HUMMINBIRD LCR400 Fishfinder Sonar Head Unit w Mount Instruction Manual
- June 9, 2024
- Humminbird
Table of Contents
LCR400 Fishfinder Sonar Head Unit w Mount
INSTALLATION PREPARATION
PARTS SUPPLIED
PARTS SUPPLIED
Before installing your new Humminbird fishfinder, please ensure the following
parts are included in the box:
· Fishfinder · Transducer with 20′ (6m) of cable and mounting hardware kit ·
Mounting system and mounting hardware kit · 6′ (2m) power cable · Publications
kit
It any of these items is missing, call our Customer Support Hotline.
ACCESSORIES
Humminbird offers a wide assortment of accessories that complement and expand
the capability of your new fishfinder. These accessories are designed with the
same high standards and are backed by the same one-year warranty. The
Humminbird Accessory catalog included with your unit contains descriptions of
the many accessories available and ordering information. All Humminbird
accessories are available through your full-service Humminbird dealer or
factory direct through our number listed in the Customer Support section.
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
Your Humminbird fishfinder consists of two primary components to install: the
control head and the transducer.
The control head contains the sonar transmit and receive circuitry, as well as
the user controls and display. It should be installed in a location that
provides access to the controls and visibility while in use. The control head
mounts on a quick disconnect mounting system that swivels and tilts providing
flexibility for viewing from almost anywhere on the boat.
The transducer converts electrical energy from the transmitter into mechanical
pulses or sound waves. The transducer also receives the reflected sound waves
and converts them back into electrical signals for display on the control
head. It should be installed in contact with the surface of the water in an
area that has smooth waterflow- usually on the transom of the boat. There are
several mounting options for the transducer. Review the following section to
determine the method that works for you and your boat.
INSTALLATION PREPARATION
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
Determining How to Mount the Transducer
Your Humminbird fishfinder includes a standard transducer. This transducer can
be mounted on the transom of the boat or bonded to the inside of a fiberglass
hull boat.
The transom installation, which is the most widely used, places the transducer
on the outside of the boat hull. This technique produces the least signal
loss, and provides a way to adjust the transducer after installation. The
mounting hardware included is designed to protect both the boat and the
transducer should the boat strike debris in the water or when trailering.
As an alternative to transom mounting, it is possible on many fiberglass-
hulled boats to glue the transducer on the inside of the boat hull. Since
fiberglass has similar sonar characteristics as water, the sonar signal can
pass through the boat hull with minimal loss. The hull of the boat must be
single layer construction (not double-hulled) Also, any air trapped in the
lamination of the fiberglass would prevent the sonar signal from passing
through.
Inside the hull installations require no holes be drilled into the boat and
through experimentation, high-speed operation comparable to transom mounting
can be achieved. Two-part slow cure epoxy (not included) is required to glue
the transducer in place.
INSTALLATION PREPARATION
ALTERNATE MOUNTING METHODS
ALTERNATE TRANSDUCERS AND MOUNTING METHODS
Your Humminbird fishfinder comes with everything necessary for installation
and operation on most boats. However, there are several situations which may
require a different type of transducer. Inboard boats, wood or metal hulls,
and sail boats create unique transducer mounting needs Alternate transducers
and mounting methods are detailed below.
Portable Mounting
The standard transducer can be adapted for portable installations with a
portable mounting kit available from Humminbird. This accessory adapts your
transducer to a suction cup mount for temporary installation on the boat hull
or other surface.
Trolling Motor Mounting
The standard transducer can also be adapted to mount on most trolling motors
using a different accessory kit. This accessory includes a bracket and hose
clamp that allows mounting the transducer to the body of most trolling motors.
Thru-Hull Mounting
Thru-hull transducers install through a hole drilled in the hull of the boat.
Larger boats or boats with inboard motors create turbulence that make transom
mounting ineffective. Also, hulls that are very thick or are double layered,
or made from materials such as wood or metal, (which do not conduct sonar
signals) make inside the hull mounting inadvisable.
Thru-hull mounting may require the use of a fairing block to level the
transducer with the waterline. Also, since special tools and knowledge may be
required to perform this type of installation, it is best to refer to a
qualified marine technician.
