How to use this manual: typographical conventions
Many instructions are listed as numbered steps. The keypad and arrow "keystrokes" appear as boldface type. So, if you're in a real hurry (or just need a reminder), you can skim the instructions and pick out what menu command to use by finding the boldface command text. The following paragraphs explain how to interpret the text formatting for those commands and other instructions: Arrow Keys The arrow keys control a horizontal line depth cursor on the sonar screen. The arrow keys also help you move around the menus so you can execute different commands. They are represented by symbols like these, which denote the down arrow key, the up arrow, the left arrow and the right arrow: . Keyboard The other keys perform a variety of functions. When the text refers to a key to press, the key is shown in bold, sans serif type. For example, the "Enter/Icons" key is shown as ENT and the "Menu" key is shown as MENU. Menu Commands A menu command or a menu option will appear in small capital letters, in a bold sans serif type like this: DEPTH CURSOR. These indicate that you are to select this command or option from a menu or take an action of some kind with the menu item. Text that you may need to enter or file names you need to select are show in italic type, such as data type. 4
Instructions = Menu Sequences Most functions you perform with the sonar unit are described as a sequence of key strokes and selecting menu commands. We've written them in a condensed manner for quick and easy reading. For example, instructions for turning on the Fish ID feature would look like this: 1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU| to SONAR FEATURES|ENT. 2. Press to FISH SYMBOLS|ENT|EXIT|EXIT. Translated into complete English, step 1 above would mean: "Start on the Sonar Page. Press the Menu key then repeatedly press (or press and hold) the down arrow key to scroll down the menu and select (highlight) the Sonar Features menu command. Then press the Enter key." Step 2 would mean: "Press the right arrow key to select (highlight) the Fish ID symbols command. Next, press the Enter key, then press the Exit key twice."
Section 2: Installation & Accessories

Preparations

You can install the sonar system in some other order if you prefer, but we recommend this installation sequence: Caution: You should read over this entire installation section before drilling any holes in your vessel! 1. Determine the approximate location for the sonar unit, so you can plan how and where to route the cables for the transducer and power. This will help you make sure you have enough cable length for the desired configuration. 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.

Align plastic ratchets in bracket.
B. Two-piece bracket: Locate the four plastic ratchets in the transducer's hardware package. Press two ratchets into the sides of the plastic bracket and two on either side of the transducer as shown in the following illustrations. Notice there are letters molded into each ratchet. Place the ratchets into the bracket with the letter "A" aligned with the alignment mark molded into the bracket. Place the ratchets onto the transducer with the letter "A" aligned with the 12 o'clock position on the transducer stem. These positions set the transducer's coarse angle adjustment for a 14 transom. Most outboard and stern-drive transoms have a 14 angle.
Alignment letters Alignment positions
Transducer Transducer bracket Insert and align ratchets.

Transducer bracket

Transducer

Ratchet

Add ratchets to bracket and transducer.
2. Aligning the transducer on the transom. A. One-piece bracket: 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 3A. If it doesn't, repeat step 2A, 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.
B. Two-piece bracket: Assemble the transducer and bracket as shown in the following figure. Temporarily slide the bolt though the transducer assembly but don't tighten the nut at this time. Hold the assembled transducer and bracket 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" positions are correct for your hull. If the transducer's face isn't parallel with the ground, remove and disassemble the transducer and ratchets. Place the ratchets into the bracket holes with the letter "B" aligned with the bracket alignment mark. Place them on the transducer aligned with the 12 o'clock position on the transducer stem. 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 3B. If it doesn't, repeat step 2B, but use a different alignment letter until you can place the transducer on the transom correctly.

Lock washer Nut

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

Nut Metal washer

Rubber washers

Metal washer Bolt

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

Transom Transom

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

Bottom of hull

Flat-bottom hull Deep-"vee" hull Align transducer centerline with hull bottom and attach transducer to transom. Rear view of dual-frequency Skimmer shown.
6. Route the transducer cable through or over the transom to the sonar unit. Make sure to leave some slack in the cable at the transducer. If possible, route the transducer cable away from other wiring on the boat. Electrical noise from the engine's wiring, bilge pumps, VHF radio wires and cables, and aerators can be picked up by the sonar. Use caution when routing the transducer cable around these wires. WARNING: Clamp the transducer cable to the transom close to the transducer. This can prevent the transducer from entering the boat if it is knocked off at high speed. If you need to drill a hole in the transom to pass the connector through, the required hole size will be 1". Caution: If you drill a hole in the transom for the cable, make sure it is located above the waterline. After installation, be sure to seal the hole with the same marine grade above- or below-waterline sealant used for the mounting screws. 15

