Fishfinder 400C: Owner's Manual
Fishfinder 400C: Owner's Manual
owner’s manual
© 2006, 2007 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
Garmin International, Inc. Garmin (Europe) Ltd. Garmin Corporation
1200 East 151st Street, Liberty House No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road,
Olathe, Kansas 66062, USA Hounsdown Business Park, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan
Tel. (913) 397.8200 or (800) 800.1020 Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 9RB UK Tel. 886/2.2642.9199
Fax (913) 397.8282 Tel. +44 (0) 870.8501241 (outside the UK) Fax 886/2.2642.9099
0808 2380000 (within the UK)
Fax +44 (0) 870.8501251
All rights reserved. Except as expressly provided herein, no part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded or stored in
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manual onto a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to be viewed and to print one copy of this manual or of any revision hereto, provided
that such electronic or printed copy of this manual must contain the complete text of this copyright notice and provided further that any unauthorized
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Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Garmin reserves the right to change or improve its products and to make changes in the content
without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes or improvements. Visit the Garmin Web site (www.garmin.com) for current updates and
supplemental information concerning the use and operation of this and other Garmin products.
Garmin®, CANetTM, See-Thru®, and UltrascrollTM are registered trademarks or trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries and may not be used without the
express permission of Garmin.
Warnings
Failure to avoid the following potentially hazardous situations could result in an accident or collision resulting in death or serious injury.
• When navigating, carefully compare information displayed on the unit to all available navigation sources, including information from visual
sightings, and maps. For safety, always resolve any discrepancies or questions before continuing navigation.
WARNING: This product, its packaging, and its components contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive
harm. This Notice is provided in accordance with California’s Proposition 65. See www.garmin.com/prop65 for more information.
Hg - lampS inside this product contain mercury and must be recycled or disposed of according to local,
state, or federal laws.
Important Information
The California Waste Recycling Act of 2003 requires the recycling of certain electronics. For more information on the applicability to this product, see
www.erecycle.org.
Installing the Fishfinder 400C Step 1: Select a Location for the Fishfinder
Consider the following when you select an installation location:
To successfully operate your Fishfinder 400C, you must properly
install the fishfinder and all of its related parts. Compare the contents • Provides optimal viewing as you operate your vessel.
of this package with the packing list on the box. If any pieces are • Allows easy access to the unit’s keypad.
missing, contact your Garmin dealer immediately. Before you begin • Is strong enough to support the weight of the fishfinder and
the installation: protect it from excessive vibration or shock.
• Read and follow the instructions to install the unit. • Allows room for the routing and connection of the power/data
• Gather the appropriate fasteners and tools. and transducer cables. There should be at least a 3-inch (8 cm)
• Verify that all cables can reach the unit mounting location and clearance behind the case.
the transducer. DO NOT mount the unit in an area that is exposed to extreme
• Wear safety goggles and a dust mask when drilling, cutting, or temperature conditions.
sanding. NOTE: The temperature range for the Fishfinder 400C is 5°F
If you experience difficulty installing the unit, contact Garmin to 131°F (-15°C to 55°C). Extended exposure to temperatures
Product Support or contact a professional installer. exceeding this range (in storage or operating conditions) may
cause failure of the LCD screen. This type of failure and related
To install and use your fishfinder: consequences are NOT covered by the manufacturer’s limited
1 Select a location for the fishfinder. warranty.
2. Mount the fishfinder.
3. Install the transducer.
4. Install the wiring harness.
5. Test the installation.
3. Secure the swivel base with three bolts or screws. DO NOT 3. Rotate the swivel mount bracket by twisting it left or right.
OVERTIGHTEN. The bracket clicks as you turn it. Select a good viewing
4. Place the swivel mount bracket over the swivel base and angle, and then tighten all knobs.
secure it with the short knob. 4. Connect the power/data and transducer cables to the back
of the fishfinder, making sure the locking rings are fully
tightened on both connectors.