INSTALLATION PREPARATION
TRANSDUCER EXCHANGE
TRANSDUCER EXCHANGE
Other transducers are available as replacements for the standard transducer.
You may exchange your new and unassembled transducer for another type by
returning it to the address listed in Customer Support. Some transducers may
have additional cost. Refer to the Accessory catalog or call Customer Support
for information.
BEGINNING INSTALLATION
Now that you have determined the transducer mounting method you can begin
installation of your new Humminbird fishfinder. The installation guide
included on the next few pages provides detailed step by step instructions for
installation of the control head and transducer. For transom mount transducer
installations you will need the mounting template included with your manual.
In addition to the parts included you need the following for installation and
operation:
· A powered hand drill and various drill bits · Philips and flat-head
screwdrivers · A ruler or measuring tape · Pen or pencil · 12 volt power
source (your boat’s battery) · A 1-amp fuse · A fuse holder (if you are wiring
directly to the boat’s battery) · Silicone sealant (for sealing drilled holes)
· 2-part, slow-cure epoxy (for inside the hull transducer installations)
INSTALLATION
TRANSOM INSTALLATION
Do not begin this transducer installation until you read the Installation
Preparation in the Operation Guide. This chapter contains information critical
to the correct installation of your transducer.
Due to the wide variety of boat hulls, only general instructions are presented
in the installation guide. Each boat hull represents a unique set of
requirements that should be evaluated prior to installation.
TRANSOM INSTALLATION
Step One – Determine Where to Mount the Transducer
Begin the transducer installation by determining where on the transom to
install the transducer. Consider the following to find the best location:
· It is very important to locate the transducer in an area which is relatively
free of turbulent water, As a boat moves through the water, turbulence is
generated by the weight of the boat, and the thrust of the propeller(s). This
turbulent water is normally confined to areas immediately aft of ribs, strakes
or rows of rivets on the bottom of the boat, and in the immediate area of the
propeller(s) (Figure 1). On outboard or inboard/outboard boats it is best to
stay at least 15″ (40cm) to the side of the propeller(s).
· If possible, viewing the transom of the boat while the boat is moving will
provide the best means of locating turbulence free water. If maximum high-
speed operation is a high priority, this is the recommended method. If this is
not possible, select a location on the transom where the hull forward of this
location is smooth, flat, and free of protrusions or ribs.
· The transducer when mounted should point straight down. The design of the
transducer will accommodate a wide range of deadrises and remain ported
straight down (Figure 2).
· On boats with stepped hulls, it may be possible to mount the transducer on
the step. Never mount the transducer on the transom behind a step, as this
area of the transom will not be in contact with the water at high speed
(Figure 3).
INSTALLATION
TRANSOM INSTALLATION
· If the propeller(s) is (are) forward of the transom, it may be impossible to
find an area clear from turbulence, and a different mounting technique or
transducer type should be considered.
Step Two – Drill the Mounting Holes
1. Remove the mounting template from the front of the Operations Manual.
2. Hold the template on the transom of the boat in the location where the
transducer will be installed (Figure 4). Align the template vertically,
ensuring the lower edge of the transom meets with the bottom corner of the
template.
3. Using a pencil or punch, mark the two mounting holes shown on the template
onto the transom. Do not mark or drill any other holes at this time.
4. Using a 5/32″ (4mm) bit drill the two holes to a depth of approximately 1″
(3cm). On fiberglass hulls, it is best to start with a smaller bit and use
progressively larger drill bits to reduce the chance of chipping or flaking
the outer coating.
Step Three – Assemble the Transducer
1. Attach the Pivot to the transducer body as shown in Figure 5, using the #8
3/8″ (9mm) long allen headed pivot screw, the headed pin, the two flat
washers, and the two toothed lock washers.
Note: The toothed lock washers must be positioned between the transducer and
the pivot ears. The flat washers must be positioned to the outside at the
pivot ears.
2. Using the AIlen wrenches provided, loosely tighten the pivot screw (Figure
6). Do not completely tighten the assembly at this time, so the pivot angle
can be adjusted later.
3. Insert the pivot/transducer assembly into the mounting bracket as shown in
Figure 7. Do not snap the assembly closed.