7. Make a test run to determine the results. If the bottom is lost at high speed, or if noise appears on the display, try sliding the transducer bracket down. This puts the transducer deeper into the water, hopefully below the turbulence causing the noise. Don't allow the transducer bracket to go below the bottom of the hull! TROLLING MOTOR BRACKET INSTALLATION (single-frequency only) 1. Attach the optional TMB-S bracket to the transducer as shown in the following figure, using the hardware supplied with the transducer. (Note: The internal tooth washer is supplied with the TMB-S.)
Internal tooth washer Bolt Nut TMB-S bracket
Flat washer Attach motor mounting bracket to transducer.
2. Slide the adjustable strap supplied with the TMB-S through the slot in the transducer bracket and wrap it around the trolling motor. Position the transducer to aim straight down when the motor is in the water. Tighten the strap securely. 3. Route the transducer cable alongside the trolling motor shaft. Use plastic ties (not included) to attach the transducer cable to the trolling motor shaft. Make sure there is enough slack in the cable for the motor to turn freely. Route the cable to the sonar unit and the transducer is ready for use.
Transducer mounted on trolling motor, side view.
TRANSDUCER ORIENTATION AND FISH ARCHES If you do not get good fish arches on your display, it could be because the transducer is not parallel with the ground when the boat is at rest in the water or at slow trolling speeds.

Partial fish arches

Transducer aimed too far back
Transducer aimed too far forward
Full fish arch Proper transducer angle Transducer angles and their effects on fish arches.
If the arch slopes up but not back down then the front of the transducer is too high and needs to be lowered. If only the back half of the arch is printed, then the nose of the transducer is angled too far down and needs to be raised. NOTE: Periodically wash the transducer's face with soap and water to remove any oil film. Oil and dirt on the face will reduce the sensitivity or may even prevent operation. SHOOT-THRU-HULL PREPARATION The transducer installation inside a fiberglass hull must be in an area that does not have air bubbles in the resin or separated fiberglass layers. The sonar signal must pass through solid fiberglass. A successful 17
transducer installation can be made on hulls with flotation materials (such as plywood, balsa wood or foam) between layers of fiberglass if the material is removed from the chosen area.

Optional power off switch for saltwater installations To unit
Black wire 12 volt battery Power connections for the sonar unit.

Red wire with 3 amp fuse

CAUTION: 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. This unit has reverse polarity protection. No damage will occur if the power wires are reversed. However, the unit will not work until the wires are attached correctly. An optional 8-foot, CA-4 external power cable with a cigarette lighter adapter is available from Lowrance.

Power socket

Sonar socket

Transducer Power wires

Sonar unit cable connections.
Mounting the Unit: Bracket, In-Dash or Portable
You can install the sonar unit on the top of a dash with the supplied gimbal bracket. It can also be installed in the dash or mounted on a portable power supply. If you use the supplied bracket, you may be interested in the optional R-A-M bracket mounting system. This converts the unit's gimbal bracket to a swivel mount, which can be used on the dash or overhead mounting positions. Installation instructions are supplied with the R-A-M mounting kits.
Optional R-A-M mounting system.
Bracket Installation Mount the unit in any convenient location, provided there is clearance behind the unit when it's tilted for the best viewing angle. You should also make sure there is enough room behind the unit to attach the power and transducer cables. (A drawing on the next page shows the dimensions of a gimbal-mounted sonar unit.) Holes in the bracket's base allow wood screw or through-bolt mounting. You may need to place a piece of plywood on the back side of thin fiberglass panels to reinforce the panel and secure the mounting hardware.
Install the gimbal bracket. Orient the bracket so the arms slope toward the front of your unit.
Drill a 1-inch (25.4 mm) hole in the dash for the power and transducer cables. The best location for this hole is immediately under the gimbal 26
bracket location. This way, the bracket can be installed so that it covers the hole, holds the cables in position and results in a neat installation. Some customers, however, prefer to mount the bracket to the side of the cable hole it's a matter of personal preference.

