Alarms Menu Tab 76

Depth Alarm.... 77 Fish ID Alarm.... 77 Low Battery Alarm.... 78 Temp Alarm.... 78 Off Course Alarm.... 79 Arrival Alarm.... 80 Drift Alarm.... 80 Alarm Tone.... 81

Setup Menu Tab

Units - Depth.... 83 Units - Temp (International only).... 83 Units - Distance.... 83 Units - Speed.... 84 User Mode.... 84 Language (International only)... 84 Triplog Reset.... 85 Restore Defaults.... 85 Select Readouts (Advanced, Sonar view only)... 86 Depth Offset (Advanced).... 87 Temp Offset (Advanced).... 88 Speed Calibration (Advanced, with Temp/Speed only)... 88 Local Time Zone (Advanced)... 89 Daylight Saving Time (Advanced)... 89 Position Format (Advanced)... 90 Time Format (Advanced, International only)... 90 Date Format (Advanced, International only)... 91 NMEA Output (Advanced).... 91 Sonar.... 92

Views Menu Tab

Troubleshooting 94
Fishfinder Doesnt Power Up... 94 Fishfinder Defaults to Simulator with a Transducer Attached.. 94 Display Problems.... 95 Finding the Cause of Noise... 96
500 Series Fishfinder Accessories Specifications Glossary Contact Humminbird

100 127

NOTE: Entries in this Table of Contents which list (International only) are only available on products sold outside of the U.S. by our authorized International Distributors. To obtain a list of authorized International Distributors, please visit our website at www.humminbird.com or contact our Customer Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468 to locate the distributor nearest you. NOTE: Entries in this Table of Contents which list (with Temp/Speed only) require the purchase of a separate accessory. You can visit our website at www.humminbird.com to order these accessories online or contact our Customer Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468.

How Sonar Works

Sonar technology is based on sound waves. The 500 Series Fishfinder uses sonar to locate and define structure, bottom contour and composition, as well as depth directly below the transducer. Your 500 Series Fishfinder sends a sound wave signal and determines distance by measuring the time between the transmission of the sound wave and when the sound wave is reflected off of an object; it then uses the reflected signal to interpret location, size, and composition of an object. Sonar is very fast. A sound wave can travel from the surface to a depth of 240 ft (70 m) and back again in less than 1/4 of a second. It is unlikely that your boat can "outrun" this sonar signal. SONAR is an acronym for SOund and NAvigation Ranging. Sonar utilizes precision sound pulses or "pings" which are emitted into the water in a teardropshaped beam. The sound pulses "echo" back from objects in the water such as the bottom, fish and other submerged objects. The returned echoes are displayed on the LCD screen. Each time a new echo is received, the old echoes are moved across the LCD, creating a scrolling effect.

Tracks consist of detailed position history, and are displayed as a breadcrumb trail of trackpoints. The Current Track shows the position history since the unit was powered up (maximum of 20,000 trackpoints displayed). You can clear the Current Track or save it at any time. Your Fishfinder can store up to 50 saved tracks, each containing 20,000 trackpoints. The current track represents your actual path so far.
Save, Edit, or Delete a Waypoint
Save your current position as a waypoint: On any view, press the MARK key to save the current position of the boat as a waypoint. Save the cursor position as a waypoint: On the Chart or Combo view, use the Cursor key to designate the position you want to save as a waypoint. Then press the MARK key to save the marked position as a waypoint. Save a position from the sonar history: On any Sonar view, use the Cursor key to point to a feature in the sonar history (also called the Sonar Saver feature). Press the MARK key to create a waypoint at the location where that sonar reading was taken. The new waypoint will also record the depth at that location.
NOTE: When you save a waypoint by any of these methods, a numerical waypoint name is automatically assigned. You can edit the waypoint information later to give it a different name and select an icon to represent it (see Waypoint submenu on the Navigation Main Menu Tab).
Display the Waypoints Submenu: From any view, press the MENU key twice to display the Main Menu System, then use the RIGHT Cursor key to select the Navigation tab. Select Waypoints and press the RIGHT Cursor key to display the Waypoints submenu. Program a specific position as a waypoint: To create a waypoint that is NOT your current position, from the Waypoints submenu, select the Create option and press the RIGHT Cursor key. Use the Cursor keys to program a waypoint name, latitude, longitude, and icon before selecting Save.
Edit a waypoint: From the Waypoints submenu, select Edit and press the RIGHT Cursor key to display a list of saved waypoints. Select the waypoint you want to edit and press the RIGHT Cursor key. Use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to move from field to field, and the UP and DOWN Cursor keys to changes values once you are in a field. In the Waypoint Name, Latitude and Longitude fields, use the UP and DOWN Cursor keys to change the letter or number. All upper and lower case letters are available, as well as digits 0-9 and some punctuation characters. In the Waypoint Icon field, use the UP and DOWN Cursor keys to change the icon used to represent the waypoint on the Combo and Chart Views. You can exit these fields with the LEFT and RIGHT Cursor keys or by pressing the EXIT key. Select Save and press the RIGHT Cursor key to save your changes. To make it easier to select a waypoint, select Sort By and press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to select a sort order: Name shows the waypoints alphabetically Time shows the most recently-created waypoint first Distance shows the closest waypoint first. Delete a waypoint: From the Waypoints submenu, select Delete and press the RIGHT Cursor key to display a list of waypoints. Select the waypoint you want to delete, then press the RIGHT Cursor key. You will be asked to confirm deletion before the waypoint is actually deleted.

