PRO 128 FISHFINDER
OPERATIONS
MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
USING THE PRO TRACKER UNIT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
How Sonar Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Simulator Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
What You See On Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Control Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Menu Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
ADVANCED FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Using Diagnostic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
MAINTENANCE AND WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Rev. 11206D
1
USING THE TRACKER UNIT
HOW SONAR WORKS
HOW SONAR WORKS
Your Tracker unit uses sonar to locate
and define underwater objects, define
the bottom terrain, as well as deter-
mine distance.
Sonar technology is based on sound
waves. Your Tracker unit sends out a
sound wave signal. With this signal it
determines distance by measuring the
time between the transmission of the
sound wave and when the sound
wave is reflected off an object. Your
Tracker uses the reflected signal to
interpret location, size and composi-
tion of an object.
Sonar is very fast. A sound wave can travel from the surface to a depth of
240' (70m) and back again in less than 1/10 of a second. It is unlikely that
your boat can "outrun" this sonar signal.
The Tracker unit is a dual frequency, dual beam unit, and generates two dis-
tinct sonar signals - one narrow, one wide. Each signal is optimized for a
particular purpose. First, the center beam transmits at a frequency of 200
kHz in a 20 degree (narrow) symmetrical pattern for greater depth capa-
bility and excellent detail. Information from this center beam is used to
draw the graphic representation of the bottom on the display.
Second, the wide beam transmits at a frequency of 83 kHz in a 53 degree
(wide) symmetrical pattern for greater area of coverage. Information from
the wide beam is used to accurately detect the presence and location of
fish. A wide beam has a large area of coverage but limited resolution of
detail. A narrow beam has excellent detail, but within a limited area
of coverage.
The combination of the two beams and dual frequencies provides the com-
bination of a large area of coverage and a high level of detail.
2
USING THE TRACKER UNIT
SIMULATOR OPERATION
Actual depth capability depends on factors such as bottom hardness, water
conditions, and transducer installation. Units will typically read to deeper
depths in fresh water than in salt water.
SIMULATOR OPERATION
The Tracker unit contains a simulator that
allows you to use the unit as if you are on the
water. The simulator is invaluable for learn-
ing how to operate the Tracker unit.
There are two ways to start the simulator. If
the unit is powered off, press and hold the
POWER button for approximately three sec-
onds until you hear a continuous chirp.
The simulator can also be started by selecting the Simulator option on the
start-up screen after you power-up the unit. When this screen is shown,
simply press the DOWN ARROW until “Simulator” is highlighted. When the
screen times out, the unit will be in simulator mode.
When in simulator operation, the Tracker unit responds to control inputs as
if it is in actual operation, so feel free to experiment, or to customize the
unit for your particular operation.
To exit Simulator mode, power the unit off.
When in simulator mode, the word “simulator” appears on the
display, blinking on and off, indicating the information on-screen
is not real sonar data.
FEATURE MEMORY
If your Tracker unit is installed with a transducer connected, any changes
you make to the set-up or User Options (see Control Functions) while in
Simulator are retained in the unit’s memory. This allows you to use simula-
tor to experiment with the various set-up options, and retain your selected
settings for normal operation.
3
USING THE TRACKER UNIT
WHAT YOU SEE ON-SCREEN
If you are using the Tracker unit in Simulator when no transducer is con-
nected, any selected options are lost when the unit is powered off. The
Tracker unit will return to Factory Settings, or options selected when last
used with a transducer, if no transducer is connected.
IMPORTANT: A transducer must be connected to the Tracker unit
in order to retain user settings selected when in simulator mode.
If no transducer is detected, the unit defaults to pre-selected
options when powered off.
Figure A
What You See On-Screen
Your Tracker unit uses a 128 V x 64 H
matrix FSTN LCD display. This display
provides outstanding viewability in all
light conditions over a wide range of
temperatures.
At initial power-up, the Tracker unit uses
settings that were set at the factory.
After initial use, the Tracker unit will
remember the settings you enter.
There are several elements on-screen
that are common to all modes of opera-
tion.
Temperature/Speed. The initial screen layout takes one of two basic forms
depending on whether the optional Temp/Speed accessory is installed. Figure
A shows the default view when the Temp/Speed accessory is installed. Figure B
shows the default view when the Temp/Speed accessory is not installed.
Depth. The digital depth number shows the water depth directly beneath the
transducer location.
Depth Range. The depth range is shown to the right of the screen. The upper
number is 0 indicating the surface of the water. The lower number is one of
the nine depth ranges available that best match the depth of the water. As the
4
USING THE TRACKER UNIT
WHAT YOU SEE ON-SCREEN
Bottom Depiction
Zero Line
depth of the water changes, the range
changes as necessary in order to retain a
bottom representation on-screen.