INSTALLATION
TRANSOM INSTALLATION
Step Four – Mount the Transducer to the Transom
1. Apply silicone sealant to the mounting holes drilled into the transom.
2. Align the transducer assembly with the drilled holes in the transom
(Figure 8).
3. Use either a flat head screwdriver, a 5/16″ (8mm) hex driver, or a 5/16″
(8mm) socket to mount the assembly. Using the two #10 1″ (25mm) long slotted
hex head screws, mount the transducer assembly to the transom as shown. Do not
fully tighten the mounting screws in order to vertically adjust the
transducer. Snap the pivot down into place.
Step Five – Adjust the Running Position of the Transducer
The bracket allows height and tilt adjustment, the pivot screws allow angular
adjustment. Initially, adjust the transducer as described in the following
paragraphs. Further adjustment may be necessary to refine the instillation
after high speed testing.
1. First adjust the pivot angle of the transducer body so its length is
parallel with the length of hull of the boat. Then pivot the transducer down
so the rear is about 1/4 inch (6mm) lower than the front (Figure 9).
2. Fully tighten the two pivot screws using the Allen wrenches. It may be
necessary to retighten the pivot screws after the initial use as the plastics
may still be seating to the lock washers.
3. Adjust the height of the assembly so the face of the transducer is 3/16″
(4.5mm) beneath the lower edge of the transom (Figure 10). Mark the position
of the mounting bracket on the transom with a pencil.
4. Force the pivot to the up position to gain access to the mounting screws.
Assure the transducer location has not changed, then fully tighten the two
mounting screws (Figure 11). Snap the pivot back down.
Confirm the pivot angle has not changed.
Note: A third screw location is provided for the
mounting bracket. Drill this hole and install the screw after final testing and adjustments have been completed.
INSTALLATION
TRANSOM INSTALLATION
Step Six – Route the Cable
There are several ways to route the transducer cable to the to the area where
the control head will be installed. The most common procedure routes the cable
through the transom into the boat.
Inside the boat there is often a channel or conduit used for other wiring that
the cable can be routed along. Do not cut or shorten the transducer cable and
try not to damage the cable insulation. Route the cable as far as practical
from the VHF radio antenna cables or tachometer cable to reduce the
possibility of interference.
If the cable is too short, extension cables are available to extend the
transducer cable up to a total of 50′ (15 m). Call Humminbird Customer Support
for more information.
Follow these steps to route the cable through the transom:
1. Drill a 5/8″ (16mm) hole above the water line. Route the cable through the
hole.
2. Fill the hole with silicone sealant.
3. Place the escutcheon plate over the hole and attach with the two #8 x 5/8″
(16mm) screws.
4. Secure the cable by attaching the cable camp to the transom using a #8 x
5/8″ (16mm) screw.
Note: The transducer will pivot up to 90 degrees in the bracket. Allow enough
slack in the cable for this movement. It is best to route the cable to the
side of the transducer so the cable will not be damaged by the transducer
during movement.
INSTALLATION
INSIDE THE HULL INSTALLATION
INSIDE THE HULL INSTALLATION
Inside the hull installation requires the mount system and control head be
installed and operational. See Installing the Control Head for instruction on
installing the unit.
Inside the hull mounting generally produces good results in single thickness
fiberglass-hulled boats. Humminbird cannot guarantee depth performance when
transmitting and receiving through the hull of the boat since some signal loss
occurs. The amount of loss depends on hull construction and thickness, and the
installation.
This installation requires slow-cure two-part epoxy. Do not use silicone or
any other soft adhesive to install the transducer, as this material reduces
the sensitivity of the unit. Five minute epoxy has a tendency to cure before
all the air bubbles can be purged.
Step One – Determine the Mounting Location
Begin the transducer installation by determining where inside the hull to
install the transducer. Consider the following to find the best location:
· Observe the outside of the boat hull to find the areas that are mostly free
from turbulent water. Avoid ribs, strakes, and other protrusions as these
create turbulence (Figure 14).
· As a general rule, the faster the boat can travel the further aft and closer
to the centerline of the hull the transducer has to be located to remain in
contact with the water at high speeds.
