Interphase Proble User manual

1
O PERATION
M ANUAL
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To Our Customer:
Thank you for choosing the Interphase Probe Forward Scanning Sonar. Throughout the
development of this fine product, we have been primarily concerned with creating a unit that
offers the best possible value for your money. Selection of features, ease of use, superior
performance and outstanding reliability were the benchmarks upon which all important design
decisions were made. We feel proud of the Probe Forward Scanning Sonar and your satisfaction
is very important to us. To this end, we welcome any comments or suggestions that you might
have in regard to this equipment.
It is very important that you complete and return the WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD
within 15 days of purchase so that your unit may be protected under the warranty.
Sincerely,
INTERPHASE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
©2005 Interphase Technologies, Inc.
Interphase Probe™ is a trademark of Interphase Technologies, Inc.
Publication # = PROBE 4.3-DOM
Part# 25-0028-029

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Table Of Contents
Important Notice 5
Principle of Operation 6
Display Unit Installation 8
Selecting the Transducer configuration for Your Boat ______________________________________________ 10
Transducer Installation 11
Basic Operation 18
Getting Started 22
Set-Up View 24
Demo Program, Display Contrast 24
Units of Measure 25
Language Selection 25
Level Adjustment 25
Forward View (Full Scan) 26
Range Adjustment 26
Sensitivity Adjustment 26
Alarm Adjustment 27
Beam Width & Direction Adjustment 28
Plot (Track Plot) View 29
Range 29
Mark 30
Center 30
Reset 30
Chart View 31
Range Adjustment 31
Sensitivity Adjustment 31
Bottom Hardness 32
Alarm Adjustment 32
Zoom & Bottom Track 31
Fish Symbol ID 34
Data View 35
Range Adjustment 35
Log Reset 35
Sensitivity Adjustment 35
Alarm Adjustment 36
Beam Width & Direction Adjustment 37
Chart/Plot View 38
Range 38
Mark 39
Center 39
Reset 39
Chart/Scan View 40
Range Adjustment 40
Sensitivity Adjustment 40
Alarm Adjustment 41
Beam Width & Direction Adjustment 42
NMEA 0183 Interface 43
Interpreting Your Probe Display 44
Distance Forward 45
Noise and Sensitivity Adjustments 45
Transducer Sidelobe Effect 45
Reference Information 47
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) 50
Maintenance 52
Troubleshooting Guide 53
Interference Problems 54
Specifications 55
Faxtory Reset and Speed Calibration 56
How To Obtain Service 57
Warranty 59

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General Information
T hank you for your selection of the Interphase Probe
Forward Scanning Sonar. The Probe’s ruggedly built,
compact design makes it ideal for installation on nearly any
boat. It will display water depth, bottom conditions and
submerged objects such as fish, or objects in your path, on its
high resolution display. The Probe is available with either a
transom or thru-hull scanning sonar depth transducer. In
addition, an optional speed/temperature transducer (either
transom or thru-hull) is available which will enable your
Probe to display boat speed, elapsed distance and surface
water temperature. Refer to the accessories part numbers
printed in the Transducer Installation section (Page 17) of
this manual, then see your dealer or call Interphase to order.
The Probe has an unprecedented number of advanced features,
in addition to the forward scanning capability, to make your
boating safer and your fishing more productive. Its high
resolution SuperTwist Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) provides
split screen views of 4X magnification zoom and bottom lock,
large digital display, speed and temperature (with the speed/
temperature transducer). You will appreciate the very useful
features of fish and depth alarms, manual or automatic gain
control, bottom hardness indicator and fish symbol
identification.
The Probe allows operation in your choice of nine languages:
English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Danish, Finnish,
Swedish, or Greek. Power-off memory saves language, depth
range, gain and contrast settings, screen advance speed and
location in screen menu. Due to its unique multi-tasking
operation, the Probe provides instant full screen updates when
switching between modes (no data loss).
If you have your Probe interfaced with a Loran-C or GPS unit
(NMEA version 2.0, non-differential), you can take advantage
of the included track plot displays. The Loran-C, DECCA, and
GPS track plot displays on the Probe give a whole new
dimension, enabling you to not only see the depths beneath and
in front of your boat, but also to see a graphic display of your
boat’s position and progress over time. The track plot display
makes it easy to find and return to the same fishing spot, or to
troll back over the same productive areas.

