Lowrance X-4 Pro User manual

X-4 Pro
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.
All 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
Capabilities and Specifications: X-4 Pro ....................................1
Preparations .........................................................................................2
Installation ...........................................................................................2
Recommended Tools and supplies...................................................3
Selecting a Transducer Location .....................................................3
How low should you go? ...................................................................5
Shoot-Thru-Hull vs. Transom Mounting ........................................5
Transom Transducer Assembly and Mounting ..............................6
Trolling Motor Bracket Installation..............................................10
Transducer Orientation and Fish Arches.....................................11
Shoot-Thru-Hull Preparation ........................................................11
Testing Determines Best Location................................................13
Shoot-Thru-Hull Installation ........................................................14
Power Connections (permanent mount only) ...............................15
Mounting the Sonar Unit: In-Dash, Bracket or Portable ............16
Bracket Installation .......................................................................17
Portable Sonar Installation ...............................................................19
Installing the Batteries..................................................................20
Mounting the Unit .............................................................................20
Portable Transducer Assembly .....................................................21
Portable Transducer Storage.........................................................23
Operation..........................................................................................24
Keyboard Basics .................................................................................24
Memory ...............................................................................................24
Menus..................................................................................................24
Display ................................................................................................25
Full Chart ...........................................................................................26
Depth Range .......................................................................................26
Zoom ....................................................................................................27
Sensitivity...........................................................................................28
Grayline®.............................................................................................30
Chart Speed ........................................................................................31
Frequency ...........................................................................................32
Fish I.D.™...........................................................................................33
FishTrack™ ........................................................................................34
Alarms.................................................................................................34
Fish Alarm ..........................................................................................34
Depth Alarms .....................................................................................35
Shallow Alarm ....................................................................................35
Deep Alarm.........................................................................................36
Battery Alarm.....................................................................................37

ii
Noise Rejection and ASP™................................................................37
Depth Display.....................................................................................39
Temperature Display .........................................................................39
Voltage ................................................................................................40
Backlight.............................................................................................40
Contrast ..............................................................................................40
Simulator ............................................................................................40
Set Language ......................................................................................41
Software Information.........................................................................41
Reset Options......................................................................................41
Troubleshooting..............................................................................42

1
Capabilities and Specifications: X-4 Pro
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: 4" (10.16 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: ......................83/200 kHz.
Transducers:...................A dual search Skimmer®transducer with
built-in temperature sensor is packed with
your unit. It has a wide fish detection area of
up to 60º/120º with high sensitivity settings.
Operates at boat speeds up to 70 mph (61
kts).
Transmitter:....................1,500 watts peak-to-peak power (typical);
188 watts RMS power (typical).
Sonar sounding
depth capability:............1,000 feet (305 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.
Depth display: ................Continuous digital readout.
Audible alarms:..............Deep/shallow/fish.
Automatic ranging: .......Yes, with instant screen updates.
Auto bottom track: ........Yes.
Zoom bottom track:.......Yes.
Split-screen zoom: .........No.
Surface water temp: .....Yes, built into transducer.

2
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.
Preparations
The following shows the recommended sequence for installing the
transducer:
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 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 de-
sired configuration.
2. Determine the location for the transducer and its cable route.
3. Determine the location of your battery or other power connection,
along with the power cable route.
4. Install the transducer and route the transducer cable to the sonar
unit.
5. Route the power cable from the unit's location to an appropriate
power source and connect it there.
6. Connect the transducer/power cable to the unit and mount the sonar
unit on the bracket.
Installation
These instructions will help you install your Skimmer®transducer on a
transom, on a trolling motor or inside a hull. Please read all instructions
before proceeding with any installation. Your Skimmer transducer typi-
cally comes packaged with a one-piece stainless steel bracket for mount-
ing it to the transom of your boat. The trolling motor mount uses a one-
piece plastic bracket with an adjustable strap.
These are all "kick-up" mounting brackets. They help prevent damage if
the transducer strikes an object while the boat is moving. If the transduc-
er does "kick-up," the bracket can easily be pushed back into place without
tools.

