Garmin Fishfinder 160C User manual

Fishfinder 160C®
color sonar
owner’s manual

© Copyright 2005 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries
Garmin International, Inc.
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Garmin Corporation
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Taiwan
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December 2005 Part Number 190-00532-00 Rev. B Printed in Taiwan

Fishfinder 160C Owner’s Manual i
INTRODUCTION > ABOUT THIS MANUAL AND MANUAL CONVENTIONS
INTRODUCTION
About This Manual
Thank you for choosing the Garmin Fishfinder 160C.
This manual covers the installation and operation of the Fishfinder
160C. To get the most out of your new Fishfinder, take time to read
this manual and learn the operating procedures for your unit in
detail.
The Introduction contains information about this manual and the
Table of Contents.
The Installation Instructions contain the information needed to
properly install the Fishfinder 160C.
The Operating Instructions contain information about the
operation of the Fishfinder 160C.
The Appendix contains information such as specifications,
understanding the sonar, license requirements and warranty
information.
The Index helps you find information more quickly.
Manual Conventions
This manual uses the term Warning to indicate a potentially
hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
This manual uses the term Caution to indicate a potentially
hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in minor
injury or property damage. It may also be used without the symbol
to alert you to avoid unsafe practices.
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 being
provided in accordance with California’s Proposition 65. If you
have any questions or would like additional information, please
refer to our Web site at http://www.garmin.com/prop65.

ii Fishfinder 160C Owner’s Manual
INTRODUCTION > TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ...........................................................................i
About This Manual ................................................................... i
Manual Conventions ................................................................ i
Installation Instructions ......................................................1
Packing List ............................................................................. 1
Unit Installation ....................................................................... 2
Transducer Installation ........................................................... 3
Selecting a Transom Mount Location ............................................. 4
Mounting the Transducer on a Transom ......................................... 5
Mounting the Transducer on a Trolling Motor ............................... 6
Testing the Transom Mount Installation ......................................... 7
Wiring Harness Installation .................................................... 8
Caring for the Fishfinder 160C ............................................... 9
Cleaning the Case .......................................................................... 9
Cleaning the Screen ........................................................................ 9
Storage ............................................................................................ 9
Water Immersion ............................................................................ 9
Operating Instructions ......................................................10
Unit Capabilities .................................................................... 11
Water Depth .................................................................................. 11
Water Temperature ........................................................................ 11
Speed ............................................................................................ 11
Distance ........................................................................................ 11
Thermocline and Structure ........................................................... 11
Bottom Shape and Type ................................................................ 11
The Adjustment Bar .............................................................. 12
Range ............................................................................................ 12
Gain .............................................................................................. 12
Scroll ............................................................................................. 12
View .............................................................................................. 13
The Setup Menu ..................................................................... 13
Alarms .......................................................................................... 13
Graph ............................................................................................ 14
Numbers ........................................................................................ 16
Units .............................................................................................. 18
System .......................................................................................... 18
Appendix ............................................................................20
Specifications ........................................................................ 20
Physical Specifications ................................................................. 20
Power ............................................................................................ 20
Sonar ............................................................................................. 20
Understanding Sonar ............................................................ 21
Transducer Coverage ............................................................ 22
Understanding Transducer Coverage ............................................ 22
Understanding the Graph ..................................................... 22
Whiteline ................................................................................ 23
Thermoclines ......................................................................... 23
Limited Warranty ................................................................... 24
Software License Agreement ............................................... 25
Product Registration ............................................................. 25
Contact Garmin ............................................................................. 25
Index ...................................................................................26

Fishfinder 160C Owner’s Manual 1
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS > PACKING LIST
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please read through these instructions thoroughly before attempting
installation. Make sure you completely understand these instructions
before you begin. When in doubt, seek professional assistance.
Be sure the wiring harness reaches the unit and transducer location
before beginning installation. The Garmin Fishfinder 160C hardware
allows for installation on either the transom or trolling motor. Please
check the packing list below. If you are missing any items, please
contact your Garmin dealer.
A–Fishfinder 160C Sonar Unit (1)
B–Swivel Mount Bracket (1)
C–Swivel Base (1)
D–Mounting Knobs- Short, Long (1ea)
E–Mounting Knob Spacer (1)
F–Transducer With Power Cable (1)
G–Transducer Mount (1)
H–Trolling Motor Mount Gasket (1)
I–5 mm Flat Washers (2)
J–4 x 12 mm Screws (4)
K–10-32 Lock Nut (1)
L–5 x 30 mm Screws (2)
M–10-32 x 1.75 Screw (1)
N–1/4" Cable Clamps (2)
O–Plastic Spacer (1)
P–1/4" Rubber Washer (1)
Q–Cable Tie, 5.6" (4)
R–Cable Tie, 20" (1)
S–Power/Data Cable
(not shown)
Packing List
ENTER
MENU
A
C
D
E
I
J
K
L
M
G
F
(Cable not shown)
N
O
P
Q
H
B
R