When in Auto mode, the horizontal line
at the top of the screen is the “zero
line,” representing the surface of the
water. Occasionally there is a gap in this
line. This gap indicates the unit is up-
dating the display even if the bottom is
not visible on-screen, or if the bottom
information is not changing.
New sonar information appears on the
right side of the graphic area of the dis-
play and moves to the left as new infor-
mation is displayed. The Tracker unit
automatically selects the appropriate
Water Depth
Depth Range
Figure B
depth range to show the depth of water beneath the transducer. This
range is selected so the bottom representation is typically shown about 2/3
down the display.
Bottom. The graphic depiction of the
Surface Clutter
Rocky Bottom
bottom provides an effective tool for
understanding the composition of the
bottom. If the bottom is hard and
smooth, the bottom depiction is narrow
and dense. If the bottom is soft mud or
sand, the depiction will be thick and less
dense. This indicates much of the signal
is absorbed by the soft bottom. If the
bottom is rocky or rugged in composi-
tion, the depiction is of varying density
and textured in appearance.
Wave action also affects the bottom
depiction. The information drawn is a
distance measurement, so if the boat is
Soft Bottom
Hard Bottom
5
USING THE TRACKER UNIT
WHAT YOU SEE ON SCREEN
moving up and down over flat bottom, the bottom depiction often appears
in regular variations that match wave timing.
Structure. Structure is defined as any object physically attached to the bot-
tom. The sonar configuration of the Tracker unit is optimized to give the
most accurate depiction of bottom structure possible. Grass, trees, stumps,
wrecks or other debris are accurately displayed, however the depiction of
these objects varies with boat speed and direction. The best way to learn to
interpret structure is to operate the Tracker unit over a variety of known con-
ditions and experiment with user functions to best represent those condi-
tions on-screen.
Surface Clutter. Surface clutter is the layer of water near the surface that
is rich in algae and other growth, and often is aerated by wind or wave
action. This area of water interferes with sonar transmission and often
appears on-screen as regular clusters of individual dots near the “0” line.
Thermoclines. Thermoclines are sharp
differences in water temperature.
These are easily identified by the con-
tinuous nature of the return.
Thermocline Second Return
Second Returns. When a sonar signal
is reflected off the bottom back to the
transducer, there is often enough ener-
gy left in the signal to be reflected off
the surface of the water back to the
bottom a second time. Second returns
appear as a slightly weaker bottom
representation exactly twice the depth
of the primary bottom return. The sec-
ond return is most likely to occur in
shallow water and in areas of relatively
hard bottom.
Fish ID. The Tracker unit uses advanced signal processing to further evalu-
ate any sonar return between the surface and the bottom. For instance, a
small school of bait fish usually appears as a dense cluster of individual dots.
If the return meets certain additional criteria, a fish symbol will be assigned.
6
USING THE TRACKER UNIT
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
Fish in
Fish in
Wide Beam
Narrow Beam
There are three different size fish sym-
bols used to indicate the intensity of the
sonar return. While signal intensity is a
good indicator of relative fish size, differ-
ent species of fish have different sonar
characteristics, so it is not always possi-
ble to distinguish fish size between vary-
ing species. The signal intensity is "nor-
malized" for depth so that a small fish
close to the boat does not appear as a
large fish symbol.
ID+ adds an additional piece of informa-
tion to help the user locate fish. On
selected fish symbols, the digital depth
of the designated fish is drawn to help
locate the fish vertically. This is especially
ID+ Fish
Depth
helpful in setting bait depths or for downrigger operation.
The fish symbols indicate the sonar beam the fish is detected in. This
gives you a reliable indicator of side to side location of the fish relative to
the boat. Fish symbols that are hollow are detected in the wide beam and
are around the boat. Solid fish symbols represent fish detected in the nar-
row beam and are directly under the boat.
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
The Tracker unit uses a simple five button keypad for all
user input. Press any button and an audible “chirp”
confirms the control input. If a button has no function
or is inappropriate for the situation, an audible “error”
is heard. The unit sounds multiple chirps.
Power. The Power button powers the Tracker unit up
for normal operation. When the unit is on, POWER
turns the unit off. POWER can also be used to go
directly into Simulator mode. To enter simulator, with
the unit powered off, press and hold POWER for sever-
7
USING THE TRACKER UNIT
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
al seconds until a continuous chirp is heard.
Light. LIGHT controls the unit’s display backlight. With the unit powered
on, press LIGHT once to turn the backlight on “high.” Press LIGHT a sec-
ond time to turn the backlight on “low,” and a third time turns the back-
light off. The backlight is very effective for low-light and nighttime opera-
tion. When the backlight is on, the Tracker unit will consume more power
than with the backlight off. This is important when using the Tracker unit
in a portable configuration powered by a separate battery, or when pow-
ering the unit from a trolling motor battery.
When powering the unit from a battery such as in portable applications,
you can prolong the battery life by using the backlight at a minimum.
