Fishnder 250/250C

high-resolution sonar owners manual

(Fishnder 250C shown)

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Copyright 2004 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries Garmin International, Inc. 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, KS 66062, U.S.A. Tel. 913/397.8200 or 800/800.1020 Fax 913/397.8282 Garmin (Europe) Ltd. Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey SO51 9DL, U.K. Tel. 44/1794.519944 Fax 44/1794.519222 Garmin Corporation No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan Tel. 886/2.2642.9199 Fax 886/2.2642.9099 All Rights Reserved. Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded or stored in any storage medium, for any purpose without prior written consent of Garmin. Garmin hereby grants permission to download a single copy of this manual and of any revision of this manual onto a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to be viewed and to print one copy of this manual or any revision hereto, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual or revision must contain the complete text of this copyright notice and provided further that any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is strictly prohibited. Information in this manual is subject to change without notice. Garmin reserves the right to change or improve its products and to make changes in the content without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes. Visit the Garmin web site (www.garmin.com) for current updates and supplemental information concerning the use and operation of this and other Garmin products. GARMIN, See-Thru and DCG (Depth Control Gain) are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries and may not be used without the express permission of Garmin.

February 2004

Part Number 190-00328-00 Rev. A

Printed in Taiwan

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Preface

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Garmin Fishnder 250/250C. This product is designed for easy operation and to provide years of reliable service. Operations for the Fishnder 250 and Fishnder 250C are the same unless othewise noted. To ensure that you get the most from the Fishnder 250/250C, please take the time to read this Owners Manual and learn the operation of your new unit. This manual is broken down into three sections. Section One covers the installation and testing for the Fishnder 250/250C. Section Two provides detailed references to the features and operations of the Fishnder 250/250C. Section Three gives a basic overview of how sonar works and provides information on interpreting the sonar graph.

Product Support

Preface and Registration
If you encounter a problem or just have a question, our Product Support Department can be reached Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm Central Time. By phone at 1-800-800-1020 or (913)397-8200 Online at http://www.garmin.com/contactUs/techSupport.jsp Check the Garmin Web Site (www.garmin.com) for links to Product Support and Product FAQs Enjoy your new Fishnder 250/250C and once again thank you for choosing Garmin.

Product Registration

Help us better support you by completing our on-line registration today! Connect to our web site (www.garmin.com) and look for the Product Registration link on the Home page. Your units serial number is located on the back of the unit.
NOTE: If you have previously registered a Garmin product purchase, we invite you to reregister using our on-line system. Many services provided by our product registration system are now automated and re-registering your purchase ensures you the best possible support from Garmin.

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Warranty and Serial Number

Serial Number

Use this area to record the serial number (8-digit number located on the back of the unit) in case it is lost, stolen, or needs service. Be sure to keep your original sales receipt in a safe place or attach a photocopy inside the manual. Serial Number:
The Fishnder 250/250C is fastened shut with screws. Any attempt to open the case to change or modify the unit in any way will void your warranty and may result in permanent damage to the equipment.
LIMITED WARRANTY This Garmin product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. Within this period, Garmin will at its sole option, repair or replace any components that fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor, provided that the customer shall be responsible for any transportation cost. This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident or unauthorized alteration or repairs. THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY ARISING UNDER ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. IN NO EVENT SHALL GARMIN BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE, OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you. Garmin retains the exclusive right to repair or replace the unit or software or offer a full refund of the purchase price at its sole discretion. SUCH REMEDY SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY. To obtain warranty service, contact your local Garmin authorized dealer. Or call Garmin Customer Service at one of the numbers shown below, for shipping instructions and an RMA tracking number. The unit should be securely packed with the tracking number clearly written on the outside of the package. The unit should then be sent, freight charges prepaid, to any Garmin warranty service station. A copy of the original sales receipt is required as the proof of purchase for warranty repairs. Products sold through online auctions are not eligible for rebates or other special offers from Garmin. Online auction conrmations are not accepted for warranty verication. To obtain warranty service, an original or copy of the sales receipt from the original retailer is required. Garmin will not replace missing components from any package purchased through an online auction.

