) was launched July 17, 1995 by
the United States Department of Defense. It was designed as a 24hour-a-day, 365-days-a-year, all weather global navigation system for
the armed forces of the U.S. and its allies. Civilian use was also available at first, but it was less accurate because the military scrambled
the signal somewhat, using a process called Selective Availability (SA.)
GPS proved so useful for civilian navigation that the federal government discontinued SA on May 2, 2000, after the military developed
other methods to deny GPS service to enemy forces. Reliable accuracy
for civilian users jumped from 100 meters (330 feet) under SA to the
present level of 10 to 20 meters (about 30 to 60 feet.)
Twenty-four satellites orbit 10,900 nautical miles above the Earth, passing overhead twice daily. A series of ground stations (with precisely surveyed locations) controls the satellites and monitors their exact locations
in the sky. Each satellite broadcasts a low-power signal that identifies
the satellite and its position above the earth. Three of these satellites are
spares, unused until needed. The rest virtually guarantee that at least
four satellites are in view nearly anywhere on Earth at all times.

A minimum of three satellites are required to determine a 2D fix.

The system requires signal reception from three satellites in order to
determine a position. This is called a 2D fix. It takes four satellites to
determine both position and elevation (your height above sea level —
also called altitude.) This is called a 3D fix.
Remember, the unit must have a clear view of the satellites in order to
receive their signals. Unlike radio or television signals, GPS works at
very high frequencies. These signals can be easily blocked by trees,
buildings, an automobile roof, even your body.
Like most GPS receivers, the unit doesn’t have a compass or any other
navigation aid built inside. It relies solely on the signals from the satellites to calculate a position. Speed, direction of travel, and distance are
all calculated from position information. Therefore, in order it to determine direction of travel, you must be moving and the faster, the better. This is not to say that it won’t work at walking or trolling speeds —
it will. There will simply be more "wandering" of the data shown on the
display.
GPS alone is plenty accurate for route navigation, but the U.S. Federal
Aviation Administration has special aircraft navigation needs that go
beyond basic GPS. So, the FAA has developed a program to boost GPS
performance with its Wide Area Augmentation System, or WAAS. The
FAA commissioned the system on July 11, 2003.
WAAS is designed to increase GPS accuracy to within 7.6 meters vertically
and horizontally, but it consistently delivers accuracies within 1-2 meters
horizontal and 2-3 meters vertical, according to the FAA. It does this by
broadcasting correction signals on GPS frequencies. Your unit automatically receives both GPS and WAAS signals.
9

However, there are some fringe areas of the U.S., including parts of
Alaska, that do not yet receive robust WAAS coverage. Continued WAAS
development is planned to extend WAAS coverage in the years to come.
WAAS boosts the accuracy of land GPS navigation, but the system is
designed for aircraft. The satellites are in a fixed orbit around the
Equator, so they appear very low in the sky to someone on the ground
in North America. Aircraft and vessels on open water can get consistently good WAAS reception, but terrain, foliage or even large man-made
structures can sometimes block the WAAS signal from ground receivers.
You'll find that using your GPS receiver is both easy and amazingly
accurate. It’s easily the most accurate method of electronic navigation
available to the general public today. Remember, however, that this
receiver is only a tool. Always have another method of navigation available, such as a map or chart and a compass.
Also remember that this unit will always show navigation information
in the shortest line from your present position to a waypoint, regardless
of terrain! It only calculates position, it can’t know what’s between you
and your destination, for example. It’s up to you to safely navigate
around obstacles, no matter how you’re using this product.

How to use this manual: typographical conventions
Many instructions are listed as numbered steps. The keypad and arrow
"keystrokes" appear as boldface type. So, if you're in a real hurry (or
just need a reminder), you can skim the instructions and pick out what
menu command to use by finding the boldface command text. The following paragraphs explain how to interpret the text formatting for
those commands and other instructions:
Arrow Keys
The arrow keys control the movement of dotted crosshairs lines on your
mapping screen called the cursor. The arrow keys also control a horizontal line depth cursor on the sonar screen. The arrow keys help you
move around the menus so you can execute different commands. They
are represented by symbols like these, which denote the down arrow
key, the up arrow, the left arrow and the right arrow: ↓ ↑ ← →.

Keyboard
The other keys perform a variety of functions. When the text refers to a
key to press, the key is shown in bold, sans serif type. For example, the
"Enter/Icons" key is shown as ENT and the "Menu" key is shown as MENU.
Menu Commands
A menu command or a menu option will appear in small capital letters, in
a bold sans serif type like this: ROUTE PLANNING. These indicate that you
are to select this command or option from a menu or take an action of
some kind with the menu item. Text that you may need to enter or file
names you need to select are show in italic type, such as trail name.
Instructions = Menu Sequences
Most functions you perform with your unit are described as a sequence
of key strokes and selecting menu commands. We've written them in a
condensed manner for quick and easy reading.
For example, instructions for navigating a trail would look like this:
1. From the Map Page, press MENU|MENU|↓ to MY TRAILS|ENT.
2. Press ↓ to Trail 1|ENT|→|↓ to NAVIGATE|ENT.
3. You are asked to wait while it converts the trail into a route.
4. The wait message disappears and the unit begins showing
navigation information along the trail..
Translated into complete English, step 1 above would mean: "Start on
the Map Page. Press the Menu key twice. Next, repeatedly press (or
press and hold) the down arrow key to scroll down the menu and select
(highlight) the My Trails menu command. Finally, press the Enter key."
Step 2 would mean: "Press the down arrow key repeatedly to scroll to
the trail named Trail 1, and press Enter. Next, press the right arrow
key and then the down arrow key to highlight the Navigate command,
then press Enter."

Notes

Section 2: Installation
Preparations
You can install the sonar and GPS systems in some other order if you
prefer, but we recommend this installation sequence:
Caution:
You should read over this entire installation section before drilling any holes in your vehicle or vessel!
1. Determine the approximate location for the sonar/GPS unit, so you
can plan how and where to route the cables for the antenna, transducer
and power. This will help you make sure you have enough cable length
for the desired configuration.
2. Determine the approximate location for the transducer and its cable
route.
3. Determine the approximate location for the GPS antenna module
and its cable route.
4. Determine the location of your battery or other power connection,
along with the power cable route.
5. Install the transducer and route the transducer cable to the sonar/GPS unit.
6. Install the GPS antenna and route the antenna cable to the sonar/GPS unit.
7. Install the power cable and route it to the sonar/GPS unit.
8. Mount the sonar/GPS unit to the bracket.

Transducer Installation
These instructions will help you install your Skimmer® transducer on a
transom, on a trolling motor or inside a hull. These instructions cover
both single- and dual-frequency Skimmer transducers. Please read all
instructions before proceeding with any installation.
The smaller single-frequency Skimmers typically use a one-piece,
stainless steel mounting bracket. The larger dual-frequency Skimmers
typically use a two-piece, plastic mounting bracket. The trolling motor
mount uses a one-piece plastic bracket with an adjustable strap.
These are all "kick-up" mounting brackets. They help prevent damage
if the transducer strikes an object while the boat is moving. If the
transducer does "kick-up," the bracket can easily be pushed back into
place without tools.
13

Read these instructions carefully before attempting the installation.
Determine which of the mounting positions is right for your boat. Remember, the transducer installation is the most critical part of
a sonar installation.
NOTE:
The following installation types also call for these recommended
tools and required supplies that you must provide (supplies listed
here are not included):
Single-frequency transom installations

Tools include: two adjustable wrenches, drill, #29 (0.136") drill bit, flathead screwdriver. Supplies: high quality, marine grade above- or belowwaterline sealant/adhesive compound.
Dual-frequency transom installations

Tools: two adjustable wrenches, drill, #20 (0.161") drill bit, flat-head
screwdriver. Supplies: four, 1" long, #12 stainless steel slotted wood
screws, high quality, marine grade above- or below-waterline sealant/adhesive compound.
Single-frequency trolling motor installations

Tools: two adjustable wrenches, flat-head screwdriver. Supplies: plastic
cable ties.
Shoot-through hull installations

Tools: these will vary depending on your hull's composition. Consult your
boat dealer or manufacturer. Other tools are a wooden craft stick or
similar tool for stirring and applying epoxy, and a paper plate or piece
of cardboard to mix the epoxy on. Supplies: rubbing alcohol, 100 grit
sandpaper, specially formulated epoxy adhesive available from LEI (see
ordering information on the inside back cover). A sandwich hull also
requires polyester resin.
Selecting a Transducer Location
1. The location must be in the water at all times, at all operating speeds.
2. The transducer must be placed in a location that has a smooth flow
of water at all times. If the transducer is not placed in a smooth flow
of water, interference caused by bubbles and turbulence will show on
the sonar's display in the form of random lines or dots whenever the
boat is moving.
NOTE:
Some aluminum boats with strakes or ribs on the outside of the
hull create large amounts of turbulence at high speed. These boats
typically have large outboard motors capable of propelling the boat
14

at speeds faster than 35 mph. Typically, a good transom location on
aluminum boats is between the ribs closest to the engine.
3. The transducer should be installed with its face pointing straight
down, if possible. For shoot-thru applications: Many popular fishing
boat hulls have a flat keel pad that offers a good mounting surface. On
vee hulls, try to place the transducer where the deadrise is 10° or less.
Deadrise less than 10°

Strakes
Pad
Left, vee pad hull; right, vee hull. A pod style transducer is shown
here, but the principle is the same for Skimmers inside a hull.

4. If the transducer is mounted on the transom, make sure it doesn't
interfere with the trailer or hauling of the boat. Also, don't mount it
closer than approximately one foot from the engine's lower unit. This
will prevent cavitation (bubble) interference with propeller operation.
5. If possible, route the transducer cable away from other wiring on the
boat. Electrical noise from engine wiring, bilge pumps and aerators
can be displayed on the sonar's screen. Use caution when routing the
transducer cable around these wires.
CAUTION: Clamp the transducer cable to transom near
the transducer. This will help
prevent the transducer from
entering the boat if it is
knocked off at high speed.
Good location

Poor location
Good
location

Good location
Poor angle
Good and poor transducer locations.

How low should you go?
For most situations, you should install your Skimmer transducer so
that its centerline is level with the bottom of the boat hull.
15

This will usually give you the best combination of smooth water flow
and protection from bangs and bumps.
Transducer
centerline

Transom

Hull bottom
Align transducer centerline with hull bottom.

However, there are times when you may need to adjust the transducer
slightly higher or lower. (The slots in the mounting brackets allow you
to loosen the screws and slide the transducer up or down.) If you frequently lose bottom signal lock while running at high speed, the transducer may be coming out of the water as you cross waves or wakes.
Move the transducer a little lower to help prevent this.
If you cruise or fish around lots of structure and cover, your transducer
may be frequently kicking up from object strikes. If you wish, you may
move the transducer a little higher for more protection.
There are two extremes you should avoid. Never let the edge of the
mounting bracket extend below the bottom of the hull. Never let the
bottom – the face – of the transducer rise above the bottom of the hull.
Shoot-thru-hull vs. Transom Mounting
In a shoot-thru-hull installation, the transducer is bonded to the inside
of the hull with epoxy. The sonar "ping" signal actually passes through
the hull and into the water. This differs from a bolt-thru-hull installation (often called simply "thru-hull"). In that case, a hole is cut in the
hull and a specially designed transducer is mounted through the hull
with a threaded shaft and nut. This puts the transducer in direct contact with the water.
Typically, shoot-thru-hull installations give excellent high speed operation and good to excellent depth capability. There is no possibility of
transducer damage from floating objects, as there is with a transommounted transducer. A transducer mounted inside the hull can't be
knocked off when docking or loading on a trailer.
However, the shoot-thru-hull installation does have its drawbacks.
First, some loss of sensitivity does occur, even on the best hulls. This
varies from hull to hull, even from different installations on the same
hull. This is caused by differences in hull lay-up and construction.
16

Second, the transducer angle cannot be adjusted for the best fish
arches on your sonar display. (This is not an issue for flasher-style
sonars.) Lack of angle adjustment can be particularly troublesome on
hulls that sit with the bow high when at rest or at slow trolling speeds.
Third, a transducer CAN NOT shoot through wood and metal hulls.
Those hulls require either a transom mount or a thru-hull installation.
Fourth, if your Skimmer transducer has a built in temp sensor, it will
only show the temperature of the bilge, not the water surface temp.
Follow the testing procedures listed in the shoot-thru-hull installation
section at the end of this lesson to determine if you can satisfactorily
shoot through the hull.
Transom Transducer Assembly And Mounting
The best way to install these transducers is to loosely assemble all of the
parts first, place the transducer's bracket against the transom and see if
you can move the transducer so that it's parallel with the ground.
The following instructions sometimes vary depending on the mounting
bracket that came with your transducer. Single-frequency Skimmers
come with a one-piece stainless steel bracket, while dual-frequency
Skimmers come with a two-piece plastic mounting bracket. Use the set of
instructions that fits your model.
1. Assembling the bracket.
A. One-piece bracket: Press the two small plastic ratchets into the
sides of the metal bracket as shown in the following illustration. Notice
there are letters molded into each ratchet. Place each ratchet into the
bracket with the letter "A" aligned with the dot stamped into the metal
bracket. This position sets the transducer's coarse angle adjustment for a
14° transom. Most outboard and stern-drive transoms have a 14° angle.

Dot

Align plastic ratchets in bracket.

B. Two-piece bracket: Locate the four plastic ratchets in the transducer's hardware package. Press two ratchets into the sides of the plastic bracket and two on either side of the transducer as shown in the following illustrations. Notice there are letters molded into each ratchet.
17

Place the ratchets into the bracket with the letter "A" aligned with the
alignment mark molded into the bracket. Place the ratchets onto the
transducer with the letter "A" aligned with the 12 o'clock position on
the transducer stem. These positions set the transducer's coarse angle
adjustment for a 14° transom. Most outboard and stern-drive transoms
have a 14° angle.

Alignment letters
Alignment
positions

Transducer
Transducer bracket
Insert and align ratchets.
Transducer
Transducer
bracket

Ratchet

Add ratchets to bracket and transducer.

2. Aligning the transducer on the transom.
A. One-piece bracket: Slide the transducer between the two ratchets. Temporarily slide the bolt though the transducer assembly and
hold it against the transom. Looking at the transducer from the side,
check to see if it will adjust so that its face is parallel to the ground.
If it does, then the "A" position is correct for your hull.
18

If the transducer's face isn't parallel with the ground, remove the
transducer and ratchets from the bracket. Place the ratchets into the
holes in the bracket with the letter "B" aligned with the dot stamped
in the bracket.
Reassemble the transducer and bracket and place them against the
transom. Again, check to see if you can move the transducer so it's
parallel with the ground. If you can, then go to step 3A. If it doesn't,
repeat step 2A, but use a different alignment letter until you can
place the transducer on the transom correctly.

Ratchets

Insert bolt and check transducer position on transom.

B. Two-piece bracket: Assemble the transducer and bracket as shown
in the following figure. Temporarily slide the bolt though the transducer
assembly but don't tighten the nut at this time. Hold the assembled
transducer and bracket against the transom. Looking at the transducer
from the side, check to see if it will adjust so that its face is parallel to
the ground. If it does, then the "A" positions are correct for your hull.
If the transducer's face isn't parallel with the ground, remove and
disassemble the transducer and ratchets. Place the ratchets into the
bracket holes with the letter "B" aligned with the bracket alignment
mark. Place them on the transducer aligned with the 12 o'clock position on the transducer stem.
Reassemble the transducer and bracket and place them against the
transom. Again, check to see if you can move the transducer so it's
parallel with the ground. If you can, then go to step 3B. If it doesn't,
repeat step 2B, but use a different alignment letter until you can
place the transducer on the transom correctly.

Lock washer

Bolt

Nut
Flat washer

Flat washer

Assemble transducer and bracket.

3. Assembling the transducer.
A. One-piece bracket: Once you determine the correct position for
the ratchets, assemble the transducer as shown in the following figure. Don't tighten the lock nut at this time.
Metal
washer

Nut

Rubber
washers

Metal washer
Bolt

Assemble transducer and bracket.

B. Two-piece bracket: Once you determine the correct position for
the ratchets, assemble the transducer as shown in the figure in step
2B. Don't tighten the lock nut at this time.
4. Drilling mounting holes.
Hold the transducer and bracket assembly against the transom. The
transducer should be roughly parallel to the ground. The transducer's centerline should be in line with the bottom of the hull. Don't
let the bracket extend below the hull!
Mark the center of each slot for the mounting screw pilot holes. You
will drill one hole in the center of each slot.
Drill the holes. For the one-piece bracket, use the #29 bit (for the #10
screws). For the two-piece bracket, use the #20 bit (for the #12 screws).
20

Transom
Transom

Position transducer mount on transom and mark mounting holes.
Side view shown, left, and seen from above at right.

5. Attaching transducer to transom.
A. One-piece bracket: Remove the transducer from the bracket and
re-assemble it with the cable passing through the bracket over the
bolt as shown in the following figures.

For single-frequency Skimmer, route cable over bolt and through
bracket. Side view shown, left, and seen from above at right.

Both bracket types: Attach the transducer to the transom. Slide the
transducer up or down until it's aligned properly with the bottom of
the hull as shown in the preceding and following figures. Tighten the
bracket's mounting screws, sealing them with the sealant.
Adjust the transducer so that it's parallel to the ground and tighten
the nut until it touches the outer washer, then add 1/4 turn. Don't
over tighten the lock nut! If you do, the transducer won't "kick-up" if
it strikes an object in the water.

Bottom
of
hull

Flat-bottom hull
Deep-"vee" hull
Align transducer centerline with hull bottom and attach transducer to
transom. Rear view of dual-frequency Skimmer shown.

6. Route the transducer cable through or over the transom to the sonar
unit. Make sure to leave some slack in the cable at the transducer. If
possible, route the transducer cable away from other wiring on the
boat. Electrical noise from the engine's wiring, bilge pumps, VHF radio
wires and cables, and aerators can be picked up by the sonar. Use caution when routing the transducer cable around these wires.
WARNING:
Clamp the transducer cable to the transom close to the
transducer. This can prevent the transducer from entering the boat if it is knocked off at high speed.
If you need to drill a hole in the transom to pass the connector through,
the required hole size be 1".
Caution:
If you drill a hole in the transom for the cable, make sure it is
located above the waterline. After installation, be sure to seal the
hole with the same marine grade above- or below-waterline sealant used for the mounting screws.
7. Make a test run to determine the results. If the bottom is lost at
high speed, or if noise appears on the display, try sliding the transducer bracket down. This puts the transducer deeper into the water,
hopefully below the turbulence causing the noise. Don't allow the
transducer bracket to go below the bottom of the hull!

Trolling Motor Bracket Installation
(single-frequency only)
1. Attach the optional TMB-S bracket to the transducer as shown in the
following figure, using the hardware supplied with the transducer.
(Note: The internal tooth washer is supplied with the TMB-S.)
Internal tooth washer
Bolt

TMB-S bracket

Nut

Flat washer
Attach motor mounting bracket to transducer.

2. Slide the adjustable strap supplied with the TMB-S through the slot
in the transducer bracket and wrap it around the trolling motor. Position the transducer to aim straight down when the motor is in the
water. Tighten the strap securely.
3. Route the transducer cable alongside the trolling motor shaft. Use
plastic ties (not included) to attach the transducer cable to the trolling motor shaft. Make sure there is enough slack in the cable for the
motor to turn freely. Route the cable to the sonar unit and the transducer is ready for use.

Transducer mounted on trolling motor, side view.

Transducer Orientation and Fish Arches
If you do not get good fish arches on your display, it could be because
the transducer is not parallel with the ground when the boat is at rest
in the water or at slow trolling speeds.
23

Partial fish arches

Transducer aimed
too far back

Transducer aimed
too far forward

Full fish arch
Proper transducer angle
Transducer angles and their effects on fish arches.

If the arch slopes up – but not back down – then the front of the transducer is too high and needs to be lowered. If only the back half of the
arch is printed, then the nose of the transducer is angled too far down
and needs to be raised.
NOTE:
Periodically wash the transducer's face with soap and water to remove any oil film. Oil and dirt on the face will reduce the sensitivity or may even prevent operation.
Shoot-Thru-Hull Preparation
Hulls With Flotation Materials

The transducer installation inside a fiberglass hull must be in an area
that does not have air bubbles in the resin or separated fiberglass layers. The sonar signal must pass through solid fiberglass. A successful
transducer installation can be made on hulls with flotation materials
(such as plywood, balsa wood or foam) between layers of fiberglass if
the material is removed from the chosen area. See the following figure.
24

WARNING:
Do not remove any material from your inner hull unless
you know the hull's composition. Careless grinding or
cutting on your hull can result in damage that could
sink your boat. Contact your boat dealer or manufacturer to confirm your hull specifications.
Fill with
Fill with resin
Inner hull

Flotation material

Epoxy to hull first

Outer hull

Epoxy the transducer to a solid portion of the hull.

For example, some (but not all) manufacturers use a layer of fiberglass,
then a core of balsa wood, finishing with an outer layer of fiberglass.
Removing the inner layer of fiberglass and the balsa wood core exposes
the outer layer of fiberglass. The transducer can then be epoxied directly to the outer layer of fiberglass. After the epoxy cures for 24
hours, fill the remaining space with polyester resin. When the job is
finished, the hull is watertight and structurally sound. Remember, the
sonar signal must pass through solid fiberglass. Any air bubbles in the
fiberglass or the epoxy will reduce or eliminate the sonar signals.
Testing Determines Best Location
Ideally, the shoot-thru transducer should be installed as close to the
transom as possible, close to the centerline. This will give you the best
performance during high speed maneuvers.
Transducer location
(high speed)

Transducer location
(trolling speed)

Shoot-thru-hull transducer locations for
high speed or trolling speed operation.

To choose the proper location for shoot-thru-hull mounting, follow these
testing procedures: (You may need a helper to complete these steps.)
1. Anchor the boat in about 30 feet of water. Add a little water to the sump
of the boat. Plug the transducer into the sonar unit, turn it on, then
hold the transducer over the side of the boat in the water. Adjust the
sensitivity and range controls until a second bottom echo is seen on the
display. (You'll need to turn off Auto Sensitivity, Auto Depth Range and
ASP™. Try a range setting that is two to three times the water depth.
The harder (more rocky) the bottom, the easier it will be to get a second
bottom signal.) Don't touch the controls once they've been set.
True bottom

Second bottom

Manual range setting

Example of a second bottom signal. Unit is in 30 feet of water, with
range set at 80 feet and sensitivity set at 87 percent.

2. Next, take the transducer out of the water and place it in the water in
the sump of the boat, face down. (The transducer face is shown in the
figure on the following page.) Notice how the signal strength decreases.
The second bottom signal will probably disappear and the bottom signal intensity will likely decrease.
3. Now move the transducer around to find the best location with the
strongest possible bottom signal. If you find a spot with an acceptable
bottom signal, mark the location and move on to step 4.
If you can't get an acceptable bottom signal, try turning up the sensitivity by three or five keystrokes and then move the transducer around
once more. If you find a spot that works, mark it and move on to step 4.
If you have to turn up sensitivity by more than five keystrokes to get a
good signal, the transducer should be mounted on the outside of the
hull. This is especially true if you have to turn sensitivity all the way
up to get a decent bottom signal.
4. Most people get good results by following steps 1 through 3, so this step
is optional. If you want to make an extra effort to be absolutely sure
26

that your selected location will work under all conditions, make a test
run with the boat on plane and observe the bottom signal. You'll need to
figure some way to prop the transducer into position while you make
your test run. (A brick or two might be sufficient to hold it in place.)
5. When you're satisfied with a location, mark it and proceed with
the installation.
Shoot-thru-hull Installation
If you are installing the transducer on a hull with floatation material
sandwiched within the hull, refer to the text "Hulls With Flotation Materials" beginning on page 24.
1. Make sure the area is clean, dry and free of oil or grease, then sand
both the inside surface of the hull and the face of the transducer with
100 grit sandpaper. The sanded hull area should be about 1-1/2 times
the diameter of the transducer. The surface of the hull must be flat
so the entire transducer face is in contact with the hull prior to bonding. After sanding, clean the hull and transducer with rubbing alcohol to remove any sanding debris.
Spread epoxy here

Sand this surface
(unit's face)
Orient the Skimmer
with the nose facing
the bow of the boat.
To bow

Epoxy transducer to hull.

WARNING:
Use only the epoxy available from LEI. It has been formulated to work with these installation procedures.
Other epoxy types may be too thin or may not cure to
the right consistency for optimum transducer performance.
27

2. The epoxy consists of the epoxy itself and a hardener. Remove the
two compounds from the package and place them on the paper plate.
Thoroughly stir the two compounds together until the mixture has a
uniform color and consistency. Do not mix too fast or bubbles will
form in the epoxy. After mixing, you have 20 minutes to complete the
installation before the epoxy becomes unworkable.
Spread a thin layer of epoxy (about 1/16" or 1.5 mm thick) on the face
of the transducer as shown in the previous figure. Make sure there
are no air pockets in the epoxy layer! Then, apply the remaining epoxy to the sanded area on the hull.
3. Press the transducer into the epoxy, twisting and turning it to force
any air bubbles out from under the transducer face. Stop pressing
when you bottom out on the hull. When you're finished, the face of
the transducer should be parallel with the hull, with a minimum
amount of epoxy between the hull and transducer.
4. Apply a weight, such as a brick, to hold the transducer in place while
the epoxy cures. Be careful not to bump the transducer while the epoxy is wet. Leave the weight in place for a minimum of three hours.
Allow the epoxy to cure for 24 hours before moving the boat.
5. After the epoxy has cured, route the cable to the sonar unit and it's
ready to use.

Speed/Temperature Sensors
Optional Speed Sensor Installation
All the units in this series can display speed and distance traveled, but
only the LMS-527cDF comes packed with a speed sensor. If you wish to
purchase an optional additional sensor for your unit, refer to the accessory ordering information inside the back cover of this manual. The
following instructions describe how to install the speed sensor.
Recommended tools for this job include: drill, 7/8" drill bit, 1/8" drill bit
for pilot holes, screwdriver. Required supplies for this job include: four
#8 stainless steel wood screws (3/4" long), high quality, marine grade
above- or below-waterline sealant.
First find a location on the boat's transom where the water flow is
smoothest. Don't mount the sensor behind strakes or ribs. These will
disturb the water flow to the speed sensor. Make sure the sensor will
remain in the water when the boat is on plane. Also make sure the location doesn't interfere with the boat's trailer. Typically, the sensor is
mounted about one foot to the side of the transom's centerline.
28

Once you've determined the proper location for the unit, place the sensor on the transom. The bottom of the bracket should be flush with the
hull's bottom. Using the sensor as a template, mark the hull for the
screws' pilot holes. Drill four 1/8" holes, one in each end of the slots.
Mount the sensor to the hull using #8 stainless steel wood screws (not
included). Use a high quality, marine grade above- or below-waterline
sealant to seal the screws. Make sure the sensor is flush with the bottom of the hull and tighten the screws.

Good location
Stern view showing good location for mounting sensor on transom.
Transom

Bottom of hull

Speed sensor mounting configuration:
side view (left) and rear view (right.)

If the base of the transom has a radius, fill the gap between the transom and the sensor with the sealant. This will help ensure a smooth
water flow.
Route the sensor's cable through or over the transom to the sonar unit.
If you need to drill a hole in the transom to pass the connector through,
the required hole size is 7/8".
CAUTION:
If you drill a hole in the transom for the cable, make sure it is
located above the waterline. After installation, be sure to seal the
hole with the same marine grade above- or below-waterline sealant used for the screws.

The sensor is now ready for use. Connect the sensor to the sonar socket
on the back of your unit and connect the transducer to the speed sensor's socket. If you have any questions concerning the installation of
the sensor, please contact your local boat dealer.

Power Connections
Your unit comes with a power/data cable that splits into three
branches, each with several exposed wires.
The thicker three-wire cable (white, red and black) is the power supply
for your display unit. This cable has no label.
The thinner branch with three wires (red, black and shield) is the
power cable for a NMEA 2000 network. It is labeled "NMEA 2000
POWER."
The branch with four wires (blue, yellow, orange, and shield) is a data
cable, labeled "RS-232 COMM." It supports a serial communication
port. This allows your unit to exchange NMEA 0183 data with another
device, such as an autopilot, DSC marine radio or computer.
Display unit power wires:
white, red and black
To unit
NMEA 2000 power wires:
red, black and shield
Data cable wires:
blue, yellow, orange,
and shield
The Power/Data cable for this unit.

NOTE:
There are two basic power connection options, which are shown in
the following two diagrams. Read the following instructions
carefully to determine which power connection applies to
your unit. Depending on your configuration, you may not use all of
these wires.
Caution:
All of the wires in the power/data cable have bare ends for easier installation. The bare ends on any unused wires could cause
an electrical short if left exposed. To prevent this, you should
cover the individual wire ends – either by capping them with
30

wire nuts, wrapping them with electrical tape or both. (You
should cut off the bare wire before taping off the ends.)

Powering Your Display Unit
The display unit works from a 12-volt DC battery system. Attach the
display power cable (with provided 3-amp fuse) to an accessory switch
or power bus. If this results in electrical interference, connect direct to
a battery but install an in-line switch on the cable.
Caution:
We strongly recommend that you shut off the power supply to the
power cable when the unit is not in use, especially in saltwater environments. When the unit is turned off but still connected to a
power supply, electrolysis can occur in the power cable plug. This
may result in corrosion of the plug body along with the electrical
contacts in the cable and the unit's power socket. Risk of electrolysis corrosion is even greater when the cable is unplugged from the
unit, but still connected to a power source.
We recommend you connect the power cable to the auxiliary power
switch included in most boat designs. If that results in electrical
interference, or if such a switch is not available, we recommend
connecting direct to the battery and installing an in-line switch.
This will let you shut off power to the power cable when the unit is
not in use. When you are not using the unit, you should always
shut off power to the power cable, especially when the power cable
is disconnected from the unit.
WARNING:
This product must be independently fused with the enclosed 3-amp fuse (or equivalent), even if you connect to
a fused accessory or power bus.
If a malfunction happens inside the unit, extensive damage can occur if the enclosed fuse is not used. As with all
electrical devices, this unit could be damaged to a point
it cannot be repaired and could even cause harm to the
user when not properly fused.
Failure to use a 3-amp fuse will void your warranty.
If possible, keep the power cable away from other boat wiring, especially
the engine's wires. This will provide the best isolation from electrical
noise. If the cable is not long enough, splice #18 gauge wire onto it.

The display power cable has three wires, white, red and black. Red is the
positive (+) lead, black is negative (–) or ground. The white wire is unused by your unit and should be capped. Make sure to attach the in-line
fuse holder to the red lead as close to the power source as possible.
For example, if you have to extend the power cable to the power bus or
battery, attach one end of the fuse holder directly to the power bus or
battery. This will protect both the unit and the power cable in the event
of a short.
This unit has reverse polarity protection. No damage will occur if the
power wires are reversed. However, the unit will not work until the
wires are attached correctly.

Power Diagram A
Mandatory
network
power-off
switch

To unit

3-amp fuse

NMEA 2000
Power Cable

Shield
Display Unit
Power Cable

3-amp fuse

Recommended
display unit
power-off switch

Black
Red

Black
White
(unused)

Data Cable

12 volt DC
power source

Use this method if you are powering the display unit and a GPS module or the display unit and a NMEA 2000 network. (Fuses may be different from those shown.).

The network and any NMEA 2000 devices, including the GPS
module, will not operate unless the NMEA 2000 Power Cable is
connected to power. The NMEA 2000 power cable must be connected
to power even if your only NMEA 2000 device is the GPS module and it
is connected to the display unit's Network socket. (However, never
connect multiple power sources to a NMEA 2000 network. If you
have a network that is already powered, see diagram B on page 33.)
32

Power Diagram B
To unit
Display Unit
Power Cable

All unused Data
or NMEA 2000
power wires
should be
capped with
wire nuts and
electrical tape
to prevent
shorts.

Data Cable

White wire
(unused)

Red wire with
3-amp fuse

Black wire
Recommended
power off switch

12 volt DC
power source

NMEA 2000 Power Cable

Use this method if you are only powering your display unit and are not
powering a NMEA 2000 network or any NMEA 2000 accessory device,
including a GPS module. (Fuse may be different from that shown.)

The method in diagram B is also used when your display unit is connected to a NMEA 2000 network that is already connected to power.
(Never connect multiple power sources to a NMEA 2000 network.)