Edit, Delete or Hide Saved Tracks
Display the Tracks Submenu: From any view, press the MENU key twice to display the Main Menu System, then use the RIGHT Cursor key to select the Navigation tab. Select Tracks and press the RIGHT Cursor key to display the Tracks submenu. Edit a saved track: From the Tracks submenu, select Edit and press the RIGHT Cursor key to display the list of saved tracks. Select the track you want to edit and press the RIGHT Cursor key. When the Edit Track dialog box appears, use the Cursor keys to move between fields. In the Track Name field, the UP and DOWN Cursor keys change the letter or number. All upper and lower case letters are available, as well as digits 0-9 and some punctuation characters. You can exit the Track Name field with the LEFT and RIGHT Cursor keys or by pressing the EXIT key. Select Save and press the RIGHT Cursor key to save your changes. Delete a saved track: From the Tracks submenu, select Delete and press the RIGHT Cursor key to display the list of saved tracks. Select the track you want to delete and press the RIGHT Cursor key. You will be asked to confirm deletion before the track is actually deleted. Hide or display a saved track: From the Tracks submenu, select Visibility and press the RIGHT Cursor key to display the list of saved tracks. Select the track you want to hide or display and use the Cursor keys to select Hidden or Visible. Press the EXIT key to return to the Tracks submenu.
Your Fishfinder user interface consists of a set of easy-to-use keys that work with various on-screen views and menus to give you flexibility and control over your fishing experience.

POWER/LIGHT Key

The POWER/LIGHT key is used to turn the Fishfinder on and off, and also to adjust the backlight and contrast of the display. Press the POWER/LIGHT key to turn the unit on. The Title screen is then displayed until the Fishfinder begins sonar operation.
Your Fishfinder will start up with the backlight on and will automatically turn it off to conserve power. To turn the backlight on for night fishing, or to adjust the display contrast, press the POWER/LIGHT key to access the Light and Contrast menu. Use the 4-WAY Cursor key to select Light or Contrast and then use the LEFT or RIGHT Cursor key to change the settings. Press EXIT to exit the Light and Contrast menu. Press and hold the POWER/LIGHT key for 3 seconds to turn the unit off. A message will appear telling you how many seconds there are until shutdown occurs. Your Fishfinder should always be turned off using the POWER/LIGHT key. This will ensure that shutdown occurs properly and any menu settings will be saved.

NOTE: Menu choices are implemented and saved immediately - no further action is required.

MARK Key

Press the MARK key while in any view to mark the position of a waypoint, either at the current boat location, or, if the Cursor is active, at the current Cursor location. The MARK key only functions if you have the GPS receiver connected.

GOTO Key

If the Cursor is active, pressing the GOTO key while in any view creates a waypoint and starts navigation towards that waypoint. If the Cursor is not active, pressing the GOTO key displays the list of waypoints, so that you can select the waypoint towards which you want to navigate.

ZOOM (+/-) Key

Press the - or + ZOOM keys while in any of the Navigation Views or the Sonar Zoom View to change the scale of the view to appear closer or farther away.