The three lower buttons, MENU, UP ARROW, and DOWN ARROW work
together to control the Tracker unit menu-controlled user functions.
Menu. MENU displays a menu on-screen
for adjustment. In normal operation,
pressing MENU repeatedly cycles through
all available menu headings. When a
menu heading displays, the full menu
Menu Heading
appears after a short pause. A menu remains on-screen for several seconds,
and can be adjusted by using the ARROW keys. If no adjustment is made
in the allotted time, the menu disappears. If you want the menu to remain
on-screen longer press and hold MENU—the menu will remain on-screen
indefinitely. Once you release the menu button, the screen will time out.
Once a menu times out, it is still considered the active menu. Press MENU
to bring up the last menu used.
Arrow Keys. The UP ARROW and DOWN ARROW make adjustments to
menu functions. On the left side of every menu there are UP ARROW and
DOWN ARROW symbols. The symbols indicate which ARROW button has
a function in a particular situation. Either one or both ARROW buttons can
be used to adjust the menu function. A hollow ARROW symbol means the
corresponding ARROW button has no function. Pressing that button will
result in no adjustment and the “error” audible will be heard. A solid
ARROW symbol means the corresponding ARROW button can be used to
affect the menu adjustment.
8
USING THE TRACKER UNIT
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
The ARROW buttons often can be used
when no menu is on-screen. In these situ-
ations, pressing the ARROW button
affects the function of the active (last-
used) menu. This is a short-cut to menu
operation. The menu appears on-screen
while the adjustment is made and times out. A frequently used menu can
be adjusted very quickly using this technique.
After an adjustment is made to a menu function, the menu times out after
a few seconds and the unit returns to normal operation.
Menu Layout. All menus use the same basic layout. The heading at the
top describes the menu function. The UP ARROW and DOWN ARROW
symbols to the left of the menu indicate which buttons are available for
adjustment. In menus that have several possible settings, a range of adjust-
ment indicator shows the total range available and the current setting.
Within the menu are the options available. The selected option or current
setting is highlighted in the black box. If no adjustment is made, this is the
selected setting. Press an ARROW button while the menu is displayed to
select another option.
Several of the menus are multi-step. In some situations if an adjustment is
made, additional options become available for further adjustment. Exam-
ples of these multi-step menus are Depth Range, Depth Alarm and Zoom.
See the detailed description of each function for further explanation.
Menu Functions
Heading
Up Arrow Option
Arrow Symbols
Selected Setting
Down Arrow Option
Range of Adjustment Indicator
9
USING THE TRACKER UNIT
MENU FUNCTIONS
Sensitivity. The Sensitivity function controls
the sensitivity of the sonar receiver. The Tracker
unit automatically adjusts the level of receiver
sensitivity based on a number of factors includ-
ing the depth of the water and the level of
noise present. Noise can be caused by other
electronic devices, engines, trolling motors,
propeller cavitation and hydrodynamic flow
among others.
The user has the option of adjusting the Sensitivity higher or lower based
on personal preference. You can select one of 11 sensitivity settings from -
5 to +5. A setting of 0 (factory setting) has no effect on the automatic sen-
sitivity control. Increasing the sensitivity (+1 through +5) enables the unit to
display the information from progressively smaller sonar returns. By
decreasing the sensitivity bias (-1 through -5), the unit effectively filters
small sonar returns.
In murky or muddy water, it is often helpful to reduce the sensitivity. This
prevents the display from being clut-
High Sensitivity Low Sensitivity
tered with sonar returns from debris or
suspended particles. In very clear or
very deep water, it may be helpful to
increase the sensitivity since even the
smallest sonar return may be of interest
to the user.
To adjust Sensitivity, press MENU
repeatedly until the Sensitivity heading
is displayed. When the Sensitivity menu
appears, use the UP ARROW to
increase the sensitivity, or the DOWN
ARROW to reduce sensitivity. To
sequence through the available set-
tings, press and hold either ARROW
button. Release the button at the set-
ting you want to change.
Sensitivity at “0”
10
USING THE TRACKER UNIT
MENU FUNCTIONS
After an adjustment is made, the menu disappears and the new sensitivity
setting is in affect. If additional time is needed to study a menu, press and
hold the MENU button and the menu will remain on-screen indefinitely. If
you need to make an additional adjustment, press the UP ARROW or
DOWN ARROW button.
Depth Range. The Depth Range function
controls the vertical distance displayed on
the graphic area of the display. There are
nine depth ranges available. The top of the
range is always 0, or the surface of the
water. Ranges of 0–15', 0–30', 0–60',
0–120', 0–180', 0–240', 0–360', 0–480', and 0–600' are available. In the
metric version, ranges of 0–5, 0–10, 0–20, 0–40, 0–60, 0–80, 0–110,
0–150, and 0–185 meters are available.The range that positions the bot-
tom depiction closest to the bottom of the screen, will best utilize the avail-
able display resolution.
