Humminbird Fish Finder 586C HD User Manual

586c HD, 596c HD, and 596c HD DI  
Operations Manual  
531819-2EN_A  
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(EEE), nor may it be required for EEE designed and intended as fixed or temporary  
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ROHS STATEMENT: Product designed and intended as a fixed installation or part of a  
system in a vessel may be considered beyond the scope of Directive 2002/95/EC of the  
European Parliament and of the Council of 27 January 2003 on the restriction of the use of  
certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.  
ATTENTION INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS: Products sold in the U.S. are not  
intended for use in the international market. Humminbird® international units provide  
international features and are designed to meet country and regional regulations.  
Languages, maps, time zones, units of measurement, and warranty are examples of  
features that are customized for Humminbird® international units purchased through  
our authorized international distributors.  
To obtain a list of authorized international distributors, please visit our Web site at  
humminbird.com or contact our Customer Resource Center at (334) 687-6613.  
500 Series, Down Imaging™, DualBeam PLUS™, Fish ID+™, Humminbird®, RTS,  
RTS Window, Structure ID®, SwitchFire, WhiteLine, and X-Press™ Menu are trademarked  
by or registered trademarks of Humminbird®.  
© 2010 Humminbird®, Eufaula AL, USA. All rights reserved.  
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Table of Contents  
Power On the Unit  
1
2
How Sonar Works  
DualBeam PLUS™ Sonar (Down Imagingmodels only  
[596c HD DI, XNT 9-DI-T Transducer])............................................................................ 4  
Down Imaging™ Sonar (Down Imagingmodels only  
[596c HD DI, XNT 9-DI-T Transducer])............................................................................ 5  
Dual Beam Ice Transducer (optional-purchase XI 9 20 Ice Transducer only).................. 6  
What’s on the Sonar Display  
7
Understanding the Sonar Display ............................................................................ 9  
Real Time Sonar (RTS) Window ............................................................................ 9  
SwitchFire™ ............................................................................................................ 10  
Freeze Frame and Active Cursor.............................................................................. 10  
Instant Image Update.............................................................................................. 10  
Bottom Presentation................................................................................................ 11  
What’s on the Down Imaging™ Display  
(Down Imaging™ models only [596c HD DI])  
13  
Understanding the Down Imaging™ Display..........................................................15  
Interpreting the Display............................................................................................15  
Down Imaging™ Sensitivity ....................................................................................16  
Freeze Frame and Active Cursor ..............................................................................16  
Views  
17  
Sonar View .............................................................................................................. 19  
Sonar Zoom View .................................................................................................... 20  
Split Sonar View ...................................................................................................... 21  
Big Digits View ........................................................................................................ 22  
Down Imaging™ View (Down Imaging™ models only [596c HD DI].............................. 23  
Circular Flasher View .............................................................................................. 25  
Down Imaging™/Sonar Combo View (Down Imagingmodels only [596c HD DI]) .... 30  
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Table of Contents  
What’s on the 500 Series™ Control Head  
31  
32  
Key Functions  
POWER/LIGHT Key .............................................................................................. 32  
VIEW Key................................................................................................................ 32  
MENU Key.............................................................................................................. 33  
4-WAY Cursor Control Key .................................................................................. 33  
EXIT Key.................................................................................................................. 34  
The Menu System  
35  
36  
Start-Up Options Menu  
Normal.................................................................................................................... 36  
Simulator................................................................................................................ 37  
System Status........................................................................................................ 37  
Self Test.................................................................................................................. 38  
Accessory Test........................................................................................................ 38  
X-Press™ Menu  
Main Menu  
39  
40  
Quick Tips for the Main Menu .................................................................................. 41  
Note for all Menu Settings.................................................................................... 42  
User Mode (Normal or Advanced) .............................................................................. 43  
Sonar X-Press™ Menu (Sonar views only)  
45  
Sensitivity .............................................................................................................. 46  
Upper Range (Advanced: Sonar, Split Sonar,  
Circular Flasher, and Big Digits Views only) .............................................................. 47  
Lower Range.......................................................................................................... 47  
Chart Speed .......................................................................................................... 48  
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Table of Contents  
Zoom Level (Sonar Zoom View only) .......................................................................... 48  
Bottom Lock (Sonar Zoom View only) ........................................................................ 49  
Bottom Range (Sonar Zoom View only when Bottom Lock is On) ................................ 49  
Down Imaging™ X-Press™ Menu  
(Down Imaging™ Views only [596c HD DI])  
50  
Imaging Sensitivity .................................................................................................. 51  
Upper Range (Advanced) .......................................................................................... 51  
Lower Range ............................................................................................................ 51  
Chart Speed.............................................................................................................. 52  
Imaging Colors ........................................................................................................ 52  
Flasher X-Press™ Menu (Circular Flasher View only)  
53  
Sensitivity ................................................................................................................ 54  
Upper Range (Advanced: Sonar, Split Sonar,  
Circular Flasher, and Big Digits Views only) ................................................................ 54  
Lower Range ............................................................................................................ 55  
Color Palette (Circular Flasher View, Ice Fishing Mode only) .......................................... 56  
Zoom Level (Circular Flasher View, Ice Fishing Mode only) ............................................ 56  
Alarms Menu Tab  
57  
Depth Alarm ............................................................................................................ 58  
Fish ID Alarm............................................................................................................ 58  
Low Battery Alarm .................................................................................................. 59  
Temp. Alarm ............................................................................................................ 59  
Alarm Tone .............................................................................................................. 59  
Sonar Menu Tab  
60  
Beam Select ............................................................................................................ 61  
Imaging Frequency (Down Imaging™ Views only [596c HD DI]).................................... 63  
Surface Clutter ........................................................................................................ 63  
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Table of Contents  
SwitchFire™ .......................................................................................................... 64  
Fish ID+™ .............................................................................................................. 65  
Fish ID Sensitivity .................................................................................................. 66  
Real Time Sonar (RTS) Window ........................................................................ 66  
Sonar Colors (Sonar View, Sonar Zoom View,  
Circular Flasher View, and Big Digits View)................................................................ 67  
Bottom View .......................................................................................................... 67  
Zoom Width .......................................................................................................... 68  
83 kHz Sensitivity (Advanced).................................................................................. 68  
455 kHz Sensitivity (Advanced, Down Imaging™ Views only [596c HD DI]).................. 68  
Depth Lines (Advanced) .......................................................................................... 69  
Noise Filter (Advanced)............................................................................................ 69  
Max Depth (Advanced) ............................................................................................ 70  
Water Type (Advanced) ............................................................................................ 70  
Ice Fishing Mode .................................................................................................. 71  
Imaging Colors (Down Imaging™ Views only [596c HD DI]) ........................................ 71  
Setup Menu Tab  
72  
Units - Depth.......................................................................................................... 73  
Units - Temp (International only) .............................................................................. 73  
Units - Distance .................................................................................................... 73  
Units - Speed ........................................................................................................ 73  
User Mode ............................................................................................................ 73  
Language (International only).................................................................................... 74  
Triplog Reset .......................................................................................................... 74  
Restore Defaults .................................................................................................... 74  
Select Views (Advanced).......................................................................................... 74  
Select Readouts (Advanced, Sonar View only) .......................................................... 75  
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Table of Contents  
Depth Offset (Advanced)............................................................................................ 76  
Temp. Offset (Advanced, with Temp/Speed only).......................................................... 77  
Speed Calibration (Advanced, with Temp/Speed only).................................................. 77  
Sonar ........................................................................................................................ 77  
Demonstration.......................................................................................................... 77  
Sound Control .......................................................................................................... 77  
Troubleshooting  
78  
Fishfinder Doesn’t Power Up .................................................................................. 78  
Fishfinder Defaults to Simulator with a Transducer Attached .............................. 78  
Display Problems...................................................................................................... 79  
Finding the Cause of Noise .................................................................................... 80  
500 Series™ Fishfinder Accessories  
Specifications  
81  
82  
83  
87  
Glossary  
Contact Humminbird®  
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Table of Contents  
NOTE: Entries in this Table of Contents which list (International Only) are only  
available on products sold outside of the U.S. by our authorized international  
distributors. To obtain a list of authorized international distributors, please visit our  
Web site at humminbird.com or contact our Customer Resource Center at  
(334) 687-6613.  
NOTE: Entries in this Table of Contents which list (with Temp/Speed only) require  
the purchase of separate accessories. You can visit our Web site at  
humminbird.com to order these accessories online or contact our Customer  
Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468.  
NOTE: Some features discussed in this manual require a separate purchase, and  
some features are only available on international models. Every effort has been  
made to clearly identify those features. Please read the manual carefully in order to  
understand the full capabilities of your model.  
vi  
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Power On the Unit  
Follow the instructions below to power on your Humminbird® control head.  
586c HD Title Screen  
1. Press the  
POWER/LIGHT key.  
2. When the Title screen is displayed, press the MENU key to access the  
Start-Up Options Menu.  
3. Use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to select Normal (if there is a  
transducer attached to the control head), or Simulator (if there isn’t a  
transducer attached to the control head).  
NOTE: See Start-Up Options Menu for more information.  
If a functioning transducer is connected, Normal operation will be  
selected automatically at power up, and your Fishfinder can be  
used on the water.  
If a transducer is not connected and you wait too long to select a  
Start-Up Option, the system will default to whichever menu is  
already highlighted.  
• In Simulator you can learn how to use your control head and save  
settings in advance for later use.  
Power On the Unit  
1
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How Sonar Works  
Sonar technology is based on sound waves. The 500 Series™ Fishfinder uses  
sonar to locate and define structure, bottom contour and composition, as well  
as depth directly below the transducer.  
Your 500 Series™ Fishfinder sends a sound wave signal and determines  
distance by measuring the time between the transmission of the sound wave  
and when the sound wave is reflected off of an object; it then uses the reflected  
signal to interpret location, size, and composition of an object.  
Sonar is very fast. A sound wave can travel from the surface to a depth of  
240 ft (70 m) and back again in less than 1/4 of a second. It is unlikely that your  
boat can “outrun“ this sonar signal.  
SONAR is an acronym for SOund and  
NAvigation Ranging. Sonar utilizes precision  
sound pulses or “pings“ which are emitted  
into the water in a teardrop-shaped beam.  
The sound pulses “echo“ back from objects  
in the water such as the bottom, fish, and  
other submerged objects. The returned  
echoes are displayed on the LCD screen.  
Each time a new echo is received, the old  
echoes are moved across the LCD, creating  
a scrolling effect.  
How Sonar Works  
2
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When all the echoes are viewed side by side, an  
easy to interpret “graph“ of the bottom, fish, and  
structure appears.  
The sound pulses are transmitted at various  
frequencies depending on the application. Very  
high frequencies (455 kHz) are used for greatest  
definition but the operating depth is limited. High  
frequencies (200 kHz) are commonly used on  
consumer sonar and provide a good balance  
between depth performance and resolution. Low  
frequencies (83 kHz) are typically used to achieve  
greater depth capability.  
The power output is the amount of energy  
generated by the sonar transmitter. It is commonly  
measured using two methods:  
• Root Mean Square (RMS) measures power  
output over the entire transmit cycle.  
• Peak to Peak measures power output at the  
highest points.  
The benefits of increased power output are the  
ability to detect smaller targets at greater distances,  
ability to overcome noise, better high speed  
performance, and enhanced depth capability.  
How Sonar Works  
3
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DualBeam PLUS™ Sonar  
(DualBeam PLUSmodels only  
[586c HD, 596c HD])  
Your 586c HD/596c HD Fishfinder uses a  
200/83 kHz DualBeam PLUS™ sonar system  
with a wide (60°) area of coverage. DualBeam  
PLUS™ sonar has a narrowly focused 20°  
center beam, surrounded by a second beam of  
60°, expanding your coverage to an area equal  
to your depth. In 20 feet of water, the wider  
beam covers an area 20 feet wide.  
DualBeam PLUS™ sonar returns can be blended  
together, viewed separately, or compared side-  
by-side. DualBeam PLUS™ is ideal for a wide  
range of conditions - from shallow to very deep  
water in both fresh and salt water. Depth  
capability is affected by such factors as boat  
speed, wave action, bottom hardness, water  
conditions, and transducer installation.  
