581i Combo Operations Manual 531720-1_A
Thank You! Thank you for choosing Humminbird®, America’s #1 name in fishfinders. Humminbird® has built its reputation by designing and manufacturing top-quality, thoroughly reliable marine equipment. Your Humminbird® is designed for trouble-free use in even the harshest marine environment. In the unlikely event that your Humminbird® does require repairs, we offer an exclusive Service Policy - free of charge during the first year after purchase, and available at a reasonable rate after the one-year period.
WEEE compliance may not be required in your location for electrical & electronic equipment (EEE), nor may it be required for EEE designed and intended as fixed or temporary installation in transportation vehicles such as automobiles, aircraft, and boats. In some European Union member states, these vehicles are considered outside of the scope of the Directive, and EEE for those applications can be considered excluded from the WEEE Directive requirement.
Table of Contents Power On the Unit 1 How Sonar Works 2 DualBeam Sonar ........................................................................................................ 4 How GPS Works 5 What’s On the Sonar Display 6 Understanding the Sonar Display ............................................................................ 8 Real Time Sonar (RTS™) Window ............................................................................ 8 Freeze Frame and Active Cursor.............................
Table of Contents What’s on the 500 Series™ Control Head 33 Key Functions 34 POWER/LIGHT Key .............................................................................................. 34 VIEW Key .............................................................................................................. 35 INFO Key ................................................................................................................ 35 MENU Key ............................................................
Table of Contents Sonar X-Press™ Menu (Sonar views only) 49 Sensitivity ................................................................................................................ 50 Upper Range (Advanced: Sonar and Big Digits views only).............................................. 51 Lower Range .......................................................................................................... 51 Chart Speed ...................................................................................
Table of Contents Sonar Menu Tab 62 Surface Clutter ...................................................................................................... 63 TVG ........................................................................................................................ 63 Fish ID+™ .............................................................................................................. 64 Fish ID Sensitivity ................................................................................
Table of Contents Set Simulation Position (Advanced) .......................................................................... 75 Set Map Offset (Advanced) ........................................................................................ 75 Course Projection Line ............................................................................................ 76 Clear Map Offset (Advanced) .................................................................................... 76 Export All Nav Data.........
Table of Contents Views Menu Tab 85 Troubleshooting 86 Fishfinder Doesn’t Power Up ................................................................................ 86 Fishfinder System Defaults to Simulator with a Transducer Attached .............. 86 Display Problems .................................................................................................. 87 Finding the Cause of Noise ..................................................................................
Power On the Unit Follow the instructions below to power on your Humminbird® control head. 581i Combo 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.
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.
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.
DualBeam Sonar Your 500 Series™ Fishfinder uses a 200/83 kHz DualBeam sonar system with a wide (60°) area of coverage. DualBeam sonar is optimized to show the greatest bottom definition using a narrow (20°) beam yet can still indicate fish found in the wide (60°) beam when the Fish ID+™ feature is turned on. DualBeam is ideal for a wide range of conditions - from shallow to very deep water in both fresh and salt water.
How GPS Works Your 500 Series™ Fishfinder also supports GPS (Global Positioning System) and chartplotting. It uses GPS and sonar to determine your position, display it on a grid, and provide detailed underwater information. GPS uses a constellation of satellites that continually send radio signals to the earth. The GPS receiver on your boat receives signals from satellites that are visible to it.
What’s On the Sonar Display The 500 Series™ Fishfinder can display a variety of useful information about Depth - Water depth; can be set to alarm when the water becomes too shallow. Speed - If a Temp/Speed accessory or GPS Receiver is attached, the Fishfinder can display the speed of the boat and can keep a Triplog of nautical or statute miles traveled. Temperature - Water surface temperature. Timer - Elapsed time with Temp/Speed Accessory or GPS Receiver.
the area under your boat, including the following items: Bait Ball Hollow Fish Symbol (83kHz, Wide Beam) 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.
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.
