X-70A 3D INST ALLA TION AND OPERA TION INSTALLA ALLATION OPERATION INSTR UCTIONS INSTRUCTIONS ® LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 1 SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................... 1 INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................................... 1 TRANSDUCER .........................................................
INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing an X-70A 3D. Its adjustable VariView™ 3D perspective lets you rotate the underwater picture to accommodate specific viewing needs. In addition to the 3D views, the X-70A 3D also gives you outstanding 2D detail using either the supplied 384 kHz transducer or an optional 192 kHz transducer. SPECIFICATIONS Dimensions ..................................... 5 7/8" H x 7 3/4"W x 3 7/8"D Transmitter Frequency .................... 384 kHz and 192 kHz Transmitter Power .........
Transducer Location 1. The transducer must be placed in a location that has a smooth flow of water at all times. If the transducer is not placed in a smooth flow of water, interference will show on the sonar’s display in the form of random lines or dots whenever the boat is moving and can completely mask the sonar image at high speed. 2. The transducer should be installed with its face pointing straight down, if possible. 3. Make certain the chosen location doesn’t interfere with the boat’s trailer.
Transducer Assembly and Mounting The best way to install this transducer is to loosely assemble all of the parts first, place the transducer’s bracket against the transom and see if you can move the transducer so that it’s parallel with the ground. 1. Press the two small plastic ratchets into the sides of the metal bracket as shown below. Notice there are letters molded into each ratchet. Place each ratchet into the bracket with the letter “A” aligned with the dot stamped into the metal bracket.
NUT METAL WASHER 3. Once you determine the correct position for the ratchets, assemble the transducer as shown at left. Do not tighten the lock nut at this time. RUBBER WASHERS METAL WASHER BOLT 4. Hold the transducer and bracket assembly against the transom. The transducer should be roughly parallel to the ground. The bottom of the transducer bracket should be in line with the bottom of the hull. Don't let the bracket extend below the hull! Mark the center of the slots for the mounting holes.
6. Route the transducer cable to the sonar unit. If possible, route the transducer cable away from other wiring on the boat. Electrical noise from the engine’s wiring, bilge pumps, VHF radio wires and cables, and aerators can be picked up by the sonar. Use caution when routing the transducer cable around these wires. IMPORTANT! Clamp the transducer cable to the transom close to the transducer. This can prevent the transducer from entering the boat if it is knocked off at high speed. 7.
POWER CONNECTIONS The X-70A 3D works from a twelve-volt battery system. For the best results, attach the power cable directly to the battery. You can attach the power cable to an accessory or power buss, however you may have problems with electrical interference. Therefore, it’s safer to go ahead and attach the power cable directly to the battery. If the cable isn’t long enough to reach the battery, splice #18 gauge wire onto it. The power cable has two wires, which are red and black.
KEYBOARD The keyboard is arranged for convenient operation. A ten-key keypad on the right side of the screen lets you enter numbers. Arrow keys beneath the keypad are used to adjust features. The keys in the left column are used to select menu features. The keys along the bottom of the screen let you select the basic sonar functions. SENS Press this key to adjust the unit’s sensitivity. RANGE This key lets you adjust the range shown on the display.
DISPLAY - General When the X-70A 3D is first turned on, the display looks similar to the one below. The 3D screen scrolls from right to left, with the scale on the right side of the screen. The current depth beneath the transducer shows in the upper right corner of the display. A fish symbol to the left of the depth shows that the Fish ID feature is on. The word “AUTO” signifies that the automatic function is on, keeping the bottom on the display at all times.
screen, showing the distance behind the boat. If the speed/temperature sensor is not plugged into the X-70A 3D, then none of these will show. MODES OF OPERATION The X-70A 3D shows a sonar picture of the underwater world in 3D, 2D, Bottom Depth View, and FasTrack™ modes. The 2D and Bottom Depth Views can use either the 384 or 192 kHz transducer (if the optional 192 kHz transducer is attached). The 3D mode is always 384 kHz. To switch between the different modes, first press the WINDOWS key.