How Sonar Works  
4
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Down Imaging™ Sonar  
(Down Imagingmodels only  
[596c HD DI, XNT 9-DI-T Transducer])  
Your 596c HD DI Fishfinder uses Down  
Imaging™ technology. The Down  
Imaging™ transducer scans the water with  
razor-thin, high-definition beams. The  
beams are wide (side to side) but very thin  
front to back.  
800kHz  
45°  
75°  
455kHz  
16°  
455kHz  
25°  
200kHz  
The Down Imaging™ beams can be  
operated at two frequencies: 455 kHz (75°)  
or 800 kHz (45°). Select 455 kHz for the  
best overall image quality and depth.  
Select 800 kHz for the sharpest image. See  
Down ImagingX-PressMenu:  
Imaging Frequency for more information.  
75 Degree Total Coverage  
The transducer also uses conical beams to  
provide data in traditional 2D format (see  
What’s on the Sonar View). Select 455 kHz for  
a narrowly focused 16° center beam, or select  
200 kHz for a wider 25° beam (see Sonar  
Menu Tab: Beam Select).  
Depth capability is affected by such factors  
as boat speed, wave action, bottom hardness,  
water conditions and transducer installation.  
How Sonar Works  
5
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Dual Beam Ice Transducer  
(optional-purchase XI 9 20 Ice Transducer only)  
Ice transducer  
Your Fishfinder supports the optional-purchase  
XI 9 20 Ice Transducer, which provides  
selectable dual-frequency sonar with a wide  
area of coverage. Selectable dual-frequency  
gives you the option of two beams, and both  
beams will cover the bottom and provide high  
definition. The 20° center beam provides the  
highest definition, while the 60° beam provides  
wider coverage. Depth capability is affected by  
such factors as bottom hardness and water  
conditions. Whether fishing in shallow or very  
deep water, selectable dual-frequency is ideal  
for a variety of conditions.  
How Sonar Works  
6
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What’s on the Sonar Display  
The 500 Series™ Fishfinder can display a variety of useful information about the  
Depth - (water depth) can be set to alarm when  
the water becomes too shallow.  
Temperature - Water surface temperature.  
Timer- Elapsed time with Temp/Speed Accessory.  
Distance - Distance traveled with Temp/Speed  
Accessory.  
Average Speed - Average speed reading with  
Temp/Speed Accessory.  
Thermoclines - Layers of water with different  
temperatures that appear at different depths and  
different times of the year. A thermocline typically  
appears as a continuous band of many colors  
moving across the display at the same depth.  
Second Sonar Return - When the sonar signal  
bounces between the bottom and the surface of the  
water and back again. Use the appearance of the  
second return to determine bottom hardness. Hard  
bottomswillshowastrongsecondreturn, whilesoft  
bottoms will show a very weak one or none at all.  
Speed - If a Temp/Speed accessory is attached,  
the Fishfinder can display the speed of the boat  
and can keep a Triplog of nautical or statute  
miles traveled.  
NOTE: Entries in this view that list (with Temp/Speed) are available if the accessory is connected  
What’s on the Sonar Display  
7
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area under and adjacent to your boat, including the following items:  
High Sonar Intensity Return  
Bait Ball  
Fish - The Fishfinder displays fish as arches  
and/or fish icons, and can be set to alarm  
when a fish of a certain size is detected.  
When a target is detected, a Fish ID+™  
symbol appears on the display with the  
depth displayed above it. The size of the  
symbol indicates the intensity of the sonar  
return. The unit will clearly show schools of  
Bait Fish as “clouds“ of different shapes and  
sizes, depending on the number of fish and  
boat speed.  
200 kHz, Orange Fish Symbol  
Structure - Where fish may be hiding.  
Battery Voltage - The voltage of the boat’s  
battery; can be set to alarm if the voltage falls  
below a certain point.  
RTS (Real Time Sonar) Window™  
Low Sonar Intensity Return  
to the 500 Series™ Fishfinder.  
What’s on the Sonar Display  
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8
Understanding the Sonar Display  
It is important to understand the significance of  
the display. The display does not show a literal 3-  
dimensional representation of what is under the  
water. Each vertical band of data received by the  
control head and plotted on the display represents  
something that was detected by a sonar return at  
a particular time. As both the boat and the targets  
(fish) may be moving, the returns are only showing  
a particular segment of time when objects were  
detected, not exactly where those objects are in  
relation to other objects shown on the display.  
.
The returned sonar echoes are displayed on the screen. As a new echo is  
received, the historical data scrolls across the screen.  
Real Time Sonar (RTS™) Window  
A Real Time Sonar (RTS™) Window appears on the right side of the display in  
the Sonar View only. The RTS Windowupdates at the fastest rate possible for  
depth conditions and shows only the returns from the bottom, structure, and  
fish that are within the transducer beam. The RTS Windowplots the depth  
and intensity of a sonar return (see Sonar Menu Tab: RTS Window).  
The Narrow RTS Window™  
indicates the sonar intensity  
through the use of colors. Red  
indicates a strong return and  
blue indicates a weak return.  
The depth of the sonar return  
is indicated by the vertical  
placement of the return on the  
display depth scale.  
The Wide RTS Window™  
indicates the sonar intensity  
through the use of a bar  
graph. The length of the  
plotted return indicates  
whether the return is weak or  
strong. The depth of the sonar  
return is indicated by the  
vertical placement of the  
return on the display depth  
scale. The Wide RTS  
Windowdoes not use  
grayscale.  
What’s on the Sonar Display  
9
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SwitchFire™  
SwitchFirecontrols how the sonar returns are displayed in the Sonar Views.  
SwitchFiresettings are available in the Sonar Menu Tab.  
To see the maximum sonar information available within the transducer beam so  
more fish arches and better jig tracking are shown, choose Max Mode.  
To see less clutter and more fish size accuracy interpreted from the transducer  
beam, choose Clear Mode. See Sonar Menu Tab: SwitchFirefor more  
information.  
Freeze Frame and Active Cursor  
Freeze Frame and Active Cursor - Press any arrow on the 4-WAY Cursor Control  
key, and the screen will freeze and a cursor will be displayed. Use the 4-WAY  
Cursor Control key to move the cursor over a sonar return, and the depth of the  
sonar return will be displayed at the bottom of the screen in the cursor dialog box.  
The RTS Window™ continues to update in Freeze Frame. To return to a scrolling  
display and exit Freeze Frame, press the EXIT key. Freeze Frame is available in  
the Sonar, Split Sonar, and Sonar Zoom Views.  
Instant Image Update  
Instant Image Update - You can change a variety of sonar menu settings (such  
as Sensitivity or Upper Range), and the adjustments will be shown instantly on  
the screen.  
What’s on the Sonar Display  
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Bottom Presentation  
As the boat moves, the unit charts the changes in depth on the display to create  
a profile of the Bottom Contour. The type of bottom can be determined from  
the return charted on the display. A Hard Bottom such as compacted sediment  
or flat rock appears as a thinner line across the display. A Soft Bottom such as  
mud or sand appears as a thicker line across the display. Rocky Bottoms have  
a broken, random appearance.  
Bottom Contour Profile with RTS Window™  
Rocky Bottom  
Soft Bottom  
Hard Bottom  
The sonar returns from the bottom, structure, and fish can be represented as  
either WhiteLine™ or Structure ID®. See Sonar Menu Tab: Bottom View for  
details on how to set the bottom view.  
What’s on the Sonar Display  
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Structure ID® represents weak returns in blue and strong returns in red.  
WhiteLine™ highlights the strongest sonar returns in white, resulting in a  
distinctive outline. This has the benefit of clearly defining the bottom on the display.  
What’s on the Sonar Display  
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What’s on the Down Imaging™ Display  
Down Imaging™ uses its unique transducer and sonar technology to provide  
profiling beams produce the detailed sonar data that you see on the display.  
interpret the structure and bottom contour, including the following items:  
Depth - (water depth) can be set to alarm when  
the water becomes too shallow.  
Temperature - Water surface temperature.  
Bottom Return - Use the appearance of the bottom  
return to determine bottom hardness. Rock and  
gravel provide a clearer sonar return than mud  
and sand because hard objects reflect sonar  
better than soft objects.  
Topography Changes - The light part of the  
display shows where the beam is hitting hard  
bottom or rising terrain. The dark part of the  
display indicates soft bottom (sand, mud) or  
descending terrain.  
Speed - If a Temp/Speed accessory is connected,  
the Fishfinder can display the speed of the boat  
and can keep a Triplog of nautical or statute  
miles traveled.  
NOTE: Entries in this view that list (with Temp/Speed) are available if the accessory is connected  
What’s on the Down ImagingDisplay  
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(Down Imagingmodels only [596c HD DI])  
information about the area directly below your boat. The razor-thin, high-definition  
Down Imaging™ reveals a variety of recognizable features so that you can  
Upper Range  
Clouded Area may indicate a bait ball and  
White Streaks may indicate fish.  
Shadows- Result from a lack of reflected  
sonar from a particular area and can be as  
valuable for interpretation than the sonar  
reflected by the object itself. Use shadows to  
help you see the image in 3 dimensions,  
oriented in space. You can gain insight into  
the actual shape of an object, or the depth  
to which it has sunk into the bottom,  
through shadows on the display. Objects  
standing on the bottom cast  
a
sonar  
shadow. The longer the shadow, the taller  
the object. Fish also cast shadows. You can  
use the shadow to interpret how close the  
fish is to the bottom.  
Structure  
Lower Range  
to the 500 Series™ Fishfinder.  
What’s on the Down ImagingDisplay  
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Understanding the  
Down Imaging™ Display  
The images you see on the Down Imaging™  
display are produced using sonar technology.  
Each time the unit pings, a strip of data  
representing all the echoes received by the  
transducer are put together on the display to  
form the image that you see. Like traditional  
2D Sonar, the sonar history scrolls left across  
the screen.  
Interpreting the Display  
Down Imaging™ beams “illuminate” the bottom contour, structure, and fish.  
The beams are wide (side to side) but very thin front to back.  
Use the light and dark parts of the display to interpret the objects under your  
boat as follows:  
Dark shades represent soft returns (mud, sand) or descending terrain.  
Light shades represent denser terrain (timber, rocks) or rising terrain. A  
very hard bottom may appear as white on the display.  
White Streaks or Clouds may represent fish on the display.  
Shadows are not caused by light but by the lack of a sonar return.  
Objects standing on the bottom cause a sonar shadow to appear on the  
display. The longer the shadow, the taller the object. Fish may also cast  
shadows. You can use the shadow to interpret where the fish or object  
is located in relation to the bottom.  
What’s on the Down ImagingDisplay  
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Down Imaging™ Sensitivity  
Use Imaging Sensitivity to control how the sonar returns appear on the  
display. Increase the sensitivity to reveal weaker returns that may be of interest,  
especially in very clear water or greater depths. Decrease the Imaging  
Sensitivity to eliminate the clutter from the display that is sometimes present  
in murky or muddy water. See Imaging Sensitivity or Down Imaging™  
Sensitivity for more information.  
Freeze Frame and Active Cursor  
Freeze Frame and Active Cursor - Press any arrow on the 4-WAY Cursor Control  
key, and the screen will freeze and a cursor will be displayed. Use the 4-WAY  
Cursor Control key to move the cursor over a sonar return, and the depth of the  
sonar return will be displayed in the cursor dialog box.  
What’s on the Down ImagingDisplay  
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Views  
The sonar information from your Fishfinder is displayed on  
your screen in a variety of easy-to-read views. There are many  
views available on your Fishfinder.  
Default View: When you first power up the 586c HD/596c HD control  
head, Sonar View will be the default view. When you first power up the  
596c HD DI control head, Down Imaging™ View will be the default  
view.  
Cycle: When you press the VIEW key repeatedly, the display cycles  
through the available views on your screen. When you press the EXIT  
key, the display cycles through the available views in reverse order.  
Customize: You can display or hide any view to suit your fishing  
preferences. See the following pages for more information about each  
View.  
Views  
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To customize your views rotation:  
You can choose which views are hidden or visible in your view rotation.  
1. Press the MENU key twice to access the tabbed Main Menu, then  
press the RIGHT Cursor key until the Setup tab is selected.  
2. Press the DOWN Cursor key to highlight Select Views, and press the  
RIGHT Cursor key to access the Select Views submenu.  
