Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product X96TX Lowrance electronic
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Pub. 988-0151-401 www.lowrance.com X96 & X96TX Fish-finding & Depth Sounding Sonar Installation and Operation Instructions.
Copyright © 2005 Lowrance Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be copied, reproduced, republished, transmitted or distributed for any purpose, without prior written consent of Lowrance Electronics. Any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual is strictly prohibited .
i Table of Contents Section 1: Read Me First! ......................................................... 1 Capabilities and Specifications: X96 & X96TX ........................... 2 How Sonar Works ..................................................
ii To adjust and turn on the shallow alarm: ......................... 40 To adjust and turn on the deep alarm: .............................. 41 Zone Alarm .............................................................................. 41 To adjust and turn on the zone alarm: .
iii Software Version Information .................................................... 62 Sonar Chart Mode ....................................................................... 63 To change the chart mode scheme: .....................................
iv WARNING! A CAREFUL NAVIGATOR NEVER RELIES ON ONLY ONE METHOD TO OBTAIN POSITION INFORMATION. CAUTION When showing navigation data to a position (waypoint), a GPS unit will show the shortest, most direct path to the waypoint. It provides navigation data to the waypoint regardless of obstructions.
1 Section 1: Read Me First! How this manual can get you out on the water, fast! Welcome to the exciting world of digital sonar! We know you're anxious to begin finding fish, but we have a favor to ask.
2 If you're having difficulty with your sonar, you can find an answer to the most common problems in Section 5, Sonar Troubleshooting . Finally, in Section 6, we offer Supplemental Material , including a list of warranty and customer service information.
3 Audible alarms: ............. Deep/shallow/fish/zone. Automatic ranging: ....... Yes, with instant screen updates. Zoom bottom track: ...... Yes. Split-screen zoom: ......... Yes. Surface water temp: ..... Yes. Speed/distance log: ....... Optional (requires optional speed sensor).
4 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.
5 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.
6 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. A transom mount requires use of a high quality, marine grade above- or below-waterline caulking compound.
7 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. Good and poor transducer locations. How low should you go? For most situations, you should install your transducer so its centerline is level with the bottom of the boat hull.
8 If you cruise or fish around lots of structure and cover, your transducer may be frequently kicking up from object strikes. If you want, you may move the transducer a little higher for more protection. There are two extremes you should avoid. Never let the edge of the mounting bracket extend below the bottom of the hull.
9 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.
10 Add ratchets to bracket and transducer. 2. Aligning the transducer on the transom. A. One-piece bracket: Slide the transducer between the two ratchets.
11 B. Two-piece bracket: Assemble the transducer and bracket as shown in the following figure. Temporarily sl ide the bolt though the transducer assembly but do not tighten the nut at this time. Hold the assembled transducer and bracket against the transom.
12 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.
13 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 th em with the caulking compound.
14 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.
15 TRANSDUCER ORIENTATION AND FISH ARCHES If you do not get good fish arches on your display, there is a good possibility the transducer is not parallel with the ground when the boat is at rest in the water or at slow trolling speeds. Transducer angles and their effects on fish arches.
16 A successful 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 selected area. Epoxy the transducer to a solid portion of the hull.
17 If not, then mark the location that gave you the best sonar returns and read through the instructions on the following pages for shoot-thru-hull mounting. Shoot-thru-hull transducer locations for high speed or trolling speed operation. Shoot-thru-hull Installation 1.
18 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.
19 Sonar unit with secondary temperature sensor. Primary temp sensor is built into the transducer. Sonar unit with external speed sensor or combo speed/temp sensor. The primary temperature sensor is built into the transducer. Power/trans- ducer cable.
20 Optional Speed Sensor Installation If you wish to purchase an optional speed sensor for your unit, refer to the accessory ordering information inside the back cover of this manual. The following instructions describe how to install the speed sensor.
21 If the base of the transom has a radius, fill the gap between the transom and the sensor with the caulking compound. This will help ensure a smooth water flow. Route the sensor's cable through or over the transom to the sonar unit. If you need to drill a hole in the transom to pass the connector through, the required hole size is 5/8".
22 Power connections for the sonar unit. 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.
23 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.
24 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 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.
25 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. In-dash mounting template for the sonar unit, showing dimensions.
