Pub. 988-0143-731 www.eaglesonar.com
FishElite 480 and SeaCharter 480DF
Fish-finding Sonars & Mapping GPS
Installation and Operation Instructions
Copyright 2003 Eagle Electronics All rights reserved. Eagle is a registered trademark of Eagle Electronics
Points of Interest Data in this unit are by infoUSA, copyright 2001-2003, All Rights Reserved. infoUSA is a trademark of infoUSA, Inc.
eXitSource Database, copyright 2001-2003 Zenrin Co. Ltd. Exit Authority and eXitSource are trademarks of Zenrin Co. Ltd.
Eagle Electronics may find it necessary to change or end our policies, regulations, and special offers at any time. We reserve the right to do so without notice. All features and specifications subject to change without notice. All screens in this manual are simulated. On the cover: SeaCharter 480DF shown. Other models covered in the manual are similar.
For free owner's manuals and other information, visit our web site:

www.eaglesonar.com

Eagle Electronics P.O. Box 669 Catoosa, OK USA 74015 Printed in USA.

Table of Contents

Sec. 1: Read Me First!... 1 Capabilities and Specifications.. 3 How Eagle Sonar Works... 5 How Eagle GPS Works... 6 Introduction to GPS and WAAS... 8 How to Use this Manual: Typographical Conventions. 10 Sec. 2: Installation & Accessories.. 13 Preparations... 13 Transducer Installation.. 13 Recommended Tools and Supplies... 14 Selecting a Transducer Location.. 14 How Low Should You Go?.. 16 Shoot-Thru-Hull vs. Transom Mounting. 16 Transom Transducer Assembly and Mounting. 17 Trolling Motor Bracket Installation (Single-frequency only) 23 Transducer Orientation and Fish Arches.. 24 Shoot-Thru-Hull Preparation.. 24 Hulls with Floatation Materials.. 24 Testing Determines Best Location... 25 Shoot-Thru-Hull Installation.. 27 Speed/Temperature Sensors.. 28 FishElite 480 Sensor Chart.. 29 SeaCharter 480DF Sensor Chart.. 30 Optional Speed Sensor Installation.. 30 GPS Antenna/Receiver Module.. 32 Power Connections... 33 NMEA/DGPS Cable Connections (SeaCharter 480DF only). 34 NMEA/DGPS Wiring (SeaCharter 480DF only).. 35 Mounting the Unit: Bracket, in-Dash or Portable.. 37 MMC or SD Card Memory Card Installation.. 40 Other Accessories.. 41 Sec. 3: Basic Sonar Operation.. 43 Keyboard... 43 Power/Lights (Turn Unit On and Off).. 44 Main Menu.... 44 Pages... 46 Satellite Status Page.. 46 Navigation Page... 47 Map Page... 47 Sonar Page... 48 Basic Sonar Quick Reference.. 51 Sonar Operations.. 52 i
Fish Symbols vs. Full Sonar Chart.. 54 Other Free Training Aids.. 55 Sec. 4: Sonar Options & Other Features.. 57 ASP (Advanced Signal Processing)... 57 Alarms.... 58 Depth Alarms... 58 Zone Alarm... 59 Fish Alarm... 60 Calibrate Speed... 60 Chart Speed... 61 Depth Cursor... 62 Depth Range - Automatic... 62 Depth Range - Manual... 63 Turn Auto Depth Range on Again.. 63 FasTrack.... 63 Fish I.D. (Fish Symbols & Depths)... 64 FishTrack... 66 FishReveal... 66 Frequency (Change Transducer Frequency).. 68 Grayline... 69 HyperScroll... 71 Log Sonar Chart Data... 71 Noise Rejection... 71 Overlay Data... 72 Select Data for Display:... 72 Turn Off Displayed Data:.. 72 Change Displayed Data Font Size:.. 73 Ping Speed & HyperScroll.. 74 Reset Options... 75 Reset Water Distance... 76 Set Keel Offset... 76 Sensitivity & Auto Sensitivity.. 77 Sonar Color Mode.. 79 Sonar Page & Sonar Chart Display Options.. 79 Full Sonar Chart... 79 Split Zoom Sonar Chart... 80 Split Frequency Sonar Chart (SeaCharter 480DF only). 81 Digital Data/Chart... 82 Customizing the Digital Data/Chart Screen.. 82 Map with Sonar Split Screen.. 83 Sonar Simulator... 84 Stop Chart... 86 Surface Clarity... 87 ii
Zoom & Zoom Bar... 88 Zoom Pan... 88 Sec. 5: Sonar Troubleshooting... 89 Sec. 6: Basic GPS Operations.. 93 Keyboard... 93 Power/Lights (Turn Unit On and Off).. 94 Main Menu.... 94 Pages... 96 Sonar Page... 96 Satellite Status Page.. 96 Navigation Page... 98 Map Page... 100 Background Map vs. MapCreate Map Content.. 102 Basic GPS Quick Reference.. 105 Find your Current Position.. 106 Moving around the Map: Zoom & Cursor Arrow Keys. 106 Selecting any Map Item with the Cursor.. 107 Searching... 107 Set a Waypoint... 109 Create Waypoint at Current Position.. 110 Create Waypoint on Map.. 111 Create Waypoint by Entering a Position.. 111 Navigate to a Waypoint.. 111 Set Man Overboard (MOB) Waypoint.. 112 Navigate Back to MOB Waypoint.. 112 Navigate to Cursor Position on Map.. 113 Navigate to a Point of Interest.. 114 Creating and Saving a Trail... 114 Displaying a Saved Trail... 116 Navigating Trails... 117 Visual Trailing... 117 Navigate a Trail (Forward)... 117 Navigate a Back Trail (Backtrack, or Reverse). 119 Transfer Custom Maps and GPS Data Files.. 120 Cancel Navigation... 122 Sec. 7: Advanced GPS Operations.. 123 Find Distance from Current Position to Another Location. 123 Find Distance from Point to Point.. 123 Icons... 124 Create Icon on Map... 124 Create Icon at Current Position.. 124 Delete an Icon... 124 Navigate to an Icon... 125 iii