!PPLY MARINE SEALANT TO ALL -OUNT THE TRANSDUCER CABLE
SCREW THREADS TO PREVENT WATER COVER WELL ABOVE THE
FROM SEEPING INTO THE TRANSOM WATERLINE
4RANSDUCER SHOULD EXTEND
BELOW FIBERGLASS HULL OR
BELOW ALUMINUM HULL
/+ -AKE SURE THAT THE TRANSDUCER IS BELOW
WATER LEVEL WHEN THE BOAT IS ON PLANE
AT HIGH SPEED
$O NOT MOUNT THE TRANSDUCER DIRECTLY IN THE
PATH OF THE PROP 4HE TRANSDUCER CAN CAUSE
CAVITATION THAT MAY DEGRADE THE BOATS
-OUNT THE TRANSDUCER PARALLEL WITH THE BOTTOM
PERFORMANCE AND DAMAGE THE PROP
Vertical
Align with the transom also be mounted using this method. If using a temperature sensing
bottom. The transducer transducer, the temperature shown reflects the hull temperature.
should extend 1/8"
below fiberglass hulls
or 3/8" below aluminum
m
the transo
hulls. Bottom of
OK
NOTE: Many modern hulls have a dedicated pocket for Testing the Location
shoot-thru-hull transducer installation. If you are unsure if your
hull is equipped with a pre-located pocket, contact your hull To permanently install the transducer:
manufacturer. 1. Lightly sand the surface of the hull and face of the transducer
with 400 grit wet or dry sandpaper.
To test the location: 2. Build a dam using strip caulk about 1/4" (6 mm) tall. Pour
1. Fabricate a test device from a section of PVC pipe or a can, about 1/8" (3 mm) of two-part, slow-cure epoxy into the dam.
as shown in the following illustration. 3. Place the transducer in the epoxy, turning the transducer to
2. Temporarily seal the test device to the hull with caulking or work out any air bubbles.
RTV sealer, and fill with water or light mineral oil. 4. Weight the transducer in place, and allow it to cure for
3. Place the transducer in the water, pointed directly at 24 hours.
the bottom and weight it down. Set the unit for optimum
performance. If the sonar performance is significantly
degraded, another location must be tested.
-
Volts DC. Do not exceed this voltage, because this can damage Boat ground
+
the Fishfinder 400C and void the warranty.
Note: During a typical installation, use only the Red and Black
wires. The other wires do not have to be connected for normal —
operation of the Fishfinder 400C unit. For information on connecting
to a NMEA or CANet compatible device, see page 12. +
To Fishfinder 400C
Fuse block
CANet L
CANet H
Note: Although it is possible to perform some checks with the boat trailered, the boat should be in the water to properly test the installation.
The Home screen appears after you select your configuration options. After 15 seconds of inactivity, the fishfinder automatically switches to
Full Screen.
Note: If the transducer is not detected, a “Transducer Disconnected, Sonar Turned Off” message appears.
Fishfinder 400C Owner’s Manual 13
Installing the Fishfinder 400C
Because water is necessary to carry the sounder’s sonar signal, the 3. If the signal strength improves while turning, adjust the
transducer must be in the water to work properly. You cannot get a transducer so that it extends another 1/8" below the transom
depth or distance reading when out of the water. of the boat. It might take several adjustments to eliminate the
degradation.
When you place your boat in the water check for leaks around 4. If the signal does not improve, you might have to move the
any screw holes that were added below the water line. DO NOT transducer to a different location.
leave your boat in the water for an extended period of time without
checking for leaks. NOTE: When adjusting the depth of the transducer, make the
adjustments in small increments. Placing the transducer too
To test the transom mount transducer installation: deep can adversely affect the boat’s performance and put the
1. Begin testing the installation at a slow speed. If the sonar transducer at greater risk of striking underwater objects.
appears to be working properly, gradually increase the
boat’s speed while observing the sonar’s operation. If the
sonar signal is suddenly lost or the bottom return is severely
degraded, note the speed at which this occurs.
2. Return the boat to the speed at which the signal was lost. Make
moderate turns in both directions, and see if the signal improves.
MENU
Adjusting the Backlight Setting
HOME
1. Press and release the POWER key.
2. Press left on the ROCKER to decrease the brightness; press
right to increase. POWER/BACKLIGHT—Press and hold to turn the unit on or off;
press and release to adjust the backlight and day/night modes.
Using Simulator Mode RANGE (-/+)—Press to adjust the range of the sonar.
