Fishfinder 400C owner’s manual
© 2006, 2007 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries Garmin International, Inc. 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062, USA Tel. (913) 397.8200 or (800) 800.1020 Fax (913) 397.8282 Garmin (Europe) Ltd. Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, SO51 9DL, UK Tel. +44 (0) 870.8501241 (outside the UK) 0808 2380000 (within the UK) Fax +44 (0) 870.8501251 Garmin Corporation No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan Tel. 886/2.2642.9199 Fax 886/2.2642.9099 All rights reserved.
Introduction Introduction The Fishfinder 400C is a full-featured, color sonar that offers a choice of display styles, a dual beam or dual frequency option, and more. Fishfinder 400C Tips and Shortcuts • Press HOME from any screen to return to the Home screen. • Press MENU from any of the main screens to access advanced settings. • Press and release the POWER key to adjust the display settings.
Introduction Table of Contents Introduction............................................................................i Fishfinder 400C Tips and Shortcuts........................................ i Quick Links................................................................................ i Product Registration............................................................... iii Caring for the Fishfinder 400C............................................... iii Warnings.........................................
Introduction Product Registration Caring for the Fishfinder 400C Use this area to record the serial number (8-digit number located on the back of the Fishfinder 400C) in case your Fishfinder 400C needs service. Keep the original sales receipt, or a photocopy, in a safe place. Cleaning the Case Help us better support you by completing our online registration today! Connect to our Web site at www.garmin.com/registration/.
Introduction Warnings Failure to avoid the following potentially hazardous situations could result in an accident or collision resulting in death or serious injury. • When navigating, carefully compare information displayed on the unit to all available navigation sources, including information from visual sightings, and maps. For safety, always resolve any discrepancies or questions before continuing navigation.
Installing the Fishfinder 400C Installing the Fishfinder 400C To successfully operate your Fishfinder 400C, you must properly install the fishfinder and all of its related parts. Compare the contents of this package with the packing list on the box. If any pieces are missing, contact your Garmin dealer immediately. Before you begin the installation: • Read and follow the instructions to install the unit. • Gather the appropriate fasteners and tools.
Installing the Fishfinder 400C Step 2: Mount the Fishfinder You can mount your fishfinder in one of two ways: • Surface Mount—mount the fishfinder onto a bracket (included) that attaches to the console or overhead. • Flush Mount—use the optional flush mount kit to mount the fishfinder into a flat panel. See the “Appendix” for more information. Surface Mounting the Fishfinder The Fishfinder 400C’s compact, waterproof case is suitable for mounting in exposed locations or at the nav station.
Installing the Fishfinder 400C To mount the bracket assembly: 1. Using the swivel base as a template, mark the location of the three holes that secure the bracket to the mounting surface. 2. Drill the mounting holes. • If you secure the base with machine bolts, drill three 5/32" (5 mm) holes at the locations you marked. OR • If you secure the base with self-tapping screws, drill starter holes at the locations you marked. Do not make the starter holes deeper than half the screw length. 3.
Installing the Fishfinder 400C Step 3: Install the Transducer Proper transducer installation is key to getting the best performance from your fishfinder. If the transducer lead is too short, extension cables are available from your Garmin dealer. Coil and secure any excess cable. CAUTION: DO NOT cut the transducer lead or any part of the transducer cable, because cutting the transducer cable voids your warranty.
Installing the Fishfinder 400C Mounting the Transducer on a Trolling Motor (Dual Beam Transducers Only) To mount the transducer on a trolling motor: 1. Slide the large cable tie through the slot on the transducer mount with the ridges of the band facing up until equal lengths extend on both sides of the mount. note: For cold water, or heavy timber or debris areas, a metal 4-5" worm gear clamp is recommended. 2. Position the mount gasket on the curved top of the transducer mount. 3.