All 2D modes show the bottom signal, structure, thermoclines, fish (both with and without the Fish ID feature), baitfish schools, and more. The 3D view shows a 3D representation of the bottom, with Fish ID symbols only. The 2D mode shows more information, the 3D mode makes it easier to visualize the bottom contour. The Bottom Depth View as shown at right displays the depth at the top of the display in large digits. The graph scrolls at high speed. Note that this graph only shows the bottom signal.
OPERATION The Automatic and Sensitivity features used on the X-70A 3D are the same for all modes of operation. This section will explain these features. For information on features specific to different modes, see the 2D or 3D operation sections. AUTOMATIC The X-70A 3D adjusts the sensitivity and range to keep a detailed bottom signal on the display when the automatic feature is on. This is enabled when the unit is first turned on.
To adjust the sensitivity, press the SENS key. A menu appears on the right side of the screen as shown on the previous page. Press the right arrow key to increase it, the left arrow key to decrease it. When you have it changed to the desired level, press the CLR key to erase the menu or wait a few seconds for it to automatically clear. 3D OPERATION When the X-70A 3D is in the 3D mode, the Fish ID feature is always on (unless you turn it off).
feet (shown by the digital depth display), the unit will show a flat bottom at 45 feet.) To use the zoom feature, first press the ZOOM key, then press the key next to the zoom menu that appears in the lower left corner of the display as shown at right. This switches the unit to the 2X zoom mode. This enlarges all echoes on the screen to twice their normal size. If you press the key again while the menu is showing, the unit will switch to the 4X zoom mode.
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lection This view shows all echoes in the traditional sonar graph display. You can view echoes from any two 384 kHz transducer elements, or the 192 kHz transducer. (Note: 192 kHz operation requires an optional 192 kHz transducer.) To select the transducer element and place the X-70A 3D into the 2D mode, press the WINDOWS key. Next, press the key next to the "2D 384 kHz" label or the "2D 192 kHz" label. The screen shown at right appears.
few seconds and the menu will automatically disappear from the screen or press the CLR key to erase it. Manual mode When the X-70A 3D is in the manual mode, any range can be selected. The unit will leave the range setting you choose, but it won't keep the bottom on the display. For example, if the range is 0 - 60 feet, and the bottom signal goes from 55 to 70 feet, once the bottom goes deeper than 60 feet, it won't show on the display. To change the range, first press the RANGE key.
and your new upper limit will be at the top of the screen. To change the lower limit, use the same steps as above, but press the key next to the "Set Lower Limit" menu. Press the CLR key to erase these menus or wait a few seconds and they will automatically disappear. 2D ZOOM - Automatic mode The zoom feature enlarges all echoes on the screen, making them easier to see. This feature works in automatic or the manual mode.
matically disappear from the screen or press the CLR key to erase it. 2D ZOOM - Manual Mode The zoom feature works the same in manual as it does in automatic with two exceptions. One, since the unit is in manual, the unit won’t change the range to keep the bottom signal on the display. Two, you can adjust the zoom “window” to any desired depth. To zoom the screen in the manual mode, first press the ZOOM key. A screen similar to the one on the previous page appears.
mation only. No fish, structure, or any echoes other than the bottom signal appear on this screen. You can adjust the range, however this is the only adjustment you can make on this screen. The X-70A 3D automatically sets the sensitivity level. FASTRAK™ The FasTrak™ view converts all echoes to short horizontal lines. Typically, the thicker the line, the stronger the signal. This view gives you an immediate, “real-time” screen display. This high-speed display replicates flasher performance.
gets appear as short, thin lines; usually for very short periods of time. The bottom echo usually looks like a slice taken from the 2D screen. Surface clutter appears at the top of the screen, near the picture of the boat. Using the Fastrak screen combines the “instant read” of a flasher with the versatility and convenience of a liquid crystal graph. MENUS The X-70A 3D uses menus extensively to guide you through the unit’s features.