3. Press the UP or DOWN Cursor keys to select a View.  
4. Press the LEFT or RIGHT Cursor keys to change the status of the view  
from Hidden to Visible or vice versa.  
NOTE: If the Select Views option does not appear under the Setup tab, change the  
User Mode to Advanced.  
To change the Digital Readouts:  
Each view displays digital readout information (such as speed or time), which  
varies with the view selected and the accessory attached. The digital readouts  
on the Sonar View can be customized. See Setup Menu Tab: Select Readouts  
for more information.  
1. Press the MENU key twice to access the tabbed Main Menu, then  
press the RIGHT Cursor key until the Setup tab is selected.  
2. Press the DOWN key to highlight Select Readouts, and press the RIGHT  
Cursor key to access the Select Readouts submenu.  
NOTE: If the Select Readouts option does not appear under the Setup tab, change the  
User Mode to Advanced.  
3. Press the UP or DOWN Cursor keys to select a Readout position, then  
press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to choose what will be displayed in  
that position. To hide the data window, select Off.  
Views  
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Sonar View  
Sonar View presents a historical log of sonar returns. The most recent sonar  
returns are charted on the right side of the window. As new information is  
received, the historical information scrolls left across the display.  
Upper and Lower Depth Range numbers indicate the distance from the  
surface of the water to a depth range sufficient to show the bottom.  
Depth is automatically selected to keep the bottom visible on the display,  
although you can adjust it manually as well (see Sonar X-Press™ Menu).  
Digital Readouts shown on the display will change based on the Select  
Readouts settings or the optional-purchase accessories attached (see  
Setup Menu Tab: Select Readouts).  
Freeze Frame - Use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to freeze the display  
and move the cursor over a sonar return. The depth of the sonar return will  
be displayed at the bottom of the screen in the cursor information box.  
Sonar View  
Upper Depth  
Range  
Depth  
Temperature  
Triplog  
RTS Window™  
Sonar History  
Window  
Lower Depth  
Range  
Speed  
NOTE: If the Depth number is flashing, it means that the unit is having trouble locating  
the bottom. This usually happens if the water is too deep, the transducer is out of the  
water, the boat is moving too fast, or for any other reason that the unit can’t accurately  
receive continuous data.  
Views  
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Sonar Zoom View  
Sonar Zoom View provides a magnified view of the bottom and structure. The  
Sonar Zoom View makes it easier to see separate sonar returns that would  
usually be displayed close together, such as those caused by fish suspended  
close to the bottom or within structure.  
The Zoom Level, or magnification, is displayed in the lower left corner  
of the display. Press the MENU key once to access the Sonar X-Press™  
Menu. Highlight Zoom Level, and press the LEFT or RIGHT Cursor keys  
to adjust the Zoom Level.  
The Zoomed View is displayed on the left side of the screen. As the  
depth changes, the zoomed view updates automatically.  
The Full Range View is displayed on the right side of the screen. The  
Full Range View includes the Zoom Preview Box, which shows where  
the zoomed view is in relation to the full range view.  
The Upper and Lower Depth Range numbers indicate the high and low  
range of the water which is being viewed.  
Sonar Zoom View  
Upper Depth Range,  
Full Range View  
Depth  
Upper Depth Range,  
Zoom View  
Zoomed View  
Full Range View  
Zoom Preview Box  
Lower Depth Range,  
Zoom View  
Lower Depth Range,  
Full Range View  
Zoom Level  
NOTE: Digital depth is displayed in the upper left hand corner. The digital readouts in  
the Sonar Zoom View cannot be customized; therefore, information such as water  
temperature and voltage are unavailable in the Sonar Zoom View.  
Views  
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Split Sonar View  
Split Sonar View displays sonar returns from each down beam frequency on  
separate sides of the screen. You can use the Split Sonar View to make side by  
side comparisons between the sonar returns from both beams.  
DualBeam PLUSmodels (586c HD/596c HD) display sonar returns  
from the 83 kHz wide beam on the left side of the screen and sonar  
returns from the 200 kHz narrow beam on the right side of the screen.  
Down Imagingmodels (596c HD DI) display sonar returns from the  
455 kHz narrow beam on the left side of the screen and sonar returns  
from the 200 kHz wide beam on the right side of the screen.  
Depth is displayed in the upper left hand corner.  
The Digital Readouts in the Split Sonar View cannot be customized;  
therefore, information such as water temperature and voltage are  
unavailable in the Split Sonar View.  
200/83 kHz Split Sonar View  
Upper Depth  
Depth  
Range  
200 kHz Sonar  
History Window  
83 kHz  
Sonar  
History  
Window  
Lower Depth  
Range  
Views  
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Big Digits View  
Big Digits View provides digital data in a large, easy-to-see format.  
Digital Readouts: Depth is always displayed. Readouts for temperature,  
speed, and Triplog information are displayed automatically if the  
appropriate accessory is connected to the Fishfinder.  
NOTE: The digital readouts in the Big Digits View cannot be customized.  
• The Triplog shows distance traveled, average speed, and time elapsed  
since the Triplog was last reset.  
Big Digits View  
Timer shows the  
time elapsed since Triplog  
was last reset  
Depth  
Distance is the distance  
traveled since the Triplog  
was last reset  
Temperature  
Speed  
Voltage displays  
the battery voltage  
Average Speed shows the  
speed since the Triplog  
was last reset  
Views  
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Down Imaging™ View  
(Down Imaging™ models only [596c HD DI])  
Down Imaging™ View uses the razor-thin, high-definition profiling beams to  
produce the detailed sonar data that you see on the display. Sonar returns are  
charted on the right side of the display. As new information is received, the  
historical information scrolls left across the display. See What’s on the Down  
Imaging™ Display for more information.  
Down Imaging™ X-Press™ Menu: Press the MENU key once to access  
the Down Imaging™ X-Press™ Menu. You can set the sensitivity of the  
sonar, the chart scrolling speed, the display color palette, and the Upper  
Range and Lower Range (see Down Imaging™ X-Press™ Menu).  
Freeze Frame: Press any arrow on the 4-WAY Cursor Control key and the  
Down Imaging™ View will freeze and a cursor will appear on the  
screen. Use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to move the cursor over a  
sonar return. The depth of the sonar return at the cursor location will  
be displayed in the cursor information box.  
Views  
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Down ImagingView  
Upper Depth  
Range  
Depth  
Temperature  
Surface  
Clutter  
Sonar History  
Window  
White Streaks  
(possibly  
vegetation or  
fish)  
Bottom  
Return  
Speed  
Lower Depth  
Range  
NOTE: See What’s on the Down ImagingDisplay and Down Imaging™  
X-PressMenu for more information.  
Views  
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Circular Flasher View  
Circular Flasher View provides two ways to view sonar data in traditional  
flasher format. The view is controlled by the Ice Fishing Mode menu option in  
the Sonar Menu Tab.  
When Ice Fishing Mode is off, the Circular Flasher View displays Real  
Time Sonar (RTS™) data in a traditional flasher format.  
When Ice Fishing Mode is on, the Circular Flasher View displays the  
sonar data in traditional flasher format with additional features  
including Zoom and Depth Cursor.  
Set the Circular Flasher View Mode  
1. Press the MENU key twice.  
2. Press the RIGHT Cursor key until the Sonar Menu Tab is selected.  
3. Press the DOWN Cursor Key to select Ice Fishing Mode. Press the  
RIGHT or LEFT Cursor key to select On or Off (Default = Off). See Sonar  
Menu Tab for more information.  
Views  
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Ice Fishing Mode: Off  
When Ice Fishing Mode is off, the Circular Flasher View displays Real Time  
Sonar (RTS™) data in a traditional flasher format.  
Flasher X-PressMenu: Press the MENU key once in the Circular  
Flasher View. Use the X-Press™ Menu to set the Sensitivity, Upper  
Range, and Lower Range.  
Depth and temperature are always displayed.  
• The Digital Readouts cannot be customized.  
Circular Flasher View  
(Ice Fishing Mode: Off)  
Flasher Dial  
Depth  
Views  
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Ice Fishing Mode: On  
When Ice Fishing Mode is on, the Circular Flasher View displays the sonar  
data in traditional flasher format with additional features including Zoom and  
Depth Cursor.  
Sensitivity: When you turn on Ice Fishing Mode, the fishfinder’s  
sensitivity settings are adjusted automatically to accommodate ice  
fishing conditions. These settings will apply to the other Sonar Views  
until you turn off Ice Fishing Mode (see Set the Circular Flasher View  
Mode in this section).  
Flasher X-PressMenu: Press the MENU key once in the Circular  
Flasher View. Use the X-Press™ Menu to set the Sensitivity, Upper  
Range, Lower Range, and Color Palette.  
Color Palettes: The color preview bar in the center of the display  
indicates the current palette, and the weak to strong sonar return range  
is displayed from left to right. To change the color palette, see Flasher  
X-PressMenu: Color Palette.  
• The Digital Readouts cannot be customized.  
Circular Flasher View  
(Ice Fishing Mode: On)  
Zoom Setting (Off)  
Battery Icon  
indicates the  
percentage of  
battery power  
Flasher Dial  
Depth  
Current  
Color Palette  
Units of Measurement  
Sensitivity  
(see Flasher  
X-PressMenu)  
Noise Filter  
(see Sonar  
Main Menu)  
Beam Select (see  
Sonar Main Menu)  
Views  
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To activate the Depth Cursor:  
Use the Depth Cursor to identify depth on the flasher display.  
1. Set up: Press the VIEW key repeatedly until the Circular Flasher View  
is displayed on the screen. Turn on the Ice Fishing Mode (see Sonar  
Menu Tab).  
2. Activate: Press the DOWN Cursor key, and the purple cursor line will  
appear on the display.  
3. Adjust the Cursor: Press the UP or DOWN Cursor keys repeatedly until  
you reach the chosen depth reading. The depth reading of the cursor is  
displayed in the top, right corner of the view.  
4. Close the Cursor: Press the EXIT key.  
Circular Flasher View  
with the Depth Cursor  
Depth Cursor  
Reading  
Depth Cursor  
Views  
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To activate Flasher Zoom:  
The Zoom feature displays a 2x magnified view of the area you choose on the  
flasher display.  
1. Set up: Press the VIEW key repeatedly until the Circular Flasher View  
is displayed on the screen. Turn on the Ice Fishing Mode (see Sonar  
Menu Tab).  
2. Activate: Press the MENU key. Select Zoom Level from the X-Press™  
Menu, and press the RIGHT Cursor key to select 2X. Zoom upper limit  
and lower limit lines will appear on the display.  
3. Close the X-PressMenu: Press the EXIT key.  
4. Adjust the Zoom Range: Press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys  
repeatedly to adjust the zoom range and select the area you want to  
magnify. The zoomed view is shown on the right side of the flasher dial  
between two lines. The normal view is shown on the left side of the  
flasher dial.  
5. Close Zoom: Press the MENU key. Select Zoom Level from the  
X-Press™ Menu, and press the LEFT Cursor key to select 1X.  
Circular Flasher Zoom  
Normal View (reading the full  
depth of the water column)  
Zoom Line  
(upper limit)  
Press the RIGHT  
or LEFT Cursor  
key to change  
the Zoom  
Range.  
Zoom Line  
(lower limit)  
Zoom View  
(2X magnification)  
Views  
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Down Imaging™/Sonar Combo View  
(Down Imagingmodels only [596c HD DI])  
Down Imaging™/Sonar Combo View shows traditional Sonar information on  
the top of the screen and Down Imaging™ sonar information on the bottom.  
X-Press™ Menu: Press the MENU key once to access the Down  
Imaging™ X-Press™ Menu. You can set the sensitivity of the sonar, the  
chart scrolling speed, and the display color palette (see Down  
Imaging™ X-Press™ Menu and Sonar X-PressMenu).  
Freeze Frame: Press any arrow on the 4-WAY Cursor Control key and the  
view will freeze and a cursor will appear on both views on the screen.  
Use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to move the cursor over a sonar  
return, and the depth of the sonar return will be displayed in the cursor  
dialog box.  