Step Two – Test the Mounting Location
There is no opportunity for adjustment after the transducer glued in place.
Therefore, it is best to perform a trial installation on inside the hull
transducers first, and run the boat at high speeds to determine the best
mounting area.
1. At the identified mounting location, lay the transducer body face down
with the pointed end towards the bow.
2. Fill the hull with enough water to submerge the transducer body. Use a
sand filled bag or other heavy object to hold the transducer in position.
The transducer cannot transmit through air. The water purges any air from between the transducer and the hull and fills any voids in the coarse fiberglass surface.
INSTALLATION
INSIDE THE HULL INSTALLATION
3. Power up the Control Head.
4. Run the boat at various speeds and water depths while observing the screen
on the Control Head. If the unit functions well at low speeds but begins to
skip or miss the bottom at higher speeds, the transducer needs to be moved. If
depth performance is required, test the fishfinder in water at the desired
depth. Test different locations in the hull until the optimum performance is
achieved.
Step Three – Permanently Mount the Transducer
1. Once the mounting location is determined, mark the position of the
transducer.
2. Remove the water from inside the hull and thoroughly dry the mounting
surface. If the surface is excessively rough, it may be necessary to sand the
area to provide a smooth mounting surface.
Ensure the mounting area is clear and dry.
3. Mix an ample quantity of two-part slow-cure epoxy slowly and thoroughly.
Avoid trapping air bubbles.
4. Coat the face of the transducer and the inside of the hull (Figure 16).
5. Press the transducer into place with a slight twisting motion to purge any
trapped air from underneath, keeping the pointed end of the transducer body
pointed forward (Figure 17).
Note: Proper operation requires the pointed end of the transducer body to face
towards the bow.
6. Weight the transducer so it does not move while the epoxy is curing.
When the epoxy cures, no water is necessary inside the hull. Neither water,
spilled gasoline, or oil will affect the performance of the transducer.
INSTALLATION
CONTROL HEAD INSTALLATION
CONTROL HEAD INSTALLATION
Step One – Determine Where to Mount
Begin the installation by determining where to mount the control head.
Consider the following to determine best location:
· The cables for power, transducer and temp/speed accessories (if applicable)
should be installed first and must reach the mounting location. Extension
cables are available.
· There are two ways to route the cables to the unit: through a hole in the
mounting surface underneath the mounting bracket or from a hole outside the
mounting bracket. Routing the cables down under the mount provides maximum
weather protection; however this is not always feasible if the area under the
fishfinder is inaccessible. In this case, route the cables through a hole at
another location and cover with the supplied hole cover.
· The mounting surface should be adequately supported to protect the
fishfinder from excessive wave shock and vibration, and provide visibility
while in operation.
· The mounting area should allow sufficient room for the unit to pivot and
swivel freely, and for easy removal and installation (Figures 18-19).
Step Two – Connect the Power Cable to the Boat
A 6′ (2m) long power cable is included to supply power to the fishfinder. You
may shorten or lengthen the cable using 18 gauge multi-stranded copper wire.
CAUTION: Some boats have 24 or 36 volt electric systems. Be sure your unit is
connected to a 12 VDC power supply.
The Power can be connected to the boat’s electrical system at two places: a
fuse panel, usually located near the console, or directly to the battery.
If a fuse terminal is available, use crimp-on type electrical connectors (not
included) that match the terminal on the fuse panel. Attach the black wire to
ground, and the red wire to 12 VDC power (Figure 20). Be sure to use a one amp
fuse in the connection. If you must wire the control head directly to a battery, be sure to install an inline fuse holder
INSTALLATION
CONTROL HEAD INSTALLATION
and one amp fuse (not included) for the protection of the unit (Figure 21).
Humminbird is not responsible for over voltage or over current failures.
In order to minimize the potential for interference with other marine
electronics a separate power source (such as a second battery) may be
necessary.
Step Three – Drill the Mounting Holes
1. Set the mounting bracket in place on the mounting surface. Mark the four
mounting screw locations with a pencil or punch.
2. Set the mounting bracket aside, and drill the four mounting screw holes
using a 9/64″ (3.6mm) bit.
