Pub. 988-0148-811 www.lowrance.com

iFINDER H2Oc

Handheld Mapping GPS Receiver

Operation Instructions

Copyright 2005 Lowrance Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved. iFINDER H2Oc is a trademark of Lowrance Electronics, Inc. Lowrance is a registered trademark of Lowrance Electronics, 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 2001-2004, All Rights Reserved. infoUSA is a trademark of infoUSA, Inc.
eXitSource Database, copyright 2001-2004 Zenrin Co. Ltd. Exit Authority and eXitSource are trademarks of Zenrin Co. Ltd.
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.
For free owner's manuals and other information, 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 Capabilities and Specifications: iFINDER H2Oc.. 2 How the iFINDER H2Oc Works.. 4 Introduction to GPS, WAAS and EGNOS.. 6 How to use this manual: typographical conventions. 8 Arrow Keys... 8 Keyboard... 8 Menu Commands... 8 Instructions = Menu Sequences.. 9 Section 2: Installation & Accessories.. 11 Power... 11 Batteries... 11 Battery Installation... 12 Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter... 13 NMEA Cable Connections... 14 MMC or SD Memory Card Installation.. 14 To remove an MMC... 15 To add an MMC or SDC... 15 FreedomMaps... 16 External Antenna... 16 R-A-M Bracket Mounting Systems.. 17 Other Accessories.. 18 Section 3: Easy Mode Operation.. 19 Keypad.... 19 Power/lights on and off... 20 Main Menu.... 20 Pages... 21 Satellite Status Page.. 21 Navigation Page... 22 Map Page... 24 IFINDER H2Oc Easy Mode Quick Reference. 28 Find Your Current Position... 29 Moving Around the Map: Zoom & Cursor Arrow Keys. 29 Selecting Any Map Item with the Cursor.. 30 Searching... 30 Set Home Waypoint... 32 Go Home.... 32 Set Man Overboard (MOB) Waypoint.. 33 Navigate Back to MOB Waypoint.. 33 Navigate to Cursor Position on Map.. 33 Navigate to a Point of Interest... 35 Creating and Saving a Trail.. 35 i
Displaying a Saved Trail... 36 Navigating or Backtracking a Trail.. 36 Visual Back Trailing... 36 Navigate a Back Trail... 36 Clearing or Erasing a Trail.. 37 Transfer Custom Maps and GPS Data Files.. 38 Custom Maps:... 38 GPS Data Files:... 38 Switch to Advanced Mode... 40 Switch Back to Easy Mode from Advanced Mode.. 40 Section 4: Advanced Mode Operation.. 41 Keypad.... 41 Power/lights on and off... 42 Main Menu.... 42 Pages... 43 Satellite Status Page.. 43 Status Menu... 44 Digital Data Page... 44 Digital Data Menu... 45 Navigation Page... 45 Navigation Menu... 46 Map Page... 46 Map Menu... 47 Moving Around the Map: Zoom & Cursor Arrow Keys. 47 Find Distance to Another Location.. 47 Find Distance from Point to Point.. 48 Find Your Current Position... 48 Icons... 49 Create Icon on Map... 49 Create Icon at Current Position... 49 Delete an Icon... 49 Load GPS Data Files from an MMC.. 50 Navigate... 51 Navigate Back Home.. 51 Navigate Back to Man Overboard Waypoint.. 51 Cancel Navigation.. 51 Navigate a Route... 51 Navigate to Cursor Position on Map.. 51 Navigate to an Icon... 51 Navigate to Point of Interest (POI).. 51 Navigate to a Waypoint... 52 Navigate a Trail... 52 Routes... 53 ii
Create and Save a Route... 53 PC-created Routes... 53 Routes Created in the iFINDER.. 54 Delete a Route... 55 Save GPS Data Files to an MMC.. 55 Searching... 56 Trails... 57 Create and Save a Trail... 58 Clear a Trail... 58 Delete a Trail... 58 Edit a Trail Name.. 58 Edit a Trail Color... 58 Edit a Trail Pattern... 59 Transfer Custom Maps and GPS Data Files.. 59 Custom Maps:... 59 GPS Data files:.. 59 Utilities... 60 Sun/Moon Rise & Set Calculator.. 60 Trip Calculator.. 60 Alarm Clock.... 60 Trip Down Timer... 60 Trip Up Timer... 60 Waypoints... 61 Create a Waypoint... 61 Create Waypoint on Map.. 61 Create Waypoint at Current Position.. 61 Create a Man Overboard Waypoint.. 61 Create a Waypoint by Average Position.. 61 Create a Waypoint by Projecting a Position.. 62 Select a Waypoint.. 62 Delete a Waypoint.. 62 Edit a Waypoint... 62 Waypoint Name.. 62 Waypoint Symbol... 62 Waypoint Position... 63 Waypoint Altitude... 63 Section 5: System & GPS Setup Options.. 65 Alarms.... 65 Auto Satellite Search... 66 Check MMC Files and Storage Space.. 67 Com Port Configuration... 67 Configure NMEA.. 68 Use WAAS/EGNOS... 68 iii

ate software. These MapCreate custom maps contain much greater detail than the basic background map. These Custom Map Files (file format *.lcm) can also be shared between iFINDERs, other Lowrance GPS or sonar/GPS units and personal computers. You make your own Custom Map Files with our MapCreate software, but you don't have to. We also sell ready-to-use FreedomMaps. These custom maps are pre-loaded on MMCs. (No computer work required!). The iFINDER automatically reads Custom Map Files directly from the MMC or SD Card. To use a custom map, all you need to do is slide an MMC containing a map into the unit.
Introduction to GPS, WAAS and EGNOS
Well, now you know the basics of how the iFINDER does its work. You might be ready to jump ahead to Section 2, Installation & Accessories, on page 11, so you can install the batteries. 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 8. But, if you want to understand the current state of satellite navigation, look over this segment describing how GPS and its new companions WAAS and EGNOS 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 and even your body. Like most GPS receivers, the iFINDER doesnt 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 all are calculated from position information. Therefore, in order for the iFINDER to determine direction of travel, you must be moving and the faster, the better. This is not to say that it wont work at walking or trolling speeds it will. There will 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. Consequently, the FAA has developed a program to boost GPS performance with its Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). The FAA commissioned the system on July 11, 2003. EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service) is the European equivalent of WAAS. Like WAAS, it was created to make GPS position calculation more accurate. WAAS is designed to increase GPS accuracy to within 7.6 meters vertically and horizontally, but according to the FAA, it consistently comes within 1-2 meters horizontal and 2-3 meters vertical. It does this by broadcasting correction signals on GPS frequencies. Your unit automatically receives both GPS and WAAS signals. 7

