Eagle FishElite 480 User manual

Pub. 988-0143-711
www.eaglesonar.com
FishMark 480 and
SeaFinder 480DF
Fish-finding & Depth Sounding Sonars
Installation and Operation
Instructions



Copyright © 2003 - 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. On the cover:
SeaFinder 480DF shown. Other models covered in the manual are
similar.
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.

i
Table of Contents
Sec. 1: Read Me First! ............................................................... 1
Capabilities and Specifications .................................................... 2
How Sonar Works ......................................................................... 4
How to Use this Manual: Typographical Conventions................ 4
Sec. 2: Installation & Accessories .......................................... 7
Preparations.................................................................................. 7
Transducer Installation................................................................ 7
Recommended Tools and Supplies ............................................... 8
Selecting a Transducer Location.................................................. 8
How Low Should You Go?....................................................... 10
Shoot-Thru-Hull vs. Transom Mounting ............................... 10
Transom Transducer Assembly and Mounting ......................... 11
Trolling Motor Bracket Installation (Single-Frequency only) .. 17
Transducer Orientation and Fish Arches.................................. 18
Shoot-Thru-Hull Preparation and Installation ......................... 19
Speed/Temperature Sensors....................................................... 21
Power Connections...................................................................... 24
Mounting the Unit: Bracket, in-Dash or Portable .................... 26
Face Cover................................................................................... 30
Sec. 3: Basic Sonar Operation .............................................. 31
Keyboard ..................................................................................... 31
Power/Lights (Turn Unit On and Off) ....................................... 32
Menus .......................................................................................... 33
Main Menu .............................................................................. 33
Sonar Menu ............................................................................. 35
Pages ........................................................................................... 36
Basic Sonar Quick Reference ............................................... 39
Sonar Operations ........................................................................ 40
Fish Symbols vs. Full Sonar Chart ........................................ 43
Other Free Training Aids ....................................................... 43
Sec. 4: Sonar Options & Other Features ............................ 45
ASP(Advanced Signal Processing)......................................... 45
Alarms ......................................................................................... 46

ii
Depth Alarms .......................................................................... 46
Zone Alarm .............................................................................. 47
Fish Alarm............................................................................... 48
Brightness ................................................................................... 48
Calibrate Speed........................................................................... 49
Chart Speed................................................................................. 49
Contrast....................................................................................... 50
Depth Cursor............................................................................... 50
Depth Range - Automatic ........................................................... 51
Depth Range - Manual ............................................................... 51
FasTrack.................................................................................. 52
Fish I.D.(Fish Symbols & Depths) ......................................... 52
FishTrack................................................................................. 55
FishReveal............................................................................... 55
Frequency (Change Transducer Frequency) ............................. 57
Grayline..................................................................................... 58
HyperScroll.............................................................................. 60
Noise Rejection............................................................................ 60
Overlay Data ............................................................................... 60
Ping Speed & HyperScroll....................................................... 62
Pop-Up Help................................................................................ 64
Reset Options .............................................................................. 64
Reset Water Distance ................................................................. 65
Screen Contrast and Brightness ................................................ 65
Sensitivity & Auto Sensitivity.................................................... 65
To Turn Auto Sensitivity Back on:......................................... 67
Set Keel Offset ............................................................................ 67
Set Language .............................................................................. 69
Software Version Information.................................................... 69
Sonar Color Mode........................................................................ 69
Sonar Chart Display Options ..................................................... 70
Full Sonar Chart ..................................................................... 70
Split Zoom Sonar Chart.......................................................... 71
Split Frequency Sonar Chart (Seafinder 480df only)............ 71

iii
Digital Data/Chart .................................................................. 72
Customizing the Digital Data/Chart Screen...................... 73
Sonar Simulator.......................................................................... 74
Stop Chart ................................................................................... 74
Surface Clarity............................................................................ 75
Units of Measure......................................................................... 76
Zoom & Zoom Bar ....................................................................... 76
Zoom Pan..................................................................................... 77
Sec. 5: Troubleshooting.......................................................... 79
Sec. 6: Supplemental Material.............................................. 83

iv
Notes

1
Section 1: Read Me First!
How this manual can get you out on the water, fast!
Welcome to the exciting world of digital sonar! We know you're anxious
to begin finding fish, but we have a favor to ask. Before you grab your
unit and begin installing it, please give us a moment or two to explain
how our manual can help you get the best performance from your
compact, wide-screen, fish finder.
First, we want to thank you for buying anEagle sonar. Whether you're
a first time user or a professional fisherman, you'll discover that your
unit is easy to use, yet capable of handling demanding sonar tasks. You
won't find another sonar unit with this much power and this many
features for this price!
Our goal for this book is to get you on the water fast, with a minimum
of fuss. Like you, we'd rather spend more time boating or fishing and
less time reading the manual!
So, we designed our book so that you don't have to read the whole thing
from front to back for the information you want. At the start (or end) of
each segment, we'll tell you what content is coming up next. If it's a
concept you're already familiar with, we'll show you how and where to
skip ahead for the next important topic. We've also made it easy to look
up any tips you may need from time to time. Here's how:
The manual is organized into 6 sections. This first section is an
introduction to the sonar unit. It tells you the basics you need to know
before you can make the unit look below the surface to find some fish.
Section 2 will help you install your unit and the transducer. We'll also
tell you about some of the available accessories.
Section 3 covers Basic Sonar Operation. It will show you how easy it is
to run your sonar, right out of the box. This section features a one-page
Sonar Quick Reference. (If you've already jumped ahead and
figured out how to install the unit yourself, and you just can't
wait any longer, turn to the Quick Reference on page 39 and
head for the water with your sonar unit!)

