Insignia Fish Finder 250DX User Manual

Operations Manual  
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TABLE OF CONTENTS  
INSTALLATION PREPARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2  
Parts Supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2  
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2  
Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2  
Alternative Transducers and Mounting Methods. . . . . . 4  
Transducer Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5  
USING THE 250DX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6  
How Sonar Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6  
Simulator Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7  
What You See On Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8  
Control Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11  
Menu Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14  
ADVANCED FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24  
Using Diagnostic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24  
MAINTENANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25  
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25  
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26  
Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30  
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31  
REV 10822E  
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INSTALLATION PREPARATION  
PARTS SUPPLIED  
PARTS SUPPLIED  
Before installing your 250DX, please ensure the following parts are  
included in the box:  
• 250DX fishfinder  
Transducer with 6m (20') of cable and mounting hardware kit  
• Mounting system and mounting hardware kit  
• 6m (20') power cable  
• Publications kit  
If any of these items is missing, contact your local distributor .  
ACCESSORIES  
Humminbird offers a wide assortment of accessories that complement and  
expand the capability of your new 250DX. These accessories are designed  
with the same high standards and are backed by the same one-year  
warranty. The Humminbird Accessory catalog included with your unit  
contains descriptions of the many accessories available and ordering  
information. All Humminbird accessories are available through your full-  
service Humminbird dealer or factory direct through our number listed in  
the Customer Support section.  
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW  
The 250DX consists of two primary components to install: the control head  
and the transducer.  
The control head contains the sonar transmit and receive circuitry, as well  
as the user controls and display. It should be installed in a location that  
provides access to the controls and visibility while in use. The control head  
mounts on a quick disconnect mounting system that swivels and tilts  
providing flexibility for viewing from almost anywhere on the boat.  
The transducer converts electrical energy from the transmitter into  
mechanical pulses or sound waves. The transducer also receives the  
reflected sound waves and converts them back into electrical signals for  
2
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INSTALLATION PREPARATION  
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW  
display on the control head. It should be installed in contact with the  
surface of the water in an area that has smooth water flow - usually on the  
transom of the boat. There are several mounting options for the  
transducer. Review the following section to determine the method that  
works for you and your boat.  
Determining How to Mount the Transducer  
The 250DX includes a model XT-6-20  
transducer. This transducer can be  
mounted on the transom of the boat,  
or bonded to the inside of a fiberglass  
hull boat.  
The transom installation, which is the  
most widely used, places the transducer  
on the outside of the boat hull. This  
technique produces the least signal loss,  
and provides a way to adjust the  
transducer after installation. The  
mounting hardware included is designed  
to protect both the boat and the  
Transom Mounted Transducer  
transducer should the boat strike debris  
in the water or when trailering.  
As an alternative to transom  
mounting, it is possible on many  
fiberglass-hulled boats to glue the  
transducer on the inside of the boat  
hull. Since fiberglass has similar sonar  
characteristics as water, the sonar  
signal can pass through the boat hull  
with minimal loss. The hull of the  
boat must be single layer  
construction (not double-hulled).  
Also, any air trapped in the  
lamination of the fiberglass would  
prevent the sonar signal from passing  
through.  
Inside the Hull Mounted Transducer  
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3
INSTALLATION PREPARATION  
ALTERNATE TRANSDUCERS AND MOUNTING METHODS  
Inside the hull installations require no holes be drilled into the boat and  
through experimentation, high-speed operation comparable to transom  
mounting can be achieved. Two part, slow cure epoxy is required to glue  
the transducer in place.  
ALTERNATE TRANSDUCERS AND MOUNTING METHODS  
The 250DX comes with everything necessary for installation and operation  
on most boats. However, there are several situations which may require a  
different type of transducer. Inboard boats, wood or metal hulls, and sail  
boats create unique transducer mounting needs. Alternate transducers and  
mounting methods are detailed below.  
Portable Mounting  
The standard transducer can be adapted for  
portable installations using part number MHX-  
PT2. This accessory adapts your transducer to a  
suction cup mount for temporary installation on  
the boat hull or other surface.  
Trolling Motor Mounting  
The standard transducer can also be adapted to  
mount on most trolling motors using part  
number AD-STM-7. This accessory includes a  
bracket and hose clamp that allows mounting  
the transducer to the body of most trolling  
motors.  
Thru-Hull Mounting  
Thru-hull transducers install through a hole  
drilled in the hull of the boat. Larger boats or  
boats with inboard motors create turbulence  
that make transom mounting ineffective. Also,  
hulls that are very thick or are double layered, or  
made from materials such as wood or metal,  
4
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INSTALLATION PREPARATION  
TRANSDUCER EXCHANGE  
(which do not conduct sonar signals) make inside the hull mounting  
inadvisable.  
Thru-hull mounting may require the use of a fairing block to level the  
transducer with the waterline. Also, since special tools and knowledge may  
be required to perform this type of installation it is best to refer to a  
qualified marine technician.  
TRANSDUCER EXCHANGE  
Other transducers are available as replacements for the standard  
transducer. You may exchange your new and unassembled transducer for  
another type by returning it to the address listed in Customer Support.  
Some transducers may have additional costs. Refer to the Accessory cata-  
log or call Customer Support for information.  
BEGINNING INSTALLATION  
Now that you have determined the transducer mounting method, you can  
begin installation of the 250DX. The fold out installation guide included  
provides detailed step by step instructions for installation of the control  
head and transducer. For transom mount transducer installations, you will  
need the mounting template at the front of this manual.  
