INSTALLATION AND OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION.... 3 SPECIFICATIONS.... 3 INSTALLATION... 4 INSTALLATION - Bracket... 4 POWER CONNECTIONS... 5 KEYBOARD BASICS... 6 DISPLAY..... 6 MENUS..... 7 OPERATION.... 7 AUTOMATIC.... 7 RANGE..... 8 RANGE - UPPER AND LOWER LIMITS... 8 ZOOM.... 9 SENSITIVITY.... 11 GRAYLINE...... 12 FISH ID.... 12 TARGETTRACK.... 14 CHART SPEED.... 15 DISPLAY MODE.... 15 ALARMS.... 17 LIGHT.... 18 FEET/METERS.... 19 DISPLAY CONTRAST.... 19 ASP (Advanced Signal Processing)... 19 SIMULATOR.... 20 FISH ARCHES.... 21 WATER TEMPERATURE AND THERMOCLINES... 22 TROUBLESHOOTING.... 23 WARRANTY.... 27 MISSING PARTS... 28
Copyright 1995 Lowrance Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved. All features and specifications in this manual are subject to change without notice. All screens in this manual are simulated.
INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing a Lowrance sonar. Your X-45 is a high quality sonar designed for both professional and novice fishermen. These units have an automatic feature that finds and displays the bottom, fish, structure, and more! All you have to do is press the on key. However, if you wish to fine tune the unit, simply press the menu key. The X-45 has powerful features available through easy-to-use menus. Installing an optional speed/temperature sensor lets you view the surface water temperature, boat speed, and distance log. The X-45 also takes advantage of the optional BroadView transducer. See page 12 for information on the FishView feature that uses this transducer.
SPECIFICATIONS Dimensions.. Input Voltage.. Current Drain.. Transmitter Frequency.. Output Power. Display...
5.9" W x 5.35" H x 3.4" D 10 - 15 vDC 350 ma (lights off) 500 ma (lights on) 192 kHz 600 watts (peak-to-peak) 75 watts (RMS) 100 pixels (H) x 65 pixels (W) Supertwist Liquid Crystal Display

5.9"

3.4"
NOTICE! The storage temperature for your unit is from -4 degrees to +167 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees to +75 degrees Celcius). Extended storage in temperatures higher or lower than specified will damage the liquid crystal display in your unit. This type of damage is not covered by the warranty. For more information, contact the factory customer service department or your local service center.

5.35"

INSTALLATION - Bracket You can install the X-45 on the top of a dash or from an overhead with the supplied bracket. It can also be installed in the dash with an optional IDA3 or IDA-4 mounting kit. If you use the supplied bracket, you may be interested in the optional GBSA-1 swivel bracket kit. This converts the X45's gimbal bracket to a swivel mount which can be used on the dash or overhead mounting positions. Installation instructions for the in-dash and swivel mounting kits are supplied with the adapter kits. Mount the X-45 in any convenient location, provided there is clearance when its tilted for the best viewing angle. Holes in the brackets base allow wood screw or through bolt mounting. It may be necessary to place a piece of plywood on the back side of thin panels to reinforce the panel. Make certain there is enough room behind the unit to attach the power and transducer cables. Drill a hole in the dash for the power and transducer cables. The best location for this hole is immediately under the gimbal bracket. This way, the bracket covers the hole. The smallest hole the power or transducer cable connector can pass through is 3/4". However, you cant pass a power or transducer connector and another cable through a 3/4" hole. Therefore, after drilling the hole, pass the transducer connector up through the hole from under the dash. Then drop the power cable down from the front side of the dash. After installing the transducer and power cables, slide the bracket over the hole, then route the transducer and power cables out the slot in the back of the bracket. Finally, fasten the bracket to the dash.

X-45 GIMBAL BRACKET WASHER

GIMBAL KNOB

Attach the X-45 to the gimbal bracket using the supplied gimbal knobs and washers as shown above.
POWER CONNECTIONS The X-45 works from a 12 volt DC system only. For the best results, run the power cable directly to the boats battery. Keep the power cable away from other boat wiring, especially the engines wires. This will give the best isolation from electrical noise. If the supplied cable is not long enough to reach the battery, splice #18 gauge insulated wire to it. If you do extend the power cable, make certain to attach the in-line fuse holder supplied with the X-45 to the battery or power source. This will protect both the unit and the power cable in the event of a short. Use only a 3-amp fuse. IMPORTANT! Do not use this product without a 3-amp fuse wired into the power cable! Failure to use a 3-amp fuse will void your warranty! You can also attach the power cable to an accessory or power buss, however, you may have problems with electrical interference. This units 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. If you've purchased a speed/temperature sensor, install it according to the instructions enclosed with it. Route its cable to the connector on the X-45's power cable. The X-45 is now ready for use.
TO POWER CONNECTORR ON X-45

RED WIRE

BLACK WIRE

3 amp FUSE

TO OPTIONAL SPEED/ TEMP SENSOR

12 VOLT BATTERY 5

KEYBOARD BASICS The unit sounds a tone when you press any key. This tells you the unit has accepted a command. ON/CLEAR Use this key to turn the unit on. It also clears menu selections and the menus from the screen. OFF This key turns the unit off. MENU The X-45 has many features that are accessed with this key. To see the first menu, press the MENU key. To see the other menus, press the MENU key repeatedly. UP and DOWN ARROWS Use these keys to adjust virtually every feature and function on the unit. NOTE: The up arrow key also stops the chart when no menus are displayed. In other words, anytime you wish to stop the chart, first make certain no menu is on the screen. Now press the up arrow key. The chart freezes and the word STOP appears at the top of the screen. To start the chart, press the up arrow key again. DISPLAY - General The lights flash for about ten seconds when the X-45 is turned on. Three menus appear, one after the other. The menus are the lights (LAMP), feetmeter selection (FEET/METER), and contrast adjustment (DARK/LIGHT). To turn the lights on, press the up arrow key. To switch from feet to meters, press the down arrow key when the proper menu appears. To adjust the contrast, wait for the DARK/LIGHT menu to appear. Now press the up arrow key to darken the screen, the down arrow to lighten it. The menus disappear after a few seconds. If you dont want to wait, press the ON/ CLEAR key to clear the menus from the screen. When the X-45 is first turned on, the display appears similar to the one at right. The unit is in the automatic mode. The depth range displays on the upper left side of the screen.