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To ensure that you receive the maximum benefits available
from the outstanding features of the Interphase Probe, please
carefully follow the steps outlined in this manual. An
instructive demonstration simulator has been designed into the
Probe and we highly recommend that you spend some time
using the demo mode prior to actual use of the unit. We also
recommend that you read this entire manual before attempting
to either install or operate your Probe.
Warranty Information
Interphase provides a limited warranty on the Probe Forward
Scanning Sonar. We strongly urge you to read this warranty
(reprinted at the back of this manual) and closely follow its
terms and conditions should your Probe require repair. It is
highly recommended that you save all packing materials so
that if you should need to send in the unit for repair, it can be
fully protected. If you wrap your display unit in the original
plastic bag and ship it in the box with cardboard inserts, this
will protect your unit from scratches and shock during
shipment.
Should you experience a problem with your Probe, first refer
to the Troubleshooting section (Page 53) of this manual.
Most common problems and their solutions are described here.
If problems persist, call Interphase Product Support at:
[phone]. We will be happy to try to assist you, and if
required, we will give you instructions on how to quickly get
your set repaired.
The enclosed warranty registration card must be completed
and returned to Interphase within 15 days of purchase so that
your unit may be protected under the warranty. Failure to
return the warranty card may cause unnecessary delays in
processing your unit for warranty repair.
WARNING
Navigation based solely on one method or
one instrument should never be practiced.
While the Probe can be quite useful in
showing underwater structure and changing
bottom conditions both below and in front
of your vessel, there are many situations
and conditions which can cause erroneous
or distorted readings.
In addition, there are many situations that
can cause “blind spots” in the Probe’s field
of view including the presence of
temperature inversion layers (thermoclines),
water turbulence, and high concentrations
of suspended particles in the water.
While the Probe can be considered as a
useful aid to navigation, it should never be
the only means of navigation.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Since the Probe’s Forward Looking
technology is revolutionary, there is a
strong possibility that we will develop
many new and exciting features in the
future. We would like to make sure we can
send you information about these new
features and enhancements.
Please fill out and return the Warranty
Registration Card immediately. This is our
only method to keep in contact with you
and we may want to advise you of future
enhancements to your Probe.
If future changes or improvements are
made, software upgrades will be available
for a nominal charge.

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Principle of Operat ion
The Probe Forward Scanning Sonar uses a proprietary
phased array acoustic technology first developed for marine
use by Interphase Technologies. Known as “phased array
ultrasound technology”, its capabilities have been proven in
the military and medical industries for many years. The
amazing video images provided by medical ultrasound
equipment are familiar to most people and clearly demonstrate
the technology’s ability to show highly defined images in a
"real time" or "live action" mode. Interphase has taken this
same technology and modified it for use in the marine market.
Most present day fish finders/ depth sounders all work on a
principle developed during W.W. II, called SONAR, where
acoustic pulses are used to detect the presence and range or
distance to an underwater object. During the 1950’s, several
devices which used sonar principles were developed and
marketed to fishing and boating enthusiasts to detect the
distance to the bottom (depth) and to indicate the presence of
any intervening submerged objects - such as fish.
An acoustic array is a group of piezoelectric ceramic elements
that are precisely sized and spaced. Each element will send
and receive acoustic pulses, as when used in more
conventional single element depth sounders. However, when
all elements in the array are sending or receiving acoustic
energy at the same time, the entire array behaves like a single
larger element with one important difference: the ability of the
array to concentrate its acoustic energy in different directions,
depending on the different “phasing” of the signals applied or
received by each element. Depending on the signal phasing of
the array, acoustic beams can be directed in an almost
unlimited number of directions. For example, using an 8
element phased array transducer, the Probe is capable of
steering the acoustic beam in any of 90 different directions.
Conventional fixed-beam technology would require the use of
90 different elements to duplicate this capability. The
resulting transducer would be much too large and costly to be
of any practical use.
Since the acoustic beam in the phased array is steered
electronically, requiring no moving parts, it can be quickly and
reliably scanned and re-scanned over a large area. When
displayed, the changing information between subsequent scans
takes on an almost animated quality - for example, showing
movement of underwater targets such as fish or rapidly
changing bottom conditions.
In addition to Interphase’s ability to electronically steer an
Award Winning
Technology
For its pioneering work in
developing Phased Array
Scanning Sonar, Interphase
Technologies won the
prestigious IMTEC
INNOVATION AWARD.
The Probe’s Forward
Looking Scanning Sonar is
based on this same award-
winning technology.

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acoustic beam, the phased array has other patent pending
advantages over fixed-beam technologies, such as: allowing
the user to adjust the transducer beam width, to scan large
areas limited only by the physics of the speed of sound in
water (5,000 feet/second), and the ability to provide nearly real
time or live action underwater views.
When operating, the Probe converts a small amount of
electrical current from your battery into ultrasonic sound
pulses, which are then fed to the phased array transducer.
These acoustic pulses travel out from the transducer in a cone
shaped pattern, called the cone angle. When the sound pulse
strikes an underwater object, it is reflected back (echo return),
received by the transducer and converted back into small
electrical impulses. These impulses are amplified, then
displayed as an image on the LCD screen.
The strength of the echo, the depth of the object, and the angle
of the transducer’s beam all affect how the image appears on
the display. Other factors which affect the image include boat
speed relative to the movement, position of the underwater
target and the number of objects reflecting pulses back to the
Probe.
Please Note:
Learning to properly interpret scanning sonar takes both
patience and experience, but once mastered, the Probe can
offer tremendous operational advantages over conventional
fixed-beam depth sounders. It is also important to realize that
while the Probe shows the bottom in both the forward and the
conventional downlooking mode, the presentations are really
quite different. The forward scan shows a view as the beam
“sweeps” across the bottom, while the conventional
downlooking view shows a history of repetitive soundings
packed tightly together.