In addition to the parts included you need the following for installation  
and operation:  
• A powered hand drill and various drill bits  
• Phillips and flat-head screw drivers  
• A ruler or measuring tape  
• Pen or pencil  
• 12 volt power source (your boats battery)  
• A 1-amp fuse  
• A fuse holder (if you are wiring directly to the boats battery)  
• Silicone sealant (for sealing drilled holes)  
• 2-part, slow-cure epoxy (for inside the hull transducer installations)  
5
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USING THE 250DX  
HOW SONAR WORKS  
HOW SONAR WORKS  
Your Humminbird unit uses sonar to  
locate and define underwater objects,  
define the bottom terrain, as well as  
determine distance.  
Sonar technology is based on sound  
waves. Your Humminbird unit sends  
out a sound wave signal. With this  
signal it determines distance by  
measuring the time between the  
transmission of the sound wave and  
when the sound wave is reflected off  
an object. Your Humminbird uses the  
reflected signal to interpret location,  
size and composition of an object.  
Sonar is very fast. A sound wave can travel from the surface to a depth of  
240' (70m) and back again in less than ¹⁄₄ of a second. It is unlikely that  
your boat can "outrun" this sonar signal.  
The 250DX is a dual frequency, dual beam unit, and generates two distinct  
sonar signals - one narrow, one wide. Each signal is optimized for a  
particular purpose. First, the center beam transmits at a frequency of 200  
kHz in a 20 degree (narrow) symmetrical pattern for greater depth  
capability and excellent detail. Information from this center beam is used to  
draw the graphic representation of the bottom on the display.  
Second, the wide beam transmits at a frequency of 83 kHz in a 53 degree  
(wide) symmetrical pattern for greater area of coverage. Information from  
the wide beam is used to accurately detect the presence and location of  
fish. A wide beam has a large area of coverage but limited resolution of  
detail. A narrow beam has excellent detail, but within a limited area  
of coverage.  
The combination of the two beams and dual frequencies provides the  
combination of a large area of coverage and a high level of detail.  
6
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USING THE 250DX  
SIMULATOR OPERATION  
Actual depth capability depends on factors such as bottom hardness, water  
conditions, and transducer installation. Units will typically read to deeper  
depths in fresh water than in salt water.  
SIMULATOR OPERATION  
The 250DX contains a simulator that allows  
you to use the unit as if you are on the water.  
The simulator is invaluable for learning how  
to operate the 250DX.  
There are two ways to start the simulator. If  
the unit is powered off, press and hold the  
POWER button for approximately three  
seconds until you hear a continuous chirp.  
The simulator can also be started by selecting the Simulator option on the  
start-up screen after you power-up the unit. When this screen is shown,  
simply press the DOWN ARROW until “Simulator” is highlighted. When the  
screen times out, the unit will be in simulator mode.  
When in simulator operation, the 250DX responds to control inputs as if it  
is in actual operation, so feel free to experiment, or to customize the unit  
for your particular operation.  
To exit Simulator mode, power the unit off.  
When in simulator mode, the word “simulator” occasionally  
scrolls across the display indicating the information on-screen is  
not real sonar data.  
FEATURE MEMORY  
If your 250DX is installed with a transducer connected, any changes you  
make to the set-up or User Options (see Control Functions) while in  
Simulator are retained in the units memory. This allows you to use  
simulator to experiment with the various set-up options, and retain your  
selected settings for normal operation.  
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USING THE 250DX  
WHAT YOU SEE ON-SCREEN  
If you are using the 250DX in Simulator when no transducer is connected,  
any selected options are lost when the unit is powered off. The 250DX will  
return to Factory Settings, or options selected when last used with a  
transducer, if no transducer is connected.  
IMPORTANT: A transducer must be connected to the 250DX in  
order to retain user settings selected when in simulator mode. If  
no transducer is detected, the unit defaults to pre-selected  
options when powered off.  
Figure A  
What You See On-Screen  
Your 250DX uses a 128 V x 64 H matrix  
FSTN LCD display. This display provides  
outstanding viewability in all light  
conditions over a wide range of  
temperatures.  
At initial power-up, the 250DX uses  
settings that were set at the factory.  
After initial use, the 250DX will  
remember the settings you enter.  
There are several elements on-screen  
that are common to all modes of  
operation.  
Temperature/Speed. The initial screen layout takes one of two basic forms  
depending on whether the optional Temp/Speed accessory is installed. Figure  
A shows the default view when the Temp/Speed accessory is installed. Figure B  
shows the default view when the Temp/Speed accessory is not installed.  
Depth. The digital depth number shows the water depth directly beneath the  
transducer location.  
Depth Range. The depth range is shown to the right of the screen. The upper  
number is 0 indicating the surface of the water. The lower number is one of  
the nine depth ranges available that best match the depth of the water. As the  
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USING THE 250DX  
WHAT YOU SEE ON-SCREEN  
Bottom Depiction  
Zero Line  
depth of the water changes, the range  
changes as necessary in order to retain  
a bottom representation on-screen.  
When in Auto mode, the horizontal  
line at the top of the screen is the  
“zero line,” representing the surface  
of the water. Occasionally there is a  
gap in this line. This gap indicates the  
unit is updating the display even if  
the bottom is not visible on-screen,  
or if the bottom information is not  
changing.  
New sonar information appears on  
the right side of the graphic area of  
the display and moves to the left as  
new information is displayed. The  
Water Depth  
Depth Range  
Figure B  
250DX automatically selects the appropriate depth range to show the  
depth of water beneath the transducer. This range is selected so the  
bottom representation is typically shown about ²⁄₃ down the display.  