EXIT Key

The EXIT key has multiple functions, depending on the situation: If an alarm is sounding, pressing EXIT will cancel the alarm. If a menu tab is selected, pressing EXIT will exit the menu mode and return to the view. If a menu is active, pressing EXIT will return to the previous level in the menu system. Pressing EXIT will cycle through the available views in reverse order. If Freeze Frame is active, pressing EXIT will return to a scrolling display. If the Cursor is active, pressing EXIT will remove the cursor from the display.

Powering Up the Unit

Turn on your Fishfinder by pressing the POWER/LIGHT key. The Title screen is displayed until the Fishfinder begins operation. Your Fishfinder will begin Normal or Simulator operation, depending on the presence or absence of a transducer.

580 Title Screen

The Menu System
The menu system is divided into easy-to-use menu modules. The main components of the menu system are: Start-Up Options Menu - Press the MENU key during the power up sequence to view the Start-Up Options menu. X-Press Menu - The X-Press menu allows you to access the settings that are changed frequently without having to navigate through the whole menu system. Press the MENU key once to display the X-Press Menu. When you select a menu item from the X-Press menu, the menu will collapse, leaving only the menu choice on the screen. Use the UP or DOWN Cursor keys to reactivate the X-Press menu.

X-Press Menu

NOTE: The X-PressTM Menu choices will vary depending on which view is active when you press the MENU key, as well as whether you are in Normal or Advanced User Mode. Either the Sonar or Navigation X-PressTM Menu will appear, depending on the view you are in.
Main Menu Tabs - Less frequently-adjusted menus are grouped into the Main Menu System. The Main Menu system is organized under the following tab headings to help you find a specific menu item quickly: Alarms, Sonar, Navigation, Setup, and Views. Press the MENU key twice for the Main Menu, then use the 4-WAY Cursor LEFT or RIGHT key to select a tab, and use the DOWN or UP key to select a specific menu item under that tab, then use the LEFT or RIGHT keys again to change a Main Menu System menu setting. Press the EXIT key to move quickly Normal User Mode to the top of the tab. A down arrow at the bottom of a menu means that you can scroll to additional menu choices using the DOWN Cursor key. A right or left arrow on a menu choice means that you can use the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to make changes or to see more information.

NOTE: To get the full benefit of the Simulator, it is important to select Simulator manually from the Start-Up Options menu as opposed to letting the Fishfinder enter Simulator automatically (as it will if a transducer is not connected and you do nothing during power up). Manually selecting Simulator from the Start-Up Options menu allows you to pre-configure your Fishfinder for on the water operation. Any menu changes you make will be saved for later use.
A message will appear on the display periodically to remind you that you are using the Simulator. Exit the Simulator by powering your Fishfinder off.

System Status

Use System Status to view system connections and to conduct a unit self-test. The following screens are displayed in turn when you press the VIEW button when using System Status: Self Test Accessory Test GPS Diagnostic View. Exit System Status by powering your Fishfinder off.

Self Test

Self Test displays results from the internal diagnostic self test, including unit serial number, Printed Circuit Board (PCB) serial number, software revision, total hours of operation and the input voltage.

Self Test Screen

Accessory Test
Accessory Test lists the accessories connected to the system.

Accessory Test Screen

NOTE: The speed accessory will be detected only if the paddlewheel has moved since your Fishfinder was powered up.

GPS Diagnostic View

GPS Diagnostic View shows a sky chart and numerical data from the GPS receiver. The sky chart shows the location of each visible GPS satellite with its satellite number and a signal strength bar. A dark grey bar indicates that the satellite is being used to determine your current position. A light gray bar indicates that the satellite is being monitored, but is not yet being used. This view also reports the current position, local time and date, and other numeric information. The current GPS Fix Type is reported as No Fix, 2D Fix, 3D Fix, or Enhanced. An Enhanced fix has been augmented using information from WAAS, EGNOS, or MSAS. A 3D or Enhanced Fix is required for navigation. HDOP (the Horizontal Dilution of Precision) is a GPS system parameter which depends on the current satellite configuration. HDOP is used to calculate the Estimated Position Error.