Installing the Fishfinder 400C Mounting the Transducer on a Transom 533 *AYHAWK !PPLY MARINE SEALANT TO ALL SCREW THREADS TO PREVENT WATER FROM SEEPING INTO THE TRANSOM -OUNT THE TRANSDUCER CABLE COVER WELL ABOVE THE WATERLINE 4RANSDUCER SHOULD EXTEND BELOW FIBERGLASS HULL OR BELOW ALUMINUM HULL /+ -OUNT THE TRANSDUCER PARALLEL WITH THE BOTTOM -AKE SURE THAT THE TRANSDUCER IS BELOW WATER LEVEL WHEN THE BOAT IS ON PLANE AT HIGH SPEED $O NOT MOUNT THE TRANSDUCER DIRECTLY IN THE PATH O
Installing the Fishfinder 400C When selecting a transom mount location, consider the following for optimal performance: • For your sonar to operate properly, the transducer must be located in calm water. DO NOT mount the transducer behind strakes, rivet lines, struts, fittings, water intake, discharge ports, eroding paint, or anything that creates turbulence. • Mount the transducer as close to the center of the boat as possible. • DO NOT cut the transducer lead. (This voids your warranty.
Installing the Fishfinder 400C 6. Mark the location. Using a 1/8" bit, drill a pilot hole approximately 3/8" (10 mm) deep. 7. Attach the cable clamp using a 4 x 12 mm screw. Coat the screw with marine sealant before installation. Repeat steps 5 and 6 using the other cable clamp. 8. Route the transducer cable, as needed, to the fishfinder. DO NOT CUT THE CABLE. Avoid routing the cable with electrical wires or other sources of electrical interference. Drill pilot holes here.
Installing the Fishfinder 400C Selecting a Location for a Shoot-Thru-Hull Installation When installing a transducer, the installation location must be the following: • Solid fiberglass, without any air bubbles, laminates, fillers, or dead air space. • In an area of clean (non-turbulent) water at all speeds. • The location must not be over any strakes or behind any obstruction on the hull that would create turbulence.
Installing the Fishfinder 400C Step 4: Install the Wiring Harness The Fishfinder 400C comes with a wiring harness that connects the fishfinder to power and the transducer with one easy-to-remove connection and provides interface capabilities for connecting external devices. The color code in the diagram (see ��page 11) indicates the appropriate harness connections. The replacement fuse is a AGC/ 3AG - 3 Amp fuse. If it is necessary to extend the power wires, use 22 AWG wire.
Installing the Fishfinder 400C PIN 8 - Black (Ground) PIN 13 - Red (DC Positive) PIN 7 - Yellow (Alarm) PIN 12 - White (CANet H) PIN 16 - Green (CANet L) PIN 18 - Blue (NMEA Out) DC Power Source Fishfinder 400C Pin Assignment CANet L CANet H Fishfinder 400C Wiring Harness Fishfinder 400C Owner’s Manual 11
Installing the Fishfinder 400C Connecting to a NMEA device You can connect the Fishfinder 400C to another piece of NMEA compatible electronic equipment, such as a Garmin GPS (Global Positioning System) device. If equipped with a capable transducer, the Fishfinder 400C can send depth, temperature, and speed information. Refer to the wiring diagrams on page 11 for connecting the Fishfinder 400C to NMEA compatible devices. To install the wiring harness to a GPS or other NMEA device: 1.
Installing the Fishfinder 400C Step 5: Test the Installation To turn on your Fishfinder 400C for the first time, press and hold the POWER key until the unit beeps and turns on. Use the ROCKER and the SELECT key and follow the screens to configure your Fishfinder 400C. Note: Although it is possible to perform some checks with the boat trailered, the boat should be in the water to properly test the installation. To configure your Fishfinder 400C for the first time: Select a language.
Installing the Fishfinder 400C Because water is necessary to carry the sounder’s sonar signal, the transducer must be in the water to work properly. You cannot get a depth or distance reading when out of the water. When you place your boat in the water check for leaks around any screw holes that were added below the water line. DO NOT leave your boat in the water for an extended period of time without checking for leaks. To test the transom mount transducer installation: 1.
