How Your 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 underwater basics. Sonar is an abbreviation for SOund NAvigation and Ranging, a technology developed during World War II for tracking enemy submarines. 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. 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 sonar unit can record a log of the sonar signals that scroll across the screen and save them in its memory. (These recordings are also called sonar charts or sonar graphs.) 5
You can replay this sonar log in the unit using the Sonar Simulator function. You can save several different sonar log files, erase 'em and record new ones, over and over again.

How Your GPS Works

You'll navigate faster and easier if you understand how this 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 on 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 this unit easy to use, so you don't need to be a computer expert to find your way!) The unit 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 GPS plotter, as well as point the way to your destination. This unit uses an internal 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 it figures its latitude and longitude, the unit plots that position on the GPS screen. The whole process takes place several times a second! 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, and retrace your path. 6

Transducer Installation

These instructions will help you install your Skimmer transducer on a transom, on a trolling motor or inside a hull. Please read all instructions before proceeding with any installation.
Your Skimmer transducer typically comes packaged with a one-piece stainless steel bracket for mounting it to the transom of your boat. The optional trolling motor mount uses a one-piece plastic bracket with an adjustable strap. These are "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. Read these instructions carefully before attempting the installation. Determine which of the installation methods is right for your boat. Remember, the transducer location and installation is the most critical part of a sonar installation. Recommended Tools and supplies If you prefer the option of routing the cable through the transom, you will need a 5/8" drill bit. NOTE: The following installation types also call for these recommended tools and required supplies that you must provide (supplies listed here are not included):

Transom installation

Tools include: two adjustable wrenches, drill, #29 (0.136") drill bit, flathead screwdriver. Supplies: high quality, marine grade above- or belowwaterline sealant/adhesive compound.
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 14
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 as random lines or dots when 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 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.

Align the bracket over the cable hole with the cable slots facing away from you and fit the cable through one of the slots. Fasten the bracket to the dash using the three screw holes.

Ratchet

Rear (away from viewer) Screw hole

Power/transducer cable

Cable slot
Cuda 250 quick release mounting bracket. Slots in the base allow routing the cable from beneath the mount.
Attach the unit to the bracket by first connecting the power/transducer cable. Then, hold the sonar unit vertically and slide it onto the bracket from above. (The back of the unit should be touching the front of the bracket as you lower it into position.) As you push down, the unit will lock into place with a distinct click. To adjust the viewing angle, pinch the ratchets with one hand, then tilt the unit with your other hand. Release the ratchets and the unit locks into the new position. To dismount the unit for storage, press the ratchets and lift the unit off the bracket.

Bracket front

Mount the sonar: slide the unit onto the bracket from above.
Depress ratchets to release. Swivel base Adjust viewing angle: use one hand to press and release the springloaded ratchets while you move the unit with the other hand. An optional GBSA-3 swivel base is shown with the quick release bracket.
Portable Sonar Installation Like many Eagle products, the Cuda 250 sonar is capable of portable operation. It uses the optional PPP-12 portable power pack. The power pack and portable transducers expand the uses for your sonar. You can use your Cuda 250 sonar unit on your boat or take it to the dock, on a float tube, on an ice fishing trip or use it as a second sonar in a friend's boat. (An alternative to the PPP-12 is the PPP-15 portable power pack, which was designed especially for ice fishing. It includes a rechargeable gel cell battery and a transducer designed for stationary use. The entire rig is contained in a carry bag that fits inside a fivegallon plastic bucket.) The PPP-12 package includes the power pack, battery adapter and a portable transducer. The transducer can be stored inside the power pack. The PPP-12 requires eight AA alkaline batteries. Batteries are not included. To use a portable power pack, you install the batteries and then attach the sonar unit to the power pack's bracket. Plug in the power/transducer cable and you're ready to fish. The PPP-12 has a quick-release mounting bracket built into the case. Installing the Batteries Release the latch on the front of the power pack case. Open the compartment and install eight AA batteries into the adapter. For the longest life, we recommend you use alkaline batteries. NOTE: When the unit is not in use, we recommend you unplug the power connector to reduce the possibility of corrosion or battery drain. When you store the unit, always remove the batteries because dead batteries can leak and corrode the contacts. After installing the batteries, plug the cable's power connector into the socket on the battery compartment cover. Route the cable's unit connec38

In FasTrack, fish arches show as horizontal bars. Fish arches around school of bait fish Zoom bar

Structure

Bottom signal Sonar Page, showing full sonar chart mode.

