Lowrance X-4 Operation User manual

X-4
Fish-Finding Sonar
Installation and Operation
Instructions

Copyright © 2010 Navico
All rights reserved.
No part of this manual may be copied, reproduced, republished,
transmitted or distributed for any purpose, without prior written
consent of Navico. Any unauthorized commercial distribution of
this manual is strictly prohibited.
Lowrance®is a registered trademark of Navico.
Navico 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.
A
ll screens in this manual are simulated.
For free owner's manuals and other information,
visit our web site:
www.lowrance.com

i
Table of Contents
Specifications: X-4 .............................................................................. iii
Preparations .........................................................................................1
Transducer Installation .......................................................................1
Selecting a Transducer Location.....................................................2
How low should you go? ...................................................................4
Transom Transducer Assembly And Mounting .............................4
Trolling Motor Bracket Installation (single-frequency only) ......10
Transducer Orientation and Fish Arches.....................................11
Power Connections (permanent mount only) ...................................13
Mounting the Sonar Unit: In-Dash, Bracket or Portable ............14
Bracket Installation .......................................................................15
Portable Sonar Installation ...............................................................17
Installing the Batteries..................................................................18
Mounting the Unit .............................................................................19
Portable Transducer Assembly .....................................................20
Operation..........................................................................................22
Keyboard Basics .................................................................................22
Memory ...............................................................................................22
Display ................................................................................................22
Full Chart ...........................................................................................23
Depth Range .......................................................................................24
Zoom ....................................................................................................24
Sensitivity...........................................................................................25
Grayline®............................................................................................26
Chart Speed ........................................................................................28
Fish I.D.™...........................................................................................28
FishTrack™ ........................................................................................29
Fish Alarm..........................................................................................29
Depth Alarms .....................................................................................30
Shallow Alarm....................................................................................30
Deep Alarm.........................................................................................31

ii
Battery Alarm ....................................................................................32
Noise Reject and ASP™.....................................................................33
Depth Display.....................................................................................33
Voltage ................................................................................................34
Temperature Display .........................................................................34
Units....................................................................................................34
Backlight.............................................................................................35
Contrast ..............................................................................................35
Simulator ............................................................................................36
Set Language......................................................................................36
Software Information.........................................................................36
Reset Options .....................................................................................36

iii
Specifications: X-4
General
Case size: .........................5.8" H x 4.3" W x 2.5" D (14.7 cm H x 10.8 cm
W x 6.6 cm D) sealed, waterproof; suitable for
saltwater use.
Display: ............................High-contrast Film SuperTwist LCD. Di-
agonal viewing area: 3.5" (8.9 cm).
Resolution: ......................240 pixels (vert.) x 160 pixels (horiz.) resolu-
tion; 38,400 total pixels
Backlighting: ..................incandescent backlit screen
Input power: ...................10 to 17 volts DC.
Current drain:................170 ma lights off; 240 ma lights on.
Back-up memory: .......... Built-in memory stores sonar settings when
unit is turned off.
Sonar
Frequency: ......................200 kHz.
Transducers:................... A Skimmer®transducer comes packed with
your unit. Its 20°cone angle offers a wide
fish detection area of up to 60º with high
sensitivity settings. Operates at boat speeds
up to 70 mph (61 kts).
Transmitter:....................800 watts peak-to-peak power (typical); 100
watts RMS power (typical).
Sonar sounding
depth capability:............600 feet (180 meters). Actual capability de-
pends on transducer configuration and instal-
lation, bottom composition and water condi-
tions. All sonar units typically read deeper in
fresh water than in salt water.

iv
Depth display: ................Continuous digital readout.
A
udible alarms:..............Deep/shallow/fish.
A
utomatic ranging: .......Yes, with instant screen updates.
A
uto bottom track: ........ Yes.
Zoom bottom track:.......Yes.
Split-screen zoom: ......... No.
Surface water temp: .....Yes, built into transducer. Optional external
temperature sensor or combo speed/temp
sensor available.
NOTICE!
The storage temperature 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 facto-
ry's Customer Service Department; phone numbers are inside the
manual's back cover.

1
Transducer Installation
Preparations
Y
ou can install the sonar in some other order if you prefer, but we rec-
ommend this installation sequence:
Caution:
You should read over this entire installation section before drill-
ing any holes in your vehicle or vessel!
1. Determine the approximate location for the sonar/GPS 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 so-
nar/GPS unit.
6. Install the power cable and route it to the sonar/GPS unit.
7. Mount the sonar/GPS unit to the bracket.
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, stain-
less steel mounting bracket. The larger dual-frequency Skimmers typi-
cally use a two-piece, plastic mounting bracket. The trolling motor
mount uses a one-piece plastic bracket with an adjustable strap.