If a transducer is not connected, no data is shown on the screens. By
ROCKER—Press up, down, left, or right to move through menus,
turning on Simulator Mode, the Fishfinder 400C acts as though a highlight fields, and enter data.
transducer is connected. Use Simulator Mode to practice and learn
how to use your Fishfinder 400C. SELECT—Press to select highlighted items and confirm on-
screen messages.
Caution: When in Simulator Mode, the depth, temperature,
HOME—Press to return to the Home screen.
and speed information are simulated. They do not represent the
actual depth, water temperature, or vessel speed. MENU—Press to access additional settings and configuration
options; Press to return to the previous screen when indicated.
Fishfinder 400C Owner’s Manual 15
Basic Operation
Suspended
targets
Range
Zoomed
depth scale
Zoom Range
window
Transducer
mode
Bottom
Transducer mode
Depth
Water Frequencies
speed Odometer
Temp
and
depth
Temp
range
Time
elapsed
All transducers show depth. If you are using a temperature-capable The temperature appears along the right side and the time
transducer, the Water Temp field appears. If you are using a speed- elapsed appears along the bottom. The graph scrolls to the left as
capable transducer, the Water Speed and Odometer fields appear. information is received.
Understanding the Configure Screen Alarms—set alarms to alert you of various events. See page 21.
The Configure screen contains the main configuration options for the Display—customize display settings including backlight and Day/
Fishfinder 400C. From this screen, you can define and adjust settings Night mode. See page 21.
universal to all Fishfinder 400C screens.
Sonar—customize sonar settings. See page 22.
On the Home screen, highlight Configure, and press SELECT.
System—set various system options. See page 23.
Transducer—set transducer options. See page 23.
Units—customize the units of measure shown on Fishfinder 400C
screens. See page 24.
For more information on the Configure screen, see the “Customizing
the Fishfinder 400C” section beginning on page 21.
Changing the Sonar Settings Scroll Speed—adjust the rate at which the sonar scrolls from
To change the sonar settings, on the Configure screen, highlight right to left (Ultrascroll, Fast, Medium, or Slow). If you have
Sonar, and press SELECT. a speed-capable transducer, select Auto to have the scroll speed
automatically adjust to your vessel’s water speed.
Color Scheme—choose white or blue. This affects the background
on all sonar screens, but does not change the Numbers or Temp Log Surface Noise—show or hide the sonar returns near the surface of
screens. the water. Hide surface noise to help reduce clutter.
Fish Symbols—set how the Fishfinder 400C interprets suspended Whiteline—highlights the strongest signal from the bottom to help
targets. identify its hardness or softness.
The Fishfinder 400C does not interpret the sonar return • Off—(default) Whiteline is disabled.
data. (default) • High—the most sensitive setting. Almost all stronger returns
are highlighted in white.
Suspended targets appear as symbols. Background sonar
information appears, making the distinction between fish • Medium—many stronger returns are highlighted in white.
and structure easier. • Low—the least sensitive setting. Only the strongest returns
are highlighted in white.
Suspended targets appear as symbols with background
information shown. The target depth of each symbol is also Numbers—show or hide battery voltage, water temperature, or
indicated. water speed (if your transducer is capable).
Suspended targets appear as symbols. No background Note: To show water temperature or water speed, change the
information appears. setting to Auto. If the connected transducer is capable, the data
is shown.
Suspended targets appear as symbols with no background
information shown. The target depth of each symbol is
indicated.
22 Fishfinder 400C Owner’s Manual
Customizing the Fishfinder 400C
Advanced Settings Highlight Manual Gain, and press SELECT to manually adjust
the Gain. To see more detail, increase the Gain. If there is too much
Press MENU on any screen to access advanced options. detail, or the screen is cluttered, decrease the Gain.
Beam—when using a Dual Beam transducer, select a wide or
narrow beam.
Frequency—when using a Dual Frequency transducer, select how
the frequencies appear on screen. By default, the frequency is set
to 200kHz. You can specify that the unit uses only the 200kHz
frequency, the 50kHz frequency, or Dual Frequency.
Sonar
Power: Dual Frequency, 500 Watts (RMS), 4,000 Watts (peak to peak);
Dual Beam, 400 Watts (RMS), 3,200 Watts (peak to peak)
Frequency: 50/200 kHz (dual frequency), 80/200 kHz (dual beam)
Depth: 1,500 ft (dual frequency), 900 ft (dual beam)
(Depth capacity is dependent on water salinity, bottom type, and other water
conditions.)