Down Imaging™/Sonar Combo View  
Upper Depth  
Range  
Depth  
Traditional  
Sonar  
Window  
Down  
Imaging ™  
Sonar  
Window  
Lower Depth  
Range  
Views  
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What’s on the 500 Series™ Control Head  
Your 500 SeriesFishfinder interface is easy to use. A combination of keys and  
special features allows you to control what you see on the display. Refer to the  
following illustration, and see Key Functions for more information.  
1
2
3
4
5
6
Screen  
MENU key  
EXIT key  
1
2
3
4
5
6
VIEW key  
POWER/LIGHT key  
4-WAY Cursor Control key  
(LEFT, RIGHT, UP, or DOWN Cursor keys)  
The 500 SeriesControl Head  
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Key Functions  
Your Fishfinder user interface consists of a set of easy-to-use keys that work  
with various on-screen views and menus to give you flexibility and control over  
your fishing experience.  
POWER/LIGHT Key  
The POWER/LIGHT key is used to power the Fishfinder on and off.  
You can also use the POWER/LIGHT key to adjust the backlight  
and contrast of the display.  
Power on the control head: Press the POWER/LIGHT key to power the unit on.  
When the Title screen is displayed, press the MENU key to access the Start-Up  
Options Menu.  
Power off the control head: Press and hold the POWER/LIGHT key for 3  
seconds. A message will appear to indicate how many seconds there are until  
shutdown occurs. To ensure that shutdown occurs properly and any menu  
settings will be saved, your Fishfinder should always be turned off using the  
POWER/LIGHT key.  
Adjust the Backlight or the Display Background  
Color: Press the POWER/LIGHT key to access the  
Light and Background submenu. Use the 4-WAY  
Cursor Control key to select Light or Background,  
and then use the LEFT or RIGHT Cursor key to  
change the settings. Press EXIT to exit the Light  
and Background submenu.  
VIEW Key  
The VIEW key is used to cycle through all available views. Press the  
VIEW key to advance to the next view. Repeatedly pressing VIEW  
cycles through all views available. Views can be hidden to optimize the system to  
your fishing requirements (see Views or Setup Menu Tab: Select Views).  
NOTE: Press the EXIT key to cycle through the views in reverse order.  
Key Functions  
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MENU Key  
The MENU key is used to access the menu system. See The  
Menu System for more information.  
Start-Up Options Menu: Press the MENU key during the power up  
sequence to view the Start-Up Options menu.  
X-Press™ Menu: Press the MENU key once in any view to access the  
X-Press™ Menu, which provides frequently-used menu settings that  
correspond with the current view or navigation mode.  
Main Menu: Press the MENU key twice in any view to access the Main  
Menu, which is organized under tabbed headings to help you find a  
specific menu item quickly.  
4-WAY Cursor Control Key  
(LEFT, RIGHT, UP, or DOWN Cursor keys)  
The 4-Way Cursor Control key has multiple functions, depending  
on the view, menu, or situation.  
Menu Selection: Press the DOWN or UP Cursor keys to highlight a  
menu option, then press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to change a  
menu setting.  
NOTE: Menu settings are implemented and saved immediately - no further action is  
required.  
Freeze Frame: In Sonar View and Down Imaging™ View, press any  
arrow on the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to freeze the display and move  
the active cursor to a location on the screen. A cursor dialog box will  
display to show the depth of the location you choose.  
Active Cursor: Press any arrow on the 4-WAY Cursor Control key, and  
the active cursor will appear on the screen.  
NOTE: In either Freeze Frame or Active Cursor mode, you can also make the cursor  
move diagonally by pressing in between two of the arrows on the 4-WAY Cursor  
Control key.  
Key Functions  
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Circular Flasher View (Ice Fishing Mode: On): Press the UP or DOWN  
Cursor keys to move the Depth Cursor. Press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor  
keys to adjust the Zoom Range (see Views: Circular Flasher View).  
EXIT Key  
The EXIT key has multiple functions, depending on the situation:  
If an alarm is sounding, press the EXIT key to cancel the alarm.  
If a menu tab is selected, press the EXIT key to exit the menu mode and  
return to the view.  
If a menu is active, press the EXIT key to return to the previous level in  
the menu system.  
From any view, press the EXIT key to cycle through the available views  
in reverse order.  
If Freeze Frame is active, press the EXIT key to return to a scrolling  
display.  
If the Cursor is active, press the EXIT key to remove the cursor from the  
display.  
Key Functions  
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The Menu System  
The Menu System is divided into easy-to-use menu modules. The main  
components of the menu system are as follows:  
Start-Up Options Menu: Press the MENU key during the power on  
sequence to view the Start-Up Options Menu. From the Start-Up  
Options Menu, you can choose the following Fishfinder Modes:  
Normal, Simulator, and System Status.  
X-PressMenu: The X-Press™ Menu provides a shortcut to the most  
frequently-used settings, and the options on the X-Press™ Menu  
correspond with the current view.  
Main Menu: The Main Menu is a standard set of menu settings which  
are organized under the following tabbed headings: Alarms, Sonar, and  
Setup.  
NOTE: The X-Press™ Menu(s) and the Main Menu options can also be expanded or  
simplified by setting the User Mode to Advanced or Normal (see Main Menu: User  
Mode).  
The Menu System  
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Start-Up Options Menu  
Press the MENU key during the power on sequence to view the Start-Up  
Options Menu, and select one of the modes described on the following pages.  
Also, see Power on the Unit for additional information.  
Normal  
Use Normal for on-the-water operation with a transducer connected. If a  
functioning transducer is connected, Normal operation will be selected  
automatically at power up, and your Fishfinder can be used on the water.  
To exit Normal operation, power off your Fishfinder.  
Start-Up Options Menu  
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Simulator  
Use Simulator to learn how to use your Fishfinder before taking your boat on the  
water. The Simulator is a very powerful tool that provides a randomly-updated  
display which simulates on the water operation.  
Simulator  
We recommend going through this manual  
while using the Simulator, since all of the  
menus function and affect the display in  
the same way as they would in Normal  
operation. Any menu changes you make  
will be saved for later use.  
NOTE: It is important to select Simulator manually  
from the Start-Up Options Menu as opposed to  
letting the Fishfinder enter Simulator automatically  
(as it will if a transducer is not connected and you do  
nothing during power up).  
A message will appear often on the  
display to indicate Simulator mode.  
To exit Simulator, power off your Fishfinder.  
System Status  
Use System Status to view system connections and to conduct a unit self-test.  
After you select System Status from the Start-Up Options Menu, press the  
VIEW key to display the following options:  
• Self Test  
• Accessory Test  
To exit System Status, power off your Fishfinder.  
Start-Up Options Menu  
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Self Test Screen  
Self Test displays results from the internal  
diagnostic self test, including unit serial  
number, Printed Circuit Board (PCB) serial  
number, software revision, total hours of  
operation, and the input voltage.  
Accessory Test  
Accessory Test lists the accessories  
connected to the system.  
NOTE: The speed accessory will be detected only if  
the paddlewheel has moved since your Fishfinder  
was powered up.  
Start-Up Options Menu  
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X-Press™ Menu  
The X-Press™ Menu provides a shortcut to your  
most frequently-used settings. The options  
provided on the X-Press™ Menu correspond  
with the current view. For example, if you are in  
a Sonar View and press the MENU key once, the  
Sonar X-Press™ Menu will display.  
X-Press™ Menu  
To use an X-Press™ Menu:  
1. In any view, press the MENU key once to open the X-PressMenu.  
2. Press the UP or DOWN Cursor keys to highlight an X-Press™ Menu  
option, then press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to change the menu  
setting.  
NOTE: The X-Press™ Menu will collapse temporarily and the screen will update if it is  
affected by your menu setting change, which allows you to see the effects of your  
change immediately.  
3. Reactivate the X-Press™ Menu by pressing the UP or DOWN Cursor  
keys.  
Total Screen Update - When you change any menu settings that affect the  
current view, the view will update immediately (i.e. you don’t have to exit the  
menu to apply the change to the screen).  
Menu options can be simplified or expanded by setting the User Mode to  
Normal or Advanced. See Main Menu: User Mode for details.  
X-PressMenu  
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Main Menu  
The Main Menu provides the standard set of  
menu options, including the settings that are  
changed less frequently. The Main Menu is  
organized under the following tabs to help you  
find a specific menu item quickly: Alarms,  
Sonar, and Setup.  
NOTE: Menu options can be expanded or simplified by  
setting the User Mode to Advanced or Normal. See  
Main Menu: User Mode for details.  
Main Menu, Normal User Mode  
To use the Main Menu:  
1. In any view, press the MENU key twice to open the Main Menu.  
2. Press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to highlight a menu tab.  
3. Press the DOWN or UP Cursor keys to select a specific menu option  
under that tab.  
4. Press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys again to change a menu setting.  
A down arrow at the bottom of a menu means that you can scroll to  
additional menu options using the DOWN Cursor key.  
A right or left arrow on a menu option means that you can use the RIGHT  
or LEFT Cursor keys to make changes or to see more information.  
Press the EXIT key to move quickly to the top of the tab.  
Total Screen Update - When you change any menu settings that affect the  
current view, the view will update immediately (i.e. you don’t have to exit the  
menu to apply the change to the screen).  
Main Menu  
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Quick Tips for the Main Menu  
From any menu option on a menu tab, press the EXIT key to jump directly  
to the top of the tab.  
From the bottom of a menu tab, press the DOWN key to jump directly to  
the top of the tab.  
From the top of a menu tab, press the LEFT or RIGHT Cursor keys to scroll  
to the next tab. You can also jump to the beginning or end of the tab  
rotation by repeatedly pressing the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys.  
• If there is a down arrow at the bottom of a menu tab, press the DOWN  
Cursor key to scroll to additional menu options.  
• If there is a right or left arrow on a menu option, press the RIGHT or LEFT  
Cursor keys to make setting changes or see more information.  
• If you press the MENU key or EXIT key to leave the Main Menu and then  
return to the Main Menu at a later time, the menu will open to the same  
tab as the last time the Main Menu was displayed.  
Main Menu  
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Note for all Menu Settings  
The settings in all menus are adjusted in the same way. Simply use the 4-WAY  
Cursor Control key to highlight a menu option, and then change the settings or  
activate the option (see Main Menu or X-PressMenu).  
Below is an example of how the menu options are described in this manual.  
Each description shows the menu option appearance, the available settings,  
and the specific control head settings required (i.e. advanced user mode,  
international only, view, navigation, or accesssory).  
Menu Option Name  
Setup User Mode  
and other control  
head requirements  
Available Menu  
Settings  
and Default  
Setting Description  
Menu Option as it appears  
on the screen  
Main Menu  
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User Mode (Normal or Advanced)  
Menu options can be simplified or expanded by setting your Fishfinder User Mode  
to Normal or Advanced.  
Normal Mode is the default setting when you first power on your 500 Series™  
Fishfinder. Normal mode is provided for users who want greater simplicity and  
fewer menu choices.  
Advanced Mode is provided for users who want the highest level of control over  
the Fishfinder. Several menu settings are added to the Main Menu when the User  
Mode is changed to Advanced.  
To change the User Mode setting:  
1. Press the MENU key twice to access the Main Menu.  
2. Press the RIGHT Cursor key until the Setup tab is selected.  
3. Press the DOWN Cursor key to highlight User Mode on the Setup main  
menu.  
4. Press the LEFT or RIGHT Cursor keys to change the User Mode setting.  
(Normal, Advanced, Default = Normal)  
NOTE: Any changes made while in Advanced Mode will remain in effect after you  
switch back to Normal Mode.  
For example, the Select Readouts menu option is available when the User Mode is set  
to Advanced. If you change the Select Readouts settings while operating in Advanced  
User mode, the Select Readouts you choose will continue to display on the screen even  
if you switch back to Normal User Mode.  
Main Menu  
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Sonar Menu Tab, Normal Mode  
Sonar Menu Tab, Advanced Mode  
Main Menu  
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Sonar X-Press™ Menu  
(Sonar Views only)  
The Sonar X-Press™ Menu provides a shortcut  
to your most frequently-used settings. Press the  
MENU key once while in any of the Sonar Views  
to access the Sonar X-Press™ Menu.  
NOTE: Menu options can be expanded or simplified  
by setting the Fishfinder User Mode to Advanced or  
Normal. See Main Menu: User Mode for details.  
