Lowrance LMS-350A Installation And Operation Instructions Manual
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Lowrance LMS-350A Installation And Operation Instructions Manual

Lowrance lms-350a: operation instruction
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INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
INSTRUCTIONS

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  • Page 1 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS...
  • Page 2 YOU MUST HAVE THE OPTIONAL LGC-1 GPS MODULE ATTACHED TO THE LMS-350A TO USE THE POSITION AND NAVIGATION FEA- TURES ON THIS PRODUCT. USE THIS PRODUCT ONLY AS AN AID TO NAVIGATION. A CAREFUL NAVIGATOR NEVER RELIES ON ONLY ONE METHOD TO OBTAIN POSITION INFORMATION.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    SONAR TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ... 1 MOUNTING ... 1 POWER CONNECTIONS ... 3 TRANSDUCER CONNECTIONS ... 4 OPTIONAL GPS MODULE INSTALLATION ... 5 KEYBOARD BASICS ... 8 DISPLAY ... 9 MENUS ... 10 HELP ... 10 WINDOWS ... 10 VIEWING WINDOWS OPTIONS ...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    1/2", a special bracket will have to be purchased to mount the unit in the dash. You can install the LMS-350A on its bracket in any convenient location, provided there is clearance behind the unit when it is tilted for the best viewing angle.
  • Page 6 LMS-350A to the dash. Peel the adhesive backing off the rubber pads and place one on each side of the LMS-350A in the location where the cam clamp will touch the back side of the dash. Using the hardware supplied with the unit, attach the LMS-350A to the dash.

  • Page 7: Power Connections

    This will protect both the unit and the power cable in the event of a short. The LMS-350A uses a 3-amp fuse. 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 warranty.

  • Page 8: Transducer Connections

    The white wire is for a NMEA interface. The LMS-350A sends data to another electronic navigation devices through the white wire. It receives data from a differential (DGPS) beacon receiver through the green wire. If the white and green wires are not used, tape their ends so that they cannot short.

  • Page 9: Optional Gps Module Installation

    OPTIONAL GPS MODULE INSTALLATION The GPS module can be installed on a flat surface or (with the supplied adapter) on a pole. Mount the module in an area that guarantees a clear view of the sky at all times. In order for the module to receive the signals from the satellites, it must not be obstructed.
  • Page 10 Surface Mounting - Without Access If you don't have access to the back side of the mounting surface, use the "cleats" supplied with the LMS-350A. (Note: This is assuming you can "snake" the module's cable to a location that is accessable. A hole will still need to be drilled in the mounting surface for the cable.) Using...
  • Page 11 Using the four stainless steel 5 mm screws and lock washers supplied with the LMS-350A, attach the pole mounting adapter to the GPS module. This completes the assembly.

  • Page 12: Keyboard Basics

    SENS - Press this key to adjust the unit’s sonar sensitivity. RANGE - This key lets you adjust the sonar's range. ZOOM - The LMS-350A gives you 2X and 4X zoom capability with this key. AUTO - This turns the automatic feature off and on.

  • Page 13: Display

    ON - The ON key turns the LMS-350A on. OFF - Press and HOLD the Off key to turn the LMS-350A off. DISPLAY - General The lights are turned on for approximately ten seconds when the LMS- 350A is first turned on.

  • Page 14: Menus

    WINDOWS You can change the displays on the LMS-350A by using the windows feature. This lets you customize displays to your own fishing or boating situations. This feature gives you 22 different window screens.
  • Page 15 backward. For example, press- ing the down arrow key once shows the group “B” screen. To return to the full sonar screen, press the “SONAR” key. Every one of the group screens can be modified to some ex- tent. For example, press the MENU key while group “A”...

  • Page 16: Viewing Windows Options

    press the CLR key. VIEWING WINDOWS OPTIONS To see all of the available win- dow options, press the WIN- DOWS key, then press the MENU key. Now press the key adjacent to the “MAIN MENU” label. Finally, press the key next to the “VIEW ALL WIN- DOWS”...