Freeze Frame and Active Cursor Freeze Frame & 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 information box. The RTS Window™ continues to update in Freeze Frame. Pressing EXIT will exit Freeze Frame, and the display will start to scroll.
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.
Inverse is a method where weak returns are shown with dark pixels and strong returns with lighter pixels. This has the benefit of ensuring that weak signals will be clearly visible on the display. Structure ID® represents weak returns as light pixels and strong returns as dark pixels. This has the benefit of ensuring that strong returns will be clearly visible on the display. WhiteLine™ highlights the strongest sonar returns in white resulting in a distinctive outline.
Sonar View Chart/Sonar Combo View Sonar Zoom View Chart View Big Digits View Bird’s Eye View Self Test View GPS Diagnostic View Accessory Test View Views The sonar and navigation information from your Fishfinder are displayed on the screen in a variety of easy-to-read views. There are many views available on your Fishfinder. When you press the VIEW key, the display cycles through the available views on your screen.
To customize your view 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 Views tab is selected. 2. Press the UP or DOWN Cursor keys to select a View. 3. Press the LEFT or RIGHT Cursor keys to change the status of the view from Hidden to Visible or vice versa.
Sonar View Sonar View presents a historical log of sonar returns. The most recent sonar returns are charted on the right side of the display. 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.
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 + or - ZOOM keys to increase or decrease the zoom level. • The Zoomed View is displayed on the left side of the screen.
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.
Bird’s Eye View Bird's Eye View shows a 3D perspective view of the track and the chart’s land contour from a point above and behind the boat (the eye point). As the boat turns, the eye point moves to follow the boat. • To shift the eye point position so that you can look off to the sides, or even behind the boat: Press the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to turn the eye point right or left. Press the UP Cursor key to move the eye point forward, and press the DOWN Cursor key to move the eye point backward.
Chart View Chart View shows cartography from the built-in UniMap™ or an optional MMC/SD map for the area surrounding your current position. The current track (also known as the position history or breadcrumb trail) showing where the boat has been, along with saved tracks, waypoints, and the current route (when navigating), are overlaid on the chart. • Use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to shift/pan the chart to another area. • Press the ZOOM (+/-) keys to zoom in and out.
Chart View with Active Cursor, shown with Optional-Purchase Navionics® Cartography Depth Cartography Active Cursor Map Scale Latitude and Longitude Position of Cursor Distance to the Cursor and Bearing to Cursor Bearing of Boat with Respect to True North Chart/Sonar Combo View Combo View is displayed as a split screen, with Chart View on the left and Sonar View on the right side of the screen.
View Orientation Both Chart and Combo Views allow you to choose the orientation of the view (see Navigation Menu Tab: Chart Orientation). In both orientations, the view pans automatically, so that the boat is always centered on the display. • North-Up: True North is shown at the top of the display. Objects located to the north of the boat are drawn above the boat. • Course-Up: The direction of motion of the boat is shown at the top of the display. Objects ahead of the boat are drawn above the boat.
Zooming: Press the Plus (+) key to Zoom In and the Minus (-) key to Zoom Out to see the cartography at different magnification levels. The zoom level is indicated on the left side of the display. If you zoom in beyond the available chart data, the display will go into Overzoom mode whereby the last available chart data is amplified to reflect the level selected. If you zoom in so far that no cartography is available, a lat/long grid will be drawn instead.
Nearest Current Station: Current information for the nearest current station to your present position will be displayed. This includes the position of the station and the current changes for today. Two graphs are also presented that show the time, direction, and flow speed of the current changes for the 24 hour time period of today’s date. You can change the date to look at current information before or after the date displayed by pressing the LEFT or RIGHT Cursor key respectively.
Introduction to Navigation Use your 500 Series™ Fishfinder to mark waypoints at areas of interest and to navigate to those waypoints via a savable route. A route represents the shortest intended distance between waypoints. You can also view and save tracks, which represent the actual path of the boat. Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks Waypoints are stored positions (latitude, longitude) that allow you to mark areas of interest or navigation points (i.e. a marker buoy, dock, or fishing hole).
