Lowrance Elite-4x HDI Operation Manual
Introduction
This manual provides detailed information on operating the Lowrance Elite-4x HDI unit. It covers unit controls, basic operation, sonar and DownScan features, system settings, and specifications.
Unit Controls
Diagram illustrating unit controls:
- LIGHT/POWER: Controls backlight level and turns the unit on/off.
- KEYPAD: Controls the cursor and selects items on menus.
- PAGES: Allows selection of different display pages.
- MENU: Opens settings, context-sensitive menus, and page menus.
- ENTER: Finalizes menu selections.
- ZOOM KEYS: (+) used to zoom in; (-) used to zoom out.
Getting Started
Turn unit on/off: Press and hold the LIGHT/POWER key for three seconds.
Adjusting the backlight: This unit has 11 backlight levels. Press the LIGHT/POWER key to cycle through them.
Muting Audio: Select 'Audio' from the System menu, then select 'Mute' and press ENTER.
Conventional sonar and DownScan
This unit supports two types of sonar: Conventional and DownScan. Refer to the 'Sonar Operation' section for conventional sonar features and settings, and the 'DownScan Operation' section for DownScan features and settings.
Basic Operation
Setup wizard
The Setup wizard appears when the unit is turned on for the first time. To configure settings manually, skip the wizard. To restart the Setup wizard, restore defaults.
A dialog box prompts: "Do you want to run the setup Wizard?" with 'Yes' and 'No' options.
Pages
The unit features four pages: DownScan, Sonar, Sonar/DownScan (vertical), and Sonar/DownScan (horizontal).
A diagram shows "Tap pages again to close this dialog."
Page menus
The DownScan and Sonar pages have menus accessible only when those pages are displayed.
Diagrams show the DownScan page display and the DownScan menu structure (MENU button leading to options like Adjust, Auto contrast, Range, Frequency, Ping speed, Downscan options, Stop sonar, Log sonar, Overlay data, Settings, System, Sonar, Alarms, Units, Simulator).
Accessing the Settings menu
Press the MENU key twice to access the Settings menu.
Accessing menu items
Use the keypad to highlight desired menu items and press ENTER to open submenus.
Diagram shows menu navigation: MENU key leads to System, Navigation, Chart, Sonar, Alarms, Units, NMEA 0183, Simulator. From System, options like Language, Audio, Advanced mode, Restore defaults, About are shown. From Sonar, options like Adjust, Auto sensitivity, Range, Frequency, Ping speed, Sonar options, Stop sonar, Overlay data, Settings are shown. A further example shows navigating within a menu to select 'Manual mode' or 'Downscan overlay'.
Working with menus
Various menu types are used for adjustments, including scrollbars, on/off features, and dropdown menus.
- Scrollbars: Select a scrollbar and use the keypad left/right to decrease/increase values (e.g., 18%).
- On/Off features: Select an item and press ENTER to toggle it on or off (e.g., 'Advanced mode').
- Dropdown menus: Access by pressing the keypad up/down to select an item and press ENTER (e.g., 'Fishing mode General use', 'Downscan overlay').
[note] Press the MENU key to exit menus.
Dialogs
Dialogs are used for user input or information display, with different methods for confirmation, cancellation, or closing.
Example dialog shows 'Light', 'Brightness 10', 'Night mode', 'Standby', 'Power off', 'Close' options.
Entering text
Some functions, like naming waypoints, require text input.
To input text:
- Use the keypad to select a character and press ENTER.
- Repeat step 1 for each character.
- When entry is complete, highlight 'OK' and press ENTER.
A diagram shows a keyboard layout with ALPHA and QWERTY modes, shift, space, clear, OK, and Cancel keys. It also indicates buttons for switching letters to uppercase/lowercase and switching keyboard layout.
Fishing Modes (Conventional sonar only)
Fishing modes enhance unit performance by providing preset sonar settings for specific fishing conditions.
A dialog shows 'Fishing mode General use' and other options like 'Shallow water', 'Fresh water', 'Deep water', 'Slow trolling'.