Powering a NMEA 2000 Network Bus
A NMEA 2000 bus must be connected to a power source to operate.
NMEA 2000 devices, including GPS modules, draw their power from
the network bus.
If you have a pre-existing NMEA 2000 network installation, it may already be connected to another power source. If you are not sure about a
network's power status, consult the boat manufacturer or dealer. If your
NMEA 2000 bus is already powered, you can ignore the NMEA 2000
Power cable and use the method shown in Power Diagram B above.
Never attach two power sources to a single NMEA 2000 bus.
If you do need to power your NMEA 2000 bus, attach the NMEA 2000
Power cable to an accessory switch as indicated in power diagram A on
page 32. The NMEA 2000 Power cable's red wire should be attached
(with provided 3-amp fuse) to the positive (+) terminal. The NMEA
2000 Power cable's black and shield wires should both be attached to
the negative (–) terminal.
33

WARNING:
The NMEA 2000 network bus is always on and constantly
drawing power. You must connect NMEA power to a
switched power source so you can turn off the network
when not in use. Failure to connect to and use a power
switch will drain your boat battery, which could stop
your boat's operation.
Connecting to a NMEA 2000 Network
Your unit can be connected to a NMEA 2000 bus, receiving sensor information from units and devices attached to the network. Contact LEI
Extras (look inside back cover for accessory ordering information) for
NMEA 2000 accessories.
NOTE:
GPS data from your internal GPS receiver can not be transmitted
across a NMEA 2000 network. The only way to transmit GPS data
across the network is to add a LGC module to the network. For
more information see page 203.
NMEA 0183 Wiring
(Data cable)
To exchange NMEA 0183 data, this unit has one NMEA 0183 version
2.0 communication port. Com port one (Com-1) can be used to receive
NMEA format GPS data. The com port can also transmit NMEA format
GPS data to another device.
The four wires for the com port are combined with the Power Supply
cable and NMEA 2000 Power cable to form the power/data cable
(shown earlier). Com-1 uses the yellow wire to transmit, the orange
wire to receive and the shield wire for signal ground. Your unit does
not use the blue wire.
Com-1
To unit

Orange (Receive)

NMEA Transmit

Shield (Ground)

Ground

To Other
GPS Receiver

Com-1 wiring to receive NMEA position information
from some other GPS receiver.
Yellow (Transmit)
Com-1
To unit

NMEA Receive
Ground

Shield (Ground)

To Other
Device

Com-1 wiring to transmit NMEA position information
to another NMEA-compatible device.

LMS-527cDF iGPS rear view
Sonar
socket

Ethernet (future
enhancement)

Power/Data socket

Network socket

SP-BL optional
speed sensor

Power
cable

NMEA 2000
Power cable
Data
Cable

Transducer

LMS-522c and LMS-527cDF cable connections.

Mounting the Unit: Bracket or Portable
You can install your unit on the dash with the gimbal bracket or it can
be used with a portable power pack. The unit must be mounted in a
location with a clear view of the sky, so the internal GPS antenna can lock-on to satellite signals.
35

If you use the supplied bracket, you may be interested in the optional
R-A-M® bracket mounting system. This converts the unit's gimbal
bracket to a swivel mount, which can be used on the dash or overhead
mounting positions.

Optional R-A-M mounting system.

Bracket Installation
Mount the unit in a convenient location, provided there is clearance
behind the unit when it's tilted for the best viewing angle. This must
be a location with a clear view of the sky, so the internal GPS
antenna can lock-on to satellite signals. Make sure there is enough
room behind the unit to attach the power and transducer cables.
Holes in the bracket's base allow wood screw or through-bolt mounting. You may need to place a piece of plywood on the back side of thin
fiberglass panels to reinforce the panel and secure the mounting hardware.

Front
Install the gimbal bracket. Adjust the bracket so the arms slope toward the front of your unit.

Drill a 1-inch (25.4 mm) hole in the dash for the power, transducer and
antenna cables. The best location for this hole is immediately under the
gimbal bracket location. This way, the bracket can be installed so that
it covers the hole, holds the cables in position and results in a neat installation. Some customers, however, prefer to mount the bracket to the
side of the cable hole — it's a matter of personal preference.
72.9
[2.87]
23.4
[0.92]

173.9
[6.85]

137.9
[5.43]

157.9
[6.22]

56.9
[2.24]

Millimeter
[Inch]

Front view (left) and side view (right) showing dimensions of the LMS522c and LMS-527cDF sonar/GPS units mounted on gimbal bracket.

After drilling the hole, pass the transducer connector up through the
hole from under the dash, followed by antenna connector. Pass the
power cable's bare-wire end down though the hole from the top.
If you wish, you can fill in the hole around the cables with a good marine caulking compound. (Some marine dealers stock cable hole covers
to conceal the opening.) No matter what type of installation you prefer,
be sure to leave enough slack in the cables to allow tilting or swiveling
the unit. If you choose to fill in the hole, be sure to position the cables
against the rear edge of the hole as you apply the fill material.
Before positioning the bracket, make sure the location provides a clear
view of the sky, so the internal GPS antenna can lock-on to satellite signals. Now, hold the cables against the rear edge of the hole. Slide the
bracket over the hole and butt the rear of the bracket base against the
cables, thus pinning them in place against the side of the hole. Fasten
the bracket to the dash. Attach the unit to the gimbal bracket using the
gimbal knobs and washers.
Portable Installation
Like many Lowrance products, the unit is capable of portable operation
by using an optional portable power pack. The power pack, a magnetequipped antenna module and an optional portable transducer, expands the uses for your sonar/GPS unit. It makes it easy to transfer
your unit from a boat to a car, recreational vehicle, airplane or other
vehicle without mounting a second bracket. You can use it in your own
car or boat, then take it along when riding in a friend's vehicle.
The power pack can be used with eight "D" cell alkaline batteries or an
optional sealed, rechargeable battery. Visit our web site for a complete
listing of all the available portable power packs.

PPP-15 Portable Power Pack with transducer installed. Shown with
the X67C IceMachine™ .

MMC or SD Card Memory Card Installation
Your unit uses a MultiMedia Card to store information, such as sonar
logs, custom maps, waypoints, trails and other GPS data. It can also
use Secure Digital Cards (SD card) to store data.
NOTE:
Throughout this manual, we will use the term MMC, but just remember that your unit can use an MMC or SD card to store data.
Both of these solid-state flash memory devices are about the size of a
postage stamp. An SD card is slightly thicker than an MMC. As this
manual went to press, MMCs were available in storage capacities of 8
MB, 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB and 128 MB. SD cards were available with
capacities of 8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB and 1 GB.
Additional MMC cards are available from LEI Extras; see ordering information inside the back cover of this manual. MMCs and SD cards
are also available at many camera and consumer electronics stores.
The MMC slot is located in a compartment on the front of the case. The
compartment door is located at the lower right corner. The following
figure shows a close-up with the door opened.
MMC groove for card removal
Thumb
screw

Insert card face up,
this way

Memory card compartment with a 16 MB MMC card installed.

To remove an MMC
1. Open the card compartment door by unscrewing the thumb screw.
The screw should only be finger tight. If it was over-tightened, use a
thumbnail, a coin or a screwdriver to open the door.
2. Press a finger against the label of the MMC and drag it from the slot.
3. Close the compartment door and fasten the thumb screw finger tight.

To insert a MMC or SD Card
1. Open the card compartment door.
2. Grasp the bottom of the MMC and push the top of the card into the
slot. Once the card is started, use your fingernails to slide it the rest of
the way to the left, until it is firmly seated in the slot.
3. Close the compartment door and fasten the thumb screw finger tight.

Other Accessories
LMS-522c and LMS-527cDF accessories include MMC cards, MMC
card readers and MapCreate™ 6 mapping software for your computer.
MMC card readers are available in USB and parallel port versions.
Two switch boxes are available for this unit. The SB-7X transducer
switch box switches two transducers to one sonar unit. The SB-8X transducer switch box switches two sonar units to one transducer.
If these accessories are not available from your dealer, see the accessory ordering information on the inside back cover of this manual. Visit
our web site for a complete listing of all the available accessories.
Cleaning Towel
A lint-free microfiber towel is included for cleaning the unit’s screen.
The towel is highly effective in clearing away water spots, smudges and
finger prints. Just wipe the screen with the dry towel — it's not necessary to moisten the towel with water. If the screen is badly soiled, you
may use water or common window or lens cleaners. DO NOT use polishing compounds or any other abrasive product.
If you lose the towel or wear it out, you can replace it with a similar
microfiber cloth. These are often available where shop towels or automobile cleaning towels are sold.
Caution:
Cleaning fabrics other than the microfiber towel type may scratch
the screen. Polishing compounds or other abrasive cleaners will
scratch the screen. Damage caused by incorrect cleaning is not covered by the warranty. You may wash the towel if it becomes soiled
or loses its effectiveness, but do not use fabric softener. Fabric softener will ruin the towel’s cleaning capability.

MapCreate™ 6 CD-ROM (left). MMC card reader for USB ports, (right).

Now that you have your unit installed, move on to Section 3, Basic Sonar Operations. There, we'll present a series of step-by-step tutorials to
teach you the basics of how to operate your sonar.
NOTE:
When you first turn the unit on, the Map Page appears. If you'd
rather start learning about GPS operation first, turn over to Section 6, Basic GPS Operations.

Face Cover
Your unit comes with a white protective cover that snaps on and off the
front of the unit. This cover is intended for use when the vehicle is idle.
WARNING:
When the unit is mounted in an unprotected area, such
as an open boat cockpit, the protective face cover must
be removed when the vehicle is moving at high speed.
This includes towing a boat on a trailer at highway
speeds. Otherwise, wind blast can pop off the cover.

Notes

Section 3: Basic Sonar Operation
This section addresses the unit's most basic sonar operations.
Before you turn on the sonar unit, it's a good idea to learn about the
different keys, the Main Menu, the four Page screens and how they all
work together. BUT, if you just can't wait to get on the water, turn to
the one-page Quick Reference on page 51.

Keyboard

MMC slot access door

LMS-527cDF sonar/GPS unit, front view, showing map with sonar split
screen, keyboard and access door for the MMC slot.

1. PWR/LIGHT (Power & Light) – The PWR key turns the unit on and
off and activates the backlight.
2. PAGES – Pressing this and the ← → arrow keys switches the unit
between the four different page screens. (Satellite Status Page, Navigation Page, Map Page and Sonar Page.) Each page represents one of the
unit's major operation modes.
43

3. MENU – Press this key to show the menus and submenus, which
allow you to select a command or adjust a feature. This also accesses
search functions for streets, intersections, addresses and highway exits.
4. ARROW KEYS – These keys are used to navigate through the
menus, make menu selections, move the map and sonar chart cursors
and enter data.
5. ENT/ICONS (Enter & Icons) – This key allows you to save data, accept values or execute menu commands. It is also used to create event
marker icons.
6. EXIT – The Exit key lets you return to the previous screen, clear
data or close a menu.
7. WPT – (Waypoint) The Waypoint key is used to save and recall waypoints, search for waypoints and access the waypoint list. It also
launches the Point-of-Interest (POI) search menus and is involved in
some navigation functions.
8. ZOUT – (Zoom Out) – This key lets you zoom the screen out. On the
Sonar Page, it returns you to a full sonar chart display, showing the
entire water column from surface to bottom. On the Map Page, it lets
you see a larger geographic area on the map. Less detail is seen as you
zoom out.
9. ZIN – (Zoom In) – This key lets you zoom the screen in. On the Sonar
Page, this key enlarges fish signals and bottom detail. On the Map
Page, zooming in lets you see greater detail in a smaller geographic
area on the map.

Power/lights on and off
To turn on the unit, press PWR. As the unit powers up, the Map Page is
displayed first. To switch to the Sonar Page, press PAGES, select SONAR
and press ENT.
To turn on the backlight, press PWR again. The unit has three backlight levels. Repeatedly pressing PWR will cycle through the backlight
settings and turn off the backlight.
Turn off the unit by pressing and holding the PWR key for 3 seconds.

Main Menu
The unit has a Main Menu, which contains some function commands
and some setup option commands. The instructions in this section will
deal only with sonar functions, the basic commands that make the unit
show sonar signals on your screen. This sonar unit will work fine right
out of the box with the factory default settings.
44

But, if you want to learn about the various sonar options, see Sec. 4,
Sonar Options & Other Features.
You can access the Main Menu from any of the four Page screens by
pressing MENU|MENU. To clear the menu screen and return to the page
display, press EXIT.

Main Menu.

The Main Menu commands and their functions are:
Screen: changes the contrast or brightness of the display screen.
Sounds: enables or disables the sounds for key strokes and alarms and
sets the alarm style.
Transparency: adjusts the level of transparency for menus.
Alarms: turns sonar and GPS alarms on or off and changes alarm
thresholds.
Route Planning: used to plan, view or navigate a route.
My Trails: shows, creates and deletes plot trails. Also used to navigate
or backtrack a trail.
Cancel Navigation: turns off the various navigation commands. Used
to stop navigating after you have reached your destination waypoint,
Point of Interest or map cursor location; or after you reach the end of a
route or trail.
Sonar Setup: sets various sonar options.
GPS Setup: sets various GPS receiver options.
System Setup: sets general configuration options.
NMEA 2000: provides access to all NMEA 2000 network setup options,
including the configuration of devices on the network. For more information, see Section 10: NMEA 2000 Menu.
45

Sun/Moon Calculations: finds the rising and setting time of the sun
and the moon.
Trip Calculator: shows trip status and statistics.
Timers: controls the up timer, down timer and alarm clock settings.
Browse MMC Files: this allows you to view the installed MMC card
and the files it contains.

Pages
The unit has five Page displays that represent the four major operating
modes. They are the Satellite Status Page, the Navigation Page, the Map
Page and Sonar Page. They are accessed by pressing the PAGES key,
then using → or ← to select a Page. (Clear the Pages Menu by pressing
EXIT.)

Pages Menu showing Sonar display options.

Satellite Status Page
The Satellite Status Page provides detailed information on the status
of the unit's satellite lock-on and position acquisition. To get to the Satellite Status Page: Press the PAGES key, then use → or ← to select
STATUS. (Clear the Pages Menu by pressing EXIT).
This page represents a GPS function, so it is discussed in much greater
detail in Sec. 6.
No matter what Page you are on, a flashing current position indicator/question mark symbol and flashing GPS data displays indicate that
satellite lock has been lost and there is no position confirmed.
WARNING:
Do not begin navigating with this unit until the numbers
have stopped flashing!

Satellite Status Page.

Navigation Page
This screen has a compass rose that not only shows your direction of
travel, but also the direction to a recalled waypoint. To get to the Navigation Page: Press PAGES| → or ← to NAVIGATION|EXIT.
This page represents a GPS function, but also has a navigation with
sonar option, which will keep you updated on what is under your boat
as well as where you’re going.

Navigation page with Sonar (left). Navigation Page with digital data
(right).

Map Page
The Map Page screens show your course and track from a "bird's-eye"
view, on a moving map. By default, this unit shows the map with north
always at the top of the screen. The arrow in the center of the screen is
your present position. It points in the direction you're traveling.
47

Map Pages, showing position on Bull Shoals Lake, Arkansas. The full
map option (left). Map with sonar option (right).

Map Page is also the default screen that appears when you turn on the
unit. To get to the Map Page from another page: Press PAGES| → or ←
to MAP|EXIT.
You can display a split screen showing both the Map and Sonar pages
at the same time. This feature is discussed in Sec. 4, Sonar Options &
Other Features.
The Map Page represents a GPS function, so it is discussed in much
greater detail in Sec. 6.
Sonar Page
The Sonar Page displays the sonar chart. This is a "cross-section" view
of the water column beneath the boat. The chart moves across the
screen, displaying sonar signal echoes that represent fish, structure
and the bottom.
To get to the Sonar Page: Press the PAGES key, then use → or ← to select SONAR. (Clear the Pages Menu by pressing EXIT.) The Pages Menu
also offers five chart display options under the Sonar Page category. To
access them, press PAGES|← or→ to SONAR|↓ to Option Name|EXIT.
The Sonar Page also has its own menu, which is used for some advanced
functions and for setting various options. (Sonar Options and other features are discussed in Sec. 4.) To Access the Sonar Page menu, from the
Sonar Page press MENU.

Pages Menu (left) showing sonar chart display option commands.
Sonar Page in full sonar chart display mode (right).

Split Zoom page (left) and Split Frequency page (right).

Digital Data page (left) and Flasher page (right).

Sonar Page Menu.
Digital data
overlay
(depth &
temperature)

Surface signal

Surface clutter

Depth scale
In FasTrack, fish
arches show as
horizontal bars.

Fish arches

Zoom bar
Structure

Bottom signal

FasTrack
bar graph

Sonar Page, showing full sonar chart mode.

You can customize how the Sonar Page displays its pictures and other
data in many ways.
We'll discuss all of those features and options in Sec. 4, but to show you
how easy this unit is to operate, the following page contains a simplified, 10-step quick reference that will cover most fish finding situations. The quick reference describes how your unit will operate with all
the sonar features in their automatic modes, which are set at the factory.
50

Basic Sonar Quick Reference
1. Depress the PWR key to turn on the unit.
2. Opening screen displays Map Page. Rotate through the four main
Page screens (Map Page, Satellite Status Page, Navigation Page, Sonar
Page) by pressing PAGES|← or → to select Page Name|EXIT. Switch
Pages to display Sonar Page.
3. If GPS data is desired, wait while unit locates satellites and calculates
current position. When the unit acquires position, a tone sounds and a position acquired message appears.
4. With position acquired (if desired), head for your fishing grounds.
Your unit will automatically display digital depth and surface water
temperature in the top left corner of the screen.
The auto settings will track the bottom, displaying it in the lower portion of the screen. The full sonar chart will scroll from right to left,
showing you what's under the boat as you cruise across the water. You
can change the display by:
Zoom in to enlarge the chart for more detail: press ZIN.
Zoom out to return to full chart mode: press ZOUT.
5. Watch the display for the appearance of fish symbols (or arches, if
Fish I.D.™ is turned off). When you see fish symbols or arches, you've
found fish! Stop the boat and get your lure or bait into the water at the
depth indicated on the sonar chart.
6. Gauge the fish depth by visually comparing the fish symbols or
arches with the depth scale on the right side of the screen.
7. If you are drifting at a very low speed or anchored, you are not moving fast enough for a fish to return the tell-tale fish arch signal. As you
drift over a fish, or as a fish swims through the transducer's signal
cone, the fish echo will appear as a straight line suspended between the
surface and the bottom when Fish I.D. is turned off.
8. To turn off the unit, press and hold PWR key for three seconds.

Sonar Operations
As you can see from the quick reference on the previous page, basic operation
is pretty easy, right out of the box. If you are a sonar novice, try operating the
unit with the factory defaults until you get a feel for how it's working.
As you're learning the basics, there is one setting you might want to tinker
with from time to time — Sensitivity.
Sensitivity controls the unit's ability to pick up echoes. If you want to see
more detail, try increasing the sensitivity, a little at a time. There are situations when too much clutter appears on the screen. Decreasing the sensitivity
can reduce the clutter and show the strongest fish echoes, if fish are present.
As you change the sensitivity setting, you can see the difference on the chart
as it scrolls.
Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

These figures show results of different sensitivity levels on the same location. Fig. 1: Sensitivity at 88 percent, determined by Auto Sensitivity.
Typical of full auto mode. Fig. 2: Sensitivity set at 75 percent. Fig. 3: Sensitivity set at 50 percent. Fig. 4: Sensitivity set at 100 percent.

You can change the sensitivity level whether you are in Auto Sensitivity
mode or Manual Sensitivity mode. The adjustment method works the
same in both modes, but it gives you slightly different results.
Adjusting sensitivity in Auto Sensitivity Mode is similar to manually adjusting a car's speed with the accelerator pedal while cruise control is on.
You can tell the car to run faster, but when you let off the gas the cruise
control automatically keeps you from running slower than the minimum
speed setting. In the unit, auto mode will let you increase sensitivity to
100 percent, but the unit will limit your minimum setting. This prevents
you from turning sensitivity down too low to allow automatic bottom
tracking. When you change the setting with auto turned on, the unit will
continue to track the bottom and make minor adjustments to the sensitivity level, with a bias toward the setting you selected.
Adjusting sensitivity in Manual Sensitivity Mode is similar to driving a
car without cruise control — you have complete manual control of the
car's speed. In the unit, manual mode allows you to set sensitivity at
100 percent (maximum) or zero percent (minimum.) Depending on water conditions, the bottom signal may completely disappear from the
screen when you reduce sensitivity to about 50 percent or less!
Try adjusting sensitivity in both auto and manual modes to see how
they work.
To adjust sensitivity:
1. Press MENU|ENT.
2. The Sensitivity Control Bar appears. Press ↓ to decrease sensitivity;
press ↑ to increase sensitivity. When it's set at the desired level, press
EXIT. (When you reach the maximum or minimum limit, a tone sounds.)

Sonar Menu with Sensitivity command selected (left). The Sensitivity
Control Bar (right).

NOTE:
If you want to change the sensitivity in Manual Mode, first turn off
Auto Sensitivity: from the Sonar Page, press MENU|↓ to AUTO SENSITIVITY|ENT|↑ to SENSITIVITY|ENT. Press ↓ or ↑ to pick a different sensitivity setting. When it's set at the desired level, press EXIT.

Important Tip:

While you are experimenting and learning, it's possible to scramble
the settings so that the sonar picture disappears from your screen.
If that happens, remember that it's easy to switch back to full
automatic operation by simply restoring the factory auto settings.

To Restore Factory Settings:

1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to SYSTEM SETUP|ENT|↓ to RESET OPTIONS|ENT.
2. The unit asks if you want to reset all the options. Press ← to
YES|ENT. All options are reset, and the unit reverts back to the Map
Page at the 4000 mile zoom range. (Any recorded sonar logs or GPS
data will be unchanged.)
Fish Symbols vs. Full Sonar Chart
You may have noticed in the quick reference that we used fish arches
in full sonar chart mode for our example, and not the popular Fish
I.D.™ fish symbol feature. Here's why.
Fish I.D. is an easier way for a sonar novice to recognize a fishy signal
return when he sees it. However, locating fish by symbol only has some
limitations.
Your sonar unit's microprocessor is remarkably powerful, but it can be
fooled. Some of the echoes calculated to be fish could be tree limbs or turtles! To see what's under your boat in maximum detail, we recommend
you turn off Fish I.D. and begin learning to interpret fish arches.
Fish I.D. is most handy when you're in another part of the boat or performing some task that prevents you from watching the sonar screen.
Then, you can turn on Fish I.D. and the audible fish alarm. When that
lunker swims under your boat, you'll hear it!
Fish I.D. can also be useful when you want to screen out some of the
sonar detail gathered by your unit. For example, in one case fisherman
in San Francisco Bay saw clouds of clutter in the water but no fish
arches. When a down rigger was pulled up, it brought up several small
jellyfish. The fisherman switched their sonar to Fish I.D., which
screened out the schools of jellyfish and clearly showed the game fish
there as fish symbols.

Other Free Training Aids
The sonar options section discusses Fish I.D., fish alarms and other
features in greater detail. If you or a friend has Internet access, you can
also learn more about interpreting what you see on your sonar screen.
Visit our web site, www.lowrance.com. Be sure to check out the free
Sonar Tutorial, which includes animated illustrations and more pictures of actual sonar returns, all described in detail. There's even a
"printer friendly" version of the tutorial available on our web site…it
makes a great supplement to this operation manual!
You can also download a free copy of our Sonar Viewer software. This
PC-based software application plays back any sonar chart log recorded
with a Lowrance sonar product. Features include:
•

Adjustable range, zoom, sensitivity, color line, noise rejection,
surface clarity, etc. of the recorded file.

•

Color interpretation of sonar signals can be user defined.

•

Operates like a Windows Multimedia Player with forward, reverse, pause, fast forward, fast reverse, and scroll buttons.

•

Adjustments update the entire record displayed.

•

Can print in full color.

•

Window can dynamically be sized on your monitor.

•

Mouse cursor shows GPS position, depth and sounding number
anywhere on the visible record.

For the ultimate training aid, be sure to download the free emulator
software for your unit. Aside from being fun, this program can help you
learn both basic and advanced operations without burning boat fuel!
Lowrance is one of the first sonar manufacturers to provide this type of
training tool for customers.
This PC application simulates the actual sonar/GPS unit on your computer. You can run it from your computer keyboard or use your mouse
to press the virtual keys. Easy download and installation instructions
are available on our web site.

Free training emulator is available for your unit on our web site.

The emulator works exactly like your real sonar/GPS unit. Using the
Sonar Simulator and GPS Simulator features, it allows you to play
back sonar logs, run GPS routes and trails and create real waypoints
you can use in the field! You can even take snapshots of the Sonar
Chart and print them or e-mail them to friends.

Section 4: Sonar Options
ASP™ (Advanced Signal Processing)
The ASP™ feature is a noise rejection system built into the sonar unit
that constantly evaluates the effects of boat speed, water conditions
and interference. This automatic feature gives you the best display possible under most conditions.
The ASP feature is an effective tool in combating noise. In sonar terms,
noise is any undesired signal. It is caused by electrical and mechanical
sources such as bilge pumps, engine ignition systems and wiring, air
bubbles passing over the face of the transducer, even vibration from the
engine. In all cases, noise can produce unwanted marks on the display.
The ASP feature has four settings — Off, Low, Medium and High. If
you have high noise levels, try using the "High" ASP setting. However,
if you are having trouble with noise, we suggest that you take steps to
find the interference source and fix it, rather than continually using
the unit with the high ASP setting.
There are times when you may want to turn the ASP feature off. This
allows you to view all incoming echoes before they are processed by the
ASP feature.

Sonar Menu with Sonar Features highlighted (left). Sonar Features
menu (right) with Noise Rejection (ASP) set to default low setting.

To change the ASP level:
1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU|↓ to SONAR FEATURES|ENT.
2. Press ↓ to NOISE REJECTION|ENT.
57

3. Press ↓ or ↑ to select a setting, then press ENT.
4. To return to the previous page, press EXIT|EXIT.

Alarms
This unit has three different types of sonar alarms. The first is the Fish
Alarm. It sounds when the Fish I.D.™ feature determines that an echo
is a fish.
Another alarm is the Zone Alarm, which consists of a bar on the side of
the screen. Any echo on the chart that appears inside this bar triggers
this alarm.
The last alarm is the Depth Alarm, which has both a Shallow and a
Deep setting. Only the bottom signal will trigger this alarm. This is
useful as an anchor watch, a shallow water alert or for navigation.
Depth Alarms
The depth alarms sound a tone when the bottom signal goes shallower
than the shallow alarm's setting or deeper than the deep alarm's setting. For example, if you set the shallow alarm to 10 feet, the alarm
will sound a tone if the bottom signal is less than 10 feet. It will continue to sound until the bottom goes deeper than 10 feet.
The deep alarm works just the opposite. It sounds a warning tone if the
bottom depth goes deeper than the alarm's setting. Both depth alarms
work only off the digital bottom depth signals. No other targets will trip
these alarms. These alarms can be used at the same time or individually.

Main Menu with GPS Alarms selected (left). Sonar Alarms menu
(right).

NAR ALARMS|ENT|↓

To switch to a different depth setting, open the Sonar Alarms menu
and repeat the instructions in step 3 above.
Zone Alarm
The zone alarm is triggered when any echo passes inside the zone
alarm bar, shown on the right side of the screen.
To adjust and turn on the zone alarm:
1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to ALARMS|ENT|↓ to SONAR ALARMS|ENT.

2. Press ↓ to ZONE ALARM ENABLED|→ to ADJUST ZONE|ENT.

Sonar Alarms menu with Adjust Zone command selected (left).
Adjust Zone Alarm selection box with Upper selected (right).

3. To set the upper boundary for the Zone Alarm, use ← or→ to select
UPPER, then press ↑ or ↓ to move the top of the bar to the desired depth.
4. To set the lower boundary for the Zone Alarm, use ← or→ to select

LOWER, then press ↑ or ↓ to move the bottom of the bar to the desired

depth.

5. Press EXIT|← to ZONE ALARM ENABLED|ENT|EXIT|EXIT|EXIT. Now, any
echo — fish, bottom, structure — within the zone alarm's depth range
will trigger the zone alarm.
6. To turn off the alarm, press MENU|MENU|↓ to ALARMS|ENT|↓ to SONAR ALARMS|ENT|↓ to ZONE ALARM ENABLED|ENT|EXIT|EXIT|EXIT.
To switch to a different depth setting, open the Sonar Alarms menu
and repeat the instructions in steps 3 and 4 above.
Fish Alarm
Use the fish alarm for a distinctive audible alarm when fish or other
suspended objects are detected by the Fish I.D.™ feature (Fish I.D.
must be turned on for the Fish Alarm to work). A different tone sounds
for each fish symbol size shown on the display.

GPS Alarm highlighted on Alarms menu (left). GPS Alarms menu
(right).

The off course alarm warns you when your track drifts too far to the
right or left of the course line to the waypoint. For example, if the
alarm is set to .1 mile, then the alarm flashes a message if you drift .1
miles to the right or left of the line to the waypoint.
61

The anchor alarm is triggered when you drift outside of a preset radius.
Using the .1 mile as an example, if you're anchored and the boat moves
more than .1 miles, a tone will sound and a message will appear.
1. To set an alarm, press MENU|MENU|↓ to ALARMS|ENT|ENT.
2. Use ↓ ↑ to select the desired category, then press ENT to turn on
(check) or turn off (uncheck) the desired Alarm Enabled box.
3. To change distance settings, use ↓ ↑ to select the desired category,
then press →|ENT to activate the distance dialog box. Press ↑ ↓ to
change the first character, then press → to the next character and repeat until the distance is set.
4. When the adjustments are finished, return to the main page display
by repeatedly pressing EXIT.
IMPORTANT ALARM NOTES
Anchor Alarm - The anchor alarm may be triggered even when
you're sitting still. This can happen when using a small (less than
.05 mile) anchor alarm range.
Arrival Alarm - If you set the arrival alarm's distance to a small
number and you run a route (see the Navigate Routes segment),
this unit may not show navigation data to the next waypoint, once
you arrive at the first one. You may not be able to come close
enough to the first waypoint to trip the arrival alarm.

NMEA 2000 Alarms
The NMEA 2000 Alarm can be set to monitor multiple EP-10 Fuel Flow
and EP-15 Fluid Level sensors. You can set a threshold for each alarm
in its corresponding Percent box. Thresholds give you control over
when the alarm will go off. You may want the alarm to go off when the
black water tank is filled to 75 percent of its capacity, likewise, you
may want to know when the fuel level falls below 30 percent of tank
capacity.
To get to the NMEA 2000 Alarms menu, press MENU|MENU, select
ALARMS and press ENT. Choose NMEA 2000 ALARMS and press ENT.
1. With the Fluid Level Device window highlighted, press ENT and use
↑ ↓ to select the device you want to monitor, then press ENT.
2. To enable the Full Alarm, highlight FULL ALARM Enabled box and
press ENT to turn on (check) the alarm. Press → to the Percent box and
press ENT. Use the ↑ ↓ keys to select the first number, then press → to
move to the next number. When the desired percentage has been entered, press ENT.
62

NMEA 2000 Alarms highlighted on Alarms menu (left). NMEA 2000
Alarms menu (center). Alarm Status page (right).

3. To enable the Empty Alarm, highlight the EMPTY ALARM Enabled box
and press ENT to turn on (check) the alarm. Press → to the Percent box
and press ENT. Use the ↑ ↓ keys to select the first number, then press
→ to move to the next number. When the desired percentage has been
entered, press ENT.

Tip

You do not have to set both the Full and Empty alarms. Choose
both Full and Empty alarms or activate them individually.

Calibrate Speed
The speed sensor can be calibrated to compensate for inaccuracies. Before you change the setting, first calculate the percentage that the
speed is off. You will enter this percentage in a moment.
If, for example, you figure the sensor is reading 10 percent faster than
actual speed, you will enter – 10 in the calibration window. If the sensor is reading 5 percent slower than true speed, you will enter + 5 in
the window.

Calibrate Water Speed highlighted on Sonar Setup menu (left). Calibrate Speed dialog box (right).

A good way to gauge your speed sensor's performance is to compare its
reading with the ground speed measured by your unit's GPS functions.
When you make a run to compare GPS ground speed to speed sensor
speed, perform your test in relatively calm water free of current, if possible. (Unless, of course, you are taking the speed of current into consideration when making your calculation.) After you have a correction
figure, here's how to enter it:
1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to SONAR SETUP|ENT|↓ to CALIBRATE WATER
SPEED|ENT.
2. Enter the number you calculated earlier: press ↑ or ↓ to change the
first character (+ or –), then press → to move the cursor to the next
number and repeat until the percentage is correct, then press EXIT.

Chart Speed

The rate that echoes scroll across the screen is called the chart speed.
The default is maximum; we recommend that you leave the speed set
there for virtually all fishing conditions.
You, however, might consider experimenting with chart speed when
you are stationary or drifting very slowly. You may sometimes achieve
better images as you slow down the chart speed to match how fast you
are moving across the bottom.
If you are at anchor, ice fishing or fishing from a dock, experiment with
a chart speed around 50 percent. If you are drifting slowly, try a chart
speed around 75 percent. When you are stationary and a fish swims
through the sonar signal cone, the image appears on the screen as a
long line instead of a fish arch. Reducing the chart speed may result in
a shorter line that more closely resembles a regular fish return.

Sonar Page menu with Chart Speed command selected (left).
Chart Speed Control Bar (right).

If you do experiment with chart speed, remember to reset it to maximum when you resume trolling or moving across the water at higher
speed. To change chart speed:
1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU|↓ to CHART SPEED|ENT.
2. The Chart Speed Control Bar appears. Press ↓ to decrease chart
speed; press ↑ to increase chart speed.
3. When it's set at the desired level, press EXIT.

Colorline™
Colorline lets you distinguish between strong and weak echoes. It
"paints" a brighter color on targets that are stronger than a preset
value. This allows you to tell the difference between a hard and soft
bottom. For example, a soft, muddy or weedy bottom returns a weaker
signal which is shown with a narrow, colored line (dark blue tinged
with red or a little yellow.) Since fish are among the weakest echoes,
they show up mostly as blue arches. A hard bottom or other relatively
hard target returns a strong signal which causes a wider brightly colored line (reddish yellow to bright yellow.)
If you have two signals of equal size, one with red to yellow color and
the other without, then the target with brighter color (yellow) is the
stronger signal. This helps distinguish weeds from trees on the bottom,
or fish from structure.
Colorline is adjustable. Experiment with your unit to find the ColorLine setting that's best for you.