Sonar X-PressMenu  
Sonar X-PressMenu  
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Sensitivity  
Settings: Low = 1, High = 20; Default = 10  
Sensitivity controls how much detail is shown on the display and will adjust  
the sensitivity of all sonar frequencies.  
When operating in very clear water or greater depths, increase the sensitivity  
to see weaker returns that may be of interest. If the sensitivity is adjusted too  
high, the display may become too cluttered.  
Decrease the sensitivity to eliminate the clutter from the display that is  
sometimes present in murky or muddy water. If Sensitivity is adjusted too low,  
the display may not show many sonar returns that could be fish.  
NOTE: The Sensitivity setting is a global setting and will adjust the sensitivity of all  
sonar frequencies.  
Sensitivity at Low  
Sensitivity at Medium  
Sensitivity at High  
Sonar X-PressMenu  
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Upper Range  
(Advanced: Sonar, Split Sonar, Circular Flasher,  
and Big Digits Views only)  
Settings: 0 to 990 ft or 0 to 397 m [International Models  
only]; Default = 0  
Upper Range sets the shallowest depth range that will be displayed on the Sonar,  
Split Sonar, Circular Flasher, and Big Digits Views. Upper Range is often used with  
Lower Range.  
For example, if you are only interested in the area between 20 and 50 feet deep,  
you should set the Upper Depth Range to 20 and the Lower Depth Range to 50.  
The Sonar View will then show the 30 foot area between 20 and 50 and will not  
show the surface or the bottom (assuming the bottom is deeper than 50 feet).  
Greater detail will be shown for the area between 20 and 50 feet.  
NOTE: A minimum distance of 10 feet will be maintained between the Upper and  
Lower Range regardless of the manual settings entered.  
Lower Range  
Settings: Auto, 10 to 1200 ft, 3 to 400 m [International  
Models only]; Default = Auto  
Lower Range sets the deepest depth range that will be displayed by the unit.  
Auto is the default setting.  
Auto: The Lower Range will be adjusted by the unit to follow the bottom  
automatically. Auto is the default setting.  
Manual: You can adjust the Lower Range to lock the unit on a particular depth.  
“M” will be displayed in the lower right corner of the screen to indicate the unit  
is in Manual mode. Adjust the Upper and Lower Range together to view a  
specific depth range, especially when looking for fish or bottom structure.  
Sonar X-PressMenu  
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For example, if you are fishing in 60 feet of water but are only interested in the  
first 30 feet (surface to a depth of 30 feet), you should set the Lower Depth  
Range limit to 30. The display will show the 0 to 30 foot range, which allows you  
to see a more detailed view than you would see if the display went all the way  
to the bottom.  
NOTE: A minimum distance of 10 feet will be maintained between the Upper and  
Lower Range regardless of the manual settings entered.  
Chart Speed  
Settings: 1-9, Ultra, where 1 = Slow, 9 = Fast, Ultra =  
Fastest; Default = 5  
Chart Speed determines the speed at which the sonar information moves across  
the display, and consequently the amount of detail shown.  
A faster speed shows more information and is preferred by most anglers;  
however, the sonar information moves across the display quickly. A slower speed  
keeps the information on the display longer, but the bottom and fish details  
become compressed and may be difficult to interpret. Regardless of the Chart  
Speed setting, the RTS Windowwill update at the maximum rate possible for  
the depth conditions. Adjust Chart Speed to your personal preference.  
Zoom Level  
(Sonar Zoom View only)  
Settings: 2x, 4x, 6x, 8x, Default = 2x  
Zoom Level sets the magnification level for the Sonar Zoom View. Use Zoom to  
see more detail in the bottom sonar returns that might be displayed close  
together, such as those caused by fish suspended close to the bottom or within  
structure.  
Zoom Level is only available on the X-Press™ Menu from the Sonar Zoom View.  
The Zoom Preview Box shows the section of the bottom that will be magnified.  
NOTE: The Zoom Preview Box tracks the bottom and cannot be moved.  
Sonar X-PressMenu  
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Bottom Lock  
(Sonar Zoom View only)  
Settings: Off, On; Default = Off  
Bottom Lock changes the mode of the zoomed view in the Sonar Zoom View.  
Bottom Lock continuously graphs the bottom at a constant point on the display  
regardless of changes in depth. This “flattens“ out the bottom contour but is  
effective at showing fish on or near the bottom.  
Bottom Range  
(Sonar Zoom View only when Bottom Lock is On)  
Settings: 10 to 60 feet, 2 to 10 fathoms, or 3 to 20 m  
[International Models only], Default = 15  
Bottom Range allows you to control how much of the water column, measured  
up from the bottom, is shown in the Sonar Zoom View. Choose a small value to  
see low-lying bottom structure or details of the bottom return. Choose a larger  
value to see large structure in deeper water.  
NOTE: It is possible to set the Bottom Range to be greater than the depth. In this case,  
you may see surface clutter in a wavy band that mirrors changes in the depth.  
Sonar X-PressMenu  
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Down Imaging™  
X-Press™ Menu  
(Down Imaging™ Views only [596c HD DI])  
The Down Imaging™ X-Press™ Menu  
provides a shortcut to your most frequently-  
used settings. Press the MENU key once while  
in any of the Down Imaging™ Views to access  
the Down Imaging™ X-Press™ Menu.  
Down ImagingX-Press™ Menu  
NOTE: Menu options can be expanded or simplified  
by setting the User Mode to Advanced or Normal. See  
Main Menu: User Mode for details.  
Down ImagingX-PressMenu  
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Imaging Sensitivity  
Settings: Auto, 1 to 20, where Low = 1, High = 20;  
Default = 10  
Imaging Sensitivity controls how the sonar returns are displayed on the  
Down Imaging™ Views.  
Increase the Imaging Sensitivity to reveal weaker returns that may be of  
interest, especially in very clear water or greater depths. A high imaging  
sensitivity setting shows more sonar returns from small baitfish and suspended  
debris in the water; however if the sensitivity is adjusted too high, the display  
may become too cluttered.  
Decrease the Imaging Sensitivity to eliminate the clutter from the display that  
is sometimes present in murky or muddy water. If the sensitivity is adjusted too  
low, the display may not show many sonar returns that could be fish.  
Upper Range  
(Advanced)  
Settings: 0 to 990 ft or 0 to 397 m [International models  
only], Default = 0  
Upper Range sets the shallowest depth range that will be displayed on the  
Down Imaging™ Views. Upper Range is often used with Lower Range.  
For example, if you are only interested in the area between 20 and 50 feet deep,  
you should set the Upper Depth Range to 20 and the Lower Depth Range to 50.  
The Sonar View will then show the 30 foot area between 20 and 50 and will not  
show the surface or the bottom (assuming the bottom is deeper than 50 feet).  
Greater detail will be shown for the area between 20 and 50 feet.  
NOTE: A minimum distance of 10 feet will be maintained between the Upper and  
Lower Range regardless of the manual settings entered.  
Lower Range  
Settings: Auto, 10 to 1200 ft, 3 to 400 m [International  
Models only]; Default = Auto  
Lower Range sets the deepest depth range that will be displayed by the unit.  
Down ImagingX-PressMenu  
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Auto: The Lower Range will be adjusted by the unit to follow the bottom  
automatically. Auto is the default setting.  
Manual: You can adjust the Lower Range to lock the unit on a particular depth.  
M will be displayed in the lower right corner of the screen to indicate the unit  
is in Manual mode. Adjust the Upper and Lower Range together to view a  
specific depth range, especially when looking for fish or bottom structure.  
For example, if you are fishing in 60 feet of water but are only interested in the  
first 30 feet (surface to a depth of 30 feet) you should set the Lower Depth  
Range limit to 30. The display will show the 0 to 30 foot range, which allows  
you to see a more detailed view than you would see if the display went all the  
way to the bottom.  
NOTE: A minimum distance of 10 feet will be maintained between the Upper and  
Lower Range regardless of the settings entered manually.  
Chart Speed  
Settings: 1-9, Ultra, where 1 = Slow, 9 = Fast, Ultra =  
Fastest; Default = 5  
Chart Speed determines the speed at which the sonar information moves across  
the display, and consequently the amount of detail shown.  
A faster speed shows more information and is preferred by most anglers;  
however, the sonar information moves across the display quickly. A slower speed  
keeps the information on the display longer, but the bottom and fish details  
become compressed and may be difficult to interpret.  
Imaging Colors  
Settings: Blue, Amber 1, Amber 2, Brown, Green, Inverse,  
Gray, Green/Red; Default = Blue  
Imaging Colors allows you to select which color palette you would like to use  
for the Down Imaging™ display.  
Down ImagingX-PressMenu  
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Flasher X-Press™ Menu  
(Circular Flasher View only)  
The Flasher X-Press™ Menu provides a  
shortcut to your most frequently-used settings.  
Press the MENU key once while in the Circular  
Flasher View to access the Flasher X-Press™  
Menu.  
NOTE: Menu options can be expanded or simplified  
by setting the User Mode to Advanced or Normal.  
See Main Menu: User Mode for details.  
Flasher X-PressMenu  
NOTE: To activate Ice Fishing Mode, see Sonar  
Menu Tab.  
Flasher X-PressMenu  
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Sensitivity  
Settings: Low = 1, High = 20; Default = 10  
Sensitivity controls how much detail is shown on the display and will adjust  
the sensitivity of all sonar frequencies.  
When operating in very clear water or greater depths, increase the sensitivity  
to see weaker returns that may be of interest. If the sensitivity is adjusted too  
high, the display may become too cluttered.  
Decrease the sensitivity to eliminate the clutter from the display that is  
sometimes present in murky or muddy water. If Sensitivity is adjusted too low,  
the display may not show many sonar returns that could be fish.  
NOTE: The Sensitivity setting is a global setting and will adjust the sensitivity of all  
sonar frequencies.  
Upper Range  
(Advanced: Sonar, Split Sonar, Circular Flasher,  
and Big Digits Views only)  
Settings: 0 to 990 ft or 0 to 397 m [International Models  
only]; Default = 0  
Upper Range sets the shallowest depth range that will be displayed on the Sonar,  
Split Sonar, Circular Flasher, and Big Digits Views. Upper Range is often used with  
Lower Range.  
For example, if you are only interested in the area between 20 and 50 feet deep,  
you should set the Upper Depth Range to 20 and the Lower Depth Range to 50.  
The Sonar View will then show the 30 foot area between 20 and 50 and will not  
show the surface or the bottom (assuming the bottom is deeper than 50 feet).  
Greater detail will be shown for the area between 20 and 50 feet.  
NOTE: A minimum distance of 10 feet will be maintained between the Upper and  
Lower Range regardless of the manual settings entered.  
Flasher X-PressMenu  
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Lower Range  
Settings: Auto, 10 to 1200 ft, 3 to 400 m [International  
Models only]; Default = Auto  
Lower Range sets the deepest depth range that will be displayed by the unit.  
Auto is the default setting.  
Auto: The Lower Range will be adjusted by the unit to follow the bottom  
automatically. Auto is the default setting.  
Manual: You can adjust the Lower Range to lock the unit on a particular depth.  
Adjust the Upper and Lower Range together to view a specific depth range,  
especially when looking for fish or bottom structure.  
For example, if you are fishing in 60 feet of water but are only interested in the  
first 30 feet (surface to a depth of 30 feet), you should set the Lower Depth  
Range limit to 30. The display will show the 0 to 30 foot range, which allows you  
to see a more detailed view than you would see if the display went all the way  
to the bottom.  
NOTE: A minimum distance of 10 feet will be maintained between the Upper and  
Lower Range regardless of the manual settings entered.  
Flasher X-PressMenu  
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Color Palette  
(Circular Flasher View, Ice Fishing Mode only)  
Settings: Palette 1, Palette 2, Palette 3; Default = Palette 3  
Color Palette sets the colors used to display sonar returns in the Circular  
Flasher View when Ice Fishing Mode is turned on. The active color palette is  
shown in the center of the circular flasher display. The color palettes range  
from weak to strong sonar return signals, which are displayed left to right on  
the color preview bar. See Views: Circular Flasher View for more information.  