Fishing Mode Options Table:
| Fishing Mode | Range | Environment |
|---|---|---|
| General Use | 1000ft or less | Coastal |
| Shallow Water | 60ft or less | Shallow weedy bottoms |
| Fresh Water | 400ft or less | Inland/Near coastal |
| Deep Water | 1000ft or more | Offshore |
| Slow Trolling | 400ft or less | Inland/Coastal |
| Fast Trolling | 400ft or less | Inland/Coastal |
| Clear Water | 400ft or less | Inland/Coastal |
| Brackish Water | 400ft or less | Fresh-Saltwater mix |
| Ice | 400ft or less | Ice fishing |
Cursor
The keypad moves the cursor around the display, allowing review of sonar history.
Advanced Mode
Enables advanced features and settings, including NMEA 0183 configuration options and Units (depth and temperature configuration).
Standby mode
Lowers power consumption by turning off sonar and display.
- Press the PWR/LIGHT key to access the Backlight dialog.
- Select 'Standby' and press ENTER.
- Press any key to resume normal operation.
[note] Leaving your unit in Standby mode when your boat is not in use will run down your battery.
Restore defaults
Resets unit options and settings to default values.
A dialog shows 'Advanced mode' and 'Restore defaults...' options.
Pages
Sonar Page
Displays the water column moving from right to left on the unit's screen.
Diagram of Sonar Page showing 'Fish arches', 'Surface clutter', 'Bottom contour', and 'Range scale'.
DownScan page
Shows the water column moving from right to left. DownScan sonar can be overlaid on the conventional sonar page by selecting 'DownScan Overlay' in the Sonar settings menu.
Diagram of DownScan Page showing 'Baitfish', 'Surface clutter', 'Structure', and 'Range scale'.
Combo pages
The unit has two pre-configured combo pages: Sonar/DownScan and Sonar/DownScan horizontal.
[note] Press the PAGES key twice to switch active panels. The active panel will have an orange border.
Customizing combo pages
Pages can be arranged vertically (side) or horizontally (over).
A dialog shows 'Page split' and 'Close dialog' options.
Overlay Data
Used to select data shown on the Sonar and DownScan pages.
Diagram shows 'Overlay data' displayed on a sonar screen.
Show
Enables/disables the display of overlay data, allowing removal from the screen without deleting the configuration.
A dialog shows 'Show' and 'Configure...' options.
Configure
Allows selection and customization of overlay data.
Customizing Overlay Data
Add/remove data and adjust the size and position of overlay data on the screen.
To add overlay data:
- From the Sonar or DownScan page, press MENU.
- Select 'Overlay data' and press ENTER.
- Select 'Configure' and press ENTER.
- Press MENU and select 'Add', then press ENTER.
- Select a data category and press ENTER.
- Select the desired data and press ENTER.
- Repeat steps 5 and 6 to add more data.
- Press MENU and select 'Return to Overlays', then press ENTER.
- Press MENU, select 'Done Configuring', and press ENTER.
To customize overlay data:
- Press MENU and select 'Overlay data'.
- Select 'Configure' and press ENTER.
- Highlight the desired overlay data and press MENU.
- Select the desired configuration category to make adjustments.
Dialogs show 'Configure Items' with options like 'GPS', 'Navigation', 'Trip calculator', 'Time', 'Date', 'Sonar', 'Sensor Data'. Another dialog shows 'Move...', 'Size Small', 'Add...', 'Remove', 'Done configuring'.
DownScan Operation
This unit supports Conventional and DownScan sonar. This section details DownScan sonar features.
Trackback
Review sonar history by pressing the keypad to the left until the screen moves in reverse and the sonar history bar appears at the bottom.
Diagram shows 'DownScan history bar'.
Move the sonar history bar to the right to resume normal sonar scrolling, or press MENU and select 'Exit cursor mode'.
DownScan menu
Press MENU from the DownScan page to view the DownScan menu.
