104
103
Time Variable Gain: Time Variable Gain is a processing step applied to the sonar return to
"normalize" the data so that objects of equal size (i.e. fish) appear to be the same size, even if they
are separated by a good distance. Time Variable Gain is a fundamental attribute of good sonar, but
is often promoted as a feature.
Total Screen Update®: A Humminbird® feature that refreshes and updates all the sonar
information on the display when a range change occurs. Without Total Screen Update®, only the
most recent sonar information would be drawn to the new range, and the old sonar information
would continue to scroll off the screen at the old range.
Transducer: The transducer is part of the sonar system, which mounts on the boat and is in
contact with the water, that converts the electrical energy from the transmitter into sound energy,
and that forms the sonar beam in turn. Internally, the transducer consists of one or more piezo
electric disks that expand by very minute amounts to create the sound wave. This element also
works in reverse, converting the returned sound energy back into an electrical signal that the
receiver interprets. Transducers are available for many specific mounting applications for the boat,
such as a transom mount, trolling motor mount, etc. Humminbird® offers many sophisticated
transducers, often with multiple piezo electric elements designed to form specifically-shaped
sonar beams, providing the angler with superior tools for finding and catching fish. See
Transmitter and SONAR.
Transmitter: The transmitter and receiver are matched parts of the sonar system that send
(transmit) and listen to (receive) the sonar signals, and work in conjunction with the transducer.
Humminbird® transmitters have an extremely fast cycling design that can send signals up to 60
times per second, as well as produce the varying levels of power output needed for different
depths and conditions. Additionally, the transmitter has the capability to create very precise sonar
pulses needed for a high degree of target separation. Humminbird® receivers are extremely
sensitive, but within a narrow "bandwidth" to discriminate against noise from external sources.
Additionally, the receiver offers a wide "dynamic range" which provides the ability to receive very
strong signals alternating with very weak signals, without the strong signal overwhelming the
weak signal. See Transducer and Noise.
TripLog: TripLog is a Humminbird® feature that provides an on-screen counter for Elapsed Time,
Average Speed and Total Distance traveled, and requires a speed input to activate the feature.
TripLog appears on the Big Digits View, and can be reset to zero through the TripLog menu.
TrueArch®: TrueArch® is a Humminbird® feature that provides true fish arches, not artificial arches
or symbols. Humminbird® units are capable of producing fish arches due to the wide 60° sonar
beam of DualBeam PLUS™, an extremely sensitive sonar receiver. See Fish Arch.
Viewing Angle: Viewing Angle is an attribute of an LCD that characterizes visibility of the
display when viewing from off the central access, such as when standing to the side of the
fishfinder. Wider viewing angles are better because the information remains visible even
when viewing from the side.
WhiteLine®: WhiteLine® is a Humminbird® feature that highlights the strongest sonar return on
the display using a very light gray band. This is preferred by some anglers who have grown
accustomed to the feature on paper graph chart recorders.
WideSide®: WideSide® is a Humminbird® sonar configuration used in an optional transducer.
WideSide® uses three sonar beams pointing to the left, right and down. Beams pointing to the left
and right are effective for spotting fish and structure near the surface or on the bank. The
downlooking beam provides depth information directly below the boat.
X-Press™ Menu: X-Press™ Menus are a Humminbird® feature that make the most commonly-used
menu selections available with one press of the MENU key. Items that appear on the
X-Press™ Menu are related to the current view, and present the most logical choices for that view.
Sonar View X-Press™ menus will differ from Chart View X-Press™ menus, etc. X-Press™ menus are
one of the principal reasons that Humminbird® products are easier to use.
Zoom: Zoom is a feature that focuses in on a smaller area of the bottom to provide enhanced
resolution. With enhanced resolution, the angler can more easily see fish hanging in structure or
multiple fish hanging close together. Split screen zoom divides the display into the full range view
on the right, and the zoomed view on the left. Humminbird® offers One-Touch® Zoom which
allows the zoom feature to be easily accessed from the regular sonar view with just one key press,
eliminating the need to use menus to access the feature.
Zoom, Bottom Lock: Bottom Lock Zoom is a feature that focuses on a smaller area just above
the bottom to provide enhanced resolution. Unlike regular zoom, it continuously graphs the
bottom at a constant point on the display regardless of changes in depth. This "flattens" out
the bottom contour, but is effective at showing fish on or near the bottom, and is preferred by
many saltwater anglers.