Replace battery compartment cover. Align tabs with slots in the base (left). Press latch firmly until it clicks (right).
Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter
To use external DC power, plug the power cable's cigarette lighter adapter into a cigarette lighter receptacle. Next, pull aside the rubber cover on the bottom of the unit and insert the other connector as shown in the following image. A small clip on the connector should hold the connector in place.
Attach external power cable to the iFINDER.
WARNING: Do not remove the cigarette lighter adapter and splice the exposed wires directly to a 12-volt power system. The cigarette lighter adapter contains in the plug a protective fuse and a voltage regulator to convert 12 volts down to about 3 volts. Without this regulator, connecting your unit to a 12-volt power source will destroy the unit. This damage will not be covered by your warranty. The iFINDER can use two other optional external cables to supply a NMEA/serial data connection or a combination of power and data. These cables are discussed in the following segment on NMEA connections. 13

NMEA Cable Connections

NMEA is a standard communications format for marine electronic equipment. For example, an autopilot can connect to the NMEA interface on this unit and receive positioning information. The unit can exchange information with any device that transmits or receives NMEA 0183 data. To exchange NMEA data, Lowrance offers an optional data only cable and a power/data combo cable: The PC-DI7 is a NMEA/serial communications cable. It has a standard female DB-9 connector on one end to attach your unit to a computer's serial communications port. The PC-DI8 combines a cigarette lighter power adapter with a DB-9 plug for a NMEA/serial com port connection to a laptop computer or other device. This is our favorite cable for connecting the iFINDER H2OC to a laptop computer in a RV or other vehicle. By transmitting NMEA data to the computer, you can get live position data for GPScompatible mapping software. You can also run one of our free Lowrance GPS emulators on your laptop and operate it with real-time position information. To use it, plug the power adapter into a cigarette lighter socket, plug the DB-9 connector into a serial port on the computer and attach the cable to the iFINDER. Then see "Com Port Configuration" in Sec. 5.

Find Your Current Position
Finding your current position is as simple as turning on the iFINDER. The unit automatically searches for satellites and under a clear sky, calculates its position in approximately one minute or less. NOTE: Clear sky means open sky, unobstructed by terrain, dense foliage or structures. Clouds do not restrict GPS signal reception. If for some reason satellite acquisition takes longer, you may be inside a structure, a vehicle or in terrain that is blocking signal reception. To correct this, be sure you are positioned so the unit 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 in a larger geographic area. When you are walking or riding in a vehicle, the map will automatically move as you move. This keeps your current location roughly centered on the screen. You can scroll the map northward, southward, eastward or westward by using the arrow keys, which will launch the cursor crosshairs. This allows you to look anywhere on the map. To clear the cursor, press EXIT and the map will revert to the current or last known position.
Cursor line Selected airport Cursor line Distance measured by cursor
The selected airport to the northwest is 4.2 miles away.
Use the cursor to determine the distance from your current position (or last known position, when working indoors) to any map object or location. Use the arrow keys to position the cursor over the object or place. The distance, measured in a straight line, appears in the data box at the bottom of the map. Press EXIT to clear the cursor.
Selecting Any Map Item with the Cursor
1. Use the zoom keys and the arrow keys to move around the map and find any 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. You will also notice a red halo surrounds the item when it is selected. Once that happens and you press FIND, the Find Menu will pop up with SELECTED ITEM listed at the top of the menu. Press ENT to see the Waypoint Information screen for the selected item.

The Transfer My Data submenu asks if you want to save data to the MMC or load data from the MMC into the iFINDER's memory.
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 insert a card into the iFINDER to activate the Load or Save commands. To transfer data from the iFINDER to the MMC, press ENT. To transfer data from the MMC to iFINDER, press to LOAD|ENT. 3. Saving: To accept the default name Data for the GPS Data File, press to SAVE|ENT. If you wish to rename the file (as in the example below), 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|ENT. The unit will display first a progress then a completion message when the data transfer is finished. To return to the Page view, press EXIT|EXIT.
These figures (from left to right) show the menu sequence for naming and saving a GPS Data File from an MMC to the iFINDER's memory.
4. Loading: 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|ENT. The unit will display a completion message when the data transfer is finished. To return to the Page view, press EXIT|EXIT. 39
These figures (left to right) show the menu sequence for loading a GPS Data File from an MMC into the iFINDER's memory.

Switch to Advanced Mode

To leave Easy Mode and switch to Advanced Mode: 1. Press MENU| to ADVANCED MODE|ENT. 2. The unit asks if you are sure you want to enter Advanced Mode. 3. Press |ENT and the unit switches to Advanced Mode. Switch Back to Easy Mode from Advanced Mode To leave Advanced Mode and switch back to Easy Mode: 1. Press MENU|MENU| to EASY MODE|ENT. 2. The unit asks if you are sure you want to turn on Easy Mode. 3. Press |ENT and the unit switches to Easy Mode.
Section 4: Advanced Mode Operation

iFINDER H2Oc keypad.

1. PWR/LIGHT (Power & Light) The PWR key turns the unit on and off and activates the backlight. 2. PAGES Pressing this key switches the unit between the four different page screens in Advanced Mode. (Satellite, Position, Navigation and Map.) Each page represents one of the unit's major operation modes. 3. MENU Press this key to show the menus, which allow you to select or adjust a feature from a list. 4. ARROW KEYS These keys are used to navigate through the menus, make menu selections, move the chart cursor and enter data. 5. ENT/SAVE (Enter & Save) This key allows you to save data, accept values or execute menu commands. 6. EXIT The Exit key lets you return to the previous screen, clear data or close a menu. 7. FIND The Find key launches the iFINDER search menus and some navigation functions. 8. ZOUT (Zoom Out) This key lets you zoom the screen out to see a larger geographic are on the map. Less detail is seen as you zoom out. 9. ZIN (Zoom In) This key lets you zoom the screen in to see greater detail in a smaller geographic area on the map. 41

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. The iFINDER has 42 different symbols to choose 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 and hold ENT until the screen displays Save Icon, then release the ENT key. The Select Symbol menu will appear. 3. Press or or or to select your icon symbol, then press ENT. The icon appears on the map.
Save icon menu (left) with Select symbol menu (right). Create Icon at Current Position
1. While you are traveling, press and hold ENT until the screen shows a Save Icon menu, then release the ENT key. 3. Press or or or to select your icon symbol, then press ENT. The icon appears on the map. Delete an Icon To delete an icon, you must be in Advanced Mode. You can delete all the icons at one time, delete all icons represented by a particular symbol or use the cursor to delete an icon selected from the map. 49
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.