In the example shown at the bottom of the previous page, the range is from 0 to 60 feet and the bottom depth is 37.3 feet. NOTE: Turning the X-45 off erases all user settings and it returns to the system defaults. For example, if you turn the lights on, then turn the unit off, the next time you turn the unit on, the lights will be off, since the default setting for the lights is off. MENUS The X-45 uses menus to guide you through the units functions and features. The menu key accesses these features, allowing you to customize the unit to your particular needs and water conditions. All you have to do to leave one menu and enter another is press the menu key repeatedly. If you ever get lost in the menus, simply press the ON/CLEAR key. This clears the menus from the screen. Menus change depending on the mode the unit is in. For example, if the automatic mode is turned off, the sensitivity menu changes from AUTO SENS to MAN SENS. Other messages may appear in menu boxes or new menus can appear, again depending on previous selections. On the screen shown on the previous page, the lamp menu is showing. Pressing the up arrow key while this menu is on the screen turns the back lights on.

OPERATION

AUTOMATIC When the X-45 is first turned on, the automatic feature is enabled. This feature automatically adjusts the units range and sensitivity according to water conditions. It always keeps the bottom depth displayed in the lower portion of the screen. To turn the automatic feature off, press the menu key until the AUTO/MAN menu appears. Now press the down arrow key. This highlights the letters MAN. The unit is now in the manual mode. Wait a few seconds and the menu will scroll off the screens left side. Pressing the ON/CLEAR key also clears it. To turn the automatic feature on again, repeat the above steps, except this time press the up arrow key.
RANGE You cant adjust the range when the X-45 is in the automatic mode. It is adjustable when the unit is in the manual mode, however. To do so, first put the unit in the manual mode. Now press the ON/CLEAR key to clear the screen. Then press the menu key until the RANGE SEL menu appears as shown below. The current range shows at the bottom of the menu. In this case, the range is 60 feet. Now press the up arrow key to decrease the range, the down arrow key increases the range. After you select the desired range, press the ON/CLEAR key to clear the display. If you wait a few seconds, it automatically clears. The X-45 has the following ranges: 10, 20, 40, 60, 120, 240, 480, and 900 feet. and 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 100, 200, and 300 meters. NOTE: The depth capability of the X-45 depends on the transducer installation, water and bottom conditions, and other factors. RANGE - Upper and Lower Limits The X-45 lets you change the upper and lower range limits when it's in the manual mode. This lets you "zoom" in on segments of the water as small as 10 feet. In other words, you can set the upper limit to 25 feet and the lower limit to 35 feet, regardless of the bottom depth. This in essence, gives you a 10 foot zoom. You can choose any segment of the water, as long as the distance between the upper limit and lower limit is 10 feet (10 meters) or more. To change the upper limit, first make certain the unit is in the manual mode. Next, press the MENU key until the "UPPER LIMIT" menu appears. Now press the down arrow key to increase the upper limit or the up arrow key to increase it. After you've finished, wait a few

21 FOOT UPPER LIMIT

seconds and the menu will scroll off the screens left side. Pressing the ON/ CLR key also clears it. To change the lower limit, again make certain the unit is in the manual mode. Press the MENU key until the "LOWER LIMIT" menu appears. Now press the down arrow key to increase the lower limit or the up arrow key to increase it. When you have the limit set, wait a few seconds and the menu will scroll off the screens left side. Pressing the ON/CLR key also clears it.
ZOOM The zoom feature enlarges all echoes on the screen. If the unit is in the automatic mode, it tracks the bottom signal, always keeping it near the bottom of the screen. This lets you see small detail, at the same time enlarging all echoes that appear on the screen. The unit doesnt track the bottom in the manual mode, and the adjustments are slightly different. Zoom - Automatic Operation To zoom the display, first press the MENU key until the RANGE/ZOOM menu appears as shown at right. Now press the down arrow key. This switches the unit into the zoom mode. A new menu immediately appears as shown at the top of the next page.
This is the zoom size menu. Zoom size is the distance between the upper limit and the lower limit. The upper limit shows at the top left corner of the screen. The lower limit is in the bottom left corner. For example, if the upper limit is 40 feet and the lower limit is 70 feet, the zoom window size is 30 feet. The word TRACK appears in this menu when you first activate the zoom as shown below. This means the X-45 is tracking the bottom in a zoom window, always keeping it on the display. Press the up arrow key to decrease the zoom size, press the down arrow key to increase the zoom size. When the unit is switched into the zoom mode, the letters ZM appear at the top of the screen. The zoom window size displays in the top right corner of the screen. On the screen shown at right, the zoom size has been changed to 20 feet. To turn the zoom feature off, press the menu key until the RANGE/ZOOM menu appears. Now press the up arrow key. This switches the unit into the range mode, which turns the zoom feature off. The X-45 has the following zoom ranges: 10, 20, 30, 60, 120, 240, and 480 feet and 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100, and 150 meters.
Zoom - Manual Operation To operate the zoom feature when the X-45 is in the manual mode, first press the menu key. Then press the down arrow key in the RANGE/ZOOM menu to place the X-45 in the zoom mode. The zoom size menu automatically appears next. You can change the zoom size by pressing the up or down arrows. After you select the desired zoom size, press the
menu key until the MOVE ZOOM menu appears. This menu lets you move the zoom window up or down in one foot increments by pressing the arrow keys. Thus, you can move the zoom window up towards the surface, down to the bottom, or anywhere in between. The window stays where you put it. It doesnt track the bottom signal. To turn the zoom feature off, press the menu key until the RANGE/ZOOM menu appears. Now press the up arrow key. This switches the unit into the range mode, which turns the zoom feature off. SENSITIVITY The sensitivity menu lets you control the units ability to pick up echoes. A low sensitivity level excludes much of the bottom information, fish signals, and other detail. High sensitivity settings lets you see features, but it can also clutter the screen with noise and other unwanted signals. Typically, the best sensitivity level shows a good, solid bottom signal with grayline. The X-45 adjusts the sensitivity level to keep a solid bottom signal on the screen. It adds a little extra when its in the automatic mode. This gives it the capability to show fish and other detail. However, situations occur where it becomes necessary to increase or decrease the sensitivity level. Typically, this occurs when you wish to see more detail, so you need to increase the sensitivity. The procedure to adjust it is the same whether the unit is in the automatic or manual mode. To change the sensitivity level, first press the menu key until the sensitivity menu appears. If the unit is in automatic, the menu shows AUTO SENS. Otherwise, the menu shows MAN SENS. Now press the up arrow key to increase the sensitivity, the down arrow to decrease it. A vertical bar graph in the menu box shows the sensitivity level. Echoes scrolling onto the screen will also show the effects of the sensitivity change. If you reach the maximum or minimum sensitivity level, a tone sounds alerting you to the limits. After youve adjusted the unit to the desired sensitivity level, press the ON/