Choose from the following color palettes:  
Palette 1: Green (weak), Yellow (medium), Red (strong)  
Palette 2: Yellow (weak), Green (medium), Red (strong)  
Palette 3: Blue (weakest), Green (weak), Light Green (weak to medium),  
Yellow (medium), Orange (fairly strong), Red (strong)  
Zoom Level  
(Circular Flasher View, Ice Fishing Mode only)  
Settings: 1x, 2x; Default = 1x  
Zoom Level sets the magnification level for the Circular Flasher View when Ice  
Fishing Mode is turned on. When the Zoom Level is set to 1x, the Zoom feature  
is turned off.  
When the Zoom Level is set to 2x, the Circular Flasher View displays a 2x  
magnified view of the area you choose. The zoomed view is shown on the right  
side of the flasher dial between two lines. The normal view is shown on the left  
side of the flasher dial. The Zoom Range can be adjusted with the RIGHT and  
LEFT Cursor key. See Views: Circular Flasher View for more information.  
Flasher X-PressMenu  
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Alarms Menu Tab  
From any view, press the MENU key twice to  
access the Main Menu. The Alarms tab will be  
the default selection.  
NOTE: When an alarm is triggered, you can silence it  
by pressing any key. The alarm will be silenced, and  
will not be triggered again until a new instance of the  
alarm condition is detected.  
NOTE: Menu options can be expanded or simplified  
by setting the User Mode to Advanced or Normal. See  
Main Menu: User Mode for details.  
Alarms Menu  
Alarms Menu Tab  
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Depth Alarm  
Settings: Off, 1 to 100 ft, or 0.5 to 30 m [International  
Models only]; Default = Off  
Depth Alarm sounds when the depth becomes equal to or less than the menu  
setting.  
Fish ID Alarm  
Settings: Off, All, Large/Medium, Large; Default = Off  
Fish ID Alarm sounds when the Fishfinder detects fish that correspond to the  
alarm setting. Fish ID Alarm will only sound if Fish ID+™ is on.  
For example, if you've set the Fish ID Alarm to sound for Large fish only, the  
Fish ID alarm will sound when a large-sized fish is detected.  
Off  
All  
Large/Medium  
Large  
Alarms Menu Tab  
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Low Battery Alarm  
Settings: Off, 8.5V - 13.5V; Default = Off  
Low Battery Alarm sounds when the input battery voltage is equal to or less  
than the menu setting. The battery alarm will only sound for the battery that is  
connected to the Fishfinder. The Low Battery Alarm should be set to warn you  
when the battery voltage drops below the safety margin that you have  
determined.  
For instance, if you are running a trolling motor (battery operated), you would  
want to set the Low Battery Alarm to sound before the battery voltage drops  
too low for it to be used to start your main, gasoline-powered engine.  
Temp. Alarm  
Settings: Off, 33-120 Fahrenheit, 0-50 Celsius  
[International Models only]; Default = Off  
Temp. Alarm sounds when the water temperature detected by the Fishfinder  
reaches the Temp. Alarm setting, which is either set in degrees Fahrenheit or  
Celsius [International Models only].  
For example, if the Temp. Alarm is set to 58 degrees Fahrenheit, and the water  
temperature falls from 60 degrees to 58 degrees, the Temp. Alarm will sound.  
Similarly, if the water temperature rises from 56 degrees to 58 degrees, the  
Temp. Alarm will also sound.  
Alarm Tone  
Settings: High, Medium, Low; Default = Medium  
Alarm Tone selects the pitch of the alarm sound. A brief tone will be produced  
as you adjust the Alarm Tone so that you can select the tone that you can hear  
best.  
Alarms Menu Tab  
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Sonar Menu Tab  
Press the MENU key twice to access the Main  
Menu and then press the RIGHT Cursor key until  
the Sonar tab is selected.  
NOTE: Menu options can be expanded or simplified  
by setting the User Mode to Advanced or Normal. See  
Main Menu: User Mode for details.  
Sonar Menu  
Advanced  
Shown with optional  
Down Imagingmenus  
Sonar Menu Tab  
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Beam Select  
Settings: DualBeam PLUS: 200/83 kHz, 200 kHz, 83 kHz;  
Down Imaging: 200 kHz, 455 kHz; Default = 200 kHz  
Beam Select sets which sonar returns from the transducer will be displayed on  
the screen. The available beam frequencies are determined by your  
Humminbird® model.  
DualBeam PLUS™ models (586c HD, 596c HD) allow you to choose 200/83  
kHz, 200 kHz, or 83 kHz.  
• When set to 200/83 kHz, the returns from both beams are blended by  
starting with the 83 kHz wide beam return, dimming it, and then  
overlaying it with the 200 kHz narrow beam return. The darker 200 kHz  
narrow beam sonar returns will stand out from the paler 83 kHz wide  
beam sonar returns. The Split Sonar View continues to display the sonar  
returns from each beam in their respective windows. The blended  
information is shown in the Sonar View, Sonar Zoom View, and the Big  
Digits View. The RTS Window™ in the Sonar View and the Circular  
Flasher View will only show the returns from the 200 kHz narrow beam.  
• When set to 200 kHz, only the returns from the 200 kHz narrow beam  
will be displayed in the Sonar View, the Sonar Zoom View, the Big Digits  
View, and the Circular Flasher View. The Split Sonar View will continue  
to display returns from both beams in their respective windows. The  
RTS Window™ in the Sonar View will display the returns from the 200  
kHz narrow beam.  
• When set to 83 kHz, the returns from the 83 kHz wide beam will be  
displayed in the Sonar View, the Sonar Zoom View, the Big Digits View,  
and the Circular Flasher View. The Split Sonar View will continue to  
display returns from both beams in their respective windows. The RTS  
Window™ will display the returns from the 83 kHz wide beam.  
Sonar Menu Tab  
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The Down Imaging™ models (596c HD DI)  
allow you to choose 200 kHz or 455 kHz for  
conical sonar coverage in the traditional  
sonar views.  
800kHz  
45°  
• When set to 200 kHz, only the returns  
from the 200 kHz (25°) beam will be  
displayed in the Down Imaging™  
Views.  
75°  
455kHz  
16°  
455kHz  
25°  
200kHz  
• When set to 455 kHz, only the returns  
from the 455 kHz (16°) narrow beam  
will be displayed in the Down  
Imaging™ Views.  
75 Degree Total Coverage  
Sonar Menu Tab  
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Imaging Frequency  
(Down Imaging™ Views only [596c HD DI])  
Settings: 800 kHz, 455 kHz; Default = 455 kHz  
Imaging Frequency allows you to select which frequency to apply to the  
Down Imaging™ beams (455 kHz or 800 kHz). For the best overall image quality  
and depth, select 455 kHz. For the sharpest image (but limited depth  
capability), select 800 kHz.  
800kHz  
45°  
75°  
455kHz  
16°  
455kHz  
25°  
200kHz  
75 Degree Total Coverage  
Surface Clutter  
Settings: Low = 1 to High = 10; Default = 5  
Surface Clutter adjusts the filter that removes surface clutter noise caused by  
algae and aeration. The lower the setting, the less surface clutter will be  
displayed.  
Sonar Menu Tab  
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Surface Clutter  
Surface  
Clutter  
SwitchFire™  
Settings: Max Mode, Clear Mode; Default = Clear Mode  
SwitchFire™ controls how the sonar returns are displayed in the Sonar Views.  
Choose Max Mode to see only raw sonar returns on the display. When Max  
Mode is selected, you will see the maximum sonar information available within  
the transducer beam, so more fish arches and better jig tracking are shown.  
Choose Clear Mode to see less clutter and more fish size accuracy on the  
display. When Clear Mode is selected, the clutter is filtered, and sonar returns  
are interpreted to provide more details about the objects within the transducer  
beam, regardless of their location. In other words, a large arch on the display  
means a large fish has been detected.  
Sonar Menu Tab  
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Fish ID+™  
Settings: Off, On; Default = On  
Fish ID+™ uses advanced signal processing to interpret sonar returns and will  
display a Fish Symbol when very selective requirements are met. When a fish is  
detected, a fish icon and its depth are displayed above the return that has been  
classified as being a fish. Three different fish size icons represent the intensity of  
the sonar return and provide an indicator of relative fish size.  
In DualBeam PLUS™ models, targets detected in the 200 kHz narrow beam  
are represented as orange fish symbols, and targets detected in the 83 kHz  
wide beam are represented as blue fish symbols.  
83 kHz, Wide Beam  
Blue Fish Symbols  
200 kHz, Narrow Beam  
Orange Fish Symbols  
In Down Imaging™ models (596c HD DI), targets detected in the 455 kHz  
conical beam are represented as orange fish symbols, and targets detected in  
the 200 kHz conical beam are represented as blue fish symbols.  
When Fish ID+™ is turned off, the Fishfinder shows only the raw sonar  
returns on the display. These returns will often result in “arches“ forming on the  
display, indicating potential targets. Due to the transducer beam angle, the  
distance to a fish decreases as the fish moves into the beam, and then  
increases as it moves out again, creating a Fish Arch when this distance change  
is shown on the display. Boat speed, chart speed, and the position of the fish  
within the sonar beam greatly affect the shape of the arch.  
Transducer Cone and Fish Arches  
Sonar Menu Tab  
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Fish ID Sensitivity  
Settings: Low = 1, High = 10; Default = 5  
Fish ID Sensitivity adjusts the threshold of the Fish ID+™ detection algorithms.  
Selecting a higher setting allows weaker returns to be displayed as fish. This is  
useful for identifying smaller fish species or baitfish. Selecting a lower setting  
displays fewer fish from weak sonar returns. This is helpful when seeking larger  
species of fish.  
Fish ID Sensitivity is used in conjunction with Fish ID+™. Fish ID+™ must be  
on for Fish ID Sensitivity to affect the ability of the Fishfinder to identify sonar  
returns as fish.  
Real Time Sonar (RTS™) Window  
Settings: Wide, Narrow, Off; Default = Narrow  
RTS Windowsets the RTS Windowto either Wide or Narrow, or turns it off  
in the Sonar View. The RTS Windowalways updates at the fastest rate  
possible and only displays returns that are within the transducer beam. See  
What’s on the Sonar Display for more information.  
RTS Window(Wide)  
RTS Window(Narrow)  
RTS Window(Off)  
Sonar Menu Tab  
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Sonar Colors  
(Sonar View, Sonar Zoom View, Circular Flasher View,  
and Big Digits View)  
Settings: Gray, Green, Inverse, Original Palette, Palette 1,  
Palette 2, Palette 3; Default = Original Palette  
Sonar Colors allows you to select which color palette you would like to use for  
the display. The palette you choose will be applied to the Sonar View, Sonar  
Zoom View, Circular Flasher View (Ice Fishing Mode: Off), and Big Digits View.  
Gray: Light Gray (weak) to Black (strong)  
Green: Dark Green (weak) to Light Green (strong)  
Inverse: Black (weak) to White (strong)  
Original Palette: Cyan (weak) to Red (strong)  
Palette 1: Navy Blue (weak), Purple (medium), Yellow (strong)  
Palette 2: Navy Blue (weak), Green (medium), Yellow (strong)  
Palette 3: Navy Blue (weak) to Red (strong)  
NOTE: To change the color palette for the Circular Flasher View, see Flasher X-Press™  
Menu: Color Palette.  
Bottom View  
Settings: Structure ID, WhiteLine; Default = Structure ID  
Bottom View selects the method used to represent bottom and structure on the  
display.  
Structure ID® represents weak returns in blue and strong returns in red.  
WhiteLinehighlights the strongest sonar returns in white, resulting in a distinctive  
outline. This has the benefit of clearly defining the bottom on the display.  
See What’s on the Sonar Display: Bottom Presentation for more information.  
Sonar Menu Tab  
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Zoom Width  
Settings: Narrow, Medium, Wide; Default = Wide  
Zoom Width adjusts the width of the Zoom window on the Sonar Zoom View.  
83 kHz Sensitivity  
(Advanced, DualBeam PLUS™ Sonar only)  
Settings: -10 to +10, Default = 0  
83 kHz Sensitivity changes the sensitivity of the 83 kHz beam. Increasing the  
83 kHz Sensitivity will display additional weak returns, and decreasing the 83  
kHz Sensitivity will display fewer weak returns.  
NOTE: 83 kHz Sensitivity is particularly useful for adjusting the sensitivity of the  
83 kHz sonar returns in the 200/83kHz Split Sonar View. The 83kHz sensitivity can  
be adjusted without affecting the sensitivity of the 200 kHz returns shown in the  
200 kHz sonar window.  
