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Fishfinder 80
FishFinder 80 FAQs - Summary
  1. My fishfinder is stuck in Simulator mode. What can I do?
  2. How do I arrange to get my Garmin unit repaired in the U.S.?
  3. I've noticed two versions of several Fishfinder units, such as the Fishfinder 100 and Fishfinder 100 Blue. What is the difference between the standard version and the Blue version?
  4. I have two fishfinder or sounder units. Can I run them both from the same transducer?
  5. Can I use my transom mount transducer as a "shoot-through" transducer?
  6. I have a fish symbols turned off on my Fishfinder/Sounder. Why don't I get any arches?
  7. Why can't I get a bottom reading when I am running in shallow water?
  8. Will the transducer of my third-party fishfinder?which is already installed?interfere with the transducer of my new Garmin fishfinder or sounder?
  9. Will my GPS unit float?
  10. What NMEA version does my GPS unit output?
  11. Does Garmin make an instructional video for my GPS unit?
FishFinder 80 FAQs - Detailed List

  1. Q. My fishfinder is stuck in Simulator mode. What can I do?

    A. Check to see that the transducer cable is plugged into the power/data cable that comes from the back of your unit. A common misconception is that simply connecting the power/data cable to the fishfinder also connects the transducer, but the transducer itself must also connect to the power/data cable. Also check that the simulator is turned off (located on the Tools tab of the Setup menu).


    Related FAQs:
    1. What interface setting do I use for my GPS when I connect it to a computer, chartplotter, autopilot, differential beacon receiver, or another Garmin GPS?
    2. Why am I not receiving fish information from my sounder around obscured places like rises and ravines which are on the bottom of the lake?
    3. Do you have a flush mount for your fixed-mount marine units? Can they be mounted overhead?
    4. Why is placement of transducers so important?
    5. Where is the best place to place my thru-hull depth transducer?
    6. My boat has a large displacement-hull. Where should I place the transducer?
    7. I have a fish symbols turned off on my Fishfinder/Sounder. Why don't I get any arches?
    8. I have two fishfinder or sounder units. Can I run them both from the same transducer?
    9. I've noticed two versions of several Fishfinder units, such as the Fishfinder 100 and Fishfinder 100 Blue. What is the difference between the standard version and the Blue version?
    10. Why can't I get a bottom reading when I am running in shallow water?
    11. I have a canvas Bimini top on my boat. Can I install my GPS antenna underneath it?
    12. What does the loop around the data wires on the wiring diagram for my unit mean?
    13. Why can't I get a speed reading from the speed sensor attached to my fishfinder or sounder?
    14. Will the transducer of my third-party fishfinder?which is already installed?interfere with the transducer of my new Garmin fishfinder or sounder?
    15. Can I lengthen my transducer cable with an extension?
    16. Can I use my transom mount transducer as a "shoot-through" transducer?




  2. Q. How do I arrange to get my Garmin unit repaired in the U.S.?

    A. In order to get your Garmin unit serviced, please call our technical support department at one of the following numbers:

    tel. 800-800-1020 or 913-397-8200
    fax. 913-440-5488

    Garmin's technical support department is available M-F, 8:00-5:00, Central Time (except holidays).

    When calling technical support, please have available the serial number of the unit, the return shipping address, and a daytime telephone number. A Product Support Specialist will provide you with a Return Material Authorization tracking number (RMA#) and shipping instructions.

    Once a RMA number has been issued, ship the unit (insured) to the following address:

    Garmin International
    1200 E. 151st Street
    RMA Number: (insert the RMA number here - see above)
    Dock Door #1
    Olathe, KS 66062 USA

    Please note: Garmin recommends that return items are shipped through a carrier that offers shipment tracking as well as shipping insurance. When insuring your return item, please declare the full value of the shipment so that it is completely protected in the event that the shipment is lost or damaged. If return items are not shipped through a carrier that offers shipment tracking and the return items are not insured for their full value, you will be responsible for any loss or damage to the product during shipping.