The Tracker unit automatically adjusts the
depth range depending on the depth of
the water. The unit tries to maintain the
bottom depiction about ²⁄₃ down the total
range (for example, in 20' (6m) of water,
the 0-30' (0-10m) range would be select-
ed). This provides the best display resolu-
tion and therefore the best target separa-
tion possible.
The Depth Range can be adjusted manually. Press MENU repeatedly until
the Depth Range menu is visible. Two options are available: Auto and Man-
ual.
The manual setting enables you to adjust
the current depth range setting. The unit
no longer adjusts the Depth Range to the
most appropriate range for bottom dis-
play. Often, the bottom may not be visible
on-screen. The digital depth readout
11
USING THE TRACKER UNIT
MENU FUNCTIONS
always determines the depth of the
bottom, even if it is not visible
on-screen.
Using manual Depth Range control,
you can view sonar information from
the area near the surface in great
detail.
To return to automatic Depth Range
control, press the MENU button until
the Depth Range menu appears on-
screen and use the UP ARROW to
select AUTO.
Depth Range
Zoom. Zoom is similar to Depth Range
because it controls the range of information
displayed on screen. Zoom, however,
allows selection of ranges beneath the surface
so any area of water between the surface and
the bottom can be enlarged to provide more
detailed information. By using the full display to
show a small area of coverage, the effective dis-
play resolution is increased, and the unit’s ability
to separate close targets is enhanced.
Upper Zoom Limit
There are four Zoom ranges available: 7¹⁄₂'
(2m), 15' (5m), 30' (10m), and 60' (20m).
These ranges are not directly user controlled
but are instead dependent on the current
depth range. In shallow water, when the
15' (5m) or 30' (10m) range is in use, the
Zoom range is 7¹⁄₂' (2m). If the 60' (20m) or
120' (40m) range is in use, the Zoom range
is 15' (5m), if a 180'-480' (60-150m) depth
range is in use, the Zoom range is 30'
(10m), and if the 600' (185m) range is in
use, the Zoom range is 60' (20m).
12
Lower Zoom Limit
USING THE TRACKER UNIT
MENU FUNCTIONS
The Zoom range is shown on the left side of the
screen and full range information is shown on the
right side of the display. Zoom can either operate
automatically, in which the Zoom range is constantly
adjusted to show the bottom, or manually, in which
the user controls the location of the Zoom range.
Automatic Zoom is especially helpful when looking
for structure or bottom detail. The Automatic
Zoom keeps the bottom in view even in quickly changing terrain, but is most
useful in flatter areas without considerable depth variation. Manual Zoom pro-
vides detailed information of any area from the surface to the bottom. In man-
ual Zoom, the Zoom range does not move as the terrain changes.
When the range is shown in the menu, the upper number represents the top of
the current Zoom range. The lower number represents the bottom of the Zoom
range. Use the UP and DOWN ARROW buttons to move this range. The upper
number can never be less than 0 (the surface of the water), and the lower num-
ber can never be greater than the active depth range. The difference between
the two numbers (the Zoom range) is preset and determined by the active depth
range.
Once manual Zoom is selected, the display appears the same as in Auto Zoom,
but the zoom range does not change automatically.
To disable Zoom, press the MENU button until the Zoom menu is on-screen. Use
the UP ARROW to highlight Off, and let the
menu time out.
When the unit is powered off, the Zoom
menu returns to Zoom Off.
Depth Alarm. The Tracker unit contains an
audible alarm to warn you of shallow water
depths. The alarm is adjustable to depths of
3' (1m) to 99' (30m). When the alarm is
enabled, an audible alarm sounds if the
water beneath the boat is equal to or less
than the selected alarm depth. The alarm
13
USING THE TRACKER UNIT
MENU FUNCTIONS
sounds continuously for about five seconds,
and then intermittently to remind you that
you are still in shallow water.
Fish Alarm. The Fish Alarm alerts you to the
presence of fish, or other targets not con-
nected to the bottom. The Fish Alarm has
three different settings that correspond to
the three different size fish symbols shown
on-screen.
The default setting is “OFF.” With the
“Large fish only” setting, the Tracker unit
alarms on only those targets that are repre-
sented by the large fish symbols. The Track-
er unit can be set to alarm on only large and
medium fish, or set to alarm on all fish.
Once the Fish Alarm is enabled, the Tracker
unit emits an audible beep when the select-
ed size fish symbol appears on-screen. The
sound is slightly different for each of the
three fish symbol sizes, so with practice, it is
possible to distinguish the size of the
detected fish without looking
Set for large fish only
at the unit.
Set for large and medium fish
Triplog. Triplog provides a
Set for all fish
running log of information
based on input from the Temp/Speed sensor.