NOTE: When two or more waypoints overlap, or are displayed close together on a chart view, the screen will automatically declutter—waypoint names will shorten and the waypoint icons will change into small gray icons. To view a Decluttered Waypoint at full size, use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to move the cursor onto a decluttered waypoint icon. When the cursor snaps onto the icon, the full-size waypoint name and icon will be displayed.
Save, Edit, or Delete a Waypoint Save your current position as a waypoint: On any view, press the MARK key to save the current position of the boat as a waypoint. Save the cursor position as a waypoint: On the Chart or Combo View, use the 4WAY Cursor Control key to move the cursor to the position you want to save as a waypoint. Then press the MARK key to save the position as a waypoint.
Program a specific position as a waypoint: To create a waypoint that is NOT your current position, from the Waypoints submenu select Create, and press the RIGHT Cursor key. Use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to program a waypoint name, latitude, longitude, and icon before selecting Save. Edit a waypoint: From the Waypoints submenu, select Edit and press the RIGHT Cursor key to display the saved waypoints list. Select the waypoint you want to edit and press the RIGHT Cursor key.
Navigate to a Waypoint or Position Navigate to the cursor position: From the Chart or Combo View, use the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to move the cursor to a position or waypoint on the display. Press the GOTO key. Navigation will begin immediately. Navigate to a specified waypoint: Press the GOTO key. Press the DOWN Cursor key to highlight a waypoint from the saved waypoints list, and press the RIGHT Cursor key to start navigation.
Add a Waypoint Target or Trolling Grid The Waypoint Target shows a target consisting of concentric circles in various distance ranges centered on the waypoint you choose. The Trolling Grid shows various distance ranges in grid format from the waypoint you choose. The trolling grid can be used as a guide when trolling around a waypoint. Chart View with Target Waypoint Target Add a Waypoint Target: From the Waypoints submenu, select Target, and press the RIGHT Cursor key to display the saved waypoints list.
Save, Edit, or Delete a Route Save the current route: While you are navigating, the current route can be saved. From the Navigation X-Press™ Menu, select Save Current Route, and press the RIGHT Cursor key. Navigation will continue. Display the Routes submenu: From any view, press the MENU key twice to display the Main Menu, then press the RIGHT Cursor key to select the Navigation tab. Press the DOWN Cursor key until Routes is highlighted, and press the RIGHT Cursor key to display the Routes submenu.
Route Info: From the Routes submenu, select Info, and press the RIGHT Cursor key. The saved routes list will appear. Select a route, and press the RIGHT Cursor key. The following information will be displayed for the route you select: The waypoints in the route, with the distance and bearing from each waypoint to the next, as well as the distance and bearing from the current position to the first waypoint in the route.
Delete a saved track: From the Saved Tracks submenu, select Delete, and press the RIGHT Cursor key to display the saved tracks list. Select the track you want to delete and press the RIGHT Cursor key. You will be asked to confirm deletion before the track is permanently deleted. Hide or display a saved track: From the Saved Tracks submenu, select Visibility, and press the RIGHT Cursor key to display the saved tracks list.
Export Navigation Data You can export all saved Tracks, Waypoints, and Routes from your Fishfinder to an optional-purchase MMC/SD card. To Export All Navigation Data: 1. Make sure that an optional-purchase MMC/SD card is installed in the slot. 2. Press the MENU key twice to access the Main Menu, then press the RIGHT Cursor key until the Navigation tab is selected. 3. Highlight Export All Nav Data and press the RIGHT Cursor key. The Confirm dialog box will appear.
What’s on the 500 Series™ Control Head Your 500 Series™ Fishfinder 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.
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 on the unit.
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 Views Menu Tab). NOTE: Press the EXIT key to cycle through the views in reverse order. INFO Key Press the INFO key while in Bird's Eye, Chart, or Combo View to display information about objects that are near an active cursor.
4-WAY Cursor Control Key (LEFT, RIGHT, UP, or DOWN Cursor keys) The 4-Way Cursor Control key has multiple functions, which depend 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. The changes will be activated and saved immediately.