2 Fishfinder 160C Owner’s Manual
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS > UNIT INSTALLATION
Unit Installation
Choose a location that provides optimal viewing and allows easy
access to the unit’s keypad. Select a mounting surface strong enough
to support the weight of the unit and protect it from excessive
vibration or shock. DO NOT mount the bracket in a location where
the unit is exposed to extreme temperature conditions. When
installing the mounting bracket, be sure to allow room for the
connection and routing of the power cable.
Tool List (not included)—drill, screwdriver (Phillips or standard),
three #8 pan-head machine bolts with matching nuts and washers,
and a 5/32" drill bit, OR three #8 pan head self-tapping screws, and
a 1/16" drill bit.
To mount the bracket assembly:
1. Using the swivel base as a template, mark the location of the
three mounting holes.
2. If securing the base with machine bolts, drill three 5/32" holes
at the locations you marked. If securing the base using self-
tapping screws, drill 1/16" starter holes at the locations you
marked. Generally, starter holes should be no deeper than
half the screw length.
3. Secure the swivel base with three bolts or screws. DO NOT
OVERTIGHTEN.
4. Attach the swivel bracket and secure it with the short knob.
Mounting Holes
Swivel Base
Swivel Bracket and Base
Short Knob

Fishfinder 160C Owner’s Manual 3
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS > TRANSDUCER INSTALLATION
To install the unit on the mounting bracket:
1. Align the slot on the back of the unit with the long mounting
knob and slide into place. It may be necessary to adjust the
long knob to spread the bracket arms apart. (Turn counter-
clockwise to widen the bracket arms, clockwise to tighten.)
2. Adjust the unit angle and tighten the long mounting knob until
snug.
3. Tilt the unit by loosening the long knob on the right side of the
bracket assembly.
4. Rotate the entire bracket by twisting it left or right. (NOTE:
You will hear clicks as you turn the bracket.)
5. Tighten all knobs when the viewing angle you want is
obtained.
Transducer Installation
To assemble the transducer:
1. Insert the rubber washer and plastic spacer in the transducer
at the same time. DO NOT lubricate the rubber washer.
2. Route the cable toward the back and slide the transducer into
the mounting bracket.
3. Place a 5 mm flat washer on the 10-32 x 1.75" screw and
insert the screw through the mounting bracket, spacer, and
rubber washer.
4. Place the remaining 5 mm flat washer on the exposed end,
and install the 10-32 lock nut finger tight. The transducer is
tightened further after installation on the boat.

4 Fishfinder 160C Owner’s Manual
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS > TRANSDUCER INSTALLATION
Selecting a Transom Mount Location
For your sonar to operate properly, the transducer has to be located
in clean (non-turbulent) water. The transducer should be mounted as
near the center of the boat as possible.
DO NOT cut the transducer lead, this will void your warranty and
may degrade the sonar’s operation.
DO NOT mount the transducer behind strakes, rivet lines, struts,
fittings, water intake, discharge ports, eroding paint, or anything
that creates air bubbles or causes the water to become turbulent.
It is important that the transducer be as close to the center line as
possible in calm, non-turbulent water for optimal performance.
Avoid mounting the transducer in locations where the boat may be
supported during launching, hauling, trailering, or storage.
Mount the transducer away from the path of the prop on single drive
boats. On twin drive boats, mount the transducer between the drives
if possible. Do not mount the transducer directly in the path of the
prop. The transducer can cause cavitation that may degrade the
boat’s performance and damage the prop.
Make sure the transducer is below
water level when the boat is on plane
at high speed.
Apply marine sealant to all screw threads to
prevent water from seeping into the transom.
Mount the transducer parallel
with the water line.
Do not mount the transducer behind
strakes, rivet lines, struts, fittings, water
intakes or discharge ports.

