Owner’s Manual Fishfinder 340C full-featured color sonar
© 2007 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries Garmin International, Inc. 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062, USA Tel. (913) 397.8200 or (800) 800.1020 Fax (913) 397.8282 Garmin (Europe) Ltd. Liberty House Hounsdown Business Park, Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 9RB UK Tel. +44 (0) 870.8501241 (outside the UK) 0808 2380000 (within the UK) Fax +44 (0) 870.8501251 Garmin Corporation No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan Tel. 886/2.2642.9199 Fax 886/2.2642.9099 All rights reserved.
Introduction > About This Manual Introduction Thank you for choosing the Garmin® Fishfinder 340C. The Fishfinder 340C is a full-featured, color sonar that offers a choice of display styles, a dual beam or dual frequency option, and many more features, including the following: • Ultrascroll™, which gives you a much faster update rate on your Sonar Pages. • Auto Gain, which allows you to see more fish and structures.
Introduction > Table of Contents Table of Contents Introduction............................................................................i About This Manual.................................................................... i Product Registration............................................................... iii Contact Garmin....................................................................... iii Caring for the Fishfinder........................................................ iii Warning...........
Introduction > Product Registration, Contact Garmin, and Caring for the Fishfinder Product Registration Cleaning the Case Use this area to record the serial number (8-digit number located on the back of the box). Be sure to keep your original sales receipt in a safe place, or attach a photocopy inside the manual. Cleaning the Screen Help us better support you by completing our online registration today! Have the serial number of your Fishfinder handy, and connect to our Web site (http://www.garmin.
Introduction > Warning Warning Failure to avoid the following potentially hazardous situations could result in an accident or collision resulting in death or serious injury: When navigating, carefully compare information displayed on the Fishfinder 340C to all available navigation sources, including information from visual sightings, and maps. For safety, always resolve any discrepancies or questions before continuing navigation.
Getting Started > Packing List and Optional Accessories Getting Started Before installing and using your Fishfinder 340C, check to see that your package includes the following items. The package number is on the outside of the box. If any parts are missing, contact your Garmin dealer immediately.
Getting Started > Understanding the Fishfinder and Sonar Understanding the Fishfinder and Sonar The Fishfinder 340C is a fully automatic, color sonar unit that allows you to go out on the water and find fish without having to configure a lot of settings. However, you can customize each setting as you prefer. If you have used a Fishfinder before, you might already know how to interpret the sonar information on the screen, so you can skip this section.
Getting Started > Understanding the Fishfinder and Sonar Using Dual Beam Dual beam works best for shallow water (for example, inland) applications. A dual beam transducer can transmit a narrow or a wide beam. The water area covered by the transmitted sound waves is determined by the beam width of the transducer and the water depth.
Getting Started > Understanding the Fishfinder and Sonar Water depth Surface clutter Depth scale Bottom Suspended targets The strongest sonar returns appear on your screen as the most intense solid color (depending on your selected color scheme; red is the default). The weakest returns appear as the less intense, less solid colors (blue is the default). The bottom of the water is always going to be the strongest signal, and therefore the most intense color.
Installing the Fishfinder 340C > Selecting a Location for the Fishfinder Installing the Fishfinder 340C To ensure the successful operation of your Fishfinder 340C, you must properly install the Fishfinder and all of its related parts. To install and use your Fishfinder, you must do the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Select a proper location for the Fishfinder. Mount the Fishfinder. Install your transducer. Connect to your power source. Test the installation.
Installing the Fishfinder 340C > Mounting the Fishfinder Mounting the Fishfinder There are two possible installation methods for your Fishfinder: • You can mount the Fishfinder onto a bracket that attaches to the console or overhead. • You can flush mount the Fishfinder into a flat panel. Surface Mounting the Fishfinder The Fishfinder 340C’s compact, waterproof case is suitable for mounting in exposed locations or at the nav station.
Installing the Fishfinder 340C > Mounting the Fishfinder Installing the Unit on the Mounting Bracket To install the Fishfinder on the mounting bracket: 1. Align the slot on the back of the Fishfinder with the long mounting knob, and slide the Fishfinder into place. If necessary, adjust the long knob to spread the bracket arms apart. (Turn counter-clockwise to widen the bracket arms and clockwise to tighten.) 2. Adjust the Fishfinder angle, and tighten the long mounting knob until snug.