    Please note: The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers limited tracking capabilities and that there is a 30-calendar-day waiting period before the USPS will initiate a trace.


    Related FAQs:
    1. Do I have to subscribe to a service to use my GPS?
    2. Does Garmin make an instructional video for my GPS unit?
    3. Is my eTrex unit waterproof?
    4. What are the differences between the GPS 72 and the GPS 76?
    5. Will my GPS unit float?
    6. Do units of the 72/76 series have audible alarms?
    7. Why can't I get a speed reading from the speed sensor attached to my fishfinder or sounder?




  3. Q. I've noticed two versions of several Fishfinder units, such as the Fishfinder 100 and Fishfinder 100 Blue. What is the difference between the standard version and the Blue version?

    A. The standard Fishfinder units incorporate a single-frequency (200 kHz) transducer which, when using the standard transom-mounted transducer, has a 20-degree cone angle designed for typical freshwater fishing depths. The Blue series of Fishfinders are dual-frequency units (200 and 50 kHz) designed for both freshwater fishing and deeper offshore use. In addition to the 200 kHz signal with a 10-degree cone angle (standard transom mount transducer) for shallow water depths, the Blue series provides a 50 kHz signal with a 40-degree cone angle (standard transom-mount transducer) that may be selected for deeper offshore use.


    Related FAQs:
    1. My fishfinder is stuck in Simulator mode. What can I do?
    2. I have a canvas Bimini top on my boat. Can I install my GPS antenna underneath it?
    3. Will the transducer of my third-party fishfinder?which is already installed?interfere with the transducer of my new Garmin fishfinder or sounder?
    4. Can I lengthen my transducer cable with an extension?
    5. Can I use my transom mount transducer as a "shoot-through" transducer?




  4. Q. I have two fishfinder or sounder units. Can I run them both from the same transducer?

    A. We do not recommend doing this, and we do not offer any type of splitter accessory that would facilitate running two fishfinder or sounder units from one transducer. Running two units from the same transducer will cause an unacceptable level of signal degradation, and the performance of the unit might be significantly degraded as well.


    Related FAQs:
    1. My fishfinder is stuck in Simulator mode. What can I do?
    2. I have a canvas Bimini top on my boat. Can I install my GPS antenna underneath it?
    3. What does the loop around the data wires on the wiring diagram for my unit mean?
    4. Can I interface my GPS unit with both a VHF radio and an autopilot at the same time?
    5. Why can't I get a speed reading from the speed sensor attached to my fishfinder or sounder?
    6. Will the transducer of my third-party fishfinder?which is already installed?interfere with the transducer of my new Garmin fishfinder or sounder?
    7. Can I lengthen my transducer cable with an extension?
    8. Can I use my transom mount transducer as a "shoot-through" transducer?




  5. Q. Can I use my transom mount transducer as a "shoot-through" transducer?

    A. Provided the hull of your boat is solid fiberglass without a core (wood, foam, etc.) and the thickness of the fiberglass does not exceed one inch, you should be able to "shoot through". It is recommended that you use a slow-curing marine epoxy and mount the transducer as close to level with the surface of the water as possible.


    Related FAQs:
    1. Why am I not receiving fish information from my sounder around obscured places like rises and ravines which are on the bottom of the lake?
    2. Do you have a flush mount for your fixed-mount marine units? Can they be mounted overhead?
    3. Why is placement of transducers so important?
    4. Where is the best place to place my thru-hull depth transducer?
    5. My boat has a large displacement-hull. Where should I place the transducer?
    6. I have a fish symbols turned off on my Fishfinder/Sounder. Why don't I get any arches?
    7. I have two fishfinder or sounder units. Can I run them both from the same transducer?
    8. I've noticed two versions of several Fishfinder units, such as the Fishfinder 100 and Fishfinder 100 Blue. What is the difference between the standard version and the Blue version?
    9. Why can't I get a bottom reading when I am running in shallow water?
    10. My fishfinder is stuck in Simulator mode. What can I do?
    11. Why can't I get a speed reading from the speed sensor attached to my fishfinder or sounder?
    12. Will the transducer of my third-party fishfinder?which is already installed?interfere with the transducer of my new Garmin fishfinder or sounder?
    13. Can I lengthen my transducer cable with an extension?