Since Triplog requires information
from the Temp/Speed sensor to oper-
ate, if this sensor is not detected by
the Tracker unit, the Triplog menu
will not appear as an option.
14
USING THE TRACKER UNIT
MENU FUNCTIONS
Triplog provides seven pieces of informa-
tion: the current digital depth, water sur-
face temperature, current boat speed, the
distance traveled since the Tracker unit
was powered up or reset, the average
speed, the total time elapsed since power-
up or reset, and the input voltage from
your boat’s electrical system.
The time, speed and distance calculations
are useful for tracking your progress on a
trip. The input voltage is useful for deter-
mining the condition of the charging sys-
tem of the boat. When used in a portable
application or whenever the Tracker unit is
operated from a battery source, the voltage number
can be used to determine battery life. The Tracker unit
will operate at voltages from 10 to 20 VDC. Voltages in
excess of 20 or less than 10 VDC cause the unit to
power off.
Options. The Options Menu is a series of linked menu
functions used initially to set your preferences. Once
your preferences are selected, it is unlikely these func-
tions need to be accessed during the normal opera-
tion of the product.
The Options menu works differently than other
menu functions in that all of the options must be
cycled through in order to return to normal operation. There are twelve.
Option menus: Contrast, Display Speed, Bottom Black, Fish ID, Numeral
Size, Diagnostic, Units, Speed Offset, Depth Off-
set, and Reset.
Contrast. The Contrast function allows the user
to control the level of contrast of the LCD display.
The Tracker unit will automatically adjust the dis-
play contrast to compensate for changing ambi-
15
USING THE TRACKER UNIT
MENU FUNCTIONS
ent temperatures; however, some situations may occur where manual
adjustment will provide a higher level of contrast.
Eleven contrast settings, +5 to -5, are possible. The display contrast will
change as the adjustment is made so the optimum level of contrast can be
achieved. Use the ARROW buttons to highlight the desired selection. The
Tracker unit will reset to the factory setting when the unit is powered off.
Display Speed. Display Speed controls
the rate at which the graphic information
moves across the display. There are 5 pos-
sible speeds; the fastest rate (5) is the fac-
tory setting. Keep in mind that the closer
the update rate matches your boat speed,
the more accurate is the graphic depiction
of the terrain beneath your boat.
Use the UP and DOWN ARROWS to select the desired update rate. The Dis-
play Speed setting is remembered when the unit is powered off.
Bottom Black. There are two selections
available: OFF and ON. The factory setting is
OFF. With this setting, the Tracker unit dis-
plays the
Bottom Black View
bottom
u s i n g
Structure
ID. This
allows you to determine the texture and
relative hardness of the bottom. Select-
ing Bottom Black “ON” causes the unit
to blacken in the display below the bot-
tom. This gives the user easiest recogni-
tion of the bottom location, even from a
great distance.
The Tracker unit remembers the Bottom
Black setting when powered off.
16
USING THE TRACKER UNIT
MENU FUNCTIONS
Fish ID. There are three selections available: OFF, ID+ ON, and ADJUST. The fac-
tory setting is ID+ ON. With Fish ID OFF, sonar returns are displayed as “raw”
information. There is no interpretation made by the unit. Selecting ID OFF also
disables the fish alarm.
ID+ ON enables the Tracker unit to interpret the raw sonar data and, using
a variety of techniques, depict appropriate target returns as one of three
different size fish symbols. Further identification shows whether the fish is
in the wide or narrow beam. The Tracker unit also displays the depth
beneath the surface with the corresponding fish symbol.
Selecting Adjust and making incremental changes enhances the fishfinder’s
ability to identify sonar returns as fish symbols.
Increasing the value to a number greater than
zero shows more fish symbols on-screen. In
this case smaller sonar returns will be depicted
as fish symbols. This is useful for identifying
many smaller sonar returns (such as baitfish)
as fish symbols.
Decreasing the value to a number less than zero
shows fewer fish symbols on-screen. In this case
smaller sonar returns are disregarded. This is
useful for eliminating many small sonar returns
when seeking larger species of fish.
The Tracker unit remembers this selection
even when the unit is powered off.
Numeral Size. Two options are available: BIG
and SMALL. The factory setting is BIG. With
this setting, the
Raw Sonar
ID+ On
digital depth and
speed and temp
numerals
drawn
are
large
enough to be
read from across
17
USING THE TRACKER UNIT
MENU FUNCTIONS
the boat. The big numerals occupy space on the display that could be used
for the graphics area. Hence, the small numerals option. With small numer-
als selected, a greater amount of the display area is available for the graph-
ic view. This effectively increases the display resolution of the unit.
Numeral Size settings are remembered when powered off.
Diagnostic. Two options are available: HIDE and
SHOW. The factory setting is HIDE. Selecting SHOW
brings up the Diagnostic screen. See the Using Diag-
nostic section for more information.