CLEAR key to clear the display. If you wait a few seconds, it will automatically clear.
GRAYLINE Grayline lets you distinguish between strong and weak echoes. It paints gray on targets that are stronger than a preset level. This shows the difference between a hard or soft bottom, large fish versus smaller ones, or rocks and brush on the bottom. For example, a soft, muddy, or weedy bottom returns a weaker signal which shows a narrow or no gray line. A hard bottom returns a strong signal that causes a wide gray line. If you have two targets of equal size, one with gray and the other without, the target with gray is the stronger echo. This helps distinguish fish from structure, or the larger fish from a smaller one. Grayline is adjustable. Since it shows the difference between strong and weak echoes, changing the level may require a different sensitivity setting. To change the Grayline level, first press the MENU key until the Grayline menu appears. Now press the up arrow key to increase the level, the down arrow to decrease it. The bar graph in the Grayline menu box shows the level of Grayline now in use. Echoes scrolling onto the screen will also show the effects of the Grayline change. If you reach the maximum or minimum level, a tone sounds alerting you to the limits. The level chosen by the X-45 when its first turned on is usually adequate for most conditions. Experiment with your unit to find the Grayline setting thats best.
FISH ID FEATURE The Fish ID feature identifies targets that meet certain conditions as fish. The microcomputer analyses all echoes and eliminates surface clutter, thermoclines, and other undesirable signals. In most instances, remaining targets are fish. The Fish ID feature displays symbols on the screen in place of the actual fish echoes. There are four symbol sizes: tiny, small, medium, and large. These show the relative size between targets. In other
words, it displays a small fish symbol when it thinks a target is a small fish, a medium fish symbol on a larger target, etc. The microcomputer is sophisticated, but it can be fooled. It can't distinguish between fish and other suspended objects such as turtles, submerged floats, air bubbles, etc. Individual tree limbs extending outwards from a group of limbs are the hardest objects for the Fish ID feature to distinguish from fish. You may see Fish ID symbols on the screen when, in fact, there are no fish. Practice with the unit when the Fish ID feature is on and off to become more familiar with Fish ID. To turn this feature on, press the menu key until the Fish ID features menu appears as shown at right. Now press the up arrow key. This turns the feature on. To turn it off, repeat the above steps, but press the down arrow key instead. The Fish ID feature cant be used when the X-45 is in the manual mode. If you turn the automatic feature off, the Fish ID feature will automatically be turned off, also.

TargetTrack The X-45 has the unique capability to "see" targets not only straight down, but also to the right and left, thanks to the optional BroadView transducer (not included). This transducer has three elements: left, right, and down. The X-45 uses all three elements to display targets between the surface and the bottom. Targets are shown as Fish ID symbols. This feature also shows the depth of the target directly above the fish symbol. In the screen shown below right, there is one symbol from the right element at 22 feet, one from the left element at 29 feet, and one from the center element at 16 feet. The TargetTrack feature identifies fish symbols coming from the right element with a "R" in front of the symbol's depth. A "L" identifies symbols from the left element. No letter identifies fish symbols from the center element. The bottom signal and the digital depth display are read from the center element only. To turn the TargetTrack feature off, simply press the MENU key until its menu appears as shown below, then press the down arrow key.
CHART SPEED The rate echoes scroll across the screen is called the chart speed. Its adjustable by pressing the menu key until the chart speed menu appears. Chart speed is set to maximum when the X-45 is first turned on. To decrease it, press the down arrow key. Press the up arrow key to increase the speed again. The bar graph in the Chart Speed menu box shows a graph of the speed. Echoes scrolling onto the screen will also show the effects of the change. If you reach the maximum or minimum level, an warning tone sounds. To stop the chart, first clear any menu from the screen by pressing the ON/ CLEAR key. You cant stop the chart while a menu is displayed. Now press the up arrow key. The chart will freeze and the word STOP appears at the top right portion of the screen. To start the chart, press the up arrow key again.
DISPLAY MODE The X-45 has three different screen modes. To change modes, press the MENU key until the DISP MODE (Display Mode) menu appears. Then press the up or down arrow keys until the desired mode number appears. The modes are as follows:
CHT 1 (Chart #1) This is the default mode used when the X-45 is first turned on. It has the following features: 1. Automatic On 2. Fish ID Feature Off 3. Digital Depth Display On

LIGHTS The X-45s display is backlighted for night use. To turn the backlights on or off, press the menu key repeatedly until the LAMP menu appears. Now press the up arrow to turn the lights on or the down arrow to turn them off. The menu will clear automatically after a few seconds.
FEET/METER The X-45 can show the depth in feet or meters, temperature in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius, speed in statute miles per hour or knots, and distance (log) in statute miles or nautical miles. When the unit is in the metric mode, all depth readings, ranges, zooms, and alarm settings are in meters. When a unit is in the feet mode, all of the above settings are in feet. To change from feet to meters or vice-versa, press the menu key until the FEET/METER menu appears as shown at the bottom of the previous page. Press the down arrow key to switch to metric, the up arrow to switch to feet. Displays show in feet when the unit is first turned on. The menu will clear automatically after a few seconds or you can press the ON/CLEAR key to clear the screen. DISPLAY CONTRAST The units display contrast is adjustable to suit different lighting conditions. This will help you see the screen from different angles, or at various times of the day. To adjust the contrast, press the menu key until the DARK/LIGHT menu appears. To decrease it, press the down arrow key. Press the up arrow key to increase the contrast. The bar graph in the Dark/Light menu box shows a graph of the contrast. The screen will also show the effects of the change. If you reach the maximum or minimum level, a tone sounds alerting you to the limits. The menu will clear automatically after a few seconds or you can press the ON/ CLEAR key to clear the screen.
ASP (Advanced Signal Processing) ASP is a program embedded in the X-45s computer that is specifically designed to eliminate noise. It continually monitors the signals from the receiver, determines which echoes are noise and rejects them. This allows true target echoes to display on the screen with a minimum of clutter. This feature is especially useful since it typically lets you operate the boat at all
speeds without adjusting the sensitivity or other controls. When the X-45 is first turned on, ASP is enabled. To turn ASP off, press the menu key repeatedly until the ASP menu appears. Now press the up arrow to turn it on or the down arrow to turn it off. The menu will clear automatically after a few seconds or you can press the ON/CLEAR key to clear the screen.