However, there are some fringe areas of the U.S., including parts of Alaska, that do not yet receive robust WAAS coverage. Continued WAAS development is planned to extend WAAS coverage in the years to come. WAAS boosts the accuracy of land GPS navigation, but the system is designed for aircraft. The satellites are in a fixed orbit around the Equator, so they appear very low in the sky to someone on the ground in North America. Aircraft and vessels on open water can get consistently good WAAS reception, but terrain, foliage or even large man-made structures can sometimes block the WAAS signal from ground receivers. You'll find that using your GPS receiver is both easy and amazingly accurate. Its easily the most accurate method of electronic navigation available to the general public today. Remember, however, that this receiver is only a tool. Always have another method of navigation available, such as a map or chart and a compass. Also remember that this unit will always show navigation information in the shortest line from your present position to a waypoint, regardless of terrain! It only calculates position, it cant know whats between you and your destination, for example. Its up to you to safely navigate around obstacles, no matter how youre using this product.
How to use this manual: typographical conventions
Many instructions are listed as numbered steps. The keypad and arrow "keystrokes" appear as boldface type. So, if you're in a real hurry (or just need a reminder), you can skim the instructions and pick out what menu command to use by finding the boldface command text. The following paragraphs explain how to interpret the text formatting for those commands and other instructions: Arrow Keys The arrow keys control the movement of dotted cross-hair lines on your mapping screen called the cursor. The arrow keys also control a horizontal line depth cursor on the sonar screen. The arrow keys help you move around the menus so you can execute different commands. They are represented by symbols like these, which denote the down arrow key, the up arrow, the left arrow and the right arrow: . Keyboard The other keys perform a variety of functions. When the text refers to a key to press, the key is shown in bold, sans serif type. For example, the "Enter/Icons" key is shown as ENT and the "Menu" key is shown as MENU. 10
Menu Commands A menu command or a menu option will appear in small capital letters, in a bold sans serif type like this: ROUTE PLANNING. These indicate that you are to select this command or option from a menu or take an action of some kind with the menu item. Text that you may need to enter or file names you need to select are show in italic type, such as trail name. Instructions = Menu Sequences Most functions you perform with this unit are described as a sequence of key strokes and selecting menu commands. We've written them in a condensed manner for quick and easy reading. For example, instructions for navigating a trail would look like this: 1. From the Map Page, press MENU|MENU| to MY TRAILS|ENT. 2. Press to Trail 1|ENT|| to NAVIGATE|ENT. 3. You are asked to wait while it converts the trail into a route. 4. The wait message disappears and the unit begins showing navigation information along the trail. Now, begin moving and follow your unit. Translated into complete English, step 1 above would mean: "Start on the Map Page. Press the Menu key twice. Next, repeatedly press (or press and hold) the down arrow key to scroll down the menu and select (highlight) the My Trails menu command. Finally, press the Enter key." Step 2 would mean: "Press the down arrow key repeatedly to scroll to the trail named Trail 1, and press Enter. Next, press the right arrow key and then the down arrow key to highlight the Navigate command, then press Enter."

Lock washer Nut

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

Nut Metal washer

Rubber washers

Metal washer Bolt

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

Transom Transom

Position transducer mount on transom and mark mounting holes. Side view shown at left and seen from above at right.
5. Attaching transducer to transom. A. One-piece bracket: Remove the transducer from the bracket and re-assemble it with the cable passing through the bracket over the bolt as shown in the following figures.
For single-frequency Skimmer, route cable over bolt and through bracket. Side view shown at left and seen from above at right.
Both bracket types: Attach the transducer to the transom. Slide the transducer up or down until it's aligned properly with the bottom of the hull as shown in the preceding and following figures. Tighten the bracket's mounting screws, sealing them with the sealant. Adjust the transducer so that it's parallel to the ground and tighten the nut until it touches the outer washer, then add 1/4 turn. Don't over tighten the lock nut! If you do, the transducer won't "kick-up" if it strikes an object in the water.

Bottom of hull

Flat-bottom hull
Deep-"vee" hull
Align transducer centerline with hull bottom and attach transducer to transom. Rear view of dual-frequency Skimmer shown.
6. Route the transducer cable through or over the transom to the sonar unit. Make sure to leave some slack in the cable at the transducer. If possible, route the transducer cable away from other wiring on the boat. Electrical noise from the engine's wiring, bilge pumps, VHF radio wires and cables, and aerators can be picked up by the sonar. Use caution when routing the transducer cable around these wires. WARNING: Clamp the transducer cable to the transom close to the transducer. This can prevent the transducer from entering the boat if it is knocked off at high speed. If you need to drill a hole in the transom to pass the connector through, the required hole size will depend on the connector on the end of your transducer's cable. If the transducer has a manual locking collar connector, you will need to drill a 1" hole. If it has a push-on self-sealing connector, you will need to drill a 5/8" hole.

For the ultimate training aid, be sure to download the free emulator software for your unit. Aside from being just plain fun, this program can help you learn both basic and advanced operations without burning boat fuel! Eagle is one of the first sonar manufacturers to provide this type of training tool for customers. This PC application simulates the actual sonar/GPS unit on your computer. You can run it from your computer keyboard or use your mouse to press the virtual keys. Easy download and installation instructions are available on our web site.
Free training emulator is available for your unit on our web site.
The emulator works exactly like your real sonar/GPS unit. Using the Sonar Simulator and GPS Simulator features, it allows you to play back sonar logs, run GPS routes and trails, even create real waypoints you can use in the field! You can even take snapshots of the Sonar Chart and print them or e-mail them to friends.
Section 4: Sonar Options & Other Features
Material in this section is arranged in alphabetical order. ASP (Advanced Signal Processing) The ASP feature is a noise rejection system built into the sonar unit that constantly evaluates the effects of boat speed, water conditions and interference. This automatic feature gives you the best display possible under most conditions. The ASP feature is an effective tool in combating noise. In sonar terms, noise is any undesired signal. It is caused by electrical and mechanical sources such as bilge pumps, engine ignition systems and wiring, air bubbles passing over the face of the transducer, even vibration from the engine. In all cases, noise can produce unwanted marks on the display. The ASP feature has four settings Off, Low, Medium and High. If you have high noise levels, try using the "High" ASP setting. However, if you are having trouble with noise, we suggest that you take steps to find the interference source and fix it, rather than continually using the unit with the high ASP setting. There are times when you may want to turn the ASP feature off. This allows you to view all incoming echoes before they are processed by the ASP feature.
At left, Sonar Menu with Sonar Features selected. In the Sonar Features menu, Noise Rejection is selected with ASP in the default low setting (center, dual-frequency menu; at right, single-frequency menu).
To change the ASP level: 1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU| to SONAR FEATURES|ENT. 2. Press to NOISE REJECTION|ENT. 3. Press or to select a setting, then press ENT. 4. To return to the previous page, press EXIT|EXIT. 57

Sonar Color Mode command with FishReveal selected (at left, dual-frequency menu; at right, single-frequency menu).
To turn FishReveal on: 1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU| to SONAR FEATURES|ENT. 2. Press |then press to SONAR CHART MODE|ENT| to FISHREVEAL|ENT. 3. Press EXIT| to AUTO SENSITIVITY|ENT| to SENSITIVITY|ENT. 4. Press until the Sensitivity Control Bar reads 100% (or close to it), then press EXIT. (If you reach the maximum limit, a tone sounds.)
Fish not visible Fish arch Visible fish
Fish arches Sonar chart in regular grayscale mode, left, and in FishReveal mode, right. Notice how shallow fish formerly hidden in the surface clutter become visible in FishReveal mode.
NOTE: Water conditions vary greatly, and that affects sonar performance. Under certain conditions, FishReveal will show you more fish than normal grayscale mode, but the reverse will be true in other circumstances. We suggest you become familiar with both modes so you can best match your sonar's performance to the current water conditions.
Frequency (Change Transducer Frequency) (SeaCharter 480DF only)
The SeaCharter 480DF transducer operates with both 200 kHz and 50 kHz. The 200 kHz frequency has a 12 cone angle and the 50 kHz frequency has a 35 cone angle. The default frequency is 200 kHz, which is best for use in shallow water (about 300 feet or less). This frequency is the best choice for about 80 percent of the fresh and salt water sport fishing applications. When you get into very deep salt water, 300 to 500 feet or deeper, the 50 kHz frequency is the best choice. The 200 kHz transducer will give you better detail and definition, but less depth penetration. The 50 kHz transducer will give you greater depth penetration, but a little less detail and less definition. (Remember, all sonar units typically read deeper in fresh water than in salt water.) There is a common exception to these rules of thumb. Some fishermen on freshwater lakes (or the ocean) using downriggers like to see them on the sonar. In many of those cases, you'll see a 50 kHz transducer frequency in use because the wider cone angle lets them watch the bait.
Sonar Features menu with a frequency of 200 kHz selected.
To change the frequency setting to 50 kHz: 1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU| to SONAR FEATURES|ENT. 2. Press |then press to 50 KHZ|ENT. 3. Press EXIT|EXIT to clear the menu. To change the frequency setting to 200 kHz: 1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU| to SONAR FEATURES|ENT. 2. Press |then press to 200 KHZ|ENT. 3. Press EXIT|EXIT to clear the menu.