Bottom. The graphic depiction of the  
Surface Clutter  
Rocky Bottom  
bottom provides an effective tool for  
understanding the composition of  
the bottom. If the bottom is hard and  
smooth, the bottom depiction is  
narrow and dense. If the bottom is  
soft mud or sand, the depiction will  
be thick and less dense. This indicates  
much of the signal is absorbed by the  
soft bottom. If the bottom is rocky or  
rugged in composition, the depiction  
is of varying density and textured in  
appearance.  
Wave action also affects the bottom  
depiction. The information drawn is a  
Soft Bottom  
Hard Bottom  
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USING THE 250DX  
WHAT YOU SEE ON SCREEN  
distance measurement, so if the boat is moving up and down over flat  
bottom, the bottom depiction often appears in regular variations that match  
wave timing.  
Structure. Structure is defined as any object physically attached to the  
bottom. The sonar configuration of the 250DX is optimized to give the most  
accurate depiction of bottom structure possible. Grass, trees, stumps,  
wrecks or other debris are accurately displayed, however the depiction of  
these objects varies with boat speed and direction. The best way to learn to  
interpret structure is to operate the 250DX over a variety of known  
conditions and experiment with user functions to best represent those  
conditions on-screen.  
Surface Clutter. Surface clutter is the layer of water near the surface that  
is rich in algae and other growth, and often is aerated by wind or wave  
action. This area of water interferes with sonar transmission and often  
appears on-screen as regular clusters of individual dots near the “0” line.  
Thermoclines. Thermoclines are sharp  
Thermocline Second Return  
differences in water temperature.  
These are easily identified by the  
continuous nature of the return.  
Second Returns. When a sonar signal  
is reflected off the bottom back to the  
transducer, there is often enough  
energy left in the signal to be reflected  
off the surface of the water back to the  
bottom a second time. Second returns  
appear as a slightly weaker bottom  
representation exactly twice the depth  
of the primary bottom return. The  
second return is most likely to occur in  
shallow water and in areas of relatively  
hard bottom.  
Fish ID. The 250DX uses advanced signal processing to further evaluate any  
sonar return between the surface and the bottom. For instance, a small  
school of bait fish usually appears as a dense cluster of individual dots. If the  
10  
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USING THE 250DX  
CONTROL FUNCTIONS  
Fish in Wide Beam  
return meets certain additional criteria, a  
fish symbol will be assigned. There are  
three different size fish symbols used to  
indicate the intensity of the sonar return.  
While signal intensity is a good indicator  
of relative fish size, different species of  
fish have different sonar characteristics,  
so it is not always possible to distinguish  
fish size between varying species. The  
signal intensity is "normalized" for  
depth so that a small fish close to the  
boat does not appear as a large fish  
symbol.  
ID+ adds an additional piece of  
information to help the user locate fish.  
On selected fish symbols, the digital  
ID+ Fish Depth  
Fish in Narrow Beam  
depth of the designated fish is drawn to help locate the fish vertically. This  
is especially helpful in setting bait depths or for downrigger operation.  
The fish symbols indicate the sonar beam the fish is detected in. This  
gives you a reliable indicator of side to side location of the fish relative to  
the boat. Fish symbols that are hollow are detected in the wide beam and  
are around the boat. Solid fish symbols represent fish detected in the  
narrow beam and are directly under the boat.  
CONTROL FUNCTIONS  
The 250DX uses a simple five button keypad for all user  
input. Press any button and an audible “chirp” confirms  
the control input. If a button has no function or is  
inappropriate for the situation, an audible “error” is  
heard. The unit sounds multiple chirps.  
Power. The Power button powers the 250DX up for  
normal operation. When the unit is on, POWER turns  
the unit off. POWER can also be used to go directly into  
Simulator mode. To enter simulator, with the unit  
11  
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USING THE 250DX  
CONTROL FUNCTIONS  
powered off, press and hold POWER for several seconds until a continuous  
chirp is heard.  
Light. LIGHT controls the units display backlight. With the unit powered  
on, press LIGHT once to turn the backlight on “high.” Press LIGHT a second  
time to turn the backlight on “low,” and a third time turns the backlight  
off. The backlight is very effective for low-light and nighttime operation.  
When the backlight is on, the 250DX will consume more power than with  
the backlight off. This is important when using the 250DX in a portable  
configuration powered by a separate battery, or when powering the unit  
from a trolling motor battery.  
When powering the unit from a battery such as in portable applications,  
you can prolong the battery life by using the backlight at a minimum.  
The three lower buttons, MENU, UP ARROW, and DOWN ARROW work  
together to control the 250DX menu-controlled user functions.  
Menu. MENU displays a menu on-screen  
for adjustment. In normal operation,  
Menu Heading  
pressing MENU repeatedly cycles through  
all available menu headings. When a  
menu heading displays, the full menu  
appears after a short pause. A menu remains on-screen for several seconds,  
and can be adjusted by using the ARROW keys. If no adjustment is made  
in the allotted time, the menu disappears. If you want the menu to remain  
on-screen longer press and hold MENU—the menu will remain on-screen  
indefinitely. Once you release the menu button, the screen will time out.  
Once a menu times out, it is still considered the active menu. Press MENU  
to bring up the last menu used.  
Arrow Keys. The UP ARROW and DOWN ARROW make adjustments to  
menu functions. On the left side of every menu there are UP ARROW and  
DOWN ARROW symbols. The symbols indicate which ARROW button has  
a function in a particular situation. Either one or both ARROW buttons can  
be used to adjust the menu function. A hollow ARROW symbol means the  
corresponding ARROW button has no function. Pressing that button will  
result in no adjustment and the “error” audible will be heard. A solid  
ARROW symbol means the corresponding ARROW button can be used to  
12  
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USING THE 250DX  
CONTROL FUNCTIONS  
affect the menu adjustment.  
