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Pub. 988-0143-631 www.eaglesonar.com Cuda 128, Cuda 128 Portable, Cuda 168, Cuda 168EX Fish-finding & Depth Sounding Sonars Installation and Operation Instructions Copyright © 2002 Eagle Electronics All rights reserved. Eagle® is a registered trademark of Eagle Electronics Marine-Tex is a trademark of Illinois Tool Works Inc. Eagle Electronics may find it necessary to change or end our policies, regulations, and special offers at any time. We reserve the right to do so without notice. All features and specifications subject to change without notice. All screens in this manual are simulated. For free owner's manuals and other information, visit our web site: www.eaglesonar.com Eagle Electronics P.O. Box 669 Catoosa, OK USA 74015 Printed in USA. Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................... 1 Capabilities and Specifications: Cuda Family ......................... 1 Installation Preparations ............................................................. 3 Transducer Installation........................................................... 4 Recommended Tools and Supplies ........................................... 4 Selecting a Transducer Location .............................................. 5 Shoot-Thru-Hull vs. Transom Mounting ................................. 7 Transom Transducer Assembly and Mounting ....................... 7 Trolling Motor Bracket Installation....................................... 12 Transducer Orientation and Fish Arches .............................. 12 Shoot-Thru-Hull Preparation and Installation ..................... 14 Power and Cable Connections .................................................... 16 Mounting the Sonar Unit: In-Dash or Bracket ......................... 18 In-Dash Installation ............................................................... 18 Bracket Installation................................................................ 21 Portable Sonar Installation ........................................................ 25 Operation .................................................................................. 30 Keyboard Basics.......................................................................... 30 PWR/Clear (Power and Clear)................................................ 30 Menu Up and Menu Down ..................................................... 30 Up and Down Arrows.............................................................. 31 Memory........................................................................................ 31 Menus .......................................................................................... 31 Display ­ Opening Screen .......................................................... 32 Chart Scroll (Stopping and Starting)......................................... 33 Full Chart.................................................................................... 34 Depth Range Zoom (Automatic and Manual)............................ 35 Zoom ............................................................................................ 36 Sensitivity ................................................................................... 37 Grayline ..................................................................................... 40 Fish I.D. ................................................................................... 41 i ® FishTrackTM................................................................................. 43 Chart Scroll Speed ...................................................................... 44 Noise Reject and ASP (Advanced Signal Processing) ............ 44 Alarms ......................................................................................... 45 Fish Alarm............................................................................... 45 Depth Alarms .......................................................................... 46 Shallow Alarm......................................................................... 46 Deep Alarm ............................................................................. 46 Display Adjustments .................................................................. 47 Backlights................................................................................ 47 Display Contrast ..................................................................... 47 Depth Units of Measure ............................................................. 48 Preset Unit (Reset All Options).................................................. 48 System Info ................................................................................. 48 Simulator..................................................................................... 48 Digital Data Size for Depth and Temperature .......................... 49 Troubleshooting ...................................................................... 