Garmin International, Inc. 1200 East 151st Street Olathe, Kansas 66062, U.S.A. Phone: 913/397.8200 FAX: 913/397.0836 Garmin (Europe) Ltd. Unit 4, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate Romsey, SO51 9DL, U.K. Phone: 44/1794.519944 FAX: 44/1794.519222

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Software License Agreement
Introduction Software License Agreement
BY USING THE FISHFINDER 250/250C, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE FOLLOWING SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT. PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY. Garmin grants you a limited license to use the software embedded in this device (the Software) in binary executable form in the normal operation of the product. Title, ownership rights and intellectual property rights in and to the Software remain in Garmin. You acknowledge that the Software is the property of Garmin and is protected under the United States of America copyright laws and international copyright treaties. You further acknowledge that the structure, organization and code of the Software are valuable trade secrets of Garmin and that the Software in source code form remains a valuable trade secret of Garmin. You agree not to decompile, disassemble, modify, reverse assemble, reverse engineer or reduce to human readable form the Software or any part thereof, or to create any derivative works based on the Software. You agree not to export or re-export the Software to any country in violation of the export control laws of the United States of America.
WARNING: This product, its packaging, and its components contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. This Notice is being provided in accordance with Californias Proposition 65. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please refer to our web site at http://www.garmin.com/prop65.

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Introduction Packing List
Before installing and getting started with your unit, please check to see that your package includes the following items. The package part number can be found on the outside of the box. If any parts are missing, please contact your Garmin dealer immediately. Fishnder 250 Standard Package (010-00343-00 w/o transducer): Fishnder 250 Unit Swivel Mount Bracket and Knobs Power/Data Cable Owners Manual Self-Adhesive Quick Reference Guide Protective Cover Flush-Mount Hardware Kit Fishnder 250 Optional Package (010-00343-01) includes Standard Package, plus: Dual Frequency (200/50kHz, 10/40) Plastic Transom Mount Transducer with Depth and Temp Fishnder 250 Optional Package (010-00343-02) includes Standard Package, plus: Single Frequency (200kHz, 14) Plastic Transom Mount Transducer with Depth and Temp Fishnder 250C Standard Package (010-00341-00 w/o transducer): Fishnder 250C Unit Swivel Mount Bracket and Knobs Power/Data Cable Owners Manual Self-Adhesive Quick Reference Guide Protective Cover Flush-Mount Hardware Kit Fishnder 250C Optional Package (010-00341-01) includes Standard Package, plus: Dual Frequency (200/50kHz, 10/40) Plastic Transom Mount Transducer with Depth and Temp Separate Speed Sensor Fishnder 250C Optional Package (010-00341-02) includes Standard Package, plus: Single Frequency (200kHz, 14) Plastic Transom Mount Transducer with Depth and Temp Separate Speed Sensor Optional Accessories: Quick-Release Flush Mount Bracket; US A/C PC Adapter; EURO A/C PC Adapter; Cigarette Lighter Adapter; 2nd Mounting Station; 10 ft. Transducer Extension cable; 20 ft. Transducer Extension cable; Temperature probe; Speed sensor; Plastic, thru-hull mount, Temp & Speed sensor only.

For the most recent list of available accessories for your unit, current user manuals and software updates, visit our web site at www.garmin.com.