FasTrack bar graph

Full sonar chart (left); split zoom (center); Digital data (right).
You can customize how the Sonar Page pictures and other data are displayed in many ways. We will discuss all of those features and options in the Advanced Sonar Operation section, but to show you how easy the sonar unit is to operate, the following page contains a simplified, 10step 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.

Sonar Quick Reference

1. Mount the transducer and unit. Connect the unit to electric power and the transducer. 2. Launch your boat. 3. To turn on the unit, press and release PWR key. 4. Head for your fishing area. Your unit automatically displays digital depth and surface water temperature in the corner of the screen. 5. As you watch the sonar returns, 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. 6. If necessary, adjust sensitivity to improve chart readability. Press
MENU|ENT and the Sensitivity Menu will appear on the left of your
screen. Use and to change the setting. 7. Watch the display for the appearance of fish arches. When you see arches, you have found fish! 8. Gauge the fish depth by visually comparing the fish arches with the depth scale on the right side of the screen or get a more accurate measure with the Depth Cursor. Press MENU| to DEPTH CURSOR|ENT. Press to align the cursor line with the fish arch. The depth appears in a box at the right end of the cursor line. To clear the cursor, press EXIT. 9. If you are drifting at a very low speed or anchored, you are not moving fast enough for the unit to return a 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. 10. 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 it. As you are 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. There are times when too much clutter appears on the screen. Decreasing sensitivity will 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.

Sonar Alarms menu with Fish Alarm selected. The check box to the left is checked, indicating the alarm is turned on. To turn the fish alarm on:
1. Press MENU|MENU||ALARMS|ENT. 2. Press to SONAR ALARMS|ENT. 3. Press FISH ALARM ENABLED and press ENT to turn on (check) the alarm. Press Exit repeatedly to get back to the main page display.

Chart Speed

The rate that echoes scroll across the screen is called the chart speed. Maximum is the default. We recommend you leave the chart speed at the default setting for most all fishing conditions. You, however, might consider experimenting with chart speed when you are stationary or 61
drifting very slowly. You may achieve better fish signals when you decrease the chart speed until it matches your speed across the water. 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 a 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 is set at the desired level, press EXIT.

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 command selected (left). Sonar chart with the depth cursor active (right). The line indicates the large fish is 40.53 feet deep.
The cursor can be moved to any location on the screen, allowing you to pinpoint the depth of a target. 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. Depending upon the bottom depth and current range, you can change the range to a different depth. 1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU| to DEPTH RANGE|ENT.

Sonar Simulator
This unit has a built-in simulator that will allow you to practice as though you were on the water. All sonar features and functions will be useable during a simulation. When in simulator mode, you will see [Simulator Mode] in the Sonar Page title bar. To use the simulator: 1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU|MENU| to SONAR SETUP|ENT. 2. Select SONAR SIMULATOR ON and press ENT. If you want to simulate your position, highlight SIMULATE POSITION and press ENT, which will turn on the GPS Simulator. 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 will play. 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, 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. Press MENU| to STOP CHART|ENT|EXIT. To turn the sonar on again, repeat the step above.
Sonar Menu with Stop Chart selected. The box is unchecked, indicating the chart is scrolling across the screen.

Surface Clarity

The onscreen marks scattered at the top of the sonar chart are known as surface clutter. They 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 four levels of surface clarity available: off, low, medium or high. The default level is off. To adjust the Surface Clarity level: 1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU| to SONAR FEATURES|ENT|ENT. 2. Press to select clarity level, then press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the main page display.
Sonar Features menu with Surface Clarity selected.