Fishfinder 160C Owner’s Manual 5
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS > TRANSDUCER INSTALLATION
Mounting the Transducer on a Transom
Tool List (not included)—drill, 3/8" wrench or socket, 5/32" and
1/8" drill bits, masking tape, #2 Phillips screwdriver, marine sealant.
To mount the transducer on a transom:
1. Position the transom mount at the selected location, making
sure the transducer is parallel with the water line. Mark the
center locations of each hole on the transom mount (see
figures to the right).
2. Using the 5/32" bit, drill the pilot holes approximately 1" (25
mm) deep at the marked locations. To avoid drilling the holes
too deep wrap a piece of tape around the bit 1" from the point
of the bit.
3. Apply marine sealant to the 5 x 30 mm screws. Attach the
transducer to the transom using the 5 x 30 mm screws. Adjust
the transducer to extend beyond the bottom of the transom
approximately 1/8" (3 mm) on fiberglass hulls or 3/8" (10
mm) on aluminum hulls. Adjust the transducer to be aligned
parallel with the water.
4. Tighten the 10-32 locking nut until it touches the mounting
bracket, and then tighten 1/4 turn more (do not overtighten).
OK
Level
Drill pilot holes here.
Vertical
Bottom of Transom
Align with transom
bottom. Transducer
should extend 1/8" below
fiberglass hulls or 3/8"
below aluminum hulls.
Keep parallel with water line.

6 Fishfinder 160C Owner’s Manual
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS > TRANSDUCER INSTALLATION
Mounting the Transducer on a Trolling Motor
To mount the transducer on a trolling motor:
1. Slide the large cable tie through the slot on the transducer
mount with the ridges of the band facing up until equal
lengths extend on both sides of the mount. (NOTE: For cold
water, or heavy timber or debris areas, a metal 4-5" worm
gear clamp is recommended.)
2. Position the mount gasket on the curved top of the transducer
mount.
3. Place the transducer assembly against the motor body of the
trolling motor, with the front of the transducer pointed away
from the trolling motor propeller.
4. Wrap the two ends of the cable tie around the motor body.
Place the pointed end of the cable tie through the fastener
hole on the opposite end and pull it through until it is snug but
not tight. (The cable tie clicks when you pull it.)
5. Position the transducer so that it is parallel with the bottom
when in use, and make sure the gasket is aligned properly.
Pull the cable tie end until tight. Trim off the excess, if
necessary. Tighten the 10-32 locking nut until it touches the
mounting bracket and then tighten 1/4 turn more. (Do not
overtighten.)
6. Route the 30' (9 m) transducer cable using the supplied cable
ties to secure the cable to the motor shaft. You can fill the
forward-facing portion (except the cable tie pocket) of the
transducer mount with sealant to avoid accumulating debris.
Cable tie
Mounting
gasket

Fishfinder 160C Owner’s Manual 7
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS > TRANSDUCER INSTALLATION
Testing the Transom Mount Installation
Perform this test after you install the Fishfinder. Because you need
water to carry the sonar signal, the Fishfinder does not function
properly with the transducer out of the water. When you place your
boat in the water, CHECK FOR LEAKS around the screw holes that
are below the water line. DO NOT leave your boat in the water for
an extended period of time without checking for leaks.
To test the transom mount installation:
1. Begin testing the installation at a slow speed. If the sonar
appears to be working properly, gradually increase the boat’s
speed observing the sonar’s operation. If the sonar signal
suddenly is 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.
3. If the signal strength improves while turning, adjust the
transducer so that it extends another 1/8" below the transom
of the boat. It might take several adjustments to eliminate the
degradation.
4. If the signal does not improve it may be necessary to move
the transducer to a different location.

8 Fishfinder 160C Owner’s Manual
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS > WIRING HARNESS INSTALLATION
Wiring Harness Installation
The Fishfinder 160C comes with a wiring harness that connects
the unit to power and the transducer with one easy-to-remove
connection. If it is necessary to extend the power wires, use 22
AWG wire. DO NOT cut the transducer cable, as this will void
your warranty. Transducer extension cables are available from your
Garmin Dealer.
If your boat has an electrical system, it may be possible to wire the
unit directly to an unused holder on your current fuse block. If you
are using the boat’s fuse block, remove the in-line fuse supplied with
the unit. You may also wire the unit direct to the battery.
To install the wiring harness:
1. Install the Red (+) wire on the positive battery terminal.
2. Install the Black (-) wire on the negative battery terminal.
3. Install a 2 Amp fuse in the fuse holder (fuse block only).
4. Align the notches on the cable plug and back of the unit.
Insert the cable into the connector and turn the lock ring
counter-clockwise until it stops.
The FF160C outputs NMEA data for: Water Depth, Water Speed and
Water Temperature.
To connect the NMEA output to a NMEA device:
Connect the Blue wire to the Data Input of the NMEA device.
(red) + 10-18 VDC
(black) - Ground (Power/Data)
(blue) Port 1 Data OUT
(yellow) Alarm Low
GPS/NMEA
Device
10-18 volts
DC
Power
RXD +
TXD +
Alarm Relay
100ma max
coil current
To Transducer
To Unit
Wiring Diagram
2A
-
+
Red +
Wiring to a Fuse Block
Black -