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Transducers
The transducer acts as the eyes and ears of your sonar, transmitting sound waves toward the bottom in a cone shape. Proper transducer selection and installation are important to the operation of your unit. It is best to select a transducer that suits the depth of the water that you are on. A wide cone angle transducer works best in shallower water, providing a large coverage or viewing area, but at a decreased bottom resolution. In deep water this can result in a large area where fish cannot be seen. A narrow cone angle transducer is better suited to deep water installations, providing a smaller coverage or viewing area than a wide cone transducer, but with improved bottom resolution and a smaller dead zone. Optional Transducers: Included in the Optional Packages (p. iv) are transom mount transducers and separate speed sensors. These transducers provide good all-around performance. In addition, a variety of optional transducers are available from your local dealer or direct from Garmin. 200/50kHz, 12/45, plastic, transom mount, depth, temp 200/50kHz, 12/45, plastic, transom mount, depth, temp, speed 200/50kHz, 12/45, bronze, thru-hull mount, depth 200/50kHz, 12/45, bronze, thru-hull mount, depth, temp, speed 200/50kHz, 12/45, bronze, thru-hull mount/long stem, depth, temp, speed 200/50kHz, 12/45, plastic, thru-hull mount, depth 200/50kHz, 12/45, plastic, adjustable. in-hull mount 200kHz, 14, plastic, transom mount, depth 200kHz, 14, plastic, transom mount, depth, temp 200kHz, 14, plastic, transom mount, depth, temp, speed 200kHz, 8, plastic, transom mount, depth, temp 200kHz, 8, plastic, transom mount, depth, temp, speed 200kHz, 12, bronze, thru-hull mount, depth 200kHz, 12, bronze, thru-hull mount, depth, temp 200kHz, 9, bronze, thru-hull mount, depth, temp, speed 200kHz, 12, plastic, thru-hull mount, depth 200kHz, 12, plastic, thru-hull mount, depth, temp 200kHz, 14, plastic, in-hull mount, depth 200kHz, 14, plastic, trolling motor mount, depth, temp

Selecting a Transducer

Wide cone angle

Narrow cone angle

dead zone fish not seen

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Table of Contents

Introduction. i-vi

Preface and Registration. i Warranty.ii Software License Agreement. iii Packing List. iv Selecting a Transducer. v Table of Contents. vi
Section One: Installation. 1-9
Unit Installation.1 Wiring and Interfacing.5 Mounting the Transducer.7 Testing the Installation.9

Section Two: Unit Operation. 10-22
Keypad Usage.10 Sonar Page.11 Using the Adjustment Menu.12 Adjustment Menu Options.12 Range.12 Zoom.12 View/Span.13 Gain.13 Target Level.13 Whiteline.14 Frequency.14 vi
Depth Line.14 Noise Reject.14 Scroll.14 Size Split.14 Pausing the Sonar Page.15 Main Menu.16 Graph Tab.16 Fish Symbols.16 Scale.16 Custom Range.16 Background Color.17 Number Size.17 Temperature and Water Speed.17 Tools Tab.17 Flasher.17 Color Bar.17 Temperature Graph.17 Advanced Data Fields.17 Temp Tab.18 Log and Graph Scale.18 Reset (Scale).18 Log Duration.18 Alarms Tab.19 Fish Alarm.19 Shallow/Deep Water Alarms.19 Drift Alarm.19 Water Temperature Alarm.19 Battery Alarm.19 Timer Alarm.19 System Tab.20 Beeper.20 Display Mode.20 Language.20
Simulator.20 NMEA Input/Output.20 Factory Settings.20 Software Version.20 Reset Odometer.20 Units Tab.20 Depth.20 Temperature.20 Distance and Speed.20 Position Format.20 Heading.21 Sonar Tab.21 Water Type.21 Depth Number.21 Automatic Scroll Speed Limit.21 Keel Offset.21 Transducer Type.21 Calibrate Water Speed.21 Time Tab.22 Time Format.22 Time Zone.22 Daylight Saving Time.22 Current Time and Date.22
Section Three: On the Water. 23-26
Understanding Sonar.23 Transducer Coverage.24 Understanding the Graph.25 Whiteline and Thermoclines.26