Step Four – Run the Cables
1. If the cables must pass through a hole underneath the mounting surface,
mark and drill a 1″ (25mm) hole centered between the four mounting holes
(Figure 22).
Note: if the cables must pass through the mounting surface at a different
location, drill the 1″ (25mm) hole at that location and pass the cables
through from underneath. Also, you must break out the tabs on the rear of the
mounting base using needle nose pliers (Figures 24-25).
2. Insert all cables through the 1″ (25mm) hole from beneath the mounting
surface.
3. Pass the cables through the grommet (if the cable hole is underneath the
mounting bracket) then press the grommet in place around the cables and into
the 1″ (25mm) hole.
4. Pass the cables through the mounting base, out the top of the mounting
bracket.
5. Place the mounting bracket on the mounting surface aligned with the
drilled holes. Insert the four flathead wood screws into the mounting holes
and tighten fully (Figure 23).
Optional: If the cables pass outside the mounting bracket, install the hole cover over the hole and fasten in place using the two #8 x 7/8″ (22mm) wood screws (Figure 24).
INSTALLATION
CONTROL HEAD INSTALLATION
Step Five – Assembling the Connector Holder
1. Insert the cable connectors into the connector holder. The cable
connectors are labeled, and there are corresponding labels on the connector
holder (Figure 26). The slots for the connectors are keyed to prevent reverse
installation, so do not force the connector into the holder.
2. Carefully pull the excess cable from beneath the mounting surface so the
connector holder aligns with the mounting holes on the front of the mounting
bracket (Figure 27).
3. Snap the support plate to the rear of the connector holder (Figure 28).
4. Insert the connector holder into place and use the two #6-32 x ¾” (9mm)
screws to fasten it to the mounting bracket (Figure 28).
5. Install the control head by sliding it onto the mounting bracket until it
is fully seated. To remove the unit simply depress the latch on the rear of
the unit and lift (Figure 29).
Your Humminbird is now ready for operation.
INSTALLATION
TEST THE INSTALLATION
TEST THE INSTALLATION
Testing should be performed with the boat in the water, however you can
initially confirm basic operation with the boat trailered.
Press POWER once to turn the unit on. There will be an audible chirp when any
button is pressed to confirm the button press. If the unit does not power-up,
ensure the unit is fully seated on the mount and that power is available.
The first screen provides four options: Start-up, Options, Simulator, and
Diagnostic. A message at the bottom of the screen indicates the transducer
connection. If no transducer is detected (or one is not connected), the
message will indicate this and the unit will go into simulator after the
initial screen times out.
Note: the transducer must be submerged in water for reliable transducer
detection.
If a transducer is detected, the unit will enter “Start Up” or normal
operation unless you choose another option. If you do not press any button
before the timer reaches “0”, the normal operation screen is displayed. If the
boat is in water, sonar data appears.
If the bottom is visible on screen with a digital depth readout, the unit is
working properly. Ensure the boat is in water greater than 2′ but less than
the depth capability of the unit and the transducer is fully submerged.
Remember the sonar signal cannot pass through air.
If the unit is working properly gradually increase the boat speed to test
highspeed performance. If the unit-functions well at low speeds but begins to
skip or miss the bottom at higher speeds, the transducer requires adjustment.
Refer to the appropriate transducer installation section for more detail.
Note: it is often necessary to make several incremental transducer adjustments
before optimum high-speed performance is achieved.
Important: For Transom Mount transducer installations, install the third
mounting screw after the final transducer adjustments.
Humminbird · 3 Humminbird Lane · Eufaula, Alabama 36027
INSTALLING THE LCR W UNIT Before mounting the LCR W unit, gather the parts you
need: LCR W, mounting hardware
kit, power cable, and transducer cable. Next, consider where to mount the LCR
W. To choose the best location, consider the
following: · Temporarily install the power and transducer connectors to the
LCR W to ensure that the cables reach the mounting area. · The mounting area
should allow at least 2″ clearance around the back of the unit for connection,
air flow, and ease of installation. · Any VHF radio you have may incur some
degree of interference with the depth sounder. Humminbird depthsounders are
designed to minimize this interference; however it is best to route the
transducer cable and antenna cable as far away from each other as possible,
for example, on opposite sides of the boat. After you have determined the best
location for your LCR W, proceed with the following instructions. Drill a 3.5″
hole to accommodate the LCR W unit. 3.5″ hole saws are readily available at
most hardware stores. If you do not want to buy a saw for this purpose, tool
rental stores or marine dealers may be another source.