Sonar Page menu with ColorLine command selected (left).
The Colorline control bar (right).

To adjust Colorline level:
1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU|↓ to COLORLINE|ENT.
2. The ColorLine Control Bar appears. Press ↓ to decrease ColorLine;
press ↑ to increase ColorLine.
3. When it's set at the desired level, press EXIT.

Wider
ColorLine
Thin or no ColorLine

A small amount of Colorline (left) is indicative of a soft bottom. A
wider patch of Colorline indicates a harder bottom (right).

Depth Cursor
The depth cursor consists of a horizontal line with a digital depth box
on the right side. The numbers inside the box show the depth of the
cursor.
Cursor line
Depth box

Sonar Page menu with Depth Cursor selected (left). Sonar chart with
active depth cursor (right). The cursor is set at 34.64 feet deep.

The cursor can be moved to any location on the screen, letting you pinpoint the depth of a target.
66

1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU|↓ to DEPTH CURSOR|ENT.
2. The depth cursor appears. Press ↓ to lower the cursor line; press ↑ to
raise the cursor line.
3. To clear the depth cursor, press EXIT.

Depth Range - Automatic
When turned on for the first time, the bottom signal is automatically
placed in the lower half of the screen. This is called Auto Ranging and
is part of the automatic function. However, depending upon the bottom
depth and the current range, you can change the range to a different
depth. To do this:

Sonar Page menu with Depth Range selected (left). Depth Range Control Scale (right).

1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU|↓ to DEPTH RANGE|ENT.
2. The Depth Range Control Scale appears. Press ↑ or ↓ to select a different depth range. A blue bar highlights the selected range. The light
numbers cannot be selected.
3. When the new range is selected, press EXIT to clear the menu.

Depth Range - Manual
You have complete control over the range when the unit is in the manual mode. There are 16 depth ranges, from 5 feet to 4,000 feet.
To switch to Manual Depth Range:

1. First, turn off automatic depth range. From the Sonar Page, press
MENU|↓ to AUTO DEPTH RANGE|ENT.
2. Press ↑ to DEPTH RANGE|ENT and the Depth Range Control Scale appears.
67

3. Press ↓ or ↑ to select a different depth range. A horizontal blue bar
highlights the selected range.
4. When the new range is selected, press EXIT to clear the menu. Repeat
these steps to turn on Auto Depth Range.
NOTE:
The sonar's depth capability depends on the water, bottom conditions, transducer installation and other factors.

Depth Range - Upper and Lower Limits
Virtually any segment of the water column can be displayed by using
the upper and lower limit feature. This lets you pick the shallow and
deep depth range limits that are shown on the screen, provided there is
at least 10 feet between the upper and lower limit you select. For example, a range from 12 feet to 34 feet could be used.
Changing the upper and lower limits gives you far greater control over
the depth range. This feature lets you "zoom in" the display in almost
unlimited combinations. Nearly any segment of the water column, from
the surface to the bottom can be shown.

Sonar Page Menu with Upper and Lower Limits selected (left). Sonar
Chart Limits menu with Upper Limit selected (right).

To change the upper and lower limits:
1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU|↓ to UPPER AND LOWER LIMITS|ENT.
The Sonar Chart Limits menu appears, with Upper Limit selected.
2. To set the upper limit, press ENT. Press ↑ or ↓ to change the first
number, then press → to move the cursor to the next number and repeat until the depth is correct, then press EXIT.

3. To set the lower limit, press ↓ to LOWER LIMIT|ENT. Press ↑ ↓ to change
the first number, then press → to move the cursor to the next number
and repeat until the depth is correct, then press EXIT repeatedly.

Fish arches

Area
"zoomed"

Normal display, in auto depth range mode (left). Display "zoomed" with
Upper and Lower Limits focusing on the portion of the water column
from 20 feet to 40 feet deep (right). In the "zoomed" image, note the target
definition at lower left, showing a fish holding just above the structure.

To turn off upper and lower limits:
From the Sonar Page, press MENU|↓ to AUTO DEPTH RANGE|ENT|EXIT.

FasTrack™
This feature automatically converts all echoes to short horizontal lines
on the display's far right side. The graph on the rest of the screen continues to operate normally. FasTrack gives you a rapid update of conditions directly under the boat. This makes it useful for ice fishing, or
when you are fishing at anchor. When the boat is not moving, fish signals are long, drawn out lines on a normal chart display. FasTrack converts the graph to a vertical bar graph that, with practice, makes a useful addition to fishing at a stationary location.

Surface clutter
Fish arches
Structure
In FasTrack, fish
arches show as
horizontal bars.
Bottom signal
Sonar Page showing FasTrack.

FasTrack
bar graph

Fish I.D.™ (Fish Symbols & Depths)
The Fish I.D. feature identifies targets that meet certain conditions as
fish. The microcomputer analyzes all echoes and eliminates surface
clutter, thermoclines, and other signals that are undesirable. In most
instances, remaining targets are fish. The Fish I.D. feature displays
fish symbols on the screen in place of the actual fish echoes.
There are several fish symbol sizes. These are used to designate the
relative size between targets. In other words, Fish I.D. displays a small
fish symbol when it thinks a target is a small fish, a medium fish symbol on a larger target and so on.
The sonar's microcomputer is sophisticated, but it can be fooled. It can't
distinguish between fish and other suspended objects such as trotlines,
turtles, submerged floats, air bubbles, etc. Individual tree limbs extending outwards from a group of limbs is the hardest object for the
Fish I.D. feature to distinguish from fish.
You may see fish symbols on the screen when actually, there are no
fish. The reverse is also true. The illustrations on the next page show
how Fish I.D. can actually miss fish that are present.
Does that mean Fish I.D. is broken? No — the feature is simply interpreting sonar returns in a specific way to help take some of the work
out of reading the screen. Remember: Fish I.D. is one of the many tools
we provide so you can analyze your sonar returns for maximum fish
finding information. This and other features can help you successfully
"see" beneath the boat under varied water and fishing conditions. So,
practice with the unit in both the Fish I.D. mode and without to become
more familiar with the feature. The default for Fish I.D. is off.
70

Sonar Features menu with Fish I.D. Symbols selected on dualfrequency menu (left); single-frequency menu (right). When the check
box to the left is checked, the feature is on.
Fig. 1 A

Fig. 1 B

Many fish
arches visible

Fewer fish
symbols visible

Fig. 2 A

Fig. 2 B

Fish arches
above structure

No fish shown

FasTrack graph
confirms fish
Figures 1A and 2A show Sonar Page in normal chart mode (left). Figures
1B and 2B (right) show the same underwater scene with Fish I.D. turned
on. Note how arches are replaced with symbols.

FishTrack™
The FishTrack feature shows the depth of a fish symbol when it appears on the display. This lets you accurately gauge the depth of targets. This feature is available only when the Fish I.D. feature is on. The
default setting for FishTrack is off.
To turn on FishTrack:
(Note: These instructions will turn on FishTrack and Fish I.D. at the
same time.)
1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU|↓ to SONAR FEATURES|ENT.
2. Press →|then press ↓ to FISH DEPTHS|ENT|EXIT|EXIT.
To turn off FishTrack, repeat the instructions in step 1. Turning off
FishTrack in this manner will not turn off Fish I.D. symbols.

Symbols with
FishTrack depths

Sonar Features menu with Fish I.D. Depths selected on dual-frequency
menu (left). When the check box to the left is checked, the feature is on.
Sonar Page with Fish I.D. symbols and FishTrack depths turned on
(right).

Frequency (Change Transducer Frequency)
(LMS-527cDF only)
The LMS-527cDF transducer can operate at both 200 kHz and 50 kHz.
The 200 kHz frequency has a 12° cone angle and the 50 kHz frequency
has a 35° cone angle.
72

The default frequency is 200 kHz, which is best for use in shallow water (about 300 feet or less). This frequency is the best choice for about
80 percent of the fresh and salt water sport fishing applications. When
you get into very deep salt water, 300 to 500 feet or deeper, the 50 kHz
frequency is the best choice.
The 200 kHz transducer will give you better detail and definition, but
less depth penetration. The 50 kHz transducer will give you greater
depth penetration, but a little less detail and less definition. (Remember,
all sonar units typically read deeper in fresh water than in salt water.)
There is a common exception to these rules of thumb. Some fishermen
on freshwater lakes (or the ocean) using downriggers like to see them
on the sonar. In many of those cases, you'll see a 50 kHz transducer
frequency in use because the wider cone angle lets them watch the bait.

Sonar Features menu with a frequency of 200 kHz selected.

HyperScroll™
See the entry on Ping Speed, which controls the HyperScroll feature.
73

Log Sonar Chart Data
If you have an MMC installed in the unit, the sonar data shown on the
screen can be saved to the MMC. This can be played back at any time
(to play a recorded sonar chart log, see the entry in this section for Sonar Simulator). If you have a personal computer and Internet access,
visit our web site, www.lowrance.com, and download the free Sonar
Viewer and the emulator for your unit. These programs will allow you
to replay sonar logs on your personal computer.

Sonar Page menu with the Log Sonar Chart Data selected (left). Sonar
Chart Logging menu (right) with the Start Logging selected. The menu
says the MMC has 5.42 MB of free space, which will record the scrolling chart for 28 minutes and 44 seconds.

To record or log chart data:
1. Press MENU|↓ to LOG SONAR CHART DATA|ENT.
2. To record data using the default settings, press ENT. The menu clears
and the Sonar Page title bar shows the name of the file you are recording. Warning messages will appear as recording time begins to run
out.
NOTE:
You can change any of the settings by using the cursor arrows to
highlight different commands. Select FILE NAME if you want to
change the name. Select CHART QUALITY if you want to lower the file
quality and record for a longer period of time. After you've changed
the settings, select START LOGGING and press ENT.

Noise Rejection
See the entry on Advanced Signal Processing in this section.

Overlay Data
On any Page display except Satellite Status, you can "float" or overlay
additional GPS or navigation data on the screen with the Overlay Data
command. For example, if you left your watch at home, you could display the local time on top of the map. Or, if you wanted to see details
about your route and trip, you could show your bearing, course, average
speed and trip distance.
The various data available from your unit are divided into categories in
the Overlay Data menu. These categories include GPS Data, Navigation, Trip Calculator, Time, Sonar Data and Miscellaneous Data.
You can select items from any of these categories for display, in any
combination — the category divisions are there only to help you sort
through the information.

Overlay Data highlighted on sonar menu (left). Overlay Data Shown
menu (right).

Data Viewer menu (left). Sonar Data category expanded (right).

3. Expand any categories that might contain data you want to display.
Then press ↓ or ↑ to select a data option.
4. With the data option highlighted, press ENT to check it (turn on) and
uncheck it (turn off). As you turn it on, the data will appear on top of
the screen. Every Page display has a maximum number of items you
can show using the Overlay Data command.
5. After the desired changes are made, press EXIT|EXIT to return to the
page display.

Steering
arrow

Map Page showing boat cruising Puget Sound, Washington (left) with
Overlay Data turned on. This example shows Depth, Ground Speed
and the Steering Arrow. Note that the Steering Arrow always points
directly to the destination you are navigating toward. In this case, the
boater is headed on a northwesterly course of 275º. Since the helmsman is on course, the Steering Arrow is pointing straight ahead. If the
boat veered off course, the arrow would show which direction to steer
to get back on course. Sonar Page with Overlay Data turned on (right),
showing Depth, Ground Speed and the Track the boat is following.

To remove overlaid data:
1. While on the Page that shows the item or items you want to remove,
press MENU|↓ to OVERLAY DATA|ENT.
2. You'll see a list of the overlay data currently displayed. Select the
item you want to remove from your display and press ENT|ENT to remove the data. To remove another item, select the item and press
ENT|ENT.
3. When you have finished removing all the items you want from the
screen, press EXIT to return to the page display.
NOTE
You can also remove data directly from the Data Viewer menu by unchecking the data option you would like to remove.

Overlay Data Shown with Water Temp selected (left). Remove button
highlighted (center). Water Temp has been removed from Overlay
Data Shown menu (right).

To move overlaid data:
You may find it useful to rearrange data that is floating in your display
window.
1. From one of the Map Pages, press MENU|↓ to OVERLAY DATA|ENT.
2. You'll see a list of the overlay data currently displayed. Select the
item you want to move and press ENT|→ to MOVE|ENT.
3. The data begins to flash on your screen. Use any combination of →,
←, ↑ and ↓ to move the data to a new location on the screen.
4. When satisfied, press EXIT|EXIT.
NOTE:
The Customize command and the Overlay Data command both use
the same information categories. The difference between the two
commands is that Customize changes only the data boxes on a
77

screen, and Overlay Data changes only the information floating on
the screen without a box. See Customize Page Displays, on page 86,
for information on customizing data boxes.
To change displayed data font size:

1. From the Map or Sonar page, press MENU|↓ to OVERLAY DATA|ENT.
2. Press ↓ or ↑ to select Data Type, then use ← → to scroll through the
five overlay options: Off, Small, Medium, Large and Enormous.
3. Select the desired setting. The selected data type will be displayed in
the new size. To change the font size for another Data Type, repeat
Steps 2 and 3. Press EXIT to return to the sonar display.
NOTE:
Some data types can be displayed in only one font size. If that is the
case, the Data Size box will not be displayed for that data type.

Ping Speed & HyperScroll™
Ping Speed controls the rate at which the transmitter and transducer
broadcast sonar sound waves — pings — into the water. The unit has a
default ping speed of 50 percent. At normal boating speeds, this automatically provides enough return echoes to refresh the screen and
scroll the chart at maximum chart speed.
However, when you are running at high speeds, or just want the fastest
possible screen update, you may want to use the HyperScroll™ feature.
When you change the Ping Speed to any setting greater than 50 percent, the unit automatically enters HyperScroll mode.
These faster ping rates allow you to maintain a high-detail picture on
the screen, and the screen refresh rate and chart scroll speed can keep
pace with the boat as it moves quickly over the bottom terrain.
When using HyperScroll, you may also need to manually decrease the
sensitivity for optimum performance. Depending on water depth and
other conditions, HyperScroll may cause a second bottom echo to return
to the transducer during the next ping cycle, or sounding. This can result
in a large amount of clutter appearing on the screen. If this occurs, just
decrease the sensitivity to a level that eliminates the clutter. When you
turn HyperScroll off, you can return to your original sensitivity level.

Sonar Menu with Ping Speed selected (left).
Ping Speed Control Bar set to its default setting (right).

To change Ping Speed:
1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU|↓ to PING SPEED|ENT.
2. The Ping Speed Control Bar appears. Press ↑ to increase ping speed;
press ↓ to decrease speed. When it's set at the desired level, press EXIT.
To adjust Sensitivity:
1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU|ENT.
2. The Sensitivity Control Bar appears. Press ↓ to decrease sensitivity;
press ↑ to increase sensitivity. When it's set at the desired level, press
EXIT. (When you reach the maximum or minimum limit, a tone sounds.)
To turn off HyperScroll:
1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU|↓ to PING SPEED|ENT.
2. The Ping Speed Control Bar appears. Press ↓ to decrease ping speed
to 50 percent. When it's set at the desired level, press EXIT.
When you boost ping speed and switch into HyperScroll, the width of
the FasTrack bar graph display doubles in width at the right side of the
screen. This allows you to better see the virtually instantaneous sonar
returns, just as you would on a flasher sonar unit. For more information on FasTrack, see its entry in this section.

Reset Options
This command is used to reset all features, options and settings to their
original factory defaults. This is useful when you have changed several
settings and want to return the unit to basic automatic operation.
1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to SYSTEM SETUP|ENT|↓ to RESET OPTIONS|ENT.
2. Press ← to YES|ENT.
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3. All the menus are cleared and the unit reverts to the Map Page at
the 4000 mile zoom range, just as if you had turned it on for the first
time. All options have been returned to the factory settings.

System Setup menu with Reset Options selected (left). The Reset Options dialog box, with "Yes" selected (right).

NOTE:
Reset Options does not erase any waypoints, routes, plot trails, or
sonar logs.

Reset Water Distance
The sonar chart's Digital Data display option includes a box that shows
distance traveled, called Water Distance. This information is calculated
from an optional water speed sensor, not the GPS. The Water Distance
window can be reset to zero using the Reset Water Distance command.
Press MENU|MENU|↓ to SONAR SETUP|ENT|↓ to RESET WATER DISThe menus are cleared and the water distance is reset to 0.00.

TANCE|ENT.

Set Keel Offset
This unit measures water depth from the face of the transducer. Since
the transducer is installed below the water surface, the distance displayed by the digital depth, chart depth scale, chart cursor or fish symbols is not the exact water depth. If the transducer is 1 foot below the
surface, and the screen shows the water depth as 30 feet, then the actual depth is 31 feet.
On sailboats or other large vessels with deep drafts, the distance between the transducer installation and the keel or lower engine unit can
be several feet. In those cases, an inexact depth reading could result in
grounding or striking underwater structure.
80

The Keel Offset feature eliminates the need for the navigator to mentally calculate how much water is under his keel.
Keel Offset lets you calibrate the digital depth, chart depth scale, chart
cursor depth and fish symbol depth displayed on the screen. To calibrate
the depth indicators, first measure the distance from the face of the
transducer to the lowest part of the boat. In this example, we will use 3.5
feet. This will entered as a negative 3.5 feet, which makes the depth indicators perform as if the transducer's lower in the water than it really is.
1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to Sonar Setup ENT. Use ↓ to select SET KEEL
OFFSET|ENT.
2. The Keel Offset dialog box appears. Press ↓ to change the plus (+)
sign to a minus (–) sign.
3. Press → to the first number, then press ↑ to change the number to 3
4. Press → to the second number, then press ↑ to change the number to
5, then press EXIT. The depth indicators now accurately show the depth
of water beneath the keel.
NOTE:
If knowing the exact depth of water beneath the keel is less important, you can calibrate the depth indicators so that they show the actual water depth from surface to bottom. To do this, first measure the
distance from the face of the transducer up to the surface (the water
line on the boat). In this example, we will use 1.5 feet. This will be entered as a positive 1.5 feet, which makes the depth indicators perform
as if the transducer's higher in the water than it really is.
1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to Sonar Setup ENT. Use ↓ to select SET KEEL
OFFSET|ENT.
2. The Keel Offset dialog box appears with a plus (+) sign at the
front of the box.
3. Press → to the first number, then press ↑ to change the number
to 1.
4. Press → to the second number, them press ↑ to change the number to 5, then press EXIT. The depth indicators now accurately show
the water depth from surface to bottom.

Sensitivity & Auto Sensitivity
The sensitivity controls the ability of the unit to pick up echoes. Sensitivity can be adjusted, because water conditions vary greatly. A low
sensitivity level (from zero to 50 percent) excludes much of the bottom
information, fish signals, and other target information.
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High sensitivity levels let you see this detail, but it can also clutter the
screen with many undesired signals. Typically, the best sensitivity level
shows a good solid bottom signal with Colorline and some surface clutter.
Automatic Sensitivity
The default sensitivity mode is automatic. The unit bases the sensitivity level on water depth and conditions. When the unit is in the automatic mode, sensitivity is automatically adjusted to keep a solid bottom
signal displayed, plus a little more power. This gives it the capability to
show fish and other detail.
However, situations occur when it becomes necessary to increase or
decrease the sensitivity. This typically happens when you wish to see
more detail, so an increase in sensitivity is indicated. Or, wave action
and boat wakes can create enough tiny air bubbles to clutter much of
the water column. In that case, a decrease in sensitivity is indicated to
reduce some of the clutter.
The control bar used to adjust sensitivity up or down is the same
whether the unit is in the automatic or manual mode. In automatic you
can adjust sensitivity up to 100 percent but the unit will limit your
minimum setting. In auto, the unit will continue to make small adjustments, allowing for the setting you selected.
In manual mode, you have complete control over sensitivity, with the
ability to set it anywhere from zero to 100 percent. Once you select a
level in manual, the unit will continue to use that exact sensitivity setting until you change it or revert to auto mode.
To adjust sensitivity in auto mode:
1. Press MENU|ENT.
2. The Sensitivity Control Bar appears. Press ↓ to decrease sensitivity;
press ↑ to increase sensitivity. When it's set at the desired level, press
EXIT. (When you reach the maximum or minimum limit, a tone sounds.)

Sonar Menu with Sensitivity selected (left). The Sensitivity Control
Bar (right).

To adjust sensitivity in manual mode:
1. First, turn off Auto Sensitivity: from the Sonar Page, press MENU|↓
to AUTO SENSITIVITY|ENT.
2. Press ↑ to SENSITIVITY|ENT and the Sensitivity Control Bar appears.
Press ↓ or ↑ to pick a different sensitivity setting. When it's set at the
desired level, press EXIT.
To turn Auto Sensitivity back on:
From the Sonar Page, press MENU|↓ to AUTO SENSITIVITY|ENT|EXIT.
NOTE:
To return to the original factory setting for Auto Sensitivity, see the
entry in this section on Reset Options. If sensitivity is in manual
mode, the Reset Options command will switch back to Auto and reset the factory setting at the same time.

Tip:

For quicker sensitivity adjustments, try leaving the Sensitivity
Control Bar on the screen as the chart scrolls. You can see the
changes on the screen as you press the up or down arrows. This is
handy when there's a lot of clutter in the water, and you are matching the sensitivity to rapidly changing water conditions.

Sonar Chart Mode
The default color scheme for the sonar chart is the white background,
but we offer other variations to suit your viewing preferences. The
chart can be displayed in grayscale, reverse grayscale, blue background, white background, nightview, iceview, or bottom color tracking.
83

Sonar Page & Sonar Chart Display Options
The Pages Menu offers five chart display options for dual-frequency models and four options for single-frequency models. To access them, press
PAGES|← or→ to SONAR|↓ to Option Name|EXIT.

Pages Menu showing sonar chart display options.

Full Sonar Chart
This is the default mode used when the unit is turned on for the first
time or when it's reset to the factory defaults.
The bottom signal scrolls across the screen from right to left. Depth
scales on the right side of the screen aid in determining the depth of
targets. The line at the top of the screen represents the surface. The
bottom depth and surface temperature (if equipped with a temperature
sensor or a transducer with a temp sensor built in) show at the top left
corner of the screen.
The FasTrack™ display shows just to the right of the scale. This
changes all echoes into short horizontal bars, replicating a flasher sonar. The zoom bar on the far right shows the area that's zoomed when
the zoom is in use. (See the Zoom section for more information.)

Full Sonar Chart. The Overlay Data (depth and water temperature)
are both set to the small text size.

Split Zoom Sonar Chart
A split chart shows the underwater world from the surface to the bottom on the right side of the screen. The left side shows an enlarged version of the right side. The zoom range shows in the bottom left corner.

Split Zoom Sonar Chart. The left window is zoomed 2X in the first image (left). The left window is zoomed 4X in the second image (right).

Split Frequency Sonar Chart
(LMS-527cDF only)
This page shows sonar data from the 50 kHz transducer on the left side
of the screen and data from the 200 kHz transducer on the right side.
All other functions and features are the same as the Full Chart page.
You can adjust the sensitivity in each window.
To adjust sensitivity in auto mode:
1. Press MENU|ENT.
2. The unit asks which window (50kHz or 200kHz) you would like to
adjust. Press ← or→ to select the one you want | ENT.
85

3. The Sensitivity Control Bar appears. Press ↓ to decrease sensitivity;
press ↑ to increase sensitivity. When it's set at the desired level, press
EXIT. (When you reach the maximum or minimum limit, a tone sounds.)

The Split Frequency Sonar Chart page allows you to adjust
sensitivity separately for each window.

Digital Data/Chart
This mode shows the chart on the right side of the screen. The left side has
five digital data boxes containing: Water Depth; Water Speed (from an optional speed sensor); Water Distance (distance traveled or log, it also requires a speed sensor); Surface Water Temperature and Voltage.

Digital Data/Chart

Calculator, Time, Sonar Data and Miscellaneous Data. You can select
items from any of these categories for display in any data box — the
category divisions are only there to help you sort through the information.
To change the information displayed in a data box:
1. On the Page display you wish to change, press MENU|↓ to CUSTOMIZE|ENT. A data box name flashes, indicating it is selected.
2. Press ENT to change the box or hit ↑, ↓, → or ← to select another box,
then press ENT. You'll see a list of categories with "+" or "–" symbols
next to each category. A category with a "+" is expandable, meaning its
contents are hidden.

Customize Menu, with "GPS Data" and "Navigation" categories expanded.

3. Selecting the category name and pressing ENT will show the category's contents, so you can choose items within it. An expanded category (one with a "–" next to its name) can be collapsed to hide its contents. Just select the category name and press ENT.
4. Expand any categories that might contain data you want to display.
Then press ↓ ↑ to select a different data option.
5. With the new option highlighted, press ENT to switch the contents of
the box to the new data type, then press EXIT.
6. You can now select another box to change. When you are finished
with the settings, press EXIT again to end the Customize command, and
the box name stops flashing.
A Page display can show a limited number of data boxes. You can not
turn them off or add more data boxes.
87

Flasher
The Flasher sonar page option represents a flasher style sonar combined with a scrolling chart. A circular dial shows all returning echoes
at a high screen refresh rate. It uses the Colorline feature to show
weaker targets as lighter colors. The bottom depth is also shown as a
black bar across the outer circle. You can adjust the size of the chart
and the flasher windows by using the Resize Window command, which
is described in Sec. 6.
Surface clutter
Bottom signal

Fish signal,
approximately
22 feet

Fish signal,
approximately
11 feet
Flasher page.

Sonar with Custom Gauges
The Sonar with Custom Gauges page has a split screen with sonar on
the right side, digital gauge information on the left side. The two windows can be resized to make one side bigger than the other or may be
set up to split the screen evenly.

Sonar with Custom Gauges selected on the Pages menu (left). To
change custom gauge information, access overlay data on the Custom
Gauges menu (center). Overlay Data shown menu (right).

To customize digital gauge display:
1. Press PAGES, highlight SONAR WITH CUSTOM GAUGES and press ENT.
88

2. Press MENU, select OVERLAY DATA and press ENT. The Overlay Data
shown menu will appear.
3. Highlight (PRESS ENT TO ADD…) and press ENT to open the Data Viewer
menu with three expandable data categories: Time, Sonar Data and
Sensor Data.
4. Highlight the desired data category and press ENT, which will expand the list, revealing several subcategories with checkboxes next to
them.
5. Select the desired subcategory and press ENT, which will place a
checkmark in the checkbox, showing the selected data is set for display.
6. If you want to display other data types, repeat Steps 4 and 5. Press
EXIT repeatedly to get back to the Sonar with Custom Gauges page. The
data you selected will now be displayed in the gray area on the left side
of the screen.
To change Overlay data size:

1. From the Sonar with Custom Gauges page, press MENU SELECT OVERLAY DATA and press ENT. The Overlay Data Shown menu will appear.
2. Highlight the Data Type you want to resize, then use ← → to set the
data to the desired size to one of four options: Off, Small, Medium,
Large and Enormous.

Local Time is set to medium size (left). The size of Local Time data has
been changed to Enormous (right).

3. To change the size of another Data Type, repeat the steps above. To
return to the Sonar with Custom Gauges display, press EXIT.

To resize Sonar and Custom Gauge windows:
1. From the Sonar with Custom Gauges page, press MENU, select RESIZE

WINDOW and press ENT.

2. Use ← → to increase or decrease the size of each window. Press EXIT.

When the Resize Windows command is active, two arrows will appear
between the two windows.

Map with Sonar Split Screen
There is a page mode that splits the screen in half, with the map on the
left and the sonar on the right. This screen option can be found on the
Pages Menu under the Map Page category.

Full Map page (left). Pages Menu with the Map option list (center). The
Map with Sonar screen (right).

When the split screen is activated, you need to specify which side of the
display is the active menu. To do this, press PAGES|PAGES. The window
with the blue title bar at the top of the screen is the active window. To
switch back, just press PAGES|PAGES again.

Sonar Simulator
This unit has a built-in simulator that lets you run it as if you were on
the water. All sonar features and functions are useable. When in simulator mode, you will see the chart file name in the Sonar Page title bar
and a play symbol will flash on and off at the right end of the title bar.
To use the simulator:
1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU|MENU|↓ to SYSTEM SETUP|ENT|↓
to SIMULATORS|ENT.

System Setup menu with Simulators selected (left). Sonar Simulator
page with Sonar Simulator On highlighted (right). The checkbox next
Sonar Simulator On is checked (turned on).

NOTE:
With Simulate Position checked, the simulator will automatically run
the GPS simulator (if GPS data was recorded with the sonar log).
2. Press → to highlight SONAR SIMULATOR tab. To turn on the simulator,
highlight SONAR SIMULATOR ON and press ENT, which will place an X in the
checkbox. Repeat these steps to turn off the simulator.
3. Press EXIT repeatedly to return to the main display.

"Play"
symbol
flashing
Title bar with
chart file name

Sonar Page, playing a recorded sonar chart in Sonar Simulator mode.

Tip:

The Sonar Simulator can use sonar charts that you or a friend have
recorded (logged) on a MMC card. (To see how, read the entry in
this section on Log Sonar Chart Data.) To play back your own sonar
chart, make sure the MMC containing the chart is installed, then:
1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to SONAR SETUP|ENT|↓ to SONAR SIMULATOR|ENT.
2. Press ↓ to CHART USED|ENT.

3. Press ↓ or ↑ to select chart name|ENT|↑ to SONAR SIMULATOR
ON|ENT|EXIT.
While you're in the Sonar Simulator menu, don't forget to check
Simulate Position if you want to run the sonar and GPS simulators
simultaneously. As you review sonar logs, you can create waypoints
to mark the sites you want to revisit.
While the simulator is running, you can switch from one chart log
to another by opening the Sonar Simulator menu and using the instructions in step 2 to select a different chart.

Tip:

Select Browse MMC Files from the Main Menu.

NOTE:
If you turn on your unit before attaching a transducer, it may enter a
demo mode. The words "demo mode" flash on the bottom of the
screen and a sonar chart plays much like the simulator. Unlike the
simulator, the demo mode is for demonstration only, and will automatically stop as soon as you turn on the unit with a transducer attached. The simulator will continue to function normally.

Stop Chart
If you are running multiple units on a boat or using this unit in a car,
there are times when you may want to turn off the sonar. This command turns off the sonar and stops the chart from scrolling. Sonar restarts automatically each time you turn on your unit.
1. From a Sonar Page, press MENU|↓ to STOP CHART|ENT|EXIT. Repeat
this step to restart the chart.

Sonar Menu with Stop Chart command selected. The box is unchecked,
indicating that the chart is scrolling across the screen.

Surface Clarity
The markings extending downward from the zero line on the chart are
called "surface clutter." These markings are caused by wave action,
boat wakes, temperature inversion and more.
The surface clarity control reduces or eliminates surface clutter signals
from the display. It does this by changing the sensitivity of the receiver,
decreasing it near the surface and gradually increasing it as the depth
increases.
There are three levels of surface clarity available: low, medium, or
high. It can also be turned off. The default level is off.
To adjust the Surface Clarity level:
1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU|↓ to SONAR FEATURES|ENT.

Sonar Features menu with Surface Clarity selected.

2. Press ↓ to SURFACE CLARITY|ENT.
3. Press ↓ or ↑ to select clarity level|EXIT|EXIT|EXIT.

Surface clutter

In the illustration at left, Surface Clarity is turned off.
The right view shows Surface Clarity set at High.

Transparency
Use the transparency menu to adjust the transparency of menu windows. A high transparency allows you to continue monitoring the
screen's display while adjusting feature settings, though the text of the
menus may fade until it is unreadable. A low transparency will usually
make menu text easier to read, at the cost of watching your display.
Experiment with this feature until you find the right level of transparency for your eyes.

Main Menu with Transparency command selected. Transparency control bar (right).

To adjust Menu Transparency level:
Press MENU|MENU|↓ to TRANSPARENCY|ENT. The TRANSPARENCY slider bar
appears. Press ↑ or ↓ to move the bar. The lower end of the scale makes
the menus opaque; the upper end is maximum transparency.
95

Upper and Lower Limits
See the entry in this section for Depth Range - Upper and Lower Limits

Zoom & Zoom Bar
"Zooming" the display is a common, fast and easy method used to enlarge small detail, fish signals and the bottom with its associated structure. This unit lets you zoom the display quickly and easily by pressing
the Zoom In key, ZIN.
Pressing ZIN once doubles the size (2X) of all echoes on the screen.
Pressing it again quadruples the size of the echoes (4X). The zoom bar
on the far right side of the screen shows which echoes will be displayed
on the screen when the ZIN key is pressed.
For example, pressing the ZIN key once will enable a 2X zoom which
will show all echoes that are between the top and bottom of the 2X
zoom bar. Pressing the key again will give a 4X zoom and only the echoes between the top and bottom of the 4X bar will show on the screen.
Press the Zoom Out key, ZOUT, to return the display to the normal mode.