Appendices. 27-30

Appendix A: Specications and Cleaning.27 Appendix B: Messages and Alarms.28 Appendix C: Index.29

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Installing the Fishnder 250/250C

Installation

The Fishnder 250/250C must be properly installed according to the following instructions to get the best possible performance. To complete the installation, youll need the appropriate fasteners and tools. Verify that all cables can reach the unit mounting location and also take time to read through these instructions prior to installation. Be sure to always wear safety goggles and a dust mask when drilling, cutting or sanding. When in doubt, seek professional assistance.
Selecting a Proper Location

Unit Installation

Choose a location that provides optimal viewing while operating the vessel and allows easy access to the units keypad. Select a mounting surface strong enough to support the weight of the unit and protect it from excessive vibration and shock. DO NOT mount the bracket in a location where the unit is exposed to extreme temperature conditions. When installing the mounting bracket, be sure to allow room for the connection/routing of the power and transducer cables.
Swivel Mounting the Fishnder 250/250C Unit

The Fishnder 250/250Cs compact, waterproof case is suitable for mounting in exposed locations or at the nav station. The unit comes with a swivel-mount bracket that can be used for console or overhead mounting. When choosing a location for the display unit, make sure you consider the following conditions: There should be at least a 3 (8 cm) clearance behind the case to allow connection of the transducer and power/data cables. The mounting surface should be sturdy enough to support the unit and protect it from excessive vibration and shock.
NOTE: The temperature range for the Fishnder 250/250C is 5F to 130F (-15C to 55C). Extended exposure to temperatures exceeding this range (in storage or operating conditions) may cause failure of the LCD screen. This type of failure and related consequences are NOT covered by the manufacturers limited warranty.

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Installation Unit Installation
To swivel mount the Fishnder 250/250C display:
Tools (not included) Drill, Screwdriver (Phillips or Standard), three #8 (4mm) pan head machine bolts with matching nuts and washers and a 5/32 (5mm) drill bit, OR three #8 pan head self-tapping screws and an appropriately-sized drill bit for drilling starter holes. 1. Using the swivel base as a template, mark the location of the three holes that are used to secure the bracket to the mounting surface. 2. If securing the base with machine bolts, drill three 5/32 (5mm) holes at the locations you marked. OR, if securing the base with self-tapping screws, drill starter holes at the locations you marked. Starter holes should generally be no deeper than half the screw length. 3. Secure the swivel base with three bolts or screws. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN. 4. Place the rest of the mount over the swivel base and secure with the short knob.
The swivel base is designed to be secured using a pan head screw or machine bolt. If you use a screw with a countersunk head, you risk damaging the Mounting Bracket.
Secure the base and attach the mount

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Installing the Unit on the Mounting Bracket
1. Align the slot on the back of the unit with the long mounting knob and slide in place. It may be necessary to adjust the long mounting knob to spread the bracket arms apart. (Turn counter-clockwise to widen the bracket arms, clockwise to tighten.) 2. Adjust the unit angle and tighten the long mounting knob until snug. 3. To tilt the unit, loosen the long mounting knob on the right side of the bracket assembly. 4. To rotate the entire bracket, twist it left or right. The bracket clicks as you turn it. 5. Tighten all knobs once the desired viewing angle is obtained.

Slide the unit onto the bracket
Adjust for optimal viewing

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Flush Mounting the Fishnder 250/250C Unit
The Fishnder 250/250C can be ush mounted on a at panel. When ush mounting the Fishnder 250/250C, be sure to choose an appropriately sized location for the unit. Check that all cables reach the unit mounting location before beginning installation. Use the Flush Mount Template provided in the box to determine a location. Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask when drilling, cutting or sanding. To ush mount the Fishnder 250/250C:
Included Mounting Hardware 4 - 3mm Studs, 4 - Flat Washers, 8 - 3mm Hex Nuts. Tools (not included) Center Punch, Drill, 1/8 (3mm) Drill Bit, 3/8 (6mm) Drill Bit, Jig Saw, 1/16 (2mm) Allen Wrench, 9/35 (7mm) Wrench. 1. Trim the Flush Mount Template and tape in the desired location. 2. Using a Center Punch, indent the center of each Mounting Hole location.