50 Warranty and Service Information..................................... 57 ii Introduction Thank you for buying an Eagle sonar! Your unit is a high-quality sonar designed for both professional and novice fishermen. All Eagle sonars have an automatic mode that finds and displays the bottom, fish, underwater structure and more ­ right out of the box. All you have to do is press the on (PWR) key. However, if you want to fine-tune your unit, press the MENU UP key. The sonar has several powerful features you can control by scrolling through easy-to-use menus with the arrow and menu keys. To get started with your Eagle sonar, first read the installation section. It contains instructions for mounting the sonar unit and the transducer. Following recommended installation practices will pay off in optimum performance of your Eagle sonar. Improper installation can cause problems down the road, especially if the transducer is badly mounted. After you've read the installation instructions, install the unit and accessories. Then, read the rest of the manual. The more you know about your sonar, the better it will work for you. Take advantage of the Simulator feature. It allows you to practice operating your sonar before you get it in the water. And when you finally head for your favorite fishing hole, take this manual along for reference. Capabilities and Specifications: Cuda Family General Case size: .......................... Cuda 128 and Cuda 168: 5.8" H x 4.3" W x 2.5" D (14.7 cm H x 10.8 cm W x 6.6 cm D). Cuda 168EX: 5.4" H x 6.9" W x 3.4" D (13.8 cm H x 17.6 cm W x 8.6 cm D). Sealed, waterproof; suitable for saltwater use. Display:............................ High-contrast Film SuperTwist LCD. Diagonal viewing area: Cuda 128 and Cuda 168: 4.0" (10.2 cm). Cuda 168EX: 4.5" (11.4 cm). 1 Resolution:...................... Cuda 128 and Cuda 128 Portable: 128 pixels (vert.) x 65 pixels (horiz.) resolution; 8,320 total pixels. Cuda 168 and Cuda 168 EX: 168 pixels (vert.) x 132 pixels (horiz.) resolution; 22,176 total pixels. Backlighting:.................. Backlit screen and keypad for night use. Input power:................... 10 to 17 volts DC. Current drain: ............... 110 ma lights off; 250 ma lights on. Back-up memory: .......... Built-in memory stores sonar settings when unit is turned off. Sonar Frequency:...................... 200 kHz. Transducers: .................. A Skimmer transducer comes packed with your sonar unit. Its 20° cone angle offers a wide fish detection area of up to 60º with high sensitivity settings. Operates at boat speeds up to 70 mph (61 kts). Transmitter: ................... 800 watts peak-to-peak; 100 watts RMS. Sonar sounding depth capability: ........... 600 feet (180 meters). Actual capability depends on transducer configuration and installation, bottom composition and water conditions. All sonar units typically read deeper in fresh water than in salt water. Depth display:................ Continuous digital readout. Audible alarms: ............. Deep/shallow/fish. Automatic ranging:....... Yes. Auto bottom track:........ Yes. Zoom bottom track: ...... Yes. Surface water temp: ..... Yes. 2 NOTICE! The storage and operation temperature range for your unit is from -4 degrees to +167 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees to +75 degrees Celsius). Extended storage or operation in temperatures higher or lower than specified will damage the liquid crystal display in your unit. This type of damage is not covered by the warranty. For more information, contact the factory's Customer Service Department; phone numbers are inside the manual's back cover. Installation Preparations You can install the sonar system in some other order if you prefer, but we recommend this installation sequence: Caution: You should read over this entire installation section before drilling any holes in your vessel! 1. Determine the approximate location for the sonar unit, so you can plan how and where to route the cables for the transducer and power. This will help you make sure you have enough cable length for the desired configuration. 2. Determine the approximate location for the transducer and its cable route. 3. Determine the location of your battery or other power connection, along with the power cable route. 