72.9 [2.87] 173.9 [6.85] 23.4 [0.92]

137.9 [5.43]

157.9 [6.22]

Millimeter [Inch]

56.9 [2.24]
Front view (left) and side view (right) showing dimensions of the sonar unit when mounted on gimbal bracket.
After drilling the hole, pass the transducer connector up through the hole from under the dash. Pass the power cable's bare-wire end down though the hole from the top. If you wish, you can fill in the hole around the cables with a good marine caulking compound. (Some marine dealers stock cable hole covers to conceal the opening.) No matter what type of installation you prefer, be sure to leave enough slack in the cables to allow tilting or swiveling the unit. If you choose to fill in the hole, be sure to position the cables against the rear edge of the hole as you apply the fill material. Before positioning the bracket, be sure to hold the cables 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 cables, thus pinning them in place against the side of the hole. Finally, fasten the bracket to the dash. Attach the unit to the gimbal bracket using the supplied gimbal knobs and washers.
In-Dash Installation You can mount the unit in the dash with an optional FM-5 In-Dash Adapter Kit. The kit includes mounting hardware, a template for cutting the hole and an instruction sheet, part 988-0147-43.

146.5 [5.76]

R 7.9 [0.31]

In-Dash Template

Millimeters [Inches]

113.5 [4.46]

ALWAYS VERIFY DIMENSIONS
In-dash mounting template for the sonar unit, showing dimensions. NOTE: The figure above is not printed to scale. A scaled template (FM-5 In-Dash Adapter Kit instructions) is available for free download from our web site, www.lowrance.com.
Portable Installation Like many Lowrance products, this sonar unit is capable of portable operation by using the optional PPP-11 portable power pack. The power pack and an optional portable transducer expand the uses for your sonar unit. The PPP-11 makes it easy to use the 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-11 Portable Power Pack can be used with eight "D" cell alkaline batteries or an optional sealed, rechargeable battery. For set-up directions, refer to the pack's instruction sheet, part 988-0147-46.
"D" cell battery

Install batteries in power pack battery adapter.

Face Cover

Your unit comes with a white protective cover that snaps on and off the front of the unit. This cover is intended for use when your unit and the vehicle it's mounted in are idle. WARNING: When the unit is mounted in an unprotected area, such as an open boat cockpit, the protective face cover must be removed when the vehicle is moving at high speed. This includes towing a boat on a trailer at highway speeds. Otherwise, wind blast can pop off the cover.
Section 3: Basic Sonar Operation
This section addresses the unit's most basic sonar operations. The instructions presented here in Sec. 3 follow a chronological order. Sec. 4, Sonar Options & Other Features, will discuss options and other more advanced functions and utilities. The material in Sec. 4 is arranged in alphabetical order. Before you turn on the unit, it's a good idea to learn about the different keys, the Main Menu, the Sonar Menu, the five Page options and how they all work together. BUT, if you just can't wait to get on the water, turn to the one-page Quick Reference on page 38.

Keyboard

Sonar unit, front view, with keyboard. X136DF shown.
1. PWR/LIGHT (Power & Light) The PWR key turns the unit on and off and activates the backlight. 2. PAGES Pressing this and the arrow keys switches the unit between the five different page options. (Full Sonar Chart, Split Zoom Sonar Chart, Split Frequency Sonar Chart, Digital Data and FlashGraf.) 3. MENU Press this key to show the menus and submenus, which allow you to select a command or adjust a feature. 31
4. ARROW KEYS These keys are used to navigate through the menus, make menu selections, move the sonar chart cursor and enter data. 5. ENT (Enter) This key allows you to accept values or execute menu commands. 6. EXIT The Exit key lets you return to the previous screen, clear data or erase a menu. 7. ALARM The Alarm key is a quick shortcut to the sonar alarms menu. It allows you to choose which alarms to use and when. 8. ZOUT (Zoom Out) This key lets you zoom the screen out. This key returns you to a full sonar chart display, showing the entire water column from surface to bottom. 9. ZIN (Zoom In) This key lets you zoom the screen in. It enlarges fish signals, bottom detail and other sonar returns.