Hex Nuts

Washer
3. Using a 1/8 (3mm) drill bit, drill the four Mounting Holes. 4. Using a 3/8 (6mm) drill bit, drill a hole for a location to begin cutting the mounting surface. 5. Using the Jig Saw, cut the mounting surface along the inside of the dashed line indicated on the template. Be very careful when cutting this hole, there is only a small amount of clearance between the unit and the Mounting Holes. It may be prudent to cut slightly inside the indicated line and then sand or le the panel as needed to obtain the best t. 6. Install the four Mounting Studs into the unit by screwing the shorter section into the back of the unit. Use a 1/16 (2mm) Allen Wrench to tighten the Mounting Studs until the stops contact the case. Be careful not to overtighten as this may damage the Mounting Stud. The studs have a reusable threadlocking patch pre-applied from the factory. 7. Place the unit in position inside the cutout area of the mounting surface. 8. Place washers over the Mounting Studs, then thread on one Hex Nut per Mounting Stud. Tighten all four Hex Nuts until the unit is snug against the mounting surface. Install and tighten the second Hex Nut on all four Mounting Studs to lock the rst Hex Nut in place.

Transom Mount Installation
Transom Mount Transducer (depth/temp)

USS Jayhawk

DO NOT mount the transducer behind strakes, struts, ttings, water intake or discharge ports, or anything that creates air bubbles or causes the water to become turbulent. It is important that the transducer be in clean (non-turbulent) water for optimal performance.
Apply marine sealant to all screw threads to prevent water from seeping into the transom.
Mount the transducer cable cover well above the waterline.
Transducer should extend 1/8" (3mm) below fiberglass hull or 3/8" (10mm) below aluminum hull
Make sure that the transducer is below water level when the boat is on plane at high speed Do not mount transducer directly in the path of the prop. The transducer can cause cavitation that may degrade the boat's performance and damage the prop.

Transducer

Connecting a Transducer to Multiple Sensors
Mount the transducer parallel with the bottom.

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Shoot-Thru-Hull Installation

Mounting the Transducer

To avoid drilling a hole to mount a thru-hull transducer, a transducer may be secured with epoxy inside a boat (shoot-thru-hull installation). This type of installation can provide better noise reduction and allow you to use a higher gain setting. For a transducer to be mounted inside the hull (shoot-thru, not thru-hull), the boat must be berglass, with no core. Contact your boat manufacturer if you are unsure. Professional installation may be necessary. Be sure to always wear a dust mask and safety goggles when installing. Some transducers are specically designed to be mounted inside a berglass hull. The standard plastic transom mount transducer can also be mounted in this fashion using the following method. If using a temperature sensing transducer, the temperature displayed reects the hull temperature. Selecting a location:
1. The location has to be solid berglass, devoid of any air bubbles, laminates, llers or dead air space. The location needs to be in an area of clean water at all speeds. Do not place the transducer over any strakes or behind any obstruction on the hull that would create turbulence at speed.

Understanding the Display
Current Adjustment Option Numeric Data Bottom Depth Scale Fish Arches (Simulated) Flasher Thermocline
Fish Symbol Wide beam returns