4. Install the transducer and route the transducer cable to the sonar unit. 5. Install the power cable and route it to the sonar unit. 6. Mount the sonar unit. 3 Transducer Installation These instructions will help you install your Skimmer transducer on a transom, on a trolling motor or inside a hull. Please read all instructions before proceeding with any installation. Your Skimmer transducer typically comes packaged with a one-piece stainless steel bracket for mounting it to the transom of your boat. The optional trolling motor mount uses a one-piece plastic bracket with an adjustable strap. These are "kick-up" mounting brackets. They help prevent damage if the transducer strikes an object while the boat is moving. If the transducer does "kick-up," the bracket can easily be pushed back into place without tools. Read these instructions carefully before attempting the installation. Determine which of the installation methods is right for your boat. Remember, the transducer installation is the most critical part of a sonar installation. Recommended Tools and supplies If you prefer the option of routing the cable through the transom, you will need a 5/8" drill bit. The following installation types also call for these recommended tools and required supplies (supplies are not included): Transom installation Tools include: two adjustable wrenches, drill, #29 (0.136") drill bit, flathead screwdriver. Supplies: high quality, marine grade above- or belowwaterline caulking compound. Trolling motor installations Tools: two adjustable wrenches, flat-head screwdriver. Supplies: plastic cable ties. Shoot-through hull installations Tools: these will vary depending on your hull's composition. Consult your boat dealer or manufacturer. Supplies: 100 grit sandpaper, good quality epoxy adhesive. 4 Selecting a Transducer Location 1. The transducer must be placed in a location that has a smooth flow of water at all times. If the transducer is to be mounted inside the hull, then the chosen location must be in the water at all times. If the transducer is not placed in a smooth flow of water, interference caused by bubbles and turbulence will show on the sonar's display in the form of random lines or dots whenever the boat is moving. NOTE: Some aluminum boats with strakes or ribs on the outside of the hull create large amounts of turbulence at high speed. These boats typically have large outboard motors capable of propelling the boat at speeds faster than 35 mph. Typically, a good location on aluminum boats is between the ribs closest to the engine. 2. The transducer should be installed with its face pointing straight down, if possible. 3. If the transducer is mounted on the transom, make sure it doesn't interfere with the trailer or hauling of the boat. Also, don't mount it closer than approximately one foot from the engine's lower unit. This will prevent cavitation (bubble) interference with propeller operation. 4. If possible, route the transducer cable away from other wiring on the boat. Electrical noise from engine wiring, bilge pumps and aerators can be displayed on the sonar's screen. Use caution when routing the transducer cable around these wires. 5 CAUTION: Clamp the transducer cable to transom near the transducer. This will help prevent the transducer from entering the boat if it is knocked off at high speed. Good location Poor location Good location Good location Poor angle Good and poor transducer locations. How low should you go? For most situations, you should install your Skimmer transducer so that its centerline is level with the bottom of the boat hull. This will usually give you the best combination of smooth water flow and protection from bangs and bumps. Transom Transducer centerline Hull bottom Align transducer centerline with hull bottom. However, there are times when you may need to adjust the transducer slightly higher or lower. (The slots in the mounting brackets allow you 6 to loosen the screws and slide the transducer up or down.) If you frequently lose bottom signal lock while running at high speed, the transducer may be coming out of the water as you cross waves or wakes. Move the transducer a little lower to help prevent this. If you cruise or fish around lots of structure and cover, your transducer may be frequently kicking up from object strikes. If you wish, you may move the transducer a little higher for more protection. There are two extremes you should avoid. Never let the edge of the mounting bracket extend below the bottom of the hull. Never let the bottom ­ the face ­ of the transducer rise above the bottom of the hull. Shoot-thru-hull vs. Transom Mounting Typically, shoot-thru-hull installations give excellent high speed operation and good to excellent depth capability. There is no possibility of damage from floating objects. It can't be knocked off when docking or loading on the trailer. However, the shoot-thru-hull installation does have its drawbacks. First, some loss of sensitivity does occur, even on the best hulls. This varies from hull to hull, even from different installations on the same hull. This is caused by differences in hull lay-up and construction. Second, the transducer angle cannot be adjusted for the best fish arches. This can be a problem on some hulls that sit with the bow high when at rest or at slow trolling speeds. Follow the procedure listed in the shoot-thru-hull installation section at the end of this lesson to determine if you can satisfactorily shoot through the hull. TRANSOM TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLY AND MOUNTING The best way to install the transducer is to loosely assemble all of the parts first, place the transducer's bracket against the transom and see if you can move the transducer so that it's parallel with the ground. 