At left, Sonar Menu with Sensitivity command selected. At right, the Sensitivity Control Bar.
NOTE: If you want to change the sensitivity in Manual Mode, first turn off Auto Sensitivity: from the Sonar Page, press MENU| to AUTO SENSITIVITY|ENT| to SENSITIVITY|ENT. Press or to pick a different sensitivity setting. When it's set at the desired level, press EXIT.

Important Tip:

While you are experimenting and learning, it's possible to scramble the settings so that the sonar picture disappears from your screen. If that happens, remember that it's easy to switch back to full automatic operation by simply restoring the factory auto settings. Here's how:
To Restore Factory Settings 1. Press MENU|MENU| to RESET OPTIONS|ENT.
2. The unit asks if you want to reset all the options. Press to YES|ENT. All options are reset, and the unit reverts back to the original settings. Fish Symbols vs. Full Sonar Chart You may have noticed in the quick reference that we used fish arches in full sonar chart mode for our example, and not the popular Fish I.D. fish symbol feature. Here's why. 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 microprocessor is remarkably powerful, but it can be fooled. Some of the echoes calculated to be fish could be tree limbs or turtles! 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. 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, in one case fishermen in San Francisco Bay saw clouds of clutter in the water but no fish arches. When a down rigger was pulled up, it brought up several small jellyfish. The fishermen switched their Lowrance sonar to Fish I.D., which screened out the schools of jellyfish and clearly showed the game fish there as fish symbols. 41
Other Free Training Aids The sonar options section discusses Fish I.D., fish alarms and other features in greater detail. If you or a friend has Internet access, you can also learn more about interpreting what you see on your sonar screen. Visit our web site, WWW.LOWRANCE.COM. Be sure to check out the free Sonar Tutorial, which includes animated illustrations and more pictures of actual sonar returns, all described in detail. There's even a "printer friendly" version of the tutorial available on our web siteit makes a great supplement to this operation manual! For the ultimate training aid, be sure to download the free emulator software for your unit. Aside from being just plain fun, this program can help you learn both basic and advanced operations without burning boat fuel! Lowrance is the first sonar manufacturer to provide this type of training tool for customers. This PC application simulates the actual sonar unit on your computer. You can run it from your computer keyboard or use your mouse to press the virtual keys. Easy download and installation instructions are available on our web site.

Sonar Chart Mode command with FishReveal selected (at left, dual-frequency menu; at right, single-frequency menu).
To turn FishReveal on: 1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU| to SONAR FEATURES|ENT. 2. Press |then press to SONAR CHART MODE|ENT| to FISHREVEAL|ENT. 3. Press EXIT| to AUTO SENSITIVITY|ENT| to SENSITIVITY|ENT. 4. Press until the Sensitivity Control Bar reads 100% (or close to it), then press EXIT. (If you reach the maximum limit, a tone sounds.)
Fish not visible Fish arch

Visible fish

Fish arches Sonar chart in regular grayscale mode, left, and in FishReveal mode, right. Notice how shallow fish formerly hidden in the surface clutter become visible in FishReveal mode.
NOTE: Water conditions vary greatly, and that affects sonar performance. Under certain conditions, FishReveal will show you more fish than normal grayscale mode, but the reverse will be true in other circumstances. We suggest you become familiar with both modes so you can best match your sonar's performance to the current water conditions. 55
Frequency (Change Transducer Frequency) (X126DF and X136DF only)
The "DF" in your unit's name refers to its dual-frequency transducer, which operates with both 200 kHz and 50 kHz. The 200 kHz frequency has a 12 cone angle and the 50 kHz frequency has a 35 cone angle. The default frequency is 200 kHz, which is best for use in shallow water (about 300 feet or less). This frequency is the best choice for about 80 percent of the fresh and salt water sport fishing applications. When you get into very deep salt water, 300 to 500 feet or deeper, the 50 kHz frequency is the best choice. The 200 kHz transducer will give you better detail and definition, but less depth penetration. The 50 kHz transducer will give you greater depth penetration, but a little less detail and less definition. (Remember, all sonar units typically read deeper in fresh water than in salt water.) There is a common exception to these rules of thumb. Some fishermen on freshwater lakes (or the ocean) using downriggers like to see them on the sonar. In many of those cases, you'll see a 50 kHz transducer frequency in use because the wider cone angle lets them watch the bait.
Sonar Features menu with a frequency of 200 kHz selected.
To change the frequency setting to 50 kHz: 1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU| to SONAR FEATURES|ENT. 2. Press |then press to 50 KHZ|ENT. 3. Press EXIT|EXIT to clear the menu.
To change the frequency setting to 200 kHz: 1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU| to SONAR FEATURES|ENT. 2. Press |then press to 200 KHZ|ENT. 3. Press EXIT|EXIT to clear the menu.