2
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. Re-
member, the transducer installation is the most critical part o
f
a sonar installation.
NOTE:
The following installation types also call for these recommended
tools and required supplies that you must provide (supplies listed
here are not included):
Single-frequency transom installations
Tools include: two adjustable wrenches, drill, #29 (0.136") drill bit,
Phillips head screwdriver. Supplies: high quality, marine grade above-
or below-waterline sealant/adhesive compound.
Dual-frequency transom installations
Tools: two adjustable wrenches, drill, #20 (0.161") drill bit, Phillips head screw-
driver. Supplies: four, 1" long, #12 stainless steel slotted wood screws, hig
h
quality, marine grade above- or below-waterline sealant/adhesive compound.
Single-frequency trolling motor installations
Tools: two adjustable wrenches, Phillips head screwdriver. Supplies:
plastic cable ties.
Selecting a Transducer Location
1. The location must be in the water at all times, at all operating speeds.
2. The transducer must be placed in a location that has a smooth flow
of water at all times. If the transducer is not placed in a smooth flow o
f
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.

3
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 transom location on
aluminum boats is between the ribs closest to the engine.
3. The transducer should be installed with its face pointing straight
down, if possible.
4. 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.
5. 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 trans-
ducer cable to transom near
the transducer. This will help
p
revent the transducer from
entering the boat if it is
knocked off at high speed.
Good location
Good location
Poor angle
Poor location
Good
location

4
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 fre-
quently lose bottom signal lock while running at high speed, the trans-
ducer 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.
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 i
f
you can move the transducer so that it's parallel with the ground.
Transom
Hull bottom
Transducer
centerline

5
The following instructions sometimes vary depending on the mountin
g
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 instruc-
tions 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.
B. Two-piece bracket: Locate the four plastic ratchets in the trans-
ducer's hardware package. Press two ratchets into the sides of the plas-
tic bracket and two on either side of the transducer as shown in the fol-
lowing 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.
Dot

6
Insert and align ratchets.
Add ratchets to bracket and transducer.
2. Aligning the transducer on the transom.
To align the transducer to the transom, side the transducer between
the ratchets. Look at the transducer from the side and adjust it so that
its face is parallel to the ground. The alignment letters on either side o
f
the bracket need be the same.
Ali
g
nment letters
Alignment
positions
Transducer bracket
Transducer
Transducer bracket
Ratchet Ratchet
Transducer

7
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 pa-
rallel with the ground. If you can, then go to step 3A.
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 fig-
ure. Don't tighten the lock nut at this time.
Position transducer mount on transom and mark mounting holes. Side
view shown, left, and seen from above at right.

8
Assemble transducer and bracket.
B. Two-piece bracket: Once you determine the correct position for
the ratchets, assemble the transducer as shown in the figure in step
2B. Don't tighten the lock nut at this time.
Assemble transducer and bracket.
4. Drilling mounting holes.
Hold the transducer and bracket assembly against the transom. The
transducer should be roughly parallel to the ground. The transduc-
er's centerline should be in line with the bottom of the hull. Don't let
the bracket extend below the hull!
Nut washer
Metal washer
Bolt
Rubber
washers
Flat washe
r
Lock washe
r
Flat washer
Nut
Bolt

9
Mark the center of each slot for the mounting screw pilot holes. You
will drill one hole in the center of each slot.
Drill the holes. For the one-piece bracket, use the #29 bit (for the #10
screws). For the two-piece bracket, use the #20 bit (for the #12 screws).
5. Attaching transducer to transom.
Both bracket types: Attach the transducer to the transom. Slide the
transducer up or down until it's aligned properly with the bottom o
f
the hull as shown in the preceding and following figures. Tighten the
bracket's mounting screws, sealing them with the sealant.
Adjust the transducer so that it's parallel to the ground even if you
have a Deep-"vee" hull. Tighten the nut until it touches the outer
washer, then add 1/4 turn. Don't over tighten the lock nut! If you do,
the transducer won't "kick-up" if it strikes an object in the water.
Align transducer centerline with hull bottom and attach transducer to
transom. Rear view of dual-frequency Skimmer shown.
6. Route the transducer cable through or over the transom to the sonar
unit. Make sure to leave some slack in the cable at the transducer.
Flat-bottom hull Deep-"vee" hull
Bottom
of
hull