Units. The Units function allows the user to select
the units of measurement for the depth and speed
readout. FEET/MPH (feet/statute miles per hour) and FEET/KTS (feet/nautical
miles per hour), are available.The Tracker unit remembers this selection even
when the unit is powered off.
Speed Offset. The Speed Offset option allows
the user to compensate for differences in hull
design, and its effect on the accuracy of the
speed measurement.
If there is a discrepancy between the indicated
speed and another speed measurement device
on the boat, the speed measurement can be var-
ied to improve accuracy. Remember, the speed
paddle wheel measures speed through the water,
not speed over ground.
Speed offset is remembered after power is disconnected.
Depth Offset. The Depth Offset allows the user
to select the point on the boat from which the
depth measurement is made. Selecting a positive
value adds distance to the measurement. If the
transducer is mounted 3 feet beneath the water-
line, a positive 3 will show the correct depth from
the surface of the water.
18
USING THE TRACKER UNIT
USING THE DIAGNOSTIC FEATURE
Another frequent use of depth offset is to show the depth beneath the
deepest point of the hull. A negative value equal to the distance from the
transducer location and the deepest point of the hull will have the same
effect as mounting the transducer at the deepest point.
Depth offset is remembered after power is disconnected.
Reset. With the many User Options available to cus-
tomize the Tracker unit, it is easy to configure the unit in
such a way that it is detrimental to a particular use. By
using the Reset function, all variable or user-controlled
features of the Tracker unit are returned to the factory
settings.
The Reset function is an important first step in troubleshooting problems to
ensure that a user selected setting is not the cause for the perceived prob-
lem.
USING THE DIAGNOSTIC FEATURE
The Tracker unit contains a powerful diagnostic tool that can aid in deter-
mining the cause of a problem.
To use the Diagnostic feature, select the Diagnostic
feature on the start-up menu on the initial screen.
Diagnostic can also be accessed through the Options
menu.
Self Test. Initially, the Tracker unit will perform a self-
test. This test confirms the operation of all internal cir-
cuitry. At the conclusion of the test, one of two mes-
sages will appear. PASSED indicates the internal test
discovered no failures, FAILED indicates a significant
internal problem was discovered and the unit requires
factory service. A code number appears that tells
repair personnel where the problem is.
Transducer Connection. The first connection tested is
Transducer input. If a transducer is detected, the mes-
19
ADVANCED FEATURES
USING THE DIAGNOSTIC FEATURE
sage CONNECTED appears. If a series of dashed lines is shown, no transduc-
er is connected or there is a problem with the transducer or cable.
If you are using multiple transducers, switch between transducers to confirm
the connections for each.
Boat Speed/Water Temperature Connection. Other connections tested
include the boat speed and surface water temperature sensors. These
accessory sensors can be purchased independently or together as a single
sensor (see the Humminbird Accessories catalog). If the sensors are con-
nected and working properly, a “connected” message appears.
The speed input feature only works when the boat is in motion as the pad-
dle wheel on the speed sensor must rotate to be detected.
Voltage Input. Another connection tested is the voltage input, and is
especially helpful in diagnosing input voltage problems. The current input
voltage is displayed. If voltage fluctuations or power supply in excess of 20
VDC or less than 10 VDC is suspected, use the diagnostic screen to confirm
input voltage. Often, small outboard motors do not effectively regulate
voltage when operated at high engine speeds.
Use Diagnostic while running the boat at high speeds to show the voltage
gain. Also, if you are using the Tracker unit in portable configuration or
from the trolling motor battery, Diagnostic can be used to evaluate the
health of the battery by showing the current voltage.
Total Time. The total time category indicates the total time the unit has
been in use since shipped from the factory. It is normal for some hours to
appear in the total time when the unit is new due to factory testing. While
this is often of interest to the user, it is primarily a diagnostic tool for the
repair technician should the unit need service.
MAINTENANCE
Your Tracker unit is designed to provide years of trouble free operation with
virtually no maintenance. Follow these simple procedures to ensure your
Tracker unit continues to deliver top performance.
20
MAINTENANCE AND WARRANTY
MAINTENANCE/TROUBLESHOOTING
• If the unit comes into contact with salt spray, simply wipe the affected
surfaces with a cloth dampened in fresh water. Do not use a chemical
glass cleaner on the lens. Chemicals in the solution may cause cracking in
the lens of the unit.
• When cleaning the LCD protective lens, use a chamois and non-abrasive,
mild cleaner. Do not wipe while dirt or grease is on the lens. Be careful to
avoid scratching the lens.
• If your boat remains in the water for long periods of time, algae and
other marine growth can reduce the effectiveness of the transducer. Peri-
odically clean the face of the transducer with liquid detergent. Pivoting
the transducer up in the bracket may allow better access for inspection
or cleaning.