Installing the Fishfinder 340C > Mounting the Fishfinder To flush mount the Fishfinder 340C: 1. Trim the Flush Mount Template, and tape it to the chosen location. 2. Using a center punch, indent the center of each mounting hole location. 3. Using an 1/8" (3 mm) drill bit, drill the four mounting holes. 4. Using a 3/8" (6 mm) drill bit, drill a hole for a location to begin cutting the mounting surface. 5.
Installing the Fishfinder 340C > Mounting the Transducer Mounting the Transducer Proper transducer installation is key to getting the best performance from your new Fishfinder. If the transducer lead is too short, extension cables are available from your Garmin dealer. Coil and secure any excess cable. CAUTION: DO NOT cut the transducer lead or any part of the transducer cable, because cutting the transducer cable voids your warranty.
Installing the Fishfinder 340C > Mounting the Transducer Mounting the Transducer on a Trolling Motor (Dual Beam Only) To mount the transducer on a trolling motor: 1. Slide the large cable tie through the slot on the transducer mount (see the illustration on page 9) with the ridges of the band facing up until equal lengths extend on both sides of the mount. (NOTE: For cold water, or heavy timber or debris areas, a metal 4-5" worm gear clamp is recommended.) 2.
Installing the Fishfinder 340C > Mounting the Transducer Mounting the Transducer on a Transom 533 *AYHAWK When selecting a transom mount location, consider the following for optimal performance: • For your sonar to operate properly, the transducer must be located in calm water.
Installing the Fishfinder 340C > Mounting the Transducer To mount the transducer on a transom: 1. Position the transducer mount at the selected transom location. Make sure the transducer is parallel with the water line. Mark the center locations of each hole on the transducer mount. 2. Using a 5/32" bit, drill the pilot holes approximately 1" (25 mm) deep at the marked locations. To avoid drilling the holes too deep, wrap a piece of tape around the bit at 1" from the point of the bit. 3.
Installing the Fishfinder 340C > Mounting the Transducer Shoot-Thru-Hull Installation To avoid drilling a hole to mount a thru-hull transducer, a transducer can be secured with epoxy inside a boat (shoot-thruhull installation). This type of installation can provide better noise reduction and allow you to use a higher Gain setting. For a transducer to be mounted inside the hull (shoot-thru, not thruhull), the boat must be fiberglass, with no core. Contact your boat manufacturer if you are unsure.
Installing the Fishfinder 340C > Mounting the Transducer To permanently install the transducer: 1. Lightly sand the surface of the hull and face of the transducer with 400 grit wet or dry sandpaper. 2. Build a dam using strip caulk about 1/4" (6 mm) tall. Pour about 1/8" (3 mm) of two-part, slow-cure epoxy into the dam. 3. Place the transducer in the epoxy, turning the transducer to work out any air bubbles. 4. Weight the transducer in place, and allow it to cure for 24 hours.
Installing the Fishfinder 340C > Installing the Wiring Harness Installing the Wiring Harness The Fishfinder comes with a wiring harness that connects the Fishfinder to power and the transducer with one easy-to-remove connection and provides interface capabilities for connecting external devices. The color code in the diagram (see page 17) indicates the appropriate harness connections. The replacement fuse is a AGC/3AG - 3 Amp fuse. If it is necessary to extend the power wires, use 22 AWG wire.
Installing the Fishfinder 340C > Installing the Wiring Harness The Fishfinder 340C can be connected to another piece of NMEA compatible electronic equipment, such as a Garmin GPS (Global Positioning System) device. If equipped with a capable transducer, the Fishfinder 340C can send depth, temperature, and speed information. It can also mark a location that can be viewed and possibly saved on another device (see page 41).
Installing the Fishfinder 340C > Installing the Wiring Harness Orange (Accessory On) (CANet L) (CANet H) DC Positive Fishfinder 340C Pin Assignment (RX NMEA) (TX NMEA) /2!.
Installing the Fishfinder 340C > Installing the Wiring Harness Installing the Fishfinder 340C to a Garmin CANet The Fishfinder 340C is a CANet compatible sonar device. Using the CANet - if applicable - optimizes the performance of CANetcompatible units, allowing sonar information from the Fishfinder 340C to be shared with up to two CANet compatible Garmin GPS units.