Zoom & Zoom Bar

The Zoom in key is used to enlarge small detail, fish signals and the bottom with its associated structure. The 2X zoom doubles the size of all echoes on the screen. The 4X zoom quadruples the size of the echoes. You can also turn on a zoom bar on the far right side of the screen. This shows which echoes will be displayed on the screen when the Zoom commands are used. For example, turning on the 2X zoom will show all echoes that are between the top and bottom of the 2X zoom bar. The 4X zoom will show only the echoes between the top and bottom of the 4X zoom bar. To switch the zoom: 1. Press ZIN to increase the zoom display to 2X. Press ZIN again for a 4X zoom. 2. Press ZOUT to reduce the zoom and show more of the chart. To turn on the Zoom Bar: 1. Press MENU| to SONAR FEATURES|ENT. 2. The Sonar Features menu appears. Press to ZOOM BAR|ENT|EXIT|EXIT. 3. To turn off the Zoom Bar, repeat steps 1 and 2. 81

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. 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 85
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 certain 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 for the best mounting position.

Create Waypoint on Map

1. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor 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, such as "waypoint 001." The waypoint symbol and number appear on the map.
Create Waypoint by Entering a Position
1. Press WPT, then use to select NEW as the Subcategory|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. 4. Press to LONGITUDE|ENT. Enter the longitude by pressing or to change the first character, then press to the next character and repeat until the longitude is correct. Press ENT, then EXIT|EXIT to return to the previous page display. The waypoint is saved and automatically given a name with a sequential number, such as "waypoint 001." The waypoint symbol and number appear on the map and in the waypoint list.

Navigate To a Waypoint

You can select any waypoint visible on the Map Page with the cursor, then use the Navigate to Cursor command. You, however, 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 ENT or to look by name press | ENT. For this example, 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. Press 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. 104
3. If the list is short, you can jump directly to the FIND IN LIST box by pressing ENT. Use 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.
Find by Name highlighted (left). Find By Name menu (center). Waypoint information screen (right).

Set Man Overboard (MOB) Waypoint
One of boating's most terrifying events is having a friend or family member fall overboard. It is particularly dangerous at night or if there is no land in sight.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 automati105
cally 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 (left), Navigation Page (center), and Map Page (right). The victim is astern of the vessel. The GPS shows which direction to steer to 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. 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. 1. Use the cursor 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 crosshairs over the location to select it. See the example in the following figure. Many map items such as waypoints, marine NavAids, towns, etc. can be selected and appear highlighted with a 106
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.
In this example, the cursor is centered on Oologah, Oklahoma.
3. Press MENU|ENT to 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 30-mile zoom figure (left) clearly shows the dotted course line connecting your current position to your destination. The 30-mile zoom (center) shows both current position and direction to destination on screen. The Navigation Page (right) will also show navigation information.

Cursor selects icon location (left); Select Icon Symbol menu (center); Boat Ramp icon on map (right). (Cursor has been moved for clarity.)
Create Icon at Current Position 1. While you are traveling, press ENT and the screen shows the Select Icon Symbol menu. 2. Use or or or 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, all icons represented by a particular symbol or use the cursor to delete a selected icon from the map. 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. Use or or or to select an icon to delete, then press ENT. A message will appear letting you know 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 will disappear from the map. Navigate to an Icon Use the Navigate to Cursor command and the cursor to select the desired icon on the map. 1. Center cursor crosshairs 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. 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 gives users 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 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 the cursor and Enter key. In this example, we create a route from the map. 1. From the NAVIGATION PAGE, press MENU|ENT or from the MAP PAGE, press MENU|MENU| to ROUTE PLANNING|ENT.