  • Page 17: Resetting All Groups

    WINDOWS key, then use the down arrow key to switch to the group you customized. NOTE: The LMS-350A saves all window changes in memory. It keeps these changes even if power is turned off. However, a preset does erase all window changes and returns to the standard windows.

  • Page 18: Sonar Operation

    Remember, when the LMS-350A is in the automatic mode, you have a limited adjustment range on the Sensitivity control and no control over the Range. Zoom adjusts differently in automatic than manual, also.

  • Page 19: Sensitivity

    SENSITIVITY The sensitivity key on the LMS-350A controls the ability of the unit to pick up echoes. A low sensitivity level excludes much of the bottom informa- tion, fish signals, and other target information. High sensitivity levels enables you to see this detail, but it can also clutter the screen with many undesired signals.

  • Page 20: Range

    RANGE - Manual The LMS-350A gives you control over the range when it’s in the manual mode. There are two different methods used to change the range. The first way changes only the lower limit by pressing the arrow keys. On the screen shown below, the lower limit is 60 feet.

  • Page 21: Zoom - Automatic Operation

    Now enter the desired depth, using the numbered keys. In this example, we en- tered 35 feet. Now press the ENT key. The LMS-350A erases the range menus from the screen, and uses the new range you entered as shown below.

  • Page 22: Zoom - Manual Operation

    The zoom adjust menus will automatically clear a few seconds after you’ve pressed the last key. Remem- ber, the LMS-350A won’t track next to the “RESET ALL GROUPS” label. Turn the zoom feature on (or off) by pressing the key adja- cent to the “OFF/ON”...

  • Page 23: Chart Speed

    the bottom when it’s in the manual mode. MENU - PAGE 1 CHART SPEED The rate echoes scroll across the screen is called the chart speed. It’s adjustable by first pressing the menu key, then pressing the key adjacent to the “Adjust Chart Speed”...

  • Page 24: Fish I.d

    GRAYLINE is adjustable. Since GRAYLINE shows the difference be- tween strong and weak signals, adjusting the sensitivity may require a different GRAYLINE level, also. The level chosen by the LMS-350A at power on is usually adequate for most conditions. Experiment with your unit to find the GRAYLINE setting that’s best...

  • Page 25: Display Contrast

    Remember, the Fish I.D. feature can’t be used when the LMS-350A is in the manual mode. If you turn the Fish I.D. feature on when the LMS-350A is in manual, the micro-computer will turn the automatic feature on. If you turn automatic off when the Fish I.D.

  • Page 26: Alarms

    ALARMS The LMS-350A has three different types of sonar alarms. The first is the Fish Alarm. It sounds when the Fish I.D. feature determines an echo or group of echoes is a fish. Another alarm is the Zone Alarm which consists of a bar.

  • Page 27: Depth Alarms

    DEPTH ALARMS The depth alarms sound a tone when the bottom signal goes shallower than the shallow alarm’s setting or deeper than the deep alarm’s setting. For example, if you set the shallow alarm to ten feet, the alarm will sound a tone if the bottom sig- nal is less than ten feet.

  • Page 28: Zone Alarm

    ZONE ALARM The zone alarm consists of a bar that appears on the right side of the screen. Any echo that appears on the screen between the top and bottom of the zone alarm’s bar will “trip” the zone alarm. Note: The zone alarm isn't available in the Windows mode.

  • Page 29: Sonar Frequency

    NOTE: The 192 kHz frequency for both the chart and digital sonar is enabled when the LMS-350A is turned on for the first time or after a preset. This feature is saved in the battery-backed-up memory.

  • Page 30: Dual Frequency Operation

    CHART DUAL FREQUENCY OPERATION 50 kHz Sensitivity and Grayline feature is enabled. The LMS-350A lets you make changes to the sensitivity and Grayline on one side of the screen without affecting the other. To adjust the sensitivity, for example, first press the SENS key. The screen shown at right ap- pears.

  • Page 31: Adjust Back Light Level

    BACK LIGHT LEVEL The LMS-350A has internal lights for the display and keyboard. To adjust the intensity of the lighting, press the MENU key, then press the key adjacent to the "More" label. Now press the key next to the “Adjust Backlight Level” label. The screen shown below appears.