26 Install batteries in power pack battery adapter. "D" cell battery.
27 Section 3: Basic Sonar Operation This section addresses the unit's most basic sonar operations. The instructions presented in Sec. 3 follow a chronological order. Sec. 4, Sonar Options & Other Features , will discuss other more advanced functions and utilities.
28 4. ARROW KEYS – Used to navigate through the menus, make menu selections, move the sonar chart cursor and enter data. 5. ENT – Allows you to accept values or execute menu commands. 6. EXIT – Lets you return to the previous screen, clear data or erase a menu.
29 Main Menu. The Main Menu commands and their functions are: Screen : changes the contrast or brightness of the display screen. Sounds : enables or disables the sounds for key strokes and alarms and sets the alarm style. Sonar Alarms : turns alarms on or off and changes alarm thresholds.
30 Sonar page options (left). Sonar page menu (right). Sonar Pages Sonar pages display a cross-section view of the water column beneath the boat. The chart moves across the screen, displaying sonar signal echoes that represent fish, structure and the bottom.
31 Full Sonar Chart (left). Split Zoom Sonar Chart (right). Digital Data Sonar Chart (left). FlashGraf Chart (right)..
32 Sonar Page, showing full sonar chart mode. You can customize how the Sonar Page displays its pictures and other data in many ways. Your unit also includes several features and options that can help you better interpret the underwater scene.
33 Basic Sonar Quick Reference 1. Mount the transducer and unit. Connect the unit to electric power and the transducer. 2. Launch your boat. 3. To turn on the unit, press and release PWR key. 4. Head for your fishing grounds. Your unit automatically displays digital depth and surface water temperature in the corner of the screen.
34 Sonar Operations As you can see from the quick reference on the previous page, basic operation is pretty easy, right out of the box. If you are a sonar novice, try operating the unit with the factory defaults until you get a feel for how it's working.
35 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.
36 Sonar Menu with Sensitivity command selected (left). The Sensitivity Control Bar (right). NOTE: If you want to change the sensitivity in Manual Mode, first turn off Auto Sensitivity. From the Sonar Page, press MENU | ↓ to A UTO S ENSITIVITY | ENT | ↑ to S ENSITIVITY | ENT .
37 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.
38 Notes.
39 Section 4: Options & Features ASP (Advanced Signal Processing) The ASP feature is a noise rejection system built into the sonar unit that constantly evaluates the effects of boat speed, water conditions and interference. This automatic feature gives you the best display possible under most conditions.
40 Alarms This unit has three types of sonar alarms. The first is the Fish Alarm. It sounds when the Fish I.D. feature determines an echo is a fish. Another alarm is the Zone Alarm, which consists of a bar on the side of the screen. Any echo on the chart that appears inside this bar triggers this alarm.
41 4. Press ← to S HALLOW A LARM E NABLED | ENT | EXIT . 5. To turn off the alarm, press A LARM | ENT | ENT | EXIT . To switch to a different depth setting, open the Sonar Alarms menu and repeat the instructions in step 3 above. To adjust and turn on the deep alarm: 1.
42 Notice the size of the black alarm bar on the right side of the screen changes as you manipulate the ↑ ↓ keys. 4. To set the lower boundary for the Zone Alarm, use ← or → to select L OWER , then press ↑ or ↓ to move the bottom of the bar to the desired depth.
43 Calibrate Speed The speed sensor can be calibrated to compensate for inaccuracies. Before you change the setting, calculate the percentage the speed is off. You will enter this percentage in a moment. If you figure the sensor is reading 10 percent faster than actual speed, you will enter – 10 in the calibration window.
44 Sonar Page menu (left) with Chart Speed selected. Chart Speed Control Bar (right). If you do experiment with chart speed, remember to reset it to maximum when you resume trolling or moving across the water at higher speed. To change chart speed: 1.
45 Sonar Page menu with Depth Cursor selected (left). Chart with depth cursor active (right). Cursor line shows the large fish is 34.64 feet deep. The cursor can be moved to any location on the screen, letting you pinpoint the depth of a target. 1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU | ↓ to D EPTH C URSOR | ENT .
46 2. The Depth Range Control Scale appears. Press ↑ or ↓ t o s e l e c t a different depth range. A black bar highlights the selected range. Range numbers in gray cannot be selected. 3. When the new range is selected, press EXIT to clear the menu.