1. Assembling the bracket. Press the two small plastic ratchets into the sides of the metal bracket as shown in the following illustration. Notice 7 there are letters molded into each ratchet. Place each ratchet into the bracket with the letter "A" aligned with the dot stamped into the metal bracket. This position sets the transducer's coarse angle adjustment for a 14° transom. Most outboard and stern-drive transoms have a 14° angle. Dot Align plastic ratchets in bracket. 2. Aligning the transducer on the transom. Slide the transducer between the two ratchets. Temporarily slide the bolt though the transducer assembly and hold it against the transom. Looking at the transducer from the side, check to see if it will adjust so that its face is parallel to the ground. If it does, then the "A" position is correct for your hull. If the transducer's face isn't parallel with the ground, remove the transducer and ratchets from the bracket. Place the ratchets into the holes in the bracket with the letter "B" aligned with the dot stamped in the bracket. Reassemble the transducer and bracket and place them against the transom. Again, check to see if you can move the transducer so it's parallel with the ground. If you can, then go to step 3. If it doesn't, repeat step 2, but use a different alignment letter until you can place the transducer on the transom correctly. 8 Ratchets Insert bolt and check transducer position on transom. 3. Assembling the transducer. Once you determine the correct position for the ratchets, assemble the transducer as shown in the following figure. Don't tighten the lock nut at this time. Nut Metal washer Rubber washers Bolt Metal washer Assemble transducer and bracket. 4. Drilling mounting holes. Hold the transducer and bracket assembly against the transom. The transducer should be roughly parallel to the ground. The transducer's centerline should be in line with the bottom of the hull. Don't let the bracket extend below the hull! Mark the center of each slot for the mounting screw pilot holes. You will drill one hole in the center of each slot. Drill the holes using the #29 bit (for the #10 screws). 9 Transom Transom Position transducer mount on transom and mark mounting holes. Side view shown at left and seen from above at right. 5. Attaching transducer to transom. Remove the transducer from the bracket and re-assemble it with the cable passing through the bracket over the bolt as shown in the following figures. Route cable over bolt and through bracket. Side view shown at left and seen from above at right. Attach the transducer to the transom. Slide the transducer up or down until it's aligned properly with the bottom of the hull as shown in the preceding and following figures. Tighten the bracket's mounting screws, sealing them with the caulking compound. Adjust the transducer so that it's parallel to the ground and tighten the nut until it touches the outer washer, then add 1/4 turn. Don't over tighten the lock nut! If you do, the transducer won't "kick-up" if it strikes an object in the water. 10 Bottom of hull Deep-"vee" hull Flat-bottom hull Align transducer centerline with hull bottom and attach to transom. 6. Route the transducer cable through or over the transom to the sonar unit. Make sure to leave some slack in the cable at the transducer. If possible, route the transducer cable away from other wiring on the boat. Electrical noise from the engine's wiring, bilge pumps, VHF radio wires and cables, and aerators can be picked up by the sonar. Use caution when routing the transducer cable around these wires. WARNING: Clamp the transducer cable to the transom close to the transducer. This can prevent the transducer from entering the boat if it is knocked off at high speed. If you need to drill a hole in the transom to pass the connector through, the required hole size is 5/8". Caution: If you drill a hole in the transom for the cable, make sure it is located above the waterline. After installation, be sure to seal the hole with the same marine grade above- or below-waterline sealant used for the mounting screws. 7. Make a test run to determine the results. If the bottom is lost at high speed, or if noise appears on the display, try sliding the transducer bracket down. This puts the transducer deeper into the water, hopefully below the turbulence causing the noise. Don't allow the transducer bracket to go below the bottom of the hull! 11 TROLLING MOTOR BRACKET INSTALLATION 1. Attach the optional TMB-S bracket to the transducer as shown in the following figure, using the hardware supplied with the transducer. (Note: The internal tooth washer is supplied with the TMB-S.) Bolt Internal tooth washer Nut TMB-S bracket Flat washer Attach motor mounting bracket to transducer. 