  • Page 32: Turn Digital Box Off

    Repeat the above steps to turn the box on. CONSTRUCT DIGITAL INSTRUMENT BOX The LMS-350A can display the depth, speed, surface water temperature, and distance log in the upper left portion of the screen. When the LMS- 350A is first turned on, only the depth is displayed. You can turn each digital display on as desired or turn all of them off, as desired.

  • Page 33: Display Zoom Bar

    label. Finally, press the key next to the “Turn Backlight On Off” label. This moves the black box from “OFF” to the “ON” position. To turn the backlights off, repeat the same steps. MENU - PAGE 3 DISPLAY ZOOM BAR When the unit is in the zoom mode, the zoom bar doesn’t normally show on the screen.

  • Page 34: Digital Sonar

    Zone Bar” label. Note DIGITAL SONAR When the LMS-350A is turned on for the first time, the digital depth display is located at the top left corner of the screen. This display comes from a separate digital sonar built into the unit. It displays only the bottom depth.

  • Page 35: Fastrak

    To turn the chart cursor off, press the MENU key until the third menu screen appears. Now press the key next to the "Turn Chart Cursor Off" label. The LMS-350A returns to the sonar screen with the cursor turned off. MENU - PAGE 4 FASTRAK...

  • Page 36: Select Units Of Measure

    “Exit” label. CLEAR DISTANCE LOG If the optional speed/temperature sensor is attached to the LMS-350A, it starts counting distance as soon as the unit is turned on. It saves the distance in memory even when the unit is turned off. To reset the distance log to zero, press the MENU key, then press the key next to the "More"...

  • Page 37: Menu

    To turn the depth lines off, repeat the above steps. The label on the fourth menu page now reads "Turn Depth Lines Off". Press the key next to that label. The LMS-350A returns to the sonar screen.

  • Page 38: Advanced Signal Processing (Asp)

    The System Information menu gives you the date and revision number of the software used int the LMS-350A. To view this menu, press the Menu key, then press the key next to the "More" label until the fifth menu page appears.

  • Page 39: Preset Sonar And Gps

    PRESET SONAR AND GPS The LMS-350A has a built-in memory that saves all settings such as sensitivity, chart speed, keel offset, speed calibration, and more. Virtually all settings except for waypoint and route information is saved in this memory. (Waypoints, icons, and routes are saved in a separate memory.) Therefore, every time you turn the unit on, the settings are exactly as you left them.

  • Page 40: Calibrate Speed

    The speed display on the sonar screens comes from the optional speed sensor - not the GPS receiver. To calibrate this sensor to your boat, first press the MENU key six times while a sonar screen is showing. Now press the key next to the "Calibrate Speed"...

  • Page 41: Battery Backup

    This keeps the memory "alive" while the unit is turned off. The LMS-350A gives you the ability to turn this battery on or off. Turning it off causes the LMS-350A to "forget"...

  • Page 42: Transducers And Cone Angles

    This looks much like the beam from a flashlight. The angle between the outside edges of the cone is the cone angle. Lowrance offers a choice of transducers with either an 8 or 20 degree cone angle. The transducer supplied with the LMS-350A has a 20 degree cone angle.

  • Page 43: Fish Arches

    LMS-350A may not arch at all. This is due to the narrow cone diameter and the resolution limitations of the display.

  • Page 44: Sonar Troubleshooting

    partial arch, or a shape similar to an arch if they’re in deep water. Large fish will arch, but turn the sensitivity up in deeper water to see the arch. Because of water conditions, such as heavy surface clutter, thermoclines, etc., the sensitivity sometimes cannot be increased enough to get fish arches.
  • Page 45 the sonar unit’s power cable directly to the battery instead of through a fuse block or ignition switch 2. Inspect the transducer cable for breaks, cuts, or pinched wires. 3. Check both the transducer and power connectors. Make certain both are securely plugged in to the unit.
  • Page 46 With the boat at rest in the water, the first thing you should do is turn all electrical equipment on the boat off. Make certain the engine is off, also. Turn your LMS-350A on, then turn off ASP (Advanced Signal Processing). There should be a steady bottom signal on the display.
  • Page 47 is causing the interference. VHF radio antenna cables radiate noise when transmitting, so be certain to keep the sonar’s wires away from it. You may need to route the sonar unit’s power cable directly to the battery to isolate it from other wiring on the boat. If no noise displays on the sonar unit from electrical equipment, then make certain everything except the sonar unit is turned off, then start the engine.