Sonar Page with a normal view (left). The second image (center) is
showing the same view zoomed 2X. The third image (right) is showing
the same view zoomed 4X

Zoom Pan
Your unit has the handy ability to quickly zoom in on any portion of the
water column with just the touch of an arrow key. The Zoom Pan feature
lets you rapidly move the zoomed area up and down to different depths.
By "pointing" your zoom at different portions of the chart as it scrolls, you
can get a good, close-up look at structure or cover below you.
To use Zoom Pan, switch to a manual depth Range setting (see page 67)
and turn on 2X or 4X Zoom. Then, simply press ↑ ↓ to pan up and down
the water column.
96

Section 5: Sonar Troubleshooting
If your unit is not working, or if you need technical help, please use the
following troubleshooting section before contacting the customer service department. It may save you the trouble of returning your unit for
repair. For contact information, refer to the last page, just inside the
back cover of this manual.
Unit won't turn on
1. Check the power cable's connection at the unit. Also check the wiring.
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. It should
be at least 10 volts. If it isn't, the wiring to the unit is defective, the
battery 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 in to the unit.
Weak bottom echo, digital readings erratic, or no fish signals
1. Make sure the transducer is pointing straight down. Clean the face of
the transducer. Oil, dirt and fuel can cause a film to form on the transducer, reducing its effectiveness. If the transducer is mounted inside the
hull, be sure it is shooting through only one layer of fiberglass and that it
is securely bonded to the hull. When attaching a transducer to the inside
of a hull, ONLY use the epoxy available from LEI (order information is
inside the back cover). 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.
2. Electrical noise from the boat's 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 structure from the display.
3. The water may be deeper than the sonar's ability to find the bottom.
97

If the sonar can't find the bottom signal while it's in the automatic
mode, the digital sonar display will flash continuously. 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.
4. 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 or erratic digital reading or weak bottom echo while boat is moving
1. The transducer may be in turbulent water. It must be mounted in a
smooth flow of water in order for the sonar to work at all boat speeds. Air
bubbles in the water disrupt the sonar signals, interfering with its ability
to find the bottom or other targets. The technical term for this is cavitation.
2. Electrical noise from the boat's 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 structure from the display. Try using resistor
spark plugs or routing the sonar unit's power and transducer cables
away from other electrical wiring on the boat.
No fish arches when the Fish I.D. feature is off
1. Make sure the transducer is pointing straight down. This is the most
common problem if a partial arch is displayed.
2. The sensitivity may not be high enough. In order for the unit to display 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 sensitivity 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 arches when
zoomed in on a small range of water than a large one. For example, you
will have much better luck seeing fish arches with a 30 to 60 foot range
than a 0 to 60 foot range. This enlarges the targets, allowing the display to show much more detail.
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, showing on the screen as
straight horizontal lines.
NOISE
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 erratically, or not at all.
98

To eliminate or minimize the effects of electrical noise, first try to determine the cause. With the boat at rest in the water, the first thing
you should do is turn all electrical equipment on the boat off. Make
sure the engine is also off. Turn your sonar on, then turn off Noise Reject [also known as the ASP feature (Advanced Signal Processing)].
Sensitivity should be set at 90-95 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. For
example, turn on the bilge pump and view the sonar display for noise.
If no noise is present, turn the pump off, then turn on the VHF radio
and transmit. Keep doing this until all electrical equipment has been
turned on, their effect on the sonar display noted, then turned off.
If you find noise interference from an electrical instrument, trolling
motor, pump, or radio, try to isolate the problem. You can usually reroute the sonar unit's power cable and transducer cable away from the
wiring that is 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.
If no noise displays on the sonar unit from electrical equipment, 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, alternator, or tachometer wiring. Try using resistor spark plugs,
alternator filters, or routing the sonar unit's power cable away from
engine wiring. Again, routing the power cable directly to the battery
helps eliminate noise problems. Make sure to use the in-line fuse supplied with the unit when wiring the power cable to the battery.
When no noise appears on the sonar unit after all of the above tests,
then the noise source is probably cavitation. Many novices or persons
with limited experience make hasty sonar installations which function
perfectly in shallow water, or when the boat is at rest. In nearly all
cases, the cause of the malfunction will be 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 (Sec. 2) in this
manual for the best mounting position.

Notes

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Section 6: Basic GPS Operations
This section addresses the unit's most basic GPS operations. The tutorials presented in Sec. 6 follow a chronological order. Sec. 7, Advanced
GPS Operations, will discuss other more advanced functions and utilities.
Before you turn on the unit and find where you are, it's a good idea to
learn about the different keys, the four Page screens and how they all
work together. BUT, if you just can't wait to get outside, turn to the
one-page Quick Reference on page 117.

Keyboard

MMC slot access door

LMS-527cDF sonar/GPS unit, front view, showing map with sonar split
screen, keyboard and access door for the MMC slot.

1. PWR/LIGHT (Power & Light) – The PWR key turns the unit on and
off and activates the backlight.
2. PAGES – Pressing this and the ← → arrow keys (4) switches the
unit between the four different page screens. (Satellite Status Page,
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Navigation Page, Map Page and Sonar Page.) Each page represents one
of the unit's major operation modes.
3. MENU – Press this key to show the menus and submenus, which
allow you to select a command or adjust a feature. This also accesses
search functions for streets, intersections, addresses and highway exits.
4. ARROW KEYS – These keys are used to navigate through the
menus, make menu selections, move the map cursor and sonar chart
cursor and enter data.
5. ENT/ICONS (Enter & Icons) – This key allows you to save data, accept values or execute menu commands. It is also used to create event
marker icons.
6. EXIT – The Exit key lets you return to the previous screen, clear
data or close a menu.
7. WPT – (Waypoint) The Waypoint key is used to save and recall waypoints, search for waypoints and access the waypoint list. It also
launches the Point-of-Interest (POI) search menus and is involved in
some navigation functions.
8. ZOUT – (Zoom Out) – This key lets you zoom the screen out. On the
Sonar Page, this key returns you to a full sonar chart display, showing
the entire water column from surface to bottom. On the Map Page, this
lets you see a larger geographic area on the map. Less detail is seen as
you zoom out.
9. ZIN – (Zoom In) – This key lets you zoom the screen in. On the Sonar
Page, this key enlarges fish signals and bottom detail. On the Map
Page, zooming in lets you see greater detail in a smaller geographic
area on the map.

Power/lights on and off
To turn on the unit, press PWR. As the unit powers up, the Map Page is
displayed first. (To switch to another page, press PAGES|← or → to
Page Name|EXIT.)
To turn on the backlight, press PWR again. The unit has three backlight levels to select from. Repeatedly pressing PWR will cycle through
the backlight settings and turn off the backlight.
Turn off the unit by pressing and holding the PWR key for 3 seconds.

Main Menu
The unit has a Main Menu, which contains some function commands and
some setup option commands. The tutorial lessons in this section will
deal only with functions, the basic commands that make the unit do
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something. The GPS will work fine for these lessons right out of the box
with the factory default settings. But, if you want to learn about the various options, see Sec. 8, System Setup and GPS Setup Options.
You can access the Main Menu from any of the four Page screens by
pressing MENU|MENU. To clear the menu screen and return to the page
display, press EXIT.

Main Menu.

The Main Menu commands and their functions are:
Screen: changes the contrast or brightness of the display screen.
Sounds: enables or disables the sounds for key strokes and alarms and
sets the alarm style.
Transparency: adjusts the level of transparency for menus.
Alarms: turns GPS or sonar alarms on or off and changes alarm
thresholds.
Route Planning: used to plan, view or navigate a route.
My Trails: shows, hides, creates and deletes plot trails. Also used to
navigate or backtrack a trail.
Cancel Navigation: turns off the various navigation commands. Used
to stop navigating after you have reached your destination waypoint,
Point of Interest or map cursor location; or after you reach the end of a
route or trail.
Sonar Setup: sets various sonar options.
GPS Setup: sets various GPS receiver options.
System Setup: sets general configuration options.
NMEA 2000: provides access to all NMEA 2000 network setup options,
including the configuration of devices on the network. For more information, see Section 10: NMEA 2000 Menu.
103

Pages
The unit has four Page displays that represent the five major operating
modes. They are the Satellite Status Page, the Navigation Page, Map
Page and the Sonar Page. They are accessed by pressing the PAGES key,
then using → or ← to select a Page. (Clear the Pages menu by pressing
EXIT.)

Pages Menu showing Map page options.

Sonar Page
The Sonar Page displays the sonar chart, a view of the water column
from the surface to the bottom. The chart scrolls across the screen from
right to left, displaying signal echoes that represent fish, structure and
the bottom. The Sonar Page is discussed in detail in Sec. 3.
Satellite Status Page
The Satellite Status Page provides detailed information on the status
of the unit's satellite lock-on and position acquisition. To get to the Satellite Status Page: Press the PAGES key, then use → or ← to select
STATUS. (Clear the Pages Menu by pressing EXIT.)
No matter what Page you are on, a flashing current position indicator/question mark symbol and flashing GPS data displays indicate that
satellite lock has been lost and there is no position confirmed. The Satellite Status Page shows you the quality and accuracy of the current
satellite lock-on and position calculation.
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WARNING:
Do not begin navigating with this unit until the numbers
have stopped flashing!

Satellite Status Page (left). Custom Gauges (right).

This screen will show a graphical view of the satellites that are in view.
Each satellite is shown on the circular chart relative to your position. The
point in the center of the chart is directly overhead. The small inner ring
represents 45° above the horizon and the large ring represents the horizon.
North is at the top of the screen. You can use this to see which satellites are
obstructed by obstacles in your immediate area if the unit is facing north.
The GPS receiver will track satellites that are in bold type. The receiver hasn't locked onto a satellite if the number is grayed out, therefore it isn't being used to calculate your position.
Beneath the circular graph will be bar graphs, one for each satellite in
view. Since the unit has twelve channels, it can dedicate one channel
per visible satellite. The taller the bar on the graph, the better the unit
is receiving the signals from the satellite.
You can set up custom digital gauges through the Satellite Status page
menu. The Custom Gauges feature allows you to monitor a wide variety of data from one page.
To set up Custom Gauge page:
1. Select the SATELLITE STATUS page from the Pages menu, highlight CUSTOM GAUGES and press ENT.
2. Press MENU. OVERLAY DATA will highlighted, so press ENT. The Overlay
Data shown menu will appear.
3. Highlight (PRESS ENT TO ADD…) and press ENT to open the Data Viewer
menu with five expandable data categories: GPS Data, Navigation,
Trip Calculator, Time and Sensor Data.
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4. Highlight the desired data category and press ENT, which will expand the list, revealing several subcategories with checkboxes next to
them.
5. Select the desired subcategory and press ENT, which will place a
checkmark in the checkbox, showing the selected data is set for display.
6. If you want to display other data types, repeat Steps 4 and 5. Press
EXIT repeatedly to get back to the Custom Gauges page. The data you
selected will now be displayed on the screen.
To change Overlay data size:

1. From the Custom Gauges page, press MENU SELECT OVERLAY DATA and
press ENT. The Overlay Data Shown menu will appear.
2. Highlight the Data Type you want to resize, then use ← → to set the
data to the desired size to one of four options: Off, Small, Medium,
Large and Enormous.
3. To change the size of another Data Type, repeat the steps above. To
return to the Sonar with Custom Gauges display, press EXIT.
NOTE:
One of the data display options for the Satellite Status page is "Position Error" (horizontal position error), which can appear in one of
the page's data boxes. If you turn on Position Error, it will show
you the expected error from a benchmark location. In other words,
if the Position Error box shows 50 feet, then the position shown by
the unit is estimated to be within 50 feet of the actual location.
This also gives you an indicator of the fix quality the unit currently
has. The smaller the position error number, the better (and more accurate) the fix is. If the position error flashes dashes, then the unit
hasn't locked onto the satellites, and the number shown isn't valid.
(For details, see the Customize Page Displays entry in Sec. 8.)
The Satellite Status Page has its own menu, which is used for setting
various options. (Options and setup are discussed in Sec. 8). To access
the Satellite Status Page Menu, from the Status Page, press MENU.
Navigation Page
This screen has a compass rose that not only shows your direction of
travel, but also the direction to a recalled waypoint. The page has two
options, navigation with digital data and navigation with sonar. To get
to the Navigation Page: Press PAGES|→ or ← to NAVIGATION. Press ↓ or
↑|EXIT to select one of the two menu items.
The navigation screen looks like the one below when you're not navigating to a waypoint or following a route or trail. Your position is
shown by an arrow in the center of the screen. Your trail history, or
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path you've just taken, is depicted by the line extending from the arrow. The arrow pointing down at the top of the compass rose indicates
the current track (direction of travel) you are taking.
Track or compass heading indicator, showing direction of travel
Navigation
information
displays in
customizable
data boxes

Compass
rose

Present
position
arrow
Trail line

The Navigation with Digital Data Page recording a trail, while traveling southwest. Page looks like this when the unit is not navigating to a
waypoint, following a route, or backtracking a trail.

Navigation with Sonar page.

When navigating to a waypoint, your ground speed, track, distance,
bearing to the waypoint and course are all displayed.
NOTE:
Remember, when the Speed, Track and Position information displays are flashing, satellite lock has not been achieved and no position fix has been determined. A question mark will also flash on the
present position arrow in the center of the compass rose.
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Speed (ground speed) is the velocity you are making over the ground.
(If you wish, you can customize the Speed data box to display Closing
Speed instead. Closing Speed is also known as velocity made good. It's
the speed that you're making toward the waypoint. For instructions,
see the Customize Page Displays entry in Sec. 8.)
Track is the heading, or the current direction you are actually traveling. Bearing is the direction of a line-of-sight from your present position to the destination. No matter what direction you are steering, the
Bearing window shows the compass direction straight to the destination from your location at the moment. Distance shows how far it is to
the waypoint you're navigating toward.
The Off Course window shows the current cross track error. This shows
the distance you are off-course to the side of the desired course line. The
course line is an imaginary line drawn from your position when you
started navigating to the destination waypoint. The course line is shown
on the Navigation Page screen (and the Map Page screen) as a dotted line.
Left cross track error line

Course line Heading arrow

Current track or
heading, shown
in degrees

Bearing
arrow
Waypoint
symbol

Compass bearing
to destination

Cross track
error range
(off course
indicator)

Trail line
Navigation
information
displays
in data
boxes

Destination
name
Navigation Page.

The cross track error range is shown on the compass rose as a wide,
white, corridor enclosing the course line. The outer edges of this white
corridor represent lines that show the current cross track error range.
The default for the cross track error range is 0.20 miles.
For example, if the present position symbol touches the right cross
track error line, then you are 0.20 miles to the right of the desired
course. You need to steer left to return to the desired course.
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You can use the ZIN or ZOUT keys to change the cross track error range.
A circular symbol showing your destination (waypoint) appears on the
screen as you approach the waypoint, as shown on the screen in the
preceding figure.
Travel Time is the time that it will take to reach your destination at
your present closing speed. (You can also customize the time data box
to show Arrival Time instead. Arrival Time is the local time it will be
when you arrive at the destination, based upon your present closing
speed and track.)
In the preceding example, the driver is headed west (a 265º track) toward a waypoint 265º (bearing) away. The cross track error range
(white corridor) is 0.20 miles either side of the course. The driver is
headed toward trail waypoint 4, which is 0.3 miles away. The vehicle is
right on course. Traveling at a speed of 8 mph, the driver will arrive at
the waypoint in 2 minutes, 17 seconds.
The Navigation Page has its own menu, which is used for some advanced functions and for setting various options. (Options and setup
are discussed in Sec. 8). To access the Navigation Page Menu, from the
Navigation Page, press MENU.
Map Page
The Map Page screens show your course and track from a bird's-eye
view. By default, this unit shows the map with north always at the top
of the screen. (This can be changed. See the topic Map Orientation, in
Sec. 8.) If you're navigating to a waypoint, the map also shows your
starting location, present position, course line and destination. You,
however, don't have to navigate to a waypoint to use the map.
Map Page is the default screen that appears when you turn on the unit.
To get to the Map Page from another page: Press PAGES|← or → to
MAP|EXIT. When the Map Page is displayed, a screen similar to the following figures appears.
The arrow in the center of the screen is your present position. It points
in the direction you're traveling. The solid line extending from the back
of the arrow is your plot trail, or path you've taken.
The map zoom range is the distance across the screen. This number
shows in the lower right corner of the screen. In the first of the following example figures, the range is 4,000 miles from the left edge of the
map to the right edge of the map.
The Zoom In and Zoom Out keys zoom the map to enlarge or reduce its
coverage area and the amount of mapping detail shown. There are 39
available map zoom ranges, from 0.02 miles to 4,000 miles.
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Map Page opening screen (left). Set to 100-mile zoom (center) and 10mile zoom (right). Over Zoomed means you have reached the detail
limits in an area covered only by the basic background map. Zooming
in closer will reveal no more map detail because a high-detail custom
map has not been loaded on the MMC for this area.

If you're using only the factory-loaded background map, the maximum
zoom range for showing additional map detail is 20 miles. You can continue to zoom in closer, but the map will simply be enlarged without
revealing more map content (except for a few major city streets.) Load
your own high-detail custom map made with MapCreate (or a pre-made
FreedomMap from LEI), and you can zoom in to 0.02 miles with massive amounts of accurate map detail.

Map Pages with high-detail MapCreate map of an urban area loaded on
the MMC. Arterial streets appear at the 4-mile zoom range (left) with a
few Point of Interest icons visible. Numerous dots representing Points of
Interest are visible at the 2-mile range (center) along with minor streets.
At a 0.4-mile zoom (right), you can see an interstate highway with an
exit, major and minor streets as well as Point of Interest icons.

Background map vs. MapCreate map content
The background map includes: low-detail maps of the whole world (containing cities, major lakes, major rivers, political boundaries); and medium-detail maps of the United States.
The medium-detail U.S. maps contain: all incorporated cities; shaded
metropolitan areas; county boundaries; shaded public lands (such as
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national forests and parks); some major city streets; Interstate, U.S.
and state highways; Interstate highway exits and exit services information; large- and medium-sized lakes and streams; and more than
60,000 navigation aids and 10,000 wrecks and obstructions in U.S.
coastal and Great Lakes waters.
MapCreate custom maps include massive amounts of information not
found in the background map. MapCreate maps contain the searchable
Points of Interest database, all the minor roads and streets, all the
landmark features (such as summits, schools, radio towers, etc.); more
rivers, streams, smaller lakes and ponds and their names.
What's more important is the large scale map detail that allows your
GPS unit to show a higher level of position accuracy. For example, the
background map would show you the general outline and approximate
shape of a coastline or water body, but the higher detail in MapCreate
shows the shoreline completely and accurately (finer detail). Many
smaller islands would not be included in the background map, but are
in MapCreate.
NOTE:
Available through LEI Extras (look inside back cover for accessory
ordering information), FreedomMaps are pre-made maps that contain all of the same information available in a custom MapCreate
map, without any work on your part.
Interstate

Major Street

Cursor line

Minor
Streets
POI
Pop-up

POI
Marker

Restaurant
POI

School POI
Position,
distance and
bearing data

Zoom Range

When the map is zoomed out far enough, most POIs appear as square
dots. As you zoom in closer, the symbols become readable icons. In the
0.2 mile zoom example (right), the cursor has selected the Cupps Café
POI, which triggers a pop-up box with the POI name. This pop-up box
works on POIs at any zoom range.

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Tip:

In some urban areas, businesses are so close to one another that
their POI icons crowd each other on the screen. You can reduce
screen clutter and make streets and other map features easier to
see by simply turning off the display of POIs you're not watching
for. (To see how, check the text on Map Detail Category Selection,
page 162. It shows how to use the Map Categories Drawn menu to
turn individual POI displays off and on.) Even though their display
is turned off, you can still search for POIs and their icons will popup when your unit finds them for you.
The Map Page has its own menu, which is used for several functions
and for setting various options. To access the Map Page Menu, from the
Map Page, press MENU.
The Pages Menu also offers several map display options under the Map
Page category. To access them, press PAGES|← → to MAP|↓ to Option|EXIT.

Digital Data map page (left). Two Position Formats page (right).

In pages that have two major windows (such as two maps) you can toggle back and forth between the two windows by pressing
PAGES|PAGES. This allows you to change which map your cursor
moves on, and which map the menu operates on. The window with the
blue title bar is the active window.

112

Pages Menu with Two Map option selected (left). The windows are in a
horizontal position. Map Page with two vertical windows (right).

Resize Window is another feature for pages that have two major windows. You can change the horizontal size of the windows to suit your
viewing preference.
1. From any two-window display, press MENU|↓ to RESIZE WINDOW|ENT.
2. Four flashing arrows appear along the centerline dividing the two
windows. The windows will be in a horizontal position by default, so
press ↑ ↓ to resize the windows. Or, if you want to realign the windows
vertically, use ← → to switch the windows from a horizontal position
to a vertical position. After the windows are in a vertical position, press
← → to resize the windows. Press EXIT to clear the menu.
3. To change the window size again or revert to the original display,
just follow the steps above. You can also use the Reset Options command to revert to the factory default.
Map with Sonar
The Map with Sonar page evenly splits the screen between the map
view and sonar view. The windows may be resized to fit your preference.
To resize Map with Sonar windows:
1. Press PAGES, highlight MAP, select MAP WITH SONAR and press ENT.
2. Press MENU, highlight RESIZE WINDOWS and press ENT. Two horizontal
arrows will appear on the screen.
3. Use ← → to increase or decrease the size of the windows. Press EXIT
to return to normal operation.

113

Map with Sonar highlighted on Pages menu (left). Resize Windows selected on Map with Sonar menu (center). Dual arrows are shown as
windows are resized (right).

Map with Custom Gauges
The Map with Custom Gauges page has a split screen with a map on
the right side and digital gauge information on the left side. The two
windows can be resized to make one side bigger than the other or may
be set up to split the screen evenly.

Map with Custom Gauges highlighted on Pages menu (left). Overlay
Data selected on Map with Custom Gauges menu (right).

To customize digital gauge display:
1. Press PAGES, highlight Map, select MAP WITH CUSTOM GAUGES and press
ENT.
2. Press MENU, select OVERLAY DATA and press ENT. The Overlay Data
shown menu will appear.
3. Highlight (PRESS ENT TO ADD…) and press ENT to open the Data Viewer
menu with five expandable data categories: GPS Data, Navigation,
Trip Calculator, Time, Sonar Data and Sensor Data.
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4. Highlight the desired data category and press ENT, which will expand the list, revealing several subcategories with checkboxes next to
them.
5. Select the desired subcategory and press ENT, which will place a
checkmark in the checkbox, showing the selected data is set for display.
6. If you want to display other data types, repeat Steps 4 and 5. Press
EXIT repeatedly to get back to the Map with Custom Gauges page. The
data you selected will now be displayed in the gray area on the left side
of the screen.
To change Overlay data size:

1. From the Map with Custom Gauges page, press MENU select OVERLAY
DATA and press ENT. The Overlay Data Shown menu will appear.
2. Highlight the Data Type you want to resize, then use ← → to switch
the data setting to one of the following four options: Off, Small, Medium, Large and Enormous.
3. To change the size of another Data Type, repeat the steps above. To
return to the Sonar with Custom Gauges display, press EXIT.

Ground Speed is set to small size (left). The size Ground Speed data
has been changed to Large (right).

Radar
When you access the Radar Page, the screen will switch to the radar display. Information on radar installation and radar operation are included
in two documents that come packed with Lowrance radar units: Radar
and RIM 100 Radar Interface Module Installation Instructions and Radar
Operation Instruction Manual. Refer to these documents for information
on your radar unit.

115

Radar Page (left) with Radar menu display (right).

To access Radar Page:
1. Press PAGES, highlight the RADAR tab and press ENT.
2. Press MENU to open the Radar menu. Press EXIT to return to the radar display.
The following page contains a 12-step quick reference for the most basic
GPS operations.

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Basic GPS Quick Reference
Start outdoors, with a clear view of the open sky. As you practice, try navigating to a location at least a few blocks away. Navigation in too small an
area will constantly trigger arrival alarms.
1. Depress the PWR key to turn on the unit.
2. Opening screen displays map of North America at the 4,000 mile
zoom range. Rotate through the four main Page screens (Map Page,
Satellite Status Page, Navigation Page and Sonar Page) by pressing
PAGES|← or → to select Page Name|EXIT. Switch Pages to display Satellite Status Page.
3. Wait while unit locates satellites and calculates current position. Process
is visible on Satellite Page. This takes an average of 1 minute or less under
when it is unobstructed by terrain or structures. When the unit acquires
position, a tone sounds and a position acquired message appears.
4. With position acquired, press PAGES key to display the Map Page,
which gives you a bird's eye view. You can manipulate the map by:
Zoom in closer to see greater detail: press ZIN (zoom in key.)
Zoom out to see more area, less detail: press ZOUT (zoom out key.)
Scroll map north, south, east or west using arrow keys ↑ ↓ → ← .
To stop scrolling and return to current position on map, press EXIT key.
5. Set a waypoint (Wpt 001) at your current position so you can navigate
back here: press WPT|WPT. Waypoint symbol and "001" appears.
6. Zoom/scroll map to find a nearby object or location to go to. Use arrow keys to center cursor crosshairss over the map object or location.
7. Navigate to the selected destination: press MENU|ENT|EXIT. Follow dotted course line on Map Page or compass bearing arrow on Navigation Page.
8. At destination, Arrival Alarm goes off; to clear it, press EXIT. Cancel
navigation: press MENU|MENU|↓ to CANCEL NAVIGATION|ENT|← to YES|ENT.
9. Return to Wpt 1 by Navigate To Waypoint or Backtrack Trail. To
Waypoint: press WPT|→ to SAVED|ENT|ENT|ENT. Use ↑ or ↓ to select
Wpt 001, press ENT|ENT; follow navigation displays. Trail: press
MENU|MENU|↓ to MY TRAILS|ENT. Press ↓ to Trail 1|ENT|→|↓ to NAVIGATE|ENT|↓ to NAVIGATE|ENT|→ to REVERSE|ENT|← to NAVIGATE|ENT. (If
arrival alarm sounds, press EXIT.) Follow navigation displays.
10. Back home, Arrival Alarm goes off; press EXIT. Cancel navigation:
press MENU|MENU|↓ to CANCEL NAVIGATION|ENT|← to YES|ENT.
11. To turn off the unit, press and hold PWR key for three seconds.

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Find Your Current Position
Finding your current position is as simple as turning on the unit. Without obstruction from dense foliage, terrain or structures, the unit automatically searches for satellites and calculates its position in approximately one minute or less.
If for some reason satellite acquisition takes longer, you may be inside
a structure or vehicle or in terrain that is blocking signal reception. To
correct this, be sure you are positioned so that the unit's antenna module has as clear a view of the sky as possible, then turn the unit off and
back on again.

Moving Around the Map: Zoom & Cursor Arrow Keys
The map is presented from a bird's eye view. The current zoom range
shows in the lower left corner of the screen.
1. Press the ZIN key (zoom in) to move in closer and see greater detail in a
smaller geographic area.
2. Press the ZOUT key (zoom out) to move farther away and see less map
detail, but a larger geographic area.
When you are traveling, the map will automatically move as you move.
This keeps your current location roughly centered on the screen.
You can manually pan or scroll the map northward, southward, eastward or westward by using the arrow keys, which launch the crosshairs
map cursor. This allows you to look at map places other than your current position. To clear the cursor, press EXIT, which move the map back
to the current position or the last known position.

Tip:

Use the cursor to determine the distance from your current position
(or last known position, when working indoors) to any map object or
location. Simply use the arrow keys to position the cursor over the
object or place. The distance, measured in a straight line, appears
in the popup data box. Press EXIT to clear the cursor.

118

Cursor line
Cursor line
Selected
airport

POI pop-up
data box
Distance
measured
by cursor

The selected airport to the northwest is 4.2 miles away.

Selecting Any Map Item with the Cursor
1. Use the zoom keys and the arrow keys to move around the map and
find the item you wish to select.
2. Use the arrow keys and center the cursor crosshairs on the desired object. On most items, a pop-up box will give the name of the selected item.

Tip:
This unit has a Cursor Undo feature that lets you instantly return
to the previous location you were looking at without scrolling. It
works like this: Use the cursor (arrow keys) to scroll the map to
some far away location or waypoint. Press EXIT to clear the cursor
and jump back to your current position on the map. When you want
to take another peek at that distant place, just press EXIT again.
You can use this trick to toggle between your current position and
your destination without a lot of scrolling.

Searching
Now that you have seen how the unit can find where you are, let's
search for something else. Searching is one of the most powerful features in the Lowrance GPS product line. In this example, we will look
for the nearest fast-food restaurant. For more information on different
types of searches, refer to Sec. 9, Searching.
NOTE:
This example requires the Point of Interest (POI) database included with a high detail MapCreate 6 custom map.

119

After the unit has acquired a position:
1. Press WPT|↓ to POI-RESTAURANTS.
2. You could search the entire restaurant category, but in this example
we will narrow our search. Press → to SUBCATEGORY column|↓ to FAST
FOOD CHAINS|ENT|↓ to NEAREST|ENT.
3. The unit says it is calculating, then a list of restaurants appears,
with the closest highlighted at the top of the list. The restaurant farthest from you is at the bottom of the list.

Find Waypoint Menu (left). Category Selection menu (center). List of
the nearest restaurants (right).

4. You could scroll through the list to select another restaurant, but for
now we will just accept the nearest one. Press ENT.

The POI Information screen shows name, street address, phone number, latitude/longitude, distance to restaurant and its compass bearing. In the first figure (left) Go to Waypoint is selected. In the second
figure (right) Find on Map is highlighted.

5. The POI information screen appears. If you wanted to navigate
there, you could press Enter, since the Go To Waypoint command is
highlighted. We just want to see it on the map, so press ↓ to FIND ON
MAP|ENT.
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6. The unit's map appears, with the cursor crosshairss highlighting the
restaurant's POI symbol. A pop-up data box shows the POI's name, distance and bearing. A data box at the bottom of the screen continues to
display the location's latitude and longitude.

Map screen showing Finding Waypoint,
the result of a restaurant search.

7. To clear the search and return to the last page displayed, press EXIT
repeatedly. (Before you completely exited out of the Search menus, you
could have gone looking for another place.)
NOTE:
Search works from mapping and POI data loaded in the unit. If you
do not have a high-detailed custom map (containing POI data) for
the area you are searching loaded on the MMC, you may not find
anything.

Set a Waypoint
A waypoint is simply an electronic address, based on the latitude and
longitude of a position on the earth. A waypoint represents a location or
destination that can be stored in memory, then recalled later for navigational use.
You can create a waypoint at the cursor position on the map or at your
current position while you are navigating. A waypoint may be created
at any location by manually entering the position's latitude and longitude. You can copy waypoints from your unit to your personal computer
with MapCreate software. When you want to repeat a trip, these archived waypoints can be reloaded into your GPS unit.
To create and save a Waypoint:
These first two techniques use the Quick Save method, the fastest and
easiest way to create a waypoint.
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Create Waypoint at Current Position
While you are traveling, press WPT|WPT. The waypoint is saved and

automatically given a name with a sequential number, such as "waypoint 003." The waypoint symbol and number appear on the map.
Step 1.

Step 2.

Step 3.

Step 4.

Sequence for setting a waypoint. Step 1: while traveling, press WPT
twice to call up the Find Waypoint screen (seen in Step 2) and set a
waypoint. Step 3: a message says the waypoint has been saved. Step 4:
vehicle continues on its way; waypoint number and symbol are visible
on map.

NOTE:
The Quick Save method uses the default waypoint symbol until you
edit an existing waypoint and change its symbol. After a waypoint
symbol is changed, the unit will remember the one you chose and
use it the next time you save a waypoint. To go back to the default
symbol, edit a waypoint and choose the original symbol, or use the
Reset Options command.
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Create Waypoint on Map

1. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor crosshairs to the place where
you want to make a waypoint.
2. Press WPT|WPT. The waypoint is saved and automatically given a
name with a sequential number, like "waypoint 001." The waypoint
symbol and number appear on the map.

Navigate To a Waypoint
You can select any waypoint visible on the Map Page with the cursor,
then use the Navigate to Cursor command (we'll describe how later in
this section.) However, you can avoid scrolling the map to pick your
waypoint if you use the Find Waypoint commands:
1. Press WPT|→ to SAVED|ENT. To look up the nearest waypoint, press
↓ to NEAREST|ENT; or, to look by name (and scroll through the entire
waypoint list), press ENT. For this example, let's look by name.
2. If your waypoint list is a long one, you can spell out the waypoint name
in the FIND BY NAME box to search for it. (Press ↑ or ↓ to change the first
character, then press → to move the cursor to the next character and repeat until the name is correct, then press ENT to jump to the list below.)
3. If the list is short, you can jump directly to the FIND IN LIST box by pressing ENT. Use ↑ or ↓ to select the waypoint name, press ENT and the waypoint information screen appears with the GO TO command selected.
4. To begin navigating to the waypoint, press ENT.

Waypoint
Course line
(dotted)

Off course
range, set at
0.20 mile

Trail line
(solid)
Destination
name

Navigation Page, navigating toward waypoint 004 and leaving a trail.

Set Man Overboard (MOB) Waypoint
One of boating's most terrifying events is having a friend or family
member fall overboard. This situation can be deadly on any body of water. It's particularly dangerous at night or if you're out of sight of land.
123

Of course, the first thing to do is remain calm and then use all standard
safety procedures to rescue the person.
This unit has a man overboard feature that shows navigation data to
the location where the feature was activated. To activate it, press the
ZOUT and ZIN keys at the same time. Your position at the time these
keys are pressed is used as the man overboard position.
Caution:
Saving a new "Man Overboard" waypoint will overwrite the previous "Man Overboard" waypoint.

Navigate Back to MOB Waypoint
Find your way back to the accident position with the Navigation Page
or Map Page. When MOB is activated, the Navigation Page automatically shows the compass rose with its bearing arrow pointing toward
the man overboard position, and the destination name says "Going To
Man Overboard." The Map Page displays a Man Overboard waypoint,
represented by a human figure, and the steering arrow points where to
steer to reach that position.

Navigating to Man Overboard: Man Overboard Activated message (left).
Navigation Page, center, Map Page (right). The victim is to the starboard
of the vessel. The GPS shows which direction to go for the rescue.