2. Slide the adjustable strap supplied with the TMB-S through the slot in the transducer bracket and wrap it around the trolling motor. Position the transducer to aim straight down when the motor is in the water. Tighten the strap securely. 3. Route the transducer cable alongside the trolling motor shaft. Use plastic ties (not included) to attach the transducer cable to the trolling motor shaft. Make sure there is enough slack in the cable for the motor to turn freely. Route the cable to the sonar unit and the transducer is ready for use. Transducer mounted on trolling motor, side view. TRANSDUCER ORIENTATION AND FISH ARCHES If you do not get good fish arches on your display, it could be because 12 the transducer is not parallel with the ground when the boat is at rest in the water or at slow trolling speeds. Partial fish arches Transducer aimed too far back Transducer aimed too far forward Full fish arch Proper transducer angle Transducer angles and their effects on fish arches. If the arch slopes up ­ but not back down ­ then the front of the transducer is too high and needs to be lowered. If only the back half of the arch is printed, then the nose of the transducer is angled too far down and needs to be raised. NOTE: Periodically wash the transducer's face with soap and water to remove any oil film. Oil and dirt on the face will reduce the sensitivity or may even prevent operation. 13 SHOOT-THRU-HULL PREPARATION The transducer installation inside a fiberglass hull must be in an area that does not have air bubbles in the resin or separated fiberglass layers. The sonar signal must pass through solid fiberglass. A successful transducer installation can be made on hulls with flotation materials (such as plywood, balsa wood or foam) between layers of fiberglass if the material is removed from the chosen area. Fill with epoxy Flotation material Inner hull Epoxy to hull first Outer hull Epoxy the transducer to a solid portion of the hull. For example, some (but not all) manufacturers use a layer of fiberglass, then a core of balsa wood, finishing with an outer layer of fiberglass. Removing the inner layer of fiberglass and the balsa wood core exposes the outer layer of fiberglass. The transducer can then be epoxied directly to the outer layer of fiberglass. After the epoxy cures, the hull is watertight and structurally sound. Remember, the sonar signal must pass through solid fiberglass. Any air bubbles in the fiberglass or the epoxy will reduce or eliminate the sonar signals. WARNING: Do not remove any material from your inner hull unless you know the hull's composition. Careless grinding or cutting on your hull can result in damage that could sink your boat. Contact your boat dealer or manufacturer to confirm your hull specifications. To choose the proper location for thru-hull mounting, anchor the boat in 60 feet of water. Add a little water to the sump of the boat. Plug the transducer into the sonar unit, turn it on, then hold the transducer over the side of the boat. Adjust the sensitivity and range controls until a 14 second bottom echo is seen on the display. (You will need to turn off both automatic and ASP.) Don't touch the controls once they've been set. Next, take the transducer out of the water and place it in the water in the sump of the boat. Observe the sonar signal to see if there is a noticeable decrease in sensitivity. The second bottom signal may disappear and the bottom signal may decrease in intensity. Move the transducer around to find the best location. If the sensitivity control must be increased greatly to compensate, then the transducer should be mounted on the outside of the hull. If not, then mark the location that shot through the hull the best and follow the instructions on the following pages for a shoot-thru-hull mounting. Transducer location (high speed) Transducer location (trolling speed) Shoot-thru-hull transducer locations for high speed or trolling speed operation. Shoot-thru-hull Installation 1. Make sure the area is clean, dry and free of oil or grease, then sand both the inside surface of the hull and the face of the transducer with 100 grit sandpaper. The surface of the hull must be flat so the entire transducer face is in contact with the hull prior to bonding. 