GOTO Key The GOTO key has multiple functions, which depend on the situation. • Active Cursor: Press the GOTO key while in any view to create a waypoint and start navigation towards that waypoint. • Inactive Cursor: Press the GOTO key to display the saved waypoints list, and then highlight a waypoint. Press the RIGHT Cursor key to begin navigation. ZOOM (+/-) Key In any of the Navigation Views or the Sonar Zoom View, press the +/-Zoom key to change the scale of the view to appear closer or farther away.
Multi-Media Card (MMC)/SD Slot Inserting an MMC/SD into the Card Slot The multi-media card (MMC)/SD slot on your control head can be used with MMC/SD cards (optional-purchase required) to add detailed charts to your Fishfinder or export navigation data from your Fishfinder (see Introduction to Navigation). NOTE: The MMC/SD Cards require a separate purchase. For more information, visit our web site at www.humminbird.com or contact our Customer Resource Center at 1-800-633-1468.
The Menu System The Menu System is divided into easy-to-use menu modules 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-Press™ Menu: 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.
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.
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.
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. Self Test Screen Accessory Test lists the accessories connected to the system. Accessory Test Screen NOTE: The speed accessory will be detected only if the paddlewheel has moved since your Fishfinder was powered up.
GPS Diagnostic View shows a sky chart and numerical data from the GPS receiver. The sky chart shows the location of each visible GPS satellite with its satellite number and a signal strength bar. A dark gray bar indicates that the satellite is being used to determine your current position. A light gray bar indicates that the satellite is being monitored, but is not yet being used. This view also reports the current position, local time and date, and other numeric information.
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. 2. Press the UP or DOWN Cursor keys to highlight an X-Press™ Menu option, then use the RIGHT or LEFT Cursor keys to change the menu setting.
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, Navigation, Setup, and Views. 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. 2.
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 Cursor 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.
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.
Sonar Tab, Normal Mode Sonar Tab, Advanced Mode Main Menu 48
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.
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.
Upper Range (Advanced: Sonar and Big Digits Views only) Settings: 0 to 790 ft or 0 to 257 m [International Models only]; Default = 0 Upper Range sets the shallowest depth range that will be displayed on the Sonar 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.
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.
Navigation X-Press™ Menu (Navigation Views only) The Navigation X-Press™ Menu provides a shortcut to your most frequently-used settings. Press the MENU key once while in the Bird's Eye, Chart, or Combo View to access the Navigation X-Press™ Menu. NOTE: Menu options will vary depending on system settings, such as whether you are currently navigating.
Waypoint [Name] (Only with an active cursor on a waypoint) Settings: Edit, Delete, Target, Grid Waypoint [Name] allows you to view the Waypoints submenu for the waypoint under your cursor. You can move the cursor onto an existing waypoint and press the MENU key once, or use Cursor to Waypoint to select a waypoint from the saved waypoints list. NOTE: See Introduction to Navigation for more Waypoints information.
Clear Current Track Settings: Follow screen instructions to activate. Clear Current Track allows you to clear the current track on the display and start a new track at the present position. Save Current Route (only when Navigating) Settings: Follow screen instructions to activate. Save Current Route allows you to save the current route being displayed. This menu option will only appear when you are currently navigating a route.
Remove Target (only if a Target is Active) Settings: Press the RIGHT Cursor key to activate. Remove Target removes the waypoint target from the display. This menu option will only appear when a target has already been applied to a waypoint. NOTE: See Introduction to Navigation: Add a Waypoint Target or Trolling Grid for more information. Remove Grid (only if a Grid is Active) Settings: Press the RIGHT Cursor key to activate. Remove Grid removes the waypoint grid from the display.
Waypoint [Name] (Most recently-created waypoint) Settings: Edit, Delete, Go To, Target, Grid Waypoint [Name] allows you to view the waypoints submenu for the most recently created waypoint. You must have pressed the MARK key at least once since you last powered up the Fishfinder for this menu option to appear. NOTE: See Introduction to Navigation for more information.