Narrow beam returns

Frequency mode

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Unit Operation Adjustment Menu Options
Using the Adjustment Menu
The Adjustment Menu allows direct access to the settings and features most commonly used on the Sonar Page. There are 10 main adjustment options available: Range, Zoom, View, Gain, Target Level, Whiteline, Frequency, Depth Line, Noise Reject, and Scroll. All adjustments may be made by using the ARROW keys and ENTER key. The currently selected option will appear in the upper left of the display with an up and down arrow on each side of the name. To change an Adjustment Menu setting:
1. Press ADJ/MENU to display a list of all options and their current settings. The adjustment window automatically disappears when idle for 20 seconds or you may press ADJ/MENU to exit. 2. Press the UP or DOWN ARROW keys to highlight the desired option and press ENTER to display the Adjustment window. 3. Press the UP or DOWN ARROW keys to move the setting bar (or pointer) to the desired percentage (Off, 1-100%), setting or range. When changing most adjustments, an open space is displayed on the scale to indicate the Normal or default setting. Once set to Normal, the setting bar is replaced by the word Normal. 4. Press ENTER to accept the new setting and return to the Sonar Page.
Current adjustment setting Normal setting area

Adjustment Menu options

Current option Adjustment window Pointer
The current adjustment option is displayed in the upper left corner of the screen. For fast adjustment from the Sonar Page, press the LEFT or RIGHT ARROW keys to scroll through the options, then press the UP or DOWN ARROW keys to immediately change the current option or press the ENTER key to review the current setting before making changes.

Adjustment Options

The Adjustment Menu allows direct access to the settings and features most commonly used. These available adjustments are: Range sets the display depth range used for viewing. The unit can be set to automatically track the bottom or set to a user-specied depth range (see Custom Range pg. 16). Zoom used to quickly select a display zoom scale or to split the display. When a scale other than No Zoom is selected, the View or Span options are activated in the Adjustment Menu.

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The Zoom function has seven settings: No Zoom Displays the sonar picture with no zoom. 2x Split Shows two reduced-size sonar pictures at the same time. The right half of the display screen shows the complete sonar picture at its original scale. The left half shows a portion of the original picture at 1/2 depth scale. 2x Zoom Displays the 2x zoomed picture on the full screen and does not show the original scale picture. 4x Split Shows two reduced pictures, the right at the original depth scale and the left at 1/4 the original depth scale. 4x Zoom Displays only the 4x zoomed picture on the full screen. Btm (Bottom) Split Shows two reduced pictures, the right at the original depth scale and the left showing only sonar returns close to the bottom. The bottom is displayed as a at line across the bottom of the screen, and returns are shown at their distance from the bottom up. You can adjust the scale of the Bottom Split display by changing the Span setting (see below). Btm (Bottom) Lock Displays the Bottom Lock (returns close to the bottom, shown at their distance from the bottom up) picture on the full screen. You can adjust the scale of the Bottom Lock display by changing the Span setting (see below). View/Span available when a Zoom scale other than No Zoom is selected. The View or Span setting is used to change the viewing range of a zoomed display. The View option is enabled when the display is set to 2x Split, 2x Zoom, 4x Split, or 4x Zoom. If the display is 2x or 4x split, only the zoomed portion on the left side of the display is affected by the change. If the display is Bottom Split or Bottom Lock, the Span option is enabled to adjust how far off the bottom the unit displays data. Gain controls the sensitivity of the units receiver. This provides some exibility in what is seen on the display. To see more detail, increase the receiver sensitivity by selecting a higher gain percentage. If there is too much detail or if the screen is cluttered, lowering the sensitivity may increase the clarity of the display. Target Level adjusts which colors (Fishnder 250C) or shades of gray (Fishnder 250) are used to display sonar information. A Color Bar (see pg. 17) is displayed on the right side of the screen as you adjust this setting. A higher percentage results in more strong-signaled colors or shades (see pg. 11) displayed on the Sonar Page. A lower percentage results in more weaker-signaled colors or shades (see pg. 11) displayed on the Sonar Page. This setting does not increase/decrease the unit Gain.