Grayline

Grayline lets you distinguish between strong and weak echoes. It "paints" gray on targets that are stronger than a preset value. This allows you to tell the difference between a hard and soft bottom. For example, a soft, muddy or weedy bottom returns a weaker signal which is shown with a narrow or no gray line. A hard bottom returns a strong signal which causes a wide gray line. If you have two signals of equal size, one with gray and the other without, then the target with gray is the stronger signal. This helps distinguish weeds from trees on the bottom, or fish from structure. Grayline is adjustable. Experiment with your unit to find the Grayline setting that's best for you.

Split Frequency Sonar Chart page, with 50 kHz view at left and 200 kHz view at right.
You can adjust the sensitivity in each window. To adjust sensitivity in auto mode: 1. Press MENU|ENT. 2. The unit asks which you wish to adjust. Press or to select the one you want | ENT. 3. The Sensitivity Control Bar appears. Press to decrease sensitivity; press to increase sensitivity. When it's set at the desired level, press EXIT. (When you reach the maximum or minimum limit, a tone sounds.)
The Split Frequency Sonar Chart page allows you to adjust sensitivity separately for each window.
Digital Data/Chart This mode shows the chart on the right side of the screen. The left side has seven large digital data boxes or windows containing: Water Depth; Water Speed (from an optional speed sensor); Water Distance (distance traveled or log, it also requires a speed sensor); Surface Water Temperature; Temperature #2, Temperature #3 and Voltage. (Note: Temperature #2 and #3 require additional optional temperature sensors.)
Digital Data/Chart Customizing the Digital Data/Chart Screen
The Digital Data/Chart screen can be customized to show digital data different from the defaults first shown. To customize this screen: 1. From the Sonar Page (in Digital Data mode), press MENU| to CUSTOMIZE|ENT.
The Customize command on the Sonar Menu.
2. The Water Speed box title bar flashes, indicating the box contents can be changed. Press ENT| or to select data type|ENT|EXIT. 82
Options List for customizing Digital Data boxes. At left, the list first appears with Water Speed selected. At right, Maximum Speed has been picked to replace Water Speed in the top digital data box.
You can customize other digital data boxes before returning to the Sonar Page. After changing the first box by selecting the Data Type and pressing Enter, use the key to select another box to change. When the selected box title bar flashes, press ENT| or to select data type|ENT. Repeat these steps until you're finished customizing, then press EXIT to return to the Sonar Page. Map With Sonar Split Screen There is a page mode that splits the screen in half, with the map on the left and the sonar on the right. This screen option can be found on the Pages Menu under the Map Page category.
Map With Sonar split screen option. At far right, the full Map Page is shown. The Pages Menu with the Map option list is shown in the center. At right, the Map With Sonar split screen is shown.
When this screen is activated, you need to specify which side the Menu, Zoom In and Zoom Out keys correspond to. To do this, press 83
PAGES|PAGES. The window with the black title bar at the top of the screen is the active window. To switch back, just press PAGES|PAGES again.

Sonar Simulator

MMC slot access door SeaCharter 480 sonar/GPS unit, front view, showing map with sonar split screen, keyboard and access door for the MMC slot.
1. PWR/LIGHT (Power & Light) The PWR key turns the unit on and off and activates the backlight. 2. PAGES Pressing this and the arrow keys (4) switches the unit between the four different page screens. (Satellite Status Page, Navigation Page, Map Page and Sonar Page.) Each page represents one of the unit's major operation modes. 93
3. MENU Press this key to show the menus and submenus, which allow you to select a command or adjust a feature. This also accesses search functions for streets, intersections, addresses and highway exits. 4. ARROW KEYS These keys are used to navigate through the menus, make menu selections, move the map cursor and sonar chart cursor and enter data. 5. ENT/ICONS (Enter & Icons) This key allows you to save data, accept values or execute menu commands. It is also used to create event marker icons. 6. EXIT The Exit key lets you return to the previous screen, clear data or erase a menu. 7. WPT (Waypoint) The Waypoint key is used to save and recall waypoints, search for waypoints and access the waypoint list. It also launches the Point-of-Interest (POI) search menus and is involved in some navigation functions. 8. ZOUT (Zoom Out) This key lets you zoom the screen out. On the Sonar Page, this key returns you to a full sonar chart display, showing the entire water column from surface to bottom. On the Map Page, this lets you see a larger geographic area on the map. Less detail is seen as you zoom out. 9. ZIN (Zoom In) This key lets you zoom the screen in. On the Sonar Page, this key enlarges fish signals and bottom detail. On the Map Page, zooming in lets you see greater detail in a smaller geographic area on the map.
To turn on the unit, press PWR. As the unit powers up, the Map Page is displayed first. (To switch to another page, press PAGES| or to Page Name|EXIT.) To turn on the backlight, press PWR again. The unit has three backlight levels to select from. Repeatedly pressing PWR will cycle through the backlight settings and turn off the backlight. Turn off the unit by pressing and holding the PWR key for 3 seconds.
The unit has a Main Menu, which contains some function commands and some setup option commands. The tutorial lessons in this section will deal only with functions, the basic commands that make the unit do 94