3
Depending on your sonar unit's connectors, your transducer cable may
also have the sonar unit's power cable attached to it. If that is the case,
be sure to install the transducer first, before connecting the power cable
to a power source. See the instructions later in this manual for connect-
ing the power cable to a battery or other power supply.
Read these instructions carefully before attempting the installation.
Determine which of the mounting positions is right for your boat. Use
extreme care if mounting the transducer inside the hull, because once
it is epoxied into position, the transducer usually cannot be removed.
Remember, the transducer installation is the most critical part
of a sonar installation.
Recommended Tools and supplies
If you prefer the option of routing the cable through the transom, you
will need a 5/8" drill bit. Each transom mount requires use of a high
quality, marine grade above- or below-waterline caulking compound.
NOTE:
The following installation types also call for these recommended
tools and required supplies (supplies are not included):
Single-frequency transom installations
Tools include: two adjustable wrenches, drill, #29 (0.136") drill bit, flat-
head screwdriver (for mounting screws and their pilot holes). Supplies:
none.
Single-frequency trolling motor installations
Tools: two adjustable wrenches, flat-head screwdriver. Supplies: plastic
cable ties.
Shoot-through hull installations
Tools: these will vary depending on your hull's composition. Consult your
boat dealer or manufacturer. Supplies: 100 grit sandpaper, specially for-
mulated epoxy adhesive available from LEI (see ordering information
on the inside back cover). A sandwich hull also requires polyester resin.
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 of
water, interference caused by bubbles and turbulence will show on the
sonar's display in the form of random lines or dots whenever the boat is
moving.

4
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. For shoot-thru applications: Many popular fishing boat
hulls have a flat keel pad that offers a good mounting surface. On vee
hulls, try to place the transducer where the deadrise is 10°or less.
Vee pad hull (left); Vee hull (right). A pod style transducer is shown
here, but the principle is the same for Skimmers inside a hull.
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.
Deadrise less than 10°
Pad Strakes
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

5
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 protec-
tion from bangs and bumps.
Align transducer centerline with hull bottom.
There, however, 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.
Shoot-Thru-Hull vs. Transom Mounting
In a shoot-thru-hull installation, the transducer is bonded to the inside
of the hull with epoxy. The sonar "ping" signal actually passes through
the hull and into the water. This differs from a bolt-thru-hull installa-
tion (often called "thru-hull"). In that case, a hole is cut in the hull and a
specially designed transducer is mounted through the hull with a
threaded shaft and nut. This puts the transducer in direct contact with
the water.
Typically, shoot-thru-hull installations give excellent high speed opera-
tion and good to excellent depth capability.
There is no possibility of damage from floating objects. It can't be
knocked off when docking or loading on the trailer.
However, the shoot-thru-hull installation does have its drawbacks.
First, some loss of sensitivity does occur, even on the best hulls. This
Transom
Hull bottom
Transducer
centerline

6
varies from hull to hull, even from different installations on the same
hull. This is caused by differences in hull lay-up and construction.
Second, the transducer angle cannot be adjusted for the best fish
arches. This can be a problem on hulls that sit with the bow high when
at rest or at slow trolling speeds.
Third, a transducer CAN NOT shoot through wood and metal hulls.
Those hulls require either a transom mount or a thru-hull installation.
Fourth, a Skimmer transducer with a built-in temp sensor will show
only the temperature of the bilge, not the water surface temp.
Follow the procedure listed in the shoot-thru-hull installation section
at the end of this lesson to determine if you can satisfactorily shoot
through the hull.
Transom Transducer Assembly and Mounting
The best way to install these transducers is to loosely assemble all of the
parts first, place the transducer's bracket against the transom and see if
you can move the transducer so that it's parallel with the ground.
1. Assembling the 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.
2. Aligning the transducer on the transom. Slide the transducer
between the two ratchets. Slide the bolt though the transducer assem-
bly and hold it against the transom. Looking at the transducer from the
side, see if it will adjust so its face is parallel to the ground. If it does,
then the "A" position is correct for your hull.
If the transducer's face isn't parallel with the ground, adjust the rat-
chets so the letter "B" aligned with the dot stamped in the bracket.
Dot

7
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 3. If it doesn't, repeat
step 2, but use a different alignment letter.
Insert bolt and check transducer position on transom.
3. Assembling the transducer. Once you determine the correct posi-
tion for the ratchets, assemble the transducer as shown in the following
figure. Don't tighten the lock nut at this time.
Assemble transducer and bracket.
4. Drilling mounting holes. Hold the transducer and bracket assem-
bly against the transom. The transducer should be roughly parallel to
the ground. The transducer's centerline should be in line with the bot-
tom of the hull. Don't let the bracket extend below the hull!
Mark the center of each slot for the mounting screw pilot holes. You
will drill one hole in the center of each slot.
Drill the holes. Use the #29 bit (for the #10 screws).
Ratchets
Nut Metal
washer
Metal washer
Bolt
Rubber
washers