The ARROW buttons often can be used  
when no menu is on-screen. In these  
situations, pressing the ARROW button  
affects the function of the active (last-  
used) menu. This is a short-cut to menu  
operation. The menu appears on-screen while the adjustment is made and  
times out. A frequently used menu can be adjusted very quickly using this  
technique.  
After an adjustment is made to a menu function, the menu times out after  
a few seconds and the unit returns to normal operation.  
Menu Layout. All menus use the same basic layout. The heading at the  
top describes the menu function. The UP ARROW and DOWN ARROW  
symbols to the left of the menu indicate which buttons are available for  
adjustment. In menus that have several possible settings, a range of  
adjustment indicator shows the total range available and the current  
setting.  
Within the menu are the options available. The selected option or current  
setting is highlighted in the black box. If no adjustment is made, this is the  
selected setting. Press an ARROW button while the menu is displayed to  
select another option.  
Several of the menus are multi-step. In some situations if an adjustment is  
made, additional options become available for further adjustment.  
Examples of these multi-step menus are Depth Range, Depth Alarm and  
Zoom. See the detailed description of each function for further  
explanation.  
Heading  
Up Arrow Option  
Arrow Symbols  
Selected Setting  
Down Arrow Option  
Range of Adjustment Indicator  
13  
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USING THE 250DX  
MENU FUNCTIONS  
Menu Functions  
Sensitivity. The Sensitivity function controls the  
sensitivity of the sonar receiver. The 250DX  
automatically adjusts the level of receiver sensi-  
tivity based on a number of factors including  
the depth of the water and the level of noise  
present. Noise can be caused by other electronic devices, engines, trolling  
motors, propeller cavitation and hydrodynamic flow among others.  
The user has the option of adjusting the Sensitivity higher or lower based on  
personal preference. You can select one of 11 sensitivity settings from -5 to +5.  
A setting of 0 (factory setting) has no effect on the automatic sensitivity control.  
Increasing the sensitivity (+1 through +5) enables the unit to display the informa-  
tion from progressively smaller sonar returns. By decreasing the sensitivity bias (-  
1 through -5), the unit effectively filters small sonar returns.  
In murky or muddy water, it is often helpful to reduce the sensitivity. This  
prevents the display from being cluttered with sonar returns from debris or sus-  
pended particles. In very clear or very deep water, it may be helpful to increase  
the sensitivity since even the smallest sonar return may be of interest to the user.  
To adjust Sensitivity, press MENU  
High(+) Sensitivity Low(-) Sensitivity  
repeatedly until the Sensitivity heading is  
displayed. When the Sensitivity menu  
appears, use the UP ARROW to increase  
the sensitivity, or the DOWN ARROW to  
reduce sensitivity. To sequence through  
the available settings, press and hold  
either ARROW button. Release the button  
at the setting you want to change.  
After an adjustment is made, the menu  
disappears and the new sensitivity setting  
is in affect. If additional time is needed to  
study a menu, press and hold the MENU  
button and the menu will remain on-  
screen indefinitely. If you need to make an  
additional adjustment, press the UP  
ARROW or DOWN ARROW button.  
Sensitivity at “0”  
14  
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USING THE 250DX  
MENU FUNCTIONS  
Depth Range. The Depth Range function  
controls the vertical distance displayed on  
the graphic area of the display. There are  
nine depth ranges available. The top of the  
range is always 0, or the surface of the  
water. Ranges of 0–15', 0–30', 0–60',  
0–120', 0–180', 0–240', 0–360', 0–480',  
and 0–600' are available. In the metric version, ranges of 0–5, 0–10, 0–20,  
0–40, 0–60, 0–80, 0–110, 0–150, and 0–185 metres are available.The  
range that positions the bottom depiction closest to the bottom of the  
screen, will best utilize the available display resolution.  
The 250DX automatically adjusts the depth range depending on the depth  
of the water. The unit tries to maintain the bottom depiction about ²⁄₃  
down the total range (for example, in 20' (6m) of water, the 0-30' (0-10m)  
range would be selected). This provides the best display resolution and  
therefore the best target separation possible.  
The Depth Range can be adjusted  
manually. Press MENU repeatedly until the  
Depth Range menu is visible. Two options  
are available: Auto and Manual.  
The manual setting enables you to adjust  
the current depth range setting. The unit  
no longer adjusts the Depth Range to the  
most appropriate range for bottom  
display. Often, the bottom may not be visible on-screen. The digital depth  
readout always determines the depth of the bottom, even if it is not visible  
on-screen.  
Using manual Depth Range control, you  
can view sonar information from the area  
near the surface in great detail.  
15  
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USING THE 250DX  
MENU FUNCTIONS  
To return to automatic Depth Range  
control, press the MENU button until  
the Depth Range menu appears on-  
screen and use the UP ARROW to  
select AUTO.  
Zoom. Zoom is similar to Depth Range  
because it controls the range of information  
displayed on screen. Zoom, however,  
allows selection of ranges beneath the  
surface so any area of water between the  
surface and the bottom can be enlarged to  
provide more detailed information. By using  
the full display to show a small area of  
coverage, the effective display resolution is  
increased, and the units ability to separate  
close targets is enhanced.  