Navigate a Back Trail (backtrack, or reverse) 1. Press MENU|MENU| to MY TRAILS|ENT. 2. Press | to enter the Saved Trail list, then use or to select the desired Trail Name|ENT. 3. Press to DELETE TRAIL| to NAVIGATE|ENT. 4. Press to NAVIGATE| to REVERSE|ENT| to NAVIGATE|ENT. The unit begins showing navigation information along the trail, in reverse.
NOTE: If you are already located at or near the end of your trail, the arrival alarm will go off as soon as you hit Enter. Just press EXIT to clear the alarm and proceed. 5. Now, begin moving and follow your unit. 6. When you reach your destination, be sure to cancel your navigation: press MENU|MENU| to CANCEL NAVIGATION|ENT. The unit asks if you're sure; press |ENT.
Transfer Custom Maps and GPS Data Files
Custom Maps: Custom maps work only from the MMC card or SD card. When a card containing a Custom Map File is loaded into the unit, the unit automatically loads the map into memory when the unit is turned on. Instructions for copying Custom Map Files to an MMC are contained in the instruction manual for your MMC card reader and MapCreate 6 software. For instructions on inserting an MMC into the unit, see Sec. 2, Installation/Accessories. NOTE: To load a Navionics chart, see Sec. 8 for the entry Navionics Charts. GPS Data files: GPS Data Files contain waypoints, routes, trails and event marker icons. Instructions for copying GPS Data Files between your computer and an MMC are contained in the instruction manual for your MMC card reader and MapCreate 6 software. GPS data automatically recorded in the unit's internal memory must be saved to the MMC (as a GPS Data File) in order to store it on your personal computer. GPS Data Files stored on an MMC must be copied from the card to the unit's internal memory before the unit can read them. Here's how: 1. Insert the MMC into your unit. Press MENU|MENU| to SYSTEM SETUP|ENT| to TRANSFER MY DATA|ENT and the screen below appears.
The Transfer My Data submenu asks if you want to save data to the MMC or load data from the MMC into the unit'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 first insert a card into the unit in order to activate the Load or Save commands. To transfer data from the unit to the MMC: press ENT (for SAVE.) To transfer data from the MMC to the unit: press to LOAD|ENT. 3. Saving to MMC: To accept the default name "Data" for the GPS Data File, press to SAVE DATA|ENT. If you wish to rename the file (as shown in the following figures), press ENT to activate the selection box. Press or to change the first character, then press to the next character and repeat until the name is correct. Then, press ENT| to SAVE DATA|ENT. The unit will display first a progress then a completion message when the data transfer is finished. To return to the Page view, repeatedly press EXIT.

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 a "Select Icon Symbol" menu. 2. Press 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, you can delete all icons represented by a particular symbol, or you can use the cursor to delete a selected icon from the map. 124
1. Press MENU| to DELETE MY ICONS|ENT. 2. Press to DELETE ALL ICONS, DELETE BY SYMBOL, or DELETE FROM MAP and press ENT.

Delete icons menu.

The Delete All Icons command will ask if you are sure. Press to YES|ENT. All icons will be deleted from the map. The Delete by Symbol command will launch the Select Symbol menu. Press or or or to select the icon symbol to delete, then press ENT. A message appears saying all icons with the selected symbol have been deleted. The Delete From Map command will prompt you to move the cursor over an icon to select it. After selecting the icon, press ENT and it disappears from the map. Navigate to an Icon Use the Navigate to Cursor command, and use the cursor to select the desired icon on the map. 1. Use arrow keys to center cursor cross-hair 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, 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. 125
A route provides the automatic capability to navigate through several waypoints without having to reprogram the unit after arriving at each waypoint. Once programmed into the GPS unit, a route provides the option of navigating forward through the route waypoints or in reverse order (you can even begin navigating in the middle of a route!) Create and Save a Route You have the option of creating and editing a route in the unit, or you can make a route on your computer with our MapCreate 6 software.

Waypoints

Delete a Waypoint To delete a waypoint from the waypoint list: press WPT|ENT|ENT|ENT| to waypoint name|ENT| to DELETE WAYPOINT|ENT| to YES|ENT. To return to the previous page, press EXIT|EXIT. To delete a waypoint from the map: 1. Use the arrow keys to select the waypoint with the cursor. 2. Press WPT| to DELETE WAYPOINT|ENT| to YES|ENT. To return to the previous page and clear the cursor, press EXIT. To delete all waypoints at one time: press MENU|MENU| to SYSTEM SETUP|ENT| to DELETE ALL MY WAYPOINTS|ENT| to YES|ENT. To return to the previous page, press EXIT|EXIT. Edit a Waypoint

Waypoint Name

To edit waypoint name: 1. Press WPT|ENT|ENT|ENT| to waypoint name|ENT| to EDIT WAYPOINT|ENT|ENT. 133
2. Press or to change the first character, then press to the next character and repeat until the name is correct. Press ENT then EXIT|EXIT|EXIT|EXIT to return to the previous page display.

Waypoint Symbol

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

Waypoint Position

To edit waypoint position: 1. Press WPT|ENT|ENT|ENT| to waypoint name|ENT| to EDIT WAYPOINT|ENT. 2. Latitude: press to LATITUDE|ENT. Press or to change the first character, then press to the next character and repeat until the latitude is correct. Press EXIT. 3. Longitude: press to LONGITUDE|ENT. Press or to change the first character, then press to the next character and repeat until the longitude is correct. Press EXIT. 4. When latitude and longitude are correct, return to the previous page: press EXIT|EXIT|EXIT|EXIT. Selecting a Waypoint To select a waypoint on the map (for navigating to, for editing, etc.,) use the arrow keys and center the cursor over the waypoint. A highlighted halo will appear around the waypoint. Set a Waypoint by Average Position This feature sets a waypoint at the current position after taking several position readings and averaging them. This boosts waypoint position accuracy by helping to eliminate errors caused by atmospheric conditions and other factors. 1. Press WPT| to SUBCATEGORY column| to NEW|ENT. 2. Press or to AVERAGE POSITION|ENT|press to CREATE|ENT. 3. Wait while the unit takes points to average for the position. (The greater the number of points, the greater the accuracy.) When the desired number of points accumulates, press ENT to create and save the waypoint. 134

Software Version Information
From time to time, Eagle 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.eaglesonar.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 unit by using the Software Information command.
System Setup command left; Software Information command, center. At right, the Software Information screen.
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 last page displayed, press EXIT|EXIT|EXIT.
Sounds and Alarm Sound Styles
Sounds triggered by key strokes and alarms can be adjusted: You first press MENU|MENU| to SOUNDS|ENT.
Sounds command, left. At right, the Sounds menu. Once in the Sounds menu:
To set Key Press 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 Volume: Press to VOLUME. Press or to move the bar. The left end of the scale is low volume; the right end is high volume. 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 on the GPS Setup menu that should always be left on. When stopped or traveling at slow speeds (such as walking or trolling), Track Smoothing prevents wandering of trails, the steering arrow, compass rose and a map in track-up mode. 162
Track Smoothing option, turned on.

Trail Options

Find Address menu, left; Find Street menu, center, with Find By Name field active; street name entry complete, right.
5. To enter a city name, press to CITY|ENT. You will be asked if you want to find addresses only within a particular city. This option is designed so you can limit an address search to a single city if necessary (see the following note). If you select yes, there are two options: A. You can spell out the city name in the top selection box. Press or to change the first letter, then press to move the cursor to the next letter and repeat until the name is correct, then press ENT|ENT. B. Jump down to the lower selection list by pressing ENT, then press or to select a city name from the list, then press ENT. The city name you selected is now in the city field. 168
NOTE: We recommend that you do not enter a city name unless the list you are given is too large when searching without it. This unit can actually search quicker without a city and you save time by not entering a city name.
Find City field, left, Search in particular city only option, center; Find City by name, right.

DRESS|ENT.