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Installation
Display Unit
The compact size of the Probe display unit allows for
easy installation in almost any vessel. To get maximum
performance and life from your unit, the following
guidelines should be considered when selecting a
mounting location:
1) Select a location where the unit is protected from
excessive temperatures. Heat is one of the worst enemies
of electronic components, and will accelerate component
aging, thereby reducing the trouble-free life of your
Probe.
2) Mount the display in a location where it will be
convenient to route the power cord and transducer cable.
Power connection
Connect the two-pin plug on the end of the power supply
cable to the power supply jack located at the rear of the
main display unit. Connect the red wire to the positive
terminal and the black wire to the negative terminal of
your boat’s 12 VDC battery.
To minimize electrical interference, carefully route the
power cable so that it does not run parallel or close to the
transducer cable, engine, refrigeration, bilge pump or any
other critical wiring.
IMPORTANT: The Probe’s 12 VDC power leads
should go directly to the boat’s battery, distribution board,
or breaker panel. Instability of the display may result if
the unit has to share leads with other electrical systems
aboard your boat.
Wiring for Power and Transducer
Connectors
The correct pin-out wiring sequences for the power and
transducer connectors are shown at right. DO NOT
SHORTEN THE TRANSDUCER CABLE. If a
transducer cable longer than the 30’ length supplied with
your unit is needed, please contact your Interphase
dealer. A 30-foot scanning sonar transducer extension
cable is available. (P/N 04-0014-008)
Shelf/Table
Overhead
Panel Flush Mount Installation
Optional In-Dash mounting bracket, Interphase
part # 17-0054-008 is required for in-dash or
panel mounting.
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DANGER: Removal of any connector, disassembly of
transducer, shortening of any cable or use of any cable
other than that supplied by Interphase will void your
warranty. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Cable Connectors (view from front of female plug)
Transducer:
1 White 1st element
2 Brown 2nd element
3 Orange 3rd element
4 Yellow 4th element
5 Green 5th element
6 Blue 6th element
7 Violet 7th element
8 Gray 8th element
9 Shield Ground/Return
Speed/Temperature Input
1 Speed Data
2 +5VDC
3 N/C
4 N/C
5 N/C
6 +Temp. Sensor
7 -Temp. Sensor
8 Shield/Ground
Power Connector
1 +12 vdc
2 - (Ground)
NMEA Input
1 Data
2 Return ( Ground)
3 N/C
N/C = No Connection
12 Volt Battery
Red Wire NMEA 0183
Input (3-pin)
Transducer
(9-pin)
Speed/
Temp.
(8-pin)
12 VDC
Power Cable
(2-pin)