The depth alarms sound a tone when the bottom signal goes shallower than the shallow alarm’s setting or deeper than the deep alarm’s setting. For example, if you set the shallow alarm to ten feet, the alarm will sound a tone if the bottom signal is less than ten feet. It will continue to sound until you mute it or the bottom goes deeper than 10 feet. The deep alarm works just opposite. It sounds a warning tone if the bottom depth goes deeper than the alarm’s setting.
low alarm sounds a tone. To turn the shallow alarm off, press the MENU key, then press the key next to the "Alarms" label. Now press the key next to the "Shal Alarm" menu until the check mark moves to the “OFF” box. Press the CLR key to return to the sonar display. Remember, the shallow and deep alarms adjust exactly the same. The only difference is the shallow alarm sounds when the bottom signal goes shallower than the shallow alarm’s setting.
FISH ALARM The fish alarm sounds a distinctive tone when the X-70A 3D places a fish symbol on the display. A different tone sounds for each of the four fish symbol sizes. To turn the fish alarm on, first press the MENU key, then press the key next to the "Alarms" label. Finally, press the key next to the "Fish Alarm" label. This moves the check mark from the “OFF” box to the “ON” box. Press the CLR key to return to the sonar display. To turn the fish alarm off, repeat the above steps.
to distinguish from fish. You may see Fish I.D. symbols on the screen when actually, there are no fish. Practice with the unit in both the Fish I.D. mode and without to become more familiar with the Fish I.D. feature. When the X-70A 3D is turned on, the Fish I.D. feature is automatically turned on, also. To turn the Fish I.D. feature off, press the MENU key, then press the key adjacent to the “Fish ID” label. This moves the check mark from the “ON” to the “OFF” box.
change on the screen as you press the keys. After you’ve made the adjustment, press the CLEAR key to erase the menu. 2D VIEW OPTIONS The 2D view has several adjustments that (with some exceptions noted below) affect the 2D view screen only. To use these options, first press the MENU key, then press the key next to the “2D VIEW OPTIONS” label. A menu similar to the one at right appears.
screen is turned on for the first time, the digital depth display is located at the top left corner of the screen. This display comes from a separate digital sonar built into the unit. It displays only the bottom depth. If it loses the bottom, the last known depth will flash on the display. When the digital finds the bottom, it will automatically display the bottom depth again.
When the unit is in the 2D splitscreen zoom mode, the zoom bar doesn’t normally show on the screen. The zoom bar shows the section of water on the right side of the screen that the zoom feature displays on the left side. To turn the zoom bar on continuously, first press the MENU key. Next, press the key adjacent to the “2D View Optional” label. Finally, press the key next to the “Zoom Bar” menu. Press the CLR key to return to the sonar display.
To display the chart cursor, press the MENU key. Next, press the key adjacent to the “2D View Options” label. Finally, press the key next to the “Chart Cursor” menu. Press the CLR key to return to the sonar display. Use the up or down arrow keys to move the cursor up or down to the desired depth. To turn the chart cursor off, repeat the above steps. The unit returns to the sonar screen without the chart cursor. MENU - PAGE 2 GRAYLINE® GRAYLINE® lets you distinguish between strong and weak echoes.
different GRAYLINE® level, also. The level chosen by the X-70A 3D is usually adequate for most conditions. Experiment with your unit to find the GRAYLINE® setting that’s best for you. To adjust GRAYLINE®, press the MENU key twice, then press the key adjacent to the “Adjust Grayline” label. A screen similar to the one at right appears. Now press the left arrow key to decrease the gray level. Press the right arrow key to increase it. The percentage of GRAYLINE® in use changes as the arrow keys are pressed.
“Adjust Back Light Level” label. The screen shown at right appears. Now press the left arrow key to decrease the light level. Press the right arrow key to increase it. The percentage of back light in use changes as the arrow keys are pressed. The bar chart also gives a graphical indication of the level. After you’ve made the adjustment, press the CLR key to erase the menu.
For example, press the key next to the "Depth" label two times to switch from feet to meters. This moves the check mark two times from the “Ft” to the “M”. After setting the units of measure, press the CLR key. MENU - PAGE 3 SURFACE CLARITY The markings extending downward from the zero line on the 2D chart when the manual mode is on are called “surface clutter.” These markings are caused by wave action, boat wakes, temperature inversion, and other natural causes.