Bottom View selects the method used to represent bottom and structure on the display. Inverse represents weak returns as dark pixels and strong returns as lighter pixels. This has the benefit of ensuring that weak signals will be clearly visible on the display. Structure ID represents weak returns as light pixels and strong returns as dark pixels. This has the benefit of ensuring that strong returns will be clearly visible on the display. WhiteLine highlights the strongest sonar returns in white resulting in a distinctive outline. This has the benefit of clearly defining the bottom on the display. Bottom Black displays all pixels below the bottom contour as black, regardless of signal strength. This has the benefit of providing a high contrast between the bottom and other sonar returns on the display. Any targets such as fish, structure and thermoclines will be shown using the Structure ID method. See Bottom Presentation for more information. To adjust the Bottom View: 1. Highlight Bottom View on the Sonar X-Press Menu. 2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT 4-WAY Cursor Control keys to change the Bottom View setting. (Inverse, Structure ID, WhiteLine, Bottom Black, Default = Inverse)

Cancel Navigation

(only when Navigating)
Cancel Navigation discards the current route and exits Navigation Mode. This menu choice will only appear when you are currently navigating a route. This will not delete a previously-saved route. To Cancel Navigation: 1. Highlight Cancel Navigation on the Sonar X-Press menu. 2. Use the RIGHT 4-WAY Cursor Control key to initiate canceling navigation. 3. The Confirm dialog box will appear. To cancel navigation, press the RIGHT Cursor key once more. To avoid canceling navigation, press the LEFT Cursor key.

Navigation X-Press Menu

(Navigation views only)
The Navigation X-Press menu provides access to the settings most frequently used. Press the MENU key once while in the Bird's Eye View, the Chart or the Combo View to access the Navigation X-Press menu.
NOTE: Menu choices will vary depending on system settings, such as whether you are currently navigating.

Waypoint [Name]

(Only with an active cursor on a waypoint)
Waypoint [Name] allows you to view the Waypoints submenu for the waypoint under your cursor. To view the Waypoint [Name] Submenu: 1. Move the cursor onto an existing waypoint and press the MENU key once, or use Cursor to Waypoint to select a waypoint from a list of saved waypoints. 2. Highlight Waypoint [Name] on the Navigation X-Press menu. 3. Use the RIGHT 4-Way Cursor Control key to view the Waypoints submenu, which contains the following menu choices:

To set the 83 kHz Sensitivity: 1. Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, then highlight 83 kHz Sensitivity on the Sonar main menu. 2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT 4-WAY Cursor Control keys to set the 83 kHz Sensitivity. (-10 to +10, Default = 0)

Depth Lines

Depth Lines divide the display into four equal sections that are separated by three horizontal depth lines. The depth of each line is displayed along the depth scale. You can either turn Depth Lines On or Off. The Depth Lines menu choice is available when User Mode is set to Advanced (see Setup Menu Tab: User Mode).
To change the Depth Lines setting: 1. Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, then highlight Depth Lines on the Sonar main menu. 2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT 4-WAY Cursor Control keys to turn the Depth Lines setting On or Off. (Off, On, Default = On)

Surface Clutter

Surface Clutter adjusts the filter that removes surface clutter noise caused by algae and aeration. The lower the setting, the less surface clutter will be displayed. The Surface Clutter menu choice is available when User Mode is set to Advanced (see Setup Menu Tab: User Mode).
To change the Surface Clutter setting: 1. Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, then highlight Surface Clutter on the Sonar main menu. 2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT 4-WAY Cursor Control keys to change the Surface Clutter setting. (Low = 1 to High = 10, Default = 5)

Noise Filter

Noise Filter adjusts the sonar Noise Filter to limit interference on the display from sources such as your boat engine, turbulence, or other sonar devices. The Noise Filter menu choice is available when User Mode is set to Advanced (see Setup Menu Tab: User Mode).
NOTE: The Off setting removes all filtering; Low, Medium and High settings add progressive filtering of the sonar returns. In some deep water situations, the High setting may actually hinder your units ability to find the bottom.
To change the Noise Filter setting: 1. Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, then highlight Noise Filter on the Sonar main menu. 2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT 4-WAY Cursor Control keys to change the Noise Filter setting. (Off, Low, Medium, High1, High2, High3, Default = Low)