15 Spread epoxy here Sand this surface Epoxy transducer to hull. 2. Follow the instructions on the epoxy package and mix it thoroughly. Do not mix it too fast, because it will cause bubbles to form in the epoxy. Apply a small amount on the face of the transducer as shown above, then spread a small amount onto the sanded area on the hull. Place the transducer into the epoxy, twisting and turning it to force any air bubbles out from under the transducer face. The face of the transducer should be parallel with the hull, with a minimum amount of epoxy between the hull and transducer. After the epoxy dries, route the cable to the sonar unit. POWER AND CABLE CONNECTIONS The unit works from a 12-volt battery system. For the best results, attach the power cable directly to the battery. You can attach the power cable to an accessory or power buss, however you may have problems with electrical interference. Therefore, it's safer to go ahead and attach the power cable directly to the battery. 16 CAUTION: When using the unit in a saltwater environment, we strongly recommend that you shut off the power supply to the power cable when the unit is not in use. When the unit is turned off but still connected to a power supply, electrolysis can occur in the power cable plug. This may result in corrosion of the plug body along with the electrical contacts in the cable and the unit's power socket. In saltwater environments we recommend you connect the power cable to the auxiliary power switch included in most boat designs. If that results in electrical interference, or if such a switch is not available, we recommend connecting direct to the battery and installing an inline switch. This will let you shut off power to the power cable when the unit is not in use. When you are not using the unit, you should always shut off power to the power cable, especially when the power cable is disconnected from the unit. To unit Optional power off switch for saltwater installations Black wire 12 volt battery Red wire with 3 amp fuse Power and transducer connections for the Cuda family sonar units (direct battery connection shown). If possible, keep the power cable away from other boat wiring, especially the engine's wires. This will provide the best isolation from electrical noise. If the cable is not long enough, splice #18 gauge wire onto it. The power cable has two wires, red and black. Red is the positive lead, black is negative or ground. Make sure to attach the inline fuse holder to the red lead as close to the power source as possible. 17 For example, if you have to extend the power cable to the battery or power buss, attach one end of the fuse holder directly to the battery or power buss. This will protect both the unit and the power cable in the event of a short. It uses a 3-amp fuse. CAUTION: Do not use this product without a 3-amp fuse wired into the power cable! Failure to use a 3-amp fuse will void your warranty. This unit has reverse polarity protection. No damage will occur if the power wires are reversed. However, the unit will not work until the wires are attached correctly. MOUNTING THE SONAR UNIT: In-Dash or Bracket You can install the sonar unit on the top of a dash with the supplied bracket. It can also be installed in the dash with an optional dashmounting kit (FM-5 mount kit for Cuda 168EX, FM-6 mount kit for all others covered in this manual). In-Dash Installation For the Cuda 168EX The following figure shows dimensions for in-dash mounting a Cuda 168EX. The in-dash adapter kit includes a template for cutting the mounting hole and complete installation directions on instruction sheet 988-0147-43. NOTE: The Cuda 168EX needs only one cable, but some of the other products covered by the FM-5 instruction sheet use more. When installing your unit, use the instructions for the transducer cable and ignore references to any others. 18 146.5 [5.76] Top R 7.9 [0.31] In-Dash Template 113.5 [4.46] Millimeters [Inches] ALWAYS VERIFY DIMENSIONS In-dash mounting template for Cuda 168EX, showing dimensions. NOTE: The preceding figure is not printed to scale. A scaled template is available for free download from our web site, www.eaglesonar.com. For the Cuda 128 and Cuda 168 The Cuda 128 and Cuda 168 both use the same case and can be mounted in-dash using the removable scaled template inside the back cover of this manual (page 55). The FM-6 mount kit includes the necessary materials, but the instructions only appear here in this manual. Please read all the instructions before proceeding. NOTE: Recommended tools for this job include: jig saw, drill, drill bit (for starting hole). 1. Select the desired mounting location. Make sure there is enough room behind the dash to attach the unit's cable. The case is approximately 1-3/4" (45 mm) behind the mounting surface. You also need to allow an additional 1" (25 mm) for the power/transducer cable and connector. 2. Cut or tear out the template in the back of this manual (page 55) and tape it to the dash. Begin the cutout by drilling a starter hole near the center of the template. Use a drill bit big enough for the jigsaw blade. 19 3. Slip your saw blade into the starter hole and then cut along the outside line. Be careful when working around the corners, because there is little room for error. 