Route Planning command on Main Menu (left) will open the Route List screen (right).
2. To add to an existing route, use to route name|ENT. Press to (ROUTE END)|ENT| to ADD FROM MAP|ENT. The Map Page appears with the cursor showing. (If you wanted to create a new route, highlight NEW ROUTE at the top of the Route list window and press ENT.)
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.) 4. Set the first route waypoint and press ENT. In this example, we started our route at the entrance of the cove where our boat was docked to a promising fishing spot next to an oil platform.
Route creation sequence, from left: Fig. 1. Set route waypoint (1) at the cove entrance. Fig. 2. Move cursor northeast to set point (2) at channel entrance. Fig. 3. With point (2) set, move cursor southeast to mark channel exit 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. 4. 5. 6.
Route creation sequence, continued: Fig. 4. Point (3) set at channel mouth. Fig. 5. Fourth waypoint set further south along the beach, at a recognizable landmark (Bob Hall Pier). Waypoint PLFM Q W ends the route at an oil platform some distance from the shore. 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 Cuda reverts to the Edit Route screen, with the route automatically named Route 1 and stored in the unit's internal memory. You can edit the route and run other commands, but if you are finished with the route for now, return to the main page display by pressing 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 DELETE ROUTE|ENT| to YES|ENT.

Repeat these steps to change other data boxes. If do not want to change any other data boxes, press EXIT. Customize Map or Navigation Page While on the Map or Navigation pages, press MENU| to CUSTOMIZE|ENT. Use to select a data option you would like to see on the page. With the data option highlighted, press ENT to check or uncheck the box next to it. When you are satisfied with the options you selected, press EXIT to return to the main page display. Digital Data boxes at the bottom of the screen display the customized data.

GPS Simulator

The GPS simulator lets you simulate outdoor navigation. It is a great way to practice using your unit. You can set the starting location by entering latitude/longitude or from a stored waypoint or map place location. You can navigate and change speed on the map by using the arrow keys STEER WITH ARROWS or by setting the track and speed in the dialog boxes on the simulator menu screen. To get to the GPS Simulator: 1. Press MENU|MENU| to GPS SETUP|ENT. 2. Press to GPS SIMULATOR|ENT. The GPS Simulator Menu appears.
GPS Setup Menu (left) with GPS Simulator menu (right).
Input the desired settings, then turn on the simulator by highlighting the SIMULATOR ON box and pressing ENT. Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the main page display. A message will appear periodically, warning you the simulator is on. To turn the simulator off, repeat the steps above or turn off the unit. To use the STEER WITH ARROWS option, highlight STEER WITH ARROWS on the GPS simulator menu and press ENT. You will be directed to the map page display. Press EXIT to turn off the option without affecting the simulation. 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 POSITION at 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. 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. When you arrive at your destination, cancel navigation as you normally do.
You can pick any spot on the map to begin your simulation by using the Initialize GPS command. 139

Initialize GPS

In simulator mode, this command allows the unit to operate as if you are somewhere other than your current location. You could be located in Kansas City, but practice navigating in the ocean off Islamorada, Florida. 1. Press MENU|MENU| to GPS SETUP|ENT|ENT. 2. A message appears, telling you to move the cursor near the desired location and press ENT. When the message automatically clears, follow the 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 its last known position until it actually locks on to a satellite or until you initialize the GPS in another location.

Visit our web site:

Eagle Pub. 988-0152-101 Printed in USA 113005
Copyright 2005 All Rights Reserved LEI-Eagle