Diagram shows the DownScan menu flow, including options like 'Adjust', 'Auto contrast', 'Range', 'Frequency', 'Ping speed', 'Downscan options', 'Stop sonar', 'Overlay data', 'Settings', and system menus.
Adjust
Access the Adjust menu to make contrast adjustments.
Contrast
Adjusts the brightness ratio between light and dark areas, making suspended objects easier to distinguish. Examples show 'Contrast set to 40%', 'Contrast set to 60%', and 'Contrast set to 80%'.
DownScan units use Contrast similarly to Sensitivity in traditional sonar.
Auto Contrast
Automatically adjusts contrast for optimal performance in current water conditions.
[note] Limited adjustments are possible with Auto Contrast on; turn it off for full access.
Range
Range settings display a section of the water column from surface to selected depth. Examples show 'Auto' and specific depth ranges (5 ft, 8 ft, 10 ft, 15 ft).
Custom Range — Upper and Lower Limits
Select the upper and lower limits of a water column section, excluding the water surface. Upper and lower limits must be at least 5 ft (2m) apart.
Diagram shows 'Custom Range' dialog with 'Upper +0', 'Lower 30' options.
[note] Using a custom range may result in inaccurate depth readings.
Frequency
Controls transducer frequency. 800 kHz offers best resolution; 455 kHz offers greater depth coverage.
Ping Speed
Controls the rate the transducer sends sonar waves, helping reduce interference from other transducers. Ping speed is optimized for fishing modes.
DownScan options
Adjust DownScan overlay settings from the sonar page. Detailed information is in the 'DownScan Operation' section.
Diagram shows 'DownScan options menu' with options like Frequency, Noise rejection, Surface clarity, Color.
[note] The DownScan options menu is only available when DownScan overlay is enabled.
Noise Rejection
Uses advanced signal processing to monitor and filter out noise from sources like boat pumps or water conditions.
Surface Clarity
Reduces surface clutter by decreasing receiver sensitivity near the surface.
Diagram shows 'Surface Clarity set to Low' and 'Surface Clarity set to High'.
Split Zoom
Changes the display to a split zoom view (2X or 4X). Use +/- keys to zoom.
Color
Selects a color palette suited to fishing conditions. Palettes include Reverse grayscale, White background, Sepia, Purple, Yellow Green. White background is good for suspended targets, Purple for structure, and Sepia for bottom detail.
Stop Sonar
Pauses sonar transmission for a closer look at suspended targets and structure. Can also prevent/stop interference between sonar units.
[note] Sonar history (Trackback) will not be recorded when sonar is stopped.
Overlay Data
Allows selection of data to display on top of the DownScan page. Setup is covered in the 'Pages' section.
Diagram shows 'Overlay data' on a sonar screen.
Settings
Accesses the Settings menu. Refer to 'Sonar Settings' on page 27.
Sonar Operation
This unit supports Conventional and DownScan sonar. This section details conventional sonar features.
Diagram shows a 'Blue sonar history bar'.
Trackback
Review recent sonar history by moving the cursor left until the screen reverses. Move the sonar history bar right to resume normal scrolling, or press MENU and select 'Exit cursor mode'.
Sonar Menu
Press MENU from any sonar page to access the Sonar menu.
Diagram shows the Sonar Menu with options like Adjust, Auto sensitivity, Range, Frequency, Ping speed, Sonar options, Stop sonar, Overlay data, Settings.
Adjust
Make adjustments to Sensitivity and Colorline from the Adjust menu. Contrast and Overlay options are active with DownScan Overlay enabled.
Sensitivity
Controls the level of detail shown on the display. Too much detail can clutter the screen; too little may hide desired echoes.
Colorline
Separates strong sonar echoes from weak ones, making it easier to distinguish fish or structure from the bottom. Hard returns appear as wide, bright yellow areas; soft returns as narrow reddish-blue areas.
Auto Sensitivity
Maintains sensitivity for most conditions, reducing the need for manual adjustments. It is enabled by default.