Load GPS Data Files from an MMC
GPS Data files, containing waypoints, routes, trails and event marker icons, must be copied from an MMC to the iFINDER's internal memory before the iFINDER can read them. Here's how: 1. Press MENU|MENU| to SYSTEM SETUP|ENT| to TRANSFER MY DATA|ENT and the screen below appears.
The Transfer My Data menu asks if you want to save data to the MMC or load data from the MMC into the iFINDER's memory.
2. The Transfer My Data menu includes a message which tells you if a MMC is present or not. If no MMC is present, you must insert a card into the iFINDER to activate the LOAD or SAVE commands. To load data from the MMC to the iFINDER, press to LOAD|ENT. 3. Loading: 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 50

Create 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 a highway exit, a map place or an item from your waypoints list. 1. Press ENT| to PROJECTED POSITION|ENT|(cursor jumps to highlight CREATE)|ENT. 2. Press to CHOOSE REFERENCE|ENT. Use and to select a waypoint, map place or highway exit and press ENT. After choosing a category, its internal menu will pop up. Select a reference point from the internal menu and press ENT. Its position will appear as the reference position on the map. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. Press to PROJECT|ENT. The Edit Waypoint menu appears. You can 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.) Select a Waypoint To select a waypoint on the map (for navigating or editing, etc.) use the arrow keys, centering the cursor over the waypoint. A red border will appear around the waypoint. Delete a Waypoint To delete a waypoint, press FIND| to MY WAYPOINTS|ENT. Press ENT| to waypoint name|ENT| to DELETE WAYPOINT|ENT| to YES|ENT. To return to the main page display, press EXIT repeatedly. Edit a Waypoint

Waypoint Name

To edit a waypoint name, press FIND to MY WAYPOINTS|ENT. Press ENT| to desired waypoint name|ENT| to EDIT NAME|ENT. Use the and keys to select the first character, then press to move to the second character and so on. To return to the main page display, press EXIT repeatedly.

Waypoint Symbol

To edit waypoint symbol, press FIND| to MY WAYPOINTS|ENT. Press ENT| to desired waypoint name|ENT| to EDIT SYMBOL|ENT. After the 62
Select Symbol menu appears, use the arrow keys to select the desired symbol and press ENT. To return to the main page display, press EXIT repeatedly.

Waypoint Position

To edit waypoint position, press FIND| to MY WAYPOINTS|ENT. Press ENT. Use and to select a waypoint name|ENT| to EDIT POSITION|ENT. 1. Latitude: press to LATITUDE, then press ENT. Use or to change the first character, then press to the next character and repeat until the latitude is correct. Press EXIT. 2. Longitude: press to LONGITUDE|ENT, then press or to change the first character, then press to the next character and repeat until the latitude is correct. Press EXIT. 3. When latitude and longitude are correct, return to the previous page, press EXIT repeatedly.

LAT/LON GRID LINES. With the option highlighted, press ENT to turn it on (check) or turn it off (uncheck). After the option is set, press EXIT|EXIT
to return to the main page display.

Map Datum Selection

Maps and charts are based on a survey of the area covered by the map or chart. These surveys are called Datums. Maps created using different datums will show the same latitude/longitude in slightly different locations. 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 position is shown using the WGS-84 datum. It, however, can show your position using any of 191 different datums. 76
Datums can be selected only in Advanced Mode. (Switch from Easy to Advanced: MENU| to ADVANCED MODE|ENT||ENT). To change the datum: 1. Press MENU|MENU| to GPS SETUP|ENT| to DATUM SELECTION|ENT. 2. Scroll or to select the desired datum, then press ENT. 3. To return to the main page display, press EXIT|EXIT. A list of datums supported by this unit is in the back of this manual.
GPS Setup Menu (left) with Map Datum Menu (right).
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 turn off any of these items, customizing the map to your needs. Map Detail Categories may be turned on and turned off only in Advanced Mode. (Switch from Easy to Advanced: MENU| to ADVANCED MODE|ENT||ENT.) To get to Map Categories Drawn: 1. Press MENU| to MAP CATEGORIES DRAWN|ENT. 2. Press or to select a category or subcategory. Press ENT to turn it on (check) or turn it off (unchecked). 3. To return to the main page display, press EXIT|EXIT.
Map Menu (left) with Map Categories Menu (right).

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. You, however, can change the map orientation to Track Up or Course Up if you switch to Advanced Mode.
In Track Up mode, map shows "N" and arrow to indicate north.

Map orientation is shown in north up (left) and track up (right).
The default North Up setting is fine if you are always traveling north. What you see to your left corresponds to the left side of the map and what you see to your right is shown on the right side of the map as long as you keep heading north. If, however, you travel any other direction, the map doesn't line up with your view of the world. If you want the map to match up with your view of the world when traveling in other directions, use Track-up mode, which rotates the map as you turn. That way, what you see on the left side of the screen will always be to your left and what you see on the right side of the screen will always be on your right. 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 remember which direction is north. 78
You can benefit from switching back and forth between North Up and Track Up settings, depending on the circumstances. If you are in an area you know fairly well, run the unit in North Up. But when you are in unfamiliar territory and want to instantly coordinate your surroundings with what is displayed on the screen, switch to Track Up. Try all three modes to find what works best for you. To change map orientation from the Map Page, press MENU| to MAP ORIENTATION|ENT. Press or to select an orientation option, then press EXIT|EXIT to return to the main page display.
Map Menu (left) with Map Orientation menu (right).

Navionics Charts

Your unit can display Navionics electronic charts on MMCs. Both the GOLD and CLASSIC format charts are accepted. They work just like a MapCreate custom map on an MMC.
Entrance to Aransas Pass in a MapCreate 6 custom map, 4-mile zoom (left). Remaining images (left to right): same position on Navionics GOLD chart at 8-mile, 4-mile and 1-mile zoom ranges.
WARNING: You should never format the MMC containing your Navionics chart. Formatting the MMC will permanently erase the chart from the card.
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 NAVIONICS MAP CHOICE|ENT. Use or to select the Map Name, then press ENT|EXIT|EXIT.
These figures show the menu sequence (from left to right) for selecting a Navionics chart for the Miami area.
3. To turn off a Navionics chart from the Map Page, press MENU| to MAP DATA|ENT| to NAVIONICS MAP CHOICE|ENT. Use or to select LOWRANCE, then press ENT|EXIT|EXIT. Port Information Navionics charts contain Port Services information, represented by anchor icons on the map display. These icons appear at the 2 nautical mile zoom 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 selected, a pop-up name box appears. 2. Press FIND|FIND to display the Port Services Information screen.