• If your boat remains out of the water for a long period of time, it may
take some time to wet the transducer when returned to the water. Small
air bubbles can cling to the surface of the transducer and interfere with
proper operation. These bubbles dissipate with time, or you can wipe
the face of the transducer with your fingers after the transducer is in
the water.
• Never leave the Tracker unit in a closed car or trunk—the extremely high
temperatures generated in hot weather can damage the electronics.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Do not attempt to repair the Tracker unit yourself. There are no user serviceable
parts inside, and special tools and techniques are required for reassembly to
ensure the waterproof integrity of the housing. Repairs should be performed
only by authorized Humminbird technicians.
Many requests for repair received by Humminbird involve units that do not actu-
ally need repair. These units are returned “no problem found.” If you have a
problem with your Tracker unit, use the following troubleshooting guide before
sending your unit in for repair. The Tracker unit contains several tools that can
aid in determining if there is a problem and how to isolate and repair the prob-
lem in many cases.
21
MAINTENANCE AND WARRANTY
TROUBLESHOOTING
1. Nothing happens when I turn the unit on.
Check the power cable connection at both ends. Be sure the cable is connect-
ed correctly to a reliable power source—red lead to positive, black lead to neg-
ative or ground. Ensure the power available at the mount is between 10 and 20
VDC. If the unit is wired through a fuse panel, ensure the panel is powered.
Often accessory fuse panels are controlled by a separate switch or the ignition
switch. Also, often a fuse can appear to be good when in fact is not. Check the
fuse with a tester or replace it with a fuse known to be good.
Check the power connection to the Tracker unit. It is possible to force the power
cable connector into the cable holder incorrectly. If the connector is reversed, the
unit will not work. Examine the contacts on the back of the unit to ensure there
is no corrosion. Finally, ensure the unit is firmly seated on the mount. The elec-
trical contacts are not made until the unit is fully seated.
Ensure the metal cable retainer is properly installed in the mount. If not, the
power connected may push out when the unit is put on the mount.
2. There is no transducer detected.
The Tracker unit has the ability to detect and identify that a transducer is con-
nected. If, at power up, a message indicates “transducer not connected,” only
simulator operation is possible. First, ensure that an appropriate transducer con-
nector is positioned correctly in the connector holder, and that the unit is fully
seated on the mount. The Tracker unit will work with the standard dual-beam
transducer.
Second, inspect the transducer cable from end to end for breaks, kinks, or cuts
in the outer casing of the cable. Also ensure the transducer is fully submerged
in water. If the transducer is connected to the unit through a switch, temporar-
ily connect it directly to the unit and try again. If none of these items identifies
an obvious problem, the transducer itself is probably the problem. Be sure to in-
clude the transducer if returning the unit for repair.
3. There is no bottom reading visible on the display.
There are a number of possible causes for this condition. If the loss of bottom
information occurs only at high boat speeds, the transducer needs adjusting. If
22
MAINTENANCE AND WARRANTY
TROUBLESHOOTING
the digital depth readout is working but there is no bottom visible on-screen, it
is possible the depth range has been adjusted manually to a range lower than
what is needed to display the bottom. Also, in very deep water, it may be nec-
essary to manually increase the sensitivity setting to maintain a graphic depiction
of the bottom.
If you are using a transducer switch to connect two transducers to the Tracker
unit, ensure the switch is in the correct position to connect a transducer that is
in water. (If a trolling motor transducer is selected and the trolling motor is out
of water, no sonar information appears.)
If none of the above solve the problem, inspect the transducer cable from end
to end for breaks, kinks, or cuts in the outer casing of the cable. If the transducer
is connected to the unit through a switch, temporarily connect it directly to the
unit and try again. If none of these items identifies an obvious problem, the
transducer itself may be the problem. Be sure to include the transducer if return-
ing the unit for repair.
4. When in very shallow water, I get gaps in the bottom reading and
inconsistent digital depth indication.
The Tracker unit will work reliably in water 2' (.6m) or deeper. The depth is mea-
sured from the transducer, not necessarily from the surface.
5. The unit comes on before I press POWER, and won’t turn off.
Check the transducer cable—if the outer jacket of the cable has been cut and
the cable is in contact with bare metal, you need to repair the cut with electri-
cal tape. If there is no problem with the cable, disconnect the transducer from
the unit and see if the problem is corrected, to confirm the source of the prob-
lem.
6. I get gaps in the reading at high speeds.
Your transducer needs adjusting. If the transducer is transom-mounted, there
are two adjustments available to you—height, and running angle. Make small
adjustments and run the boat at high speeds to determine the effect. It may take
several tries to optimize high speed operation. This can also be a result of air or
turbulence in the transducer location caused by rivets, ribs, etc.