2
After you've gained some experience with your sonar, you'll want to
check out Section 4, which discusses more advanced Sonar Options and
Other Features.
When you come to a sonar menu command on the unit's screen, you can
look it up in the manual by skimming over the table of contents, just
flipping through Section 3 or scanning through the sonar options in
Section 4.
If you're having difficulty with your sonar, you can find an answer to
the most common problems in Section 5, Sonar Troubleshooting.
Finally, in Section 6, we offer Supplemental Material, including a list of
warranty and customer service information.
Now, if you're into the fine details, glance over the next segment on
specifications to see just how much sonar power your unit contains. It's
important to us (and our power users), but, if you don't care how many
watts of power the unit has, skip ahead to important information on how
sonar works, on page 4.
Capabilities and Specifications: FishMark480,
SeaFinder480DF
General
Display:............................ 5.0" (12.7 cm) diagonal high contrast Film
SuperTwist; programmable to viewing
preference.
Resolution:...................... 480 pixel x 480 pixel resolution; 230,400 total
pixels.
Backlighting:.................. Incandescent backlit screen with multiple
lighting levels; backlit keypad.
Input power:................... 10 to 15 volts DC.
Case size:......................... 5.4" H x 6.9" W x 3.4" D (13.8 x 17.6 x 8.6
cm); sealed and waterproof; suitable for
saltwater use.

3
Back-up memory: .......... Built-in memory stores sonar records for
decades.
Languages:...................... 10; menu languages selectable by user.
Sonar
Frequency:...................... 50/200 kHz for SeaFinder 480DF; 200 kHz
for FishMark 480.
Transducers: .................. A dual-frequency Skimmertransducer with
built-in temperature sensor is packed with
the SeaFinder 480DF. It has 35°/12°cone
angles. A single-frequency Skimmer
transducer with built-in temperature sensor
is packed with the FishMark 480. It has a
20°cone angle. Transducers operate at
speeds up to 70 mph (61 kts)
Watts: ............................... 1,500 watts peak-to-peak/188 watt RMS.
Sonar sounding
depth capability: ........... SeaFinder 480DF: 1,500 feet (450 meters).
FishMark 480: 800 feet (244 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 display .
Audible alarms: ............. Deep/shallow/fish/zone.
Automatic ranging:....... Yes, with instant screen updates.
Auto bottom track:........ Yes.
Zoom bottom track: ...... Yes.
Split-screen zoom:......... Yes.
Surface water temp: ..... Yes.

4
Speed/distance log: ....... Optional (requires optional speed sensor).
NOTICE!
The storage temperature range for your unit is from -4 degrees to +167
degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees to +75 degrees Celsius). Extended
storage 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 listed on the last page.
How Sonar Works
Sonar has been around since the 1940s, so if you already know how it
works, skip ahead to the next segment on the typographical conventions
used in this manual. But, if you've never owned a sonar fish finder, this
segment will tell you the under water basics.
Sonar is an abbreviation for SOund NAvigation and Ranging, a
technology developed during World War II for tracking enemy
submarines. A sonar consists of a transmitter, transducer, receiver and
display. In simple terms, here's how it finds the bottom, or the fish:
The transmitter emits an electrical impulse, which the transducer
converts into a sound wave and sends into the water. (The sound
frequency can't be heard by humans or fish.) The sound wave strikes an
object (fish, structure, bottom) and bounces back to the transducer,
which converts the sound back into an electrical signal.
The receiver amplifies this return signal, or echo, and sends it to the
display, where an image of the object appears on the scrolling sonar
chart. The sonar's microprocessor calculates the time lapse between the
transmitted signal and echo return to determine the distance to the
object. The whole process repeats itself several times each second.
How to use this manual: typographical conventions
Many instructions are listed as numbered steps. The keypad and arrow
"keystrokes" appear as boldface type. So, if you're in a real hurry (or
just need a reminder), you can skim the instructions and pick out what

5
menu command to use by finding the boldface command text. The
following paragraphs explain how to interpret the text formatting for
those commands and other instructions:
Arrow Keys
The arrow keys control a horizontal line depth cursor on the sonar
screen. The arrow keys also help you move around the menus so you
can execute different commands. They are represented by symbols like
these, which denote the down arrow key, the up arrow, the left arrow
and the right arrow: ↓↑←→.
Keyboard
The other keys perform a variety of functions. When the text refers to a
key to press, the key is shown in bold, sans serif type. For example, the
"Enter/Icons" key is shown as ENT and the "Menu" key is shown as MENU.
Menu Commands
A menu command or a menu option will appear in small capital letters,
in a bold sans serif type like this: DEPTH CURSOR. These indicate that you
are to select this command or option from a menu or take an action of
some kind with the menu item. Text that you may need to enter or file
names you need to select are show in italic type, such as data type.
Instructions = Menu Sequences
Most functions you perform with the sonar unit are described as a
sequence of key strokes and selecting menu commands. We've written
them in a condensed manner for quick and easy reading.
For example, instructions for turning on the Fish IDfeature would
look like this:
1. From the Sonar Page, press MENU|↓to SONAR FEATURES|ENT.
2. Press →or →↓to FISH ID SYMBOLS|ENT|EXIT|EXIT.

