HumminBIRD 128 Wide Fish Finder Instruction Manual

Wide 128
Operations Manual

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 water flow- 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.

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.

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 makes 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.

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 costs. 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 the installation of your new Humminbird fishfinder. The installation guide included in the next few pages provides detailed step-by-step instructions for the 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)

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 the 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).
• 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 Allen 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.

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 tilts 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 installation after high-speed testing.

1. First, adjust the pivot angle of the transducer body so its length is parallel with the length of the 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.
Step Six – Route the Cable
There are several ways to route the transducer cable 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 another 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 waterline. Route the cable through the hole.
2. Fill the hole with silicone sealant.
3. Place the escutcheon plate over the hole and attach to 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.

INSIDE THE HULL INSTALLATION

Inside the hull, installation requires the mounting system and control head be installed and operational. See Installing the Control Head for instructions 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 is glued in place. Therefore, it is best to perform a trial installation 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 another 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.

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 clean 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, nor oil will affect the performance of the transducer.

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 the 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 the 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 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, and 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).
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.

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 the 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.
After installation is complete and all connections are made, you are ready to test the installation prior to actual use. Thorough testing should be performed with the boat in 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 that confirms the button press. If the unit does not power up, ensure that the unit is fully seated on the mount and that power is available.
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.
If the bottom is visible on-screen with a digital depth readout, the unit is working properly. If the unit powers up but fails to display bottom information, the transducer is not properly connected.
Ensure that the boat is in water greater than 2′ but less than 600’ deep and that the transducer is fully submerged. Remember that the sonar signal cannot pass through air. Refer to the troubleshooting section of this manual.If the unit is working properly, gradually increase the boat speed to test high-speed performance. If the unit functions well at low speeds but begins to skip or miss the bottom at higher speeds, the transducer installation 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.

The Wide 128 is completely automatic and easy to use. Simply press the POWER button and the unit will locate and track the bottom from 2′ to 600′ changing ranges as necessary, display any structure or suspended fish and work at speeds from 0 to over 70 mph.
If POWER is the only button you use, you will benefit from the advanced automatic bottom tracking of the mWide 128. However, if you choose to experiment with the many features and controls the Wide 128 offers, you can customize the presentation of  information to suit your particular needs.

SIMULATOR OPERATION **

**

The Wide One Hundred contains a simulator that allows you to use the unit as if you are on the water. This simulator is invaluable for learning how to operate the many features of the Wide One Hundred.
With the unit turned off, press and hold the POWER button until a continuous chirp is heard. This initiates the simulator operation, and the unit will simulate all functions as if it were actually on the water.
When in simulator operation, the Wide One Hundred unit responds to control inputs as if it is in actual operation, so feel free to experiment with the many features and functions to customize the Wide  One Hundred unit for your particular operation.
To exit the simulator, press POWER to turn the unit off.

WHAT YOU SEE ON-SCREEN

Your Wide 128 uses a 64 x 128 matrix SuperTwist LCD display. This type of display provides outstanding viewability in all light conditions over a wide range of temperatures.
NOTE: When in simulator mode, the word “simulator” occasionally scrolls across the display indicating that the information onscreen is not real sonar data.
At power-up, the depth range, sensitivity, and other user adjustments are set at their default settings.
There are several elements on-screen that are common to all modes of operation. The large digital number at the lower left of the display is the depth of the water directly beneath the transducer location.
The range of the graphic display is shown to the right of the graphic information. The upper number is 0 indicating the surface of the water, the lower number is one of the 9 ranges available that best matches the depth of the water. As the 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 graphics area is the 0 line which represents the surface of the water. Occasionally there will be a gap in this line. This gap indicates that the unit is updating the display even if the bottom is not visible on-screen, or if the bottom information is not changing.
The graphic representation of the bottom may vary considerably depending on the composition and regularity of the bottom surface (see Interpreting the On- screen Information). Any sonar return which is determined to be not a part of the bottom is shown between the surface and the bottom. If this return is determined to be a fish, one of several fish shapes is drawn which indicate the size, depth,  and location of the fish (see Interpreting the On-screen Information).