WATER TEMPERATURE AND THERMOCLINES Water temperature has an important-if not controlling-influence upon the activities of all fish. Fish are cold blooded and their bodies are always the temperature of the surrounding water. During the winter, colder water slows down their metabolism. At this time, they need about a fourth as much food as they consume in the summer. Most fish dont spawn unless the water temperature is within rather narrow limits. The surface temperature meter built into the X-45 helps identify the desired surface water spawning temperatures for various species. Trout cant survive in streams that get too warm. Bass and other fish eventually die out when stocked in lakes that remain too cold during the summer. While some fish have a wider temperature tolerance than others, each has a certain range within which it tries to stay. Schooling fish suspended over deep water lie at the level that provides this temperature. We assume they are the most comfortable here. The temperature of water in the lake is seldom constant from top to bottom. Layers of different temperatures form, and the junction of a warm and cool layer of water is called a thermocline. The depth and thickness of the thermocline can vary with the season or time of day. In deep lakes there may be two or more at different depths. Thermoclines are important to fishermen because they are areas where fish are active. Many times bait fish will be above the thermocline while larger game fish will suspend in or just below it.
SURFACE LAYER ABSORBS HEAT FROM THE SUN

EPILIMNION

THERMOCLINE
MOST PRODUCTIVE ZONE FOR FISHING

HYPOLIMNION

The X-45 can detect this invisible layer in the water, but Fish ID will have to be off and the sensitivity will probably have to be turned up to see it.
TROUBLESHOOTING If your unit is not working, or if you need technical help, please use the following troubleshooting section before contacting the factory customer service department. It may save you the trouble of returning your unit. Unit wont turn on: 1. Check the power cables connection at the unit. Also check the wiring. 2. Make certain the power cable is wired properly. The red wire connects to the positive battery terminal, black to negative or ground. 3. Check the fuse. 4. Measure the battery voltage at the units power connector. It should be at least 11 volts. If it isnt, the wiring to the unit is defective, the battery terminals or wiring on the terminals are corroded, or the battery needs charging.
Unit freezes, locks up, or operates erratically: 1. Electrical noise from the boats motor, trolling motor, or an accessory may be interfering with the sonar unit. Rerouting the power and transducer cables away from other electrical wiring on the boat may help. Route the sonar units power cable directly to the battery instead of through a fuse block or ignition switch 2. Inspect the transducer cable for breaks, cuts, or pinched wires. 3. Check the transducer and power connector. Make certain it's securely plugged in to the unit. Weak bottom echo, digital readings erratic, or no fish signals: 1. Make certain transducer is pointing straight down. Clean the face of the transducer. Oil, dirt, and fuel can cause a film to form on the transducer, reducing its effectiveness. If the transducer is mounted inside the hull, be sure it is shooting through only one layer of fiberglass and that it is securely bonded to the hull. Do NOT use RTV silicone rubber adhesive or MarinetexTM. 2. Electrical noise from the boats motor can interfere with the sonar. This causes the sonar to automatically increase its Discrimination or noise rejection feature. This can cause the unit to eliminate weaker signals such as fish or even structure from the display. 3. The water may be deeper than the sonars ability to find the bottom. If the sonar cant find the bottom signal while its in the automatic mode, the digital 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 units 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 boats 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 units power and transducer cables away from other electrical wiring on the boat. No fish arches when the Fish ID feature is off: 1. Make certain transducer is pointing straight down. This is the most common problem if a partial arch is displayed. See the Fish Arch section in your owner's manual for more information. 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 fishs echo from the time it enters the cone until it leaves. If the sensitivity is not high enough, the unit displays 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 display as straight horizontal lines. ELECTRICAL NOISE A major cause of sonar problems is electrical noise. This usually appears on the sonars display as random patterns of dots or lines. In severe cases, it can completely cover the screen with black dots, or cause the unit operate erratically, or not at all. To eliminate or minimize the effects of electrical noise, first try to determine the cause. With the boat at rest in the water, the first thing you should do is turn all electrical equipment on the boat off. Make certain the engine is off, also. Turn your X-45 on, then turn off ASP (Advanced Signal Processing). There should be a steady bottom signal on the display. Now turn on each piece of electrical equipment on the boat and view the effect on the sonars display. For example, turn on the bilge pump and view the sonar display for noise. If no noise is present, turn the pump off, then turn on the VHF radio and transmit. Keep doing this until all electrical equipment has been turned on, their effect on the sonar display noted, then turned off. If you find noise interference from an electrical instrument, trolling motor,
pump, or radio, try to isolate the problem. You can usually reroute the sonar units power cable and transducer cable away from the wiring that is causing the interference. VHF radio antenna cables radiate noise when transmitting, so be certain to keep the sonars wires away from it. You may need to route the sonar units power cable directly to the battery to isolate it from other wiring on the boat. If no noise displays on the sonar unit from electrical equipment, then make certain everything except the sonar unit is turned off, then start the engine. Increase the RPM with the gearshift in neutral. If noise appears on the display, the problem could be one of three things; spark plugs, alternator, or tachometer wiring. Try using resistor spark plugs, alternator filters, or routing the sonar units power cable away from engine wiring. Again, routing the power cable directly to the battery helps eliminate noise problems. Make certain to use the in-line fuse supplied with the unit when wiring the power cable to the battery! When no noise appears on the sonar unit after all of the above tests, then the noise source is probably cavitation. Many novices or persons with limited experience make hasty sonar installations which function perfectly in shallow water, or when the boat is at rest. In nearly all cases, the cause of the malfunction will be the location and/or angle of the transducer. The face of the transducer must be placed in a location that has a smooth flow of water at all boat speeds. Read your transducer owners manual for the best mounting position.

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

LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS

12000 E. SKELLY DRIVE TULSA, OK 74128

(800) 324-1356

NOTICE!
Please check the items in the box against this list. You should have all of the items shown on this page. If you are missing any of the items, please call our special toll-free number:

1-800-324-1353

A RECORDED MESSAGE will request the following information. Please have it ready before you call. 1. Your name, shipping address, and telephone number. 2. The part that's missing. 3. The model, serial number, and DATE AND PLACE OF PURCHASE OF YOUR UNIT. 4. The best time of day to call you if we have questions. Provided that all of the requested information is recorded and approved by our Customer Service Department, the missing item(s) will be shipped directly to you free of charge.

DISPLAY UNIT

RUBBER WASHER
GIMBAL BRACKET TRANSDUCER, BRACKET, AND HARDWARE

POWER CABLE

FUSE HOLDER

How to Obtain Service

(Canadian Customers Only)
We back your investment in quality products with quick, expert service and genuine Lowrance replacement parts. If you need service or repairs, contact the Lowrance Factory Customer Service Department at the toll-free number listed below. A technician may be able to solve the problem and save you the inconvenience of returning your unit. You will be asked for your unit's serial number.