8
Position transducer mount on transom and mark mounting holes.
Side view shown at left and seen from above at right.
5. Attaching transducer to transom. Remove the transducer from
the bracket and re-assemble it with the cable passing through the
bracket over the bolt as shown in the following figures.
Route cable over bolt and through bracket.
Side view shown (left) and seen from above (right).
Attach the transducer to the transom. Slide the transducer up or down
until it's aligned properly with the bottom of the hull as shown in the
preceding and following figures. Tighten the bracket's mounting
screws, sealing them with the caulking compound.
Adjust the transducer so that it's parallel to the ground and tighten the
nut until it touches the outer washer, then add 1/4 turn. Don't over
tighten the lock nut! If you do, the transducer won't "kick-up" if it
strikes an object in the water.
Transom
Transom

9
Align transducer centerline with hull bottom
and attach to transom.
6. Route the transducer cable through or over the transom to
the sonar unit. Make sure you leave some slack in the cable at the
transducer. If possible, route the transducer cable away from other wir-
ing. Electrical noise from the engine's wiring, bilge pumps, VHF radio
wires, cables and aerators can be picked up by the sonar. Use caution
when routing the transducer cable around these wires.
WARNING:
Clamp the transducer cable to the transom close to the
transducer. This can prevent the transducer from enter-
ing the boat if it is knocked off at high speed.
If you need to drill a hole in the transom to pass the connector through,
the required hole size is 5/8". (If you intend to route an additional speed
or temp sensor cable through the same hole, you will need a 1" (25.4
mm) drill bit instead.)
Caution:
If you drill a hole in the transom for the cable, make sure it is
located above the waterline. After installation, be sure to seal the
hole with the same marine grade above- or below-waterline sea-
lant 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!
Flat-bottom hull Dee
p
-"vee" hull
Bottom
of
hull

10
Trolling Motor Bracket Installation
1. Attach the optional TMB-S bracket to the transducer as shown in the
following figure, using the hardware supplied with the transducer.
(Note: The internal tooth washer is supplied with the TMB-S.)
Attach motor mounting bracket to transducer.
2. Slide the adjustable strap supplied with the TMB-S through the slot
in the transducer bracket and wrap it around the trolling motor.
Position the transducer to aim straight down when the motor is in the
water. Tighten the strap securely.
3. Route the transducer cable alongside the trolling motor shaft. Use
plastic ties (not included) to attach the transducer cable to the trolling
motor shaft. Make sure there is enough slack in the cable for the motor
to turn freely. Route the cable to the sonar unit and the transducer is
ready for use.
Transducer mounted on trolling motor, side view.
TMB-S bracket
Bolt
Internal tooth washer
Nut
Flat washe
r

11
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.
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 re-
move any oil film. Oil and dirt on the face will reduce the sensitivi-
ty or may even prevent operation.
Shoot-Thru-Hull Preparation
Hulls with Flotation Materials
The transducer installation inside a fiberglass hull must be in an area
that does not have air bubbles in the resin or separated fiberglass lay-
Transducer aimed
too far back
Transducer aimed
too far forward
Proper transducer angle
Partial fish arches
Full fish arch

12
ers. The sonar signal must pass through solid fiberglass. A successful
transducer installation can be made on hulls with flotation materials
(such as plywood, balsa wood or foam) between layers of fiberglass if
the material is removed from the chosen area. See the figure below.
WARNING:
Do not remove any material from your inner hull unless
you know the hull's composition. Careless grinding or
cutting on your hull can result in damage that could
sink your boat. Contact your boat dealer or manufactur-
er to confirm your hull specifications.
Epoxy the transducer to a solid portion of the hull.
For example, some (but not all) manufacturers use a layer of fiberglass,
then a core of balsa wood, finishing with an outer layer of fiberglass.
Removing the inner layer of fiberglass and the balsa wood core exposes
the outer layer of fiberglass. The transducer can then be epoxied direct-
ly to the outer layer of fiberglass. After the epoxy cures for 24 hours, fill
the remaining space with polyester resin. When the job is finished, the
hull is watertight and structurally sound. Remember, the sonar signal
must pass through solid fiberglass. Any air bubbles in the fiberglass or
the epoxy will reduce or eliminate the sonar signals.
Shoot-thru-hull transducer locations for
high speed or trolling speed operation.
Inner hull
Epoxy to hull first Outer hull
Flotation material
Transducer location (trolling speed)
Transducer location (high speed)
Fill with resin Fill with resin