Max Depth

Max Depth adjusts the maximum depth of operation. The performance of your Fishfinder can be tuned to the maximum depth you will be fishing in by setting the Max Depth. When a maximum depth is set, your Fishfinder will not attempt to acquire sonar data below that depth, thus increasing overall performance. When Max Depth is set to Auto, the Fishfinder will acquire bottom readings as needed (within the capacity of the unit). If the bottom is deeper than the Max Depth setting, the digital depth readout will flash, indicating that the Fishfinder cannot locate the bottom. The Max Depth menu choice is available when User Mode is set to Advanced (see Setup Menu Tab: User Mode). To change the Max Depth setting: 1. Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, then highlight Max Depth on the Sonar main menu. 2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT 4-WAY Cursor Control keys to change the Max Depth setting. (AUTO, 10 to 800 feet, 3 to 260 meters [International Models only], Default = AUTO)

Set Map Offset allows you to change the map offset used by the Fishfinder. The Set Map Offset menu choice is only available when User Mode is set to Advanced (see Setup Menu Tab: User Mode).
NOTE: The Map Offset will be applied to all maps and not just the map that requires the correction. The Map Offset should be cleared if a different map is to be used.
To change the Map Offset setting: 1. Activate the cursor and move it to the location where the Map Offset will be applied.
2. Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, then highlight Set Map Offset on the Chart main menu. 3. Use the RIGHT 4-WAY Cursor Control key to set the Map Offset. A confirmation dialog box will appear to allow you to change your mind, or to confirm your choice. If the cursor was not active before you began this procedure, you will see an error message. Exit the menu, set the cursor, then try again.

Clear Map Offset

Clear Map Offset allows you to clear the Map Offset. The Clear map Offset menu choice is only available when User Mode is set to Advanced (see Setup Menu Tab: User Mode) and a Map Offset is currently active. To Clear Map Offset: 1. Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, then highlight Clear Map Offset on the Chart main menu. 2. Use the RIGHT 4-WAY Cursor Control key to clear the Map Offset.

Course Projection Line

Course Projection Line allows you to display or hide an arrow extending from the bow of the boat that projects your current course, and shows where the boat will go if you continue on your present course. To change the Course Project Line setting: 1. Highlight Course Projection Line on the Navigation main menu. 2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT 4-WAY Cursor Control keys to change the Course Projection Line setting (Hidden, Visible, Default = Hidden)

Export All Nav Data

Export All Nav Data allows you to export all saved Tracks, Waypoints and Routes to an MMC/SD card. The Export All Nav Data menu choice is only available when User Mode is set to Advanced (see Setup Menu Tab: User Mode). To Export All Navigation Data: 1. Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, and that an optionalpurchase MMC/SD card is installed in the slot, then highlight Export All Nav Data on the Navigation main menu. 2. Use the RIGHT 4-WAY Cursor Control key to export all navigation data. A confirmation dialog box will appear to allow you to change your mind, and to confirm your choice. If no MMC/SD card is installed, an error message will be displayed. Insert the MMC/SD card and try again.

Delete All Nav Data

Delete All Nav Data allows you to delete all saved Tracks, Waypoints and Routes. This menu choice should be used with caution. The Delete All Nav Data menu choice is only available when User Mode is set to Advanced (see Setup Menu Tab: User Mode). To Delete All Navigation Data: 1. Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, then highlight Delete All Nav Data on the Navigation main menu. 2. Use the RIGHT 4-WAY Cursor Control key to delete all navigation data.

Time Format

(Advanced, International only)
Time Format changes the time format used by the unit This menu choice is available only when in Advanced User Mode (see Setup Menu Tab: User Mode). International Models only. Time Format selects a 12 hour or 24 hour format for the time of day displayed when Time + Date is selected as a Digital Readout on the Sonar View (see Select Readouts). To change the Time Format: 1. Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, then highlight Time Format on the Setup menu. 2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT 4-WAY Cursor Control keys to change the Time Format. (12 hour, 24 hour, Default = 12 hour)

Date Format

Date Format changes the date format used by the unit This menu choice is available only when in Advanced User Mode (see Setup Menu Tab: User Mode). International Models only. Date Format selects the format for the date display when Time + Date is selected as a Digital Readout on the Sonar View. (see Select Readouts). To change the Date Format: 1. Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, then highlight Date Format on the Setup menu. 2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT 4-WAY Cursor Control keys to change the Date Format. (mm/dd/yy, dd.mm.yy or yy.mm.dd, Default = mm/dd/yy)