From the front of the console, place the unit into the 3.5″ hole. Be sure that
the unit’s orientation reads properly before continuing.
From behind the console, install the “U” bracket over the rear of the unit and
align the mounting holes in the bracket with the two bolts. Install the flat
washer under the wing nut and tighten. Due to the console or dash thickness
the bracket may not fit onto the two bolts. If this occurs, the bracket can be
easily shortened to fit. Use pliers to bend and break
the bracket tabs (see illustration). The bracket may be broken at several
points. Shorten the bracket one tab at a time until it fits. Do not over
tighten the wing nuts as this may cause damage to the unit.
NOTE: Do not apply thread locking compounds to the unit or bracket as this may
cause damage to the unit.
Connect the transducer and power cables to the back of the LCR W.
TESTING THE INSTALLATION
After installing your LCR W unit and transducer, you are ready to test the
installation. Testing should be performed on the water, since that is the best
way to confirm your transducer’s performance.
With your boat in the water, press POWER once to turn the unit on. If you
press and hold the POWER button, the simulator will be enabled. To power the
unit for normal operation, press and release the POWER button. Notice that
when any button is pressed there is an audible “chirp” that confirms the
button press.
Momentarily, information will begin to “march” across the screen from right to
left. Remember that as each column advances on the screen, it contains
information gathered from several transmit and receive cycles. The column of
information on the far right side of the screen is the most current
information, or the view directly under your boat. If your boat is moving, an
accurate depiction of the terrain you have just covered is created on-screen.
Increase your boat speed to ensure that the transducer remains in contact with
turbulence-free water at higher boat speeds. All Humminbird depthsounders are
designed to work at speeds of 70 MPH or more, however, use caution when
operating any boat at high speed. (High-speed testing does not apply to
portable or trolling motor mounted transducers)
If the LCR W fails to locate the bottom and advance information across the
screen as shown, ensure first that the depth of the water is not in excess of
the unit’s capability. Also, ensure that the unit the cable connections are
correct. (The label on the cable connector matches the label on the back of
the unit).
If no audible “chirp” is heard when pressing the POWER button, the power cable
or the fuse terminal may be the problem. If the unit obviously powers up, but
no bottom information is seen on the display, the transducer is most likely
the problem.
If the LCR W unit operates well at idle or slow speeds, but loses the bottom
or displays erroneous readings at higher speeds, the transducer is losing
intimate contact with the water at high speed. If your transducer is transom
mounted, adjusting the running angle and depth of the transducer may solve the
problem. Several test runs and transducer adjustments may be necessary to
optimize transducer performance.
USING THE LCR W
The LCR W is easy to use. Simply press the POWER button, and the unit will
automatically locate the bottom, adjust the depth range and sensitivity to an
appropriate level, and draw a picture of the terrain beneath your boat. If
POWER is the only button you press, you will benefit from the advanced
automatic bottom tracking capability of the unit. However, if you choose to
experiment with the many features and controls the LCR W offers, you can
customize the presentation of information to suit your particular needs. The
LCR W offers a wide variety of settings and types of display, to satisfy any
sonar need.
SIMULATOR OPERATION
The LCR W contains a simulator which allows you to use the unit as if you were
on the water. This simulator is invaluable for learning how to operate the
many features of the LCR W unit.
With the unit turned off, press and hold POWER until you hear a continuous
chirp. This initiates the simulator operation. Your LCR W will simulate all
functions as if it were actually on the water.
To exit the simulator, press POWER to turn the unit off. Pressing POWER again
will power-up the unit for normal operation.
When in simulator operation, the LCR W unit will respond to control inputs as
if it were in actual operation, so feel free to experiment with the many
features and functions to customize the LCR W unit for your particular
application.
WHAT YOU SEE ON-SCREEN
The first thing you may notice about the LCR W unit is the high resolution
screen LCD display. The LCD display uses super-twist technology, for maximum
viewability and is ruggedized for tough shock and vibration endurance. The
display can operate at temperatures more extreme than you are likely to
encounter.