4. Remove the backing from one side of the double-sided mounting tape contained in the mounting kit. Apply it to the outer ledge on the back of your unit. Starting at the bottom center, work the tape around all four sides of the unit. Cut off any excess tape when finished. 5. Attach the power/transducer cable to the back of the unit. 6. Remove the backing from the exposed side of the tape. Carefully place the unit into the dash cutout. Press down firmly around the entire outer edge to make sure the unit is secured to the dash. Top ALWAYS VERIFY DIMENSIONS. Cut along this line In-dash mounting template for Cuda 128 and Cuda 168. NOTE: This figure is not printed to scale. See the back of this manual for a scaled template copy you can tear out and use. Manual is available on our web site. 20 Bracket Installation Mount the unit in any convenient location, provided there is clearance when it's tilted for the best viewing angle. You should also make sure there is enough room behind the unit to attach the power/transducer cable. (See the following drawings, which show the dimensions of a gimbal-mounted Cuda 168EX sonar unit and a Cuda 128 or 168.) Holes in the bracket's base allow wood screw or through-bolt mounting. You may need to place a piece of plywood on the back side of thin panels to reinforce the panel and secure the mounting hardware. 72.9 [2.87] 173.9 [6.85] 23.4 [0.92] 137.9 [5.43] 157.9 [6.22] 56.9 Millimeter [2.24] [Inch] Front view (left) and side view (right) showing dimensions of Cuda 168EX when mounted on gimbal bracket. Drill a 5/8" (15.9 mm) hole in the dash for the power/transducer cable. The best location for this hole is immediately under the gimbal bracket 21 location. This way, the bracket can be installed so that it covers the hole, holds the cable in position and results in a neat installation. Some customers, however, prefer to mount the bracket to the side of the cable hole -- it's a matter of personal preference. After drilling the hole, pass the connector up through the hole from under the dash. 107.5 [4.23] 82.7 [3.26] 156 [6.26] 12.09 [0.48] 76.9 Millimeter 70.3 [3.03] [Inch] [2.77] Front view (left) and side view (right) showing dimensions of the other Cuda family sonar units when mounted on quick release bracket. If you wish, you can fill in the hole around the cable with a good marine caulking compound. (Some marine dealers stock cable hole covers to conceal the opening.) No matter what type of installation you prefer, be sure to leave enough slack in the cable to allow tilting or swiveling the unit. For the Cuda 168EX If you choose to fill in the cable hole, be sure to position the cable against the rear edge of the hole as you apply the fill material. 22 Before positioning the gimbal bracket, be sure to hold the cable against the rear edge of the hole. Then, slide the bracket over the hole and butt the rear of the bracket base firmly against the cable, thus pinning it in place against the side of the hole. Finally, fasten the bracket to the dash. Front Install the gimbal bracket. Orient the bracket so the arms slope toward the front of your unit. Attach the unit to the gimbal bracket using the supplied gimbal knobs and washers. Slide the rubber washers onto the gimbal knobs then loosely screw the knobs into their sockets. Slide the unit into the bracket with the rubber washers to the outside of the bracket arms. Tilt the unit to the desired viewing angle and tighten the knobs finger tight. For the Cuda 128 and Cuda 168 These units use a quick release mounting bracket. When you run the cable through the hole, make sure you allow enough slack for tilting the unit and attaching the connector. (The snug fit of the push-on waterproof connector requires some force to attach.) Align the bracket over the cable hole with the cable slots facing away from you and fit the cable through one of the slots. Fasten the bracket to the dash using the three screw holes. 23 Ratchet Rear (away from viewer) Screw hole Power/transducer cable Cable slot Cuda 128 and 168 quick release mounting bracket. Slots in the base allow routing the cable from beneath the mount. Attach the unit to the bracket by first connecting the power/transducer cable. Then, hold the sonar unit vertically and slide it onto the bracket from above. (The back of the unit should be touching the front of the bracket as you lower it into position.) As you push down, the unit will lock into place with a distinct click. To adjust the viewing angle, pinch the ratchets with one hand, then tilt the unit with your other hand. Release the ratchets and the unit locks into the new position. To dismount the unit for storage, press the ratchets and lift the unit off the bracket. 