455 kHz Sensitivity  
(Advanced, Down Imaging™ Views only [596c HD DI])  
Settings: -10 to +10, Default = 0  
455 kHz Sensitivity adjusts the sensitivity of the 455 kHz beam. Increase the  
sensitivity to display additional weak returns and decrease the sensitivity to  
display fewer weak returns.  
Sonar Menu Tab  
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Depth Lines  
(Advanced)  
Settings: Off, On; Default = On  
Depth Lines divide the display into four equal sections which are separated  
by three horizontal depth lines. The depth of each line is displayed along the  
depth scale. You can turn Depth Lines On or Off.  
Depth Lines  
Depth Lines  
Noise Filter  
(Advanced)  
Settings: Off, Low, Medium, High 1, High 2, High 3;  
Default = Low  
Noise Filter adjusts the sonar Noise Filter to limit interference on the display  
from sources such as your boat engine, turbulence, or other sonar devices.  
The Off setting removes all filtering. Low, Medium, and High 1, High 2, High 3  
settings add progressive filtering of the sonar returns. High 1, High 2, and  
High 3 are useful when there is excessive trolling motor noise, but in some  
deep water situations, the High settings may actually hinder your unit’s ability  
to find the bottom.  
Sonar Menu Tab  
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Max Depth  
(Advanced)  
Settings: Auto, 10 to 1200 ft, 3 to 400 m [International  
Models only]; Default = Auto  
Max Depth controls the maximum depth of operation. When Max Depth is set  
to Auto, the Fishfinder will acquire bottom readings as needed (within the  
capacity of the unit). When Max Depth is set to match your fishing maximum  
depth, your Fishfinder will not attempt to acquire sonar data below that depth,  
so more detail will be shown on the screen.  
NOTE: If the bottom is deeper than the Max Depth setting, the digital depth readout  
will flash, indicating that the Fishfinder cannot locate the bottom.  
Water Type  
(Advanced)  
Settings: Fresh, Salt (shallow), Salt (deep); Default = Fresh  
Water Type configures your unit for operation in fresh or salt water. In salt  
water, you can also choose the shallow or deep setting. The Water Type menu  
option is available when User Mode is set to Advanced (see Main Menu: User  
Mode).  
NOTE: Make sure that the Water Type is set accurately, especially in salt water, as  
this affects the accuracy of deep water depth readings. In salt water, what would  
be considered a large fish might be 2 to 10 times bigger than a large fish in fresh  
water (depending on the type of fish you are seeking). The salt water setting  
allows for a greater range in fish size adjustment to account for this difference.  
Sonar Menu Tab  
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Ice Fishing Mode  
Settings: Off, On; Default = Off  
Ice Fishing Mode controls how information is displayed in the Circular Flasher  
View. When Ice Fishing Mode is off, the Circular Flasher View displays Real  
Time Sonar (RTS™) data in a traditional flasher format.  
When Ice Fishing Mode is on, the Circular Flasher View displays the data in  
flasher format with additional features including Zoom and Depth Cursor. Also,  
the fishfinder’s sensitivity settings are adjusted automatically to accommodate  
ice fishing conditions. These settings will apply to the other Sonar Views until  
you turn off the Ice Fishing Mode. See Views: Circular Flasher View for more  
information.  
Imaging Colors  
(Down Imaging™ Views only [596c HD DI])  
Settings: Blue, Amber1, Amber2, Brown, Green, Inverse,  
Gray, Green/Red; Default = Blue  
Imaging Colors allows you to select which color palette you would like to use  
for the Down Imaging™ display.  
Sonar Menu Tab  
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Setup Menu Tab  
From any view, press the MENU key twice to  
access the tabbed Main Menu, then press the  
RIGHT Cursor key until the Setup tab is selected.  
NOTE: Menu options will vary depending on which  
accessories are attached to the unit.  
NOTE: Menu options can be expanded or simplified  
by setting the User Mode to Advanced or Normal. See  
Main Menu: User Mode for details.  
Setup Menu Tab  
Setup Menu Tab  
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Units - Depth  
Settings: Domestic Models: Feet, Fathoms; International  
Models: Meters, Feet, Fathoms; Default = Feet/Meters  
Units - Depth selects the units of measure for all depth-related readouts.  
Units - Temp  
(International only)  
Settings: Celsius, Fahrenheit; Default = Celsius  
Units - Temp selects the units of measure for all temperature-related readouts.  
International Models only.  
Units - Distance  
Settings: Domestic Models: Statute Miles, Nautical Miles,  
Default  
=
Statute Miles; International Models:  
Meters/Kilometers, Meters/Nautical Miles, Feet/Statute  
Miles, Feet/Nautical Miles, Default = Meters/Kilometers  
Units - Distance selects the units of measure for all distance-related readouts.  
This menu option is available if a Temp/Speed accessory is connected and the  
paddlewheel has moved at least once.  
Units - Speed  
Settings: Domestic Models: mph, kts; International  
Models: mph, kts, kph; Default = mph/kph  
Units - Speed selects the units of measure for speed-related readouts. This  
menu option is available if a Temp/Speed accessory is connected and the  
paddlewheel has moved at least once.  
User Mode  
Settings: Normal, Advanced; Default = Normal  
User Mode sets the menu system to Normal or Advanced. When set to Normal  
(default setting), the basic set of menu options are shown in the menu system.  
When set to Advanced, additional menu options are added to the menu system.  
See Main Menu: User Mode for details.  
Setup Menu Tab  
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Language  
(International only)  
Settings: Various, Default = English  
Language selects the display language for menus. International Models only.  
Triplog Reset  
Settings: Press the RIGHT Cursor key and follow screen  
instructions to activate.  
Triplog Reset resets the Triplog to zero. The Triplog provides the following  
information: timer for elapsed time, distance traveled since last reset, and  
average speed.  
Restore Defaults  
Settings: Press the RIGHT Cursor key and follow screen  
instructions to activate.  
Use this menu choice with caution!  
Restore Defaults resets ALL menu settings to their factory defaults.  
Select Views  
(Advanced)  
Select Views allows you to set the available views to  
either hidden or visible in the view rotation. The view  
will be removed from the view rotation if it is set to  
Hidden and will be displayed in the view rotation if it  
is set to Visible.  
NOTE: See Views for more information.  
Setup Menu Tab  
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Select Readouts  
(Advanced, Sonar View only)  
Settings: Various, Default = Off  
Select Readouts sets the information to display  
in each of the 6 fixed-position data windows  
arranged around the left and bottom edges of  
the Sonar View screen. To leave the data  
window blank, select Off. See Views to change  
the Select Readouts.  
The readout  
position on  
the screen  
is shown in  
the Select  
Readouts  
Window.  
Data windows can display readouts from  
connected equipment such as the Temp/Speed  
accessory (optional-purchase required). Each  
data window can be empty or contain one of the  
following information categories:  
Select Readouts  
• Speed  
• Temperature  
• Triplog  
• Voltage  
Setup Menu Tab  
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Default Sonar View  
Customized Sonar View  
NOTE: The availability of the digital readout information corresponds with the view  
selected and the accessory attached.  
Depth Offset  
(Advanced)  
Settings: -10.0 to +10.0 ft, or -3 to 3 m [International  
Models only]; Default = 0  
Depth Offset will adjust the digital depth readout to indicate depth from the  
waterline or boat's keel. Enter a positive vertical measurement from the  
transducer to the waterline to read the depth from the waterline. Enter a  
negative vertical measurement from the transducer to keel to read the depth  
from the keel.  
Setup Menu Tab  
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Temp. Offset  
(Advanced, with Temp/Speed only)  
Settings: -10.0 to +10.0 degrees, Default = 0  
Temp. Offset will adjust the temperature readout by the amount entered. This  
menu option is available if a Temp/Speed Accessory is connected and the  
paddlewheel has moved at least once.  
Speed Calibration  
(Advanced, with Temp/Speed only)  
Settings: -20% to +20%, Default = 0%  
Speed Calibration will adjust the speed readout by the amount entered. This  
menu option is available if a Temp/Speed Accessory is connected and the  
paddlewheel has moved at least once.  
Sonar  
Settings: Off, On; Default = Off  
Sonar sets whether the Sonar views are shown in the View rotation. Select Off  
to deactivate Sonar and remove the Sonar Views from the View rotation.  
Demonstration  
Settings: Off, Visible; Default = Visible  
Demonstration controls whether the Demonstration Mode is visible or off. The  
Demonstration Mode appears on the screen if you don’t press any keys during  
the warning screen at power up. Menu settings cannot be saved in  
Demonstration (see Power On the Control Head and Start-Up Options Menu).  
Sound Control  
Settings: No Sounds, Alarms Only, All Sounds; Default =  
All Sounds  
Sound Control allows you to set when the control head will beep or sound  
because of key presses and/or alarms.  
Setup Menu Tab  
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Troubleshooting  
Before contacting the Humminbird® Customer Resource Center, please read the  
following section. Taking the time to review these troubleshooting guidelines  
may allow you to solve a performance problem yourself, and therefore avoid  
sending your unit back for repair.  
Fishfinder Doesn’t Power Up  
If your Fishfinder doesn’t power up, use the Installation Guide that also comes  
with it for specific confirmation details, making sure that:  
• The power cable is properly connected to the Fishfinder control head.  
• The power cable is wired correctly, with red to positive battery terminal  
and black to negative terminal or ground.  
• The fuse is operational.  
• The battery voltage of the power connector is at least 10 Volts.  
Correct any known problems, including removing corrosion from the battery  
terminals or wiring, or actually replacing the battery if necessary.  
Fishfinder Defaults to Simulator with a Transducer Attached  
A connected and functioning transducer will cause the newly-started  
Fishfinder to go into Normal operating mode automatically. If, when you power  
up the Fishfinder, it goes into Simulator mode automatically, even though a  
transducer is already connected, this means that the control head is not  
detecting the transducer. Perform the following troubleshooting tasks:  
• Using the Installation Guide that also comes with your Fishfinder, check  
to make sure that the transducer cable is securely connected to the  
Fishfinder. Reconnect if necessary, and power up the Fishfinder again  
to see if this fixes the problem.  
• Replace the non-functioning transducer with a known good transducer  
if available and power up the control head again.  
• Check the transducer cable. Replace the transducer if the cable is  
damaged or corroded.  
Troubleshooting  
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Display Problems  
There are several main conditions or sources of possible interference that may  
cause problems with the quality of the information displayed on the control  
head. Look in the following table for some symptoms of display problems and  
possible solutions:  
Problem  
Possible Cause  
The control head loses  
power at high speeds.  
If the power output of your boat’s engine is unregulated,  
the control head may be protecting itself using its  
over-voltage protection feature. Make sure the input  
voltage does not exceed 20 Volts.  
When the boat moves  
at higher speeds, the  
bottom disappears or  
suddenly weakens, or  
the display contains  
gaps.  
The transducer position may need to be adjusted. A mix of  
air and water flowing around the transducer (cavitation)  
may be interfering with the interpretation of sonar data.  
See your Installation Guide for suggestions on adjusting the  
transducer position.  
Electrical noise from the boat’s engine may be interfering  
with sonar reception. See Finding the Cause of Noise for  
more information.  
There are no fish  
Sonar readings may be affected if the transducer is not  
positioned correctly (i.e. mounted at an angle, not straight  
down), or there is some kind of mechanical interference,  
either because it is mounted inside a hull that is too thick  
for proper sonar transmission, the bond between the  
transducer and the hull is not airtight, or because the  
transducer is dirty. Check with your Installation Guide for  
guidance on re-positioning the transducer, and make sure  
the transducer is clean.  
detected, even when  
you know they are in  
the water under the  
boat, or sonar readings  
seem weak or faulty.  
Low battery voltage may be affecting the power of signal  
transmission.  
Electrical noise from the boat’s engine may be interfering  
with sonar reception. See Finding the Cause of Noise for  
more information.  
Troubleshooting  
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Finding the Cause of Noise  
Electrical noise usually affects the display with many black dots at high speeds,  
and high sensitivity readings. One or more of the following sources can cause  
noise or interference:  
Possible Source of Noise  
Other electronic devices  
Isolation  
Turn off any nearby electronic devices to see  
if the problem goes away, then turn them on  
one at a time to see if the noise re-appears.  