Depth Range  
There are four Zoom ranges available: 2m (7¹⁄₂'),  
5m (15'), 10m (30'), and 20m (60'). These  
ranges are not directly user controlled but are  
instead dependent on the current depth range.  
In shallow water, when the 5m (15') or 10m  
(30') range is in use, the Zoom range is 2m  
(7¹⁄₂'). If the 20m (60') or 40m (120' ) range is in  
use, the Zoom range is 5m (15'), if a 60-  
150m (180'-480') depth range is in use, the  
Zoom range is 10m (30'), and if the 185m  
(600') range is in use, the Zoom range is  
20m (60').  
Upper Zoom Limit  
The Zoom range is shown on the left side  
of the screen and full range information is  
shown on the right side of the display.  
Zoom can either operate automatically, in  
which the Zoom range is constantly  
adjusted to show the bottom, or manually,  
in which the user controls the location of  
the Zoom range.  
16  
Lower Zoom Limit  
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USING THE 250DX  
MENU FUNCTIONS  
Automatic Zoom is especially helpful when looking for structure or bottom  
detail. The Automatic Zoom keeps the bottom in view even in quickly changing  
terrain, but is most useful in flatter areas without considerable depth variation.  
Manual Zoom provides detailed information of any area from the surface to the  
bottom. In manual Zoom, the Zoom range does not move as the terrain  
changes.  
When the range is shown in the menu, the upper  
number represents the top of the current Zoom  
range. The lower number represents the bottom of  
the Zoom range. Use the UP and DOWN ARROW  
buttons to move this range. The upper number can  
never be less than 0 (the surface of the water), and  
the lower number can never be greater than the  
active depth range. The difference between the  
two numbers (the Zoom range) is preset and  
determined by the active depth range.  
Once manual Zoom is selected, the display  
appears the same as in Auto Zoom, but the zoom  
range does not change automatically.  
To disable Zoom, press the MENU button until the  
Zoom menu is on-screen. Use the UP ARROW to  
highlight Off, and let the menu time out.  
When the unit is powered off, the Zoom menu  
returns to Zoom Off.  
Depth Alarm. The 250DX contains an audible  
alarm to warn you of shallow water depths. The  
alarm is adjustable to depths of 1m (3') to 30m  
(99'). When the alarm is enabled, an audible  
alarm sounds if the water beneath the boat is  
equal to or less than the selected alarm depth.  
The alarm sounds continuously for about five  
seconds, and then intermittently to remind you  
that you are still in shallow water.  
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USING THE 250DX  
MENU FUNCTIONS  
Fish Alarm. The Fish Alarm alerts you to the  
presence of fish, or other targets not connected to  
the bottom. The Fish Alarm has three different  
settings that correspond to the three different size  
fish symbols shown on-screen.  
The default setting is “OFF.” With the “Large fish  
only” setting, the 250DX alarms on only those  
targets that are represented by the large fish  
symbols. The 250DX can be set to alarm on only  
large and medium fish, or set to alarm on all fish.  
Once the Fish Alarm is enabled, the 250DX emits an  
audible beep when the selected size fish symbol  
appears on-screen.  
Set for large fish only  
Set for large and medium fish  
Set for all fish  
Triplog. Triplog provides a running log of  
information based on input from the Temp/Speed  
sensor.  
Since Triplog requires information from the  
Temp/Speed sensor to operate, if this sensor  
is not detected by the 250DX, the Triplog menu will not appear as  
an option.  
Triplog provides seven pieces of information: the current digital depth, water  
surface temperature, current boat speed, the distance traveled since the 250DX  
was powered up or reset, the average speed, the total time elapsed since  
power-up or reset, and the input voltage from your boats electrical system.  
The time, speed and distance calculations are useful for tracking your progress  
on a trip. The input voltage is useful for determining the condition of the  
charging system of the boat. When used in a portable application or whenever  
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USING THE 250DX  
MENU FUNCTIONS  
the 250DX is operated from a battery  
source, the voltage number can be used to  
determine battery life. The 250DX will  
operate at voltages from 10 to 20 VDC.  
Voltages in excess of 20 or less than 10  
VDC cause the unit to power off.  
Options. The Options Menu is a series of  
linked menu functions used initially to set  
your preferences. Once your preferences  
are selected, it is unlikely these functions  
need to be accessed during the normal  
operation of the product.  
The Options menu works differently  
than other menu functions in that all of the  
options must be cycled through in order to  
return to normal operation. There are thirteen  
Option menus: Contrast, Display Speed,  
Battery Alarm, Bottom Black, Fish ID, Numeral  
Size, Diagnostic, Units, Languages, Speed  
Offset, Depth Offset, Filter and Reset.  
Contrast. The Contrast function allows the  
user to control the level of contrast of the  
LCD display. The 250DX will automatically  
adjust the display contrast to compensate for  
changing ambient temperatures; however,  
some situations may occur where manual  
adjustment will provide a higher level of contrast.  
Eleven contrast settings, +5 to -5, are  
possible. The display contrast will change as  
the adjustment is made so the optimum level  
of contrast can be achieved. Use the ARROW  
buttons to highlight the desired selection.  
The 250DX will reset to the factory setting  
when the unit is powered off.  
19  
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USING THE 250DX  
MENU FUNCTIONS  
Display Speed. Display Speed controls  
the rate at which the graphic information  
moves across the display. There are 5  
possible speeds; the fastest rate (5) is the  
factory setting. Keep in mind that the  
closer the update rate matches your boat  
speed, the more accurate is the graphic  
depiction of the terrain beneath your boat.  
Use the UP and DOWN ARROWS to select the desired update rate. The  
Display Speed setting is remembered when the unit is powered off.  