47 Sonar Page showing FasTrack. Fish I.D. (Fish Symbols & Depths) 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.
48 Figures 1A and 2A (left) show Sonar Page in normal chart mode. Figures 1B and 2B (right) show the same und erwater scene with Fish I.D. turned on. Note how arches are replaced with symbols. To turn the Fish I.D. feature on: 1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU | ↓ to S ONAR F EATURES | ENT .
49 To turn on FishTrack: ( Note: These instructions will turn on FishTrack and Fish I.D. at the same time.) 1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU | ↓ to S ONAR F EATURES | ENT . 2. Press → | ↓ to F ISH D EPTHS | ENT | EXIT | EXIT . To turn off FishTrack, repeat steps 1 and 2.
50 Sonar Chart Mode command with FishReveal selected To turn FishReveal on: 1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU | ↓ to S ONAR F EATURES | ENT . 2. Press ↓ to S ONAR C HART M ODE | ENT | ↓ to F ISH R EVEAL | ENT . 3. Press EXIT | ↑ to A UTO S ENSITIVITY | ENT | ↑ to S ENSITIVITY | ENT .
51 Grayline Grayline helps you distinguish between strong and weak echoes, highlighting the differences between a hard soft bottom. A soft, muddy or weedy bottom will return a weaker signal, shown with a narrow gray line or with no line at all. A hard bottom returns a strong signal, displayed as a wide gray line.
52 The figures above show how different Grayline settings can reveal more information. Figures, 1A, 2A and 3A show locations with Grayline set to the default level, 64 percent. Figures 1B, 2B and 3B show the same locations with Grayline increased to 84 percent.
53 HyperScroll See the entry on Ping Speed, which controls the HyperScroll feature. Noise Rejection See the entry on Advanced Signal Processing in this section. Overlay Data To change the digital data shown on top of the sonar page: 1. Press MENU | ↓ to O VERLAY D ATA | ENT .
54 Data list showing Water Distance selected for display on Sonar Page. 3. To return to the previous page, press EXIT | EXIT . To turn off displayed data: 1. Press MENU | ↓ to O VERLAY D ATA | ENT . 2. Press ↓ or ↑ to select Data Type | ENT | ENT .
55 Sonar chart with Overlay Data turned on. This example shows Depth, Water Temperature and the boat’s Water Speed. Ping Speed & HyperScroll Ping Speed controls the rate at which the transmitter and transducer broadcast sonar sound waves — pings — into the water.
56 Ping Speed command on the Sonar Menu (left). Ping Speed Control Bar (right) at default setting. To change Ping Speed: 1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU | ↓ to P ING S PEED | ENT . 2. The Ping Speed Cont rol Bar appears. Press ↑ to increase ping speed or press ↓ to decrease ping speed.
57 To turn on Popup Help , press MENU | MENU | ↓ to P OPUP H ELP . With the option highlighted, press ENT to check it (turn on) and uncheck it (turn off.) After the option is set, press EXIT to return to the page display. Main Menu (left) with Pop-up Help command highlighted.
58 Main Menu with Reset Options command selected (left). The Reset Options dialog box (right), with Yes selected. Reset Water Distance The sonar chart's Digital Data display option includes a window that shows distance traveled, called Water Distance (W Distance).
59 Screen Command (left) and Screen M enu (right) with Contrast bar selected. To adjust the display's brightness: 1. Press ↓ to B RIGHTNESS . Press → or ← to move the bar. The left end of the scale is minimum contrast. The right end is maximum contrast.
60 Automatic Sensitivity The default sensitivity mode is automatic. The unit bases the sensitivity level on water depth and conditions. When the unit is in automatic mode, sensitivity is automatically adjusted to keep a solid bottom signal displayed, plus a little more power.
61 To adjust sensitivity in manual mode: 1. Turn off Auto Sensitivity from the Sonar Page by pressing MENU | ↓ to A UTO S ENSITIVITY | ENT . 2. Press ↑ to S ENSITIVITY | ENT and the Sensitivity Control Bar appears. Press ↓ or ↑ to pick a different sensitivity setting.