The man overboard position is also stored in the waypoint list for future reference. It can be edited the same as any other waypoint. This
prevents the inadvertent loss of the current Man Overboard position.
To cancel navigation to MOB, press MENU|MENU|↓ to CANCEL NAVIGATION|ENT|← to YES|ENT. The unit stops showing navigation information.

Navigate to Cursor Position on Map
The GO TO CURSOR command: navigates to the current cursor position on
the map. It's a quick and handy way to navigate to anything you can
see on the map display.
124

1. Use the cursor (controlled by the arrow keys) with the zoom in and
zoom out keys to maneuver around the map until you find a location
you want to go to.
2. Center the cursor over the location to select it. See the example in
the following figure. (Many map items such as waypoints, Points of Interest, towns, etc. can be "selected," and appear "highlighted" with a
pop-up box. Other features, such as a river or a street intersection will
not appear "highlighted," but the cursor will take you to those locations
just the same.)

Navigate to cursor. In this example, the cursor is centered on Oologah,
Oklahoma.

3. Press MENU|ENT and the unit will begin navigating to the cursor
location.
The Map Page will display a dotted line from your current position to the
cursor position. The Navigation Page displays a compass rose showing
navigation information to your destination. See the following examples.

The 15-mile zoom figure (left) clearly shows the dotted course line connecting your current position to your destination. The 40-mile zoom
(center) shows both current position and destination on screen. The
Navigation Page (right) will also show navigation information.

125

Navigate to a Point of Interest
For POIs that are in view on the map, you can easily use the Navigate
to Cursor command above; just use the cursor to select the POI.
The other method involves searching for POIs with the Find Waypoint
command, launched with the WPT key. (See the searching example earlier in this section, or turn to Sec. 9, Searching, for detailed instructions
on POI searches.)
To Navigate to a POI:
1. Press WPT, select the desired POI category, then press → to Subcategory.
2. Highlight the desired subcategory and press ENT. The Find By menu
will appear with two search options: Name of Nearest.
3. Select the desired search option and press ENT. A list of POIs will
appear. If you chose Nearest as the search option, use ↑ ↓ to select the
desired POI and press ENT. If you chose to search by Name, use ↑ ↓, ←
→ to input the POI name. When the name has been entered press ENT
to access the POI list.
4. Select the desired POI and press ENT, which will open the Waypoint
Information menu.
5. Highlight GO TO WAYPOINT and press ENT. The unit begins showing
navigation information to the item.
To cancel navigation, press MENU|MENU|↓ to CANCEL NAVIGATION|ENT|←
to YES|ENT. The unit stops showing navigation information.

Creating and Saving a Trail
A trail, or plot trail, is a string of position points plotted by the unit as
you travel. It's a travel history, a record of the path you have taken.
Trails are useful for repeating a journey along the same track. They are
particularly handy when you are trying to retrace your trip and go back
the way you came. On the screen, trails are represented by a solid line
extending from the back of the current position arrow.
The unit is set at the factory to automatically create and record a trail
while the unit is turned on. The unit will continue recording the trail
until the length reaches the maximum trail point setting (default is
2,000, but the unit can record trails 9,999 points long). When the point
limit is reached, the unit begins recording the trail over itself.
126

By default, the trail flashes once a second, making it easier to see against
the background map. With the default auto setting, this unit creates a
trail by placing a dot (trail point) on the screen every time you change directions. (The methods used for creating a trail and the trail update rate
can both be adjusted or even turned off. See Sec. 8 for Trail Options.)
To preserve a trail from point A to point B, you must "turn off" the trail
by making it inactive before heading to point C or even back to point A.
When the current trail is set inactive, the unit automatically begins
recording a new trail.

Active
symbol

Visible
symbol

Sequence for saving a trail and beginning a new one. Left, My Trails
command. Center, the Trails Menu. The arrow to the right of Trail 1
indicates the trail is "active," and the check to the left indicates the
trail is visible on the map display. The right figure shows the Edit
Trail menu, with the Active command selected.

To Save a Trail
1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to MY TRAILS|ENT.
2. Press ↓ to the Active Trail Name|ENT.
3. Press ↓ to ACTIVE|ENT. This unchecks the Active option.
4. To return to the previous page, press EXIT repeatedly. As you leave
the Edit Trail menu, you will notice that a new trail starts with a new
sequential number. In the example figure below, the new trail is number 2, showing zero points. Note that Trail 1 is inactive, but it is still
visible on the map.

127

New trail, named "Trail 2," is created when Trail 1 is made inactive.
Any new travel will be recorded in this trail, which is active and visible. Trails do not need to be visible in order to be active.

You can save and recall up to 10 different plot trails, which can be copied to your MMC for archiving or for transfer to your MapCreate software.

Tip:

Another quick way to stop recording one trail and begin a new one
is to use the New Trail command: Press MENU|MENU|↓ to MY
TRAILS|ENT|ENT.

Caution:
You also have the option of completely turning off trail recording, under the trail Options command. However, if the Update Active Trail option is turned off, it will cancel the automatic trail creation feature.

Displaying a Saved Trail
The active trail is automatically displayed on the map (the "Visible"
option) with the factory default settings. You can selectively turn trail
display off and on for any saved or active trail. In the Saved Trails List,
visible trails have a check mark in front of the trail name.
To turn off trail display:
1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to MY TRAILS|ENT.
2. Press ↓ to enter the Saved Trail list, then use ↑ ↓ to select the desired Trail Name|ENT.
3. Press ↓ to ACTIVE|→ to VISIBLE|ENT. To return to the previous page,
press EXIT repeatedly.
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Navigating Trails
There are three methods for following a trail: visual trailing, navigating a trail (forward) and backtracking a trail (backward). Try each
method to see which you prefer.
Visual trailing is the simplest method. It uses only the Map Page and
requires no menu commands at all. The technique works the same if
you are running a trail forward (from start to end) or backward (from
end to start.) However, visual trailing provides no navigation information during the trip, such as the time to your destination.
The other two methods provide a full range of navigation data and
work with both the Map Page and Navigation Page. The only difference
between them is "navigating a trail" follows a trail forward (from start
to end) while "backtracking" follows a trail in reverse (from end to
start.)
When hiking at walking speed with a hand-held GPS, we often just use
visual back trailing because it is a bit better at following each little
turn on a foot path. At faster speeds, such as the highway or on the water, the Navigate Trail and Backtrack Trail commands are handy.
Visual Trailing
1. On the Map Page, zoom (ZIN or ZOUT) so your flashing trail is visible.
2. Begin moving and watch the Map Page. Simply walk or steer so that
your current position arrow traces along the trail you have just made.

Tip:
Generally, when using this method, the smaller the zoom range,
the more accurately you will be able to steer along the trail.
Navigate a Trail
The following figures illustrate the menu sequence for navigating a
trail.
1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to MY TRAILS|ENT.
2. Press ↓|↓ to enter the Saved Trail list, then use ↑ or ↓ to select the
desired Trail Name|ENT.
129

3. Press → to DELETE TRAIL|↓ to NAVIGATE|ENT.
4. Press ↓ to NAVIGATE|ENT. The unit begins showing navigation information along the trail.
NOTE:
If you are already located at or near the beginning of your trail, the
arrival alarm will go off as soon as you hit Enter. Press EXIT to
clear the alarm and proceed.
5. Now, begin navigating with your unit.
6. When you reach your destination, be sure to cancel your navigation:
press MENU|MENU|↓ to CANCEL NAVIGATION|ENT. The unit asks if you're
sure; press ←|ENT.
Figure 1.

Figure 3.

Figure 2.

Figure 4.

Navigate a trail menu sequence: Fig. 1, My Trails command. Fig. 2,
Trails Menu. Fig. 3, Edit Trail Menu. Fig. 4, Edit Route Menu with
Navigate command highlighted for Trail 6. A trail is always converted
to a "route" when you navigate the trail.

On the Map Page, the trail you are navigating is represented by a dotted line that alternates with a flashing solid line. The Navigation Page
will also show the navigated trail as a dotted line. The bearing arrow
on the compass rose points to the next waypoint on the trail.
As you travel, the arrival alarm will go off when you near a trail waypoint, and the bearing arrow on the compass rose will swing around
and point to the next trail waypoint. Press EXIT to clear the alarm.
130

North Ï
Present
position
arrow

Trail point

Trail
dotted line

Navigate trail, map views: Driver is northbound heading straight toward trail point 6 (left). Northbound driver has reached point 6 and
has turned west to follow trail (right).
Track or compass heading indicator
Trail
waypoint
symbol
Course
line made
from trail

Cross track
error range
(off course
indicator)

Bearing
arrow

Arrival
alarm

Navigate trail, navigation page (compass rose) views: driver is
northbound heading straight toward trail point 6 (left); bearing arrow
shows the trail point is due north (straight ahead.) Driver has reached
trail point 6 and must turn west to follow the trail (right). Arrival
alarm goes off and bearing arrow swings around toward the west and
the next waypoint. The unit now shows navigation information to
point 7, which is 2.02 miles away.

131

NOTE
If you are already located at or near the end of your trail, the arrival alarm will go off as soon as you hit ENT. Press EXIT to clear the
alarm and proceed.
5. Now, begin navigating with your unit.
6. When you reach your destination, be sure to cancel your navigation:
press MENU|MENU|↓ to CANCEL NAVIGATION|ENT. The unit asks if you're
sure; press ←|ENT.

Transfer Custom Maps and GPS Data Files
Custom Maps:
Custom maps work only from the MMC card or SD card. When a card
containing a Custom Map File is loaded into the unit, the unit automatically loads the map into memory when the unit is turned on.
Instructions for copying Custom Map Files to an MMC are contained in
the instruction manual for your MMC card reader and MapCreate 6
software. For instructions on inserting an MMC into the unit, see Sec.
2, Installation/Accessories.
GPS Data files:
GPS Data Files contain waypoints, routes, trails and event marker
icons. Instructions for copying GPS Data Files between your computer
and an MMC are contained in the instruction manual for your MMC
card reader and MapCreate 6 software.
GPS data automatically recorded in the unit's internal memory must
be saved to the MMC (as a GPS Data File) in order to store it on your
personal computer. GPS Data Files stored on an MMC must be copied
from the card to the unit's internal memory before the unit can read
them. Here's how:
1. Insert the MMC into your unit. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to SYSTEM
SETUP|ENT|↓ to TRANSFER MY DATA|ENT and the screen below appears.
2. The Transfer My Data menu includes a message which tells you if an
MMC is present or not. If no MMC is present, you must first insert a
card into the unit in order to activate the Load or Save commands.
To transfer data from the unit to the MMC: press ENT (for SAVE.)
To transfer data from the MMC to the unit: press → to LOAD|ENT.
132

Transfer My Data highlighted (left). When transferring data (right)
you will have the option of transferring the unit's data to a MMC card
or loading the data on the MMC card into the unit.

3. Saving to MMC: To accept the default name "Data" for the GPS
Data File, press ↓ to SAVE DATA|ENT. If you want to rename the file (as
shown in the following figures), press ENT to activate the selection box.
Press ↑ or ↓ to change the first character, then press → to the next
character and repeat until the name is correct. Then, press ENT|↓ to
SAVE DATA|ENT.
The unit will display first a progress message followed by a completion
message when the data transfer is finished. To return to the Page view,
repeatedly press EXIT.

These figures (left to right) show the menu sequence for naming and
saving a GPS Data File from the unit's memory to an MMC.

4. Loading to unit memory: There may be more than one GPS Data
File (*.USR) on the card. To select a file, press ENT to activate the selection box, use ↓ or ↑ to highlight the file, then press ENT to accept the
selection. Next, press ↓ to LOAD DATA|ENT. The unit will display a completion message when the data transfer is finished. To return to the
Page view, press EXIT repeatedly.
133

Figure 1.

Figure 2.

Figure 3.

Figure 4.

These figures show the menu sequence for loading a GPS Data File
from an MMC into the unit's memory.

134

Section 7:
Advanced GPS Operations
Find Distance from different Locations
1. While on the Map Page press: MENU|↓ to FIND DISTANCE|ENT.
2. Center your cursor over the position you want to find the distance to.
A rubber band line appears, connecting your current position to the
cursor's location. The distance along that line will appear in a pop-up
box. The box also shows the bearing to the point you're measuring to.
3. Press EXIT to return to regular operation.

Distance from Dallas to Little Rock is 292.2 miles (left). The distance
from the boat's current position to the boat ramp is 0.52 miles (right).

Find Distance from Point to Point
You can also measure distance between two other points on the map.
1. While on the Map Page press: MENU|↓ to FIND DISTANCE|ENT.
2. Center your cursor over the first position. (A rubber band line appears, connecting your current position to the cursor's location.) Press
ENT to set the first point, and the rubber band line disappears.
3. Move the cursor to the second position. The rubber band line reappears, connecting the first point you set to the cursor. The distance
along that line will appear in the pop-up box.
4. Press EXIT to clear the command and return to the page screen.
(Press EXIT once more to clear the cursor.)

135

Icons
Icons are graphic symbols used to mark some location, personal point of
interest or event. They can be placed on the map screen, saved and recalled later for navigation purposes. These are sometimes referred to as
event marker icons. This unit has 42 different symbols you can pick
from when creating an icon.
Icons are similar to waypoints, but they do not store as much information (like names) as waypoints do. You can't use a menu to navigate to
icons as you can with waypoints. (But, you can use the map cursor and
navigate to any icon on the map.)
You can create an icon at the cursor position on the map, or at your
current position while you are navigating.
Create Icon on Map
1. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor to the place where you want
to make an icon.
2. Press ENT and the Select Icon Symbol menu will appear.
3. Press ↑ ↓ , ← → to select your icon symbol and press ENT. The icon
appears on the map.

Cursor selects icon location (left). Select Icon Symbol menu (center),
Music note icon on map (right). (Cursor has been moved for clarity.)

Create Icon at Current Position
1. While you are traveling, press ENT and the Select Icon Symbol menu
will appear.
2. Press ↑ ↓, ← → to select your icon symbol, then press ENT. The icon
appears on the map.
Delete an Icon
You can delete all the icons at one time, delete all icons represented by
a particular symbol or use the cursor to delete a selected icon from the
map.
136

1. Press MENU|↓ to DELETE MY ICONS|ENT.
2. Press ↓ to DELETE ALL ICONS, DELETE BY SYMBOL, or DELETE FROM MAP and
press ENT.

Delete icons menu.

The Delete All Icons command will ask if you are sure. Press ← to
YES|ENT. All icons will be deleted from the map.
The Delete by Symbol command will launch the Select Symbol menu.
Press ← or ↑ or → or ↓ to select the icon symbol to delete, then press
ENT. A message appears saying all icons with the selected symbol have
been deleted.
The Delete From Map command will prompt you to move the cursor
over an icon to select it. After selecting the icon, press ENT and it disappears from the map.
Navigate to an Icon
Use the cursor to select the desired icon on the map, then use the Navigate to Cursor command.
1. Use arrow keys to center cursor crosshairss over the icon.
2. To navigate to the selected icon location: press MENU|ENT|EXIT. Follow course line on the Map Page or the compass bearing arrow on the
Navigation Page.

Routes
A route is a series of waypoints, linked together in an ordered sequence
to mark a course of travel. You can visualize a route as a string of
beads. The beads represent waypoints and the string represents the
course of travel connecting waypoint to waypoint.

137

The course from one waypoint to the next is a leg. Routes are composed
of one or more legs. The legs of all GPS routes are based on straight
lines between waypoints.
A route provides the automatic capability to navigate through several
waypoints without having to reprogram the unit after arriving at each
waypoint. Once programmed into the GPS unit, a route provides the
option of navigating forward through the route waypoints or in reverse
order (you can even begin navigating in the middle of a route!)
Create and Save a Route
You have the option of creating and editing a route in the unit or you
can make a route on your computer with our MapCreate 6 software.
PC-created Routes

MapCreate is the easiest method for preparing a route, simply because
your PC's larger screen, keyboard and mouse are easier to manipulate
than the unit.
To load a MapCreate route into the unit, follow instructions in MapCreate's manual for creating a route and saving it as part of a GPS Data File
(file format *.usr). Copy the GPS Data File to an MMC and insert the
MMC in the unit. (See Sec. 2 for instructions on installing MMCs. To load
the GPS Data File into the unit's memory, see the entry on Transfer Custom Maps & GPS Data Files in Sec. 6, Basic GPS Operations.)
Routes Created in the Unit

You can create a route by selecting existing waypoints from the waypoint list or you can set a series of route waypoints on the map with
cursor arrows and the Enter key. In this example, we'll create a route
from the map.

Route Planning command on Main Menu (left). Routes screen (right).

138

Edit Route menu (left). Edit Route Waypoints menu (right)
with Add From Map command selected.

3. Use the Zoom keys and arrow keys to move the map and cursor until
the cursor is centered on the spot where you want your route to begin.
(If you are starting at your current position or the current cursor position, you are already at the starting spot.)
1.

Route creation sequence, from left: Fig. 1. Set route waypoint (1) at
11th St. & 145th Ave. Fig. 2. Zoom in; move cursor north to set point (2)
at 145th & Admiral. Fig. 3. With point (2) set, move cursor east to mark
interstate on-ramp with waypoint (3). In figures 2 and 3, notice the
rubber band line extending from the previously set waypoint to the
cursor. This line will become the course for the route.

139

4. Set the first route waypoint: press ENT. In this example, we started
our route at the intersection of 11th Street and 145th E. Ave. The route
ends at a public hunting area next to a river. (Our route creation example is illustrated in the following figures.)
4.

Route creation sequence, continued: Fig. 4. Point (3) set at on-ramp
turn. Fig. 5. Waypoint (4) set at highway exit to frontage road leading
to river. Waypoint (5) ends the route at a tree stand in the hunting
area. Fig. 6. Press EXIT to save the route and you return to this screen.

5. Move the cursor to the next point in the route, a spot where you need
to turn or change direction, and press ENT to set the next waypoint.
6. Repeat step five until the route reaches your destination.
7. To save your route, press EXIT. The unit reverts to the Edit Route
screen, with the route automatically named "Route 1" and stored in the
unit's internal memory. (In our example, Route 1 already existed, so
the unit automatically made "Route 2.")
You can edit the route and run other commands, but if you are finished
with the route for now, r e t u r n t o t h e l a s t p a g e d i s p l a y e d b y
p r e s s i n g EXIT repeatedly.
Delete a Route
1. From the NAVIGATION PAGE, press MENU|ENT or from the MAP PAGE press
MENU|MENU|↓ to ROUTE PLANNING|ENT.
2. Press ↓ to route name|ENT.
3. Press ↓ to NAVIGATE|ENT|→ to DELETE|ENT|← to YES|ENT.

Edit a Route Name
1. From the NAVIGATION PAGE, press MENU|ENT or from the MAP PAGE press
MENU|MENU|↓ to ROUTE PLANNING|ENT.
2. Press ↓ to route name|ENT|ENT.
3. Press ↑ or ↓ to change the first character, then press → to move the
cursor to the next character and repeat until the name is correct, then
press ENT. Return to the previous page by pressing EXIT repeatedly.
Edit Route Waypoints
You can edit the route by adding and removing waypoints.
1. From the NAVIGATION PAGE, press MENU|ENT or from the MAP PAGE press
MENU|MENU|↓ to ROUTE PLANNING|ENT.
2. Press ↓ to route name|ENT|↓ to ROUTE WAYPOINTS LIST. Use ↓ ↑ to select a waypoint and press ENT.

Edit Route Waypoints menu.

3. Use ↓ ↑ to select a command from the Edit Route Waypoints menu
and press ENT. Add From Map lets you insert a waypoint in the route
by clicking on a map location with the cursor. Add Waypoint calls up
the Waypoint List so you can insert a waypoint from the list. Remove
Waypoint will delete the waypoint from the route. View Waypoint will
show you where the selected waypoint is on the map.
NOTE:
When adding waypoints to a route, the inserted waypoints will appear in the route in front of the waypoint you have selected. To insert waypoints at the end of the route, make sure to select "(End of
route)" before adding them.
141

Navigate a Route
1. From the NAVIGATION PAGE, press MENU|ENT or from the MAP PAGE,
press MENU|MENU|↓ to ROUTE PLANNING|ENT.

Route Planning on Main Menu (left). Routes menu (center). Edit Route
menu (right). Navigate is selected on Edit Route menu.

142

Figure 1.

Figure 2.

Figure 3.

Figure 4.

Navigating along a route: Fig. 1 shows the Navigation Page at the start
of a route, heading straight for the first waypoint (Wpt 1). In Fig. 2, the
traveler has arrived at Wpt 1; the arrival alarm has been triggered and
the bearing arrow on the compass rose has turned to point toward Wpt
2, off to the east. In Fig. 3 the traveler has turned east on his new
course and is heading straight for Wpt 2, which is 2.37 miles away. Fig.
4 shows route navigation on the Map Page. In this figure, the traveler
has reached Wpt 2 and is half-way along the leg between Wpts 2 and 3.

143

Tip:

You can quickly call up the Edit Trail menu by selecting a trail on
the map with the cursor. Simply move the cursor over a trail and a
pop-up box appears. Press WPT and the Edit Trail menu opens.

Trail selected with map cursor (left). The pop-up box shows distance
and bearing from current position to the selected point on the trail.
The Edit Trail menu (right).

144

Edit Trail Menu with Pattern option selected (left). Edited trail with
dotted line pattern (right).

TOR|ENT.

Waypoints
Delete a Waypoint
To delete a waypoint from waypoint list:
1, Press WPT|ENT|ENT|ENT|↓ to waypoint name|ENT|↓ to DELETE WAYPOINT|ENT|← to YES|ENT. To return to the previous page, press
EXIT|EXIT.
145

Edit a Waypoint
Waypoint Name

To edit waypoint name:
1. Press WPT|ENT|ENT|ENT|↓ to waypoint name|ENT|↓ to EDIT WAYPOINT|ENT|ENT.
2. Press ↑ or ↓ to change the first character, then press → to the next
character and repeat until the name is correct. Press ENT then EXIT repeatedly to return to the previous page display.
Waypoint Symbol

To edit waypoint symbol:
1. Press WPT|ENT|ENT|ENT|↓ to waypoint name|ENT|↓ to EDIT WAYPOINT|ENT|↓ to CHOOSE SYMBOL|ENT.
2. Use arrow keys to select desired symbol and press ENT. To return to
the previous page, press EXIT repeatedly.
Waypoint Position

To edit waypoint position:
1. Press WPT|ENT|ENT|ENT|↓ to waypoint name|ENT|↓ to EDIT WAYPOINT|ENT.
2. Latitude: press → to LATITUDE|ENT. Press ↑ or ↓ to change the first
character, then press → to the next character and repeat until the latitude is correct. Press EXIT.
3. Longitude: press ↓ to LONGITUDE|ENT. Press ↑ or ↓ to change the first
character, then press → to the next character and repeat until the longitude is correct. Press EXIT.
4. When latitude and longitude are correct, return to the previous page:
press EXIT repeatedly.

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Selecting a Waypoint
To select a waypoint on the map (for navigating to, for editing, etc.,) use
the arrow keys and center the cursor over the waypoint. A highlighted
halo will appear around the waypoint.
Create Waypoint by Entering a Position
1. Press WPT|→ to SUBCATEGORY column|↓ to NEW|ENT.

2. Press ↓ to ENTERED POSITION|ENT|→ to CREATE|ENT.
3. Press → to LATITUDE|ENT. Enter the latitude by pressing ↑ or ↓ to
change the first character, then press → to the next character and repeat until the latitude is correct. Press ENT.

New Waypoint screen (left). Edit Waypoint menu with Latitude highlighted (right).

4. Press ↓ to LONGITUDE|ENT. Enter the longitude by pressing ↑ ↓ to
change the first character, then press → to the next character and repeat
until the longitude is correct. Press ENT. To edit the waypoint's name,
altitude, depth or symbol, proceed to Step 5. If you want to see the waypoint on the map, press EXIT, select GO TO WAYPOINT or FIND ON MAP and
press ENT. If you select Go to Waypoint, a route will be automatically be
created directing you to the new waypoint. If you choose Find on Map,
the map screen will appear with the cursor crosshairss centered on the
waypoint you created.
5. You can edit the waypoint's Name, Altitude or Depth by highlighting
the desired category and pressing ENT. Use ↑ ↓ to change the first
character, then press → to the next character and repeat until the desired name, altitude or depth has been entered. Press ENT.
6. To edit the waypoint's symbol, highlight CHOOSE SYMBOL and press
ENT. The Icon Window will appear with 63 symbols. Select the desired
symbol and press ENT.
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7. Press EXIT, which will open the Waypoint Information menu with up
to four options: Go To Waypoint, Find on Map, Edit Waypoint and Delete Waypoint. Select the desired option and press ENT.
Set a Waypoint by Average Position
This feature sets a waypoint at the current position after taking several
position readings and averaging them. This boosts waypoint position
accuracy by helping to eliminate errors caused by atmospheric conditions and other factors.
1. Press WPT|→ to SUBCATEGORY column|↓ to NEW|ENT.
2. Press ↓ or ↑ to AVERAGE POSITION|ENT|press → to CREATE|ENT.
3. Wait while the unit takes points to average for the position. (The
greater the number of points, the greater the accuracy.) When the desired
number of points accumulates, press ENT to create and save the waypoint.
4. The Edit Waypoint menu appears. You can simply save the waypoint
by pressing EXIT|EXIT or you can edit the waypoint.
Set a Waypoint by Projecting a Position
This feature sets a waypoint at a point located a specific distance and
bearing from a reference position. The reference position can be selected from your waypoint list, a map feature or from the Points of Interest list.
1. Press WPT|→ to SUBCATEGORY column|↓ to NEW|ENT.
2. Press ↓ to PROJECTED POSITION|ENT|→ to CREATE|ENT.
3. Press → to CHOOSE REFERENCE|ENT. Use ↑ and ↓ to select a waypoint,
map feature or Point of Interest. When the point has been selected,
press ENT and you will be directed to the Waypoint information menu.
There will be two options: Set Reference or Find on Map. Highlight Set
Reference and press Enter.
4. Press ↓ to DISTANCE|ENT. Press ↑ or ↓ to change the first character,
then press → to the next character and repeat until the distance is correct. Press ENT.
5. Press ↓ to BEARING|ENT. Press ↑ or ↓ to change the first character,
then press → to the next character and repeat until the bearing is correct. Press ENT.
6. Press ↑ to PROJECT|ENT. The Edit Waypoint menu appears. You can
simply save the new projected waypoint by pressing EXIT|EXIT or you
can edit the waypoint. (Press EXIT|ENT if you want to immediately begin navigating to the new waypoint.)
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Section 8:
System & GPS Setup Options
Alarms
This unit has several GPS alarms. The factory default setting has all of
these but the anchor alarm turned on. You can turn the alarms off and
on and change their distance settings.
You can set an arrival alarm to flash a warning message and sound a
tone when you cross a preset distance from a waypoint. For example, if
you have the arrival alarm set to .1 mile, then the alarm will flash a
message when you come within .1 mile of the recalled waypoint.
The off course alarm warns you when your track drifts too far to the
right or left of the course line to the waypoint. For example, if the
alarm is set to .1 mile, then the alarm flashes a message if you drift .1
of a mile or more to the right or left of the line to the waypoint.
The anchor alarm is triggered when you drift outside of a preset radius.
Again, using the .1 mile as an example, if you're anchored and your
boat moves more than .1 of a mile, the alarm will flash a message and
sound a tone.

Alarms command (left). Alarm menu (right).

To change alarm settings:
1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to ALARMS|ENT|ENT.
2. Scroll ↓ ↑ to select the desired category, then press ENT to check or
clear the Enabled box. This turns the alarm on (checked) or off (unchecked.)
149

3. To change distance settings, scroll ↓ ↑ to select the desired category,
then press → |ENT to activate the distance dialog box. Use ↑ ↓ to
change the first character, then press → to the next character and repeat until the name is correct.
4. When your adjustments are finished, return to the last page displayed by repeatedly pressing EXIT.
IMPORTANT ALARM NOTES
Anchor Alarm - The anchor alarm may be triggered even when you
are sitting still. This typically happens when using small (less than
.05 mile) anchor alarm ranges.
Arrival Alarm - If you set the arrival alarm's distance to a small
number and you run a route (see the Navigate Routes segment),
this unit may not show navigation data to the next waypoint, once
you arrive at the first one. You may not be able to come close
enough to the first waypoint to trip the arrival alarm.

Auto Satellite Search
To lock on to the satellites, the GPS receiver needs to know its current
position, UTC time and date. (Elevation [altitude] is also used in the
equation, but it's rarely required to determine a position.) It needs this
data so that it can calculate which satellites should be in view. It then
searches for only those satellites.
When your GPS receiver is turned on for the first time, it doesn't know
what your position or elevation (altitude) is. It does know the current UTC
time and date since these were programmed into it at the factory and an
internal clock keeps the time while the unit is turned off. (If the time
and/or date are incorrect, you can set them using the "Set Local Time"
menu.)
The unit begins searching for the satellites using the above data that it
acquired the last time it was turned on. This probably was at the factory. Since it's almost certain that you're not at our factory, it's probably looking for the wrong satellites.
If it doesn't find the satellites it's looking for after approximately one
minute, it switches to Auto Search. The receiver looks for any satellite
in the sky. Due to advanced technology, the auto search time has
shrunk significantly from the early days of GPS.
Once the unit locks on to the satellites, it should take less than a minute
to find your position the next time it's turned on, as long as you are approximately 100 miles from the last location it was used.
150

MMC File Browser.

Check MMC Files and Storage Space
To check MMC Files:
1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to BROWSE MMC FILES|ENT.
2. Use↑ ↓ to browse through the files. Highlight a file and press ENT to
select it.
3. Press EXIT repeatedly to return to the main display.

Communications Port Configuration
The unit has one NMEA 0183 version 2.0 compatible communication
port, or com port for short. The Com Port Menu, which is accessed from
the System Setup Menu, allows you to configure the communications
port to send or receive data from another electronic device, such as an
autopilot. The com port can be used for either NMEA, or SiRF Binary
data transfer.

Communications Port highlighted on System Setup menu (left). Baud
Rate selected on Communications Port menu (right).

151

For connectors and wiring information for another device, see page 34.
For assistance in configuring the unit to communicate with another
device, consult the factory. Customer service phone numbers are in the
back of this manual.

Configure NMEA
You can configure the unit to use specific NMEA sentences.
1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to SYSTEM SETUP|ENT.
2. Press ↓ to COMMUNICATIONS PORT|ENT|↓ to CONFIGURE NMEA|ENT.
3. A menu appears showing the prefixes of the available NMEA sentences. A check mark next to a prefix means the prefix is in use. Use ↑
↓, ← → to select a prefix, then press ENT to turn off the prefix. (Press
ENT again to check the box and turn on a prefix.)
4. When the desired prefixes are checked or unchecked, press EXIT repeatedly to return to the previous page.
NOTE:
Placing a check in the checkbox next to Radar at the bottom of the
Communications Port menu will set the Baud Rate to the default
Radar Baud Rate setting.

Coordinate System Selection
The Coordinate System Menu lets you select the coordinate system to
use when displaying and entering position coordinates.

Menus for changing coordinate system used to display positions.

To get to Coordinate System Selection:
1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to GPS SETUP|ENT.
2. Press ↓ to COORDINATE SYSTEM|ENT.
This unit can show a position in degrees (36.14952°); degrees, minutes
and thousandths of a minute (36° 28.700'); or degrees, minutes, seconds
and tenths of a second (36° 28' 40.9"). It can also show position in: UTM
152

(Universal Transverse Mercator) projection; MGRS (Standard); MGRS
(Standard + 10); Map Fix; Loran TD; British, Irish, Finnish, German,
New Zealand, Swedish, Swiss, Taiwan and Greek.
UTM's are marked on USGS topographic charts. This system divides
the Earth into 60 zones, each 6 degrees wide in longitude.
British, Irish, Finnish, German, New Zealand, Swedish, Swiss, Taiwan,
and Greek grid systems are the national coordinate system used only in
their respective countries. In order to use these grid systems, you must
be in the respective country. This unit will pick the matching datum for
you when you select the grid. See the entry on Map Datum Selection for
more information.
The Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) uses two grid lettering
schemes, which are referred to as standard and standard + 10 MGRS
on this unit. Your position and datum in use determines which one to
use. If you use standard, and your position is off significantly, then try
the alternate.
NOTE:
When the position format is changed, it affects the way all positions
are shown on all screens. This includes waypoints.
To change the coordinate system
1. Press ENT while COORDINATE SYSTEM is highlighted.
2. Use ↑ ↓ to highlight the desired format and press ENT. Press EXIT
repeatedly to return to the map display.
To set up Loran TD:
If the Loran TD conversion is chosen, you must enter the local Loran
chain identification for the master and slaves. Highlight SETUP LORAN TD
at the bottom of the Coordinate System menu and select the ID. Press
EXIT to close this menu.

153

Configure Loran TD menu.

Map Fix
Map Fix is used with charts or maps. This system asks for a reference
position in latitude/longitude, which you take from a marked location
on the map. It then shows the present position as distance on the map
from that reference point.
For example, if it shows a distance of UP 4.00" and LEFT 0.50", you
then measure up four inches and to the left a half-inch from the reference point on the map to find your location.
To configure a map fix:
To use this format, you need to follow these steps in order. First, take
your map of the area and determine a reference latitude/longitude.
(Note: in order for this system to work, the latitude/longitude lines
must be parallel with the edge of the map. USGS maps are parallel,
others may not be. Also, this works better with smaller scale maps,
such as 1:24000.) The reference position can be anywhere on the map,
but the closer it is to your location, the smaller the numbers will be
that you'll have to deal with.
Once you've decided on a reference position, you can save it as a waypoint.
See the waypoint section for information on saving a waypoint. Save the
reference position as a waypoint. Exit from the waypoint screens.
1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to GPS SETUP|ENT.
2. Press ↓ to COORDINATE SYSTEM|ENT.
3. Press ↓ to SETUP MAP FIX|ENT. The screen below appears, and MAP
SCALE is highlighted.