  6. Q. I have a fish symbols turned off on my Fishfinder/Sounder. Why don't I get any arches?

    A. When the Fish ID is turned off, you will see an actual representation of the sonar echo. The sonar pulse is a convex wave that goes out of the transducer. The only way the unit will show a perfect arch or half moon is if the fish enters the front of the cone, goes straight toward the center and out the back. This would cause the echo to get closer toward the center, causing the arch. If a fish enters the cone and goes out the side, you may get a partial arch or just a black spot on the screen. When using the unit with the Fish ID off, set the gain to around +2 and use the split-screen zoom to make it easier to see the fish (although you still may not see a perfect arch).


    Related FAQs:
    1. My fishfinder is stuck in Simulator mode. What can I do?
    2. I have a canvas Bimini top on my boat. Can I install my GPS antenna underneath it?
    3. What does the loop around the data wires on the wiring diagram for my unit mean?
    4. Why can't I get a speed reading from the speed sensor attached to my fishfinder or sounder?
    5. Will the transducer of my third-party fishfinder?which is already installed?interfere with the transducer of my new Garmin fishfinder or sounder?
    6. Can I lengthen my transducer cable with an extension?
    7. Can I use my transom mount transducer as a "shoot-through" transducer?




  7. Q. Why can't I get a bottom reading when I am running in shallow water?

    A. You may need to manually turn the gain/sensitivity down in shallow water (15 feet or less). If the gain is too high, the signal will bounce between the bottom of the boat and the body of water's floor, in turn inhibiting the unit's ability to interpret the data.


    Related FAQs:
    1. My fishfinder is stuck in Simulator mode. What can I do?
    2. I have a canvas Bimini top on my boat. Can I install my GPS antenna underneath it?
    3. What does the loop around the data wires on the wiring diagram for my unit mean?
    4. Can I interface my GPS unit with both a VHF radio and an autopilot at the same time?
    5. Why can't I get a speed reading from the speed sensor attached to my fishfinder or sounder?
    6. Will the transducer of my third-party fishfinder?which is already installed?interfere with the transducer of my new Garmin fishfinder or sounder?
    7. Can I lengthen my transducer cable with an extension?
    8. Can I use my transom mount transducer as a "shoot-through" transducer?




  8. Q. Will the transducer of my third-party fishfinder?which is already installed?interfere with the transducer of my new Garmin fishfinder or sounder?

    A. If the signal of the third-party transducer is within 50 kHz of the Garmin unit, there will be interference when you use them simultaneously. The standard Garmin series of fishfinders use a 200 kHz signal and the Blue series of fishfinders use a 200/50 kHz signal.


    Related FAQs:
    1. What interface setting do I use for my GPS when I connect it to a computer, chartplotter, autopilot, differential beacon receiver, or another Garmin GPS?
    2. What does the message "NO RTCM INPUT" mean?
    3. Why am I not receiving fish information from my sounder around obscured places like rises and ravines which are on the bottom of the lake?
    4. Do you have a flush mount for your fixed-mount marine units? Can they be mounted overhead?
    5. Why is placement of transducers so important?
    6. Where is the best place to place my thru-hull depth transducer?
    7. I have a fish symbols turned off on my Fishfinder/Sounder. Why don't I get any arches?
    8. I have two fishfinder or sounder units. Can I run them both from the same transducer?
    9. I've noticed two versions of several Fishfinder units, such as the Fishfinder 100 and Fishfinder 100 Blue. What is the difference between the standard version and the Blue version?
    10. Why can't I get a bottom reading when I am running in shallow water?
    11. My fishfinder is stuck in Simulator mode. What can I do?
    12. Will the radar beacon antenna installed on my boat interfere with my Garmin GPS antenna?
    13. Why can't I get a speed reading from the speed sensor attached to my fishfinder or sounder?
    14. Can I lengthen my transducer cable with an extension?
    15. Can I use my transom mount transducer as a "shoot-through" transducer?
    16. Why is my "glide ratio to target" blank when I am navigating?