INTERPRETING THE ON-SCREEN INFORMATION

Figure B shows a typical view you can expect to see on the water. New sonar information appears on the right side of the graphic area of the display and moves to the left as new information is displayed.  The Wide 128 automatically selects the appropriate depth range to show the depth of water beneath the transducer. This range is selected so that the bottom representation is typically shown about 2/3  down the display.
The graphic depiction of the bottom provides the user with 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 that much of the signal is absorbed by the soft bottom. If the bottom is rocky or rugged in composition, the depiction is of varying density and textured in appearance.
Wave action also affects the bottom depiction. Remember that the information drawn is a distance measurement, so if the boat is moving up and down over flat bottom, the bottom depiction often appears in regular variations which match wave timing.
The structure is defined as any object physically attached to the bottom. The sonar configuration of the Wide 128 is optimized to give the most accurate depiction of the 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 Wide  128 over a variety of known conditions and experiment with user functions to best represent those conditions on-screen. Sonar targets that are not physically attached to the bottom may take one of many shapes. 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 onscreen as regular clusters of individual dots near the “0” line.
Thermoclines are sharp differences in water temperature. These are easily identified by the continuous nature of the return. ID+ adds an additional piece of information 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 helpful in setting bait depths or for downrigger operation.

**CONTROL FUNCTIONS

**

The Wide 128 uses a simple 5-button keypad for all user input. When any button is pressed, an audible “chirp” confirms the control input. In the event that a particular button has no function or is inappropriate for the situation, an audible “error”, or multiple chirps will be heard.
POWER, powers the Wide 128 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. With the unit powered off, press and hold POWER for several seconds until a continuous chirp is heard. When a sonar signal is reflected off the bottom back to the transducer, there is often enough energy 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 second return is most likely to occur in shallow water and in areas of relatively hard bottom.
The Wide 128 uses advanced signal processing to further evaluate any sonar return between the surface and the bottom. For instance, a small school of baitfish usually appears as a dense cluster of individual dots. If the return meets certain additional criteria, a fish symbol will be assigned. There are three different size fish symbols used to indicate the intensity of the sonar return. While signal intensity is a good indicator of relative fish size, different species of fish have different sonar characteristics, so it is not always possible to distinguish fish size between varying species. The signal intensity is “normalized” for depth so that a small fish close to the boat does not appear as a large fish symbol.
LIGHT controls the unit’s 3-position display backlight. With the unit powered on, pressing LIGHT once will turn the backlight on “high”. Pressing LIGHT a second time will turn the backlight on  “low”, and pressing a third time will turn the backlight off. The backlight is very effective for low-light and nighttime operations.
When the backlight is on, the Wide 128 will consume more power than with the backlight off. This is important when using the Wide 128 in a portable configuration powered by a separate battery, or when powering the unit from a trolling motor battery.
NOTE:  When powering the unit from a battery such as in portable applications, avoiding use of the backlight prolongs battery life.
The three lower buttons, MENU, UP ARROW, and DOWN ARROW work together to control the Wide 128 menu-controlled user functions.
MENU brings a menu on-screen for adjustment. In normal operation, pressing MENU repeatedly will cycle through all available menu headings. When the desired menu heading is displayed, the full menu appears after a short pause. A menu remains on-screen for several seconds allowing user adjustment by means of the ARROW keys. If no adjustment is made in the allotted time, the menu disappears. If you need the menu to remain on-screen longer to study the adjustment options, 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. Pressing MENU will bring up the last used menu.
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 that 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 that the corresponding ARROW button can be used to affect the menu adjustment.
The ARROW buttons often can be used when no menu is on-screen. In these situations, pressing the ARROW button affects the function of the active (last-used) menu. This is a shortcut to menu operation.
The menu appears onscreen 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 several seconds and the unit returns to normal operation. All menus use the same basic layout as shown in Figure F. The heading at the top describes the menu function (see Control Functions for more details on individual functions). The UP ARROW and  DOWN ARROW symbols to the left of the menu indicate which buttons are available for adjustment. In menus that have numerous possible settings such as depth range, a range of adjustment 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 will be the selected setting. Pressing one of the ARROW buttons while the menu is on- screen selects another option.
Several of the menus are multi-step. In some situations, if an adjustment is made, additional options become available for further adjustment. Examples of these multi-step menus are Depth Range,  Depth Alarm, and Zoom. See the detailed description of each function for further explanation.