  • Page 48: Windows Group Summary

    WINDOWS GROUP SUMMARY All of the window groups used by the LMS-350A are shown on the following pages. To view these groups, simply press the WINDOWS key, then re- peated press the down arrow key. This will "cycle" the unit through all groups.
  • Page 49 GROUP "H" GROUP "J" GROUP "L" GROUP "N" GROUP "I" GROUP "K" GROUP "M" GROUP "O"...
  • Page 50 GROUP "P" GROUP "R" GROUP "T" GROUP "V" GROUP "Q" GROUP "S" GROUP "U"...

  • Page 51: Windows Summary

    WINDOWS SUMMARY All of the available windows used by the LMS-350A are shown on the following pages. To view these groups, simply press the WINDOWS key, then press the MENU key twice. Now press the key next to the "View all Windows"...
  • Page 52 WINDOW 8 WINDOW #10 WINDOW #12 WINDOW #14 WINDOW #9 WINDOW #11 WINDOW #13 WINDOW #15...
  • Page 53 WINDOW #16 WINDOW #18 WINDOW #20 WINDOW #17 WINDOW #19 WINDOW #21...
  • Page 54 GPS navigation system operational. The system is still in a testing phase. Satellites can be turned off or accuracy can be degraded at will by the system operators. Remember that the LMS-350A, or any GPS receiver is only as accurate as the system it’s using.
  • Page 55 GPS - HOW IT WORKS ... 53 ACCURACY ... 54 THE LOWRANCE GPS MODULE ... 54 GETTING STARTED - INITIALIZATION ... 55 CHANGE POSITION ... 56 CHANGE ALTITUDE ... 56 CHANGE TIME ... 57 CHANGE DATE ... 57 COLD START ... 57 POSITION/NAVIGATION DISPLAYS ...

  • Page 56: Gps - How It Works

    The Global Positioning System (GPS) is the best approach to navigation that has ever been devised. Conceived by the Department of Defense (DOD) and the United States military, the GPS system is an answer to their needs of 24 hour global positioning, 365 days a year.

  • Page 57: Accuracy

    We hope you’ll enjoy it for many years to come. The Lowrance LGC-1 GPS Module This GPS receiver is currently used in all Lowrance GPS receivers. It’s small, rugged, and fast. The five channel design lets it track all satellites in view and acquire up to five satellites at one time.

  • Page 58: Getting Started - Initialization

    GETTING STARTED Initialization - Power On In order for the LMS-350A to lock onto the satellites, it must first find them. If you simply turn the unit on and wait, the unit will find the satellites by itself in 15 minutes or less. This is called “Cold Start.” If you let it find the satellites, the time display will probably be wrong, since it will be showing UTC time or the time at Greenwich, England.

  • Page 59: Change Position

    To enter your present altitude, move the black box to the Altitude field using the arrow keys. Now press the key next to the "Change Alt" label. The LMS-350A needs to know your elevation above sea level. (Not your height above the ground.) Again, an approximation is usually sufficient.

  • Page 60: Change Time

    COLD START When the LMS-350A is turned on for the first time “out of the box”, it automatically sends a “cold start” message to the GPS receiver. You also...

  • Page 61: Position/Navigation Displays

    The GPS system updates this clock when the unit is locked on to the satellites. POSITION/NAVIGATION DISPLAYS The LMS-350A has a position screen, plotter, steering indicator, and a satellite information screen. These displays were designed to show the most important data. However, you can customize all of them to some extent through the “Change Display”...

  • Page 62: Position Screen

    LMS-350A is tracking the satellite, then a “T” is placed in this column. If the LMS-350A is searching for the satellite, then a “S” appears. ELV is the elevation (height) of the satellite above the horizon from your position. AZM is the azimuth or direction of the satellite from your position.