800-324-1356

Canada Only. Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M. Central Time.
(International Customers Only)
If you need service or repairs, contact the dealer in the country you purchased your unit. WARRANTY REPAIR WILL BE HONORED ONLY IN THE COUNTRY UNIT WAS PURCHASED. Please follow the shipping instructions shown below on this page if you have to mail your unit to the dealer. For proper testing, repair, and service, send a brief note with the product describing the problem. Be sure to include your name, return shipping address, and a daytime telephone number.

Shipping Information

When sending a product for repair, please do the following: 1. Always use the original shipping container and filler material the product was packed in when shipping your product. 2 Always insure the parcel against damage or loss during shipment. Lowrance does not assume responsiblity for goods lost or damaged in transit. 3. For proper testing, repair, and service, send a brief note with the product describing the problem. Be sure to include your name, return shipping address, and a daytime telephone number.

Accessory Ordering Information
To order accessories such as power cables or transducers, please contact: 1. Your local marine dealer. Most quality dealers that handle marine electronic equipment should be able to assist you with these items. Consult your local telephone directory for listings. 2. Canadian customers only can write: Lowrance/Eagle Canada, 919 Matheson Blvd., E. Mississauga, Ontario L4W2R7 or fax 416-629-3118 29
We back your investment in quality products with quick, expert service and genuine Lowrance replacement parts. If you're in the United States and you have questions, please contact the Factory Customer Service Department using our toll-free number listed below. You must send the unit to the factory for warranty service or repair. Please call the factory before sending the unit. You will be asked for your unit's serial number. Use the following toll-free number:
Your unit is covered by a full one-year warranty. (See inside for complete warranty details.) If your unit fails and the failure is not covered by the original warranty, Lowrance has a flat-rate repair policy that covers your unit and accessories packed with the unit at the factory. There is a 180-day warranty on all non-warranty repairs from the factory, which is similar to the original warranty, but is for 180 days rather than one year. For further details, please call us at the above number.
When sending a product for repair, please do the following: 1. Always use the original shipping container and filler material the product was packed in when shipping your product. 2 Always insure the parcel against damage or loss during shipment. Lowrance does not assume responsiblity for goods lost or damaged in transit. 3. For proper testing, repair, and service, send a brief note with the product describing the problem. Be sure to include your name, return shipping address, and a daytime telephone number. Lowrance Electronics may find it necessary to change or end our shipping policies, regulations, and special offers at any time. We reserve the right to do so without notice.
To order accessories such as power cables or transducers, please contact:
1) Your local marine dealer. Most quality dealers that handle marine electronic equipment should be able to assist you with these items. Consult your local telephone directory for listings. 2) LEI Extras, Inc. P.O. Box 129 Catoosa, OK 74015-0129 or call 800-324-0045 (USA orders only.) LITHO IN U.S.A. 988-0105-54

2. Determine the approximate location for the transducer and its cable route. 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. 5. Install the power cable and route it to the sonar unit. 6. Mount the sonar unit.

Transducer Installation

These instructions will help you install your Skimmer transducer on a transom, on a trolling motor or inside a hull. Please read all instructions before proceeding with any installation. Your Skimmer transducer typically comes packaged with a one-piece stainless steel bracket for mounting it to the transom of your boat. The optional trolling motor mount uses a one-piece plastic bracket with an adjustable strap. These are "kick-up" mounting brackets. They help prevent damage if the transducer strikes an object while the boat is moving. If the transducer does "kick-up," the bracket can easily be pushed back into place without tools. Read these instructions carefully before attempting the installation. Determine which of the installation methods is right for your boat. Remember, the transducer installation is the most critical part of a sonar installation. Recommended Tools and supplies If you prefer the option of routing the cable through the transom, you will need a 5/8" drill bit. The following installation types also call for these recommended tools and required supplies (supplies are not included):

Transom installation

Tools include: two adjustable wrenches, drill, #29 (0.136") drill bit, flathead screwdriver. Supplies: high quality, marine grade above- or belowwaterline caulking compound.
Trolling motor installations
Tools: two adjustable wrenches, flat-head screwdriver. Supplies: plastic cable ties.
Shoot-through hull installations
Tools: these will vary depending on your hull's composition. Consult your boat dealer or manufacturer. Supplies: 100 grit sandpaper, good quality epoxy adhesive. 3
Selecting a Transducer Location 1. The transducer must be placed in a location that has a smooth flow of water at all times. If the transducer is to be mounted inside the hull, then the chosen location must be in the water at all times. If the transducer is not placed in a smooth flow of water, interference caused by bubbles and turbulence will show on the sonar's display in the form of random lines or dots whenever the boat is moving. NOTE: Some aluminum boats with strakes or ribs on the outside of the hull create large amounts of turbulence at high speed. These boats typically have large outboard motors capable of propelling the boat at speeds faster than 35 mph. Typically, a good location on aluminum boats is between the ribs closest to the engine. 2. The transducer should be installed with its face pointing straight down, if possible. 3. If the transducer is mounted on the transom, make sure it doesn't interfere with the trailer or hauling of the boat. Also, don't mount it closer than approximately one foot from the engine's lower unit. This will prevent cavitation (bubble) interference with propeller operation. 4. If possible, route the transducer cable away from other wiring on the boat. Electrical noise from engine wiring, bilge pumps and aerators can be displayed on the sonar's screen. Use caution when routing the transducer cable around these wires.

parts first, place the transducer's bracket against the transom and see if you can move the transducer so that it's parallel with the ground. 1. Assembling the bracket. Press the two small plastic ratchets into the sides of the metal bracket as shown in the following illustration. Notice there are letters molded into each ratchet. Place each ratchet into the bracket with the letter "A" aligned with the dot stamped into the metal bracket. This position sets the transducer's coarse angle adjustment for a 14 transom. Most outboard and stern-drive transoms have a 14 angle.
Align plastic ratchets in bracket.
2. Aligning the transducer on the transom. Slide the transducer between the two ratchets. Temporarily slide the bolt though the transducer assembly and hold it against the transom. Looking at the transducer from the side, check to see if it will adjust so that its face is parallel to the ground. If it does, then the "A" position is correct for your hull. If the transducer's face isn't parallel with the ground, remove the transducer and ratchets from the bracket. Place the ratchets into the holes in the bracket with the letter "B" aligned with the dot stamped in the bracket. Reassemble the transducer and bracket and place them against the transom. Again, check to see if you can move the transducer so it's parallel with the ground. If you can, then go to step 3. If it doesn't, repeat step 2, but use a different alignment letter until you can place the transducer on the transom correctly.

Ratchets

Insert bolt and check transducer position on transom.
3. Assembling the transducer. 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 Bolt

Metal washer

Assemble transducer and bracket.
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 using the #29 bit (for the #10 screws).

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. 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.