[note] You can make minor adjustments (+/-40%) with Auto Sensitivity on; turn it off for significant changes.
Range
Selects the deepest range shown on the display, showing the water column from surface to the selected depth. Selecting too shallow a range may prevent locking onto the bottom.
Dialog shows 'Auto' and specific depth ranges (e.g., 60, 20, 30, 40, 60, 100).
Custom Range — Upper and Lower Limits
Select the upper and lower limits of a water column section, excluding the water surface. Limits must be at least 5 ft (2m) apart.
Diagram shows 'Custom Range' dialog with 'Upper +0', 'Lower 30' options.
[note] Using a custom range may result in inaccurate depth readings.
Frequency
Controls transducer frequency. 200 kHz offers highest sensitivity and target separation in shallow water. 83 kHz offers wider cone angle for more coverage. 50 kHz provides best depth penetration.
Ping Speed
Controls the rate the transducer sends sonar waves, helping reduce interference. Ping speed settings are optimized for fishing conditions, so adjustments are often unnecessary.
Sonar Options
Diagram shows 'Sonar Options' menu with Noise rejection, Surface clarity, Split zoom, Split flasher, Color, Amplitude scope, Fish ID.
Noise Rejection
Uses advanced signal processing to monitor and filter out noise (boat pumps, water conditions, engine ignition systems).
Surface Clarity
Reduces surface clutter by decreasing receiver sensitivity near the surface.
Diagram shows 'Surface Clutter'.
Split Zoom and Split Flasher
Switches the sonar display from full screen to a split screen view.
Diagrams show 'Split Zoom' and 'Split Flasher' displays.
Color
Allows changing the display's look using palettes with varying color/brightness.
DownScan options
Adjust DownScan overlay settings from the sonar page. Detailed information is in the 'DownScan Operation' section.
Diagram shows 'DownScan options menu' with options like Frequency, Noise rejection, Surface clarity, Color.
[note] The DownScan options menu is only available when DownScan overlay is enabled.
Stop Sonar
Pauses sonar transmission for a closer look at suspended targets. Can also prevent/stop interference between two sonar units.
[note] Sonar history will not be recorded when sonar is stopped.
Overlay Data
Allows selection of data to display on top of the Sonar page. Setup is covered in the 'Pages' section.
Diagram shows 'Overlay data' on a sonar screen.
Sonar Settings
Conventional settings/DownScan Settings
Adjust settings for both Conventional and DownScan sonar modes from the Sonar Settings menu. Only conventional sonar settings are visible on the sonar page.
Diagram shows the 'Sonar Settings Menu' flow, leading to System, Sonar, Alarms, Units, Simulator.
Manual Mode
Restricts the unit's digital depth search capability, allowing the display to continue smooth scrolling even if bottom depth is out of transducer range.
Diagram shows a 'Manual mode' dialog with options like Downscan overlay, Fishing mode, Reset fishing mode, Installation.
[warning] Manual mode should only be used by advanced sonar users.
Reset Fishing Mode
Resets selected fishing modes to default settings, useful for clearing custom adjustments.
Dialog shows a prompt: "Are you sure you want to reset fishing mode 'General use' to factory defaults? This will permanently delete your modifications to it." with 'Reset' and 'Cancel' options.
Sonar Installation
Configuration settings for installation:
- Keel Offset: Measures water depth from the transducer to the bottom. Water depth readings do not account for the distance to the keel or water surface. Measure the distance from the transducer to the lowest part of the keel (e.g., 3.5 feet below transducer, input as -3.5 feet).
- Water Speed calibration: Calibrates paddlewheel speed sensor with GPS data.
- Temperature calibration: Calibrates transducer temperature sensor with known data for accuracy.
- Reset water distance: Resets the Water Distance value to zero.
- Transducer Type: Selects the transducer model for optimal sonar performance.
Diagram shows 'Sonar Installation' dialog with Keel offset, Water Speed, Water Temperature, Reset water distance, Transducer type options.