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Selecting the Transducer
Configuration for your Boat
Keep in mind the primary rule for transducer operation.
This is: the transducer can function as long as it has an
unobstructed forward view and has smooth flowing
non-aerated water surrounding it.
The first line of inquiry should be about the boat.
Transom mounted transducers are intended for low
speed boats with external props. Boats with inboard
motors and boats that regularly exceed 40MPH cannot
use transom mounted transducers. Inboard motors
create aeration and excess turbulence that prevent the
transducers from operating properly. I/O motors where
the prop is aft of the transom do not create this
situation. Be careful that the driveshaft of the I/O does
not block the forward horizontal scan. Boats that exceed
40MPH run a risk of having the transom mounted
transduers torn free of the transom. The transom
mounted transducers are not designed to be used at
these speeds.
In addition, the transom mounted transducers are
mounted on kick-up brackets. This allows the brackets
to kick up at about 35-40MPH. This is intended to
allow the transducers to kick-up if they strike an
object, or to be pulled up when trailering a boat. Once
kicked up, the transducers must be manully reset in
order to function.
Thru-hull transducers are for boats that exceed 40MPH
and /or have inboard motors. Transducer placement
depends on boat size, speed, hull configuration and
sonar application. On displacement hulls, the
transducer is generally located 1/3 aft of where the bow
meets the water line. This is the farthest forward the
transducer should ever be mounted. It is important that
the transducer be below turbulent aerated water created
by the bow.
Special Thru-Hull Mounting Considerations
On sailboats with a fin keel, the transducer is most often
placed at the leading edge of the keel and sometimes
faired into the keel. As this location may be where the
sling rests when hauling the boat, the transducer may be
placed on either side of the hull with the foremost face
of the transducer even with the leading edge of the keel.
Alternatley, the transducer may be placed forward of the
keel ahead of the lifting strap location. This should not be
ahead of 1/3 aft of where the bow meets the waterline.
On planing hulls the transducer is typically placed near
the transom. This is to provide smooth flowing water at
the greastest speed. However, most planing hull boats
create transducer aeration when on plane regardless of
transducer location.
It should be noted that thru-hull transducers can effect
boat performance in two important ways. The first
concern is cavitation created by the transducer that causes
reduced engine performance by disrupting water flow
around the propeller. This is smoothed out by the hull in
some boats, but on planing hulls with the transducer near
the transom, the hull is not able to clear the cavitation.
The second concern is uneven drag on high-speed boats.
This may occur when the thru-hull transducer is mounted
far off of the centerline of the boat. At low speeds and on
large boats the effect is negligible. On smaller boats at
high speeds the drag can effect the steering. The effect
increases as the boat’s speed rises. Boats with trim tabs
can usually trim this out, but boats without trim tabs may
feel a pulling sensation toward the transducer side of the
boat.
A less intuative mounting location for the thru-hull
transducer on a planing hull is on the centerline just
forward of midship. The goal in this mounting is to place
the transducer so that it is out of the water at planing
speed. As most transducers are aerated at planing speeds,
this removes the transducer from the water flow
preventing cavitation and steering problems. Most
applications for forward scanning sonar occur when the
boat is at low non-planing speeds, including fishing and
navigating hazardous waters. Under these speed
conditions the transducer is in the water.
On trailered boats, be certain that the mounting is such
that the boat does not rest on the transducers. This could
result in damage to the transducer and/or boat hull.
Explore possible mounting locations while the boat is on
the trailer.

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Transducer Installation
The Probe comes standard with either a thru-hull or
transom mounted forward scanning transducer. It is
important to position the transducer so that it has as clear a
view as possible of the water directly below and ahead of
your boat, as indicated at left.
The scanning transducer must be positioned properly so that
it scans in the proper direction (i.e. from in front of the boat
to the bottom below). The sketch at left shows the proper
orientation for both the transom mount and thru-hull
transducer.
NOTE THAT ON THE TRANSOM MOUNT
TRANSDUCERS, THE ROUNDED SIDE MUST
POINT FORWARD, AND ON THE THRU-HULL
TRANSDUCER, THE MORE BLUNT AREA MUST
POINT FORWARD.
General Considerations
DO NOT CUT OR SPLICE YOUR PHASED ARRAY
TRANSDUCER CABLE OR REMOVE THE 9-PIN
CONNECTOR BECAUSE THE SYSTEM
PERFORMANCE MAY BE SERIOUSLY
DEGRADED. THIS ACTION WILL VOID YOUR
WARRANTY. NO EXCEPTIONS.
If you need a longer length cable than comes with the
transducer (30’), then purchase the optional 30’ extension
cable, Interphase Part # 04-0014-008. It is recommended
that only one extension cable be used as additional
extensions will decrease the effective power and depth
range.
1) Choose a location where there is the least amount of
acoustic noise, air bubbles or turbulence caused by the
boat’s movement. The transducer should not be located
nearby or especially directly behind or directly in front of
the propeller.
2) Choose a location where the transducer can be mounted
so that it will be level to the water’s surface and will not be
tilted to either side. Otherwise the transducer will not scan
from the surface ahead to directly beneath the boat.
3)The transducer must always remain submerged,
regardless of the speed of the boat and should not be
mounted where it could be damaged by underwater
obstacles or when loading on a trailer.
Side & Front View
showing Probe
Scanning directions.
Transom Mounted Transducer
Forward
Thru-Hull Transducer
Forward Direction
Top View
Side View