To determine whether the boat’s engine is the  
source of the noise, increase the RPMs while  
the boat is in neutral and stationary to see if  
the noise increases proportionately; if noise  
appears when you rev the engine, the  
problem could be the spark plugs, alternator,  
or tachometer wiring. Replace the spark plugs  
with resistor plugs, install an alternator filter,  
or route the control head power and  
transducer cables away from the engine  
wiring.  
The boat’s engine  
Turbulence created by the propeller can cause  
noise; make sure the transducer is mounted  
at least 15” (38 cm) from the propeller, and that  
the water flows smoothly over the face of the  
transducer at all times.  
Cavitation from the boat’s  
propeller  
Troubleshooting  
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500 Series™ Fishfinder Accessories  
Accessories customize the Humminbird® Fishfinder to your needs and enable  
you to stay on the edge of new technology. When an accessory is connected to  
the Humminbird® Fishfinder, additional menus and readouts are added  
automatically to the Main Menu System. Accessories available today that are  
supported by your Humminbird® include:  
Temperature/Speed: Simply plugs into the Humminbird® control head and  
provides real time speed and temperature readouts, as well as a valuable  
Triplog function.  
NOTE: If an external Temperature/Speed (TS-W) or Temperature (TG-W) accessory is  
connected AND a transducer with temperature built in is connected at the same time,  
the TS-W or TG-W accessory will override the temperature built into the transducer.  
Be sure to check out our Web site at humminbird.com for additional new and  
exciting accessories to grow your Humminbird® Fishfinder!  
NOTE: Each accessory requires a separate purchase. You can visit our Web site at  
humminbird.com or contact our Customer Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468 for  
details.  
Accessories  
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Specifications  
Depth Capability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 586c HD/596c HD: 1200 ft (365 m)  
596c HD DI: 250 ft (76 m) Down Imaging™,  
600 ft (183) traditional sonar  
Power Output . . . 586c HD/596c HD: 500 W (RMS), 4000 W (Peak to Peak)  
596c HD DI: 300 W (RMS), 2400 W (Peak to Peak)  
Operating Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . XNT 9 20 T: 200 kHz and 83 kHz  
XNT 9 DI T: 455 kHz and 800 kHz;  
200 kHz and 455 kHz (traditional sonar)  
Area of Coverage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
XNT 9 20 T: 60° @ -10 dB in 83 kHz, 20° @ -10 dB in 200 kHz  
XNT 9 DI T: 75° @ -10 dB in 455 kHz, 45° @ -10 dB in 800 kHz  
XNT 9 DI T (traditional sonar): 25° @ -10 dB in 200 kHz  
16° @ -10 dB in 455 kHz  
Target Separation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1/2 Inches (63.5 mm)  
Power Requirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20 VDC  
Current Draw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400 mA  
LCD Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 586c HD: 640 V x 480 H  
596c HD/596c HD DI: 640 V x 640 H  
Transducer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 586c HD/ 596c HD: XNT 9 20 T  
596c HD DI: XNT 9 DI T  
Transducer Cable Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 ft (6 m)  
IPX Rating . . . . . . . . . . IP67 Waterproof/Submersible @ 1 m for 30 minutes  
and dust tight  
NOTE: Humminbird® verifies maximum stated depth in saltwater conditions, but actual  
depth performance may vary due to transducer installation, water type, thermal layers,  
bottom composition and slope.  
NOTE: Product specifications and features are subject to change without notice.  
Specifications  
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Glossary  
Sonar Terms:  
Beam (Sonar Beam) The wide, cone-shaped projection of sound waves formed as sound  
travels underwater. See Cone Angle.  
Bottom Contour The profile of the bottom graphed to the display as the depth changes.  
Bottom Hardness The density (or composition) of the bottom. Varying levels of hardness  
can be determined by interpreting the “thickness“ of the main sonar return. Hard returns  
appear thin and black, softer returns appear thicker and less black. It is important to note  
that a sonar return from a sloping bottom can have the appearance of a softer bottom.  
Cavitation The effect of air bubbles created as the propeller rotates and the boat moves  
through the water.  
Cone Angle The angular measurement of the sonar beam at a specific dB down point  
(i.e. -10 dB). See dB Down Point.  
Dead Zone The area of the sonar beam that receives the sonar signal after the main  
bottom return. Fish and other objects close to the bottom that fall within the dead zone will  
probably not be visible in the sonar beam. Precision sonar beams, such as the Humminbird®  
20° beam, have a smaller dead zone than wider sonar beams.  
Decibel The measurement for sound pressure level, or “intensity”of the sonar return. See  
dB Down Point.  
dB Down Point The standard decibel level at which the sonar cone angle is measured,  
and is written as “@ -10 dB” or “@ -3 dB“. Measurements at smaller down points (bigger  
negative numbers) indicate that the less intensive sonar signals are being used for the  
measurement.  
Display, FSTN (Film Super-Twist Nematic) FSTN is a monochrome display technology  
characterized by black, high-contrast pixels. All monochrome fixed mount Humminbird®  
products use FSTN technology.  
Frequency A measure of the number of sound wave cycles per second of a sound impulse  
transmitted underwater. A typical frequency for fishfinders is 200 kHz, which offers a good  
balance of performance under many conditions. Lower frequencies, such as 50 kHz, are  
capable of penetrating to greater depths, but with less resolution. Higher frequencies, such  
as 455 kHz, offer greater resolution, but are limited in depth performance. Humminbird®  
uses a variety of frequencies that are optimized for specific applications.  
Glossary  
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Grayscale The use of varying shades of gray to represent the strength of the sonar signal  
on the display. Traditionally, the strongest sonar signals are represented in black, and  
progressively weaker signals are represented in progressively lighter shades of gray.  
Noise The unintentional, external sound waves that interfere with the optimal operation  
of sonar. Noise appears as random “dots“ on the display and is caused by a variety of  
sources. Many Humminbird® products have a Noise Filter menu setting that allows the user  
to clear the screen of noise that is difficult to eliminate (also, see Troubleshooting).  
Pixels The “picture elements“, or small square blocks, that make up the image on the LCD.  
Measured as a vertical by horizontal number (i.e. 640V x 320H), this key specification  
typically indicates the quality of resolution. In fishfinders, the total resolution (vertical  
multiplied by horizontal) is often less important than the “Vertical Pixel“ resolution because  
a greater number of vertical pixels provide finer resolution of targets detected by sonar.  
Sonar information on the horizontal axis can vary greatly, depending on boat speed and the  
Chart Speed setting.  
Power Output The amount of sound energy emitted into the water by the transducer’s  
transmitter. Power output is measured using either RMS (Root Mean Square) or P-T-P (Peak-  
to-Peak) measurement systems. Either method is acceptable, but it is important when  
comparing power outputs, to make sure that the same measurement system is being used  
for both outputs, because P-T-P numbers are 8 times higher than RMS numbers. Greater  
power output allows the sonar signal to penetrate through weeds and thermoclines, reach  
deeper depths and operate more effectively in noisy environments, such as when the boat  
is running at high speed.  
Pulse Width (Pulse Length) The length of time that a sonar sound burst is transmitted  
into the water. Shorter pulse widths provide better target separation, but cannot travel to  
great depths. Longer pulse widths provide better depth penetration, but result in poorer  
target separation. Humminbird® varies pulse width based on depth to optimize both target  
separation and depth performance. See Target Separation.  
Second Return Describes the appearance of a second sonar return below the primary  
sonar return (bottom contour) at exactly twice the true depth. The second return is caused  
by the same sonar energy bouncing off the bottom once, rebounding to the water surface  
and then traveling back down to the bottom to be reflected again. Second returns are more  
common in shallow water and over hard bottoms; it is possible to see a third sonar return  
under some circumstances. The second return provides useful information to help  
determine bottom hardness, as areas with harder bottoms will generally create a second  
return. The second return can be used as a guide to set Sensitivity when in shallower water.  
Glossary  
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SONAR (SOund and NAvigation Ranging) Sonar technology uses precision sound  
bursts transmitted underwater to determine the distance and other attributes of objects in  
the water. Distance can be determined because the speed of sound in water is constant,  
and the time for the signal to return is measured. Sound also travels very quickly  
underwater, making sonar a responsive, cost-effective tool. Sonar is the basic technology  
behind all recreational and commercial fishfinding and depthfinding devices.  
Sonar Update Rate The number of times per second that the transducer’s  
transmitter/receiver sends and receives sonar signals. A very fast sonar update rate collects  
more information and provides a more detailed image of the bottom, fish, and structure.  
Many Humminbird® units operate at up to 40 times per second when in single frequency  
operation. Due to the limitation of the speed of sound in water, the update rate begins to  
slow as depth increases to deeper than 50 feet. In very shallow water (less than 10 feet),  
however, update rates as much as 60 times per second can be achieved.  
Speed The rate at which the boat moves through the water. Boat speed can be measured  
as Speed Over Ground or Speed Through Water. Speed Over Ground is provided by GPS, and  
is the measurement of the boats progress across a given distance. Speed Through Water is  
provided by a speed paddlewheel, and is the measurement of the flow past the boat, which  
may vary depending on current speed and direction. Speed Through Water is most critical  
for anglers using downriggers, as it impacts the running depth of the down riggers. Speed  
Over Ground is optimal for navigation, as accurate destination times can be derived from  
this measurement. Humminbird® products allow for input and display of both sources.  
Structure A general term for objects on the bottom that present a discontinuity and are  
a likely attractor for fish. This includes bottom contour features (drop-offs, humps, and  
holes), standing structure (stumps, timbers, brush piles), and a wide range of other  
potential objects (sunken boats, reefs).  
Surface Clutter A phenomenon where sonar returns are reflected off of tiny objects near  
the surface of the water, including algae and even air bubbles. Typically, saltwater  
environments have significantly greater surface clutter than freshwater due to continuous  
wind and wave action that causes aeration at the surface.  
Target Separation The measurement of minimum distance that a fishfinder needs to be  
able to recognize two very close objects as two distinct targets (i.e. two fish hanging very  
close, or a fish hanging very close to structure). Humminbird® fishfinders provide a very  
good 2 1/2 inches of target separation in shallower than 100 feet of depth. Target  
separation decreases as depth increases due to the need for longer Pulse Width to achieve  
greater depth. See Pulse Width.  
Glossary  
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Thermoclines Water layer(s) of distinctly different temperatures that create a sonar  
reflection due to the density of the differing water temperatures. Typically a thermocline will  
appear as a continuous band across the display at some distance above the bottom contour.  
Thermoclines are of interest to anglers because fish will suspend above or below the  
thermocline as they seek the optimum temperature and oxygen levels.  
Time Variable Gain (TVG) A processing step applied to the sonar return to “normalize“  
the data so that objects of equal size (i.e. fish) appear to be the same size, even if they are  
separated by a good distance.  
Transducer The transducer is part of the sonar system, which mounts on the boat and is  
in contact with the water, that converts the electrical energy from the transmitter into  
sound energy, and that forms the sonar beam in turn. Internally, the transducer consists of  
one or more piezo electric disks that expand by very minute amounts to create the sound  
wave. This element also works in reverse, converting the returned sound energy back into  
an electrical signal that the receiver interprets. See SONAR.  
Zoom A feature that focuses on a smaller area of the bottom to provide enhanced  
resolution. With enhanced resolution, the angler can more easily see fish hanging in  
structure or multiple fish hanging close together.  
Zoom, Bottom Lock Bottom Lock Zoom is a feature that focuses on a smaller area just  
above the bottom to provide enhanced resolution. Unlike regular zoom, it continuously  
graphs the bottom at a constant point on the display regardless of changes in depth. This  
“flattens“ out the bottom contour, but is effective at showing fish on or near the bottom,  
and is preferred by many saltwater anglers.  
Glossary  
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Contact Humminbird®  
Contact the Humminbird® Customer Resource Center  
in any of the following ways:  
By Telephone:  
(Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Standard Time):  
1-800-633-1468  
By e-mail:  
(typically we respond to your e-mail within three business days):  
For direct shipping, our address is:  
Humminbird  
Service Department  
678 Humminbird Lane  
Eufaula, AL 36027 USA  
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