Port Services icon

Pop-up name box

Cursor lines

Navionics chart showing Port Services icon selected by cursor. When first highlighted, the Pop-Up name box appears. After a few seconds, the name box disappears, and the position, distance and bearing are displayed at the bottom of the screen.
The Port Services information screen has two windows. The top window lists various service categories. The lower window lists detailed services available in each category. 3. To scroll through the Service Categories window, press ENT then use or to see the types of services available. As you highlight a different category, the list in the lower window changes. To return to the main page display, press EXIT|EXIT.
Port Services information screens.
4. Depending on the location, the Detailed Services window may have a long list of services under the General Services category. To scroll through the Detailed Services window, press to DETAILED SERVICES|ENT, then use or to scroll through the list of available services. If the Detailed Services list is short, you will not be able to scroll through it. To return to the top service category window, press ENT|. To return to the main page display, press EXIT|EXIT. Tidal Current Information Navionics charts contain Tidal Current information, represented at large zoom ranges by a box icon with the letter "C." The icon stands for a Tidal Current Station location. An example is displayed at right. When you zoom in to a sufficiently small zoom range (1/2 nautical mile), the icon itself becomes an animated arrow showing tidal current velocity and direction for the selected tidal station at the present time. At 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 selected, a pop-up name box appears. 2. Press FIND|FIND to display the Tidal Current Information screen.
Tidal Current Station icon in animated mode
Navionics chart showing Tidal Current Station icon selected by cursor (left). The icon animates automatically without selecting it at the 1/2mile zoom range (right). The tidal current is flowing toward the northwest at a velocity of 0.8 mph.

Set Local Time

The method for setting local time works the same way in both Easy and Advanced Mode, but the SET LOCAL TIME menu is accessed differently in each mode. In Easy Mode, press MENU| to SET LOCAL TIME|ENT. In Advanced Mode, you first press MENU|MENU| to SYSTEM SETUP|ENT| to SET LOCAL TIME|ENT.
Set Local Time highlighted in (left) Easy Mode. Set local time selected in Advanced mode (center). Time Settings menu (right).
To set Local Time: from the Time Setting menu, press ENT. Press or to change the first character, then press to move the cursor to the next character. Repeat until the time is correct, then press ENT. To set the Month: from the Time Settings menu, press to MONTH|ENT. Press or to select the month, then press ENT. To set the Day: from the Time Settings menu, press to DAY|ENT. Press or to select the day, then press ENT.
YEAR|ENT. Press or to select the year, then press ENT.
To set the Year: from the Time Settings menu, press to
Adjusting local time (left) and Adjusting the month (right).
The last field in this menu is CONFIG DST. This feature allows your unit to automatically adjust to Daylight Saving Time (you should only have to set it once). You may select which set of rules matches DST in your region, or accept the default. Once you have each field set the way you want, press EXIT repeatedly to return to the main page display.
Software Version Information
From time to time, Lowrance updates the operating system software in some of its products. These software upgrades usually are offered to 88
customers as free downloads from our web site, www.lowrance.com. The upgrades make the unit perform better and in many cases, introduce a new feature or function. You can find out what software version is running in your iFINDER by using the Software Info command.
Software Info command in Easy Mode (left). Advanced mode (center). The Software Info screen (right).
The command works the same in both Easy and Advanced Mode, but the Software Information is accessed differently in each mode. In Easy Mode: 1. Press MENU| to SOFTWARE INFO|ENT. 2. Read the information displayed on the screen. 3. To return to the main page display, press EXIT|EXIT. In Advanced Mode: 1. Press MENU|MENU| to SYSTEM SETUP|ENT| to SOFTWARE INFO|ENT. 2. Read the information displayed on the screen. 3. To return to the main page display, press EXIT repeatedly.

Press to UPDATE CRITERIA, then press to select the desired criteria type and press ENT. Trail Update Rate (Time, Distance) You can update a trail by time, with a range from 1 second to 9999 seconds. The default is 3 seconds. You can update by distance, with a range from 0.01 mile/nm/km to 9.99 mile/nm/km. The default is 0.10 mile. With Update Criteria selected, press to either the rate or distance data entry boxes and press ENT. Press or to change the first character, then press to the next character and repeat until the entry is correct. Press EXIT|EXIT to return to the Trails Menu.
Trail Options menu. Specific Trail Options
Delete Trail To delete a specific trail, from the Trails menu, press to the saved trail list, select a trail and press ENT. The Edit Trail menu appears as seen in the following figure. Press to DELETE TRAIL|ENT| to YES|ENT. New Trail If you want to manually start a new trail or delete a trail from the Trails Menu, highlight NEW TRAIL and press ENT. The edit trail menu appears with the new trail name listed in the name box at the top.

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 screen. The Update Active Trail setting determines whether or not the iFINDER is recording new points for a particular trail. Press or to highlight the option you wish to change, then press ENT. Make your changes and press EXIT to close this menu. You can also change the trail line color and pattern. For instructions, see the entries on Edit a Trail Color and Edit a Trail Pattern in Sec. 4, Advanced GPS Operations. 93

Units of Measure

This menu (shown below) 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 the units: In Easy Mode, press MENU| to UNITS OF MEASURE|ENT. In Advanced Mode, press MENU|MENU| to SYSTEM SETUP|ENT|ENT.
Units of Measure highlighted (left). Units of Measure Menu (right).
To set Speed/Distance: from the Units of Measure menu, press ENT and use or to change the unit, then press ENT. To set Heading: from the Units of Measure menu, press to HEADING|ENT, then use or to change the unit and press ENT. To set Altitude and Depth: from the Units of Measure menu, press to ALTITUDE AND DEPTH|ENT. Press or to change the unit, then press ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to return to the main page display.

Section 6: Searching

NOTE: The background map loaded in your unit lets you search for U.S. Interstate Highway exits and exit services, as well as land features, including cities and lakes. For a full set of searchable land features, including landmarks, streets, addresses 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, check out page 25. Whether you are in Easy Mode or Advanced Mode, the iFINDER's search functions all begin with the FIND key. The search menus work the same in each mode. The Go Home command, however, works only in Easy Mode just as the Find Waypoints command works only in Advanced Mode. (You can still find a Home waypoint in Advanced mode. Just search for it using the Find Waypoints command.)