10
If possible, route the transducer cable away from other wiring on the
boat. Use caution when routing the transducer cable around these
wires.
W
ARNING:
Clamp the transducer cable to the transom close to the
transducer. This can prevent the transducer from enter-
ing the boat if it is knocked off at high speed.
Caution:
If you need to drill a hole in the transom to pass the connector
through, the required hole size be 1". If you drill the hole, make
sure it is located above the waterline. After installation, be sure
to seal the hole with the same marine grade above- or below-
waterline sealant used for the mounting screws.
7. Make a test run to determine the results. If the bottom is lost at
high speed, or if noise appears on the display, try sliding the trans-
ducer bracket down. This puts the transducer deeper into the water,
hopefully below the turbulence causing the noise. Don't allow the
transducer bracket to go below the bottom of the hull!
Trolling Motor Bracket Installation
(single-frequency only)
1. Attach the optional TMB-S bracket to the transducer as shown in the
following figure, using the hardware supplied with the transducer.
(Note: The internal tooth washer is supplied with the TMB-S.)
2. Slide the adjustable strap supplied with the TMB-S through the slot
in the transducer bracket and wrap it around the trolling motor. Po-
sition the transducer to aim straight down when the motor is in the
water. Tighten the strap securely.

11
Attach motor mounting bracket to transducer.
3. Route the transducer cable alongside the trolling motor shaft. Use
plastic ties (not included) to attach the transducer cable to the trol-
ling motor shaft. Make sure there is enough slack in the cable for the
motor to turn freely. Route the cable to the sonar unit and the trans-
ducer is ready for use.
Transducer mounted on trolling motor, side view.
Transducer Orientation and Fish Arches
If you do not get good fish arches on your display, it could be because
the transducer is not parallel with the ground when the boat is at rest
in the water or at slow trolling speeds.
Bolt
Internal tooth washe
r
Nut
Flat washe
r

12
Transducer angles and their effects on fish arches.
If the arch slopes up – but not back down – then the front of the trans-
ducer is too high and needs to be lowered. If only the back half of the
arch is printed, then the nose of the transducer is angled too far down
and needs to be raised.
NOTE:
Periodically wash the transducer's face with soap and water to remove
any oil film. Oil and dirt on the face will reduce the sensitivity or ma
y
even prevent operation.
Transducer aimed
too far back
Transducer aimed
too far forward
Proper transducer angle
Partial fish arches
Full fish arch

13
Power Connections (permanent mount only)
The unit works from a 12-volt battery system. You can attach the pow-
er cable to your boat's accessory or power buss (or directly to the bat-
tery). If you use an accessory buss but have problems with electrical
interference, attach the power cable directly to the battery. If the cable
is not long enough, splice #18 gauge wire onto it.
CAUTION:
When using the unit in a saltwater environment, we strongly rec-
ommend that you shut off the power supply to the power cable
when the unit is not in use. When the unit is turned off but still
connected to a power supply, electrolysis can occur in the power ca-
ble plug. This may result in corrosion of the plug body along with
the electrical contacts in the cable and the unit's power socket.
In saltwater environments we recommend you connect the power
cable to the auxiliary power switch included in most boat designs.
If that results in electrical interference, or if such a switch is not
available, we recommend connecting direct to the battery and in-
stalling an inline switch. This will let you shut off power to the
power cable when the unit is not in use. When you are not using
the unit, you should always shut off power to the power cable, es-
pecially when the power cable is disconnected from the unit.
If possible, keep the power cable away from other boat wiring, especial-
ly the engine's wires. This will provide the best isolation from electrical
noise. The power cable has two wires, red and black. Red is the positive
lead, black is negative or ground. Make sure to attach the in-line fuse
holder to the red lead as close to the power source as possible.

14
Power connections for the X-4 sonar unit
(direct battery connection shown).
For example, if you have to extend the power cable to the battery or
power buss, attach one end of the fuse holder directly to the battery or
power buss. This will protect both the unit and the power cable in the
event of a short. It uses a 3-amp fuse.
Caution:
Do not use this product without a 3-amp fuse wired into the
power cable! Failure to use a 3-amp fuse will void your warran-
ty.
This unit has reverse polarity protection. No damage will occur if the
power wires are reversed. However, the unit will not work until the
wires are attached correctly.
Mounting the Sonar Unit: In-Dash, Bracket or Portable
Y
ou can install the sonar unit on the top of a dash with the supplied
bracket. This unit can be installed in a dash with the optional FM-6 in-
dash adapter kit. The FM-6 kit includes an instruction sheet, part 988-
0147-631, which contains a template for cutting out the mounting hole.
This document can be downloaded free from the www.lowrance.com
web site.
12 volt
battery
Black wire
Red wire with
3 amp fuse
To unit