  • Page 63: Steering Screen

    (COG), Distance To Go (DTG) to waypoint, Bearing to way- point, Time To Go (TTG) to waypoint, and local time and date displays at the bottom of the screen. Your present position shows at the top of the screen in latitude/ longitude coordinates.

  • Page 64: Customize Screens

    CDI range is 0.5 miles, then your cross track error is to the left 0.25 miles. The CDI range is the same as the CDI alarm setting. See the section on GPS alarms to change the CDI range.

  • Page 65: Plotter

    In this example, we changed the Speed Over Ground (SOG) display to XTE (Cross Track Error) by pressing the up arrow key eight times. To change another digital dis- play, press the left or right ar- row key. The label in the next digital display box changes as you press the arrow key.

  • Page 66: Plotter Cursor

    Your present position is shown at the top of the screen. If your present position starts to move outside the square, the LMS-350A clears the display, then re-draws your present position closer to the center of the screen. Your present position will always be displayed on the plotter.

  • Page 67: Plotting With A Waypoint

    cursor position, distance, and bearing displays at the top of the screen. PLOTTING WITH A WAY- POINT Using the plotter with a recalled waypoint or route is an easy way to see the effects of wind and current on your boat. It also simplifies navigation.

  • Page 68: Set Range

    ALARMS section. CHANGE PLOTTER DISPLAY When the LMS-350A is first turned on, (or after a preset), the plotter screen has a column of digital displays on the left side of the screen. These displays can be changed or erased completely. This gives you a full- screen plotter.

  • Page 69: Plotter Menu

    Pressing the key next to the “GOTO CURSOR” label on the plotter menu causes the LMS-350A to show naviga- tion and steering data to the position shown by the cross hairs. This automatically turns the arrival alarm on, also.

  • Page 70: Plotter Update

    The available plot up- date times are Instant, 2, 5, 10, and 20 seconds. Simply press the key next to the desired update time. The LMS-350A immediately returns to the plotter screen using the new time. GRID LINES The plotter can show latitude/ longitude grid lines by pressing the key next to the “Set Grid Off...

  • Page 71: Select Units Of Measure

    SELECT UNITS OF MEASURE The LMS-350A can display dis- tance in miles, kilometers, or nautical miles, velocity in miles per hour, kilometers per hour, or knots, bearing in degrees magnetic or true, altitude in feet or meters, and time in 12 hour or 24 hour format.

  • Page 72: Event Marker

    Note: When you place an icon, first make certain the icons are on. When the LMS-350A is first turned on or after a preset, the icons are automati- cally turned on. However, if you turn the icons off (using the Set Icons feature on the first plotter menu screen), then the icons won't show when you place an icon.

  • Page 73: Erasing Icons

    When it’s at the desired location, press the EVENT MARKER key, then select an icon. The LMS-350A places the icon at the intersection of the plotter cursor lines. To erase the cursor lines, press the CLEAR key.

  • Page 74: Quick Save Method

    (Quick Save Feature) The LMS-350A lets you save your present position as a waypoint with only one key press. This “Quick Save” feature lets you easily save the position of a wreck or other locations. To save your present position as waypoint, simply press the WAYPT QUICKSAVE key.

  • Page 75: Enter New Waypoint

    the last used position, plotter, or steering screen. Enter New Waypoint To save a location other than your present position, first press the WAYPT key, then press the key next to the "WPT Save" label. Using the up and down arrow keys, move the black box down to the latitude/longitude position.

  • Page 76: Erase A Waypoint

    Now press the key next to the “Accept NAME” label. The LMS-350A returns to the waypoint save menu as shown above. To save the waypoint with this name, first press the key next to the “Save WPT”...

  • Page 77: Routes

    A route gives you the ability to navigate to several waypoints without having to re-program the unit after arriving at each one. A route consists of two or more waypoints. When you travel on a route, the LMS-350A first shows navigation information to the first waypoint in the route. When you reach the first waypoint, (signalled by the Arrival Alarm), the LMS-350A automatically sequences to the next waypoint.