Off Course Alarm, 65

Page Displays, 2, 21, 28, 43 Map, 21, 24, 25, 28, 32, 33, 34, 36, 43, 46, 47, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 72, 74, 75, 79, 80, 81, 82, 108 Navigation, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32, 33, 34, 36, 43, 45, 46, 51, 53, 54, 55, 72 Position, 43, 44, 72 Satellite Status, 11, 21, 28, 43, 44 POI (Point of Interest), 16, 24, 26, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 51, 52, 56, 57, 62, 73, 95, 100, 102, 103, 104 Navigate, 51 POIs Search, 30, 56, 102 Pop-up Help, 85 Position Menu, 45 Power, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 28, 41, 42, 87 Product Specifications, 2
Track Smoothing, 90 Trail, 4, 5, 9, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 35, 36, 37, 38, 43, 45, 50, 52, 53, 57, 58, 59, 74, 77, 85, 91, 92, 93 Delete, 58 Delete All, 91 Edit Name, 58 Navigate, 52 New Trail, 58, 93 Update Criteria, 92 Update Rate, 92 Transfer Custom Maps, 38, 59 GPS Data Files, 38, 59 Trip Calculator, 60 Trip Down Timer, 60

Trip Up Timer, 60

Units of Measure, 21, 94 Utilities, 60
WAAS, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 Waypoints, 2, 4, 5, 8, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38, 43, 45, 46, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 57, 59, 61, 62, 63, 65, 66, 70, 71, 73, 74,
75, 77, 78, 85, 92, 95, 100, 101, 103, 104, 107, 108 Delete, 62 Edit, 62 Navigate, 51, 52 Save, 61, 62 Search, 95, 101, 107
Zooming, 4, 20, 23, 24, 28, 29, 36, 41, 46, 47, 54, 75 Auto Zoom, 75
LOWRANCE DATABASES LICENSE AGREEMENT
THIS IS A LEGAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE END-USER WHO FIRST PURCHASES THIS PRODUCT AS A CONSUMER ITEM FOR PERSONAL, FAMILY, OR HOUSEHOLD USE ("YOU") AND LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS, INC., THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS PRODUCT ("WE", "OUR", OR "US"). USING THE PRODUCT ACCOMPANIED BY THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT 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.
1. This License Agreement applies to the one or more databases that your product may contain. We refer to these singly as a "Database" and 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. 2. The Databases that your product may contain are licensed, not sold. We grant to you the nonexclusive, nonassignable right to use these Databases for supplemental navigation reference purposes, but only as long as you comply with the terms and conditions of this License Agreement. We reserve the right to terminate this license if you violate any aspect of this License Agreement. You are responsible for using official government charts and prudent navigation for safe travel. 3. The Databases housed in your product are protected by the copyright notices appearing on the product or its screen(s). You may NOT modify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, rent, lease, or resell any Database, and you may NOT create derivative works based upon any Database or its contents. Any unauthorized reproduction, use, or transfer of a Database may be a crime and may subject you to damages and attorney fees. 4. This License Agreement will terminate immediately without prior notice from us if you fail to comply with or violate any of the provisions of this Agreement. Upon termination, you will promptly return all products containing one or more Databases to us. 5. Prices and programs are subject to change without notice. 6. This License Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Oklahoma and comprises the complete and exclusive understanding between you and us concerning the above subject matter. 119

In Advanced Mode... 80 In Easy Mode... 80 Screen Contrast and Brightness.. 80 Set Language... 82 Set Local Time... 82 Software Version Information.. 84 Sounds and Alarm Sound Styles.. 84 Track Smoothing... 85 Trail Options... 86 Flash Trails on Screen Option.. 86 Update Trail Option... 87 Update Trail Criteria (Auto, Time, Distance).. 87 Trail Update Rate (Time, Distance).. 88 Delete Trail.... 88 New Trail... 88 Trail Visible/Invisible and Other Trail Options.. 89 Units of Measure... 89 Sec. 6: Searching... 91 Find Addresses... 91 Find any Item Selected by Map Cursor.. 94 Find Home Waypoint... 94 Find Interstate Highway Exits.. 95 Find Map Places or Points of Interest (POI).. 96 Find Streets or Intersections.. 98 Find Waypoints (Advanced Mode only).. 101 Sec. 7: Supplemental Material.. 103 Index.... 109
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 GPS-equipped vehicle fails to pay full attention to travel conditions and vehicle operation while the vehicle is in motion.
Section 1: Read Me First!
How this manual can get you out on the road, fast!
Welcome to the exciting world of GPS satellite navigation! We know you're anxious to begin finding your way with this hand-held technology, but we have a favor to ask. Before you grab the batteries and head outside, please give us a moment or two to explain how our manual can help you get the best performance from this remarkable little GPS unit. First, we want to thank you for buying an iFINDER H2O. Whether you're a first-time user or a professional navigator, you'll discover that the iFINDER is a true pocket-sized, full-featured mapping GPS receiver. When you team an iFINDER with one of our specialized maps or our custom mapping software MapCreate 6, you have an incredible combination. No other consumer GPS mapping system on the market offers so much information and so many features in one package. Our goal for this book is to get you on the road or out to the woods and water fast, with a minimum of fuss. Like you, we'd rather spend more time traveling, 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 seven sections. This first section is an introduction to Lowrance GPS. It tells you the basics you need to know before you can make the unit look around and tell you where you are. Section 2 will help you get the batteries and MultiMedia Card (MMC) correctly installed in your iFINDER. We'll also tell you about some of the accessories available for your unit. Section 3 is the heart of our book, Easy Mode Operation. It will introduce you to the basic GPS functions. We lead off this section with a onepage Easy Mode Quick Reference. (If you've already figured out how to load the batteries yourself, and you just can't wait any longer, turn to the Quick Reference on page 26 and head outside with your iFINDER!) The rest of Section 3 contains short, easy-to-scan lessons that follow one another in chronological order. They're all you'll need to know to find your way on the water or in the wilderness quickly. 1

The iFINDER operates from AA batteries or on 3 volts DC using an optional external power cable with a cigarette lighter adapter. When the power cable is used, the iFINDER automatically switches to it if the external power is greater than the battery voltage. If the external power fails, the unit automatically switches to the batteries. Flash memory will keep your stored data safe and accessible for the life of the product after the unit is turned off, no battery or external power is needed to store your data.