154

4. Press ENT and enter the map's scale. This is generally at the bottom
of the paper map. It is shown as a ratio, like 1:24000. Press EXIT and
the unit to return to the Configure Map Fix screen.

Configure a map fix so the unit can find your position on a printed
chart or topographical map.

5. Press → to SELECT ORIGIN|ENT|ENT|ENT to bring up the waypoint list.
Select the waypoint that you saved the reference point under and press
ENT. The unit displays a waypoint information screen with the command SET AS ORIGIN selected.
6. Press ENT and the unit returns to the Configure Map Fix menu. Finally, press EXIT to close this menu.
7. Press ↑ to COORD SYSTEM|ENT, select MAP FIX from the list and press
ENT|EXIT. All position information now shows as a distance from the
reference point you chose.

Customize Page Displays
Every Page display option except Full Map (on the Map Page) has customizable data boxes to provide constant on-screen information.
The data available from your unit is divided into categories in the Data
Viewer menu. These categories include GPS Data, Navigation, Trip
Calculator, Time, Sonar and Miscellaneous. You can select items from
any of these categories for display in any data box — the category divisions are only there to help you sort through the information.
To change the information displayed in a data box:
1. On the Page display you wish to change, press MENU|↓ to CUSTOMIZE|ENT. A data box name flashes, indicating it is selected.
2. Press ENT to change the box or hit ↑, ↓, ← → to select another box, then
press ENT. You will see a list of categories with "+" or "–" symbols next to
each category. A category with a "+" is expandable, meaning its contents
are hidden.
155

Customize Menu, with "GPS Data" and "Navigation" categories expanded.

Selecting the category name and pressing ENT will show the category's
contents, so you can choose items within it. An expanded category (one
with a "–" next to its name) can be collapsed to hide its contents. Just
select the category name and press ENT.
3. Expand any categories that might contain data you want to display.
Press ↓ ↑ to select a different data option.
4. With the new option highlighted, press ENT to switch the contents of
the box to the new data type and press EXIT. You can now select another box to change. When you are finished with the settings, press
EXIT again to end the Customize command, and the box name stops
flashing.
NOTE:
A Page display can show a limited number of data boxes. You can
not add or remove data boxes.

GPS Simulator
The GPS simulator lets you use the unit as if you were outdoors navigating somewhere. It's a great way to practice using your unit. You can set
the starting location by entering latitude/longitude (Starting Position) or
from a stored waypoint, map place or POI. You can steer your position
and change speed on the map by using the arrow keys (STEER WITH ARROWS
command) or by setting the track and speed in the dialog boxes provided
on the simulator menu screen.
To turn on the GPS Simulator:
1. Press MENU|MENU, highlight SYSTEM SETUP and press ENT.
2. Select SIMULATORS and press ENT.
156

The GPS Simulator menu.

The GPS Simulator page will appear. The page has dialog boxes that
allow you to change the Track, Speed, Altitude, Latitude and Longitude
of your simulation.
You can begin your simulation at a waypoint by using the Select Starting Waypoint command or direct the simulation manually by using the
Steer with Arrows command, which will place Steer with Arrow boxes
on the main display.

Tip:
The Initialize GPS command offers another way to choose a desired
location to begin a simulation. The Initializing GPS command allows you to move the center display arrow to any location on the
map. We will explore the Initialize GPS command in more detail in
the Initialize GPS entry below.
3. When all settings have been set to your preferences, turn on the
simulator on by highlighting the GPS SIMULATOR ON box and pressing
ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to return to the map display. Repeat Steps
1-3 to turn off the simulator.
NOTE:
A message and tone appear periodically, warning you that the
simulator is on. To turn the simulator off, repeat the above steps or
turn the unit off.
Steer with Arrows
When you are using the Steer with Arrows command, you can press
EXIT to clear the steering and speed boxes from the screen while continuing the simulation. This action will allow you to use the map cursor
during a simulation. To turn steering and speed boxes back on again,
157

return to the GPS Simulator menu, highlight the STEER WITH ARROWS
command, press ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to return to the previous
page.
Simulating Trail or Route Navigation
In Simulator mode, your unit can automatically follow a trail or route
without manual steering if you use these steps:
1. From the Map Page, go to the simulator menu. Pick a STARTING POSIat or near the beginning of your trail/route. Enter an approximate
TRACK (shown in compass degrees) that will point you toward the start
of the trail/route.

TION

2. Set SPEED to zero. Select STEER WITH ARROWS command and press ENT,
which turns on the simulator and returns you to the Map Page.
3. Begin navigating along the trail/route. (If you are close enough to the
first waypoint, the arrival alarm will usually go off as soon as navigation begins. Press EXIT to clear the alarm.) When navigation starts,
press ↑ to increase speed to the desired setting.
4. Press EXIT to turn off the steering and speed boxes. The unit will now
automatically steer along the trail or route. Cancel navigation when
you arrive at your destination.

Hide GPS Feature
If there is no GPS antenna/receiver module attached to this unit, the
GPS menus and features can be hidden from view with this command.
The default setting is off, allowing you to rotate between the Sonar
Page and the GPS pages and features.
To Hide GPS Features:
1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to SYSTEM SETUP|ENT.
2. Highlight HIDE GPS FEATURES and press ENT. The GPS menus and
pages are now hidden.
To restore GPS Features, press MENU|MENU|↓ to SHOW GPS FEAThe GPS menus and pages are available once again.

TURES|ENT.

Initialize GPS
This command is handy when you are practicing in simulator mode. (See
the entry in this section for GPS Simulator.) In simulator mode, this
command makes the unit operate as if it is sitting someplace other than
its actual location. So, you and your unit could be located in Kansas City,
but easily practice navigating in the ocean off Islamorada, Florida.

158

To Initialize GPS:
1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to GPS SETUP|ENT|ENT.
2. A message appears, prompting you to move the cursor to the desired
location. Move the cursor to the desired location and press ENT.
When the message automatically clears, follow the message instructions.
3. In a moment, your present position marker arrow appears on the
map in the location you selected with the cursor. The unit will consider
that spot as its last known position until changed by either a live satellite lock-on or a new simulator location.

Map Auto Zoom
This unit has an auto zoom feature that eliminates much of the button
pushing common with other brands of GPS receivers. It works in conjunction with the navigation features.
First, start navigation to a waypoint. (See the waypoint section for
more information on navigating to a waypoint.) Then, with the auto
zoom mode on, the unit zooms out until the entire course shows, from
the present position to the destination waypoint. As you travel toward
the destination, the unit automatically begins zooming in — one zoom
range at a time — always keeping the destination on the screen.
To turn on Auto Zoom:
1. From a MAP PAGE, press MENU|↓ to AUTO ZOOM|ENT|EXIT. Repeat
these steps to turn it off.

Map Data
This menu lets you turn the map off, if desired (which turns the map
screen into a GPS plotter); turn off or on the pop-up map info boxes;
draw the map boundaries or boxes around the areas of high detail; or
fill land areas with gray. You can also turn on or off Map Overlays,
which display latitude and longitude grid lines or range rings on the
map. This menu also lets you select Navionics Maps. For instructions,
see the Navionics Charts entry in this section.

159

Map Menu (left). Map Data Menu (right).

To access Map Data menu:
From the Map Page, press MENU|↓ to MAP DATA|ENT.
To show Map Data
1. From the Map Page, press MENU|↓ to MAP DATA|ENT.
2. Press ENT to open the EARTH MAP DETAIL selection list, and choose how
much detail you want — from Off (so the unit operates like a GPS plotter) to High.
3. After the option is set, press EXIT repeatedly to return to the page
display.
To turn on/off Pop-up Map Information
1. From the Map Page, press MENU|↓ to MAP DATA|ENT.
2. Press ↓ to POPUP MAP INFORMATION. With the option highlighted, press
ENT to check it (turn on) or uncheck it (turn off.)
3. After the option is set, press EXIT|EXIT to return to the page display.
To turn on/off Draw Map Boundaries
1. From the Map Page, press MENU|↓ to MAP DATA|ENT.
2. Press ↓ to DRAW MAP BOUNDARIES. With the option highlighted, press
ENT to check it (turn on) or uncheck it (turn off.)
3. After the option is set, press EXIT|EXIT to return to the page display.
To turn on/off Fill Water With White
1. From the Map Page, press MENU|↓ to MAP DATA|ENT.
2. Press ↓ to FILL WATER WITH WHITE. With the option highlighted, press
ENT to check it (turn on) or uncheck it (turn off.)
3. After the option is set, press EXIT|EXIT to return to the page display.
160

Map Overlays (Range Rings; Lat/Long Grid)
The map screen can be customized with four range rings and/or grids
that divide the plotter into equal segments of latitude and longitude.
Range rings are handy for visually estimating distances on the map. The
ring diameters are based on the current zoom range. For example: at the
100 mile zoom, the screen will show two rings with your current position
in the center. The large ring touching the left and right sides of the
screen is 100 miles in diameter (same as the zoom range). The second
smaller ring is 50 miles in diameter (always 1/2 the zoom range).
The distance from your current position to the smaller ring (the ring's
radius) is 25 miles (always 1/4 the zoom range). With the arrow keys
and map cursor, you can scroll the map to see the third and fourth
rings. In this example, the distance to the third ring is 75 miles and
distance to the fourth ring is 100 miles from your current position.
To turn on/off range rings:
1. From the Map Page, press MENU|↓ to MAP DATA|ENT.
2. Press ↓, → to RANGE RINGS. With the option highlighted, press ENT to
check it (turn on) and uncheck it (turn off.)
3. After the option is set, press EXIT|EXIT to return to the page display.
To turn on/off Lat/Long Grid lines:
1. From the Map Page, press MENU|↓ to MAP DATA|ENT.
2. Press ↓, to LAT/LON GRID LINES. With the option highlighted, press ENT
to check it (turn on) and uncheck it (turn off.)
3. After the option is set, press EXIT|EXIT to return to the page display.

Map Datum Selection
Maps and charts are based on a survey of an area covered by the map
or chart. These surveys are called Datums. Maps using different datums will show the same latitude/longitude in different locations.
All datums are named. The GPS system is based on the WGS-84 datum, which covers the entire world. Other datums may also cover the
entire world, or just a small portion of it. By default, your unit uses the
WGS-84 datum. It, however, can show your position using any of 191
datums. Different datums can be selected. To change the datum:
1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to GPS SETUP|ENT|↓ to DATUM SELECTION|ENT.
2. Use ↓ ↑ to select the desired datum, then press ENT.
3. To return to the last page displayed, press EXIT|EXIT.
A list of the datums used by this unit is in the back of this manual.
161

The Map Datum Menu.

Map Detail Category Selection
This menu determines which of the mapping features are shown on the
screen. This includes: waypoints, trails, icons, cities, highways, etc. You
can turn on or off any of these items to customize the map.
To get to Map Categories:
1. From the Map Page, press MENU|↓ to MAP CATEGORIES DRAWN|ENT.
2. Press ↑ ↓ to select a category or press → then press ↑ ↓ to select a
subcategory. Press ENT to turn it off (no check) or on (checked.)
3. To return to the map display, press EXIT|EXIT.

The Map Categories Drawn Menu.

Map Orientation
By default, this receiver shows the map with north always at the top of
the screen. This is the way most maps and charts are printed on paper.

162

In Track Up mode, map shows "N" and arrow to indicate north.

Map page shown in North Up mode (left) Map page shown in Track Up
mode (right).

This is fine if you are always traveling due north. What you see to your
left corresponds to the left side of the map, to your right is shown on
the right side of the map, and so on. However, if you travel any other
direction, the map doesn't line up with your view of the world.
To correct this problem, a track-up mode rotates the map as you turn.
Thus, what you see on the left side of the screen should always be to
your left, and so on.
Another option is course-up mode, which keeps the map at the same
orientation as the initial bearing to the waypoint. When either the
track-up or course-up mode is on, a "N" shows on the map screen to
help you see which direction is north.
To change map orientation:
1. From the Map Page, press MENU|↓ to MAP ORIENTATION|ENT.
2. Use ↑ ↓ to select the desired mode, then press ENT.
3. Press EXIT|EXIT to return to the map page display.

163

Map Orientation menu with
the North Up map orientation option selected.

NOTE
In North Up and Course Up, the present position arrow appears in
the center of the map page. In Track Up, the position arrow appears centered in the lower third of the page.

NauticPath™ USA Marine Charts
Your unit can display NauticPath electronic charts on MMCs. They
work just like a MapCreate custom map on a MMC.
Nautical Chart Notes
NauticPath charts contain notes or chart information, represented by
circle-i Chart Note icons on the map display. An example is shown in
the following figure.

NauticPath chart showing Chart Note icon selected by cursor (left).
Note information screen (right).

164

To view Chart Note information:
1. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor over a Chart Note icon. When
it's selected, a pop-up name box appears.
2. Press WPT to display the Note Information screen.
3. To scroll through the Chart Note screen, use ↑ ↓ arrow keys to read
the information. To return to the main page display, press EXIT repeatedly.

Entrance to Aransas Pass on a NauticPath chart with 8-nautical mile
zoom (left). Remaining images (left to right): same position at 4nautical mile, 1-nautical mile and 0.3- nautical mile zoom ranges.

Port Information
NauticPath charts contain Port Services information, represented by
anchor icons on the map display. These icons will appear when you are
zoomed in to a 4-nautical mile range. An example is displayed in the
following figures.
To view Port Services information:
1. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor over a Port Services icon.
When it is selected, a pop-up name box appears.
2. Press WPT to display the Port Services Information screen.

165

Pop-up
name box

Port Services
icon

NauticPath chart showing Port Services icon selected by cursor. When
first highlighted, the Pop-Up name box appears.

The Port Services information screen for a NauticPath chart contains
all the service information in one window.
3. To scroll through the service information window, use ↑ ↓ to see the
types of services available. To return to the main page display, press
EXIT repeatedly.

Port Services information.

Tidal Current Information
NauticPath charts contain Tidal Current information,
represented at large zoom ranges by a box icon with
the letter "C." These icons will appear when you are
zoomed in to a 6-mile range. The icon stands for a Tidal Current Station location. An example is displayed on the right.
When you zoom in to a sufficiently small zoom range (0.8 nautical
mile), the icon becomes an animated arrow showing tidal current velocity and direction for the selected tidal station at the present time. At
166

larger zoom ranges, you can select the boxed "C" icon and it becomes an
animated arrow with a pop-up name box (the name box disappears after a few seconds). Examples are displayed in the following figures.
To view Tidal Current information:
1. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor over a Tidal Current Station
icon. When it is selected, a pop-up name box appears.
2. Press WPT to display the Tidal Current Information screen.

Cursor
lines

Tidal Current
Station icon in
animated mode

NauticPath chart showing Tidal Current Station icon selected by cursor (left). Tidal Current animated icon at .8-nautical mile range.
Current Time Line
Slack
Water
Line

Velocity
Scale

Tide Tables

Current Information screen.

The Tidal Current Information screen displays daily tidal current data
for this station on this date at the present time. The graph at the top of
the screen is an approximate view of the flood and ebb pattern for the
day, from midnight (MN), to noon (NN) to midnight (MN).
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The velocity scale at the top left side of the graph changes dynamically
based upon the maximum velocity of the current for that day.
Slack water, the period of little or no current, is represented by the
Slack Water Line (SWL). The flood appears above the SWL and the ebb
appears below the SWL. You can look up tidal current data for other
dates by changing the month, day and year selection boxes.
To select another date:
1. Use ← → to highlight month, day or year, then press ENT.
2. Use ↑ ↓ to select the desired month, day or year and press ENT.
To clear the information screen, press EXIT.
Tide Information
NauticPath charts contain Tidal Information, represented at large zoom ranges by a box icon with the
letter "T." These icons will appear when you are
zoomed in to a 6-mile range. The icon stands for a
Tidal Station location. An example is displayed at right.
When you zoom in to a sufficiently small zoom range (0.8 nautical
mile), the icon becomes an animated gauge showing a rising or falling
tidal height for the selected station at the present time. At larger zoom
ranges, you can select the boxed "T" icon and it becomes an animated
gauge with a pop-up name box. The name box disappears seconds.
Tide Station
icon in animated mode

Cursor
lines

NauticPath chart showing Tide Station icon selected by cursor (left).
Icon animates automatically without selection at the 0.8-mile zoom
range (right). In the example above, the tide is at 0.9 feet and falling,
as shown by the down arrow at the top of the icon.

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To view tide information:
1. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor over a tide station icon. When
it is selected, a pop-up name box appears.
2. Press WPT to display the Tide Information screen.
Current Time Line

Height
Scale

MLLW
Line

Tide
Table

Tide Information screen.

The Tide Information screen displays daily tidal data for this station on
this date at the present time. The graph at the top of the screen is an
approximate view of the tidal range pattern for the day, from midnight
(MN) to noon (NN) to midnight (MN). The dotted line across the graph
is the Mean Lower Low Water line (MLLW).
The height scale on the top right side of the graph changes, based upon
the maximum range of the tide for that day. The MLLW line also adjusts its position as the height scale changes.
You can look up tidal data for other dates by changing the month, day
and year selection boxes. To select another date:
1. Use ← → to highlight month, day or year, then press ENT.
2. Use ↑ ↓ to select the desired month, day or year and press ENT.
To clear the information screen, press EXIT.

Navionics® Charts
Your unit can also display Navionics electronic charts on MMCs. Like
NauticPath, Navionics charts contain tide and port service information.
NOTE:
The primary operational difference between a NauticPath chart
and a Navionics chart is the way the chart data is set up for display. NauticPath charts are ready for display as soon as they are
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inserted into the unit. Navionics charts must be inserted into the
unit, then selected as a Map Choice option in the Map Data menu.
To display a Navionics chart:
1. Install the Navionics MMC in the memory card compartment and
turn on the unit. (For full card install instructions, see Sec. 2.)
2. From the Map Page, press MENU|↓ to MAP DATA|ENT|↓ to MAP
CHOICE|ENT. Select the Map Name, then press ENT|EXIT|EXIT.

Navionics Map Choice highlighted. Press Ent to select the desired
Navionics map from the Map Choice drop down box.

WARNING:
You should never format the MMC containing your
Navionics chart. Formatting the MMC will permanently
erase the chart from the card.

Overlay Data
On any Page display except Satellite Status, you can overlay additional
GPS or navigation data on the screen with the Overlay Data command.
For example, if you left your watch at home, you could display the local
time on top of the map. Or, if you wanted to see details about your
route and trip, you could show your bearing, course, average speed and
trip distance.
The various data available from your unit are divided into categories in
the Overlay Data menu. These categories include GPS Data, Navigation, Trip Calculator, Time, Sonar Data and Miscellaneous Data.
You can select items from any of these categories for display, in any
combination — the category divisions are there only to help you sort
through the information.
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Overlay Data with Navigation and Sonar Data
categories expanded.

To overlay information on your screen:
1. Press MENU|↓ to OVERLAY DATA|ENT.
2. If you currently have any overlay data on your screen, it will be
listed here. Select (ENTER TO ADD) and press ENT. The data viewer shows
information categories with "+" or "–" symbols next to each category
name. A category with a "+" next to it is expandable, meaning its contents are hidden.
Selecting the category name and pressing ENT will show the category's
contents, so you can choose items within it. An expanded category (one
with a "–" next to its name) can be collapsed to hide its contents. Just
select the category name and press ENT.
3. Expand any categories that might contain data you want to display.
Then press ↓ or ↑ to select a data option.
4. With the data option highlighted, press ENT to check it (turn on) and
uncheck it (turn off). As you turn it on, the data will appear on top of
the screen. Every Page display has a maximum number of items you
can show using the Overlay Data command.
5. After the desired changes are made, press EXIT|EXIT to return to the
page display.

171

From Overlay Data Shown (left) press ENT to see Data Viewer (center).
Select a category and press ENT. Next, select information to show on
screen and press ENT to check it and turn it on (right).

Steering
arrow

Map Page shows boat cruising Puget Sound, Washington with Overlay
Data turned on (left). This example shows Depth, Ground Speed and
the Steering Arrow. Note that the Steering Arrow always points directly to the destination you are navigating toward. In this case, the
boater is on a northwest course of 275º. Since the helmsman is on
course, the Steering Arrow is pointing straight ahead. If the helmsman
veered off course, the arrow would show which direction to steer to
get back on course. Sonar Page with Overlay Data turned on (right),
showing Depth, Ground Speed and the Track the boat is following.

To remove overlaid data:
1. While on the Page that shows the item or items you want to remove,
press MENU|↓ to OVERLAY DATA|ENT.
2. You will see a list of the overlay data currently displayed. Select the
item you want to remove from your display and press ENT|ENT to remove the data. To remove another item, highlight the item and press
ENT|ENT.
3. When you have finished removing Overlay Data, press EXIT to return
to the map page display.
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NOTE:
You also can remove data directly from the Data Viewer menu by
repeating the steps used to add overlay data. Highlight the overlay
data currently displayed, then press ENT, unchecking the data option, which will remove it from the display..

Overlay Data Shown, with Date option selected (left). Press ENT to access REMOVE option (center). Press ENT again to remove item and return
to Overlay Data Shown (right).

To move overlaid data:
You may find it useful to move or rearrange overlay data on your display.
1. From one of the Map Pages, press MENU|↓ to OVERLAY DATA|ENT.
2. You will see a list of the overlay data currently displayed. Select the
item you want to move and press ENT|→ to MOVE|ENT.
3. The data begins to flash on your screen. Use ↑ ↓, ← → to move the
data to a new location on the screen.
4. Press EXIT|EXIT to return to the map display.
NOTE:
The Customize command and the Overlay Data command both use
the same information categories. The difference between the two
commands is that Customize changes only the data in digital data
boxes, while Overlay Data changes the data on the floating freely
on the screen but does not alter data in digital data boxes. For information on customizing digital data boxes see Customize Page
Displays on page 86.

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Trip Distance set to small size in the Overlay Data Shown menu (left).
Trip Distance set to Large size (right).
To change displayed data font size:

1. From the Map or Sonar page, press MENU|↓ to OVERLAY DATA|ENT.
2. Press ↓ ↑ to select the desired data type, then use ← → to enlarge or
reduce the size of the overlay data on the map display.
3. Press EXIT to return to the map display. The selected data type will
be displayed in the new size. (To change the font size for another Data
Type, repeat these steps, beginning with step 2 above.)
NOTE:
Some data types can be displayed in only one font size. If that is the
case, the Data Size box will not be displayed for that data type.

Pop-up Help
Help is available for virtually all menus in this unit. By leaving a menu
item or command highlighted for a few seconds, a pop-up message will
appear, giving a brief description of the functions purpose. This feature
is on by default.
To set up Popup Help:
1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to SYSTEM SETUP|ENT|↓ to POPUP HELP.
2. With the option highlighted, press ENT to check it (turn on) and uncheck it (turn off.)
3. After the option is set, press EXIT|EXIT to return to the page display.

174

Pop-up Help command highlighted on System Setup menu (left). Popup Help message for Sounds (right).

Reset Options highlighted on the System Setup menu (left). Reset Options confirmation message (right).

175

Screen Contrast and Brightness
To adjust Contrast:
1. Press MENU|MENU|ENT.
2. Highlight CONTRAST, then use ← → to move the contrast adjustment
bar. The left end of the scale is the lowest contrast level. The right end
is the highest contrast level.

The Screen Menu with Contrast bar selected.

To adjust the display's brightness:
1. Press MENU|MENU|ENT.
2. Press ↓ to BRIGHTNESS. Press ← → to move Brightness Control bar.
The left end of the scale is the lowest brightness level. The right end of
the scale is the highest brightness level.

Display Mode menu.

176

To adjust the screen's display mode:
1. Press MENU|MENU|ENT.
2. Press ↓ to DISPLAY MODE|ENT, which will open the Display Mode menu
with three options: Normal, High Contrast and Night Viewing.
3. Select the desired mode and press ENT. Press EXIT|EXIT to return to
the map display.

Set Language
This unit's menus are available in 10 languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Danish, Swedish, Russian, Dutch and Finnish.
To select a different language:
1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to SYSTEM SETUP|ENT.
2. Highlight SET LANGUAGE|ENT.
3. Use ↓ ↑ to select the desired language and press ENT. All menus now
will appear in the language you selected.

Set Local Time
Using the local time setting is useful when estimating local arrival
time while navigating.
1. Make sure your unit has acquired your position, then press
MENU|MENU, highlight SYSTEM SETUP and ENT.
2. Highlight SET LOCAL TIME and press ENT.
3. Local time will be highlighted, so press ENT. Use ↑ ↓ to change the
first character, then press → to move the cursor to the next character.
Repeat those steps until the time has been set. Press ENT.
To set the Month:
1. Make sure your unit has acquired your position, then press
MENU|MENU, highlight SYSTEM SETUP and ENT.
2. Highlight SET LOCAL TIME and press ENT.
3. Select MONTH and ENT. Use ↑ ↓ to select the desired month and press
ENT.
To set the Day:
1. Make sure your unit has acquired your position, then press

MENU|MENU, highlight SYSTEM SETUP and ENT.

2. Highlight SET LOCAL TIME and press ENT.
3. Highlight DAY and press ENT. Use ↑ ↓ to select the desired day and
press ENT.
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To set the Year:
1. Make sure your unit has acquired your position, then press

MENU|MENU, highlight SYSTEM SETUP and ENT.

2. Highlight SET LOCAL TIME and press ENT.
3. Select YEAR and press ENT. Use ↑ ↓ to select the year and press ENT.
To select Time Format:
1. Make sure your unit has acquired your position, then press

MENU|MENU, highlight SYSTEM SETUP and ENT.

2. Highlight SET LOCAL TIME and press ENT.
3. Select the desired format, 12 Hour or 24 Hour, and press ENT.
To select a Date Format:
1. Make sure your unit has acquired your position, then press
MENU|MENU, highlight SYSTEM SETUP and ENT.
2. Highlight SET LOCAL TIME and press ENT.
3. Select the desired Date Format, Month/Day/Year, Day/Month/Year
or Year/Month/Day and press ENT.
To Configure DST:
Configure DST allows your unit to automatically adjust to Daylight
Saving Time. Select the country with DST rules that match your region
or simply accept the default.
1. Make sure your unit has acquired your position, then press
MENU|MENU, highlight SYSTEM SETUP and ENT.
2. Select SET LOCAL TIME and press ENT.
3. Highlight the CONFIGURE DST button and press ENT. From the Country
menu, select the country with DST rules that match your region.
4. Press EXIT repeatedly to return to the map display.

Show WAAS Alarm
When the signal is available, your unit will automatically use WAAS to
boost the accuracy of the position fix. When the WAAS signal is lost or
acquired, an alarm message appears. Since the U.S. government is still
developing the WAAS system, its not unusual for a GPS/WAAS receiver to frequently lose and reacquire its lock on a WAAS satellite.
That can result in the alarm repeatedly going on and off. You have the
option of turning off the WAAS Acquired/Lost alarm without affecting
how the unit uses WAAS.
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Software Version Information
From time to time, Lowrance updates the operating system software in
some of its products. These software upgrades are usually offered to
customers as free downloads from our web site, www.lowrance.com.
These upgrades make the unit perform better and/or introduce a new
feature or function. You can find out what software version is running
in your unit by using the Software Information command.

The Software Information screen.

To access Software Information:
1. Press MENU|MENU, highlight SYSTEM SETUP and press ENT.
2. Select SOFTWARE INFO and press ENT. Software information will be displayed on the screen.
3. Press EXIT repeatedly to return to the map display.
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Sounds and Alarm Sound Styles
Sounds triggered by key strokes and alarms can be turned off or adjusted to a desired level.

The Sounds menu.

To set Key Press Sounds:
1. Press MENU|MENU, select SOUNDS and press ENT.
2. Highlight KEY PRESS SOUNDS and press ENT to check it (turn on) or uncheck it (turn off.
3. Press EXIT|EXIT to return to the map display.
To set Alarm Sounds:
1. Press MENU|MENU, select SOUNDS and press ENT.
2. Highlight ALARM SOUNDS and press ENT to check it (turn on) or uncheck
it (turn off).
3. Press EXIT|EXIT to return to map page display.
To set Volume:
1. Press MENU|MENU, select SOUNDS and press ENT.
2. Highlight VOLUME and use ← → to move the Volume control bar. The
left end of the scale is low volume. The right end of the scale is high volume.
3. Press EXIT|EXIT to return to map display.
To set Alarm Style:
1. Press MENU|MENU, select SOUNDS and press ENT.
2. Highlight ALARM STYLE and press ENT.
3. Use ↑ ↓ to select the desired style and press ENT.
4. Press EXIT|EXIT to return to the map display.
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Track Smoothing
This is a factory setting on the GPS Setup menu that should always be
left on. When stopped or traveling at slow speeds (such as walking or
trolling), Track Smoothing prevents wandering of trails, the steering
arrow, compass rose and a map in track-up mode.

Track Smoothing highlighted on the GPS Setup menu.

Trail Options
There are several options you can use with trails. Some affect all trails,
other options can be applied to a particular trail. You can change the
way trails are updated, display or hide trails, create a new trail, delete
a trail and edit a trail's name, color, pattern and visibility.

The Trails Menu.

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To create a New Trail:
1. Press MENU|MENU, highlight MY TRAILS and press ENT.
2. Highlight NEW TRAIL and press ENT. The Edit Trail menu will appear,
allowing you to Edit the trails name, color, pattern, maximum points,
trail status (active or inactive) and trail visibility. You can also navigate the trail or delete the trail.

New Trail selected on the Trails menu (left). Edit Trails menu (right).

To Delete all Trails
1. Press MENU|MENU, select MY TRAILS and press ENT.
2. Highlight DELETE ALL and press ENT. The following Warning will appear: Delete All Trails?
3. Select YES and press ENT. You will be returned to the Trails screen,
where all trails have been deleted.
4. Press EXIT repeatedly to return to the map display.
Update Trail Option
The Update Trail menu allows you to change the way trail updates occur. There are three options: Auto, Time and Distance.
In automatic mode, the unit does not update the plot trail while you are
traveling in a straight line. When you deviate from a straight line, the
unit places a plot point onto the trail. This conserves plot trail points. If
a plot trail uses all of the available points allotted to it, the beginning
points are deleted and replaced by points at the end of the trail.
Selecting Time as the method for updating a trail will automatically
place trail points at a duration of your choosing. You can set the unit to
place trail points placed at any duration between 1 second to 9999 seconds. The default setting is 3 seconds. Updating a trail by Distance will
place trail points when you move a distance of your choosing.
182

You can have trail points placed at any distance between 0.01
mile/nm/km to 9.99 mile/nm/km. The default setting is 0.10 mi.
WARNING:
If you uncheck the Update Trail option, automatic trail
creation and recording will be turned off. You must turn
it back on to record trails. The default setting is on.
To select a Trail Update Option:
1. Press MENU|MENU, select MY TRAILS and press ENT.
2. Highlight the TRAIL OPTIONS button and press ENT. The Trail Options
menu will appear with three update criteria: Auto, Time and Distance.
NOTE:
The Update Active Trail checkbox should be checked (turned on). If
it is unchecked (turned off), your trails will not be updated. To turn
it on, highlight UPDATE ACTIVE TRAIL and press ENT.
3. Highlight the desired method for updating trails and press ENT. If
you choose Time or Distance as your update criteria, you can input the
desired update rate (Time) or desired Update Distance (Distance) in
the dialog box that appears at the bottom of the menu.
4. To input your Update Rate or Update Distance, highlight Update
Rate or Update Distance and press ENT. Use ↑ ↓ , ← → to input the
desired setting and press ENT.
5. Press EXIT repeatedly to return to the map display.

Time set as the update criteria (left). Notice the Update Rate dialog
box at the bottom of the menu. Distance is set as the update criteria
(right). The Update Distance dialog is at the bottom of the menu.

183

To delete a Trail:
1. Press MENU|MENU, select MY TRAILS and press ENT.
2. Select the desired trail from the Saved Trails list and press ENT. The
Edit Trail menu will appear.
3. Highlight DELETE TRAIL and press ENT. The following message will appear: Delete this trail? Select YES and press ENT.
4. Press EXIT repeatedly to return to the map display.

Edit Trail menu.

Trail Visible/Invisible and Other Trail Options
The name, maximum number of points in the trail, activity, and visibility are all changed on the Edit Trail menu screen. The Active setting
determines whether or not the unit is recording new points for a particular trail.
On the Edit Trail menu, press ↓ ↑ to highlight the section you wish to
change, then press ENT. Make your changes, then press EXIT to close
the menu. Related trail functions are discussed in further detail under
the Trails topic in Sec. 7, Advanced GPS Operations.

Transparency selected on main menu.

To adjust Transparency level:
1. Press MENU|MENU|↓ to TRANSPARENCY|ENT. The TRANSPARENCY slider
bar appears.
2. Use ↑ ↓ to move the bar. Move the bar to the bottom of the scale to
eliminate transparency. Moving the bar to the top of the scale will provide the greatest level of transparency.
3. Press EXIT to return to the map display.