6
Translated into complete English, step 1 above would mean: "Start on
the Sonar Page. Press the Menu key then repeatedly press (or press and
hold) the down arrow key to scroll down the menu and select (highlight)
the Sonar Features menu command. Then press the Enter key."
Step 2 would mean: "Press the right arrow key (for dual-frequency
units) or press the right arrow key followed by the down arrow key (for
single-frequency units) to select (highlight) the Fish ID symbols
command. Next, press the Enter key, then press the Exit key twice."

7
Section 2:
Installation & Accessories
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.
Transducer Installation
These instructions will help you install your Skimmertransducer on a
transom, on a trolling motor or inside a hull. These instructions cover
both single- and dual-frequency Skimmer transducers. Please read all
instructions before proceeding with any installation.
The smaller single-frequency Skimmers typically use a one-piece,
stainless steel mounting bracket. The larger dual-frequency Skimmers
typically use a two-piece, plastic mounting bracket. The trolling motor
mount uses a one-piece plastic bracket with an adjustable strap.

8
These are all "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 mounting positions is right for your boat. Use
extreme care if mounting the transducer inside the hull, because once it
is epoxied into position, the transducer usually cannot be removed.
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. A transom mount requires use of a high
quality, marine grade above- or below-waterline caulking compound.
The following installation types also call for these recommended tools
and required supplies (supplies are not included):
Single-frequency transom installations
Tools include: two adjustable wrenches, drill, #29 (0.136") drill bit, flat-
head screwdriver. Supplies: none.
Dual-frequency transom installations
Tools: two adjustable wrenches, drill, #20 (0.161") drill bit, flat-head
screwdriver. Supplies: four, 1" long, #12 stainless steel slotted wood
screws.
Single-frequency 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.
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,

9
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.
Good and poor transducer locations.
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
Good location
Poor angle
Poor location
Good
loc
a
tion

10
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.
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
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.
Tra
n
som
Hull bottom
Transducer
cente
r
line

11
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 these transducers 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.
The following instructions sometimes vary depending on the mounting
bracket that came with your transducer. Single-frequency Skimmers
come with a one-piece stainless steel bracket, while dual-frequency
Skimmers come with a two-piece plastic mounting bracket. Use the set
of instructions that fits your model.
1. Assembling the bracket.
A. One-piece bracket: Press the two small plastic ratchets into the
sides of the metal bracket as shown in the following illustration. Notice
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.
Align plastic ratchets in bracket.
Dot

12
B. Two-piece bracket: Locate the four plastic ratchets in the
transducer's hardware package. Press two ratchets into the sides of the
plastic bracket and two on either side of the transducer as shown in the
following illustrations. Notice there are letters molded into each ratchet.
Place the ratchets into the bracket with the letter "A" aligned with the
alignment mark molded into the bracket. Place the ratchets onto the
transducer with the letter "A" aligned with the 12 o'clock position on
the transducer stem. These positions set the transducer's coarse angle
adjustment for a 14°transom. Most outboard and stern-drive transoms
have a 14°angle.
Insert and align ratchets.
Add ratchets to bracket and transducer.
Alignment letters
Alignment
positions
Transducer bracket
Transducer
Trans
ducer
bracket
Ratchet Ratchet
Transducer

13
2. Aligning the transducer on the transom.
A. One-piece bracket: 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 3A. If it doesn't,
repeat step 2A, but use a different alignment letter until you can
place the transducer on the transom correctly.
Insert bolt and check transducer position on transom.
B. Two-piece bracket: Assemble the transducer and bracket as shown
in the following figure. Temporarily slide the bolt though the transducer
assembly but don't tighten the nut at this time. Hold the assembled
transducer and bracket 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" positions are correct for your hull.
If the transducer's face isn't parallel with the ground, remove and
disassemble the transducer and ratchets. Place the ratchets into the
Ratchets

14
bracket holes with the letter "B" aligned with the bracket alignment
mark. Place them on the transducer aligned with the 12 o'clock
position on the transducer stem.
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 3B. If it doesn't,
repeat step 2B, but use a different alignment letter until you can
place the transducer on the transom correctly.
Assemble transducer and bracket.
3. Assembling the transducer.
A. One-piece bracket: 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.
Assemble transducer and bracket.
Nut
Metal
washer
Metal washer
Bolt
Rubber
washers
Flat washer
Lock washer
Flat washer
Nut
Bolt