Basic Operation Basic Operation Using the Fishfinder 400C Keypad Turning the Fishfinder 400C On or Off Power/ Backlight Range (-/+) Press and hold the POWER key until the unit beeps and the Home screen appears. Note: When you turn on the Fishfinder 400C for the first time, you have to select a language, transducer type, units of measure, and color scheme. ROCKER SELECT HOME MENU MENU Adjusting the Backlight Setting 1. Press and release the POWER key. 2.
Basic Operation Understanding the Home Screen When you turn on your Fishfinder 400C, the Home screen appears. Press up or down on the ROCKER, and then press SELECT to choose an option. note: Options on this screen vary based on the type of transducer installed. Full Screen Opens a full-screen graph of the transducer’s sonar readings (page 17). Flasher (Dual Beam transducer only) Opens a round flasher to indicate the transducer’s sonar readings as an alternative to the linear graph (page 18).
Basic Operation Understanding the Full Screen Understanding the Split Zoom Screen On the Home screen, highlight Full Screen, and press SELECT. On the Home screen, highlight Split Zoom Screen, and press SELECT. The Full Screen is the main screen for both dual beam and dual frequency transducers. Depth Temperature Use the Split Zoom screen to view the full sonar data from the graph as well as a zoomed in portion on the same screen.
Basic Operation Understanding the Flasher Screen The Flasher screen (dual beam transducer only) provides an almost instantaneous return of what is below your boat. The depth scale is organized as a ring that starts at the top, or 12:00, and progresses clockwise. Sonar information flashes on the ring when it is received at the depth indicated on the inside ring. Like the regular graph, The colors indicate different strengths of the sonar return.
Basic Operation Understanding the Numbers Screen Understanding the Temp Log Screen On the Home screen, highlight Numbers, and press SELECT. On the Home screen, highlight Temp Log, and press SELECT. The Numbers screen shows data fields populated by important numeric information instead of a graph. The data fields you see are determined by the capabilities of your transducer. If you are using a temperature-capable transducer, the Temp Log screen keeps a graphic log of temperature readings over time.
Basic Operation Understanding the Configure Screen The Configure screen contains the main configuration options for the Fishfinder 400C. From this screen, you can define and adjust settings universal to all Fishfinder 400C screens. On the Home screen, highlight Configure, and press SELECT. Alarms—set alarms to alert you of various events. See page 21. Display—customize display settings including backlight and Day/ Night mode. See page 21. Sonar—customize sonar settings. See page 22.
Customizing the Fishfinder 400C Customizing the Fishfinder 400C Setting Alarms You can set the Fishfinder 400C to sound an audible alarm when certain conditions are met. By default, all alarms are turned off. Changing the Display Settings You can switch between Day and Night modes and brighten or darken the backlight. To change the display settings, on the Configure screen, highlight Display, and press SELECT. To set an alarm, on the Configure screen, highlight Alarms, and press SELECT.
Customizing the Fishfinder 400C Changing the Sonar Settings To change the sonar settings, on the Configure screen, highlight Sonar, and press SELECT. Color Scheme—choose white or blue. This affects the background on all sonar screens, but does not change the Numbers or Temp Log screens. Fish Symbols—set how the Fishfinder 400C interprets suspended targets. The Fishfinder 400C does not interpret the sonar return data. (default) Suspended targets appear as symbols.
Customizing the Fishfinder 400C Changing the System Settings Configuring Transducer Settings Beeper—set when the unit makes audible sounds. The three settings are Off, Alarms Only (default), and On (keys and alarms). Type—select the transducer type (Dual Frequency or Dual Beam). To change the system settings, on the Configure screen, highlight System, and press SELECT. Simulator—turn on the Simulator to have the Fishfinder 400C act as though a transducer is connected.