Alarms and Messages Drift Alarm—the depth has changed by the amount of the Drift
The Fishfinder 400C uses an on-screen message system to alert you Alarm value.
to unit operating characteristics. When a message appears, press Fish Alarm—an icon appears and a beep sounds (if enabled) when a
SELECT to acknowledge the message and return to the screen you fish is detected. This alarm does not show a message banner.
were viewing.
Shallow Water Alarm—the Shallow Water Alarm depth has been
Battery Alarm—battery voltage has fallen below the value entered reached.
in the Battery Alarm setup.
Simulating Operation—the unit is in Simulator Mode.
Battery Voltage Is Too High—too much input voltage; the unit
shuts off in 10 seconds. Decrease the input voltage to 35 Volts or Sonar Failed, Unit Needs Repair—there is an internal problem
less. with the fishfinder. Contact your dealer or Garmin Product Support
to have the unit serviced.
Boat Is Not Moving Fast Enough to Calibrate—the boat is not
moving fast enough for the speed wheel to provide a valid speed. Transducer Disconnected, Sonar Turned Off—there is not a
transducer attached, bad cable/transducer, or the transducer cable
Can’t Read Voltages That High, Limited to Top of Range—the was disconnected. If the transducer cable is removed while the unit
voltage value in the Battery Alarm setup is higher than the unit can is on, reconnect and cycle power.
read.
Water Speed Sensor Is Not Working—the speed sensor is not
Can’t Read Voltages That Low, Limited to Bottom of detected. Check the connections.
Range—the voltage value in the Battery Alarm setup is lower than
the voltage where the unit automatically turns off. Entering (Leaving) target water temperature—the target water
temperature is 2° F (1.1° C) above or below the temperature
Deep Water Alarm—the Deep Water Alarm depth has been specified by the Water Temperature Alarm. These messages appear
reached. when you enter or leave that zone.
Limited Warranty number clearly on the outside of the package. Send the unit, freight charges
This Garmin product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or prepaid, to any Garmin warranty service station.
workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. Within this period, Online Auction Purchases: Products sold through online auctions are not
Garmin will, at its sole option, repair or replace any components that fail in eligible for rebates or other special offers from Garmin. Online auction
normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the confirmations are not accepted for warranty verification. To obtain warranty
customer for parts or labor, provided that the customer shall be responsible for service, an original or copy of the sales receipt from the original retailer is
any transportation cost. This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, required. Garmin will not replace missing components from any package
misuse, accident, or unauthorized alteration or repairs. purchased through an online auction.
THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE International Purchases: A separate warranty is provided by international
EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESS, distributors for units purchased outside the United States. This warranty is
IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY ARISING provided by the local in-country distributor and this distributor provides
UNDER ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS local service for your unit. Distributor warranties are only valid in the area of
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE. THIS intended distribution. Units purchased in the United States or Canada must
WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY be returned to the Garmin service center in the United Kingdom, the United
VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. States, Canada, or Taiwan for service.
IN NO EVENT SHALL GARMIN BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, Garmin International, Inc. Garmin (Europe) Ltd.
SPECIAL, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER 1200 East 151st Street, Liberty House
RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE, OR INABILITY TO USE THIS Olathe, Kansas 66062, USA Hounsdown Business Park,
PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. Some states do not Tel. (913) 397-8200 or Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 9RB UK
allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above (800) 800-1020 Tel. +44 (0) 870.8501241 (outside the UK)
limitations may not apply to you. Garmin retains the exclusive right to repair Fax (913) 397-8282 0808.2380000 (within the UK)
or replace the unit or software or offer a full refund of the purchase price Fax +44 (0) 870.8501251
at its sole discretion. SUCH REMEDY SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND
Garmin Corporation
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY.
No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road,
To obtain warranty service, contact your local Garmin authorized dealer or Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan
call Garmin Product Support for shipping instructions and an RMA tracking Tel. 886/2.2642.9199
number. Securely pack the unit and a copy of the original sales receipt, which Fax 886/2.2642.9099
is required as the proof of purchase for warranty repairs. Write the tracking
Fishfinder 400C Owner’s Manual 29
Appendix
Garmin Corporation
No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan
www.garmin.com