Pub. 988-0152-082

Addendum I
Additional Instructions for
Cuda 250 & Cuda 250i S/Map
The Cuda 250 contains a communications port for NMEA 0183 output. The instructions for connecting data cables and setting up the communications port appear in this addendum.
NMEA 0183 Data Cable Connections
NMEA is a standard communications format for marine electronic equipment. The Cuda 250 can send information to any device that receives NMEA 0183 data. 1
This allows the unit to work with VHF marine radios equipped with the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) distress call feature. To send NMEA 0183 data, the Cuda 250 has one NMEA 0183 version 2.0 communication port. The com port can be used to send NMEA formatted data such as your current position. The provided Cuda 250 data cable plugs into the accessory socket on the right side of the back of your unit's case. The data cable ends in two wires that connect to your VHF radio or other NMEA device. The Cuda 250 uses the yellow wire to transmit and the black shield wire for signal ground. NOTE: Some VHF radios, such as the popular Uniden brand, have input levels which require use of an additional diode and resistor built into the Cuda 250 data cable. This is Wiring Diagram A, which is described on page 2. The majority of the DSC radios will work with the resistor and diode as provided by Eagle. A few other radio brands (and other electronic devices) that meet the NMEA 0183 standard won't need these adapters and you will have to remove the resistor and diode to make those work. This is Wiring Diagram B, which is described on page 4. Consult your other device's owners manual, then read through all of the following instructions before you begin. Use the installation diagram most suited to your brand of radio or other device. If your device manual indicates an RS-232 connection (i.e., a computer), remove the resistor and diode and connect using Wiring Diagram B. Most other connection types (TTL; NMEA + and NMEA ; differential) will require Wiring Diagram A.
Recommended Tools and supplies
Recommended tools for this job include: wire pliers or wire stripper and a wire cutter. Required supplies for this job include: two gray (18 gauge) or blue (16 gauge) wire nuts and electrical tape. Supplies are not included.
Wiring Diagram "A"
Begin by stripping the wire ends of the device you're connecting to the Cuda 250. (You'll notice the Cuda 250 data cable comes pre-stripped, with wire ends exposed.) Use a pair of wire pliers to strip about 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) of insulation from each of the radio's or other device's data wires.
Strip the ends of the VHF radio's data wires. Connect them to the prestripped wires of the Cuda 250 data cable (shown right).
Twist the exposed wires together as shown in the following figures. If you're using a Uniden or similar radio, connect the radio's NMEA Wire to the Cuda 250 data cable's yellow wire, and the radio's Ground/Shield wire to the Cuda 250 data cable's black shield wire. If you're using another radio brand or NMEA device, see Wiring Diagram B instructions on page 4.
Yellow (Transmit) Com port to Cuda 250 Shield (Ground) NMEA Wire (Receive) or NMEA + Ground/Shield or NMEA To Uniden radio or other device
Com port wiring to transmit NMEA information to a Uniden or similar VHF radio or other device.
Twist the appropriate wires together, making sure that the exposed ends make good contact. Secure the wire ends with wire nuts, then wrap each wire nut securely with electrical tape to protect against moisture, as shown in the figure on the right.
After taping the wire ends individually, wrap the entire connection with electrical tape as shown. This will help protect from moisture and prevent the wires from breaking contact. Wiring Diagram "B"
If your VHF radio or other device requires true RS-232, you will need to remove the diode and resistor built into the end of the Cuda 250 data cable. You will notice near the end of the cable a segment protected with black heat-shrink. To connect the Cuda 250 to a true RS-232 radio, first remove the Uniden adapter segment of the cable as shown in the following figures. 4
For Wiring Diagram B installations, remove the Uniden adapter segment at the end of your data cable as shown at left. Snip off the end of the cable protected by the black heat-shrink. At right, we have used clear heat-shrink for clarity, so you can see the diode and resistor protected within. Remove this portion of the cable.
After you have removed the adapter segment, use wire pliers to expose the ends of the five remaining wires in the cable. Cut off the black, blue and white wires, then seal their ends with electrical tape.
Black Blue White Cut black, blue and white.

Bare wire (shield)

Yellow (transmit)
After removing the adapter segment, prepare to connect by removing and taping off unneeded wires. Strip the end of the yellow wire.