Batteries

The unit requires two, 1.5 volt AA batteries. We recommend that you use alkaline batteries for the best trade-off between battery life and cost. We recommend DURACELL brand, but other brands will work. If you're looking for an extended-life battery, the Duracell ULTRA battery has performed well in our tests. You can also use rechargeable AA alkaline batteries, such as those made by RAYOVAC, or rechargeable AA nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. We do not recommend nickel cadmium (NiCd) rechargeable batteries because we tend to get poor battery life from them. Rechargeable alkaline batteries will not last as long as standard alkaline batteries. However, rechargeable NiMH batteries should give you suitable battery life. Lithium batteries are lighter than alkaline, and with some brands of lithium battery the iFINDER H2O will float. We've tested the iFINDER H2O using Energizer e2 lithium batteries, and it remained afloat. NOTE: The battery gauge on the Satellite Status Page may not read accurately with some battery brands because discharge rates can vary significantly. This is especially true for rechargeables. This battery gauge was calibrated for alkaline batteries. Do not mix different battery types. Mixing battery types may cause leakage. (For example, dont use both alkaline and NiMH batteries at the same time, and don't use standard alkalines with rechargeable alkalines.) 9
Battery Installation Turn the unit over so that the back is facing you. With your thumb or nail, pull back on the small clip to release the battery cover latch as shown in the following images. Once the latch is released, pull the battery cover up out of the grooves in the bottom of the case.
Remove iFINDER battery cover.
Install the batteries according to the embossed signs in the battery compartment, which shows the correct polarity. Point the positive pole of the upper battery to the left; point the positive pole of the bottom battery to the right. NOTE: Inside the battery compartment is a rotating MMC card lock. The grip on this lock must be turned parallel with the direction of the batteries for them to fit properly. Replace the battery compartment cover. First align the latch tabs at the bottom of the cover with the slots at the case's base. Press the cover into place, and then firmly push up on the clip at the top of the cover until it latches in place. There is usually an audible click when the latch engages.

External Antenna

A GPS antenna requires a clear view of the sky for optimum operation. Inside a vehicle, your iFINDER can sometimes maintain satellite lock while sitting on the seat beside you, but we don't recommend this for optimum performance. Since the "view" is restricted to what can be seen through the windows, this operating mode will reduce position accuracy and will increase the chance of losing satellite lock. Inside a vehicle, the unit operates best with an optional external antenna mounted on the windshield, on the dash or on the top of the vehicle. The optional external antenna can use a magnetic base that allows temporary mounting on any flat ferrous metal surface. A suction-cup mount allows you to attach the antenna to a windshield. The iFINDER H2O can use the passive FA-8 antenna or the active RAA-3 antenna. The active antenna offers a further performance boost by amplifying the satellite signals it receives. This is especially helpful when operating in areas such as dense forests, which can obstruct GPS 14
signals. Your unit will automatically switch between the active RAA-3 and its internal antenna (located in the top of the case). If you purchase the passive FA-8, you must use a menu check box to manually switch between it and the internal antenna. See the topic "External Passive Antenna" in Sec. 5.
Attach iFINDER antenna to windshield bracket with two screws.
You may achieve good results by simply placing the external antenna on the top of the dash, at the base of the windshield. A piece of the rubber non-skid shelf liner material available in recreational vehicle supply stores will also help hold the antenna in place. To use the antenna: Mount it in a location with an unobstructed view of the sky. Plug the connector into the unit's antenna socket, located on the back, in the upper left corner of the case.
R-A-M Bracket Mounting Systems
Several R-A-M mounting brackets are available for your iFINDER. There are permanent mounts and temporary mounts suitable for virtually any boat, aircraft or other vehicle, even motorcycle handlebars.
Two R-A-M mounting systems for your unit.
One model has a mounting arm and cradle attached to a swivel ball plate that can be screwed or bolted to a supporting surface. Another has a moldable, weighted, rubber foot and gooseneck for support virtually anywhere without screws or adhesives. R-A-M even has suction cup bases for attachment to windscreens or fiberglass surfaces. See your Lowrance dealer or visit the LEI web site for the latest options; accessory ordering information is on the inside back cover of this manual. For a complete look at the many mounting options, visit the R-A-M web site at www.ram-mount.com.

Other Accessories

Other iFINDER accessories include MMC cards, MMC card readers and MapCreate 6 custom mapping software for your computer. (The iFINDER H2O Plus model ships with the GPS Accessory Pack, which is composed of the MapCreate CDs, the card reader, and one memory card.) If these accessories are not available from your dealer, see the accessory ordering information on the inside back cover of this manual.

This screen shows 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 you hold the unit facing north. The GPS receiver is tracking 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 solve the position. Beneath the circular graph are the 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. The "Estimated Position Error" (horizontal position error) shown in the upper right corner of the screen is the expected error from a benchmark location. In other words, if the EPE 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. Navigation Page This Page has a compass rose. It shows your direction of travel and the direction to a recalled waypoint. The navigation screen looks like the one in the following image when you're not navigating to a waypoint or 20
other destination. No graphic course information is displayed. Your position is shown by an arrow in the center of the screen. Your trail history, or path you've 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

Present position arrow

Compass rose

Trail line

Navigation information data boxes Navigation Page, recording a trail, traveling east. Page looks like this when iFINDER is not navigating to a waypoint , following a route, or backtracking a trail.
When navigating to a waypoint or following a route, the Navigation screen looks like the one shown in the following image. Your ground speed, track, distance and bearing to waypoint, and course are all shown digitally on this screen. The current cross track error is shown in the XTK box. This is 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. It's shown on the navigation page as a vertical dotted line. Lines on either side of the present position show the current cross track error range. The default for the cross track error range is 0.20 mile. For example, if the present position symbol touches the right cross track error line, then you are 0.20 mile to the right of the desired course. You need to steer left to return to the desired course. You can use the ZIN or ZOUT keys to change the cross track error range. A circular symbol depicting your destination (waypoint) appears on the screen as you approach the waypoint as shown on the screen below. 21

Travel Time is the time that it will take to reach your destination at your present closing speed. Arrival Time is the local time that it will be when you arrive at the destination, based upon your present closing speed and track.
Current track or heading, shown in degrees Waypoint symbol Compass bearing to destination Bearing arrow Trail line
Cross track error range (off course indicator)
Destination name Navigation information data boxes
Navigation Page, going to cursor. Driver is headed east (a 68 track) toward a cursor location 68 (bearing) away. The cross track error range (white corridor) is 0.20 miles either side of the course. The driver is headed toward the cursor location, which is 0.17 miles away. The vehicle is virtually on course (off course only 1 foot). Traveling at a speed of 34 mph, the driver will arrive at the waypoint in 18 seconds.
Map Page The map 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 using options in Advanced Mode. See the topic Map Orientation, in Sec. 5.) If you're navigating to a waypoint, the map also shows your starting location, present position, course line and destination. NOTE: When our text says, "navigating to a waypoint," we really mean navigation to any selected item, whether it is a waypoint you made, a map feature or an item (like a restaurant) from the POI database. Using the map is as simple as pressing the PAGES key. A screen similar to those in following images appears. The arrow flashing in the center of the screen is your present position. It points in the direction you're traveling. The solid line extending from the arrow is your plot trail, or path you've taken. (Remember, a flashing question mark on the arrow symbol or flashing text displays means iFINDER has not yet calculated a position.) 22
The map zoom range is the distance across the screen. This number shows in the lower left corner of the screen. In the first example below left, 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.
Far left, Map Page opening screen. Center, zoomed to 100 miles and right, zoomed to 6 miles. Over Zoomed means you have reached the detail limits in an area covered only by the basic background map. Zooming in any closer will reveal no more map details because a highdetail custom map has not been loaded on the MMC for this area.