6. When the necessary search fields are filled in, press to FIND ADYou unit asks you to wait while it searches for the address. (If an address is not in the database, a message appears saying the address could not be found.)
7. The unit will display a list of addresses. If the address you are looking for is highlighted at the top of the list, press ENT. If not, use and to select the correct address from the list, then press ENT. The Map Page will then appear with the location selected by the cursor. (In the example below, we are looking for 12303 East 11th Street in Tulsa, not 11th Court, so we had to scroll down the list to select the right one.)
Address search result list, left. At center, Map Page showing location of the address on the map, highlighted by cursor. At right, after the address is located, you can navigate to it ("D" symbol for destination).
8. To navigate to the address, press MENU|ENT|EXIT and the unit will begin showing navigation information to the address pointed out by the cursor. If you are only looking up an address (not navigating), just press EXIT to return to the previous page.
If the address also happens to be an item in the Point of Interest database, you can look up the item's phone number in the Waypoint Information list. With the address location selected by the cursor on the map, press WPT. The POI's Waypoint Information window appears, with the Go To Waypoint command highlighted. If you want to go ahead and navigate to the POI address, just press ENT|EXIT.

Find Waypoint menu, left; Find By Nearest command, center, Find by Name command, right.
3. If you're looking for nearest, the unit says it is calculating, then a list of waypoints appears. The closest is highlighted at the top of the list and the farthest at the bottom of the list.
Calculating message, left, and list of the nearest waypoints, right.
4. To see location information on the closest (highlighted) waypoint, press ENT and the Waypoint Information screen appears. (If you wanted to, you could select another waypoint from the list with the or keys.) A. To navigate to the waypoint, press ENT. (The Go To Waypoint command is already highlighted.) The unit will show navigation information to the waypoint. B. To find the waypoint, press to FIND ON MAP|ENT. The Map Page appears with the cursor highlighting the found waypoint.
Waypoint Information screens with the Go To Waypoint command selected, left, and the Find on Map command selected, right.
To clear these menus and return to the previous page, press EXIT repeatedly. 5. If you're looking by name, there are two options: A. You can spell out the name in the top selection box. Press or to change the first letter, then press to move the cursor to the next letter and repeat until the name is correct, then press ENT|ENT. B. Or you can jump down to the lower selection list by pressing ENT, then press or to select a waypoint from the list, then press ENT. The waypoint information screen appears.
Find By Name menu, left. Waypoint Information screen, center. At right, the found waypoint is highlighted by the cursor on the Map Page.
A. To navigate to the waypoint, press ENT. (Go To Waypoint command is already highlighted.) The unit will show navigation information to the waypoint. B. To find the waypoint, press to FIND ON MAP|ENT. The Map Page appears with the cursor highlighting the found waypoint. 180
Section 10: Supplemental Material Datums Used by This Unit
WGS 1984 Default Adindan Mean for Ethiopia, Sudan Adindan Burkina Faso Adindan Cameroon Adindan Ethiopia Adindan Mali Adindan Senegal Adindan Sudan Afgooye Somalia Ain el Abd 1970 Bahrain Ain el Abd 1970 Saudi Arabia Anna 1 Astro 1965 Cocos Islands Antigua Island Astro 1943; Antigua (Leeward Islands) Arc 1950; Mean for Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Swaziland, Zaire, Zambia and Zimbabwe Arc 1950 - Botswana Arc 1950 - Burundi Arc 1950 - Lesotho Arc 1950 - Malawi Arc 1950 - Swaziland Arc 1950 - Zaire Arc 1950 - Zambia Arc 1950 - Zimbabwe Arc 1960 - Mean for Kenya, Tanzania Ascension Island 1958 - Ascension Island Astro Beacon E 1945 - Iwo Jima Astro DOS 71/4 - St. Helena Island Astro Tern Island (FRIG) 1961 - Tern Island Astronomical Station 1952 - Marcus Island Australian Geodetic 1966 - Australia & Tasmania Bissau - GuineaBissau Bogota Observatory Colombia Bukit Rimpah - Indonesia (Bangka & Belitung Islands) Camp Area Astro Antarctica (McMurdo Camp Area) Campo Inchauspe Argentina Canton Astro 1966 Phoenix Islands Cape - South Africa Cape Canaveral Bahamas, Florida Carthage - Tunisia Switzerland Chatham Island Astro 1971; New Zealand (Chatham Island) Ayabelle Lighthouse Djibouti Bellevue (IGN) Efate & Erromango Islands Bermuda 1957 Bermuda Australian Geodetic 1984 - Australia & Tasmania

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 digital sonar and GPS! We know you are anxious to begin navigating and finding fish, but we have a favor to ask. Before you grab the unit and begin installing it, please give us a moment or two to explain how our manual can help you get the best performance from your compact, color display, combination fish finder and mapping GPS receiver. First, we want to thank you for buying a Eagle sonar/GPS unit. Whether you are a first time user or a professional fisherman, you'll discover that your unit is easy to use, yet capable of handling demanding navigation and sonar tasks. When you team your unit with our custom mapping software MapCreate 6, you have an incredible combination. You will not find another combination GPS and sonar unit with this much power and this many features for this price! Our goal for this book is to get you on the water fast, with a minimum of fuss. Like you, we would rather spend more time boating or fishing and less time reading the manual! So, we designed our book so that you don't have to read the whole thing from front to back for the information you want. At the start (or end) of each segment, we'll tell you what content is coming up next. If it's a concept you're already familiar with, we'll show you how and where to skip ahead for the next important topic. We've also made it easy to look up any tips you may need from time to time. Here's how: The manual is organized into 10 sections. This first section is an intro duction to the FishElite 642c iGPS and SeaCharter 642cDF iGPS. It tells you the basics you need to know before you can make the unit look around and tell you where you are or look below the surface to find some fish. Section 2 will help you install your unit and the transducer. We'll show you how to get the MultiMedia Card (MMC) correctly installed inside the unit. We'll also tell you about some of the available accessories. Section 3 covers Basic Sonar Operation. It will show you how easy it is to run your unit, right out of the box. This section features a one-page Sonar Quick Reference. (If you've already jumped ahead and figured out how to install the unit yourself, and you just can't wait any longer, turn to the Quick Reference on page 47 and head for the water with your unit!) 1

Section 2: Installation & Accessories

Preparations

You can install the unit in some other order if you prefer, but we recommend this installation sequence: Caution: You should read over this entire installation section before drilling any holes in your vessel! 1. Determine the approximate location for the unit, so you can plan how and where to route the cables for the transducer, any sensor and power. This will help you make sure you have enough cable length for the desired configuration. NOTE: The GPS antenna is inside the unit, so you must mount the unit in a location with an unobstructed view of the sky. 2. Determine the approximate location for the transducer, any sensor and their cable routes. 3. Determine the location of your battery or other power connection, along with the power cable route. 4. Install the transducer and route the transducer cable to the sonar unit. Install the speed or temp sensor, if applicable, and route the cable to the unit. 5. Route the power cable from the unit's location to an appropriate power source and connect it there. 6. Connect the transducer/power cable (and any sensor cables) to the unit and mount the unit on the bracket.