NMEA Output

NMEA Output turns the NMEA* output on or off. This menu choice is available only when in Advanced User Mode (see Setup Menu Tab: User Mode.) NMEA Output should be turned On if you connect the NMEA Output wires of the GPS Receiver cable to another NMEA-compatible device, such as an autopilot.
*NMEA 0183 is a National Marine Electronics Association standard for data communication.
The following NMEA sentences are output when NMEA Output is turned On: DPT- Depth MTW - Water Temperature GLL - Lat/Lon Position GGA - GPS Fix Data RMC - Recommended Minimum Specific GNSS Data VTG - Course Over Ground and Ground Speed ZDA - Time and Date
When navigating, the following NMEA sentences are also output when NMEA Output is turned On: APB - Autopilot Sentence B BWR - Bearing and Distance to Waypoint RMB - Recommended Minimum Navigation Info To turn NMEA Output on or off: 1. Make sure you are in Advanced User Mode, then highlight NMEA Output on the Setup menu. 2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT 4-WAY Cursor Control keys to change the NMEA Output to On or Off. (Off, On, Default = Off)
Sonar deactivates Sonar and removes the Sonar Views from the view rotation. (Off, On, Default = On) To turn Sonar on or off: 1. Highlight Sonar on the Setup menu. 2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT 4-WAY Cursor Control keys to change the Sonar to On or Off. (Off, On, Default = On)
From any view, press the MENU key twice to access the tabbed Main Menu System, then press the RIGHT 4-WAY Cursor Control key until the Views tab is selected. This menu tab allows you to set the available views to either hidden or visible in the view rotation. The view will be removed from the view rotation if it is set to Hidden and will be displayed in the view rotation if it is set to Visible. The following views are available: Birds Eye View Chart View Combo View Sonar View

uses four sonar beams for a more detailed bottom image. QuadraBeam uses the DualBeam PLUS configuration for downlooking, and also adds two additional beams to look to the left and right. The sonar beams pointing to the left and right provide the ability to spot fish and structure over a wide 90 area, and to identify on which side of the boat they are located. See DualBeam PLUS. Quick Disconnect Mount: The Quick Disconnect Mounting system is an exclusive Humminbird feature that permits the unit to be easily removed from the mounting base by pressing a release button, and re-installed by simply snapping it back into place. All cable connections are made when installing, so that no separate wiring connections are required. Additionally, the mount offers 90 tilt and 360 swivel capability to adjust the viewing angle of the unit as you move about the boat. Real Time Sonar: Real Time Sonar is a Humminbird technology that delivers ultra-fast sonar transmitter/receiver operation and results in a more detailed instantaneous view of what is under the boat. The Real Time Sonar window is a vertical band at the right side of the display that shows the instantaneous sonar return from the transducer at a particular instant. The RTS Window menu option permits the user to adjust the window to show the full sonar signal return, or just a narrower band that indicates intensity using grayscale. Real Time Sonar relies on very fast Sonar Update Rate (Ping Speed). See Sonar Update Rate. Receiver: See Transmitter. Second Return: The Second Return is a term that describes the appearance of a second sonar return below the primary sonar return (bottom contour) at exactly twice the true depth. The second return is caused by the same sonar energy bouncing off the bottom once, rebounding to the water surface and then traveling back down to the bottom to be reflected again. Second returns are more common in shallow water and over hard bottoms; it is actually possible to see a third sonar return under some circumstances. The second return provides useful information to help determine bottom hardness, as areas with harder bottoms will generally create a second return. The second return can be used as a guide to set Sensitivity when in shallower water.