Find Your Current Position
Finding your current position is as simple as turning iFINDER on. Under clear sky conditions, the unit automatically searches for satellites and calculates its position in approximately one minute or less. NOTE: "Clear sky" means open sky, unobstructed by terrain, dense foliage or structures. Clouds do not restrict GPS signal reception. 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 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 perspective. 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 walking or riding in a vehicle, 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 launches the crosshair map cursor. This allows you to look at map places other than your current position. To clear the cursor, press EXIT, which jumps the map back to the current position or the last known position.
Cursor line Selected airport Cursor line Distance measured by cursor
The selected airport to the northwest is 4.2 miles away.
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 data box at the bottom of the map. Press EXIT to clear the cursor.
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 cross-hair on the desired object. On most items, a pop-up box will give the name of the selected item. You will also notice a black ring surrounds the item as it becomes selected. Once that happens, if you press FIND the Find Menu will pop up with an extra option at the top of the list: SELECTED ITEM. Press ENT to see the Waypoint Information screen for the selected item.

Searching

Now that you've seen how iFINDER can find where you are, let's search for something somewhere else. Searching is one of the most powerful new features in the Lowrance GPS product line. In this example, we'll look for the nearest fast-food restaurant. For more information on different types of searches, refer to Sec. 6, Searching. NOTE: This example requires the Point of Interest (POI) database included with iFINDER Express or a high-detail MapCreate 6 custom map. After iFINDER has acquired a position: 1. Press FIND| to MAP PLACES|ENT| to POI-RESTAURANTS. 2. You could search the entire restaurant category, but in this example we will narrow our search. Press to FAST FOOD CHAINS|ENT|ENT.
Find Map Places Menu, left; Category Selection menu, center; and list of the nearest restaurants, right.
3. iFINDER says it is calculating, then a list of restaurants appears, with the closest at the top of the list, and the farthest at the bottom of the list. The nearest is highlighted. 4. If you wish, you could scroll or here to select another restaurant, but for now
we will just accept the nearest one. Press ENT.
5. The POI's Waypoint Information screen appears. (This is how you can use iFINDER as a business phone directory!) If you wanted to navigate there, you could press Enter, since the Go To command is highlighted. But we just want to see it on the map, so press to FIND ON MAP|ENT.
POI information screen on fast food restaurant nearest this position. Screen shows name, street address, phone number, latitude/longitude, distance to the restaurant and its compass bearing. Figure at left shows Go To command; right figure shows Find On Map command.
6. iFINDER's map appears, with the cross-hair cursor highlighting the restaurant's POI symbol. A pop-up name box identifies the POI. A data box at the bottom of the screen continues to display the location's latitude and longitude, distance and bearing.
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|EXIT|EXIT. (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 iFINDER. 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 Home Waypoint

A waypoint is simply an electronic "address," based on the latitude and longitude of a position on the earth. Easy Mode allows you to save two waypoints (Home and Man Overboard). To save a Home Waypoint: 1. Press and release ENT. 2. The SAVE AS HOME WAYPOINT? menu appears, with YES highlighted. To accept yes, press ENT. The waypoint appears on the map as an X, named "Home."

Pop-up box

Save Home Waypoint menu, left. At right, Home waypoint, with X symbol and name. When selected by the cursor, the pop-up box appears.
The example shows waypoint set at the cursor location. If cursor was not active, the point would be placed at the current position. Caution: Saving a new "Home" waypoint will overwrite and erase the previous "Home" waypoint. Navigate Back Home This command will automatically take you back to the "Home" waypoint you created. 1. Press FIND|ENT; then follow navigation arrows on the Map Page or the compass rose on the Navigation Page. To cancel navigation, press MENU| to CANCEL NAVIGATION|ENT| to YES|ENT. iFINDER stops showing navigation information. 30
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 fresh or salt. It's particularly dangerous at night or if you're out of sight of land. Of course, the first thing to do is remain calm and try all standard safety measures to try and 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 and erase 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. The man overboard position is also stored in the waypoint table for future reference. It can be edited the same as any other waypoint in Advanced Mode. This prevents the inadvertent loss of the current Man Overboard position.
You don't need to have an emergency to use the MOB waypoint. It is the only way you can set an additional waypoint other than "Home" in Easy Mode. When you set the MOB point, just cancel navigation and then use MOB like a regular waypoint. (Remember, you can set 1,000 waypoints in Advanced Mode.) To cancel navigation to MOB, press MENU| to CANCEL NAVIGAto YES|ENT. iFINDER stops showing navigation information.

Simply running the Navigate command will lead you along the trail from its starting point to its ending point forward order. You can also back track a trail, or follow it in reverse order (from its ending point to its starting point.) In Easy Mode, this is done automatically with the most recently created active trail. In Advanced Mode you must first select the Reverse command to reverse the trail point order before you start navigating: press to REVERSE|ENT| to NAVIGATE. 5. To follow the trail, press ENT. The unit begins showing navigation data along the trail. Follow the steering arrow on the Map Page or the compass bearing arrow on the Navigation Page. NOTE: If you are at or near the start of the trail, the arrival alarm will go off as soon as navigation begins because of your proximity to the trail's first point. Just press EXIT to clear the alarm. 6. Upon arrival at your destination, cancel navigation: press MENU|MENU| to CANCEL NAVIGATION|ENT| to YES |ENT. 49
Backtrack a Trail See the "tip" paragraph in the previous entry, Navigate a Trail.

Routes

A route is a series of waypoints, linked together in an ordered sequence, that's used 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. 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 In iFINDER, routes can be created, edited and navigated only in Advanced Mode. You have the option of creating a route in the unit, or on your computer if you have purchased 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 pocket-sized iFINDER. To load a MapCreate route into iFINDER, 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 iFINDER. (See Sec. 2 for instructions on installing MMCs. To load the GPS Data File into iFINDER memory, see the entry on Transferring GPS Data Files between iFINDER and a Computer in this section.)