MENU FUNCTIONS

Sensitivity
The Sensitivity function controls the sensitivity of the sonar receiver. The Wide 128 automatically adjusts the level of receiver sensitivity based on a number of factors including 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 biasing this Sensitivity adjustment either higher or lower based on personal preference. You can select one of 11 sensitivity bias settings from -5 to +5. A bias setting of 0  (Factory Setting) has no effect on the automatic sensitivity control. Increasing the bias (+1 through +5) causes 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 advantageous to reduce the sensitivity bias. This prevents the display from being cluttered with sonar returns from debris or suspended particles. In very clear or very deep water, it may be desirable to increase the sensitivity bias 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 bias, or the DOWN ARROW  to reduce sensitivity bias. By holding either the ARROW button depressed, the unit will sequence through the available settings until you release the button or the end of the adjustment range is reached.  If additional time is needed to study a menu, press and hold the MENU button and the menu will remain on-screen indefinitely.
If a set limit is reached, the ARROW symbol attached to the menu appears to be hollow which indicates that the related button has no further function. Also, the audible “error” consisting of  multiple chirps will be heard.
After an adjustment is made, the menu disappears and the new sensitivity setting begins to affect new sonar information as it flows on-screen. If additional adjustment is needed, the UP ARROW or  DOWN ARROW can be pressed without having to first press MENU.
Depth Range
The Depth Range function controls the vertical distance displayed on the graphic area of the display. There are 9 different 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. The range which positions the bottom depiction closest to the bottom of the graphic area of the  display will best utilize the available display resolution.
The Wide 128 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′ of water,  the 0-30′ range would be selected). This provides the best display resolution and therefore the best target separation possible.
The Depth Range can be adjusted manually. Press MENU repeatedly until the Depth Range menu is visible. The two options available are “Auto” (Factory Setting) and “Manual”. Pressing the DOWN ARROW enables “Manual” depth range control and an additional menu will appear which allows the user to adjust the current depth range setting. If no further button is pressed, the current depth range is selected as the desired range and the unit returns to normal operation. Using “Manual” Depth Range control, the user can view sonar information from the area near the surface in great detail. If a depth range other than the current range is desired, pressing the DOWN ARROW to highlight “Adjust” will allow the selection of one of the 9 available ranges. Simply press and hold the UP or DOWN ARROW button to scan through the available options. If a set limit is reached, the audible “error” or multiple chirps will be heard and no further adjustment is allowed.
When the “Manual” range is used, the unit no longer adjusts the Depth Range to the most appropriate range for the bottom display. Often, the bottom may not be visible on-screen. The digital depth readout always determines the depth of the bottom, even if it is not visible on-screen.
When a Depth Range is selected manually and the Depth Range menu is still active (most recently used), further adjustment of the depth range can be achieved by simply pressing the appropriate UP or  DOWN ARROW button. The button press will bring the Depth Range menu on-screen and allows immediate adjustment of the range.
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. The Wide 128 returns to Automatic operation.
Zoom
Zoom is similar to Depth Range in that it controls the range of information displayed in the graphics area of the display. Zoom, however, allows the 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 display resolution is increased,  and the unit’s ability to separate targets that are very close together is enhanced.
There are four different Zoom ranges available; 7 1/2′, 15′, 30′, and 60′. These ranges are not directly user-controlled but are instead dependent on the current depth range. In shallow water, when the  15′ or 30′ range is in use, the Zoom range is 7 1/2′. If the 60′ or 120′ range is in use, the Zoom range is 15′, if a 180′-480′ depth range is in use, the Zoom range is 30′, and if the 600′ range is in use, the  Zoom range is 60′. The Wide 128 shows the Zoom range in conjunction with the full depth range.
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. “Manual” Zoom provides detailed information on any area from the surface to the bottom. In “Manual” Zoom, the Zoom range does not move as the terrain changes.
To operate Zoom, Press MENU repeatedly until the Zoom menu is onscreen. Three options are available: “Off” (Factory Setting), “Auto” (Automatic bottom tracking Zoom), and “Manual” (User controlled Zoom range). Press the DOWN ARROW once to highlight Auto. When the menu disappears, the graphics area of the screen will be divided in half. Full range information on the right,  Zoom information on the left. The digital depth readout is unaffected by Zoom.
Pressing the DOWN ARROW again to highlight “Manual” activates Manual Zoom. The menu further expands to show the current Zoom range, and allows user adjustment of this range.
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. The UP and DOWN ARROW  buttons can be used to move this range. The upper number can never be less than 0 (the surface of the water), and the lower number 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 will appear the same as in “Auto” Zoom, but the zoom range does not change automatically. If further adjustment of the zoom range is necessary, pressing either ARROW button, while Zoom is active, will move the Zoom range up or down. The Menu returns briefly to show the numeric values as the adjustment is made.
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 Wide 128 contains an audible alarm to warn you of shallow water depths. The alarm is adjustable from 2′ to 99′ in depth. When the alarm is enabled, an audible alarm is sounded if the water beneath the boat is equal to or less than the selected alarm depth. Upon activation, the alarm sounds continuously for about 5 seconds, and then intermittently to remind you that you are still in shallow water.
To enable Depth Alarm, press MENU repeatedly until the Depth Alarm menu is on- screen. The factory setting is “Off”. Use the DOWN ARROW to highlight On. The menu will expand to show the current Depth Alarm setting. Use the UP or DOWN ARROW to set the desired depth for alarm activation.
Once the menu times out, the Depth Alarm is enabled. To further adjust the setting, simply press the UP or DOWN ARROW. The menu appears briefly to indicate the setting. If the alarm is sounding and you want to disable it, use the MENU button to bring the Depth Alarm menu on-screen, and the UP ARROW to highlight “Off”.