Adjustment Menu Options

Depth Line 2x Zoom View Normal View
Sonar 2x Split Screen (shown with Depth Line)
Bar represents area shown on 2x View

Sonar View Adjustment

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You may resize the split line to the left or right.
Whiteline controls how the unit displays information about the bottom type (hard or soft). With the Whiteline Off, all high-intensity bottom returns are displayed as red on the Fishnder 250C and black on the Fishnder 250. With Whiteline set at Normal or 1-100%, this option can be used to better determine bottom hardness. See page 26 for more information on this feature. Frequency allows you to choose a sonar operation frequency. Frequency refers to the pitch of the sound that the transducer sends and receives. You may choose 200kHz, 50kHz or Dual frequency (when using a dual frequency transducer). Depth Line adds a horizontal depth line across the display to measure the depth of underwater objects. The depth of the line is displayed in a box on the right side of the line. When the Depth Line adjustment window is visible, press the UP or DOWN ARROW keys to control the position of the line on the graph. Noise Reject helps lter unwanted noise from the graph. The Noise Reject tool can be turned Off, set to Normal (automatically adjusts for optimum viewing) or to a xed 1-100% setting. NOTE: the HIGHER the noise rejection setting, the more likely the unit is to NOT show sh or structure.

Resizing the Sonar Split

Scroll adjusts the rate that the graph scrolls from right to left. If you are sitting still or the graph is moving too fast, slowing the scroll rate or pausing it can be benecial. Auto automatically adjusts the scroll rate according to the boats speed. (See also Automatic Scroll Speed Limit on page 21.) Size Split enables width adjustment of the Sonar Page split screen. This option is only available when a split zoom is selected. You may adjust the size of the split window anywhere from 1/4 to 3/4 width from the right half of the Sonar Page.
To resize the Sonar Page split screen:
1. From the Sonar Page split screen, press ADJ/MENU. 2. Using the ARROW keys, highlight the Size Split option and press ENTER. A small double-arrow is displayed in the middle of the split line on the screen. 3. Press the LEFT or RIGHT ARROW keys to move the split line to the desired position, then press ENTER.
The current frequency setting will display at the bottom of the screen.
Defaults restores Adjustment Options back to original factory settings.

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Pausing the Sonar Page

You may pause the Sonar Page to stop it from scrolling. The paused screen allows you to take a better look at sonar returns. When in this mode, the word Paused is displayed at the bottom of the screen and a Pointer cursor is activated. You may move the Pointer around on the paused sonar graph in order to reference sonar items and mark waypoints for that location (if attached to a Garmin GPS or compatible NMEA navigation device. See pg. 5.) A data eld is displayed at the top of the graph with the Pointers depth, surface temperature for that position, and GPS coordinates (if available). This makes it easier to nd and use objects such as stumps, rocks, or brush piles for future shing locations. The depth continues to update while the display is paused, but the unit will not show any new sonar data until the Sonar display is unpaused (resumed). You may see a discontinuity from where the sonar information stops to where it starts again. To pause and unpause the Sonar display:
1. From the Sonar Page, press ADJ/MENU. 2. Using the ARROW keys, highlight the Pause option and press ENTER. The Sonar display is paused. The Pointer cursor is activated, and data elds for the Pointer are displayed at the top of the screen. 3. To unpause the Sonar display, press ADJ/MENU, highlight the Resume option and press ENTER.

As you move the Pointer, the Depth, Temp and Position (if available) is displayed at the top of the screen.
To mark an underwater waypoint:
1. With the Sonar display paused, use the ARROW keys to move the cursor onto the target (underwater drop off, stump, etc.) you want to mark. A data eld is displayed with the cursors depth, surface temperature for that position and GPS coordinates. 3. Press ENTER. The New Waypoint window is displayed with a default three-digit name and pointers coordinates automatically lled in. 4. To change the name, highlight the name eld and press ENTER. Make your changes using the ARROW keys and press ENTER when done. 5. When nished, move the eld highlight back to the OK prompt and press ENTER. The unit sends a NMEA WPL sentence to an attached GPS unit or NMEA navigational device (see pgs. 5-6).
You may send an underwater waypoint to a GPS unit.