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.
Depth Alarm Settings: OFF, 1 to 100 feet, or 0.5 to 30 meters [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.
Temp. Alarm Settings: Off, 33-120 [Fahrenheit], 0-50 [Celsius]; 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.
Arrival Alarm Settings: Off, 25 to 3000 ft, 10 to 1000 m [International Models only]; Default = 150 ft, 50 m Arrival Alarm sounds when the boat has either exceeded the distance to the destination waypoint, or has entered the Arrival Alarm Circle, based on the menu setting when navigating. Arrival Alarm allows you to set how close the boat must be to the destination waypoint before the Arrival Alarm will sound.
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.
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. Surface Clutter Surface Clutter TVG Settings: On, Off; Default = On TVG (Time Variable Gain) adjusts the sonar returns on the display to show less clutter and more fish size accuracy. In other words, when TVG is On, a large arch on the display means a large fish has been detected.
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.
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+™.
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.
Max Depth (Advanced) Settings: AUTO, 10 to 800 ft, 3 to 260 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.
Navigation Menu Tab Press the MENU key twice to access the Main Menu, then press the RIGHT Cursor key until the Navigation tab is selected. NOTE: Menu options will vary depending on system settings, such as whether you are currently navigating. NOTE: Menu options can be expanded or simplified by setting the User Mode to Advanced or Normal. See Main Menu: User Mode for details.
Current Track Settings: Save, Clear, Appearance Current Track allows you to view the Current Track submenu. See Introduction to Navigation: Save or Clear a Current track for more information. The Current Track Submenu contains the following menu options: Save allows you to save the current track. Clear allows you to delete the current track. Appearance allows you to change the style and color of the current track.
Waypoints Settings: Create, Edit, Delete, Cursor To, Go To, Target, Grid Waypoints allows you to view the Waypoints submenu. See Introduction to Navigation for more information. The Waypoints Submenu contains the following menu options: Create allows you to create a new waypoint, name it, and edit it immediately. The current boat position will be used as the default, but you can set the coordinates to any valid position.
Routes Settings: Create, Edit, Delete, Travel, Info Routes allows you to view the Routes submenu. See Introduction to Navigation: Save, Edit, or Delete a Route for more information. The Routes Submenu contains the following menu options: Create allows you to create a new route from an empty route, name it, and add saved waypoints to it immediately. You can also change the waypoint order of the route from this menu. Edit allows you to select a saved route and change its name and the waypoints in it.
Chart Detail Level Settings: Basic, Navigation, Underwater, All; Default = All Chart Detail Level allows you to select how much chart detail you want displayed on the Navigation Views. NOTE: Some chart details are only available with optional-purchase MMC/SD cards. Basic shows land areas, ports, obstructions, and restricted areas. Navigation shows navaids, landmarks, ferryways, and navigation routes in addition to the Basic information.
Lat/Lon Grid Settings: Hidden, Visible; Default = Hidden Lat/Lon Grid allows you to display or hide a grid showing latitude and longitude lines. Spot Soundings Settings: Hidden, Visible; Default = Hidden Spot Soundings allows you to display or hide spot soundings, which are depth measurements shown on the chart. NOTE: Spot Soundings are only available with optional-purchase MMC/SD cards.
Grid Rotation Settings: 0° to 89°, Default = 0° Grid Rotation allows you to set the orientation of the trolling grid in degrees, where a setting of 0° displays a standard North, South, East, West alignment. See Introduction to Navigation: Add a Waypoint Target or Trolling Grid for information. NOTE: This feature may appear as either Trolling Grid Rotation or Grid Rotation, depending on your model.
Map Datum (Advanced) Settings: Various, Default = WGS 84 Map Datum allows you to change the map coordinate system used by the Fishfinder to match those of a paper map. Set Simulation Position (Advanced) Settings: Follow screen instructions to activate. Set Simulation Position allows you to set the position of the boat used in the Simulator. Press any arrow on the 4-WAY Cursor Control key to activate the cursor and move it to the coordinates where you want start the simulation.