23
MAINTENANCE AND WARRANTY
TROUBLESHOOTING/WARRANTY
7. My unit loses power at high speeds.
Your Tracker unit has over-voltage protection that turns the unit off when input
voltage exceeds 20 VDC. Some outboard motors do not effectively regulate the
power output of the engine’s alternator and can produce voltage in excess of 20
volts when running at high RPMs. The Tracker unit displays input voltage in the
Diagnostic screen. Use this readout to determine if the voltage exceeds 20 VDC.
8. The screen begins to fade out. Images are not as sharp as normal.
Check the input voltage using Diagnostic. The Tracker unit will not operate on
input voltages below 10 VDC.
9. The display shows many black dots at high speeds and high sensi-
tivity settings.
You are seeing noise or interference caused by one of several sources.
Noise can be caused by other electronic devices. Turn off any nearby elec-
tronics and see if the problem goes away. Noise can also be caused by the
engine. If engine noise is causing the interference, the problem will inten-
sify at higher RPMs. Increase the engine speed with the boat stationary to
isolate this cause. Propeller cavitation can appear as noise on-screen. If the
transducer is mounted too close to the propeller, the turbulence generated
can interfere with the sonar signal. Ensure that the transducer is mounted
at least 15" (38cm) from the prop.
HUMMINBIRD ONE YEAR FULL WARRANTY
First year repairs (from original date of purchase) on your Tracker unit are
absolutely free. This does not include physical damage to the unit or its
accessory items. Any modification or attempt to repair the original equip-
ment or accessories by unauthorized individuals will void the warranty.
Return the warranty registration card and retain your bill of sale for war-
ranty verification. Accessories not manufactured under the Humminbird
trade name are not covered by our warranty. The customer is responsible
for shipping charges to Humminbird. Humminbird will provide ground UPS
or Parcel Post shipping back to the customer free of charge. This warranty
applies to the original purchaser only.
24
MAINTENANCE AND WARRANTY
WARRANTY AND SERVICE POLICY
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied and no
representatives or persons are authorized to provide for any other liability
in connection with the sale of our products. Humminbird reserves the right
to perform modifications or improvements on its products without incur-
ring the obligation to install the changes on units previously manufactured,
sold, delivered, or serviced.
THIS IS A FULL WARRANTY AS DEFINED BY THE FEDERAL WARRANTY ACT,
EFFECTIVE JULY 4, 1975.
SERVICE POLICY
This Service Policy is valid in the United States only. This applies to Hum-
minbird units returned to our factory in Eufaula, Alabama, and is subject
to change without notice.
All repair work is performed by factory-trained technicians to meet exact-
ing factory specifications. Factory serviced units go through the same rig-
orous testing and quality control inspection as new production units.
Even though you’ll probably never need to take advantage of our incredi-
ble service guarantee, it’s good to know that we back our units this well.
We do it because you deserve the best. We will make every effort to
repair your unit within three working days from the receipt of your unit.
This does not include shipping time to and from our factory. Units
received on Friday are usually shipped by Wednesday, units received Mon-
day are usually shipped by Thursday, etc.
We reserve the right to deem any product unserviceable when replace-
ment parts are no longer reasonably available or impossible to obtain.
After the original warranty period, a standard flat rate service charge will
be assessed for each repair (physical damage and missing parts are not
included). Please call our Customer Support Department to verify the ser-
vice charge for your unit.
If charges are not prepaid, the unit will be returned C.O.D. If you are expe-
riencing problems related to bottom or depth readings, please send your
25
MAINTENANCE AND WARRANTY
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
transducer along with your unit when sending for repair.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
If you have any questions, call our Humminbird Customer Support Hotline:
1-334-687-0503
Throughout the U.S. and Canada, hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. Central time.
If, after reading “Troubleshooting,” you determine your unit needs factory
service, please attach a description of the problem and send it with the unit
to the address below.
If you are including a check, please attach it to the unit.
Humminbird
Service Department
108 Maple Lane
Eufaula, AL 36027
USA
Further information on Humminbird products can be found at:
26
Remove and use for
Transducer Installation
SPECIFICATIONS
Operating Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200 kHz and 83 kHz
Power Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250 Watts (RMS)
2000 Watts (Peak to Peak)
Area of Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Narrow: 20° at -10 db
Wide: 53° at -10 db
Power Requirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 VDC
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FSTN LCD
LCD Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128 V x 64 H Pixels
Viewing Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.90" V x 2.35" H
(7.3cm V x 5.97cm H)
Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Quick Disconnect Mount
Unit Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6³⁄₄"H x 6¹⁄₄"W x 4¹⁄₄"D
(17.1cm H x 15.9 cm W x 10.5 cm D)
Transducer (Standard) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .XT-6-20
Transducer Cable Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20' (6 meters)
Depth Ranges . . . .15', 30', 60', 120', 180', 240', 360', 480', & 600'
(5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 110, 150 & 185 meters)
Zoom Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7¹⁄₂', 15', 30', & 60'
(2, 5, 10 & 20 meters)
P/N 530991-1
27
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