Transducer Installation

These instructions will help you install your Skimmer transducer on a transom, on a trolling motor or inside a hull. These instructions cover both single- and dual-frequency Skimmer transducers. Please read all instructions before proceeding with any installation. 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. 13
Read these instructions carefully before attempting the installation. Determine which of the installation methods is right for your boat. Remember, transducer location 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. (If you intend to install an additional speed or temp sensor and route its cable through the same hole in the transom, you will need a 1" (25.4 mm) drill bit to accommodate all the cables.) NOTE: The following installation types also call for these recommended tools and required supplies that you must provide (supplies listed here are not included):
Single-frequency transom installations
Tools include: two adjustable wrenches, drill, #29 (0.136") drill bit, flathead screwdriver. Supplies: none.
Dual-frequency transom installations

To unit

Optional power off switch for saltwater installations
Black wire 12 volt battery

Red wire with 3 amp fuse

Power connections for the sonar unit.
WARNING: This product must be independently fused with the enclosed 3-amp fuse (or equivalent), even if you connect to a fused accessory or power buss. If a malfunction happens inside the unit, extensive damage can occur if the enclosed fuse is not used. As with all electrical devices, this unit could be damaged to a point that it is unrepairable and could even cause harm to the user when not properly fused. CAUTION: Failure to use the enclosed 3-amp fuse will void your warranty! For a replacement, use a type 3AG 3-amp fuse. This unit has reverse polarity protection. No damage will occur if the power wires are reversed. However, the unit will not work until the wires are attached correctly.

GPS Internal Antenna

The unit has a built-in 12-parallel channel GPS + WAAS antenna.

NMEA Cable Connections

NMEAis a standard communications format for marine electronic equipment. For example, an autopilot can connect to the NMEA interface on the unit and receive positioning information. The unit is capable of exchanging information with any device that transmits or receives NMEA 0183 data, however, a communications cable is not available for the unit at this time. If you need to create a NMEA 0183 connection, consult customer service. Service contact information is located in the back of this manual. NMEA Wiring To exchange NMEA data, the unit has one NMEA 0183 version 2.0 communication port. Com port one (Com-1) can be used to receive 32
NMEA format GPS data. The com port can also transmit NMEA format GPS data to another device. A data cable should contain three wires. Com-1 uses the yellow wire to transmit, the orange wire to receive and the shield wire for signal ground.
Orange (Receive) Com-1 to unit Shield (Ground) NMEA Transmit Ground To Other GPS Receiver
Com-1 wiring to receive NMEA position information from some other GPS receiver. Yellow (Transmit) Com-1 to unit Shield (Ground) NMEA Receive Ground To Other Device

A little ColorLine (left) indicates a soft bottom, probably sand or mud. Wider ColorLine (right) indicates a harder, rocky bottom.

Customize Page Displays

Every Page display with digital data boxes may be customized to provide on-screen information. The data is divided into categories in the Customize menu. These categories include GPS Data, Navigation, Trip Calculator, Time, Sonar Data and Sensor Data. You can select items from any of these categories for display on any page. To change the information displayed on your screen: While on the Page display you want to customize, press MENU| to CUSTOMIZE|ENT. This will highlight one of the digital data boxes on the screen. To change the data contained in the box press ENT or press or to select a different box to customize. Upon making a selection, you will see a list of the data categories with "+" or "-" symbols next to each category. A category with a "+" next to it is expandable, meaning its contents are hidden.
Digital Data box containing Water Temp is highlighed (left). Data Viewer with GPS Data and Navigation categories expanded (right).
Selecting the category name and pressing ENT will bring up the category's contents. An expanded category (one with a "-" next to its name) can be collapsed to hide its contents and make more room on your screen. Just select the category name and press ENT. Expand any categories that may contain information you want to display. Then press to select a display option. With the option highlighted, press ENT to turn it on (check) and turn it off (uncheck). After all options are set press EXIT|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 cursor can be moved to any location on the screen, letting you 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 placed in the lower half of the screen. This is called Auto Ranging, an automatic function. Depending on the bottom depth and the current range, you can change the range to a different depth.
Sonar Page menu with Depth Range command selected (left). The Depth Range Control Scale (right).
1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU| to DEPTH RANGE|ENT. 2. The Depth Range Control Scale appears. Press to select a different depth range. A blue bar highlights the selected range. Range numbers in light blue cannot be selected. 3. When the new range is selected, press EXIT to clear the menu.

Depth Range - Manual

You have complete control over the range when the unit is in the manual mode. There are 16 depth ranges, from 5 feet to 4,000 feet.
To switch to Manual Depth Range:
1. Turn off automatic depth range. From the Sonar Page, press MENU| to AUTO DEPTH RANGE|ENT. 2. Press to DEPTH RANGE|ENT and the Depth Range Scale appears. 59
3. Press to select a different depth range. A horizontal blue bar highlights the selected range. 4. When the new range is selected, press EXIT to close the menu. NOTE: The sonar's depth capability depends on the transducer installation, water and bottom conditions and other factors.

FasTrack

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

Surface clutter

Fish arches Structure In FasTrack, fish arches show as horizontal bars. Bottom signal ColorLine Sonar Page showing FasTrack. FasTrack bar graph

Fish I.D.

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

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

Log Sonar Chart Data

If you have an MMC installed in the unit, the sonar data shown on the screen can be saved to the MMC. This can be played back at any time (to play a recorded sonar chart log, see the entry in this section for Sonar Simulator). If you have a personal computer and Internet access, visit our web site, www.eaglesonar.com, and download the free Sonar Viewer and the emulator for your unit. These programs will allow you to replay sonar logs on your personal computer.
Sonar Page menu with Log Sonar Chart Data selected (left). Sonar Chart Logging menu with Start Logging command selected (right).
To record or log chart data: 1. Press MENU| to LOG SONAR CHART DATA|ENT. 2. To record data using the default settings, press ENT. The menu clears and the Sonar Page title bar shows the name of the file you are recording. Warning messages will appear as recording time begins to run out. NOTE: You can change any of the settings by using the cursor arrows to highlight different commands. Select FILE NAME and press ENT if you want to change the name. Select CHART QUALITY if you want to lower the file quality and record for a longer period of time. After you have changed the settings, select START LOGGING and press ENT.

Noise Rejection

See the entry on Advanced Signal Processing in this section.

Overlay Data

On any Page display except Satellite Status, you can float or overlay additional GPS or navigation data on the screen with the Overlay Data command. For example, if you left your watch at home, you could display the local time on top of the map. Or if you wanted to see details about your route and trip, you could show your bearing, course, average speed and trip distance. The various data available from your unit are divided into categories in the Overlay Data menu. These categories include GPS Data, Navigation, Trip Calculator,Time, Sonar Data and Sensor Data. 64
You can select items from any of these categories for display, in any combination. The category divisions are there only to help you sort through the information.
Overlay Data menu with Press Ent to add highlighted (left). Data viewer with Navigation, Trip Calculator and Time categories expanded (right).
To overlay information on your screen: 1. While on the Map or Sonar Page, press MENU| to OVERLAY DATA|ENT.

TO ADD

2. You will see a list of the overlay data currently shown. Select ENTER and press ENT. The data viewer shows information categories with "+" or "" symbols next to each category name. A category with a "+" next to it is expandable, meaning its contents are hidden. Selecting the category name and pressing ENT will show the category's contents. An expanded category one with a "" next to its name can be collapsed to hide its contents. 3. Expand categories that may contain data you want to display. Then press to select a data option. 4. With the data option highlighted, press ENT to turn it on (check) and turn it off (uncheck). As you turn it on, the data will appear on top of the screen. Every Page display has a maximum number of items you can show using the Overlay Data command.