Battery Alarm. The Battery Alarm  
Option allows you to select the voltage  
level at which the Battery Alarm  
activates.  
At the Battery Alarm menu (under  
options), you will note that the default  
setting is OFF. Push the DOWN ARROW  
BUTTON to select the feature ON. Push the DOWN ARROW BUTTON again  
to move into the ADJUST BATTERY ALARM setting. Using the UP and  
DOWN ARROW BUTTONS, select a voltage between 9.0 and 12.0.  
When the voltage drops below your selected voltage, an audible alarm will  
sound, and a battery alarm icon will be displayed on screen with current  
voltage level.  
Bottom Black. There are two selections  
available: OFF and ON. The factory setting  
is OFF. With this setting, the 250DX  
displays the bottom using Structure ID.  
This allows you to determine the texture  
and relative hardness of the bottom.  
Selecting Bottom Black “ON” causes the  
unit to blacken in the display below the bottom. This gives the user easiest  
recognition of the bottom location, even from a great distance.  
The 250DX remembers the Bottom Black setting when powered off.  
20  
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USING THE 250DX  
MENU FUNCTIONS  
Fish ID. There are three selections available:  
Bottom Black View  
OFF, ID+ ON, and ADJUST. The factory  
setting is ID+ ON. With Fish ID OFF, sonar  
returns are displayed as “raw” information.  
There is no interpretation made by the unit.  
Selecting ID OFF also disables the fish alarm.  
ID+ ON enables the 250DX to interpret  
the raw sonar data and, using a variety  
of techniques, depict appropriate target  
returns as one of three different size fish  
symbols. Further identification shows  
whether the fish is in the wide or narrow  
beam. The 250DX also displays the  
depth beneath the surface with the  
corresponding fish symbol.  
Selecting Adjust and making incremental changes  
enhances the fishfinders ability to identify sonar  
returns as fish symbols.  
Increasing the value to a number greater than zero  
shows more fish symbols on-screen. In this case  
smaller sonar returns will be depicted as fish  
symbols. This is useful for identifying many smaller  
sonar returns (such as baitfish) as fish symbols.  
Decreasing the value to a number less than zero shows  
fewer fish symbols on-screen. In this case smaller sonar  
returns are disregarded. This is useful for eliminating  
many small sonar returns  
Raw Sonar  
ID+ On  
when seeking larger species  
of fish.  
The 250DX remembers this selection even when  
the unit is powered off.  
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USING THE 250DX  
MENU FUNCTIONS  
Numeral Size. Two options are available:  
BIG and SMALL. The factory setting is BIG.  
With this setting, the digital depth and  
speed and temp numerals are drawn large  
enough to be read from across the boat.  
The big numerals occupy space on the  
display that could be used for the graphics  
area. Hence, the small numerals option. With small numerals selected, a  
greater amount of the display area is available for the graphic view. This  
effectively increases the display resolution of the unit.  
Numeral Size settings are remembered when  
powered off.  
Diagnostic. Two options are available: HIDE and  
SHOW. The factory setting is HIDE. Selecting SHOW  
brings up the Diagnostic screen. See the Using  
Diagnostic section for more information.  
Units. The Units function allows the user to  
select the units of measurement for the depth  
and speed readout. Metres/KTS, (metres/nautical  
miles per hour), Metres/KPH (metres/kilometres  
per hour), FEET/MPH (feet/statute miles per hour)  
and FEET/KTS (feet/nautical miles per hour), are  
available.The 250TX remembers this selection  
even when the unit is powered off.  
Languages. The language menu displays  
one of two sets of languages. Language set  
A includes: English, French, Italian, German,  
Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, and Finnish.  
Language Set B provides Hungarian, Danish,  
Polish, Portuguese, Dutch and English. To  
select your language, push the UP or Down  
Arrow Buttons to scroll through the list.  
22  
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USING THE 250DX  
MENU FUNCTIONS  
Speed Offset. The Speed Offset option allows the  
user to compensate for differences in hull design, and  
its effect on the accuracy of the speed measurement.  
If there is a discrepancy between the indicated speed  
and another speed measurement device on the boat,  
the speed measurement can be varied to improve  
accuracy. Remember, the speed paddle wheel  
measures speed through the water, not speed over ground.  
Speed offset is remembered after power is disconnected.  
Depth Offset. The Depth Offset allows the user to  
select the point on the boat from which the depth  
measurement is made. Selecting a positive value adds  
distance to the measurement. If the transducer is  
mounted 3 feet beneath the waterline, a positive 3  
will show the correct depth from the surface of the  
water.  
Another frequent use of depth offset is to show the depth beneath the  
deepest point of the hull. A negative value equal to the distance from the  
transducer location and the deepest point of the hull will have the same  
effect as mounting the transducer at the deepest point.  
Depth offset is remembered after power is disconnected.  
Filter. Filter provides an advanced level of control  
over the amount of detail visible on-screen and the  
sensitivity of the unit. You can choose the setting(s)  
that works best for your style of use.  
With Filter set to OFF, the 250DX displays increased  
detail, showing more thermoclines, structure, fish and even your bait when it falls  
within the sonar cone. However, this extreme sensitivity requires you to optimize the  
installation of your unit and transducer so that “noise” generated by a moving boat  
is not picked up by the fishfinder.  
With Filter set to ON, excessive clutter often caused by interference from other  
fishfinders, your boat‘s engine, or from noise generated by the hull at high speeds  
is reduced in the display. This provides a cleaner image on the display in most cases.  