Fishfinder 160C Owner’s Manual 9
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS > CARING FOR THE FISHFINDER 160C
Caring for the Fishfinder 160C
The FF160C’s case is constructed of high-quality materials and does
not require user maintenance except cleaning.
Cleaning the Case
Clean the unit’s outer casing (except for the screen) using a cloth
dampened with a mild detergent solution, and then wipe dry.
Avoid chemical cleaners and solvents that may damage plastic
components.
Cleaning the Screen
The screen should only be cleaned using eyeglass lens cleaner. Use
a soft, clean, lint-free cloth. Using cleaners containing Ammonia
will harm the anti-reflective screen coating. Apply the liquid to the
cloth and then gently wipe the screen with the moistened cloth.
Storage
Do not store the FF160C where prolonged exposure to temperature
extremes may occur (such as in the trunk of a car) as permanent
damage may result.
Water Immersion
The FF160C is waterproof to IEC Standard 60529 IPX7. It can
withstand immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Prolonged
submersion can cause damage to the unit. After submersion, be
certain to wipe and air dry the unit before reuse.
WARNING: The Fishfinder 160C lens is coated with a special
anti-reflective coating which is very sensitive to skin oils, waxes,
and abrasive cleaners. CLEANERS CONTAINING AMMONIA
WILL HARM THE ANTI-REFLECTIVE COATING. It is very
important to clean the lens using an eyeglass lens cleaner which
is specified as safe for anti-reflective coatings and a clean, lint-
free cloth.

10 Fishfinder 160C Owner’s Manual
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS > KEYPAD
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
ENTER
MENU
The Arrow keys
The up and down Arrow keys are used to
select items on the Adjustment Bar and Setup
menu. The left and right Arrow keys are
used to quickly cycle through Adjustment Bar
settings.
The ENTER key
The ENTER key activates or deactivates
Adjustment Bar and Setup menu data fields for
review or changes.
The MENU key
The MENU key activates or deactivates
Adjustment and Setup menus.
The POWER key
The POWER key turns the unit on or off, and
activates the backlight. Press and hold to turn
the unit on or off. Press briefly and release to
activate the backlight. To change the backlight
level, press the POWER key repeatedly to
cycle between off, user level, and high.

Fishfinder 160C Owner’s Manual 11
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS > UNIT CAPABILITIES
Unit Capabilities
Water Depth
The Depth Scale is displayed from top to bottom along the right
side. Messages and Alarm Icons are displayed along the bottom.
Water Temperature
The unit can display the water temperature at the transducer.
Speed
Speed can be displayed in miles per hour, kilometers per hour, and
knots. A speed capable transducer is required.
Distance
Distance can be displayed in miles, nautical miles, or kilometers. A
speed capable transducer is required.
Battery Voltage
Current battery voltage can be displayed.
Fish
The unit displays fish as arches or fish symbols in three sizes and
can alert you when a fish is detected.
Thermocline and Structure
Garmin’s See-Thru technology can display more than just the
thermocline and structure, the unit displays fish in and below the
thermocline, trees, brush, and deadfall.
Bottom Shape and Type
Garmin’s Auto Gain system provides a clear graphic representation
of the bottom type and its shape.
(Simulated display)

12 Fishfinder 160C Owner’s Manual
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS > THE ADJUSTMENT BAR
The Adjustment Bar
The Adjustment Bar allows quick access to the settings most
commonly changed while using the unit. The Adjustment Bar
settings are: Range, Gain, Scroll, Zoom, and View.
Current Adjustment Bar settings are viewed by pressing the MENU
key. Press MENU again to hide the window. The current adjustment
option always appears in the upper left of the display. Press left or
right on the Arrow keys to scroll through the available options.
To immediately change the current adjustment option, press the up
or down Arrow key. To review the available settings before making
a change, press the ENTER key to activate the adjustment window.
To change a setting on the unit:
1. Press MENU, use the up or down Arrow key.
2. Move the selection arrow to the option you want, and press
ENTER.
3. Choose Setup for the main Setup Menu.
Range
Sets the display depth range. The unit can automatically
track the bottom, or be set to a user-specified range.
Available settings are: Auto (default) or 5-900 ft.
Gain
Controls the sensitivity of the unit’s sonar receiver. This
provides some flexibility in what is seen on the display.
To see more detail, increase the receiver sensitivity by
selecting a higher gain (+). If there is too much detail
or if the screen is cluttered, lowering the sensitivity (-)
may increase the clarity of the display. Available settings are: Auto
(default) and 0-100%. The Auto setting level is controlled by the
Auto Gain setting in the Setup menu.
Scroll
Adjusts the rate that the graph scrolls from right to left.
If you are sitting still or the graph is moving too fast,
slowing or pausing the graph can be beneficial.