Transducer location (high speed)
Transducer location (trolling speed)
Shoot-thru-hull transducer locations for high speed or trolling speed operation.
Shoot-thru-hull Installation 1. Make sure the area is clean, dry and free of oil or grease, then sand both the inside surface of the hull and the face of the transducer with 100 grit sandpaper. The surface of the hull must be flat so the entire transducer face is in contact with the hull prior to bonding.

Spread epoxy here

Sand this surface
Epoxy transducer to hull.
2. Follow the instructions on the epoxy package and mix it thoroughly. Do not mix it too fast, because it will cause bubbles to form in the epoxy. Apply a small amount on the face of the transducer as shown above, then spread a small amount onto the sanded area on the hull. Place the transducer into the epoxy, twisting and turning it to force any air bubbles out from under the transducer face. The face of the transducer should be parallel with the hull, with a minimum amount of epoxy between the hull and transducer. After the epoxy dries, route the cable to the sonar unit. 12
POWER AND CABLE CONNECTIONS The unit works from a 12-volt battery system. For the best results, attach the power cable directly to the battery. You can attach the power cable to an accessory or power buss, however you may have problems with electrical interference. Therefore, it's safer to go ahead and attach the power cable directly to the battery. CAUTION: When using the unit in a saltwater environment, we strongly recommend that you shut off the power supply to the power cable when the unit is not in use. When the unit is turned off but still connected to a power supply, electrolysis can occur in the power cable plug. This may result in corrosion of the plug body along with the electrical contacts in the cable and the unit's power socket. In saltwater environments we recommend you connect the power cable to the auxiliary power switch included in most boat designs. If that results in electrical interference, or if such a switch is not available, we recommend connecting direct to the battery and installing an inline switch. This will let you shut off power to the power cable when the unit is not in use. When you are not using the unit, you should always shut off power to the power cable, especially when the power cable is disconnected from the unit.

If you choose to fill in the cable hole, be sure to position the cable against the rear edge of the hole as you apply the fill material. Before positioning the gimbal bracket, be sure to hold the cable against the rear edge of the hole. Then, slide the bracket over the hole and butt the rear of the bracket base firmly against the cable, thus pinning it in place against the side of the hole. Finally, fasten the bracket to the dash.
Front Install the gimbal bracket. Orient the bracket so the arms slope toward the front of your unit.
Attach the unit to the gimbal bracket using the supplied gimbal knobs and washers. Slide the rubber washers onto the gimbal knobs then loosely screw the knobs into their sockets. Slide the unit into the bracket with the rubber washers to the outside of the bracket arms. Tilt the unit to the desired viewing angle and tighten the knobs finger tight.

For the X47

These units use a quick release mounting bracket. When you run the cable through the hole, make sure you allow enough slack for tilting the unit and attaching the connector. (The snug fit of the push-on waterproof connector requires some force to attach.) Align the bracket over the cable hole with the cable slots facing away from you and fit the cable through one of the slots. Fasten the bracket to the dash using the three screw holes.

Ratchet

Rear (away from viewer) Screw hole

Power/transducer cable

Cable slot
X47 quick release mounting bracket. Slots in the base allow routing the cable from beneath the mount.
Attach the unit to the bracket by first connecting the power/transducer cable. Then, hold the sonar unit vertically and slide it onto the bracket from above. (The back of the unit should be touching the front of the bracket as you lower it into position.) As you push down, the unit will lock into place with a distinct click. To adjust the viewing angle, pinch the ratchets with one hand, then tilt the unit with your other hand. Release the ratchets and the unit locks into the new position. To dismount the unit for storage, press the ratchets and lift the unit off the bracket.

Bracket front

Mount the sonar: slide the unit onto the bracket from above.
Depress ratchets to release
Adjust viewing angle: use one hand to press and release the springloaded ratchets while you move the unit with the other hand.
Portable Sonar Installation Like many Lowrance products, the X47 sonar family is capable of portable operation. The X47EX uses the optional PPP-13 portable power pack. The X47 uses the optional PPP-12 portable power pack. The power pack and portable or floating transducers expand the uses for your sonar. You can use your X47 sonar unit on your boat or take it to the dock, on a float tube, on an ice fishing trip or use it as a second sonar in a friend's boat. The PPP-12 or PPP-13 package includes the power pack, battery adapter and a portable transducer. Batteries are not included. Each power pack 20

Sonar chart with scrolling stopped.
FULL CHART This shows all echoes scrolling across the full screen. This is the default page. The bottom signal scrolls across the screen from right to left. The line at the top of the screen represents the surface. The bottom depth (as determined by the digital sonar) shows in the upper left corner.
Digital depth Water Temp Bottom signal Depth range at bottom of depth scale Surface signal Fish symbols Structure or cover Grayline
Opening screen, Full Chart page, or mode. The Fish I.D. feature is turned on.
If the transducer with a built-in temperature sensor is connected, a digital display for water temperature will also be shown. This temperature display can be turned on and off. See the later entry on Temperature Size for off and on instructions DEPTH RANGE ZOOM (automatic and manual) When turned on, the unit automatically adjusts the range according to water conditions. When in auto mode, it always keeps the bottom displayed in the portion of the screen. You can over-ride the automatic range control and manually select a depth range. depth range lower depth
To do this, press MENU until the RANGE ZOOM menu appears. Press the 27
DOWN ARROW to select MANUAL, then press MENU UP to display the RANGE SIZE menu. Use the arrow keys to select a desired depth range. When you're finished, press PWR to clear the menu from the display.
This unit has the following depth ranges: 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320 and 640 feet.
Range Size menu with manual depth range set to 40 feet. This in effect "zooms" or enlarges the display to show the water column from 0 to 40 feet deep. In this figure, the boat is in 57.5 feet of water, but only the top 40 feet of the water column is shown on the screen.
ZOOM The zoom feature enlarges all images on the screen by doubling the size of the echoes (a 2X zoom). For example, if the current auto depth range is 0 to 60 feet, Zoom will show an enlarged view of the water column from 30 feet to 60 feet, always keeping the bottom in view. To zoom the display, press the MENU key until the ZOOM menu appears. Press the UP ARROW key to select ON, then press PWR to clear the menu. You can tell when the display is in Zoom mode because the top depth scale on the left of the screen will no longer show zero. For example, if the current range is 0 to 80 feet with zoom off, switching to zoom would enlarge the water column from 40 feet to 80 feet. The number 40 (instead of zero) would appear at the top of the depth range scale. To turn the zoom feature off, press the MENU key until the ZOOM menu appears. Press the DOWN ARROW key to select OFF, then press PWR to clear the menu. The top of the depth range scale returns to zero. NOTE: Using the Zoom command while in auto depth Range Zoom mode will always enlarge the echoes near the bottom, because auto Range always keeps the bottom displayed in the lower portion of the screen. 28

When you Zoom while the unit is in manual depth Range Zoom mode, you can select one of 13 pre-set Zoom Sizes. This lets you enlarge some other particular segment of the water column. To do this, first make sure the depth Range Zoom is in manual mode. (See previous instructions for Depth Range Zoom.) Next, press the MENU key until the ZOOM menu appears. Press the UP ARROW key to select ON, then press MENU UP to display the ZOOM SIZE menu. Use the arrow keys to select a desired zoom size. When you're finished, press PWR to clear the menu from the display.