The ASP feature has two levels - Low and High. If you have high noise levels, try using the “High” ASP setting. However, if you are having trouble with noise, we suggest that you take steps to find the interference source and fix it, rather than continually using the unit with the high ASP setting. However, there are times when you may want to turn the ASP feature off. This allows you to view all incoming echoes before they are processed by the ASP feature.
mark is on the desired range. Press the CLR key to exit the menu. RESET DISTANCE LOG The X-70A 3D can display the log (distance travelled) in the digital block if the optional speed/temperature sensor is installed. This feature starts counting distance as soon as the unit is turned on. To reset the distance log to zero, press the MENU key three times, then press the key adjacent to the “Reset Distance Log” label. Press the CLR key to return to the sonar display.
3D SIMULATOR The X-70A 3D has a built-in simulator for the 3D display. When this simulator is turned on, a realistic 3D view scrolls across the screen. The digital depth display shows the simulated bottom depth, and fish symbols appear on the display. IMPORTANT! Do not use the simulator when navigating! To turn the 3D simulator on, press the MENU key four times. Now press the key next to the “3D Simulator” label to move the check mark from the “OFF” box to the “ON” box.
TROUBLESHOOTING If your unit is not working, or if you need technical help, please use the following troubleshooting section before contacting the factory customer service department. It may save you the trouble of returning your unit. Unit won’t turn on: 1. Check the power cable’s connection at the unit. Also check the wiring. 2. Make certain the power cable is wired properly. The red wire connects to the positive battery terminal, black to negative or ground. 3. Check the fuse. 4.
manual mode, then change the range to a realistic one, (for example, 0-100 feet) and increase the sensitivity. As you move into shallower water, a bottom signal should appear. 4. Check the battery voltage. If the voltage drops, the unit’s transmitter power also drops, reducing its ability to find the bottom or targets. Bottom echo disappears at high speeds or erratic digital reading or weak bottom echo while boat is moving 1. The transducer may be in turbulent water.
NOISE A major cause of sonar problems is electrical noise. This usually appears on the sonar’s display as random patterns of dots or lines. In severe cases, it can completely cover the screen with black dots, or cause the unit operate erratically, or not at all. To eliminate or minimize the effects of electrical noise, first try to determine the cause. With the boat at rest in the water, the first thing you should do is turn all electrical equipment on the boat off. Make certain the engine is off, also.
LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY “We", “our”, or “us” refers to LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS, INC., the manufacturer of this product. “You” or “your” refers to the first person who purchases this product as a consumer item for personal, family, or household use. We warrant this product against defects or malfunctions in materials and workmanship, and against failure to conform to this product’s written specifications, all for one year (1) from the date of original purchase by you.
Lowrance's UPS Return Service Lowrance Electronics and United Parcel Service (UPS) are proud to offer all of our customers free shipping for all units sent to us for repair or service. If you have to send this unit to the factory, and you are in the continental United States, use the enclosed UPS shipping label for easy, free shipping to our factory customer service department. There are six easy steps: 1.
KEEP THIS LABEL! YOU WILL NEED IT IF YOU EVER NEED TO RETURN YOUR UNIT TO THE FACTORY FOR REPAIR. This UPS shipping offer is good only in the continental United States (excludes Alaska and Hawaii). Lowrance Electronics may find it necessary to change or end our shipping policies, regulations, and special offers at any time. We reserve the right to do so without notice. Accessory Ordering Information To order accessories such as power cables or transducers, please contact: 1) Your local marine dealer.
How to Obtain Service (Canadian Customers Only) We back your investment in quality products with quick, expert service and genuine Lowrance replacement parts. If you need service or repairs, contact the Lowrance Factory Customer Service Department at the toll-free number listed below. A technician may be able to solve the problem and save you the inconvenience of returning your unit. You will be asked for your unit's serial number. 800-347-1014 Canada Only. Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.
How to Obtain Service - U.S.A. Only We back your investment in quality products with quick, expert service and genuine Lowrance® replacement parts. If you're in the United States and you have questions, please contact the Factory Customer Service Department using our toll-free number listed below. You must send the unit to the factory for warranty service or repair. Please call the factory before sending the unit. You will be asked for your unit's serial number (shown above).