Grayline

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

Set Language

This unit's menus are available in 10 languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Danish, Swedish, Russian, Dutch and Finnish. To select a different language: 1. Press MENU|MENU| to SET LANGUAGE|ENT. 2. Use or to select a different language and press ENT. All menus now appear in the language you selected.
Software Version Information
From time to time, Lowrance updates the operating system software in some of its products. These software upgrades are usually offered to customers as free downloads from our web site, www.lowrance.com. These upgrades make the unit perform better or introduce a new feature or function. You can find out what software version is running in your sonar unit by using the Software Information command. 67
At left, Main Menu with Software Information command selected. At right, the Software Information screen.
1. Press MENU|MENU| to SOFTWARE INFO|ENT. 2. Read the information displayed on the screen. 3. To return to the last page displayed, press EXIT|EXIT.

Sonar Chart Mode

The default color scheme for the sonar chart is grayscale, but we offer other variations to suit your viewing preferences. You can select the chart to be displayed in reverse grayscale, bottom black or FishReveal mode. (For more information on FishReveal, see the entry on that topic elsewhere in this section.) To change the chart mode color scheme: 1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU| to SONAR FEATURES|ENT. 2. Press to SONAR CHART MODE|ENT. 3. Press or to Mode Name|ENT. 4. Press EXIT|EXIT to return to the Sonar Page.
Sonar Chart Display Options
The Pages Menu offers five chart display options for dual-frequency models and four options for single-frequency models. To access them, press PAGES| to Option Name|EXIT.
Pages Menu showing sonar chart display options (at left, dual-frequency menu; at right, single-frequency menu).
Full Sonar Chart This is the default mode used when the unit is turned on for the first time or when it's reset to the factory defaults. The bottom signal scrolls across the screen from right to left. Depth scales on the right side of the screen aid in determining the depth of targets. The line at the top of the screen represents the surface. The bottom depth and surface temperature (if equipped with a temperature sensor or a transducer with a temp sensor built in) show at the top left corner of the screen. The FasTrack display shows just to the right of the scale. This changes all echoes into short horizontal bars, replicating a flasher sonar. The zoom bar on the far right shows the area that's zoomed when the zoom is in use. (See the Zoom section for more information.)
Full Sonar Chart. The Overlay Data (depth and water temperature) are both set to the small text size.
Split Zoom Sonar Chart a split chart shows the underwater world from the surface to the bottom on the right side of the screen. The left side shows an enlarged version of the right side. The zoom range shows at the bottom left corner of the screen.

Split Zoom Sonar Chart. Image at left shows the left window zoomed to 2X. The right image shows the left window zoomed to 4X. The depth overlay data is set to the default large text size; the water temperature is set to the small text size.
Split Frequency Sonar Chart (X126DF and X136DF only) This page shows sonar data from the 50 kHz transducer element on the left side of the screen and data from the 200 kHz transducer on the right side. All other functions and features are the same as the Full Chart page.
Split Frequency Sonar Chart page, with 50 kHz view at left and 200 kHz view at right.
You can adjust the sensitivity in each window. 70
To adjust sensitivity in auto mode: 1. Press MENU|ENT. 2. The unit asks which you wish to adjust. Press or to select the one you want | ENT. 3. The Sensitivity Control Bar appears. Press to decrease sensitivity; press to increase sensitivity. When it's set at the desired level, press EXIT. (When you reach the maximum or minimum limit, a tone sounds.)
The Split Frequency Sonar Chart page allows you to adjust sensitivity separately for each window.
Digital Data/Chart This mode shows the chart on the right side of the screen. The left side has six large digital boxes or windows containing: Water Depth; Water Speed (from an optional speed sensor); Water Distance (distance traveled or log, it also requires a speed sensor); Surface Water Temperature; Temperature #2 and Voltage used. (Note: Temperature #2 requires an additional optional temperature sensor.)