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4) DO NOT locate the transducer in the extreme bow of the
boat where it will be subject to intense turbulence as the
boat pounds through the water.
5) DO NOT locate the transducer directly behind any hull
protrusion which will cause the water to be turbulent when
it reaches the transducer or which will obstruct the
transducer’s forward looking view. For displacement-hull
power and sail boats, the thru-hull installation is usually
required.
6) DO NOT force the cable by pulling on it. This may
cause damage to the internal transducer wiring.
DANGER: DO NOT allow any solvents, i.e. gasoline,
acetone, to come in contact with the transducer or head unit
as this may dissolve the plastic material.
Transom Transducer Kick-Up Bracket
The transom transducer is attached to the boat with a heavy-
duty stainless steel kick-up bracket to provide protection
against impact.When the transducer strikes an object, or
the water force exceeds the resistance of the bracket, the
transducer automatically kicks up and becomes non-
operational. The bracket does not automatically reset at
lower speeds. The transducer must be manually returned to
its operational position.
The transducer is designed to kick up at speeds between 35
and 40MPH (30-35 knots). We do not recommend transom
mount transducers on boats that regularly exceed 35MPH
(30 knots). Boats that exceed 40MPH (35knots) cannot
use transom mounted transducers, but must use thru-
hull transducers.
Special Note: The kick-up feature is designed as a safety
consideration to prevent the transducer from being removed
from the boat due to impact or excessive speed. The kick-
up bracket is not designed for repeated kick-up or to be
pulled up manually during loading and unloading from boat
trailers. Tests have shown that the bracket can kick-up as
many as 30 times before there is a negative effect on the
bracket. Repeated kick-up will cause the transducer to
kick-up at progressively lower speeds. Excessive kick-ups
can cause the transducer bracket to fail. Brackets that fail
due to repeated kick-up are not covered under warranty.
If the transducer must be kicked up for installation, boat
service or loading, the nylok nut on the end of the bracket
axle can be loosened. Tighten the nut to 50 inch pounds of
torque before operating the boat.
30’ Extension Cable
9-pin
Male 9-pin Female
Interphase Part #
04-0014-008
Transom Mount Bracket in Released Position
Suggested materials required for installation:
♦ Variable speed electric drill with a chuck
capacity of 10mm (3/8”) or larger.
♦ Hole saw or spade bit 19 mm (7/8”) for
transom hole to route cable and
connector
♦ Chamfer bit or 6 mm (1/4”) drill bit
♦ Drill bit No. 28 or 4 mm (9/64”)
♦ Drill bit 3 mm (7/64”)
♦ Marine bedding/sealing compound
Note: Will
not work at
speeds above
35 MPH

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Kick-up Bracket Replacement Parts
If during installation parts are somehow lost are damaged, they
can be replaced as follows:
Part# 17-0088-008 - Spray Shield Kit - Includes: Spray Shield,
four Mounting Bolts and Nuts, Rubber Grommet and four
Large Mounting Screws.
Part# 17-0089-008 - Transom Transducer Hardware Kit -
Includes: Complete Bracket Axle Assembly and four Large
Mounting Screws.
Part# 17-0056-008 - Kick-Up Bracket Assembly - Includes:
Complete Bracket Axle Assembly, four Large Mounting
Screws and the Stainless Steel Mounting Bracket.
Bracket Axle Assembly
On some boats it will be neccessary to remove the Bracket
Axle during installation. See the diagram to the left and
instructions below for details on assembling the axle.
1. Place one stainless steel washer onto the axle against the hex
end.
2. Place one small stainless steel spacer against washer.
3. Slide two urethane spacers over the small steel spacer.
4. With the transducer bracket in place, align the long stainless
steel spacer with the mounting holes of the mounting bracket
and slide the axle in place through the spacer.
5. Place one small stainless steel spacer against the transducer
bracket.
6. Slide two urethane spacers over the small steel spacer.
7. Place one stainless steel washer onto the axle against the
urethane spacer.
8. Place the nylok nut onto the threaded end of the axle and
tighten to 50 inch pounds. If you do not have a torque wrench,
tighten until the nut will not turn easily. The stainless steel
spacers should prevent over-tightening.
Transom Mounting Location
The main source of vessel acoustic noise is the propeller. It is
very important to position the transducer to minimize noise
pickup and provide as clear a view as possible of the water
ahead of the boat. Study the hull shape of the vessel carefully
to determine the best transducer mounting location. To
achieve optimal operation the transducer should be mounted in
a spot which:
• Minimizes acoustic noise reception.
• Minimizes the chance that aerated water will flow across
the transducer’s frontal nose area.
• Optimizes the transducers view of the area ahead and
directly below the boat.
Bracket
Axle
Nylok Nut
1
2
3
5
4
6
7
8