There are two basic screen layouts for the LCR W. Figure A shows the default
screen layout which does not include temperature and speed readings. If you
have purchased the temperature and speed accessory and it is installed, the
screen layout will be slightly different as shown in Figure B.
The number of vertical pixels (picture elements or dots) in a given depth
range determines the display resolution, or ability to differentiate targets
close to the bottom or other targets. The LCR W is capable of distinguishing
between targets only 6 inches apart, and show fish within 6 inches of the
bottom.
On all screens the horizontal line at the top of the display is the “Zero”
line. This represents the surface of the water. The “Zero” line will always
have a gap which moves as the screen updates. This gap lets you know that the
display is updating even if the bottom terrain remains the same or is not
visible on the selected depth range. The farthest right column of information
is the most recent information, and it shows what is directly under your boat.
At power-up, the LCR W locates the bottom and adjusts the depth range to a
setting most appropriate for that depth. The bottom will be usually shown
about 2/3 of the way down the display. The Structure ID T”^ depiction of the
bottom will vary in appearance depending on the bottom terrain. If the bottom
is very hard and smooth, the bottom depiction will be narrow and dense. If the
bottom is mud or soft sand, the bottom depiction will be thick and less dense.
This indicates that much of the sonar signal is absorbed by the soft bottom.
If the bottom is rugged and varying, such as a rocky bottom, the depiction
will be textured and vary in density. Structure, such as submerged trees or
brush, or other objects are clearly displayed above the solid bottom
return, in varying densities of pixelization. This bottom depiction is useful
in locating structure, by comparing relative density as well as depth.
The transmitted sonar signal travels downward, and is reflected back toward
the surface by the bottom or other objects for display on-screen. The signal
does not stop there – it is reflected downward again by the surface of the
water, and a weak “second return” is usually visible if the depth range is
sufficient to see it. A second return is shown in the figure below. Some users
use this second return as an indicator when setting the sensitivity bias. If a
target is detected between the surface and the bottom, it is displayed as a
fish symbol. Depending on the strength of the signal reflected from the
object, one of three different size symbols is used. These reflected signals
are “normalized” for depth, so that a small fish does not appear to be a large
fish if it is close the boat. Since some species of fish tend to be better
reflectors of sonar than others, the strength of return is not always an
accurate indicator of fish size, however, typically the larger the fish, the
larger the signal return.
CONTROL FUNCTIONS The LCR W unit uses only four buttons to control all
functions. When any button is
pressed, an audible “chirp” will verify the control input. POWER, as
previously discussed, powers the LCR W for normal
operation. Also, if the unit is powered off, press and hold POWER until you
hear a continuous “chirp” to enable simulator operation as discussed in
“Simulator Operation.” Pressing POWER when the unit is in normal or simulator
operation will power the unit off.
MENU brings a menu on-screen for adjustment, or if a menu is already present,
the next menu in sequence will appear. Menus will go off-screen and normal
operation will resume after a short period of time.
UP arrow selects the next larger or next sequential adjustment within the
menu. Holding an Arrow button down will cause the unit to continue to make the
adjustment, until a limit is reached, and the limit alarm sounds.
DOWN arrow selects the next smaller adjustment within the menu. All menus use
the same general layout as shown in the sample menu. The heading of the menu
is at the top. The area at the bottom is controlled by the UP and DOWN arrows.
The following section explains each menu in detail, and how these adjustments
can be used to obtain the maximum information from the sonar returns.
Sensitivity As the LCR W receives returned signals, the sensitivity of the
receiver is adjusted
automatically based on a number of factors such as the depth of the water, and
the signal clarity. In murky water, full of debris, the LCR W will select a
lower sensitivity setting. In clear water, where there is little debris to
defract the sonar signal, the sensitivity is set higher.
The Sensitivity menu allows you to “bias” this automatic setting up or down
based on personal preference.
You can select a bias of +5 to -5, for 11 different bias settings. A bias
setting of “0” has no effect on the automatic function. A +3 setting selects a
sensitivity setting three steps higher than the unit would normally select, so
even the smallest returns are displayed onscreen.