Installing the Fishfinder 340C > Installing the Wiring Harness CANet Terminator CANet Compatable Garmin GPS Unit CANet Terminator See the CANet Terminator Connection Diagram Below GREEN GREEN CANet Extension Cable WHITE ORANGE ORANGE BLACK BLACK DRAIN Fishfinder 340C WHITE BLACK RED FUSE 2A BATTERY 10-35 VOLTS DC CANet Terminator Connection CANet Unit CANet Unit 3-Wire Connector CANet Unit To CANet Compatable Garmin GPS Unit CANet Terminator The CANet Extension Cable can be cut to any
Installing the Fishfinder 340C > Testing the Installation Testing the Installation While it is possible to perform some checks with the boat trailered, the boat should be in the water to properly test the sonar portion of the installation. To test the installation: 1. Press and hold the Power/Backlight key until the Fishfinder beeps. It should turn on.
Using the Fishfinder 340C > Testing the Installation Using the Fishfinder 340C If you are turning on your Fishfinder 340C for the first time, use the following procedure. If you have already turned on your Fishfinder, and you are just familiarizing yourself with the basic functions, please go to “Learning the Basic Functions” on this page.
Using the Fishfinder 340C > Using the Fishfinder 340C Keypad Using the Fishfinder 340C Keypad Power/Backlight Key • Press and hold to turn the unit on or off. • Press and release to cycle through the maximum, user-set, and minimum backlight brightness levels. PAGE Key • Press to cycle through the main pages in sequence. QUIT Key • Press to cancel data entry or exit a menu. ENTER Key • Press to enter highlighted items and confirm on-screen messages.
Using the Fishfinder 340C > Understanding the Main Pages Understanding the Main Pages Using the Sonar Pages If you are using a dual frequency transducer, and you have the Frequency set to Dual, the following pages are available instead: Split Sonar (200 kHz and 50 kHz), Sonar (200 kHz), Sonar (50 kHz), and Numbers. If you are using a dual beam transducer, you can access the basic Sonar Page and its related Adjustment Menu.
Using the Fishfinder 340C > Understanding the Main Pages If you are using a dual frequency transducer and you set the Frequency to Dual, you can access the Split Sonar Page, the Sonar (220kHz) Page, the Sonar (50kHz) Page, and its related Adjustment Menu. Along the right side of the screen is a scale that reflects the depth of the area shown. The most intense solid colors indicate the strongest sonar returns (red is the default).
Using the Fishfinder 340C > Understanding the Main Pages To split the screen: 1. From a Sonar Page, press ADJ/MENU. The Adjustment Menu appears. 2. Use the ROCKER to select Split When Zoomed, and press ENTER. 3. Use the ROCKER again to select On, and press ENTER. The current page is now a split screen. If the Zoom option was set to Off, the last used Zoom setting is used for one side of the split screen, and the other side of the screen is not zoomed.
Using the Fishfinder 340C > Using the Main Menu Using the Numbers Page When you use the Numbers Page, you can view three data fields of your choice. (See “Configuring Advanced Data Fields” on page 37 for more information about the data fields.) Using the Main Menu The Main Menu contains the Fishfinder settings that should not require frequent change. The Main Menu is divided into the following tabs: Graph, Sonar, Temp, Alarms, System, Units, and Time.
Using the Fishfinder 340C > Using the Main Menu Graph Tab suspended targets appear as symbols. Background information appears, making the distinction between fish and structure easier. The following settings are available: suspended targets appear as symbols with background information shown. The target depth is indicated. The Graph tab enables you to determine the appearance of the Sonar Pages. • Fish Symbols—sets how the Fishfinder interprets suspended targets and background information.
Using the Fishfinder 340C > Using the Main Menu Sonar Tab Use the Sonar tab to set up initial settings and calibrations. The following settings are available: Auto Gain—controls the aggressiveness of the Auto Gain when the Gain option is set to Auto (see page 35). The higher the setting, the greater the number of targets appear on the screen. The lower the setting, the less clutter on the screen. The settings are Low, Medium (default), and High.
Using the Fishfinder 340C > Using the Main Menu • Calibrate Water Speed—this appears only if you are using a speed-capable transducer/sensor. Calibration is required to ensure that the water speed shown on your Fishfinder is accurate. The Fishfinder automatically uses GPS ground speed (if available using NMEA input) for comparison on the calibration.