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Unit Operation Main Menu Options

Main Menu

The Main Menu contains the unit settings that usually do not require frequent change. The Main Menu is divided into eight tabs: Graph, Tools, Temp, Alarms, System, Units, Sonar and Time. Each tab is described in more detail in this section. To enter the Main Menu, press and hold the ADJ/MENU key. The first time you enter the Main Menu, the Graph tab is highlighted in black. Press the UP or DOWN ARROW keys to highlight different tab selections. Press the RIGHT ARROW key to access the selection fields. Each time the Main Menu is accessed, the unit returns to the last edited selection field. Press the LEFT ARROW key to get back to the tabs.
To change a setting on a Main Menu tab:
1. Using the ARROW keys, highlight the desired eld and press ENTER. 2. Highlight the desired setting and press ENTER. 3. Press ADJ/MENU to return to the Sonar display or to cancel data entry.

Graph Tab

Main Menu - Graph Tab
The Graph Tab allows you to determine the appearance of the scrolling graph display and contains the unit settings that usually do not require frequent change. The following settings are available: Fish Symbols allows you to determine how the graph shows underwater targets and background information. If Fish Symbols are set to Off, the unit displays all of the available information about the underwater environment. If a sh symbol is selected, the graph displays only the information related to that symbol. Actual sh returns may not always appear as perfect arches (like in simulator mode), due to the speed, sh orientation and/or other conditions. Scale controls the presentation of the depth Scale displayed vertically along the right side of the graph. The depth Scale can be congured to display four different ways: Overlay, Corners, Basic or No Scale. Custom Range allows you to specify a custom viewing range/scale. Once enabled, this range is displayed as Custom in the Range adjustment control. The left value is the top of the scale and the right value is the bottom of the scale.

Fish Symbols Off All available information is displayed. Suspended targets are displayed as sh symbols. Background information is displayed. Same as above with the target depth attached. Suspended targets are displayed as sh symbols. No background information is displayed. Same as above with target depth attached.

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Background Color (Fishnder 250C only) allows you to change the background color of the sonar display. Choices are Black, Blue or White. Number Size allows you to choose between a Normal or Large sized Basic depth/temp/speed display. This does not change the Advanced data eld number sizes. Temperature and Water Speed hides or displays temperature and water speed on the Sonar Page. When set to Auto, the unit automatically displays this information only if it is received from the transducer.

Tools Tab

Main Menu Options
Controls the display of useful sonar tools. The following settings are available: Flasher this option activates a graphic Flasher representation, displayed on the right side of the graph. The graphic Flasher displays structure and bottom returns much the same as a true Flasher. You may nd this feature particularly useful when using Fish Symbols (see pages 11 and 16). Color Bar shows a gradient scale of the current Target Level setting (see page 13). Temperature Graph toggles On or Off the display of a temperature graph on the Sonar Page. Advanced Data Fields toggles On or Off the Advanced data fields on the Sonar Page Congure Advanced Data Fields activates the Advanced Data Field Setup screen
Conguring Advanced Data Fields

Main Menu - Tools Tab

The top left of the screen contains congurable data elds for the sonar display. By default, the Basic display shows the depth, water temperature and speed (depending on the Graph Tab settings and type of transducer/sensors attached). The Congure Advanced Data Fields option in the Tools Tab allows you to customize the data elds that are displayed. The Advanced display shows a larger, congurable data eld with a white background. The Data Field Setup screen allows you to specify the type of data displayed and either a Narrow (Small) or Wide (Larger) size format for each data eld. The following selections require the proper NMEA data (see pgs. 5-6) in order to display information in a data eld: Bearing, Compass, Course, Distance to Next, Off Course, Pointer, Position, Speed, Time Of Day, Track, Turn, and VMG. NMEA Input/Output must also be enabled to receive this data (see pg. 20).