Fishing Mode
Enhances performance with preset sonar settings for specific fishing conditions. Refer to 'Basic Operation' for more details.
Dialog shows 'Fishing Mode' with options: General use, Shallow water, Fresh water, Deep water, Slow trolling.
Reset Fishing Mode
Resets selected fishing mode to default settings.
Installation
Keel Offset
All transducers measure water depth from the transducer to the bottom. Water depth readings do not account for the distance from the transducer to the keel or from the transducer to the water surface.
Before setting keel offset, measure the distance from the transducer to the lowest part of the keel. If, for example, the keel is 3.5 feet below the transducer, it will be input as -3.5 feet.
Diagram shows a transducer, keel, and keel offset measurement.
Water speed calibration
Calibrates a paddlewheel speed sensor with speed data from a GPS source.
Temperature calibration
Calibrates data from the transducer temperature sensor with data from a known temperature source to ensure accuracy.
Reset water distance
Resets the Water Distance value to zero.
Transducer Type
Selects the transducer model attached to the unit. Correct selection ensures best sonar performance.
Diagram shows transducer types (HDI 50/200kHz, 83/200kHz, HDI 83/200kHz).
Settings
Settings menu
Accesses installation and configuration settings for your unit.
System
Adjusts unit settings like language, mute audio, and advanced mode.
Diagram shows the 'System menu' with options: Language, Audio, Advanced mode, Restore defaults, About. It also shows the 'Settings menu' leading to System, Sonar, Alarms, Units, Simulator.
Set Language
Selects the language used on menus and text boxes.
Dialog shows a list of languages: Dansk, Deutsch, Ελληνικά, English (US), English (UK), Español, Suomi, Français, Italiano, Nederlands.
Audio
Adjusts volume and turns unit audio (key beeps, alarm sounds) on/off.
Advanced Mode
Enables features and settings only available in Advanced Mode.
Alarms
Enables alarms and selects alarm thresholds.
Diagram shows 'Alarms menu' with 'Shallow' and 'Fish' alarm settings. 'Fish' alarm sounds when a Fish ID symbol appears.
Restore Defaults
Switches the unit back to default settings.
Alarms
- Shallow: Sounds alarm when vessel enters water shallower than the selected threshold.
- Fish: Sounds alarm when a fish symbol (Fish ID) appears on the sonar screen.
Simulator
Simulates sonar activity. Simulations can be customized on the Simulator options menu.
Units
Selects the unit of measure used by the unit. Options vary between basic and advanced modes.
Dialogs show unit selections for Distance, Speed, Depth, Temperature, Bearings in both Basic Mode (U.S. Standard, U.S. Nautical, Metric) and Advanced Mode (Miles, MPH, Feet, Fahrenheit, True).
Specifications
Elite-4x HDI
| General | Sonar | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Size | 6.6" H (168 mm) x 3.6" W (96 mm); 7.5" H (189 mm) with bracket | Max depth | 300ft (91 m) 455/800Khz 750ft (229 m) 83/200kHz 2000ft (610 m) 50/200kHz |
| Display | (4.3" diagonal) 16-bit color TFT LCD | Transducer Frequency | 455/800kHz and 83/200kHz or 50/200kHz |
| Waterproof standard | IPX7 | Max speed | 70mph |
| Backlight | LED (11 levels) | Transducer | HDI 50/200kHz HDI 83/200kHz 83/200kHz |
| Transmit Power | 250W RMS; 30,000 PTP | Transducer cable | 20ft (6m) |
| Power Requirement | 12V | ||
| Voltage Input | 10 to 17V | ||
| Current drain | Typical: .75A | ||
| Fuse type | 3-amp Automotive | ||
Contact Information
Customer Service:
United States: 1-800-628-4487 (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Standard Time, M-F)
Canada: 1-855-361-1564, canada@navico.com (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, M-F)
Ordering Accessories
Visit http://store.navico.com/
Visit our website
Visit www.lowrance.com