3. The water may be deeper than the sonar's ability to find the bottom. If the sonar can't find the bottom signal while it's in the automatic mode, the digital sonar display will flash continuously. It may change the range to limits far greater than the water you are in. If this happens, place the unit in the manual mode, then change the range to a realistic one, (for example, 0-100 feet) and increase the sensitivity. As you move into shallower water, a bottom signal should appear. 4. Check the battery voltage. If the voltage drops, the unit's transmitter power also drops, reducing its ability to find the bottom or targets. Bottom echo disappears at high speeds or erratic digital reading or weak bottom echo while boat is moving: 1. The transducer may be in turbulent water. It must be mounted in a smooth flow of water in order for the sonar to work at all boat speeds. Air bubbles in the water disrupt the sonar signals, interfering with its ability to find the bottom or other targets. The technical term for this is cavitation. 2. Electrical noise from the boat's motor can interfere with the sonar. This causes the sonar to automatically increase its discrimination or noise rejection feature. This can cause the unit to eliminate weaker signals such as fish or even structure from the display. Try using resistor spark plugs or routing the sonar unit's power and transducer cables away from other electrical wiring on the boat. No fish arches when the Fish I.D. feature is off: 1. Make sure the transducer is pointing straight down. This is the most common problem if a partial arch is displayed. 2. The sensitivity may not be high enough. In order for the unit to display a fish arch, it has to be able to receive the fish's echo from the time it enters the cone until it leaves. If the sensitivity is not high enough, the unit shows the fish only when it is in the center of the cone. 3. Use the Zoom feature. It is much easier to display fish arches when zoomed in on a small range of water than a large one. For example, you will have much better luck seeing fish arches with a 30 to 60 foot range than a 0 to 60 foot range. This enlarges the targets, allowing the display to show much more detail. 4. The boat must be moving at a slow trolling speed to see fish arches. If the boat is motionless, fish stay in the cone, showing on the screen as straight horizontal lines. NOISE A major cause of sonar problems is electrical noise. This usually appears on the sonar's display as random patterns of dots or lines. In severe cases, it can completely cover the screen with black dots, or cause the unit to operate erratically, or not at all. 82

Section 6: Basic GPS Operations
This section addresses the unit's most basic GPS operations. The tutorials presented in Sec. 6 follow a chronological order. Sec. 7, Advanced GPS Operations, will discuss other more advanced functions and utilities. Material in Sec. 7 is arranged in alphabetical order. Before you turn on the unit and find where you are, it's a good idea to learn about the different keys, the four Page screens and how they all work together. BUT, if you just can't wait to get outside, turn to the one-page Quick Reference on page 98.
SeaCharter 642cDF iGPS unit showing Map with Sonar page, keyboard and access door for the MMC slot.
1. PWR/LIGHT turns the unit on and off and activates the backlight. 2. PAGES Pressing this and the arrow keys (4) switches the unit between the four different page screens: Satellite Status Page, Navigation Page, Map Page and Sonar Page. 3. MENU The Menu key to show menus and submenus, which allow you to select a command or adjust a feature. This also accesses search functions for streets, intersections and highway exits. 85
4. ARROW KEYS The arrow keys are used to navigate through menus, enter data, make menu selections, move the map cursor and sonar chart cursor. 5. ENT/ICONS The Enter key allows you to save data, accept values or execute menu commands. It is also used to create event marker icons. 6. EXIT The Exit key lets you return to the previous screen, clear data or close a menu. 7. WPT The Waypoint key is used to save and recall waypoints, search for waypoints and access the waypoint list. It also launches the Point-of-Interest (POI) search menus and is involved in some navigation functions. 8. ZOUT The Zoom Out key lets you zoom out the screen. On the Sonar Page, it returns you to a full sonar chart display, showing the entire water column from surface to bottom. On the Map Page, this lets you see a larger geographic area on the map with less detail. 9. ZIN The Zoom In key lets you zoom in the screen. On the Sonar Page, it enlarges fish signals and bottom detail. On the Map Page, zooming in lets you see more detail in a smaller geographic area.
To turn on the unit, press PWR. As the unit powers up, the Map Page is displayed first. To turn on the backlight, press PWR again. The unit has three backlight levels. Repeatedly pressing PWR will cycle through the backlight settings and turn off the backlight. Turn off the unit by depressing the PWR key for 3 seconds.

Fig. 1. Fig. 2. Fig. 3. Fig. 4.
(From left to right) Fig. 1. Resize Window command on the GPS Page menu. Fig. 2. Two Maps page display with four flashing arrows on the dividing centerline. Fig. 3. The centerline has been moved down to enlarge the top map, which is now zoomed in to 40 miles. Fig. 4. Pressing has switched the page layout from horizontal to vertical.
3. To change the window size again or revert back to the original display, just follow the steps above. Most dual-window displays use half the screen for each window by default. The following page contains a 12-step quick reference for the most basic GPS operations. If you don't want to carry the manual with you as you practice with the unit, you might consider photocopying this quick reference page and tucking it into your pocket.
Basic GPS Quick Reference
Start outdoors, with a clear view of the open sky. As you practice, try navigating to a location at least a few blocks away. While you're learning, navigation in too small an area will constantly trigger arrival alarms. 1. Connect the unit to electric power. Make sure the MMC is in. (See complete installation details beginning on page 13.) 2. To turn on the unit, press and release PWR key. 3. Opening screen displays map of North America at the 4,000-mile zoom range. Rotate through the four main Page screens (Map, Satellite Status, Navigation and Sonar) by pressing PAGES| to select Page Name|EXIT. Switch Pages to display Satellite Status Page. 4. Wait while unit locates satellites and calculates current position. Process is visible on Satellite Page. This takes an average of 1 minute or less under clear sky conditions (unobstructed by terrain or structures.) When the unit acquires position, a tone sounds and a position acquired message appears. 5. With position acquired, press PAGES to display Map Page, which shows bird's eye view of the earth. You can move around the map by: Zoom in closer to see greater detail: press ZIN (zoom in key.) Zoom out to see more area, less detail: press ZOUT (zoom out key.) Scroll map north, south, east or west using arrow keys . To stop scrolling and return to current position on map, press EXIT key. 6. Set a waypoint (Wpt 001) at your current position so you can navigate back here: press WPT|WPT. Waypoint symbol and "001" appears. 7. Zoom/scroll map to find a nearby object or location to go to. Use arrow keys to center cursor crosshairs over map object or location. 8. Navigate to the selected destination: press MENU|ENT|EXIT. Follow red course line on Map Page or compass bearing arrow on Navigation Page. 9. At destination, Arrival Alarm goes off. To clear it, press EXIT. Cancel navigation: press MENU|MENU| to CANCEL NAVIGATION|ENT| to YES|ENT. 10. Return to Wpt 1 by Navigate To Waypoint or Backtrack Trail. To Waypoint: press WPT|ENT|ENT|ENT. Use or to select Wpt 001, press ENT|ENT; follow navigation displays. Trail: press MENU|MENU| to MY TRAILS|ENT. Press to Trail 1|ENT| to NAVIGATE|ENT. Press to REVERSE ROUTE|ENT| to NAVIGATE|ENT. (If arrival alarm sounds, press EXIT.) Follow navigation displays. 11. Back home, Arrival Alarm goes off; press EXIT. Cancel navigation: press MENU|MENU| to CANCEL NAVIGATION|ENT| to YES|ENT. 12. To turn off the unit, press and hold PWR key for three seconds. 98