Digital Data/Chart

Customizing the Digital Data/Chart Screen
The Digital Data/Chart screen can be customized to show digital data different from the defaults first shown. To customize this screen: 1. From the Sonar Page (in Digital Data mode), press MENU| to CUSTOMIZE|ENT.
At left, the Customize command selected from the Sonar Page menu. At right, the selected W Speed box flashes black.
2. The W Speed window title bar flashes, indicating the window contents can be changed. Press ENT| or to select data type|ENT|EXIT.
Options List for customizing Digital Data windows. At left, the list first appears with Water Speed selected. At right, Temperature 3 has been picked to replace Water Speed in the top digital data window.
You can customize other digital data windows before returning to the Sonar Page. After changing the first window by selecting the Data Type and pressing Enter, use the key to select another window to 72
change. When the selected window title bar flashes, press ENT| or to select data type|ENT. Repeat these steps until you're finished customizing, then press EXIT to return to the Sonar Page. FlashGraf The FlashGraf sonar page option represents a flasher style sonar combined with a scrolling chart. A circular dial shows all returning echoes at a high screen refresh rate. It uses the Grayline feature to show weaker targets as shades of gray. The bottom depth is also shown as a black bar across the outer circle. There is also a narrow chart display on the left of the screen.

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 sure to keep the sonar's wires away from it. You may need to route the sonar unit's power cable directly to the battery to isolate it from other wiring on the boat. If no noise displays on the sonar unit from electrical equipment, then make sure everything except the sonar unit is turned off, then start the engine. Increase the RPM with the gearshift in neutral. If noise appears on the display, the problem could be one of three things; spark plugs, alternator, or tachometer wiring. Try using resistor spark plugs, alternator filters, or routing the sonar unit's power cable away from engine wiring. Again, routing the power cable directly to the battery helps eliminate noise problems. Make sure to use the in-line fuse supplied with the unit when wiring the power cable to the battery. When no noise appears on the sonar unit after all of the above tests, then the noise source is probably cavitation. Many novices or persons with limited experience make hasty sonar installations which function perfectly in shallow water, or when the boat is at rest. In nearly all cases, the cause of the malfunction will be the location and/or angle of the transducer. The face of the transducer must be placed in a location that has a smooth flow of water at all boat speeds. Read your transducer owner's manual or the Installation instructions (Sec. 2) in this manual for the best mounting position.
Accessories, 1, 25, 26 Sec. 2, Installation & Accessories, 7 Alarms, 33, 44, 45, 46 Depth Alarms, 44 Fish Alarm, 44, 46 Zone Alarm, 44, 45, 46 Antenna, 81 ASP (Advanced Signal Processing), 18, 43 FishReveal, 54 FishTrack, 53 Frequency, 2, 31, 35, 56 Change Frequency, 56

Cable connections for Lowrance X135 and X136DF, March 25, 2004 Sockets with blue socket nuts, and cable plugs with blue locking collars are NMEA 2000 connection types. The network socket and optional NMEA 2000 buss adapter cable let the unit connect to a NMEA 2000 network. The NMEA 2000 Power cable gives you an option for powering the network. These units cannot transmit NMEA 0183 data and cannot connect to an external speaker. The NMEA 0183 data cable, the NMEA 2000 power cable (when unused) and the white speaker wire should be capped with wire nuts or electrical tape.
Sonar/GPS unit rear view Network socket

NETWORK

PWR/DATA
Sonar socket Blue Power/Data socket
NMEA 0183 Data cable. Four wires: blue, orange, yellow, shield (bare). Cable label says "RS-232 COMM." Not used in these units.
SP-BL speed sensor. This is packed with the X136DF and is optional for the X135.
Main Power Supply cable. Cable has no label, but is thickest of the three. Three wires: red (+), black ( ground), white. White is external speaker wire, not used in these units. NMEA 2000 Power cable. Three wires: red (+), black ( ground), shield (bare, ground). Cable label says "NMEA 2000 Power." Used when supplying power to a NMEA 2000 network. Optional NMEA 2000 buss adapter cable (network adapter cable)
Skimmer transducer with built-in temp sensor
To NMEA 2000 buss (network)
This figure corrects the drawings on pages 21 and 25 in the X135/X136DF manual, part 988-0151-171. It is a large-view supplement to the manual's Addendum I, part 988-0151-201.