Garmin GPSMAP 500 Series Owner's Manual

Also see for GPSMAP 500 Series: Reference guide Instructions Template Instructions Pilot's guide addendum

Contents

Garmin GPSMAP 500 Series Owner's Manual Manual pdf 22 page image

Setting the Scroll SpeedYou can set the rate at which the sonar image moves acrossthe screen. A higher scroll speed shows more detail, especiallywhile moving or trolling. A lower scroll speed displays sonarinformation on the screen longer. Setting the scroll speed onone sonar view applies to all the sonar views.1 From a sonar view, select Menu > Sonar Setup > ScrollSpeed.2 Select an option:• To adjust the scroll speed automatically using speed-over-ground or water speed data, select Auto.The Auto setting selects a scroll rate to match the boatspeed, so targets in the water are drawn with the correctaspect ratio and appear less distorted. When viewingDownVü or SideVü sonar views, it is recommend to usethe Auto setting.• To use a very fast scroll speed, select Ultrascroll®.The Ultrascroll option quickly scrolls new sonar data, butwith a reduced image quality. For most situations, theFast option provides a good balance between a quicklyscrolling image and targets that are less distorted.Sonar FrequenciesNOTE: The frequencies available depend on the chartplotter,sounder modules, and transducer being used.Adjusting the frequency helps adapt the sonar for your particulargoals and the present depth of the water.Higher frequencies use narrow beam widths, and are better forhigh-speed operation and rough sea conditions. Bottomdefinition and thermocline definition can be better when using ahigher frequency.Lower frequencies use wider beam widths, which can let thefisherman see more targets, but could also generate moresurface noise and reduce bottom signal continuity during roughsea conditions. Wider beam widths generate larger arches forfish target returns, making them ideal for locating fish. Widerbeam widths also perform better in deep water, because thelower frequency has better deep water penetration.Chirp frequencies allow you to sweep each pulse through arange of frequencies, resulting in better target separation indeep water. Chirp can be used to distinctly identify targets, likeindividual fish in a school, and for deep water applications.Chirp generally performs better than single frequencyapplications. Because some fish targets may show up betterusing a fixed frequency, you should consider your goals andwater conditions when using Chirp.Some sonar black boxes and transducers also provide theability to customize preset frequencies for each transducerelement, which enables you to change the frequency quicklyusing the presets as the water and your goals change.Viewing two frequencies concurrently using the split-frequencyview allows you to see deeper with the lower frequency returnand, at the same time, see more detail from the higherfrequency return.Selecting FrequenciesNOTE: You cannot adjust the frequency for all sonar views andtransducers.You can indicate which frequencies appear on the sonarscreen.1 From a sonar view, select Menu > Frequency.2 Select a frequency suited to your needs and water depth.For more information on frequencies, see SonarFrequencies.Creating a Frequency PresetNOTE: Not available with all transducers.You can create a preset to save a specific sonar frequency,which allows you to change frequencies quickly.1 From a sonar view, select Menu > Frequency.2 Select Add.3 Enter a frequency.Turning On the A-ScopeNOTE: This feature is not available in all sonar views.The a-scope is a vertical flasher along the right side of the full-screen sonar view. This feature expands the most recentlyreceived sonar data so that it is easier to see. It can also behelpful for detecting fish that are close to the bottom.From a sonar view, select Menu > Sonar Setup >Appearance > A-Scope.Selecting the Transducer TypeBefore you can select the transducer type, you must know whatkind of transducer you have.If you are connecting a transducer that was not included withthe chartplotter, you may need to set the transducer type tomake the sonar function properly. If the device automaticallydetected your transducer, this option does not appear.1 From a sonar view, select Menu > Sonar Setup >Installation > Transducer Type.2 Select an option:• If you have a 200/77 kHz, dual-beam transducer, selectDual Beam.• If you have a 200/50 kHz, dual-frequency transducer,select Dual Frequency.• If you have another type of transducer, select it from thelist.Sonar SetupNOTE: Not all options and settings apply to all models, soundermodules, and transducers.Sonar SettingsNOTE: Not all options and settings apply to all models, soundermodules, and transducers.From a sonar view, select Menu > Sonar Setup.Depth Line: Shows a quick-reference depth line.Scroll Speed: Sets the rate at which the sonar scrolls from rightto left.In shallow water you might want to slow the scroll speed toextend the length of time the information is displayed onscreen. In deeper water you might want to increase the scrollspeed.On-screen Control: Sets what the buttons on the sonar screencontrol. This is available for touchscreen devices.Range Lines: Shows the vertical lines indicating the distance tothe right and left of the boat. Available for SideVü sonar view.Color Scheme: Sets the color scheme of the sonar view. Thissetting might be available in the Appearance menu.The high contrast color schemes provide darker colorassignments to the low intensity returns. The low contrastcolor schemes provide color assignments to the low intensityreturns that are similar to the background color.Appearance: See Sonar Appearance Settings.Overlay Numbers: Sets the data shown on the sonar screen.Advanced: See Advanced Sonar Settings.16 Sonar