A setting of -2 sets the sensitivity two steps below what the unit would
normally select, so only the largest targets or other returns are displayed.
The LCR W adjusts the depth range automatically, so the bottom return is
displayed at the bottom 1/3 of the display. This leaves the top 2/3 to display
anything between the surface and the bottom. As your boat moves over deeper or
shallower water, the unit adjusts the depth range of the display to keep the
bottom return in the same general area on the screen.
However, you may choose to control this range adjustment manually. By pressing
the UP and DOWN arrow buttons you can select manual operation, meaning the
unit will no longer adjust the depth range automatically. The depth range
selected is also controlled by the UP and DOWN arrow buttons. Ranges of 0-15,
30, 60, 120, 180, 240, 360, 480, & 600 feet can be selected. An on-screen icon
indicates whether the unit is in “AUTO” (automatic) or “MNL” (manual) range
control.
If you alter the depth range, Manual operation is automatically selected. This
feature is valuable if you are only interested in targets near the surface.
The LCR W will always display the digital depth of the water, regardless of
whether the bottom is shown on the selected depth range.
Zoom
Another form of range control is Zoom. Zoom allows selection of various ranges
for full screen viewing. By using the display to view a smaller area, the
effective display resolution is increased, and the units ability to separate
targets close together is enhanced.
The zoom range is determined by the depth range in use when Zoom is enabled.
In shallow water, when the 15′ or 30′ depth range is used, the zoom range will
be 7 1/2′. If the 60′ or 120′ depth range is in use, the zoom range will be
15′, if a 180′ – 480′ depth range is used, the zoom range will be 30′, and if
the 600′ range is in use, the zoom range will be 60′.
Pressing the UP or DOWN arrow button enables zoom and adjusts the zoom
‘window’ to the desired depth. The upper and lower limits are shown on-screen
and the and the digital depth readout will continue to track the bottom even
when Zoom is enabled.
To disable Zoom press the UP arrow button until Zoom turns off.
Bottom Alarm
The LCR W contains an audible alarm to warn you of shallow water depths. This
alarm is adjustable from 2′ to 99′ of depth. To enable the alarm, simply
adjust the alarm depth using the UP and DOWN arrow buttons. When the depth of
the water beneath your boat is equal to or less than the selected alarm depth,
a continuous alarm will sound.
To disable the alarm, either move to deeper water, or use the UP button to
turn the alarm off.
Fish Alarm The Fish Alarm alerts you to the presence of fish, or other targets
not attached to the
bottom, in the water beneath your boat. The Fish Alarm has 3 different
settings which correspond to the 3 different size fish targets shown on-
screen.
To enable Fish Alarm, use the UP and DOWN arrow buttons to adjust the size
return you want to be alerted to: large fish only, large and medium size fish,
or all fish. To disable the alarm use the UP button to return to the off
position.
Remember that it is impossible for sonar to determine if a signal return is a
fish or some other type of object or suspended debris. Any object not
connected to the bottom is normally a fish and is portrayed as a fish symbol.
The strength of the reflected sonar signal from a target is a good indicator
of the size of the target, and the fish symbol displayed represents the
strength of the signal reflected from it.
ID ID is the automatic identification of target returns based on the strength
of the returned signal and other factors. Three options are available: ID “On”
displays targets as one of three different size fish symbols.
ID+”, the default setting, provides more information about the location of the
target by attaching depth “strings” showing the digital depth of the target.
When there are numerous targets onscreen, not every target depth is shown, to
avoid excessive clutter onscreen.
ID “Off” disables the units interpretation of targets, and displays the “raw”
sonar information as it is received. Turning ID off also disables the fish
alarm. Advanced users may prefer this type of presentation, so they can make
their own interpretation from the information displayed. TripLog
Triplog provides a time/distance calculation, based on input from the optional
speed accessory. The timer is started when the unit is first powered, and
distance information is collected to provide elapsed distance since power-up,
and the average speed. To enable the Triplog display, press the DOWN arrow
button.
Triplog can be reset at any time by pressing the UP arrow button. Press MENU
to return to the normal screen.
Note: The optional Speed & Temperature accessory must be connected for Triplog
to work.