Course Projection Line Settings: Hidden, Visible; Default = Visible Course Projection Line allows you to display or hide an arrow extending from the bow of the boat that projects your current course, and shows where the boat will go if you continue on your present course. Clear Map Offset (Advanced) Settings: Follow screen instructions to activate. Clear Map Offset allows you to clear the Map Offset. The Clear Map Offset menu option is available when Map Offset is active.
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.
Units - Depth Settings: Domestic Models: Feet, Fathoms; International Models: Meters; 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.
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. Language (International only) Settings: Various, Default = English Language selects the display language for menus. International Models only.
Select Readouts (Advanced, Sonar View only) Settings: Various, Default = Off The readout position on the screen is shown in the Select Readouts Window. Select Readouts 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.
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. Temp. Offset (Advanced) Settings: -10.0 to +10.0 degrees, Default = 0 Temp.
Daylight Saving Time (Advanced) Settings: Off, On; Default = Off Daylight Saving Time adjusts the time display to account for local Daylight Saving Time when Time+Date is selected as a Digital Readout on the Sonar View (see Setup Menu Tab: Select Readouts). Selecting On adds one hour to the time display adjusted for your local time zone. Selecting Off leaves the time display as adjusted for your local time zone. Position Format (Advanced) Settings: dd.ddddd°, dd°mm.mmm', or dd°mm'ss"; Default = dd°mm.
NMEA Output (Advanced) Settings: Off, On; Default = Off NMEA Output turns the NMEA* output on or off. NMEA Output should be turned On if you connect the NMEA Output wires of the GPS Receiver cable to another NMEA-compatible device, such as an autopilot. *NMEA 0183 is a National Marine Electronics Association standard for data communication. NOTE: A separate purchase of accessory AS-HHGPS may be required for the NMEA output function.
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.
Views Menu Tab From any view, press the MENU key twice to access the tabbed Main Menu, then press the RIGHT Cursor key until the Views tab is selected. This menu tab 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.
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.
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.
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 Isolation Other electronic devices 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.
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.
Specifications Depth Capability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800 ft (243 m) Power Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 Watts (RMS), 2000 Watts (Peak to Peak) Operating Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 kHz and 83 kHz (DualBeam) Area of Coverage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DualBeam: 60° @ -10 dB in 83 kHz 20° @ -10 dB in 200 kHz Target Separation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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.
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.
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.
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.
GPS & Navigation Terms: Acquisition Time The length of time that a GPS receiver typically takes to determine a position from at least three satellites. Humminbird® GPS receivers provide very fast acquisition times (under one minute), permitting users to get out on the water faster. Altitude The height measurement above sea level. Altitude is a measurement that can be provided by GPS. Bearing (BRG) The direction to a destination waypoint measured in degrees from North (i.e.
Estimated Position Error (EPE) A calculation that indicates the potential position inaccuracy the user may experience due to a variety of GPS factors which include satellite position in the sky, signal strength, and others factors. Fix Type Indicates whether the GPS receiver is providing 2D fix or 3D fix. A 2D fix requires only three satellites and provides only latitude and longitude. A 3D fix requires four or more satellites, and provides latitude, longitude, and altitude.
Present Position The current location (latitude, longitude) determined by GPS. The Present Position is indicated on-screen by a directional boat icon if the boat is moving or a round symbol if the boat is stationary. Route A series of waypoints linked together in a specific sequence to define a navigation path between two points, and saved in the fishfinder’s memory.
Track Line (TRK) The planned line of travel between two waypoints, and it represents the most efficient path between the two points because it is a straight line. The TRK is measured in degrees (i.e. 321°, where 000° is North, 090° East, 180° is South, 270° is West). See Cross Track Error and Course Over Ground. Trackplotter A navigation device that shows Present Position, along with Track, Waypoint, and Routes, but NO MAP in the background. See Chartplotter.
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): cservice@johnsonoutdoors.