62 1. Press MENU | MENU | ↓ to S ET K EEL O FFSET | ENT . 2. The Keel Offset dialog box appears. Press ↓ to change the plus (+) sign to a minus (–) sign. 3. Press → to the first number, then press ↑ to change the number to 3 4. Press → to the second number, then press ↑ to change the number to 5, then press EXIT .
63 Main Menu with Software Information command selected (left). The Software Information screen (right). 1. Press MENU | MENU | ↓ to S OFTWARE I NFO | ENT . 2. Read the information displayed on the screen. 3. To return to the main page display, press EXIT | EXIT .
64 Pages Menu showing sonar chart display options 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 factory defaults. The bottom signal scrolls across the screen from right to left.
65 Digital Data/Chart This mode shows the chart on the right side of the screen. The left side has six digital data boxes containing: Water Depth; Water Speed (from an optional speed sensor); Water Distance (distance traveled or log, it also requires a speed sensor); Surface Wa ter Temperature; Temperature #2 and Voltage used.
66 Options List for customizing Digital Data windows. The list appears with Water Speed selected (left). Temperature 2 has been chosen to replace Water Speed in the top digital data window (right). Tip: You can customize other digital data windows before returning to the Sonar Page.
67 Main Menu, with simulator turned on (check box is checked). 2. Turn off Sonar Simulator by pressing MENU | MENU | ↓ to S ONAR S IMULATOR | ENT | EXIT . Full Sonar Chart with sonar simulator turned on. Stop Chart If you are running multiple units on a boat, there are times when you may want to turn off the sonar.
68 Sonar Menu with Stop Chart command selected. The box is unchecked, indicating the chart is scrolling across the screen. Surface Clarity The markings extending downward from the top of the chart are called surface clutter. These markings are caused by wave action, boat wakes, temperature inversion and more.
69 Surface Clarity turned off (left). Surface Clarity set to High (right). Units of Measure This menu sets the speed and distance (statute or nautical miles, meters), depth (feet, fathoms, or meters) and temperature (degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius). To change units: Press MENU | MENU | ↓ to U NITS OF M EASURE | ENT .
70 Use ← → to highlight either Fahrenheit or Celsius and press ENT . After the option is set, press EXIT | EXIT to return to the main page display. Zoom & Zoom Bar This unit lets you zoom in or zoom out the display quickly and easily by pressing the Zoom In key, ZIN or Zoom Out key, ZOUT .
71 Section 5: 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.
72 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.
73 NOISE A major cause of sonar problems is electrical noise. This usually appears on the sonar's display as random patterns of dots or lines. In severe cases, it can completely cover the screen with black dots, or cause the unit to operate erratically, or not at all.
74 Notes.
75 LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY "We," "our," or "us" refers to LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS, a divisi on of LEI, the manufacturer of this product. "You" or "your" refers to the first pe rson who purchases this product as a consumer item for personal, family, or household use.
76 How to Obtain Service… …in the USA: 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 technical, return or repair questions, please contact the Factory Customer Service Department.
Accessory Ordering Information for all countries To order Lowrance accessories such as power cables or transducers, please contact: 1) Your local marine dealer or consumer electronics store. Most quality dealers that handle marine electronic equipment or other consumer electronics should be able to assist you with these items.
Visit our web site: Lowrance Pub. 988-0151-401 © Copyright 2005 All Rights Reserved Printed in USA 100405 Lowrance Electronics, Inc..
An important point after buying a device Lowrance electronic X96TX (or even before the purchase) is to read its user manual. We should do this for several simple reasons:
If you have not bought Lowrance electronic X96TX yet, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the basic data on the product. First of all view first pages of the manual, you can find above. You should find there the most important technical data Lowrance electronic X96TX - thus you can check whether the hardware meets your expectations. When delving into next pages of the user manual, Lowrance electronic X96TX you will learn all the available features of the product, as well as information on its operation. The information that you get Lowrance electronic X96TX will certainly help you make a decision on the purchase.
If you already are a holder of Lowrance electronic X96TX, but have not read the manual yet, you should do it for the reasons described above. You will learn then if you properly used the available features, and whether you have not made any mistakes, which can shorten the lifetime Lowrance electronic X96TX.
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with Lowrance electronic X96TX. Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device Lowrance electronic X96TX along with tips on how to solve them. Even if you fail to solve the problem, the manual will show you a further procedure – contact to the customer service center or the nearest service center