Fish Alarm The Fish Alarm alerts you to the presence of fish, or other targets not connected to the bottom. The Fish Alarm has 3 different settings which correspond to the 3 different size fish symbols shown on- the screen.
To enable Fish Alarm, press the MENU button repeatedly until the Fish Alarm menu appears on-screen. The menu shows two options, “Off” (Factory Setting) and “On”. Use the DOWN ARROW to highlight “On” and the menu further expands to show the 3 alarm options. The selected setting will be “Large fish only”. With this setting, the Wide 128 alarms on only those targets which are represented by the large fish symbols (see Interpreting the On-Screen Information). Pressing the DOWN ARROW again highlights “large and medium fish” and pressing third-time highlights “large,  medium, and small fish). With this setting, any fish symbol appearing on-screen activates the Fish Alarm. Once the Fish Alarm is enabled, the Wide 128 emits an audible beep when the selected 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 at the unit.
To disable the Fish Alarm, press MENU until the Fish Alarm menu appears on- screen. Use the UP ARROW to highlight “Off”, and let the menu time out.
Fish ID The Fish ID menu controls the method used to portray fish. There are three selections available: ID Off, ID On, and ID+. The factory setting is ID+. With ID Off, sonar returns are displayed as “raw”  information. There is no interpretation made by the unit. Selecting ID Off will also disable the Fish Alarm if selected. ID On enables the Wide 128 to interpret the raw sonar data and using a variety of techniques, depicts appropriate returns as one of three different size fish symbols.
Use the arrow buttons to highlight the desired setting.

USING DIAGNOSTIC
The Wide 128 contains a powerful diagnostic tool that can aid in determining the cause of a problem. To enable Diagnostic, power the unit on and use the DOWN ARROW button to highlight the  Diagnostic option on the initial screen. The diagnostic can only be accessed at power-up.
After the menu times out, the first of two diagnostic screens will appear. Upon enabling diagnostic, the Wide 128 will perform a self-test. This test confirms the operation of all internal circuitry. At the conclusion of the test, one of two messages will appear; “passed” indicates that the internal test discovered no failures. “Failed” indicates that a significant internal problem was discovered and the unit will require factory service. In conjunction with the failure, the indication will be a code that indicates to the repair personnel where the problem is.

Press MENU to advance to the second Diagnostic screen.
The second Diagnostic screen shows transducer connection and voltage input. The voltage input category is especially helpful in diagnosing input voltage problems. The current input voltage will be displayed. If voltage fluctuations or power supply in excess of 16 VDC or less than 10 DC 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 Wide 128 in a portable configuration or from the trolling motor battery, Diagnostic can be used to evaluate the health of the battery by showing the current voltage.

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)  >>

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>