GPS Simulator

The GPS simulator lets you use the unit as if you were outdoors navigating somewhere. You can set the starting location in latitude/longitude (Starting Position) or from a stored waypoint, map place or POI location (Select Starting Waypoint). You can steer your position on the map by using the arrow keys (STEER W/ ARROWS) or by setting the track and speed in the boxes provided on simulator screen. 68
To get to the GPS Simulator: 1. Press MENU|MENU| to GPS SETUP|ENT. 2. Press to GPS SIMULATOR|ENT.
GPS Setup Menu, left, GPS Simulator Menu, right.
Make the desired settings, then turn the simulator on by highlighting the SIMULATOR ON box and pressing ENT key. Press EXIT to erase this menu. A message appears periodically, reminding you that the simulator is on. To turn the simulator off, repeat the above steps or turn the unit off. While in simulator mode, you can press EXIT to clear the steering and speed boxes from the screen while continuing the simulation. This will allow you to use the map cursor during a simulation. To turn steering and speed boxes back on again, return to the GPS Simulator menu, select the STEER WITH ARROWS command, and press ENT, then press EXIT|EXIT|EXIT 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 POat 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.

SITION

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 (since you're using the Simulator's STEER WITH ARROWS command) to increase speed to the desired setting. 69
4. Press EXIT to turn off the steering and speed boxes. The unit will now automatically "steer" along the trail or route. When you arrive at your "destination," cancel navigation as you normally do.

Map Auto Zoom

This receiver has an auto zoom feature that eliminates much of the button pushing that other brands of GPS receivers force you to make. 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 this feature on, from the MAP PAGE, press MENU| to AUTO ZOOM|ENT. Repeat these steps to turn it off.

Port Services information screens.
4. Depending on the location, the Detailed Services window may have a long list of services under the General Services category. To scroll through the Detailed Services window: from SERVICE CATEGORIES, press to DETAILED SERVICES|ENT, then use or to read the list of available services. To return to the Map Page, press EXIT|EXIT. To return to the top service category window, press ENT|. Tidal Current Information Navionics charts contain Tidal Current information, represented at large zoom ranges by a box icon with the letter "C." The icon stands for a Tidal Current Station location. An example is displayed at right.
When you zoom in to a sufficiently small zoom range (1/2 nautical mile), the icon itself becomes an animated arrow showing tidal current velocity and direction for the selected tidal station at the present time. At 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 selected, a pop-up name box appears. 2. Press FIND|FIND to display the Tidal Current Information screen.
Tidal Current Station icon in animated mode
Left, Navionics chart showing Tidal Current Station icon selected by cursor. Right, the icon animates automatically without selecting it at the 1/2 mile zoom range. The tidal current is flowing toward the northwest at a velocity of 0.8 mph.
Line indicates current status
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). The velocity 77
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 and to highlight month, day or year, then press ENT. 2. Use and to select the desired month, day or year, then press ENT. To clear the information screen, press EXIT. Tide Information Navionics charts contain Tidal Information, represented at large zoom ranges by a box icon with the letter "T." The icon stands for a Tidal Station location. An example is displayed at right. When you zoom in to a sufficiently small zoom range (1/2 nautical mile), the icon itself 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. Examples are displayed in the following figures. To view tide information: 1. Select a Tide Station icon: use the arrow keys to move the cursor over an icon. When it is selected, a pop-up name box appears. 2. After selecting the Tide Station icon, press FIND|FIND to display the Tide Information screen.

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 or introduce a new feature or function. You can find out what software version is running in your iFINDER by using the Software Info command.
Software Info command: left, Easy Mode; center Advanced. At right, the Software Info screen.
The command works the same in both Easy and Advanced Mode, but you access the Software Info command differently in each mode: In Easy Mode, you: 1. Press MENU| to SOFTWARE INFO|ENT. 2. Read the information displayed on the screen. 3. To return to the previous page, press EXIT|EXIT. In Advanced Mode, you: 1. Press MENU|MENU| to SYSTEM SETUP|ENT| to SOFTWARE INFO|ENT. 2. Read the information displayed on the screen. 3. To return to the previous page, press EXIT|EXIT.
Sounds and Alarm Sound Styles
Sounds triggered by key strokes and alarms can be adjusted. The adjustments work the same in both Easy and Advanced Mode, but you access the Sounds command differently in each mode: In Easy Mode, you first press MENU| to SOUNDS|ENT. In Advanced Mode, you first press MENU|MENU| to SOUNDS|ENT. 84
Sounds command: left, Easy Mode; center Advanced. At right, the Sounds menu. Once in the Sounds menu:
To set Key Sounds: With the option highlighted, press ENT to check it (turn on) and uncheck it (turn off). After the option is set, press EXIT|EXIT to return to the page display. To set Alarm Sounds: Press to ALARM SOUNDS. With the option highlighted, press ENT to check it (turn on) and uncheck it (turn off). After the option is set, press EXIT|EXIT to return to the page display.
To set Alarm Style: Press to ALARM STYLE|ENT. Press or to change the style, then press ENT. After the option is set, press EXIT|EXIT to return to the page display.

Track Smoothing

This is a factory setting 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.

Trail Options menu. Specific Trail Options
Delete Trail To delete a specific trail: From the Trails menu, press to trail name|ENT. The Edit Trail menu appears as seen in the following figure. Press to DELETE TRAIL|ENT| to YES|ENT. New Trail To manually start a new trail or delete a trail: From the Trail Options Menu, press to NEW TRAIL|ENT. The trail menu appears as seen below:

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 screen. The Active setting determines whether or not iFINDER is recording new points for a particular trail. On the Edit Trail menu, press or to highlight the section you wish to change, then press ENT. Make your changes, then press EXIT to erase this menu. You can also change the trail line color and pattern. For instructions, see the entries on Edit a Trail Color and Edit a Trail Pattern in Sec. 4, Advanced GPS Operations.

Units of Measure

This menu (shown below) 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 the units: In Easy Mode, you first press MENU| to UNITS OF MEASURE|ENT. In Advanced Mode, SETUP|ENT|ENT. you first press

MENU|MENU|

SYSTEM
At left, Units of Measure command on System Setup menu. At right, Units of Measure Menu.
To set Speed/Distance Unit of Measure: Press ENT. Press or to change the Speed/Distance, then press ENT. After the option is set, press EXIT|EXIT to return to the page display. To set Heading: Press to HEADING|ENT. Press or to change the heading, then press ENT. After the option is set, press EXIT|EXIT to return to the page display. 89
To set Time Format: Press to TIME FORMAT|ENT. Press or to change the time format, then press ENT. After the option is set, press EXIT|EXIT to return to the page display. To set Date Format: Press to DATE FORMAT|ENT. Press or to change the date format, then press ENT. After the option is set, press EXIT|EXIT to return to the page display.

Section 6: Searching

NOTE: The background map loaded in your unit lets you 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, addresses 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 the discussion beginning on page 24. Whether you are in Easy Mode or Advanced Mode, iFINDER's search functions all begin with the FIND key, and the search menus work the same in each mode. However, the Go Home command works only in Easy Mode and the Find Waypoints command works only in Advanced Mode. (You can still find a "Home" waypoint in Advanced mode you just search for it using the Find Waypoints command.)