  9. Q. Will my GPS unit float?

    A. Currently, Garmin produces eight GPS models that have the ability to float in water. Those units are:

    Garmin recommends the use of lanyards to help ensure that handheld units are not lost overboard in a marine environment.


    Related FAQs:

    1. Do you have a retail store at your factory in the U.S. where I can buy accessories or see your products demonstrated?
    2. Can I order directly from Garmin?
    3. Can I upgrade my older Garmin unit to a newer Garmin unit?
    4. Does Garmin take trade-ins?
    5. Does Garmin make an instructional video for my GPS unit?
    6. How do I arrange to get my Garmin unit repaired in the U.S.?
    7. How do I arrange to get my Garmin unit repaired in Europe?
    8. Can I "real-time track" using any MapSource product and my GPS 72/76 series unit?
    9. Is my GPS 72/76 series unit WAAS enabled?




  10. Q. What NMEA version does my GPS unit output?

    A. All Garmin GPS manuals will list the NMEA version (some units output more than one version) for that particular unit. Generally, this information is found in the back of the manual, just before the index.


    Related FAQs:
    1. Can I interface my GPS unit with both a VHF radio and an autopilot at the same time?
    2. How can I change the mode of the GPSMAP 196 between land, aviation, and marine?




  11. Q. Does Garmin make an instructional video for my GPS unit?

    A. Garmin offers instructional videos for the Geko series, eMap, eTrex series, GPS III Plus, GPS V, GPS 76/GPSMAP 76, Rino series, StreetPilot III, GPSMAP 176/182/232, fishfinders, GPSMAP 196, and GPSMAP 295. These videos are available from your Garmin dealer or online from our Online Store.

    There are some companies that produce videos for our other products. Check with your Garmin to find a video for your particular Garmin model. Consult our Dealer Locator for the Garmin dealer nearest you.


    Related FAQs:

    1. Do I have to subscribe to a service to use my GPS?
    2. Do you have a retail store at your factory in the U.S. where I can buy accessories or see your products demonstrated?
    3. Can I order directly from Garmin?
    4. Can I upgrade my older Garmin unit to a newer Garmin unit?
    5. Does Garmin take trade-ins?
    6. How do I arrange to get my Garmin unit repaired in the U.S.?
    7. How do I update the database in my Garmin aviation panel-mount GPS unit?
    8. What are the differences between the eTrex units?
    9. How is the Thumb Stick (five-position cursor switch) used on the eTrex Venture, Legend, or Vista?
    10. What are the differences between the GPS V and the StreetPilot III?
    11. What sort of detail does the basemap for the StreetPilot III or the GPS V include?
    12. Can I "real-time track" on a PC using a GPS 12 series unit?
    13. What are the differences between the GPS 72 and the GPS 76?
    14. Will my GPS unit float?
    15. Can I "real-time track" using any MapSource product and my GPS 72/76 series unit?
    16. Do the GPS 72/76 series units have mapping memory?
    17. Do I need to purchase a datacard for my GPS 72/76 series or eTrex unit?
    18. Why can't I get a speed reading from the speed sensor attached to my fishfinder or sounder?
    19. Can I use Loran TD coordinates on my Garmin GPS?
    20. What kind of mapping is available for the GPSMAP 196?
    21. How can I change the mode of the GPSMAP 196 between land, aviation, and marine?




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