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The transducer can be installed on either side of an
outboard or inboard/outboard engine, or between twin
outboards. For single engine installations, normally 18”
to 24” outboard of the propeller center line is acceptable
and the down stroke side of the propeller is preferred.
Choose a location where water flow is smoothest. For
dual engine installation, just off the center line is
usually acceptable.
Because the transducer rotates back and upwards when
the bracket releases, it must be mounted in a location
where there is sufficient clearance and headroom to
allow the full release.
Attaching the Transducer and Spray
Shield to the Bracket
Locate the Stainless Spray Shield inside the
transducer’s stainless mounting ears. Make sure spray
shield is orientated as shown in sketch on the right.
Then, assemble the stainless kick-up bracket to the
transducers using the 4 screws, washers and lock nuts
provided. The bracket arms must be mounted outside
the stainless steel mounting ears of the transducer. Do
not fully tighten the lock nuts at this time.
Position the transducer so that it is perpendicular from
side to side and make sure the rounded shaped area is
pointed towards the front of the boat.
Mounting the Transducer to the Boa t
After you have selected the optimum mounting location
and have assembled the mounting bracket to the
transducer, mount the bracket onto the hull as shown on
the right.
Make sure to position the transducer so that it is level in
the fore and aft direction and so it will look straight
down. Check the location of your boat’s waterline and
position the flat top surface of the transducer so that it is
parallel to the waterline as shown below.
Note: If the transducer is not mounted so that its fore
and aft direction is parallel to the surface, then the
forward looking display will be distorted and flat
bottoms will appear to be slanted upwards or
downwards. After mounting the transducer and actually
using the Probe on the water, you may need to readjust
the transducer’s mounting for optimum performance.
Transom Mount Locations
Waterline
Rear
View
Spray Shield
Transducer must be
mounted vertically
Fasten Spray Shield
with 4 screws & nylok
washers as shown
Bracket
Axle
Rubber
Grommet
Side
View
Boat Hull
Mounting
Bracket
Waterline
Fasten Spray Shield with
4 screws & nylok
washers as shown
Spray
Shield
18 - 24"
Cables
Twin Outboards
Transducer
Cable

15
Thru-Hull Transducer Installation
The thru-hull transducer is the recommended choice for
larger boats with in-board engines. Thru-hull mounting is
usually required on larger power and sail craft in order to
find a mounting location free of forward looking hull
obstructions. The Probe must have a clear view of the
water ahead as it can not magically see through obstructions
such as the vessel’s hull. Please read the following
carefully before starting the thru-hull installation.
Normally, thru-hull installations are performed by a
professional in a boat haul-out facility. We suggest you
seek professional assistance before attempting to mount this
transducer.
Selecting the Best Location
The best location to mount the thru-hull transducer will
vary with the type of boat. Try to find a location with the
smallest dead rise angle to make installation easiest.
a. On displacement hulls (sailboats, trawlers, etc.) locate
the transducer about 1/3 aft along the waterline. Generally
this provides the best compromise between obtaining
aeration-free water and minimizing propeller noise. The
Probe’s transducer can not see through aerated water and
water near the bow and near the keel can be quite aerated.
Aeration of the transducer can be minimized by keeping the
transducer mounted away from the keel and by not
mounting too far forward.
b. On sailboats, the transducer should be mounted where
the acoustic beam will not be shaded by the keel. A spot
forward of a fin keel is usually best. Try to find an
accessible spot with a minimum dead rise angle.
c. On planing powerboat hulls, the transducer should be
mounted well aft and close to the keel to insure that the
transducer is in contact with the water at higher boat speeds.
On I/O’s, transducer mounting close to the
engine usually yields good results.
On inboards always mount the transducer
well ahead of the propeller(s). Turbulence
from props can seriously degrade perform-
ance. (Thru-hull installation is recommended.)
d. Mount the transducer on the side of the hull where the
propeller is moving downwards. The upward motion of the
propeller generates pressure waves and pushes bubbles up
against the transducer’s face causing a loss of signal.
Suggested Thru-Hull
Transducer Locations
Fin Keel
Planing Hull
Displacement Hull
L = waterline length
~ 1/3 L

16
DO NOT install a bronze transducer housing directly into
an aluminum or steel hull because electrolytic corrosion
will occur. Consult your boat-yard for information on
stainless or plastic sleeves.
IMPORTANT:
1) Make sure the water flow across the thru-hull
transducer is bubble and turbulence free at all speeds if
good performance is to be achieved.
2) Make sure the transducer has an unobstructed view of
the water ahead and below the boat.
3) On displacement-hull power boats, the transducer
should be mounted relatively close to the center line of
the hull.
4) Mount the transducer in a place which has reasonable
access from inside the vessel since the transducer’s
bronze nut will require tightening from inside the hull.
Because the Probe scans a 12 degree beam from the
surface ahead to directly below the boat, it is important to
make sure that the transducer is installed so that it will
scan in a vertical direction and not off to either side. The
transducer must be mounted so that it’s bronze stem is as
perpendicular to the water line as possible. If necessary,
use a fairing block to properly position the transducer.
Use of a Thru-hull Fairing Bl ock
Nearly all vessels have some dead rise angle at the
transducer mounting location. If the thru-hull transducer
were mounted directly to the hull, the sound beam would
be tilted off the vertical at the same angle as the dead-rise.
Most thru-hull installations will require a fairing block to
insure the transducer is mounted properly.
A fairing block is typically made of teak, mahogany or
plastic and should be glued between the transducer and
hull (both inside and outside) to insure that the
transducer’s mounting shaft is perpendicular to the
water’s surface. Make the fairing block as smooth as
possible, and not bigger than the transducer’s face, to
minimize possible turbulence.
After cutting the fairing block, trial fit the block to the
hull. It is very important that the flat top surface of the
transducer be parallel to the water. Because of the skill
required, we suggest that your professional boatyard
provide the fairing block. Molded plastic fairing blocks
are also available to fit the Probe’s transducer. Contact
us at [phone] for additional information and
where to purchase.
Hull
Hull
Waterline
Waterline
Keep parallel
to waterline !
Keep parallel
to waterline !
Forward
Transducer
Mount Transducer so bronze stem is Vertical
Bronze
Hex Nut
Fairing
Block
Transducer
Wood or
Plastic
Fairing Block
(Add sealing
compound
between
faring block
& hull).
Boat’s
Hull