Units of Measure
This menu sets the speed and distance (statute or nautical miles, meters), depth (feet, fathoms, or meters), temperature (degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius) and heading (true or magnetic) units.
To change Units of Measure:
To set Speed/Distance:
1. Press MENU|MENU, select System Setup and press ENT. UNITS OF MEASURE will be highlighted, so press ENT.
2. Speed/Distance will be highlighted. Press ENT.
3. Use ↑ ↓ to select one of the following options: Statute, Nautical or
Metric. Press ENT.
4. Press EXIT repeatedly to return to the sonar display.

185

Units of Measure Menu.

To set Temperature units:
1. Press MENU|MENU, select System Setup and press ENT. UNITS OF MEASURE will be highlighted, so press ENT.
2. Highlight TEMPERATURE and press ENT.
3. Use ↑ ↓ to select one of the following options: Fahrenheit, Celsius or
Kelvin. Press ENT.
4. Press EXIT repeatedly to return to the sonar display.
To set Pressure units:
1. Press MENU|MENU, select System Setup and press ENT. UNITS OF MEASURE will be highlighted, so press ENT.
2. Highlight PRESSURE and press ENT.
3. Use ↑ ↓ to select one of the following options: Millibars, Bars, PSI,
Hectopascals or Kilopascals. Press ENT.
4. Press EXIT repeatedly to return to the sonar display.
To set Depth units:
1. Press MENU|MENU, select System Setup and press ENT. UNITS OF MEASURE will be highlighted, so press ENT.
2. Highlight DEPTH and press ENT.
3. Use ↑ ↓ to select one of the following options: Feet, Fathoms or Meters. Press ENT.
4. Press EXIT repeatedly to return to the sonar display.
To set Volume units:
1. Press MENU|MENU, select System Setup and press ENT. UNITS OF MEASURE will be highlighted, so press ENT.
186

2. Highlight VOLUME and press ENT.
3. Use ↑ ↓ to select one of the following options: Gallons or Liters. Press

ENT.

4. Press EXIT repeatedly to return to the sonar display.
To set Heading units:
1. Press MENU|MENU, select System Setup and press ENT. UNITS OF MEASURE will be highlighted, so press ENT.
2. Highlight HEADING and press ENT.
3. Use ↑ ↓ to select one of the following options: True or Magnetic.
Press ENT.
4. Press EXIT repeatedly to return to the sonar display.

The Units of Measure Menu.

To set Speed/Distance Unit of Measure: Press ↑ or ↓ to change the
Speed/Distance, then press ENT. After the option is set, press
EXIT|EXIT|EXIT to return to the page display.
To set Heading: Press ↑ or ↓ to change the heading type, then press
ENT. After the option is set, press EXIT|EXIT|EXIT to return to the page
display.

187

Notes

188

Section 9: Searching
NOTE:
The background map loaded in your unit lets you to search for U.S.
Interstate Highway exits and exit services, as well as some land
features, including cities and lakes. For a full set of searchable land
features, including landmarks, streets and Points of Interest, you
must load your own high-detail custom map produced with our
MapCreate 6 software. For a complete description of what detail is
found in the background map and custom MapCreate maps, see
page 108. (Remember, our pre-made FreedomMaps contain all the
same detail found in custom-made MapCreate maps.)
This unit's varied search functions all begin with either the Find Waypoint menu or the Map Page menu. Press WPT and the Find Waypoint
menu appears for waypoints and Points of Interest (POI). From the
Map Page, press MENU and the Map Page menu appears for streets and
highway exits.

Find Waypoint menu (left). Map Page menu (right).

NOTE:
You can search for items after the unit has acquired a position, or
while using the unit in simulator mode. Distance and bearing to
the selected item will be calculated from the unit's current position,
or the last known position if operating in simulator mode or without a position determined). You can look up items by name or
search for items nearest to you.

189

Find Streets
1. From a Map Page, press MENU|↓ to FIND STREETS|ENT.
2. Press ENT to search in the Street field.
3. To enter a street name, press ↓ to STREET|ENT. There are two options:
A. You can spell out the name in the top selection box. Press ↑ or ↓ to
change the first letter, then press → to move the cursor to the next letter and repeat until the name is correct, then press ENT|ENT.
B. Jump down to the lower selection list by pressing ENT, then press ↓
or ↑ to select a street name from the list, then press ENT. The street
name you selected is now in the street field.

Finds Streets menu (left). Find Street by Name menu (right).

4. To enter a city name, press ↓ to CITY|ENT. You will be asked if you
want to find streets only within a particular city. This option is designed so you can limit an address search to a single city if necessary
(see the following note).
If you select yes, there are two options: A. You can spell out the city name
in the top selection box. Press ↑ or ↓ to change the first letter, then press
→ to move the cursor to the next letter and repeat until the name is correct, then press ENT|ENT. B. Jump down to the lower selection list by
pressing ENT, then press ↓ or ↑ to select a city name from the list, then
press ENT. The city name you selected is now in the city field.
NOTE:
We recommend that you do not enter a city name unless the list
you are given is too large when searching without it. This unit can
actually search quicker when you don’t enter a city.
190

Find By Name menu with list of cities.

Find Any Item Selected by Map Cursor

With a POI or map feature selected by the cursor, press WPT. To return
to the previous page, press EXIT.

A POI selected by the cursor (left). POI information screen (right).

NOTE:
Since the Go To Waypoint command is highlighted, you can navigate to the selected POI by pressing ENT|EXIT while in the POI
Waypoint Information screen.

Find Interstate Highway Exits
1. From the Map Page, press MENU|↓ to HIGHWAY EXITS|ENT, which calls
up the Find Exit menu.

191

The Find Exit menu.

2. First, select a highway name by pressing ENT, which calls up the
Find By Name menu. There are two highway search options: A. You
can spell out the highway name in the top selection box. Press ↑ or ↓ to
change the first letter, then press → to move the cursor to the next letter and repeat until the name is correct, then press ENT|ENT. B. Jump
down to the lower selection list by pressing ENT, then press ↓ or ↑ to
select a highway from the list, then press ENT.

Find By Name menu.

3. Once you have selected a highway name you can then select an exit.
Press ↓ to switch to the Exit List, then press ↓ or ↑ until you highlight
the exit, then press ENT.

192

Find Exit menu with an exit selected in the Exit List.

4. In the Exit Information screen you have two choices. A. Press ENT to
navigate or "go to" the exit. B. Press →|ENT to find the exit on the
map.

Tip:

Go To Exit highlighted (left). Find On Map selected (right).

You can also look up some additional information on the Exit Services located near this exit. Press ↓ to SERVICES|press ↓ ↑ to select
Service Name|ENT.

193

Exit Information screen (left). General location
and amenities information (right).

Find Map Places or Points of Interest (POI)

1. Press WPT, press ↓ or ↑ to select a map place or POI category, then
press ENT. (To narrow your search, press → then press ↓ or ↑ to select a
subcategory before pressing ENT.) You will be given two options; Search
By Name or By Nearest.

Find Waypoint menu with Lodging POI category selected (left) and
with the RV Parks subcategory selected (right).

2. To search by the nearest POI: press ↓|ENT. The find by nearest
menu will show a calculating screen, then a list of the nearest POI's
will appear. Press ↓ ↑ to the selected POI and press ENT to call up the
POI's Waypoint Information screen.

194

Find by Nearest option, left, Calculating screen, center, POI list, right.

3. To search by the name of a POI: press ENT. There are two options: A.
You can spell out the POI in the top selection box. Press ↑ or ↓ to
change the first letter, then press → to move the cursor to the next letter and repeat until the name is correct, then press ENT|ENT. B. Jump
down to the lower selection list by pressing ENT, then press ↓ or ↑ to
select a POI from the list, then press ENT to call up the POI's Waypoint
Information screen.

Find by Name option, left, Find by Name menu, right.

4. When the POI's Waypoint Information screen is displayed, you can
choose to Go To the POI waypoint by pressing ENT or find it on the map
by pressing→|ENT.

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Go To Waypoint highlighted (left). Find on Map selected (right).

Find Streets or Intersections
Find a Street
1. From the Map Page, press MENU|↓ to FIND STREETS|ENT and the Find
Streets Menu appears.
2. You must first fill in a street name in the First Street dialog box.
Press ENT to display the Find By Name menu. There are two options:
A. You can spell out the street in the top selection box. Press ↑ or ↓ to
change the first letter, then press → to move the cursor to the next letter and repeat until the name is correct, then press ENT|ENT. B. Or you
can jump down to the lower box and pick a street from the list. Press
ENT, then press ↓ or ↑ to select a street from the list and press ENT.

Find Streets menu (left). When finding a street by name (right), spell
out the name in the top box or select it from the list in the lower box.

3. The Find Streets menu reappears with the street you're searching
for in the First Street box. (In this example, it's 80th Street.) To search
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for that street, press ↓ to FIND FIRST STREET|ENT. A message appears asking you to wait while the unit finds the street. When the Streets Found
list appears, press ↑ or ↓ to select the street you are searching for and
press ENT.

Find Streets menu with the Find First street highlighted (left). Streets
Found list (right).

4. The Map Page appears, with the cursor pointing to the found street.
If you want to navigate to the found street at the cursor location, just
press MENU|ENT|EXIT.

Map Page showing results of a street search.
The cursor points to the located street.

Find an Intersection
You must enter one street in the First Street dialog box and enter the
next street in the Second Street dialog box.
1. From the Map Page, press MENU|↓ to FIND STREETS|ENT and the Find
Streets Menu appears.
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2. You must fill in a street name in the First Street dialog box. Press ENT
to display the Find By Name menu. There are two options: A. You can
spell out the street in the top selection box. Press ↑ or ↓ to change the
first letter, then press → to move the cursor to the next letter and repeat
until the name is correct, then press ENT|ENT. B. Or you can jump down
to the lower box and pick a street from the list. Press ENT, then press ↓ or
↑ to select a street from the list and press ENT.
3. The Find Streets menu reappears with the street you're searching
for in the First Street box. (In this example, it's 80th Street.)
4. Now fill in the second street. Press ↓ to SECOND STREET|ENT and the
Find By Name menu appears again. Just like before, there are two options: A. You can spell out the second street in the top selection box.
Press ↑ or ↓ to change the first letter, then press → to move the cursor
to the next letter and repeat until the name is correct, then press
ENT|ENT. B. You can also jump down to the lower box and pick the second street from the selection list. Press ENT, then press ↓ or ↑ to select
a street from the list and press ENT.
5. The Find Streets menu reappears with the first and second street
dialog boxes filled in. In this example, we selected 71st Avenue as our
second street. You could now use similar techniques to select a city or
Zip code, but your search will probably be faster if you leave those
boxes blank. (You can specify a city and/or zip code when the search
result list is too long.)

Find Intersection command highlighted (left). Intersections Found list
(right).

6. To search for the intersection of the two streets, press ↓|→ to FIND
INTERSECTION|ENT. A message appears asking you to wait while the unit
finds the intersection. When the Intersections Found list appears, press
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↑ or ↓ to select the intersection you are searching for and press ENT. (In
our example, we selected the intersection of SW 80th Street and SW
71st Avenue in Miami, Fla.)
7. The Map Page appears, with the cursor pointing to the found intersection. The intersection in our example is shown in the following figure.

Map Page showing results of an intersection search.
The cursor points to the located intersection.

If you want to navigate to the found intersection, just press
MENU|ENT|EXIT.

Find Waypoints
1. Press WPT|ENT.
2. If searching for the waypoint By Name, press ENT. If searching for
the Nearest waypoint, press ↓ to NEAREST|ENT. (To search by name,
jump to step 5.)

Find By Nearest command (left). Find by Name command (right).

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3. If you're looking for nearest, the unit says it is calculating, then a list
of waypoints appears. The closest waypoint is highlighted at the top of
the list. The waypoint furthest from you is at the bottom of the list.
4. To see location information on the closest (highlighted) waypoint,
press ENT and the Waypoint screen appears. (If you wanted to, you
could select another waypoint from the list with the ↑ or ↓ keys.)
A. To navigate to the waypoint, press ENT. (The Go To Waypoint
command is already highlighted.) The unit will show navigation information to the waypoint.
B. To find the waypoint, press ↓ to FIND ON MAP|ENT. The Map Page
appears with the cursor highlighting the found waypoint.

Waypoint Information screens with Go To Waypoint selected (left) and
Find on Map selected (right).

To return to the previous page, press EXIT repeatedly.
5. If you're looking by name, there are two options: A. You can spell out
the name in the top selection box. Press ↑ or ↓ to change the first letter,
then press → to move the cursor to the next letter and repeat until the
name is correct, then press ENT|ENT. B. Or you can jump down to the
lower selection list by pressing ENT, then press ↓ or ↑ to select a waypoint from the list, then press ENT. The waypoint screen appears.

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Find By Name menu (left). Waypoint Information screen (center). The
found waypoint is highlighted by the cursor on the Map Page (right).

A. To navigate to the waypoint, press ENT. (Go To Waypoint command is already highlighted.) The unit will show navigation information to the waypoint.
B. To find the waypoint, press ↓ to FIND ON MAP|ENT. The Map Page
appears with the cursor highlighting the found waypoint.

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Notes

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Section 10: NMEA 2000
NMEA 2000 Menu
The NMEA 2000 menu on your display unit's main menu allows you to
configure, calibrate and monitor devices on a NMEA 2000 network. The
NMEA 2000 menu provides access to the Bus Setup, Fuel Management
and NMEA 2000 Alarms. You also can turn on/off Waypoint Sharing
and Backlight Synchronization from the NMEA 2000 menu.
NOTE:
Your internal GPS receiver is a non-network device, so data from
the receiver CAN NOT be transmitted across a NMEA 2000 network.

Internal GPS Receiver
GPS data from your internal GPS receiver can not be transmitted across
the network to other network devices. The only way to transmit GPS data
across the network is to add a LGC-2000 or LGC-3000 module to the
LowranceNET.
To switch from internal GPS to LGC module
Press MENU, select NMEA 2000 and press ENT. Choose BUSS SETUP and
press ENT.

LGC-2000 highlighted on Buss Setup menu (left). LGC-2000 Device
Configuration menu with the Set Active checkbox selected (center).
LGC-2000 is now listed as Active on the Buss Setup menu (right).

1. From the Buss Configuration list, select the LGC module and press
ENT.
2. Press ↓ to Set Active and press ENT. The LGC module is now the active antenna for your unit. The Internal GPS antenna was automatically disabled when the LGC module was set to active.

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NOTE:
To switch back to the internal GPS antenna, repeat the steps
above. The internal GPS will be automatically enabled when you
turn off (uncheck) the LGC module Set Active box.

Bus Setup
Selecting Bus Setup from the NMEA 2000 menu gives you access to the
Bus Configuration menu and the NMEA Diagnostics and Ethernet Diagnostics pages. The Bus Configuration menu allows you to choose an
engine-tank configuration and manage devices on the network. When
the Bus Configuration menu is accessed, a list will appear of all NMEA
2000 devices on the network.

Bus Setup highlighted on the NMEA 2000 menu.

Bus Configuration menu (left). NMEA Diagnostics page (center).
Ethernet Diagnostics (right)

The NMEA Diagnostics page displays information about the performance of the network bus, keeping you updated on bus status, mode, errors and bus traffic.
The Ethernet Diagnostics page keeps you updated on the performance
of an Ethernet connection (if applicable) supplying information ranging
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from IP Address to upload and download rates (bytes per second). To
refresh either Diagnostics page, highlight the PING ALL DEVICES button at
the bottom of the page and press ENT.
The network devices list is located in the top half of the Bus Configuration menu. You can configure, calibrate and set alarms for devices accessed from the Bus Configuration menu network devices list.
The Engine-Tank Configuration and Tank Select menus as well as the
Tank Size dialog box are located on the bottom half of the Bus Configuration menu. The Set Configuration button — positioned next to the
engine-tank configuration menu — allows you to finalize a selected configuration.
NOTE:
If you have not used the LMF-200 or LMF-400 to choose an enginetank configuration for your vessel, you must use your display unit
to select a configuration.

Bus Configuration menu with list of network devices. Engine-Tank
Configuration and Tank Select menus are at the bottom of the screen.

Engine & Tank Configuration
The Engine-Tank configuration menu is located below the NMEA 2000
Devices list, but will only be accessible if a Suzuki engine Interface,
EP-10 Fuel Flow, EP-15 Fluid Level, EP-45 Pressure Sensor or EP-50
Storage Device are on the network. When choosing an engine-tank configuration you will use the Tank Select menu, Tank Size dialog box and
Set configuration button, all detailed below.

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Tank Select

The Tank Select menu allows you to choose from up to three tanks
(Port, Center and Starboard), depending on the Engine-tank configuration that has been selected. This allows you to set up each tank individually.
Tank Size

The Tank Size menu allows you to input the size of a selected tank in
gallons. After selecting the desired tank from the Tank Select menu,
you are ready to enter the tank's size.
Set Configuration button

The Set Configuration button is used to finalize engine-tank configuration settings.
Setting Engine-Tank Configuration:
1. Press MENU| MENU, use ↓ ↑ to highlight NMEA 2000 and press ENT.
2. The NMEA 2000 menu will appear with five options: Bus Setup,
Fuel Management, NMEA 2000 Alarms, Waypoint Sharing and Backlight Synchronization. Choose BUS SETUP and press ENT.
3. Select ENGINE & TANK CONFIG and press ENT, which will open the Engine
& Tank Configuration menu with the following configuration options: 1
Engine/1 Tank, 1 Engine/2 Tanks, 2 Engines/1 Tank, 2 Engines/2
Tanks, 3 Engines/1 Tank, 3 Engine/3 Tanks and Unconfigured Bus.

1 Engine/1Tank highlighted on Engine and Tank Configuration
menu (left). Starboard highlighted on Tank Select menu (center).
Tank Size set to 40 gallons (right).

4. Choose the configuration that matches the number of engines and
tanks on your vessel and press ENT.
5. Highlight TANK SELECT and press ENT, which will open the Tank Select
menu.
6. Select the tank you want to set up and press ENT. Press → to highlight the Tank Size dialog box and press ENT.
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7. Use ↓ ↑, ← → to input the capacity (gallons) of the tank you chose
from the Tank Select menu and press ENT.
8. Repeat Steps 5-7 for each remaining tank.
9. When all tanks have been configured, press the SET CONFIGURATION button. The following confirmation message will appear: Are you sure you
wish to change the bus configuration? Choose YES and press ENT, Press
EXIT to get back to the main display.
Device Configuration Menu
When a device is selected from the network devices list on the Bus Configuration menu, its Device Configuration menu will appear. Device
configuration menus vary among devices. Available functions on device
configuration menus allow you to change device names, tank sizes,
fluid types and provide access to the Advanced Options menu. We will
cover configuration and calibration later in this section.
Device Information and Device Data
The Device information panel, located to the left of the Device Configuration menu, displays information on the selected device that includes,
software version, model, address, serial number, instance and current
status.

If you do not have an EP-15 Fluid Level, EP-10 Fuel Flow or EP-20 Engine Interface on the network, the Bus Configuration menu will not
display the Engine-Tank Configuration menu, Tank Select menu, Tank
Size menu or Set Configuration button.

Device Data is shown in the Device Data window at the bottom of the
device configuration menu. The information displayed in the Device
Data window will vary among devices. If, for example, you are viewing
the device configuration menu for an EP-15 Fluid Level, the device
data window will include tank size and the amount of fuel left in the
tank.
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The Device Data for an EP-10 Fuel Flow includes Fuel Rate (amount of
fuel burned per hour), Fuel Used, Trip Fuel Used and Seasonal Fuel
Used.
NOTE:
If, as in the graphic above, you do not have a Suzuki Engine Interface, EP-15 Fluid Level or EP-10 Fuel Flow on the network, the
Engine & Configuration menu, Tank Select menu, Tank Size dialog
and Set Configuration button will not be displayed on the Bus Configuration menu.

Fuel Management Menu
The Fuel Management menu gives you access to the following options:
Tank Location, Fuel Added, Add Fuel, Fill Tank, Engine Select, Reset
Calibration, Reset Trip and Reset Seasonal. Those options allow you to
configure, calibrate, reset calibration, reset trip fuel and reset seasonal
fuel for select NMEA 2000 devices. We will cover configuration and calibration procedures later in this section.

Fuel Management highlighted on the NMEA 2000 menu (left).
Fuel Management menu (right).
Tank Location

If you chose an engine-tank configuration with more than one tank, you
will be able to switch the tank location (configuration) in the Tank Location menu. When fuel is added to a tank, you will select the correct
tank from the Tank Location menu, then input the amount of fuel
added in the Fuel Added dialog box.
Fuel Added

Used in tandem with the Add Fuel command, the Fuel Added dialog
box allows you to input the amount of fuel added to the tank, when an
amount of fuel is added that does not fill up the tank.

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Add Fuel

After entering the amount of fuel added to a tank in the Fuel Added
dialog, the Add Fuel command finalizes the entry of the data. Like the
Fuel Added dialog, the Add Fuel command will only be used when an
amount of fuel is added that does not fill up the tank.
Fill Tank

You will use the Fill Tank command when calibrating a fuel flow and
when filling up the tank without calibration.
Adding Fuel to Tank
Tank Location, Fuel Added and Add Fuel commands work together to
keep NMEA 2000 fuel data consistent with the actual amount of fuel
added to the fuel tank(s).
1. Press MENU|MENU, select NMEA 2000 and press ENT.
2. The NMEA 2000 menu will appear with five options: Bus Setup,
Fuel Management, NMEA 2000 Alarms, Waypoint Sharing and Backlight Synchronization. Select FUEL MANAGEMENT and press ENT.
3. Highlight TANK LOCATION and press ENT. The Tank Location menu will
appear with up to three options: Port, Center and Starboard.
4. Select the tank you added fuel to and press ENT.
5. Follow the steps below that apply to your tank.
If you filled up the tank:
A. Press the FILL TANK button and press ENT. The following message will
appear: Are you sure you wish to Fill Tank? Press ENT. Another message will appear: Do you wish to re-calibrate the device? Highlight NO
and press ENT.
If you did not fill up the tank:
B. Highlight FUEL ADDED and press ENT to access the FUEL ADDED dialog
box. Use ↑ ↓ , ← → to input the amount of fuel added to the tank and
press ENT. Select the ADD FUEL button and press ENT. The following message will appear: Are you sure you wish to Add Fuel? Highlight YES and
press ENT.
6. Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the main display.
Engine Operations
The lower half of the Fuel Management menu contains the following
Engine Operation functions: Engine Select, Reset Calibration, Reset
Trip and Reset Seasonal.
Engine Select

Engine Select allows you to choose the desired engine when resetting
calibration, resetting trip fuel and resetting seasonal fuel.
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To Reset Calibration:

Choosing the Reset Calibration command will switch fuel flow calibration settings back to factory defaults.
1. Press MENU|MENU, select NMEA 2000 and press ENT.
2. Highlight FUEL MANAGEMENT and press ENT. The Fuel Management
menu will appear.
3. Highlight to ENGINE SELECT and press ENT. Select the desired engine —
the engine attached to the desired fuel flow — and press ENT.
4. Highlight RESET CALIBRATION and press ENT. The following confirmation message will appear: Are you sure you wish to Reset Calibration?
Select YES and press ENT. Calibration settings for the selected fuel have
been returned to factory defaults.
To Reset Trip:

The Reset Trip function allows you to reset to zero the running total of
fuel used on a particular trip.
1. Press MENU|MENU, select NMEA 2000 and press ENT.
2. Highlight FUEL MANAGEMENT and press ENT. The Fuel Management
menu will appear.
3. Select RESET TRIP and press ENT. The following confirmation message
will appear: Are you sure you wish to Reset Trip? Highlight YES and
press ENT. The Trip Fuel Used figure has been reset to zero.
To Reset Seasonal:

Your unit can track fuel usage not only for trips, but also for entire seasons. The reset seasonal command allows you to reset to zero the running total of fuel used during a season.
1. 1. Press MENU|MENU, select NMEA 2000 and press ENT.
2. Highlight FUEL MANAGEMENT and press ENT. The Fuel Management
menu will appear.
3. Select RESET SEASONAL and press ENT. The following confirmation message will appear: Are you sure you wish to Reset Seasonal?
Highlight YES and press ENT. The Seasonal Fuel Used figure has been
reset to zero.

NMEA 2000 Alarms
The NMEA 2000 Alarms menu allows you to set Full and Empty fuel
alarms for the EP-10 Fuel Flow, EP-15 Fluid Level, EP-50 Storage Device and the Suzuki Engine Interface. The alarms may be set to a percentage (0-100%) of tank capacity.

210

The second tab at the top of the NMEA 2000 Alarms page is the Alarm
Status Tab. When an alarm has been set for a device, the alarm and its
current status will be shown on the Alarm Status window. To view the
Alarm Status window, highlight the Alarm Status tab and press ENT.
To set NMEA 2000 Alarm:
1. Press MENU|MENU, select NMEA 2000 and press ENT.

2. Highlight NMEA 2000 ALARMS and press ENT.
3. Highlight FLUID LEVEL DEVICE and press ENT. Use ↑ ↓ to select the device you want to set an alarm for and press ENT.
4. Highlight the ENABLED box next to the desired alarm (Full Alarm or
Empty Alarm) and press ENT to turn on the alarm.
5. To set the alarm percentage, press → to highlight PERCENT and press
ENT.
6. Use ↑ ↓, ← → to input the desired percentage and press ENT. Repeat
Steps 3-4 to set the other alarm.
7. Highlight SET CONFIGURATION and press ENT to finalize alarm settings.
Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the main display.
NOTE:
To turn off (uncheck) an alarm, highlight its ENABLED BOX and press
ENTER.

Waypoint Sharing
Waypoint Sharing allows you to share a waypoint from one display unit
with display units across the network.
To turn on/off Waypoint Sharing:

1. Press MENU|MENU, select NMEA 2000 and press ENT.
2. Highlight WAYPOINT SHARING and press ENT which will turn on/off waypoint sharing.
3. Press EXIT repeatedly to get return to the main display.

Backlight Synchronization
The Backlight Synchronization command will keep all display unit
backlight levels consistent across the NMEA 2000 network. So, if you
set the backlight level to 75% on one display unit, all other units on the
network will automatically switch to the same setting.

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To turn on/off Backlight Synchronization:
1. Press MENU|MENU, select NMEA 2000 and press ENT.

2. Highlight BACKLIGHT SYNCHRONIZATION and press ENT, which will turn
on/off Backlight Synchronization.
3. Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the main display.

Configuring EP Sensors
All configurable devices are configured through their Device Configuration menus, which may be accessed through the network devices list on
the Bus Configuration menu.
EP-35 Temperature Configuration
To input Device Name:
1. Press MENU|MENU, use ↑ ↓ to select NMEA 2000 and press ENT. The

NMEA 2000 menu will appear with five options: Bus Setup, Fuel Management, NMEA 2000 Alarms, Waypoint Sharing and Backlight Synchronization.
2. Highlight BUS SETUP and press ENT, which will open the Bus Configuration menu. A list of network devices will be at the top of the page.
3. Select the temp sensor you want to rename and press ENT. The Device Configuration menu will appear with the Device Name dialog box
highlighted.
4. Press ENT and use ↑ ↓, ← → to input the desired name for the temp
sensor. Press ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the main display.
To select Temp Type:
1. Press MENU|MENU, use ↑ ↓ to select NMEA 2000 and press ENT. The

NMEA 2000 menu will appear with five options: Bus Setup, Fuel Management, NMEA 2000 Alarms, Waypoint Sharing and Backlight Synchronization.
2. Highlight BUS SETUP and press ENT, which will open the Bus Configuration menu. A list of network devices will be at the top of the page.
3. Select the desired temp sensor and press ENT. The Device Configuration menu will appear.
4. Highlight TEMP TYPE and press ENT. The following list of Temp Types
will appear: Water, Outside, Inside, Engine Room, Cabin, Live Well,
Bait Well, Refigeration, Heating System and Unknown.
5. Highlight the desired Temp Type and press ENT. The following confirmation message will appear: Are you sure you wish to change this
device's configuration?
6. Highlight YES and press ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the
main display.
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Advanced Options menu
The Temp sensor Advanced Options menu contains two categories: Instance and Restore Defaults.
Instance

The Instance command is intended for use only by experienced NMEA
2000 network technicians. Instance allows network technicians to resolve certain electronic probe conflicts. This is most likely to occur if the
network includes LMF-200 or LMF-400 digital gauges, which support
the display of fewer electronic probes than your GPS or sonar/GPS unit.
If you want to use your unit in a network including one of these digital
gauges, you may need to consult customer service.
You should never need this command if you are connecting your unit to
a network with similar display units and/or a series of electronic
probes.
Restore Defaults

The Restore Defaults command allows you to reset an individual EP-35
Temp Sensor's settings to factory defaults. If, for example, you execute
the Restore Defaults command from your Water Temp's Advanced Options menu, only the settings for the Water Temp will be reset to factory defaults. Other temps on the network will not be affected.
To restore default settings:
1. Press MENU| MENU, use ↑ ↓ to select NMEA 2000 and press ENT. The
NMEA 2000 menu will appear with five options: Bus Setup, Fuel Management, NMEA 2000 Alarms, Waypoint Sharing and Backlight Synchronization.
2. Highlight BUS SETUP and press ENT, which will open the Bus Configuration menu. A list of network devices will be at the top of the page.
3. Select the desired temp sensor and press ENT. The Device Configuration menu will appear.
4. Highlight ADVANCED OPTIONS and press ENT.
5. Select RESTORE DEFAULTS and press ENT. The following message will
appear: Are you sure you wish to change this device's configuration?
6. Highlight YES and press ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the
main display.
EP-10 Fuel Flow Configuration
To input Device Name:
1. Press MENU| MENU, use ↑ ↓ to select NMEA 2000 and press ENT. The

NMEA 2000 menu will appear with five options: Bus Setup, Fuel Management, NMEA 2000 Alarms, Waypoint Sharing and Backlight Synchronization.
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2. Highlight BUS SETUP and press ENT, which will open the Bus Configuration menu. A list of network devices will be at the top of the page.
3. Select the fuel flow you want to rename and press ENT. The Device
Configuration menu will appear with the Device Name dialog box highlighted.
4. Press ENTER and use ↑ ↓, ← → to input the desired name for the fuel
flow. Press ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the main display.
To select a Location:
1. Press MENU| MENU, use ↑ ↓ to select NMEA 2000 and press ENT. The

NMEA 2000 menu will appear with five options: Bus Setup, Fuel Management, NMEA 2000 Alarms, Waypoint Sharing and Backlight Synchronization.
2. Highlight BUS SETUP and press ENT, which will open the Bus Configuration menu. A list of network devices will be at the top of the page.
3. Select the desired fuel flow and press ENT. The Device Configuration
menu will appear.
4. Select LOCATION and press ENT, which will open the Location menu
with following options: Port, Center, Starboard and Unknown.
5. Highlight the desired location and press ENT. The following message
will appear: Are you sure you wish to change this device's configuration?
5. Select YES and press ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the
main display.
Advanced Options menu
The Fuel Flow sensor Advanced Options menu contains two categories:
Instance and Restore Defaults.
Instance

The Restore Defaults command allows you to reset an individual EP-10
Fuel Flow Sensor's settings to factory defaults. If, for example, you execute the Restore Defaults command from your Port Fuel Flow Ad214

vanced Options menu, only the settings for the Port Fuel Flow will be
reset to factory defaults. Other fuel flows on the network will not be
affected.
To restore default settings:
1. Press MENU| MENU, use ↑ ↓ to select NMEA 2000 and press ENT. The

NMEA 2000 menu will appear with five options: Bus Setup, Fuel Management, NMEA 2000 Alarms, Waypoint Sharing and Backlight Synchronization.
2. Highlight BUS SETUP and press ENT, which will open the Bus Configuration menu. A list of network devices will be at the top of the page.
3. Use ↑ ↓ to select the desired fuel flow and press ENT. The Device
Configuration menu will appear.
4. Highlight ADVANCED OPTIONS and press ENT.
5. Select RESTORE DEFAULTS and press ENT. The following message will
appear: Are you sure you wish to change this device's configuration?
6. Highlight YES and press ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the
main display.
EP-15 Fluid Level Configuration
To input Device Name:
1. Press MENU| MENU, use ↑ ↓ to select NMEA 2000 and press ENT. The

NMEA 2000 menu will appear with five options: Bus Setup, Fuel Management, NMEA 2000 Alarms, Waypoint Sharing and Backlight Synchronization.
2. Highlight BUS SETUP and press ENT, which will open the Bus Configuration menu. A list of network devices will be at the top of the page.
3. Select a fluid level you want to rename and press ENT. The Device
Configuration menu will appear with the Device Name dialog box highlighted.
4. Press ENT and use ↑ ↓, ← → to input the desired name for the fluid
level. Press ENTER. Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the main display.
To select Tank Instance (Location):
1. Press MENU| MENU, use ↑ ↓ to select NMEA 2000 and press ENT. The

4. Highlight TANK INSTANCE and press ENT, which will open the Tank Instance menu with the following options: Tank 1, Tank 2, Tank 3 and
Unknown.
5. Select the desired Tank Instance (location) and press ENT. The following confirmation message will appear: Are you sure you wish to
change this device's configuration?
6. Highlight YES and press ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the
main display.
To select Fluid Type:
1. Press MENU| MENU, use ↑ ↓ to select NMEA 2000 and press ENT. The

4. Press ↓ to FLUID TYPE and press ENT, which will open the Fluid Type
menu with the following options: Fuel, Water, Gray Water, Live Well,
Oil, Black Water and Unknown.
5. Select the desired fluid type and press ENT. The following message
will appear: Are you sure you wish to change this device's configuration?
6. Highlight YES and press ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the
main display.
To input Tank Size:
1. Press MENU| MENU, use ↑ ↓ to select NMEA 2000 and press ENT. The

NMEA 2000 menu will appear with five options: Bus Setup, Fuel Management, NMEA 2000 Alarms, Waypoint Sharing and Backlight Synchronization.
2. Highlight BUS SETUP and press ENT, which will open the Bus Configuration menu. A list of network devices will be at the top of the page.
3. Select the desired fluid level and press ENT. The Fluid Level Device
Configuration menu will appear.
4. Highlight TANK SIZE and press ENT. Use ↑ ↓ ,← → to input the size of
the tank and press Enter. The following message will appear: Are you
sure you wish to change this device's configuration?
5. Select YES and press ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the
main display.