Using the Fishfinder 340C > Using the Main Menu Temp (Temperature) Tab Use the Temp tab to control the temperature log (if your boat is equipped with a temperature transducer/sensor). The graph reads from right to left, so that the most recent temperature measured appears on the far-right side of the log. The dotted lines within the graph indicate intervals in the temperature scale and the duration of time.
Using the Fishfinder 340C > Using the Main Menu To set an alarm: 1. Use the ROCKER to highlight a sub tab of the Alarms tab. 2. Highlight the field below the alarm name that you want to set, and press ENTER. 3. Highlight a new setting, and press ENTER. 4. Highlight the next field to the right (if applicable), and press ENTER. Then enter a setting, and press ENTER to finish. Sonar Sub Tab • Fish—sets an alarm to sound (and an icon to appear) when the Fishfinder detects a fish of the specified size.
Using the Fishfinder 340C > Using the Main Menu System Tab The System tab enables you to control various system and interface settings. The following settings are available: • NMEA Input/Output—controls the input and output of NMEA 0183 version 3.01 data to and from the Fishfinder. This setting must be On to receive GPS navigational data and send Sonar NMEA data. See page 16 for details on available NMEA sentences. • Factory Settings—restores all settings to the original factory default values.
Using the Fishfinder 340C > Using the Main Menu Units Tab The Units tab enables you to define the units of measure. (hddd°mm.mmm’). The following additional formats are available: latitude/longitude in decimal degrees (hddd. ddddd°) and latitude/longitude in degrees, minutes, and seconds (hddd°mm’ss.s”). • Heading—sets the reference used in calculating heading information for the Bearing, Compass, Course, and Track Advanced Data fields (see page 37). True shows data with reference to True North.
Using the Fishfinder 340C > Using the Adjustment Menu Using the Adjustment Menu The Adjustment Menu gives you direct access to the most commonly used settings and features. The Adjustment Menu also provides a quick review of how the sonar is configured. This menu varies depending on your transducer type, your current page, and your current settings. You can make all adjustments by using the ROCKER and the ENTER key.
Using the Fishfinder 340C > Using the Adjustment Menu To change an Adjustment Menu setting: 1. Press ADJ/MENU. A list of all options and their current settings appears. The Adjustment Menu automatically disappears when idle for 20 seconds, or you can press ADJ/MENU to exit. 2. Press the ROCKER to select the option that you want to change, and then press ENTER to show the settings. The current setting is highlighted in yellow. 3. Press the ROCKER to select a new setting. 4.
Using the Fishfinder 340C > Using the Adjustment Menu Off (default)—all high-intensity bottom returns appear as a solid color. Whiteline Turned On Whiteline Turned Off On—the strongest signal from the bottom appears as a bright color. • Frequency—only appears when using a dual frequency transducer. This allows you to choose a sonar operation frequency. You can choose 200 kHz, 50 kHz, or Dual frequency (to alternate between the two frequencies).
Using the Fishfinder 340C > Configuring Advanced Data Fields • Tools—controls the appearance of useful sonar tools. The following options are available: A-scope—when you turn on A-scope, a vertical flasher bar appears on the far-right side of the screen. This flasher indicates structure and bottom returns much the same as the Flasher Page. The horizontal width of the A-scope signal indicates the strength of the signal. Color Bar—shows a gradient scale of the current Color Gain setting (see page 35).
Using the Fishfinder 340C > Configuring Advanced Data Fields The following selections require the proper NMEA data to view information in a data field: Bearing, Compass, Course, Distance to Next, Off Course, Pointer, Position, Speed, Time Of Day, Track, Turn, and VMG. You must turn on NMEA Input/Output to receive this data (see page 32). To toggle the data field appearance: Press and release the DATA/CNFG key to alternate between the Basic and Advanced data field configurations.
Using the Fishfinder 340C > Pausing a Sonar or Flasher Page TIME—the time of day, shown using your selected time format. TIMER—an alarm that counts down or up in the increments that you set in the Alarms System sub tab. TURN—the degrees that you must turn left or right to make your direction of travel match your bearing. Steer left (L) or right (R) until this reads 0 to go directly to your destination. VMG (velocity made good)—the rate of closure to a destination based on your current speed and course.