24 Bracket front Mount the sonar: slide the unit onto the bracket from above. Depress ratchets to release Adjust viewing angle: use one hand to press and release the springloaded ratchets while you move the unit with the other hand. Portable Sonar Installation Like many Eagle products, the Cuda sonar family is capable of portable 25 operation. The Cuda 168EX uses the optional PPP-13 portable power pack. The Cuda 128 and Cuda 168 use the optional PPP-12 portable power pack. In fact, the Cuda 128 Portable package includes the PPP12 and the transducer necessary for portable use. The power pack and portable or floating transducers expand the uses for your sonar. You can use your Cuda sonar unit on your boat or take it to the dock, on a float tube, on an ice fishing trip or use it as a second sonar in a friend's boat. The PPP-12 or PPP-13 package includes the power pack, battery adapter and a portable transducer. Batteries are not included. Each power pack has a storage compartment for the portable transducer. The PPP-12 can be used with eight AA alkaline batteries. The PPP-13 can be used with eight D alkaline batteries or an optional sealed, rechargeable battery. To use a portable power pack, you simply install the batteries and then attach the sonar unit to the power pack's bracket. Plug in the power/transducer cable and you're ready to fish. (The PPP-12 has a quick-release mounting bracket built into the case. The PPP-13 requires you to attach the gimbal bracket to the case and then attach the sonar unit to the bracket with the supplied washers and knobs.) Installing the Batteries Release the latch on the front of the battery case. Open the compartment and install either an optional rechargeable battery, eight D batteries or eight AA batteries into the adapter. For the longest life, we recommend you use alkaline batteries. NOTE: When the unit is not in use, we recommend you unplug the power connector to reduce the possibility of corrosion or battery drain. When you store the unit, always remove the batteries because dead batteries can leak and corrode the contacts. 26 After installing the batteries, close the case and plug the sonar unit's power cable into the socket on the battery case. "D" cell battery Install batteries in power case battery adapter. PPP-13 shown. Turn the sonar unit on. If it doesn't work, make sure the battery terminals are making good contact against the battery contacts. Also check the wiring connections on the battery adapter. The red wire on the power cable should be attached to the red wire on the battery adapter and the power cable's black wire should be connected to the black wire on the battery adapter. If it still doesn't work, check the battery voltage. Most of the complaints we receive about portable units result from stale batteries. Make sure the ones you buy are fresh. In cold weather the efficiency of dry cell batteries drops with the temperature. We find it a good idea to have the sonar unit good and warm along with the batteries before we leave home. 27 If the batteries do lose a charge, you can sometimes restore them by placing them in a warm room or car interior. A better way is to replace them with batteries that have been kept warm. WARNING: Never heat the batteries over an open flame or direct hot air onto them. A fire or explosion could result. Portable Transducer Assembly Recommended tools for installation include a slotted screw driver and two adjustable wrenches. Assemble the transducer and bracket as shown in the following figure. Attach the transducer to the bracket with the supplied hardware. Make sure there is one washer on each side of the transducer, inside the bracket. Slide the other washer over the end of the bolt and thread the nut onto it. Screw the suction cup onto the bracket using the supplied screw and flat washer. Tie the nylon cord through the hole in the top of the bracket. When using this transducer, tie the other end of the nylon cord to the boat. This will help prevent the loss of the transducer if it comes off the boat. Tie nylon cord here Suction cup Nut Washer Transducer Portable transducer assembly: rear view (left) and side view (right.) Screw Bolt Washer 28 Clean the chosen area of the hull before attaching the suction cup. Locate the transducer on the hull as shown in the following figure. Don't allow the bracket to extend below the hull, because water pressure against it can cause the suction cup to come off at speed. Moisten the cup, then press it onto the hull as firmly as possible. Tie the nylon cord to the boat and route the transducer cable to the sonar unit. Your portable sonar is now ready for use. Suction cup Bracket Hull Transducer Portable transducer installed on boat transom. NOTE: For optimum operation, the portable transducer should be adjusted so that it is parallel to the ground. For more information on this, see the earlier segment on Transducer Orientation and Fish Arches. 29 Operation KEYBOARD BASICS The unit sounds a tone when you press any key. This tells you the unit has accepted a command. Numbers in the following photos correspond to key explanations in the following pages.: 4