With the Filter menu on screen, use the arrow keys to select the setting for your  
boat. When finished, press MENU to display the sonar screen.  
23  
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ADVANCED FEATURES  
USING DIAGNOSTIC  
Reset. With the many User Options available to  
customize the 250DX, it is easy to configure the unit  
in such a way that it is detrimental to a particular  
use. By using the Reset function, all variable or user-  
controlled features (except Filter) of the 250DX are  
returned to the factory settings.  
The Reset function is an important first step in troubleshooting problems to  
ensure that a user selected setting is not the cause for the perceived  
problem.  
USING THE DIAGNOSTIC FEATURE  
The 250DX contains a powerful diagnostic tool that can aid in determining  
the cause of a problem.  
To use the Diagnostic feature, select the Diagnostic feature on the start-up  
menu on the initial screen. Diagnostic can also be accessed through the  
Options menu.  
Self Test. Initially, the 250DX will perform a self-test.  
This test confirms the operation of all internal circuitry.  
At the conclusion of the test, one of two messages will  
appear. PASSED indicates the internal test discovered  
no failures, FAILED indicates a significant internal  
problem was discovered and the unit requires factory  
service. A code number appears that tells repair  
personnel where the problem is.  
Transducer Connection. The first connection tested is  
Transducer input. If a transducer is detected, the  
message CONNECTED appears. If a series of dashed  
lines is shown, no transducer is connected or there is  
a problem with the transducer or cable.  
If you are using multiple transducers, switch between  
transducers to confirm the connections for each.  
24  
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MAINTENANCE  
MAINTENANCE  
Boat Speed/Water Temperature Connection. Other connections tested  
include the boat speed and surface water temperature sensors. These  
accessory sensors can be purchased independently or together as a single  
sensor (see the Humminbird Accessories catalog). If the sensors are  
connected and working properly, a “connected” message appears.  
The speed input feature only works when the boat is in motion as the  
paddle wheel on the speed sensor must rotate to be detected.  
Voltage Input. Another connection tested is the voltage input, and is  
especially helpful in diagnosing input voltage problems. The current input  
voltage is displayed. If voltage fluctuations or power supply in excess of 20  
VDC or less than 10 VDC is suspected, use the diagnostic screen to confirm  
input voltage. Often, small outboard motors do not effectively regulate  
voltage when operated at high engine speeds.  
Use Diagnostic while running the boat at high speeds to show the voltage  
gain. Also, if you are using the 250DX in portable configuration or from the  
trolling motor battery, Diagnostic can be used to evaluate the health of the  
battery by showing the current voltage.  
Total Time. The total time category indicates the total time the unit has  
been in use since shipped from the factory. It is normal for some hours to  
appear in the total time when the unit is new due to factory testing. While  
this is often of interest to the user, it is primarily a diagnostic tool for the  
repair technician should the unit need service.  
MAINTENANCE  
Your 250DX is designed to provide years of trouble free operation with  
virtually no maintenance. Follow these simple procedures to ensure your  
250DX continues to deliver top performance.  
• If the unit comes into contact with salt spray, simply wipe the affected  
surfaces with a cloth dampened in fresh water. Do not use a chemical  
glass cleaner on the lens. Chemicals in the solution may cause cracking in  
the lens of the unit.  
• When cleaning the LCD protective lens, use a chamois and non-abrasive,  
25  
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MAINTENANCE  
TROUBLESHOOTING  
mild cleaner. Do not wipe while dirt or grease is on the lens. Be careful to  
avoid scratching the lens.  
• If your boat remains in the water for long periods of time, algae and  
other marine growth can reduce the effectiveness of the transducer.  
Periodically clean the face of the transducer with liquid detergent.  
Pivoting the transducer up in the bracket may allow better access for  
inspection or cleaning.  
• If your boat remains out of the water for a long period of time, it may  
take some time to wet the transducer when returned to the water. Small  
air bubbles can cling to the surface of the transducer and interfere with  
proper operation. These bubbles dissipate with time, or you can wipe  
the face of the transducer with your fingers after the transducer is in  
the water.  
• Never leave the 250DX in a closed car or trunk—the extremely high  
temperatures generated in hot weather can damage the electronics.  
TROUBLESHOOTING  
Do not attempt to repair the 250DX yourself. There are no user serviceable parts  
inside, and special tools and techniques are required for reassembly to ensure  
the waterproof integrity of the housing. Repairs should be performed only by  
authorized Humminbird technicians.  
Many requests for repair received by Humminbird involve units that do not  
actually need repair. These units are returned “no problem found.” If you have  
a problem with your 250DX, use the following troubleshooting guide before  
calling Customer Support or sending your unit in for repair. The 250DX contains  
several tools that can aid in determining if there is a problem and how to isolate  
and repair the problem in many cases.  
1. Nothing happens when I turn the unit on.  
Check the power cable connection at both ends. Be sure the cable is connected  
correctly to a reliable power source—red lead to positive, black lead to negative  
or ground. Ensure the power available at the mount is between 10 and 20 VDC.  
26  
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MAINTENANCE  
TROUBLESHOOTING  
If the unit is wired through a fuse panel, ensure the panel is powered. Often  
accessory fuse panels are controlled by a separate switch or the ignition switch.  
Also, often a fuse can appear to be good when in fact is not. Check the fuse  
with a tester or replace it with a fuse known to be good.  
Check the power connection to the 250DX. It is possible to force the power  
cable connector into the cable holder incorrectly. If the connector is reversed, the  
unit will not work. Examine the contacts on the back of the unit to ensure there  
is no corrosion. Finally, ensure the unit is firmly seated on the mount. The  
electrical contacts are not made until the unit is fully seated.  