Enlarged fish arches

Zoom Size menu with the 5-15 foot zoom selected. The boat is in 28 feet of water, but the screen has zoomed in on the water column from 5 to 15 feet below the surface.
You can select from these zoom size ranges: 0-10, 5-15, 10-20, 1530, 20-40, 30-60, 40-80, 60-120, 80-160, 120-140, 160-320, 240-480 and 320-640. SENSITIVITY Sensitivity controls the unit's ability to pick up echoes. If you want to see more detail, try increasing the sensitivity, a little at a time. There are situations when too much clutter appears on the screen. Decreasing the sensitivity can reduce the clutter and show the strongest fish echoes, if fish are present. As you change the sensitivity setting, you can see the difference on the chart as it scrolls. You can change the sensitivity level whether you are in Auto Sensitivity mode or Manual Sensitivity mode. The adjustment method works the same in both modes, but it gives you slightly different results. Adjusting sensitivity in Auto Sensitivity Mode is similar to manually adjusting a car's speed with the accelerator pedal while cruise control is on. You can tell the car to run faster, but when you let off the gas the cruise control automatically keeps you from running slower than the minimum speed setting. 29
In your unit, auto mode will let you increase sensitivity to 100 percent, but the unit will limit your minimum setting. This prevents you from turning sensitivity down too low to allow automatic bottom tracking. When you change the setting with auto turned on, the unit will continue to track the bottom and make minor adjustments to the sensitivity level, with a bias toward the setting you selected. Adjusting sensitivity in Manual Sensitivity Mode is similar to driving a car without cruise control you have complete manual control of the car's speed. In your unit, manual mode allows you to set sensitivity at 100 percent (maximum) or zero percent (minimum.) Depending on water and bottom conditions, the bottom signal may completely disappear from the screen when you reduce sensitivity to about 45 percent or less! Try adjusting sensitivity in both auto and manual modes to see how they work.

Thin or no Grayline

Wider Grayline
At left, little Grayline indicates a soft bottom, probably sand or mud. At right, the wider Grayline indicates a harder, rocky bottom.
Press UP ARROW to increase the level or press DOWN ARROW to decrease it. The percentage of Grayline in use shows in this menu. Echoes scrolling onto the screen will also show the effects of the Grayline change. If you reach the maximum or minimum level, a tone sounds alerting you to the limits. Press PWR to clear the menu. FISH I.D. The Fish I.D. feature identifies targets that meet certain conditions as fish. The microcomputer analyses all echoes and eliminates surface clutter, thermoclines and other signals that are undesirable. In most instances, remaining targets are fish. The Fish I.D. feature displays symbols on the screen in place of the actual fish echoes. There are three symbol sizes: small, medium and large. These show the relative size between targets. In other words, it displays a small fish symbol when it thinks a target is a small fish, a medium fish symbol on a larger target and so forth.
Fish arches Fish I.D. symbols
At left, underwater scene in normal fish arch mode. Right, Fish I.D. menu with the feature turned on.
Fish I.D. is an easier way for a sonar novice to recognize a fishy signal return when he sees it. However, locating fish by symbol only has some limitations. Your sonar unit's microcomputer is sophisticated, but it can be fooled. It can't distinguish between fish and other suspended objects such as trotlines, turtles, submerged floats, air bubbles, etc. Individual tree limbs extending outward from a group of limbs are the hardest objects for the Fish I.D. feature to distinguish from fish. To see what's under your boat in maximum detail, we recommend you turn off Fish I.D. and begin learning to interpret fish arches. You may see Fish I.D. symbols on the screen when actually, there are no fish. The reverse is also true Fish I.D. can actually miss fish that are present. Does that mean Fish I.D. is broken? No the feature is simply interpreting sonar returns in a specific way to help take some of the work out of reading the screen. Remember: Fish I.D. is one of the many tools we provide so you can analyze your sonar returns for maximum fish finding information. This and other features can help you successfully "see" beneath the boat under varied water and fishing conditions. So, practice with the unit in both the Fish I.D. mode and without to become more familiar with the feature. This unit's default Fish I.D. setting is off. Fish I.D. is most handy when you're in another part of the boat or performing some task that prevents you from watching the sonar screen. Then, you can turn on Fish I.D. and the audible FISH ALARM. When that lunker swims under your boat, you'll hear it! Fish I.D. can also be useful when you want to screen out some of the sonar detail gathered by your unit. For example, it can help cut through the clutter of suspended bubbles caused by wave action or boat wakes. To turn Fish I.D. on, press MENU until the FISH ID menu appears. Press UP ARROW to select ON, then press PWR. To turn it back off, repeat the above steps, but press DOWN ARROW to select OFF. FISHTRACK The FishTrack feature shows the depth of a fish symbol when it appears on the display. To turn it on, press MENU until the FISH ID menu appears. Press UP ARROW to select TRACK ON, then press PWR. To turn it off, repeat the above steps, but press DOWN ARROW to select OFF. (If you want to turn off FishTrack depths but leave Fish I.D. on, press DOWN ARROW to select ON, then press PWR.) Remember, Fish I.D. must be on in order to use the FishTrack feature.

MENU DOWN until the UNIT INFO menu appears. Press PWR to

clear the screen.

SIMULATOR This unit has a built-in simulator that shows a simulated bottom signal with fish signals. This lets you practice with the unit as if you were on the water; all features and functions of the unit are usable. A message appears occasionally to remind you that the simulator is on. To use the simulator, press MENU DOWN repeatedly until the SIMULATOR menu appears. Press UP ARROW to turn it on, and press PWR to clear the menu. Repeat the above steps to turn it off, or you can simply turn the unit off and back on again. DIGITAL DATA SIZE FOR DEPTH and TEMPERATURE The size of the digital numbers for the depth be changed to medium or large. The digital display for both Depth and Temperature can also be turned off or on. To change either of these options, press MENU DOWN until either the DEPTH SIZE or TEMP SIZE menu appears, then use the ARROW keys to select the desired option. Press the PWR key to clear the menus.