Find Your Current Position Finding your current position is as simple as turning on the unit. Under clear sky conditions, the unit automatically searches for satellites and calculates its position in approximately one minute or less. NOTE: Clear sky conditions means open sky, unobstructed by terrain, dense foliage or structures. Clouds do not restrict GPS 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 traveling, the map will automatically move as you move. This keeps your current location roughly centered on the screen. You can manually pan or scroll the map northward, southward, eastward or westward by using the arrow keys, which launch the cross-hair 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.
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 popup data box. Press EXIT to clear the cursor.
Distance measured by cursor
Pop-up name box Selected wreck
The selected wreck (the Empress) to the southeast is 12.81 miles away.
Selecting Any Map Item With the Cursor
1. Use the zoom keys and the arrow keys to move around the map and find the item you wish to select. 2. Use the arrow keys and center the cursor cross-hair on the desired object. On most items, a pop-up box will give the name of the selected item.
This unit has a Cursor Undo feature that lets you instantly return to the previous location without scrolling. Use the cursor to scroll across the map to some far away location or waypoint. Press EXIT to clear the cursor and jump back to your current position on the map. When you want to take another peek at that distant place, just press EXIT again. You can use this trick to toggle between your current position and your destination.

Searching

Now that you have seen how the unit can find your current location, let's search for something else. Searching is one of the most powerful features in the Eagle GPS product line. In this example, we will look for the nearest fast-food restaurant. For information on different types of searches, refer to Sec. 9, Searching. NOTE: This example requires the Point of Interest (POI) database included with a high-detail MapCreate 6 custom map. 100

The Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) uses two grid lettering schemes, referred to as standard and standard + 10 MGRS on this unit. Your position and datum in use determines which one to use. If you use standard and your position is off significantly, then try the alternate. NOTE: When the position format is changed, it affects the way all positions are shown on all screens, including waypoints. To change the coordinate system, press ENT while COORDINATE SYSTEM is highlighted. Use to highlight the desired format. Press ENT to select it. To setup Loran TD: NOTE: If the Loran TD conversion is chosen, you must enter the local Loran chain identification for the master and slaves. Do this by selecting Setup Loran TD at the bottom of the Coordinate System menu, then selecting the desired ID. Press EXIT to close this menu.

Configure Loran TD menu.

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

Navionics Charts

Your unit can also display Navionics electronic charts on MMCs. Like NauticPath, Navionics charts contain tide and port service information. NOTE: The primary operational difference between a NauticPath chart and a Navionics chart is the way the chart data is set up for display. NauticPath charts are ready for display as soon as they are 150
inserted into the unit. Navionics charts must be inserted into the unit, then selected as a Map Choice option in the Map Data menu. To display a Navionics chart: 1. Install the Navionics MMC in the memory card compartment and turn on the unit. (For full card install instructions, see Sec. 2.) 2. From the Map Page, press MENU| to MAP DATA|ENT| to MAP CHOICE|ENT. Select the Map Name, then press ENT|EXIT|EXIT.
South Chesapeake Navionics selected from Map Choice menu (right).
WARNING: You should never format the MMC containing your Navionics chart. Formatting the MMC will permanently erase the chart from the card.

Pop-up Help

Help is available for most all menu items on this unit. By highlighting a menu item and leaving it highlighted for a few seconds, a pop-up message appears that describes the function of the menu item. This feature is on by default. To turn on Popup Help press MENU|MENU| to SYSTEM SETUP|ENT| to POPUP HELP. Press ENT to turn it on (check) or turn it off (uncheck). Press EXIT repeatedly to get back to the main page display.
System Setup Menu (left) with Pop-up Help highlighted. Pop-up Help message for the Map Data (right).
To reset unit to factory defaults: 1. Press MENU|MENU| to SYSTEM SETUP|ENT| to RESET OPTIONS|ENT| to YES|ENT. NOTE: Reset Options does not erase any waypoints, routes, icons, plot trails or sonar logs.
System Menu with Reset Options selected (left). Reset Options confirmation message (right).

Require WAAS

You can choose to have WAAS signals automatically factored into every position reading. The default setting, Off, uses WAAS automatically, but does not require it to yield a position. 152
To Require WAAS: 1. Press MENU|MENU| to GPS SETUP|ENT| to REQUIRE WAAS|ENT. 2. To return to the main page display, press EXIT|EXIT. 3. Repeat Step 1 to turn off WAAS requirement.
Require WAAS command on GPS Setup Menu.
Screen Contrast and Brightness
To access the Screen menu, press MENU|MENU|ENT. The CONTRAST slider bar is already selected. Press to adjust the contrast. To adjust the display's brightness: Press to BRIGHTNESS. Use to adjust the brightness of the display.
Screen Command (left). Screen menu with Contrast selected (center). Normal highlighted on Display Mode menu (right).

ENT|ENT. B. Or you can jump down to the lower box and pick the second street from the selection list. Press ENT, then press to select a street from the list and press ENT.
5. The Find Streets menu reappears with the first and second street dialog boxes filled in. You could now use similar techniques to select a city or Zip code, but your search will probably be faster if you leave those boxes blank. You can specify a city and/or Zip code later on to narrow the search, if the resulting list is too long.
Find Intersection command highlighted (left). Intersections Found list (right).
6. To search for the intersection of the two streets, press to FIND INTERSECTION|ENT. When the Intersections Found list appears, press to select the intersection you are searching for and press ENT. 7. The Map Page appears, with the cursor crosshairs centered on the intersection.
Map Page showing results of an intersection search.
If you want to navigate to the found intersection, just press MENU|ENT|EXIT.

Find Waypoints

1. Press WPT| to MY WAYPOINTS|ENT. 2. If searching for the nearest waypoint, select NEAREST and press ENT. If searching by name, highlight NAME and press ENT. (To search by name, jump to step 5.)
Find By Nearest command (left). Find by Name command (center). List of the nearest waypoints (right).
3. When you are searching for the nearest waypoint, a list of waypoints appears with the closest location highlighted at the top of the list and the one furthest from you at the bottom of the list. 4. To see location information on the closest waypoint, press ENT and the Waypoint Information screen appears. A. To navigate to the waypoint, press ENT. The Go To Waypoint command is already highlighted. The unit will show navigation information to the waypoint. B. To find the waypoint, press to FIND ON MAP|ENT. The Map Page appears with the cursor highlighting the found waypoint. To clear these menus and return to the main page display, press EXIT repeatedly. 5. If you are looking by name, there are two options: A. You can spell out the name in the top selection box. Press to change the first letter, then press to move the cursor to the next letter and repeat until the name is correct, then press ENT|ENT. B. Or you can jump down to the lower selection list by pressing ENT, then press to select a waypoint from the list, then press ENT. The waypoint information screen appears. 172