Strip about 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) of insulation from the yellow wire, then follow the preceding wire nut and taping instructions to connect the wires from the radio or other device. 5
If you are using a true RS-232 radio or other device, connect its (+) Receive wire to the Cuda 250 data cable's yellow wire and its ground or () Receive wire to the Cuda 250 data cable's bare shield wire.
Yellow (Transmit) Com port to Cuda 250 Shield (Ground) (+) Receive or Receive To another () Receive or ground NMEA device
Com port wiring to transmit NMEA information to another standard NMEA-compatible device.
When the data cable is connected to your VHF radio, all you have to do is plug it into the sonar/GPS unit. Attach the data cable's plug to the accessory socket on the right side of the back of your unit's case.
Communications Port Activation
Now that you have your devices connected, here's how to make them communicate. This unit can connect to either an accessory such as a speed or temperature sensor or a NMEA 0183 data cable. In order to use the Communications Port for NMEA data, you first need to activate NMEA 0183 Output. Press MENU|MENU| to ENABLE NMEA 183 OUTPUT|ENT| to YES|ENT.
Enable NMEA command on the unit's Main Menu
Communications Port Configuration
Once NMEA 0183 Output has been enabled from the Main Menu, the Com Port command appears in the System Setup Menu. It allows you to configure the communications port.
Menus for changing Com Port settings.
If you need additional assistance in configuring the unit to communicate with another device, consult the factory. Customer service phone numbers are in the back of the unit's manual. To set Com Port Configuration: 1. Press MENU|MENU| to SYSTEM SETUP|ENT. 2. Press to COM PORT|ENT. A menu appears with a drop-down Baud Rate selection box highlighted. The menu also contains an on/off checkbox to activate NMEA Input, NMEA Output, NMEA GPS Input and a button that allows you to Configure NMEA.

To set Baud Rate:

With the Baud Rate box selected (the title bar should be highlighted in black, as in the middle figure above), press ENT. A drop-down list appears, showing available baud rates. Select the one that matches the baud rate on your VHF radio and press ENT. 7

To activate NMEA Output:

From the Communication Ports menu, press to highlight NMEA Input. Press ENT to turn on (check) or turn off (uncheck) the NMEA Input checkbox.
From the Communication Ports menu, press to highlight NMEA Output. Press ENT to turn on (check) or turn off (uncheck) the NMEA Output checkbox.

To activate NMEA GPS Input:
From the Communication Ports menu, press to highlight NMEA GPS Input. Press ENT to turn on (check) or turn off (uncheck) the NMEA GPS Input checkbox. To return to the main page display, press EXIT repeatedly.

Configure NMEA

You can configure the unit to use specific NMEA sentences. (The default setting has all NMEA sentences turned on.) From the Communication Ports menu, press to CONFIGURE NMEA|ENT.
NMEA Sentences selection menu.
A menu appears showing the prefixes of the available NMEA sentences. A "X" in the checkbox next to a prefix means the prefix is turned on. 8
Use to highlight a prefix, then press ENT to turn it on (check) or turn it off (uncheck). NOTE: The names of the NMEA sentences are abbreviated in this menu. These are the functions of the various selectable prefixes: GLL transmits latitude and longitude of present position, time of position fix, and status. GGA transmits time, position and fix related data. APB transmits autopilot information. RMC and RMB transmits navigation information messages. GSA and GSV transmits fix mode, DOP values and satellites in view information. DBT transmits the depth below the transducer. DPT transmits the depth MTW transmits the water temperature.
4. When the desired prefixes are checked or unchecked, press EXIT repeatedly to return to the main page display.
Compatibility with Various VHF Radios
The Digital Selective Calling (DSC) feature in marine radios is relatively new technology. The U.S. Coast Guard implemented its first DSC-capable systems in Atlantic City, N.J. and Chincoteague, VA in September, 2003. The entire U.S. DSC rescue system will not be operational until Sept. 30, 2006. As more marine electronics manufacturers enter this growing market, other connectivity issues with your unit may appear. You can check for known compatibility issues by visiting our web site, www.eaglesonar.com. Look in the Manuals section for updated documents for your sonar/GPS unit.
This addendum is for the Cuda 250 S/Map manual, part 988-0152-0101.
Pub. 988-0152-082 Printed in USA 113005
Copyright 2005 All Rights Reserved LEI-Eagle, Inc.