Customizing the Fishfinder 400C To adjust the Keel Offset: 1. Highlight Keel Offset, and press SELECT. 2. Use the ROCKER to set the value of the keel offset. 3. Press SELECT to accept the number. Note: Press MENU to cancel your changes and return to the Transducer menu. Calibrate Water Speed—to use a speed sensing transducer, use this menu to calibrate the speed sensor. If you are not using a speed sensing transducer, this menu does not appear. To calibrate the speed sensor: 1.
Advanced Settings Advanced Settings Press MENU on any screen to access advanced options. Highlight Manual Gain, and press SELECT to manually adjust the Gain. To see more detail, increase the Gain. If there is too much detail, or the screen is cluttered, decrease the Gain. Beam—when using a Dual Beam transducer, select a wide or narrow beam. Frequency—when using a Dual Frequency transducer, select how the frequencies appear on screen. By default, the frequency is set to 200kHz.
Advanced Settings Zoom Depth (While Zoomed)—available only when you are using a 2x or a 4x Zoom. By default, the Zoom Depth is set to Auto and automatically adjusts with the depth. You can adjust this setting to zoom in at a specific depth. Span (While Zoomed with Bottom Lock)—While using Bottom Lock, this option replaces the Range option. Adjust this setting just as you would the Range setting to expand or contract the zoomed distance from the bottom.
Appendix Appendix Specifications Optional Accessories You can purchase the following optional accessories on the Garmin Web site (www.garmin.com): Physical Specifications Flush Mount Kit—mounts your fishfinder flush on the bulkhead or cabin wall. Weight: 1.20 lbs (.544 kg) CANet™ Connection Kit—allows you to connect your Fishfinder 400C to CANet-capable Garmin chartplotters, so you can read sonar displays on chartplotters located elsewhere in the boat. Size: 5" H x 5.7" W x 3" D (12.7 cm x 14.
Appendix Alarms and Messages The Fishfinder 400C uses an on-screen message system to alert you to unit operating characteristics. When a message appears, press SELECT to acknowledge the message and return to the screen you were viewing. Battery Alarm—battery voltage has fallen below the value entered in the Battery Alarm setup. Battery Voltage Is Too High—too much input voltage; the unit shuts off in 10 seconds. Decrease the input voltage to 35 Volts or less.
Appendix Limited Warranty This Garmin product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. Within this period, Garmin will, at its sole option, repair or replace any components that fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor, provided that the customer shall be responsible for any transportation cost.
Appendix Declaration of Conformity (DoC) Software License Agreement To view the full Declaration of Conformity, see the Garmin Web site for your Garmin product: www.garmin.com/products/ fishfinder400c/. Click Manuals, and then select the Declaration of Conformity link. Garmin grants you a limited license to use the software embedded in this device (the “Software”) in binary executable form in the normal operation of the product.
Index Index A A-scope 26 accessories 27 advanced settings 25 alarms 21, 28 battery 21 deep water 21 drift 21 fish 21 shallow water 21 water temp 21 arches 22 cleaning the case iii the screen iii clutter.
Index numbers 22 numbers screen 19 O odometer resetting 26 optional accessories 27 P physical specifications 27 POWER/BACKLIGHT key 15 power/data and transducer cables 1, 3 product registration iii Q quick links i R range 25 RANGE keys 15 registration. See product registration reset odometer 26 ROCKER key 15 S scale 26 scroll speed 22 selecting a location for shoot-thru-hull installation 8 SELECT key 15 32 setting alarms.
For the latest free software updates (excluding map data) throughout the life of your Garmin products, visit the Garmin Web site at www.garmin.com. © 2006, 2007 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries Garmin International, Inc. 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062, USA Garmin (Europe) Ltd. Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park Industrial Estate, Romsey, SO51 9DL, UK Garmin Corporation No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan www.garmin.com Part Number 190-00757-00 Rev.