17
Installing the Thru-hull Transducer
1) Drill a 1/8” pilot hole from inside the hull to assure
access to tighten the housing nut and clearance for the
transducer cables. If there is any hull irregularity near the
mounting location, it may be desirable to drill from the
outside.
2) Use a 1-1/16” hole saw and drill the hole from the
outside of the hull. Sand or clean the area around the hole,
inside and outside to insure that the sealing compound will
adhere properly to the hull. Select a marine grade adhesive
sealant, such as 3M 5200, and use according to the
instructions.
3) Remove the bronze hex nut from the housing and cable.
4) Uncoil the transducer cable and thread it through the
hole into the inside of the hull. DANGER: DO NOT apply
tension to the transducer cables as this may sever internal
connections.
5) Apply a 1/8” thick layer of sealant on the upper flat
surface of the transducer, bronze alignment pin and fairing
block (if used).
6) From the outside of the hull, push the housing into the
1” hole. Twist the housing slightly to squeeze out excess
sealant. Carefully confirm that the transducer is aligned so
that the round front end is pointed directly toward the front
of the boat.
7) Install and tighten the bronze hex nut (allow for swelling
in wooden hulls).
8) Remove excess sealant from the outside to assure
smooth water flow over the transducer.
DANGER: Wood hulls and fairing blocks will expand
after the boat is put back into the water, so it is important
that the transducer be only hand-tightened until the wood
fully expands. Otherwise the wood fairing block may
crack.
DANGER: Be sure to check for leaks when the boat is
placed in the water. Allow at least 24 hours after
installation for any leak to appear.
DANGER: If the boat is kept in saltwater it is
recommended that the transducer be coated with an anti-
fouling paint. USE ONLY WATER BASED ANTI-
FOULING PAINT. DO NOT USE KETONE BASED
PAINTS. Ketone based anti-fouling paint will attack the
plastic materials used in the transducer. See page 52.
If your installation requires a fairing block, you
may either have one made locally, or purchase
a molded plactic unit from Interphase or your
Interphase distributor.
For this transducer, the molded Fairing Block
Part Number is:
42-2004-000
MOLDED FAIRING BLOCK
OPTIONAL SPEED/TEMPERATURE
TRANSDUCERS
INTERPHASE DESCRIPTION
PART #
T1-0200-021 Transom mount S/T
transducer
T1-0200-027 Thru-hull mount S/T
transducer
04-0009-008 30’ S/T Extension Cable
Both the transom and thru-hull S/T transducers
are separately installed. The transom mount S/T
transducer can be used with the thru-hull depth
only transducer if desired. The 30’ S/T
transducer cable and the depth only transducer
cable both plug directly into the back of the
display unit.
To order, call your local Interphase dealer, or
Interphase direct at (831)4 77-4944.

18
Basic Operation
The Probe has been designed to be as easy to learn and operate
as possible. The raised push-button keys provide a tactile feel
to each operation and the Probe responds with an audible beep
each time a key is pressed. All keys necessary for operation of
the unit are on the front panel. The Probe uses a unique
approach called “soft keys” along the bottom of the display.
These five keys are labeled by the LCD display and are
controlled by the unit’s software, thus the name “soft keys”.
In addition, a large front panel rotating knob eliminates the need
for multiple button pushes while making gain, depth range,
display contrast and many other adjustments. The knob
provides easy and quick adjustments while giving the user a
familiar style of operation.
The “soft key” buttons allow very easy operation as they almost
guide you along, even though the Probe possesses an amazing
number of advanced sonar features. It would take a
considerable number of additional buttons and greatly add to the
unit’s operational complexity if each function had a dedicated
button instead of using the “soft key” approach. In addition, the
use of “soft keys”, coupled with the front panel adjustment
knob, allow for easy future software upgrades which may
include new important features. The use of fixed, permanently
labeled buttons would severely limit any future upgrade ability.
User Interface
The Probe is a very advanced product with many features never
before found on marine instrumentation. In order to provide
these sophisticated new features while continuing to keep user
operation simple and easy to learn, several new design
approaches were adopted. Some of the more significant
approaches are described in the following.
Multi-Tasking Operation
The Probe’s Multi-Tasking operation was developed to make
sure your time would not be wasted whenever you change
screen displays. When changing displays with other
conventional systems, the microprocessor has to completely re-
assemble a new display picture which can take a considerable
amount of time. These time delays can be very frustrating and
are unnecessary if a Multi-Tasking operating system is used.
Interphase Probe
Short-cut
In this manual you will find
instruction on how to change all
adjustable settings by using the
“soft keys”. However, any setting
adjustment can be done (when the
appropriate menu selection is made)
by turning the control knob.
Settings which can be adjusted by
using the control knob are:
Range
Alarm
Contrast
Sensitivity
Zoom
Beam Sector Width & Direction
LCD screen contrast can be changed
any time while in the Control
Center simply by turning the
control knob.
Softkeys Power On/
Off