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Advanced Options menu
The Fuel Flow sensor Advanced Options menu contains two categories:
Instance and Restore Defaults.
Instance

The Restore Defaults command allows you to reset an individual EP-15
Fluid Level Sensor's settings to factory defaults. If, for example, you
execute the Restore Defaults command from your Gray Water Fluid
Level Advanced Options menu, only the settings for the Gray Water
Fluid Level will be reset to factory defaults. Other fluid levels on the
network will not be affected.
To restore default settings:
1. Press MENU| MENU, use ↑ ↓ to select NMEA 2000 and press ENT. The

NMEA 2000 menu will appear with five options: Bus Setup, Fuel Management, NMEA 2000 Alarms, Waypoint Sharing and Backlight Synchronization.
2. Highlight BUS SETUP and press ENT, which will open the Bus Configuration menu. A list of network devices will be at the top of the page.
3. Select the desired fluid level and press ENT. The Device Configuration menu will appear.
4. Highlight ADVANCED OPTIONS and press ENT.
5. Select RESTORE DEFAULTS and press ENT. The following message will
appear: Are you sure you wish to change this device's configuration?
6. Highlight YES and press ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the
main display.
NOTE:
The Fluid Level Device Configuration menu also contains the Calibrate button, but we will address that later in the segment covering
Calibration.

217

Suzuki Engine Interface Configuration
To input Device Name:
1. Press MENU| MENU, use ↑ ↓ to select NMEA 2000 and press ENT. The

NMEA 2000 menu will appear with five options: Bus Setup, Fuel Management, NMEA 2000 Alarms, Waypoint Sharing and Backlight Synchronization.
2. Highlight BUS SETUP and press ENT, which will open the Bus Configuration menu. A list of network devices will be at the top of the page.
3. Use ↑ ↓ to select the engine interface you want to rename and press
ENT. The Device Configuration menu will appear with the Device Name
dialog box highlighted.
4. Press ENT and use ↑ ↓, ← → to input a name for the interface. Press
ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to return to the main display.
To select a Location:
1. Press MENU| MENU, use ↑ ↓ to select NMEA 2000 and press ENT. The

NMEA 2000 menu will appear with five options: Bus Setup, Fuel Management, NMEA 2000 Alarms, Waypoint Sharing and Backlight Synchronization.
2. Highlight BUS SETUP and press ENT, which will open the Bus Configuration menu. A list of network devices will be at the top of the page.
3. Select the desired engine interface and press ENT. The Device Configuration menu will appear.
4. Highlight LOCATION and press ENT, which will open the Location menu
with the following options: Port, Center, Starboard and Unknown.
5. Select the desired location and press ENT. The following confirmation
message will appear: Are you sure you wish to change this device's configuration?
6. Press ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the main display.
To select Engine Type:
1. Press MENU| MENU, use ↑ ↓ to select NMEA 2000 and press ENT. The

5. Select your engine type and press ENT. The following message will
appear: Are you sure you wish to change this device's configuration?
6. Highlight YES and press ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the
main display.
Advanced Options menu
The Engine Interface Advanced Options menu contains three categories: Instance, Restore Defaults and Reset Trim Calibration.
Instance

The Instance command is intended for use only by experienced NMEA
2000 network technicians. Instance allows network technicians to resolve certain electronic probe conflicts. This is most likely to occur if the
network includes LMF-200 or LMF-400 digital gauges, which support
the display of fewer electronic probes than your GPS or sonar/GPS unit.
If you want to use your unit in a network including one of these digital
gauges, you may need to consult customer service. You should never
need this command if you are connecting your unit to a network with
similar display units and/or a series of electronic probes.
Restore Defaults

The Restore Defaults command allows you to reset an individual engine interface's settings to factory defaults. If, for example, you execute
the Restore Defaults command from your Port Engine Interface Advanced Options menu, only the settings for the Port Engine Interface
will be reset to factory defaults. Other engine interfaces on the network
will not be affected.
To restore default settings:
1. Press MENU| MENU, use ↑ ↓ to select NMEA 2000 and press ENT. The

NMEA 2000 menu will appear with five options: Bus Setup, Fuel Management, NMEA 2000 Alarms, Waypoint Sharing and Backlight Synchronization.
2. Highlight BUS SETUP and press ENT.
3. Use ↑ ↓ to select the desired fluid level and press ENT. The Device
Configuration menu will appear.
4. Highlight ADVANCED OPTIONS and press ENT.
5. Select RESTORE DEFAULTS and press ENT. The following message will
appear: Are you sure you wish to change this device's configuration?
6. Highlight YES and press ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the
main display.

219

NOTE:
The Suzuki Engine Interface Device Configuration menu contains
two Engine Trim calibration commands, which will be addressed in
the next segment of this section, Calibrating EP Sensors.

Calibrating EP Sensors
The factory calibration settings for the EP-10 Fuel Flow, EP-15 Fluid
Level and Suzuki Engine Interface should be adequate for the majority
of applications, so calibration will not be necessary in most cases.
EP-10 Fuel Flow Calibration
The default calibration for the EP-10 Fuel Flow is adequate in most
cases, but if Fuel Used readings are off by more than 3 percent, calibration is recommended.
To check fuel flow accuracy:

Select Fuel Used to be shown as Overlay Data on your unit's main display. Refer to the Overlay Data segment of this manual for instructions
on how to select Fuel Used data as Overlay Data.
1. After selecting Fuel Used as overlay data, fill up your tank and press
MENU|MENU.
2. Select NMEA 2000 and press ENT.
3. Highlight FUEL MANAGEMENT and press ENT. Select TANK LOCATION and
press ENT.
4. Use ↑ ↓ to select the location (Port, Center or Starboard) of the fuel
flow you want to calibrate and press ENT.
5. Highlight FILL TANK and press ENT. The following confirmation message will appear: Are you sure you wish to Fill Tank?
6. Select YES and press ENT. The following confirmation message will
appear: Do you wish to re-calibrate the device?
7. Highlight NO and press ENT.
8. Take your vessel out on the water and burn at least five gallons of
fuel. Be sure you run only ONE engine — the engine connected
to your fuel flow.
9. Fill up your tank again, noting how much fuel you added to the tank.
Compare that number to the Fuel Used figure displayed on the page
you customized. If the amount of fuel you added to the tank and the
fuel used figure are off by more than 3 percent, we recommend the fuel
flow be calibrated.
NOTE:
You must use the gauge's Fill Tank command when filling your fuel
tank to keep the fuel flow updated with correct information on the
amount of fuel in the tank.
220

To calibrate an EP-10 Fuel Flow:

2. Highlight FUEL MANAGEMENT and press ENT.
3. Highlight ENGINE SELECT and press ENT. The Engine Select menu will
appear with up to four options: All Engines, Port, Center and Starboard. Selecting All Engines will reset calibration for all engines back
to factory defaults.
4. Select All Engines or the engine connected to the desired device and
press ENT.
5. Highlight RESET CALIBRATION and press ENT. The following message
will appear: Are you sure you wish to Reset Calibration?
6. Highlight YES and press ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the
main display.
EP-15 Fluid Level Calibration
The default calibration for the EP-15 Fluid Level is just as accurate as
standard fluid level gauges. If, however, the tank has an irregular
shape or greater accuracy is needed, calibration is recommended. There
are three calibration options: 2-Point, 3-Point and 5-Point.
2-Point Calibration

A 2-point calibration is best suited for rectangular or square-shaped
tanks, where the capacity of the top half of the tank matches the capacity in the lower half of the tank. In a two-point calibration, you will set
two points, one each for empty and full levels. You can begin calibration at either of the two points, but we recommend starting with an
empty tank. You will fill the tank to complete calibration.
1. Press MENU| MENU, use ↓ ↑ to select NMEA 2000 and press ENT.
2. Highlight BUS SETUP and press ENT, which will open the Bus Configuration menu. A list of network devices will be at the top of the page.
221

3. Select the EP-15 Fluid Level and press ENT.
4. Press ↓ to select CALIBRATE and press ENT. The Device Calibration
menu will appear. Instructions on Calibration will be listed at the top
of the menu.
5. Highlight NUM PTS, press ENT and select 2. Press ENT.
6. Select FLUID LEVEL, press ENT, then select EMPTY LEVEL and press ENT.
7. Make sure the fuel tank is empty, highlight CALIBRATE and press ENT.
The following message will appear: Empty Level Calibration Completed. Press ENT.
8. Fill up your tank, highlight FLUID LEVEL and press ENT.
9. Select FULL LEVEL and press ENT. Highlight CALIBRATE and press ENT.
10. The following message will appear: Full level Calibration Completed. Press ENT, then press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the main

display.

Calibrate is highlighted on the device configuration menu (left). Calibration menu (right) with calibration instructions listed at the top.
3-Point Calibration

3-point calibration is designed for tanks that vary in shape from the top
to the bottom. You can begin calibration at any point in the 3-point
process, but we recommend starting calibration with an empty tank.
In a 3-point calibration, you will set three points, one each for empty,
half and full levels.
1. Press MENU| MENU, use ↓ ↑ to select NMEA 2000 and press ENT.
2. Highlight BUS SETUP and press ENT, which will open the Bus Configuration menu. A list of network devices will be at the top of the page. 3.
Select the EP-15 Fluid Level and press ENT.
222

4. Press ↓ to select CALIBRATE and press ENT. The Device Calibration
menu will appear.
5. Highlight NUM PTS, press ENT and select 3. Press ENT.
6. Make sure your tank is empty, then highlight FLUID LEVEL and press
ENT. Select EMPTY LEVEL and press ENT.
7. Select CALIBRATE and press ENT. The following message will appear:
Empty Level Calibration Completed. Press ENTER.
8. Add half a tank of fuel, highlight FLUID LEVEL and press ENT. Select
HALF LEVEL and press ENT.
9. Select CALIBRATE and press ENT. The following message will appear:
Half Level Calibration Completed. Press ENT.
10. Fill up the tank, then highlight FLUID LEVEL and press ENT. Select
FULL LEVEL and press ENT.
11. Highlight CALIBRATE and press ENT. The following message will appear: Full Level Calibration Completed. Press ENT, then press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the main display.

Num Pts menu with 5-point calibration selected (left). Half level selected on
Fluid Level menu (center). Calibration Done window (right).
5-Point Calibration

5-point calibration is best suited tanks that vary greatly in shape from
top to bottom. You can begin calibration at any point in the 5-point calibration process. We recommend starting calibration with an empty
tank. In a five-point calibration you will set five points: Empty Level, 1
Qtr Level, Half Level, 3 Qtr Level and Full Level.
In a 5-point calibration, you will have four calibration points left after
calibrating your tank's Empty Level. To figure out how much fuel you
should add for the remaining steps of the calibration process, divide the
total capacity of you tank by four. So, if you have a 40-gallon tank, each
quarter tank will equate to 10 gallons.
1. Press MENU| MENU, use ↓ ↑ to select NMEA 2000 and press ENT.
2. Highlight BUS SETUP and press ENT, which will open the Bus Configu223

ration menu. A list of network devices will be at the top of the page.
3. Select the desired EP-15 Fluid Level and press ENT.
4. Press ↓ to select CALIBRATE and press ENT. The Device Calibration
menu will appear.
5. Highlight NUM PTS, press ENT and select 5. Press ENT.
6. Make sure your tank is empty, then highlight FLUID LEVEL and press
ENT. Select EMPTY LEVEL and press ENT.
7. Select CALIBRATE and press ENT. The following message will appear:
Empty Level Calibration Completed. Press ENT.
8. Add 1 quarter tank of fuel, highlight FLUID LEVEL and press ENT. Select
1 QTR LEVEL and press ENT.
9. Select CALIBRATE and press ENT. The following message will appear: 1
Qtr Level Calibration Completed. Press ENT.
10. Add another quarter tank of fuel, which should raise the fuel level
to half a tank. Highlight FLUID LEVEL and press ENT. Select HALF LEVEL and
press ENT.
11. Highlight CALIBRATE and press ENT. The following message will appear: Half Level Calibration Completed. Press ENT.

12. Add another quarter tank of fuel, which should raise the fuel level
to 3 quarters of a tank. Highlight FLUID LEVEL and press ENT. Select 3 QTR
LEVEL and press ENT.
13. Select CALIBRATE and press ENT. The following message will appear: 3
Qtr Level Calibration Completed. Press ENT.

14. Top off the tank, highlight FLUID LEVEL and press ENT. Select FULL

LEVEL and press ENT.

15. Select CALIBRATE and press ENT. The following message will appear:
Full Level Calibration Completed. Press ENT, then press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the main display.

Fuel Flow Calibration in a Suzuki Engine Interface
The default calibration for the Suzuki Engine Interface is adequate in
most cases, but if Fuel Used readings are off by more than 3 percent,
calibration is recommended.
To check engine interface accuracy:

3. Highlight FUEL MANAGEMENT and press ENT. Select TANK LOCATION and
press ENT.
4. Use ↑ ↓ to select the location (Port, Center or Starboard) of the engine interface you want to calibrate and press ENT.
5. Highlight FILL TANK and press ENT. The following confirmation message will appear: Are you sure you wish to Fill Tank?
6. Select YES and press ENTER. The following confirmation message will
appear: Do you wish to re-calibrate the device?
7. Highlight NO and press ENT. Take your vessel out on the water and
burn at least five gallons of fuel. Be sure you run only ONE engine
— the engine connected to your engine interface.
9. Fill up your tank again, noting how much fuel you added to the tank.
Compare that number to the Fuel Used figure displayed on the page
you customized. If the amount of fuel you added to the tank and the
fuel used figure are off by more than 3 percent, we recommend the engine interface be calibrated.
NOTE:
You must use the gauge's Fill Tank command when filling your fuel
tank to keep the engine interface updated with correct information
on the amount of fuel in the tank.
To calibrate a Suzuki Engine Interface:

10. If calibration is necessary, press MENU|MENU, select NMEA 2000 and
press ENT.
11. Highlight FUEL MANAGEMENT and press ENT.
12. Select TANK LOCATION and press ENT to choose the location of the tank
connected to the selected engine interface. Press ENT.
13. Highlight FILL TANK and press ENT. The following message will appear: Are you sure you wish to Fill Tank? Select YES and press ENT.
14. The following message will appear: Do you wish to re-calibrate the
device? Select YES and press ENT.
15. Repeat these steps for each engine interface you want to calibrate.
Engine Trim Calibration
Engine Trim is calibrated through the Suzuki Engine Interface Device
Configuration menu.
1. Press MENU|MENU, select NMEA 2000 and press ENT.
2. Choose BUS SETUP and press ENTER. Select the Suzuki Engine Interface connected to the desired engine and press ENT.
3. Highlight CALIBRATE TRIM and press ENT. The Device Calibration window will appear with a list of Calibration Instructions.
4. Highlight START CALIBRATION and press ENT. The following message
will appear: Please fully raise the Engine Trim.
225

5. After engine trim has been fully raised, press ENT. The following
message will appear: Please fully lower the Engine trim.
6. After engine trim has been fully lowered, press ENT. A Calibration
Completed message will appear. Press ENT.
7. Repeat these instructions to adjust the engine trim for each engine
connected to a Suzuki Engine Interface. Press EXIT repeatedly to return
to the main display.
Reset Trim Calibration
If you are not satisfied with your engine trim calibration, you can reset
engine trim calibration from the Suzuki Engine Interface Advanced
Options menu.
1. Press MENU|MENU, select NMEA 2000 and press ENT.
2. Choose BUS SETUP and press ENT. Select the Suzuki Engine Interface
connected to the desired engine and press ENT.
3. Highlight ADVANCED OPTIONS and press ENT. Select Reset TRIM CALIBRATION and press ENT. The following message will appear: Do you wish to
re-calibrate the device?
4. Highlight YES and press ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the
main display.
Bennett Trim Tabs Calibration
Trim Tabs will be calibrated through their Device Configuration menu.
To calibrate Trim Tabs:
1. Press MENU|MENU, select BUS SETUP and press ENT. A list of network

devices will appear.
2. Select BENNETT TRIM TABS from the list and press ENT, which will open
the Trim Tab Device Configuration menu.
3. Highlight CALIBRATE and press ENT. The Device Calibration window
will appear with a list of calibration instructions.
4. Select START CALIBRATION and press ENT. The following message will
appear: Please fully raise Trim Tabs.
5. After fully raising the trims tabs, press ENT. The following message
will appear: Please fully lower trim tabs.
6. After fully lowering the trim tabs, press ENT. A Calibration Complete
message will appear. Press ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to return to the
main display.

226

Reset Calibration highlighted (left). Reset Calibration confirmation
window (right).
To Reset Calibration:
1. Press MENU|MENU, select NMEA 2000 and press ENT.
2. Highlight FUEL MANAGEMENT and press ENT.
3. Highlight ENGINE SELECT and press ENT. The Engine Select menu will

appear with up to four options: All Engines, Port, Center and Starboard. Selecting All Engines will reset calibration for all engines back
to factory defaults.
4. Select All Engines or the engine connected to the desired device and
press ENT.
5. Highlight RESET CALIBRATION and press ENT. The following message
will appear: Are you sure you wish to Reset Calibration?
6. Highlight YES and press ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the
main display.

227

Notes

228

Section 11: Supplemental Material
Datums Used by This Unit
WGS 1984
Default

Zaire, Zambia and
Zimbabwe

Adindan
Mean for Ethiopia,
Sudan

Arc 1950 - Botswana

Adindan
Burkina Faso

Arc 1950 - Lesotho

Arc 1950 - Burundi

Arc 1950 - Malawi
Adindan
Cameroon
Adindan
Ethiopia

Arc 1950 - Swaziland

Adindan
Mali

Arc 1950 - Zimbabwe

Adindan
Senegal

Arc 1960 - Mean for
Kenya, Tanzania

Adindan
Sudan

Ascension Island
1958 - Ascension
Island

Ain el Abd 1970
Bahrain
Ain el Abd 1970
Saudi Arabia
Anna 1 Astro 1965
Cocos Islands
Antigua Island Astro
1943; Antigua (Leeward Islands)
Arc 1950; Mean for
Botswana, Lesotho,
Malawi, Swaziland,

Ayabelle Lighthouse Djibouti
Bellevue (IGN) - Efate & Erromango Islands
Bermuda 1957 Bermuda

Arc 1950 - Zaire
Arc 1950 - Zambia

Afgooye
Somalia

Australian Geodetic
1984 - Australia &
Tasmania

Astro Beacon E 1945
- Iwo Jima
Astro DOS 71/4 - St.
Helena Island
Astro Tern Island
(FRIG) 1961 - Tern
Island
Astronomical Station
1952 - Marcus Island

Bissau - GuineaBissau
Bogota Observatory Colombia
Bukit Rimpah - Indonesia (Bangka & Belitung Islands)
Camp Area Astro Antarctica (McMurdo
Camp Area)
Campo Inchauspe Argentina
Canton Astro 1966 Phoenix Islands
Cape - South Africa
Cape Canaveral Bahamas, Florida
Carthage - Tunisia

Australian Geodetic
1966 - Australia &
Tasmania

Switzerland
Chatham Island Astro
1971; New Zealand
(Chatham Island)

229

Chua Astro
Paraguay
Corrego Alegre
Brazil
Dabola
Guinea
Djakarta (Batavia)
Indonesia (Sumatra)
DOS 1968
New Georgia Islands
(Gizo Island)
Easter Island 1967
Easter Island
European 1950
Mean for Austria,
Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France,
West Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Italy,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
European 1950
Mean for Austria,
Denmark, France,
West Germany,
Netherlands, Switzerland
European 1950
Mean for Iraq, Israel,
Jordan, Lebanon,
Kuwait, Saudi Arabia,
Syria

European 1950
England, Channel
Islands, Ireland,
Scotland, Shetland
Islands

L.C. 5 Astro 1961
Cayman Brac Island

European 1950
Finland, Norway

Liberia 1964
Liberia

European 1950
Greece

Luzon
Philippines (Excluding Mindanao)

European 1950
Iran
European 1950
Italy (Sardinia)
European 1950
(Sicily)
European 1950
Malta

Leigon
Ghana

Luzon
Philippines (Mindanao)
Mahe 1971
Mahe Island
Massawa
Ethiopia (Eritrea)

Ireland 1965
Ireland

Merchich
Morocco

ISTS 061 Astro 1968
South Georgia Islands

Midway Astro 1961
Midway Islands

ISTS 073 Astro 1969
Diego Garcia
Johnston Island 1961
Johnston Island
Kandawala
Sri Lanka
Kerguelen Island
1949
Kerguelen Island

Minna
Cameroon
Minna
Nigeria
Montserrat Island
Astro 1958; Montserrat (Leeward Islands)
M’Poraloko
Gabon, Nahrwan,
Oman (Masirah Island)

European 1950
Cyprus

Kertau 1948
West Malaysia &
Singapore

Nahrwan
Saudi Arabia

European 1950
Egypt

Kusaie Astro 1951
Caroline Islands

Nahrwan
United Arab Emirates

230

Naparima BWI
Trinidad & Tobago
North American 1927
Mean for Antigua,
Barbados, Barbuda,
Caicos Islands,
Cuba, Dominican
Republic, Grand
Cayman, Jamaica,
Turks Islands
North American 1927
Mean for Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua
North American 1927
Mean for Canada
North American 1927
Mean for CONUS
(Continental United
States)
North American 1927
Mean for CONUS
(East of Mississippi
River) including Louisiana, Missouri, Minnesota
North American 1927
Mean for CONUS
(West of Mississippi
River)
North American 1927
Alaska
North American 1927
Bahamas (Except
San Salvador Island)
North American 1927
Bahamas (San Salvador Island)

North American 1927
Canada (Alberta,
British Columbia)

Old Hawaiian
Mean for Hawaii,
Kauai, Maui, Oahu

North American 1927
Canada (Manitoba,
Ontario)

Old Hawaiian
Hawaii

North American 1927
Canada (New
Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Quebec)
North American 1927
Canada (Northwest
Territories, Saskatchewan)
North American 1927
Canada (Yukon)
North American 1927
Canal Zone
North American 1927
Cuba
North American 1927
Greenland (Hayes
Peninsula)
North American 1927
Mexico
North American 1983
Alaska, Canada,
CONUS
North American 1983
Central America,
Mexico

Old Hawaiian
Kauai
Old Hawaiian
Maui
Old Hawaiian
Oahu
Oman
Oman
Ordinance Survey
Great Britain 1936 Mean for England,
Isle of Man, Scotland,
Shetland Islands,
Wales
Ordinance Survey
Great Britain 1936 England
Ordinance Survey
Great Britain 1936 England, Isle of Man,
Wales
Ordinance Survey
Great Britain 1936 Scotland, Shetland
Islands
Ordinance Survey
Great Britain 1936 Wales

Observaorio Metereo
1939; Azores (Corvo
& Flores Islands)

Pico de las Nieves
Canary Islands

Old Egyptian 1907
Egypt

Pitcairn Astro 1967
Pitcairn Island

231

South American 1969
Chile

Tokyo
Mean for Japan, Korea, Okinawa

South American 1969
Colombia

Tokyo
Japan

South American 1969
Ecuador

Tokyo
Korea

South American 1969
Ecuador (Baltra, Galapagos)

Tokyo

South American 1969
Guyana

Tristan Astro 1968
Tristan da Cunha

South American 1969
Paraguay
South American 1969
Peru

Viti Levu 1916
Fiji (Viti Levu Island)

South American 1969
Trinidad & Tobago

Eniwetok 1960

Point 58
Sweden
Santo (DOS)
1965 Espirito Santo
Island
Sao Braz
Azores (Sao Miguel,
Santa Maria Islands)
Sapper Hill 1943
East Falkland Island
Schwarzeck
Nambia
Selvagem Grande
Salvage Islands
SGS 85
Soviet Geodetic System 1985

Okinawa

Wake

Marshall Islands
South American 1969
Mean for Argentina,
Bolivia, Brazil, Chile,
Colombia, Ecuador,
Guyana, Paraguay,
Peru, Trinidad & Tobago, and Venezuela
South American 1969
Argentina
South American 1969
Bolivia

South American 1969
Venezuela
South Asia
Singapore
Tananarive Observatory 1925; Madagascar
Timbalai 1948
Brunei, East Malaysia
(Sabah, Sarawak)

South American 1969
Brazil

232

Wake Island Astro
1952
Wake Atoll
WGS 1972
Global Definition
Yacare
Uruguay
Zanderij
Suriname

Notes

233

Notes

234

Notes

235

FCC Compliance
This device complies with Part 15 of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Note:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.

•

Consult the factory customer service department for help.

236

LOWRANCE DATABASES LICENSE AGREEMENT
THIS IS A LEGAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE END-USER WHO FIRST
PURCHASES THIS PRODUCT AS A CONSUMER ITEM FOR PERSONAL,
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INC., THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS PRODUCT ("WE", "OUR", OR "US").
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CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. IF
YOU DO NOT ACCEPT ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS, PROMPTLY RETURN THE PRODUCT WITHIN 30 DAYS OF PURCHASE. PLEASE RETURN USING THE ENCLOSED UPS SHIPPING LABEL AND INCLUDE:
PROOF OF PURCHASE, NAME, ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBER. YOUR
PURCHASE PRICE AND ANY APPLICABLE TAXES WILL BE REFUNDED.
PLEASE ALLOW 4-6 WEEKS TO PROCESS YOUR REFUND.

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your product may contain. We refer to these singly as a "Database"
and together as the "Databases." Your product may thus include the
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mapping data, the "SmartMap Database" which contains inland
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2. The Databases that your product may contain are licensed, not sold.
We grant to you the nonexclusive, nonassignable right to use these
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237

DATABASES LIMITED WARRANTY
"We", "our", or "us" refers to Lowrance Electronics, Inc., the manufacturer of
this product. "You" or "your" refers to the first person who purchases the product as a consumer item for personal, family, or household use. The Databases
Limited Warranty applies to the one or more databases that your product may
contain. We refer to each of these as a "Database" or together as the "Databases." Your product may thus include the "WBS Database" which contains
worldwide background surface mapping data, the "SmartMap Database" which
contains inland mapping data, or other Databases.
We warrant to you that we have accurately compiled, processed, and reproduced the portions of the source material on which the Databases are based.
However, we are under no obligation to provide updates to the Databases, and
the data contained in the Databases may be incomplete when compared to the
source material. WE MAKE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
ANY KIND ABOUT THE ACCURACY OF THE SOURCE MATERIAL ITSELF,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
If there is a defect in any Database, your exclusive remedy shall be, at our option, either a refund of the price you paid for the product containing the defective Database or a replacement of such product. WE WILL NOT UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES BE LIABLE TO ANYONE FOR ANY SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR OTHER INDIRECT DAMAGE OF ANY
KIND.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
This warranty does NOT apply in the following circumstances: (1) when the
product has been serviced or repaired by anyone other than us; (2) when the
product has been connected, installed, combined, altered, adjusted, or handled
in a manner other than according to the instructions furnished with the product; (3) when any serial number has been effaced, altered, or removed; or (4)
when any defect, problem, loss, or damage has resulted from any accident, misuse, negligence, or carelessness, or from any failure to provide reasonable and
necessary maintenance in accordance with the instructions of the owner’s manual for the product.
We reserve the right to make changes or improvements in our products from
time to time without incurring the obligation to install such improvements or
changes on equipment or items previously manufactured.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other
rights which may vary from state to state.
Your remedies under this warranty will be available so long as you can show in
a reasonable manner that the defect occurred within one (1) year from the date
of your original purchase, and we must receive your warranty claim no later
than 30 days after such 1-year period expires. Your claim must be substantiated by a dated sales receipt or sales slip.

238

LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS
FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY
"We," "our," or "us" refers to LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS, INC., the manufacturer of
this product. "You" or "your" refers to the first person who purchases this product as a
consumer item for personal, family or household use.
We warrant this product against defects or malfunctions in materials and workmanship,
and against failure to conform to this product's written specifications, all for one (1) year
from the date of original purchase by you. WE MAKE NO OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER CONCERNING THIS
PRODUCT. Your remedies under this warranty will be available so long as you can show
in a reasonable manner that any defect or malfunction in materials or workmanship, or
any non-conformity with the product's written specifications, occurred within one year
from the date of your original purchase, which must be substantiated by a dated sales
receipt or sales slip. Any such defect, malfunction, or non-conformity which occurs within
one year from your original purchase date will either be repaired without charge or be
replaced with a new product identical or reasonably equivalent to this product, at our
option, within a reasonable time after our receipt of the product. If such defect, malfunction, or non-conformity remains after a reasonable number of attempts to repair by us,
you may elect to obtain without charge a replacement of the product or a refund for the
product. THIS REPAIR, OR REPLACEMENT OR REFUND (AS JUST DESCRIBED) IS
THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AVAILABLE TO YOU AGAINST US FOR ANY DEFECT,
MALFUNCTION, OR NON-CONFORMITY CONCERNING THE PRODUCT OR FOR
ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE RESULTING FROM ANY OTHER CAUSE WHATSOEVER.
WE WILL NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE LIABLE TO ANYONE FOR ANY
SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR OTHER INDIRECT DAMAGE OF
ANY KIND.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
This warranty does NOT apply in the following circumstances: (1) when the product has
been serviced or repaired by anyone other than us; (2) when the product has been connected, installed, combined, altered, adjusted, or handled in a manner other than according to the instructions furnished with the product; (3) when any serial number has been
effaced, altered, or removed; or (4) when any defect, problem, loss, or damage has resulted
from any accident, misuse, negligence, or carelessness, or from any failure to provide
reasonable and necessary maintenance in accordance with the instructions of the owner's
manual for the product.
We reserve the right to make changes or improvements in our products from time to time
without incurring the obligation to install such improvements or changes on equipment or
items previously manufactured.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which
may vary from state to state.
REMINDER: You must retain the sales slip or sales receipt proving the date of your
original purchase in case warranty service is ever required.

LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS
12000 E. SKELLY DRIVE, TULSA, OK 74128
(800) 324-1356

239

How to Obtain Service…
…in the USA:

We back your investment in quality products with quick, expert service
and genuine Lowrance parts. If you're in the United States and you
have technical, return or repair questions, please contact the Factory
Customer Service Department. Before any product can be returned,
you must call customer service to determine if a return is necessary.
Many times, customer service can resolve your problem over the phone
without sending your product to the factory. To call us, use the following toll-free number:

800-324-1356

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Standard Time, M-F

Lowrance Electronics may find it necessary to change or end our shipping policies, regulations, and special offers at any time. We reserve the
right to do so without notice.

…in Canada:
If you're in Canada and you have technical, return or repair questions,
please contact the Factory Customer Service Department. Before any
product can be returned, you must call customer service to determine if
a return is necessary. Many times, customer service can resolve your
problem over the phone without sending your product to the factory. To
call us, use the following toll-free number:

800-661-3983
905-629-1614 (not toll-free)
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, M-F

…outside Canada and the USA:
If you have technical, return or repair questions, contact the dealer in
the country where you purchased your unit. To locate a dealer near
you, visit our web site, www.lowrance.com and look for the Dealer Locator.

240

Accessory Ordering Information
for all countries
To order Lowrance GPS accessories such as power cables or MMC
cards, please contact:
1) Your local marine dealer, sporting goods or consumer electronics
store. Most quality dealers that handle marine electronic equipment or
other consumer electronics should be able to assist you with these
items.
To locate a Lowrance dealer near you, visit our web site,
www.lowrance.com and click on Support and then click Dealer Locator.
Or, you can consult your telephone directory for listings.
2) U.S. customers: LEI Extras Inc., PO Box 129, Catoosa, OK 74015-0129
Call 1-800-324-0045 or visit our web site www.lei-extras.com.
3) Canadian customers can write:
Lowrance/Eagle Canada, 919 Matheson Blvd. E. Mississauga, Ontario
L4W2R7 or fax 905-629-3118.

Shipping Information
If it becomes necessary to send a product for repair or replacement, you
must first receive a return authorization number from Customer
Service. Products shipped without a return authorization will not be
accepted. When shipping, we recommend you do the following:
1. Please do not ship knobs or mounting brackets with gimbal units.
2. If your unit saves sonar logs or GPS data files to memory cards,
make sure you have saved the data to a memory card and that the card
has been removed from the unit, otherwise your data will be lost.
3. If you are sending a check for repair, please place your check in an
envelope and tape it to the unit.
4. For proper testing, include a brief note with the product describing
the problem. Be sure to include your name, return shipping address
and a daytime telephone number. An e-mail address is optional but
useful.
5. Pack the unit in a suitable size box with packing material to prevent
any damage during shipping.
6. Write the Return Authorization (RA) number on the outside of the
box underneath your return address.
7. For your security, you may want to insure the package through your
shipping courier. Lowrance does not assume responsibility for goods
lost or damaged in transit.

Visit our web site:

Lowrance Pub. 988-0152-181
Printed in USA 120406

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Lowrance Electronic Lms 522C Igps Users Manual 527C DF &

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