Sensitivity: Sensitivity is a user feature that adjusts the sensitivity of the sonar system to show more or less detail in the water. Higher sensitivities are often preferred, however, when the water contains debris (silt, storm debris, etc.) and it can be difficult to pick out targets. Conversely, if sensitivity is set too low, relevant targets may be missed. SONAR: SONAR is the acronym for SOund and NAvigation Ranging. Sonar technology uses precision sound bursts transmitted underwater to determine the distance and other attributes of objects in the water. Distance can be determined because the speed of sound in water is constant, and the time for the signal to return is measured. Sound also travels very quickly underwater, making sonar a responsive, cost-effective tool. Sonar is the basic technology behind all recreational and commercial fishfinding and depthfinding devices. Sonar Echo Enhancement: Sonar Echo Enhancement is a Humminbird feature that describes the high degree of sonar sensitivity achieved through a combination of transmitter/receiver and software algorithms. The result of Sonar Echo Enhancement is to display virtually everything in the water that is of interest to the angler, including bait fish, game fish, thermoclines, weed beds, subtle structure, and more. Sonar Update Rate: Sonar Update Rate is the number of times per second that the transmitter/receiver sends and receives sonar signals. A very fast sonar update rate collects more information and provides a more detailed image of the bottom, fish and structure. Many Humminbird units operate at up to 40 times per second when in single frequency operation. Due to the limitation of the speed of sound in water, the update rate begins to slow as depth increases to deeper than 50 feet. In very shallow water (less than 10 feet), however, update rates as much as 60 times per second can be achieved. Speed: Speed is the rate at which the boat moves through the water. Boat speed can be measured as Speed Over Ground or Speed Through Water. Speed Over Ground is provided by GPS, and is the measurement of the boats progress across a given distance. Speed Through Water is provided by a speed paddlewheel, and is the measurement of the flow past the boat, which may vary depending on current speed and direction. Speed Through Water is most critical for anglers using downriggers, as it impacts the running depth of the down riggers. Speed Over Ground is optimal for navigation, as accurate destination times can be derived from this measurement. Humminbird products allow for input and display of both sources.
Structure: Structure is a general term for objects on the bottom that present a discontinuity and are a likely attractor for fish. This includes bottom contour features (drop-offs, humps, and holes), standing structure (stumps, timbers, brush piles) and a wide range of other potential objects (sunken boats, reefs). Humminbird units excel at showing structure with great detail over a wider area due to unique sonar configurations developed for the angler. Structure ID: Structure ID is a Humminbird feature that describes the traditional grayscale method of presenting sonar information. See Grayscale. Surface Clutter: Surface Clutter is a phenomenon where sonar returns are reflected off of tiny objects near the surface of the water, including algae and even air bubbles. Typically, saltwater environments have significantly greater surface clutter than freshwater due to continuous wind and wave action that causes aeration at the surface. The Surface Clutter menu provides manual control to bias the default settings under extreme conditions. Target Separation: Target Separation is the measurement of minimum distance that a fishfinder needs to be able to recognize two very close objects as two distinct targets (i.e. two fish hanging very close, or a fish hanging very close to structure). Humminbird fishfinders provide a very good 2 1/2 inches of target separation in shallower than 100 feet of depth. Target separation decreases as depth increases due to the need for longer Pulse Width to achieve greater depth. See Pulse Width. Thermoclines: Thermoclines are water layer(s) of distinctly different temperatures that create a sonar reflection due to the density of the differing water temperatures. Typically a thermocline will appear as a continuous band across the display at some distance above the bottom contour. Thermoclines are of interest to anglers because fish will suspend above or below the thermocline as they seek the optimum temperature and oxygen levels. Time Variable Gain: Time Variable Gain is a processing step applied to the sonar return to "normalize" the data so that objects of equal size (i.e. fish) appear to be the same size, even if they are separated by a good distance. Time Variable Gain is a fundamental attribute of good sonar, but is often promoted as a feature. Total Screen Update: A Humminbird feature that refreshes and updates all the sonar information on the display when a range change occurs. Without Total Screen Update, only the most recent sonar information would be drawn to the

Waypoint: A Waypoint is the saved location (latitude, longitude) of a point of interest that is stored in a GPS receivers memory. This can include a marker buoy, dock, fishing hole or anywhere else the user may want to return to. Humminbird products offer the ability to name and assign a symbol to the saved location. Depth, Date and Time of Day when the waypoint was created is also saved. Waypoint Target: Waypoint Target is a Humminbird feature that displays a precise bulls eye around a selected waypoint. This bulls eye is used to easily monitor boat position relative to a waypoint, and is useful for fishing over submerged structure. With Waypoint Targets, a quick look at the screen lets you know how far off the waypoint the boat has drifted.

Contact Humminbird

Contact the Humminbird Customer Resource Center in any of the following ways: By Telephone: (Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Standard Time): 1-800-633-1468 By e-mail: (typically we respond to your e-mail within three business days): custserv@johnsonoutdoors.com For direct shipping, our address is: Humminbird Service Department 678 Humminbird Lane Eufaula, AL 36027 USA