Fishfinder 160C Owner’s Manual 13
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS > THE SETUP MENU
Zoom
Selects a screen zoom scale. Available settings are: OFF
(default), 2X, and 4X zoom.
View
View is only available when a Zoom scale other than
Off is selected. This setting allows you to select a
specific zoom area to view on the screen, or allows
the unit to automatically select a zoomed viewing area
based on the bottom. When adjusting this setting, the
top and bottom numbers reflect the zoomed view depth
range.
The Setup Menu
The Setup menu contains the settings that should not need to be
changed frequently.
To display the Setup menu:
1. Press the MENU key.
2. Using the up or down Arrow key select Setup, and press
the ENTER key.
To change a Setup menu item:
1. Using the up or down Arrow key, highlight the selection.
2. Press the ENTER key to activate the setting.
3. Using the up or down Arrow key, make the change.
4. Press the ENTER key to accept the change.
Alarms
Battery
Sounds an alarm when the battery has
discharged to a user-determined voltage. The
Battery Alarm can help determine when the
battery is reaching a critical state of discharge.

14 Fishfinder 160C Owner’s Manual
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS > THE SETUP MENU
Shallow
The Shallow Alarm sounds a warning at a
determined depth between 1 and 900 ft.
Deep
The Deep Alarm sounds a warning at a determined
depth between 1 and 900 ft.
Fish Alarm
Sounds an alarm when the unit detects what it
determines to be a fish. The alarm selections are:
Off (default) or On.
Graph
Fish ID
The Fish ID setting determines how the graph displays underwater
targets and background information. If Fish ID is set to Off, the
unit displays all of the available information about the underwater
environment. If a fish symbol is selected, the graph displays only
the information related to that symbol (large, medium, and small
sizes). In wide beam, fish detected toward the outside of the beam
are displayed with a hollow symbol. Fish detected directly under the
boat are solid.
—All available information is displayed. (default)
— Suspended targets appear as symbols. No background
information is displayed in this mode.
—Same as above with target depth displayed.
— Suspended targets appear as symbols. In this mode
background information is still displayed making fish
identification easier.
—Same as above with target depth displayed.
Beam
The Beam setting allows the selection of a Narrow Beam or Wide
Beam for the transducer. A narrow beam provides higher detail
structure returns of a smaller bottom area. The wide beam shows a
larger fish return area with poorer detail of non-bottom structure.

Fishfinder 160C Owner’s Manual 15
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS > THE SETUP MENU
Whiteline
The Whiteline setting controls how the unit displays information
about the bottom type (hard or soft). With Whiteline off, the bottom
return displays as a solid color. With Whiteline on, the strongest
area of bottom return becomes white and can be used to determine
bottom hardness. A hard bottom returns a stronger signal and
displays a thicker bottom layer. A soft bottom returns a weaker
signal and displays a thinner bottom layer.
Whiteline Off
Whiteline On
Hard Bottom Soft Bottom
Auto Gain
The Auto Gain setting controls the sensitivity of
the receiver when in the gain option is set to Auto.
Auto Gain has three settings; High, Medium,
and Low. Increasing the Auto Gain setting makes
the FF160C more aggressive when adjusting gain
automatically. High auto gain may lead to excessive clutter on the
screen.

16 Fishfinder 160C Owner’s Manual
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS > THE SETUP MENU
Background
This setting allows the Background color to
be changed. The available settings are: Black,
Blue, and White.
Numbers
Keel Offset
The Keel Offset setting allows the user to offset the
surface reading for the depth of a keel. This makes
it possible to measure depth from the bottom
of your keel instead of from the transducer’s
location. Enter a positive number to offset for a
keel. It is also possible to enter a negative number
to compensate for a large vessel that may draw
several feet of water.
Size
Determines the size of the depth, battery,
temperature, speed, and distance numbers
displayed on the screen, either Small or Large
(default).
Battery
Choose to either Hide (default) or Show the
current battery voltage.
Water Temp
Water Temperature automatically
appears when set to Auto (default),
or you may choose to Hide the Water
Temperature.
Speed
Speed automatically appears when set to Auto
(default), or you may choose to Hide the
Speed.
Distance
Distance automatically appears when set to
Auto, or you may choose to Hide (default)
the Distance.
Transducer at Surface
Enter (+) positive
number to show depth
from the bottom of keel.
Transducer at Bottom
of Keel
Enter (-) negative number to
show depth from the surface.