Ensure the metal cable retainer is properly installed in the mount. If not, the  
power connected may push out when the unit is put on the mount.  
2. There is no transducer detected.  
The 250DX has the ability to detect and identify that a transducer is connected.  
If, at power up, a message indicates “transducer not connected,” only simulator  
operation is possible. First, ensure that an appropriate transducer connector is  
positioned correctly in the connector holder, and that the unit is fully seated on  
the mount. The 250DX will work with the standard tri-beam transducer.  
Second, inspect the transducer cable from end to end for breaks, kinks, or cuts  
in the outer casing of the cable. Also ensure the transducer is fully submerged  
in water. If the transducer is connected to the unit through a switch, temporarily  
connect it directly to the unit and try again. If none of these items identifies an  
obvious problem, the transducer itself is probably the problem. Be sure to in-  
clude the transducer if returning the unit for repair.  
3. There is no bottom reading visible on the display.  
There are a number of possible causes for this condition. If the loss of bottom  
information occurs only at high boat speeds, the transducer needs adjusting. If  
the digital depth readout is working but there is no bottom visible on-screen, it  
is possible the depth range has been adjusted manually to a range lower than  
what is needed to display the bottom. Also, in very deep water, it may be  
necessary to manually increase the sensitivity setting to maintain a graphic  
depiction of the bottom.  
27  
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MAINTENANCE  
TROUBLESHOOTING  
If you are using a transducer switch to connect two transducers to the 250DX,  
ensure the switch is in the correct position to connect a transducer that is in  
water. (If a trolling motor transducer is selected and the trolling motor is out of  
water, no sonar information appears.)  
If none of the above solve the problem, inspect the transducer cable from end  
to end for breaks, kinks, or cuts in the outer casing of the cable. If the transducer  
is connected to the unit through a switch, temporarily connect it directly to the  
unit and try again. If none of these items identifies an obvious problem, the  
transducer itself may be the problem. Be sure to include the transducer if  
returning the unit for repair.  
4. When in very shallow water, I get gaps in the bottom reading and  
inconsistent digital depth indication.  
The 250DX will work reliably in water 1m (3') or deeper. The depth is measured  
from the transducer, not necessarily from the surface.  
5. The unit comes on before I press POWER, and won’t turn off.  
Check the transducer cable—if the outer jacket of the cable has been cut and  
the cable is in contact with bare metal, you need to repair the cut with electrical  
tape. If there is no problem with the cable, disconnect the transducer from the  
unit and see if the problem is corrected, to confirm the source of the problem.  
6. I get gaps in the reading at high speeds.  
Your transducer needs adjusting. If the transducer is transom-mounted, there  
are two adjustments available to you—height, and running angle. Make small  
adjustments and run the boat at high speeds to determine the effect. It may take  
several tries to optimize high speed operation. This can also be a result of air or  
turbulence in the transducer location caused by rivets, ribs, etc.  
28  
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MAINTENANCE  
TROUBLESHOOTING  
7. My unit loses power at high speeds.  
Your 250DX has over-voltage protection that turns the unit off when input  
voltage exceeds 20 VDC. Some outboard motors do not effectively regulate the  
power output of the engines alternator and can produce voltage in excess of 20  
volts when running at high RPMs. The 250DX displays input voltage in the  
Diagnostic screen. Use this readout to determine if the voltage exceeds 20 VDC.  
8. The screen begins to fade out. Images are not as sharp as normal.  
Check the input voltage using Diagnostic. The 250DX will not operate on input  
voltages below 10 VDC.  
9. The display shows many black dots at high speeds and high  
sensitivity settings.  
You are seeing noise or interference caused by one of several sources.  
Noise can be caused by other electronic devices. Turn off any nearby  
electronics and see if the problem goes away. Noise can also be caused by  
the engine. If engine noise is causing the interference, the problem will  
intensify at higher RPMs. Increase the engine speed with the boat  
stationary to isolate this cause. Propeller cavitation can appear as noise on-  
screen. If the transducer is mounted too close to the propeller, the  
turbulence generated can interfere with the sonar signal. Ensure that the  
transducer is mounted at least 15" (38cm) from the prop.  
29  
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MAINTENANCE  
CUSTOMER SUPPORT  
CUSTOMER SUPPORT  
If you have any problems or questions with your Humminbird unit, contact  
your local distributor.  
Humminbird  
Service Department  
108 Maple Lane  
Eufaula, AL 36027  
USA  
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SPECIFICATIONS  
Operating Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200 kHz and 83 kHz  
Power Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250 Watts (RMS)  
2000 Watts (Peak to Peak)  
Area of Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Narrow: 20° at -10 db  
Wide: 53° at -10 db  
Power Requirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 VDC  
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FSTN LCD  
LCD Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128 V x 64 H Pixels  
Viewing Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.90" V x 2.35" H  
(7.3cm V x 5.97cm H)  
Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Quick Disconnect Mount  
Unit Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6³⁄₄"H x 6¹⁄₄"W x 4¹⁄₄"D  
(17.1cm H x 15.9 cm W x 10.5 cm D)  
Transducer (Standard) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . XT-6-20  
Transducer Cable Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20' (6 metres)  
Depth Ranges . . . .15', 30', 60', 120', 180', 240', 360', 480', & 600'  
(5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 110, 150 & 185 metres)  
Zoom Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7¹⁄₂', 15', 30', & 60'  
(2, 5, 10 & 20 metres)  
31  
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Use with XT series Transducers  
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P/N 530975-2  
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