19
Pre-Programmed Screen Displays
Rather than ask you to “build” different screen displays while
operating the unit, the Probe has seven of the most valuable
LCD screen displays pre-programmed into its operating system
memory. Thanks to the Multi-Tasking operating system, each
of these pre-programmed displays (known as Views) are
always being updated, regardless of which screen display is
presently being used. This means, for example, that the two
Track Plotter’s will continue to plot and update your vessel’s
position - even while you’re looking at a Zoomed picture of
the bottom! Similarly, even while viewing your vessel’s
position on one of the Track Plot displays, the digital and
graphic depth screens are simultaneously being updated in the
background - ready for immediate access. And, thanks to the
lithium battery memory backup, as described in the next
section; ranges, gain, zoom and other settings are remembered
as you go from View to View and are even remembered when
you turn the unit off.
Internal System Memory
There is nothing so frustrating as having your fishfinder re-
start when you start your boat’s engine and having to
completely re-set the range, gain, contrast and all your other
settings. Because the Probe contains an internal lithium
memory battery, it remembers all system settings with the
power removed. When you turn your Probe on, it will
immediately start in the last View that you used, complete with
the proper range, zoom, gain and other important settings.
Instead of using a non-volatile RAM, a lithium battery was
used to ensure a long error-free memory life. Most non-
volatile RAM’s exhibit increasing errors with time and can
become a serious problem after only 100,000 operations.
Cold Cathode Backlight
The Probe has the best LCD backlight system available. It
uses a Cold Cathode Fluorescent lamp (CFL) with
exceptionally long life characteristics which greatly exceed the
more common electro-luminescent and incandescent bulb
backlights. In addition to its exceptional reliability, the cold
cathode lamp provides a much more visible display than other
backlight systems. Screen clarity and contrast are greatly
enhanced. The typical half-life (when output brightness
diminishes to 1/2 its original value) of the cold cathode
backlight is in excess of 20,000 hours. A typical electro-
luminescent panel, for comparison, has a half life of only 2,000
hours!
Interphase Probe
Control
Knob
Pre-Programmed Screen Displays

20
Common Soft Key Functions
The Probe’s innovative Multi-Tasking operating system is
controlled through the Control Center, where several
different screen displays (views) can easily be selected by the
push of a button. Each of these screens (views) reside in the
Probe’s internal memory and all are being updated in the
background, regardless of which screen is currently being
displayed. This allows the Probe to provide instant full screen
displays of different features with no data loss on other
screens.
On many of the display screens you will note a recurrence of
the left most soft key labeled “MENU”. When the MENU
soft key is pressed, the Probe will return to the Control
Center display. Use of the MENU soft key is required in
order to return to the Control Center where another mode of
operation (i.e. forward looking, track plotting, etc.) can be
chosen.
Power/Backlight Key
Press the "Power/Backlight" key located at the lower right of
the unit to turn the Probe on. The unit will respond with an
audible beep when it turns on. Pressing this key again turns
the backlight on and off, each time accompanied by a beep.
To turn the Probe off, press this key and hold it down for
several seconds until the unit goes off.
Demo/Simulator Mode
Your Probe includes a built-in DEMO simulator program
which makes it easy to practice with the unit and to get a
feeling for its many features before actually using it in real
situations on the water. We highly recommend you run
through this section on operation of the Probe with the
DEMO mode activated to first learn basic feature controls.
The DEMO mode can be started from the SETUP menu as
described in the following section.
Split Screen Displays
The Probe has several different split screen display capabilities
such as Split Screen Zoom, Split Screen Chart and Forward
Scan, Split Screen Chart and Track Plot, among others. It is
important to realize that whatever is displayed on the right side
of the display is the PRIMARY information. This means that
when you are in split screen displays, the softkey menus will
usually only relate to the right side of the display.
For example, when you are in the split screen Chart/Track
Plotter display, the Track Plot will appear on the right side of
the display and the softkey menu will allow you to change the
Control Center Softkey Menu
Typical Sub-Menu