Using the Fishfinder 340C > Marking a Waypoint Marking a Waypoint You can use Pointer mode to move a cursor around on the paused Sonar Page to reference sonar items and mark waypoints for that location (if your Fishfinder is attached to a Garmin GPS or compatible NMEA navigation device; see page 16). When you use Pointer mode, a data field appears at the top of the graph with the cursor’s depth, surface temperature for that location, and GPS coordinates (if available).
Using the Fishfinder 340C > Marking a Waypoint To mark an underwater waypoint: 1. Make sure that your Garmin GPS or compatible NMEA navigation device is properly attached and the NMEA Input/Output is On (see page 32). 2. From a Sonar Page, press and hold PAUSE to enter Pointer mode and pause the screen movement. 3. Use the ROCKER to move the cursor onto the target (for example, an underwater drop off or stump) that you want to mark.
Appendix > Specifications and Optional Accessories Appendix Specifications Physical Specifications Size: 6.2" H x 6.3" W x 3.1" D (15.8 cm x 16.0 cm x 8.3 cm) Weight: 2.25 lbs. (1.02 kg) Display: 5.0" diagonal (12.7 cm), 4.0" H x 3.0" W, 256-color TFT display with adjustable brightness (234 x 320 pixels) Case: Fully gasketed, high-impact plastic alloy, waterproof to IEC 529 IPX7 standards Temp. Range: 5°F to 131°F (-15°C to 55°C) Power Source: 10-33v DC Usage: 17 watts max. at 10v DC; 15 watts at 13.
Appendix > Messages and Alarms Messages and Alarms Shallow Water Alarm—the Shallow Water Alarm depth has been reached. The Fishfinder 340C uses an on-screen pop-up message system to alert you to unit operating characteristics. When a message appears, press ENTER to acknowledge the message and return to the page you were viewing. Simulating Operation—the unit is in Simulator mode. This message reappears after 2 minutes of inactivity.
Appendix > Limited Warranty Limited Warranty This Garmin product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. Within this period, Garmin will at its sole option repair or replace any components that fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor, provided that the customer shall be responsible for any transportation cost.
Appendix > Software License Agreement The Garmin Fishfinder 340c has no user-serviceable parts. Should you ever encounter a problem with your unit, please take it to an authorized Garmin dealer for repairs. The Fishfinders are fastened shut with screws. Any attempt to open the case to change or modify the unit in any way will void your warranty and may result in permanent damage to the equipment.
Index Index Symbols 200 kHz frequency 2 2X zoom 36 50 kHz frequency 2 A A-scope 37 accessories 1, 42 adj/menu key 22 adjustment menu 34 for the split sonar page 24 alarms 30, 43 alarms tab 30 anti-reflective coating iii arches 4 assembling the transducer 9 automatic scroll speed 28 auto color gain 28 B backlight key 22 backlight setting 21 basic display 37 battery alarm 31 beam 35 bearing 38 beeper 32 bottom of the water 4 46 bracket assembly 6 brg (bearing) 38 C cables 5 calibrate water speed 29 C
Index L language, changing the 21 language selection 32 LCD screen 5 location for shoot-thru-hull installation 13 location for the fishfinder 5 log, temperature 30 log and graph scale 30 M main menu 26 marking a waypoint 40 menu, main 26 menu key 22 messages 43 mounting bracket 7 mounting the bracket assembly 6 mounting the fishfinder 6 mounting the transducer 9 mounting the transducer on a transom 12 mounting the transducer on a trolling motor 10 N narrow beam 3, 35 narrow data fields 37 NMEA 16, 29,
Index transducer 2, 13 transducer, assembling the 9 transducer cables 5 transducer type 28 transom 12 transom, mounting on a 11 transom mount installation 20 trolling motor, mounting on a 10 turn 39 turn on or off the fishfinder 21 whiteline 35 wide beam 3, 35 wide data fields 37 wiring harness 15, 16 wiring to an NMEA device 16 wiring to a GPS 16 wtr temp (water temperature) 39 U Z underwater waypoints 41 units tab 33 using the keypad 22 X xte (crosstrack error) 39 zoom 36 zoom, split 24 V view 36
Visit the Garmin Web site at www.garmin.com. © 2005, 2007 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries Garmin International, Inc. 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062, USA Garmin (Europe) Ltd. Liberty House, Hounsdown Business Park, Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 9RB UK Garmin Corporation No. 68, Jangshu 2nd Road, Shijr, Taipei County, Taiwan Part Number 190-00658-00 Rev.