13
Testing Determines Best Location
Ideally, the shoot-thru transducer should be installed as close to the
transom as possible, close to the centerline. This will give you the best
performance during high speed maneuvers.
1. Anchor the boat in about 30 feet of water. Add a little water to the sump
of the boat. Plug the transducer into the sonar unit, turn it on, then hold
the transducer over the side of the boat in the water. Adjust the sensitivi-
ty and range controls until a second bottom echo is seen on the display.
(You'll need to turn off Auto Sensitivity, Auto Depth Range and ASP™.
Try a range setting that is two to three times the water depth. The harder
(more rocky) the bottom, the easier it will be to get a second bottom sig-
nal.) Don't touch the controls once they've been set.
Example of a second bottom signal. Unit is in 30 feet of water, with
range set at 80 feet and sensitivity set at 87 percent.
2. Next, take the transducer out of the water and place it in the water in
the sump of the boat, face down. (The transducer face is shown in the
figure on the following page.) Notice how the signal strength decreases.
The second bottom signal will probably disappear and the bottom signal
intensity will likely decrease.
3. Now move the transducer around to find the best location with the
strongest possible bottom signal. If you find a spot with an acceptable
bottom signal, mark the location and move on to step 4.
If you can't get an acceptable bottom signal, try turning up the sensitivity
by three or five keystrokes and then move the transducer around once
more. If you find a spot that works, mark it and move on to step 4.
If you have to turn up sensitivity by more than five keystrokes to get a
good signal, the transducer should be mounted on the outside of the
Second bottom
True bottom
Manual range setting

14
hull. This is especially true if you have to turn sensitivity all the way
up to get a decent bottom signal.
4. Most people can get good results by following steps 1 through 3, so this
step is optional. If you want to make an extra effort to be absolutely sure
that your selected location will work under all conditions, make a test run
with the boat on plane and observe the bottom signal. You'll need to figure
some way to prop the transducer into position while you make your test
run. (A brick or two might be sufficient to hold it in place.)
5. When you're satisfied with a location, mark it and proceed with
the installation.
Shoot-Thru-Hull Installation
1. Make sure the area is clean, dry and free of oil or grease, then sand
both the inside surface of the hull and the face of the transducer with
100 grit sandpaper. The sanded hull area should be about 1-1/2 times
the diameter of the transducer. The surface of the hull must be flat so
the entire transducer face is in contact with the hull prior to bonding.
After sanding, clean the hull and transducer with rubbing alcohol to
remove any sanding debris.
Epoxy transducer to hull.
WARNING:
Use only the epoxy available from LEI. It has been for-
mulated to work with these installation procedures.
Other epoxy types may be too thin or may not cure to
the right consistency for optimum transducer perfor-
mance.
Spread epoxy here
Sand this surface
Orient the Skimmer
with the nose facing
the bow of the boat.
To bow

15
2. The epoxy consists of the epoxy itself and a hardener. Remove the
two compounds from the package and place them on the paper plate.
Thoroughly stir the two compounds together until the mixture has a
uniform color and consistency. Do not mix too fast or bubbles will form
in the epoxy. After mixing, you have 20 minutes to complete the instal-
lation before the epoxy becomes unworkable.
Spread a thin layer of epoxy (about 1/16" or 1.5 mm thick) on the face of
the transducer as shown in the previous figure.
Make sure there are no air pockets in the epoxy layer! Then, apply the
remaining epoxy to the sanded area on the hull.
3. Press the transducer into the epoxy, twisting and turning it to force
any air bubbles out from under the transducer face. Stop pressing when
you bottom out on the hull. When you're finished, the face of the trans-
ducer should be parallel with the hull, with a minimum amount of
epoxy between the hull and transducer.
4. Apply a weight, such as a brick, to hold the transducer in place while
the epoxy cures. Be careful not to bump the transducer while the epoxy
is wet. Leave the weight in place for a minimum of three hours. Allow
the epoxy to cure for 24 hours before moving the boat.
5. After the epoxy has cured, route the cable to the sonar unit and it's
ready to use.
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

16
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.
Power connections for the X-4 Pro
sonar units (direct battery connection shown).
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.
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
You 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 www.lowrance.com.
12 volt
battery
Black wire
Red wire with
3 amp fuse
To unit