Troubleshooting

If your unit is not working, or if you need technical help, please use the following troubleshooting section before contacting the factory customer service department. It may save you the trouble of returning your unit for repair. For contact information, refer to the last page, just inside the back cover of this manual. Unit won't turn on: 1. Check the power cable's connection at the unit. Also check the wiring. 2. Make certain the power cable is wired properly. The red wire connects to the positive battery terminal, black to negative or ground. 3. Check the fuse. 4. Measure the battery voltage at the unit's power connector. It should be at least 11 volts. If it isn't, the wiring to the unit is defective, the battery terminals or wiring on the terminals are corroded, or the battery needs charging. Unit turns on only in simulator mode: There is a problem with the transducer or the transducer cable. Check the cable for damage. Unit freezes, locks up, or operates erratically: 1. Electrical noise from the boat's motor, trolling motor, or an accessory may be interfering with the sonar unit. Rerouting the power and transducer cables away from other electrical wiring on the boat may help. Route the sonar unit's power cable directly to the battery instead of through a fuse block or ignition switch 2. Inspect the transducer cable for breaks, cuts, or pinched wires. 3. Check both the transducer and power connectors. Make certain both are securely plugged in to the unit. Weak bottom echo, digital readings erratic, or no fish signals: 1. Make certain the transducer is pointing straight down. Clean the face of the transducer. Oil, dirt and fuel can cause a film to form on the transducer, reducing its effectiveness. If the transducer is mounted inside the hull, be sure it is shooting through only one layer of fiberglass and that it is securely bonded to the hull. Do NOT use RTV silicone rubber adhesive or Marine-Tex epoxy. 2. Electrical noise from the boat's motor can interfere with the sonar. This causes the sonar to automatically increase its Discrimination or 39

noise rejection feature. This can cause the unit to eliminate weaker signals such as fish or even structure from the display. 3. The water may be deeper than the sonar's ability to find the bottom. 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 certain 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. 40

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 operate erratically, or not at all. To eliminate or minimize the effects of electrical noise, first try to determine the cause. With the boat at rest in the water, the first thing you should do is turn all electrical equipment on the boat off. Make sure the engine is also off. Turn your sonar on, then turn off Noise Reject [also known as the ASP feature (Advanced Signal Processing)]. Sensitivity should be set at 90-95 percent. There should be a steady bottom signal on the display. Now turn on each piece of electrical equipment on the boat and view the effect on the sonar's display. For example, turn on the bilge pump and view the sonar display for noise. If no noise is present, turn the pump off, then turn on the VHF radio and transmit. Keep doing this until all electrical equipment has been turned on, their effect on the sonar display noted, then turned off. If you find noise interference from an electrical instrument, trolling motor, pump, or radio, try to isolate the problem. You can usually reroute the sonar unit's power cable and transducer cable away from the wiring that is causing the interference. VHF radio antenna cables radiate noise when transmitting, so be certain to keep the sonar's wires away from it. You may need to route the sonar unit's power cable directly to the battery to isolate it from other wiring on the boat. If no noise displays on the sonar unit from electrical equipment, then make certain everything except the sonar unit is turned off, then start the engine. Increase the RPM with the gearshift in neutral. If noise appears on the display, the problem could be one of three things; spark plugs, alternator, or tachometer wiring. Try using resistor spark plugs, alternator filters, or routing the sonar unit's power cable away from engine wiring. Again, routing the power cable directly to the battery helps eliminate noise problems. Make certain to use the in-line fuse supplied with the unit when wiring the power cable to the battery. When no noise appears on the sonar unit after all of the above tests, then the noise source is probably cavitation. Many novices or persons with limited experience make hasty sonar installations which function perfectly in shallow water, or when the boat is at rest. In nearly all cases, the cause of the malfunction will be the location and/or angle of the transducer. The face of the transducer must be placed in a location that has a smooth flow of water at all boat speeds. Read your transducer owner's manual for the best mounting position. 41
If the dash mount template on page 43 has been removed from this manual, a free replacement manual containing the template can be downloaded from our web site, www.lowrance.com.

ALWAYS VERIFY DIMENSIONS. Measure the reference cross-hair below to confirm that this template is printed to the correct scale. The vertical line and the horizontal line should each be 2 inches long (50.8 mm.)
In-dash mounting template for X47. NOTE: This figure is printed to scale. For use with FM-6 mount kit.
LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY
"We," "our," or "us" refers to LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS, INC., the manufacturer of this product. "You" or "your" refers to the first person who purchases this product as a consumer item for personal, family or household use. We warrant this product against defects or malfunctions in materials and workmanship, and against failure to conform to this product's written specifications, all for one (1) year from the date of original purchase by you. WE MAKE NO OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER CONCERNING THIS PRODUCT. Your remedies under this warranty will be available so long as you can show in a reasonable manner that any defect or malfunction in materials or workmanship, or any non-conformity with the product's written specifications, occurred within one year from the date of your original purchase, which must be substantiated by a dated sales receipt or sales slip. Any such defect, malfunction, or non-conformity which occurs within one year from your original purchase date will either be repaired without charge or be replaced with a new product identical or reasonably equivalent to this product, at our option, within a reasonable time after our receipt of the product. If such defect, malfunction, or non-conformity remains after a reasonable number of attempts to repair by us, you may elect to obtain without charge a replacement of the product or a refund for the product. THIS REPAIR, OR REPLACEMENT OR REFUND (AS JUST DESCRIBED) IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AVAILABLE TO YOU AGAINST US FOR ANY DEFECT, MALFUNCTION, OR NON-CONFORMITY CONCERNING THE PRODUCT OR FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE RESULTING FROM ANY OTHER CAUSE WHATSOEVER. WE WILL NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE LIABLE TO ANYONE FOR ANY SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR OTHER INDIRECT DAMAGE OF ANY KIND. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty does NOT apply in the following circumstances: (1) when the product has been serviced or repaired by anyone other than us; (2) when the product has been connected, installed, combined, altered, adjusted, or handled in a manner other than according to the instructions furnished with the product; (3) when any serial number has been effaced, altered, or removed; or (4) when any defect, problem, loss, or damage has resulted from any accident, misuse, negligence, or carelessness, or from any failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance in accordance with the instructions of the owner's manual for the product. We reserve the right to make changes or improvements in our products from time to time without incurring the obligation to install such improvements or changes on equipment or items previously manufactured. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state. REMINDER: You must retain the sales slip or sales receipt proving the date of your original purchase in case warranty service is ever required.

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Lowrance Pub. 988-0105-941 Printed in USA 111902
Copyright 2002 All Rights Reserved Lowrance Electronics, Inc.