  • Page 78: Name A Route

    Repeat this process until the entire name has been written on the screen. Now press the key next to the “Accept Name” label. The LMS-350A returns to the route menu. You can now enter the waypoints used in the route.

  • Page 79: Following A Route

    the second waypoint line. Now enter the waypoint number for the second waypoint in the route. Press the key next to the "Accept" label. Continue entering the waypoints until all of the waypoints have been entered for the route. Then press the key next to the “Save RTE” label. This saves your route in memory.

  • Page 80: Cancel Navigation

    CANCEL NAVIGATION To stop the LMS-350A from navigating to waypoint or navigating to a waypoint in a route, press the MENU key twice. Now press the key next to the “CANCEL NAVIGATION” label. This stops all navigation.

  • Page 81: Gps Alarms

    “EXIT” label. This returns you to the GPS display. GPS ALARMS The LMS-350A has three GPS alarms. One is an arrival alarm that sounds when you come within a preset distance to a waypoint. Another is a cross...

  • Page 82: Arrival Alarm

    You may need to re-initialize the unit if you move a long distance (over 100 miles) with the unit off. In this example you would need to enter a new initial position to help the LMS-350A find the correct satellites quicker.

  • Page 83: Select Nmea/Dgps

    SELECT NMEA The LMS-350A sends data out the white wire on the power cable according to standards set by the NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association). This allows the LMS-350A to send position, depth, and navigation information to “listener” units, such as charting instruments, autopilots, and other marine instruments.

  • Page 84: Dgps Setup

    When the station frequency and bit rate are adjusted to their proper settings, press the key next to the "EXIT" label. The LMS-350A returns to the last used GPS screen. The letters "DGPS" appear next to the "POSITION"...

  • Page 85: True And Magnetic Position

    If you plot a course on a chart using the Mercator projection, you’ll either have to convert magnetic to true or use true readings. The LMS-350A can display navigation information in magnetic or true. When it’s turned on for the first time magnetic is used. To switch to true, press the MENU key while a GPS screen is displayed.

  • Page 86: Preset

    To preset the unit, press the MENU key until the “Preset Sonar and GPS” label appears. Press the key next to that label. The menu screen disappears and the LMS-350A returns to the GPS position screen. All units will be returned to their factory settings.

  • Page 87: Gps Module Self-Test

    The LMS-350A doesn't save the Man Overboard position in the waypoint table. However, it does save the position on the Man Overboard screen. The LMS-350A always shows navigation data to the position shown on the Man Overboard screen whenever the Man Overboard key is pressed. To stop the unit from navigating to the Man Overboard position, press the key next to the "DISABLE MOB"...

  • Page 88: Gps Simulator

    To use the self test feature, press the MENU key, then press the key next to the "More" label. Finally, press the key next to the “GPS Module Self Test” label. The screen shown at right appears.

  • Page 89: Pcf Offset

    PCF OFFSET The GPS navigation system relies on complex mathematical calculations to determine your position based on satellite data and other factors. One factor is the Earth's shape. Since the Earth is not a true sphere, variations in the calculations have to be made to accommodate deviations. To make matters more complex, not everyone uses the same data to determine what the deviations are.
  • Page 90 Press the key next to the "Ac- cept Offset" label when you've entered the desired latitude off- set. Repeat this procedure to change the longitude. In this example, we have entered 0 degrees,.012 minutes north lattitude and 0 degrees, .068 minutes east longitude as the PCF offset.

  • Page 91: Specifications

    LMS-350A GPS RECEIVER SPECIFICATIONS GPS Module Dimensions ...2.5"H x 4.1"W x 7" D Channels ...Five Parallel Update rate ... One second Accuracy ...Maximum accuracy achievable with Position: ...25 meters CEP Velocity: ...0.25 meters/sec RMS NMEA 0183 SENTENCES RMB ... Minimum Recommended Sentence, Part B RMC ...
  • Page 92 This page intentionally left blank.
  • Page 93 LITHO IN U.S.A. 988-0133-01...

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