Garmin STRIKER Series Fish Finder Instrcutions Manual

Garmin STRIKER Series Fish Finder

Introduction

See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the product box for product warnings and other important information.

Device Keys

Selecting the Transducer Type

If you are connecting a transducer that was not included with the chartplotter, you may need to set the transducer type to make the sonar function properly. If the device automatically detected your transducer, this option does not appear.

1. Select Settings > My Vessel > Transducer Type.
2. Select the type of transducer you are using.

Zooming in on the STRIKER 4

You can zoom in and out of the Waypoint Map.

• Select to Zoom In.
• Select to zoom out.

Panning on the STRIKER 4

You can move the Waypoint Map to view an area other than your present location.

1. Select to start panning.
2. Use the arrow keys to pan.

Adjusting the Backlight

1. Select Settings > System > Display > Backlight.
2. Adjust the backlight.

Adjusting the Color Mode

• Select Settings > System > Display > Color Mode.
• Select an option.

Home Screen

The fishfinder home screen provides access to all of the features in the fishfinder. The features are dependent on the accessories you have connected to the fishfinder. You may not have all of the options and features discussed in this manual. When viewing another screen, you can return to the home screen by holding. You can customize the layout of the screens.

Customizing the Home Screen

You can add items to and rearrange items on the Home screen.

1. From the Home screen, select Customize Home.
2. Select an option:
   • To rearrange an item, select Rearrange, select the item to move, and select the new location.
   • To add an item to the Home screen, select Add, and select the new item.
   • To remove an item you have added to the Home screen, select Remove, and select the item.

Adding a New Layout to the Home Screen of the STRIKER 5 or 7

You can create a custom screen to suit your needs, which is added to your home screen.

1. Select Customize Home > Add > Add New Layout.
2. Select a function layout.
3. Select a window to change.
4. Select a screen to add.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for additional windows.
6. Select Data (Hidden) (optional).
7. Select an option:
   • To customize the data shown on the screen, select Overlay Numbers.
   • To turn on and off the compass tape data bar, select Compass Tape.
8. Select Next.
9. Enter a name for the combination.

Adding a New Layout to the Home Screen

You can create a custom screen to suit your needs, which is added to your home screen.

• Select Customize Home > Add > Add New Layout.
• Select the first function.
• Select the second function.
• Select Split to choose the direction of the split screen (optional).
• Select Next.
• Enter a name for the combination.

Adding the Numbers Screen

Before you can customize the Numbers screen, you must add it to the home screen. You can view numeric data on the home screen using the Numbers screen. Select Customize Home > Add > Numbers.

Numbers

To customize the Numbers screen, select Numbers >.

• Change Numbers: Sets what type of number data is displayed.
• Change Layout: Sets the amount of number data that is displayed.
• Reset Trip: Resets the trip data and allows you to record new trip data.
• Reset Odometer: Resets the odometer data and allows you to record new odometer data.
• Reset Maximum Speed: Resets the maximum speed for the trip and allows you to record a new maximum speed.

Adding the Data Graphs Screen

Before you can customize the Data Graphs screen, you must add it to the home screen. You can view graphical sonar data on the home screen using the Data Graphs screen. From the home screen, select Customize Home > Add > Data Graphs.

Data Graphs

To customize the Data Graphs screen, select Data Graphs >                   .

• Change Graph: Sets the type of data displayed on the screen.
• Depth Graph Settings: Sets the amount of time and the range of depth that appear in the depth graphs.
• Temperature Graph Settings: Sets the amount of time and the range of depth that appear in the temperature graphs.

Sonar

The full-screen page, the split frequency page, and the flasher page are visual representations of the area beneath your boat. You can customize these sonar views.

Full Screen Sonar

You can see a full-view graph of sonar readings from a transducer on the full screen. Select Traditional or Clear.

Garmin Clear Sonar View

Garmin ClearVü high-frequency sonar provides a detailed picture of the fishing environment around the boat in a detailed representation of structures the boat is passing over.

Traditional transducers emit a conical beam. The Garmin ClearVü scanning sonar technology emits two narrow beams, similar to the shape of the beam in a copying machine. These beams provide a clearer, picture-like image of what is around the boat.

SideVü Sonar View

SideVü scanning sonar technology shows you a picture of what lies to the sides of the boat. You can use this as a search tool to find structures and fish.

Split-Screen Frequency

You can view two frequencies from the split frequency screen.

Flasher

The flasher shows sonar information on a circular depth scale, indicating what is beneath your boat. It is organized as a ring that starts at the top and progresses clockwise. Depth is indicated by the scale inside the ring. Sonar information flashes on the ring when it is received at the depth indicated. The colors indicate different strengths of the sonar return.
Select Flasher.

Split-Zoom View

On the split-zoom page, you can see a full-view graph of sonar readings on the right side of the screen, and a magnified portion of that graph on the left side of the screen.

Pausing the Sonar

Not all options are available on all models.

Select an option:

• From the Traditional or ClearVü sonar screen, select
• From the SideVü sonar screen, select.

Creating a Waypoint on the Sonar Screen Using Your Present Location

1. From a sonar view, select.
2. If necessary, edit the waypoint information.

Creating a Waypoint on the Sonar Screen Using a Different Location

1. From a sonar view, pause the sonar.
2. Select a location.
3. Select.
4. If necessary, edit the waypoint information.

Adjusting the Zoom

You can adjust the zoom manually by specifying the span and a fixed starting depth. For example, when the depth is 15 m and the starting depth is 5 m, the device displays a magnified area from 5 to 20 m deep.

You can also allow the device to adjust the zoom automatically by specifying a span. The device calculates the zoom area from the bottom of the water. For example, if you select a span of 10 m, the device displays a magnified area from the bottom of the water to 10 m above the bottom.

1. From a sonar screen, select  > Zoom.
2. Select an option:
   • Select Bottom Lock to lock the screen to the water bottom.
   • Select Manual to manually set the zoom.
   • Select Auto to automatically set the zoom.
   • Select Split Zoom to turn on the split-zoom view.

Locking the Screen to the Water Bottom

You can lock the screen to the water bottom. For example, if you select a span of 20 meters, the device shows an area from the water bottom to 20 meters above the bottom. The span appears on the right side.

1. From a sonar view, select > Zoom > Bottom Lock.
2. Select a span.

Sonar Frequencies

Adjusting the frequency helps adapt the sonar for your particular goals and the present depth of the water.

Selecting Frequencies

You can indicate which frequencies appear on the sonar screen.

1. From a sonar view, select > Frequency.
2. Select a frequency suited to your needs and water depth.

For more information on frequencies, see Sonar Frequencies, page 11.

Creating a Frequency Preset

You can create a preset to save a specific sonar frequency, which allows you to change frequencies quickly.

1. From a sonar view, select > Frequency.
2. Select Add.
3. Enter a frequency.

Sonar Gain

The gain setting controls the sensitivity of the sonar receiver to compensate for water depth and water clarity. Increasing the gain shows more detail, and decreasing the gain reduces screen clutter.

Setting the Gain Automatically

1. Select > Gain.
2. Select Enable Auto Gain if applicable.
3. Select an option:
   • To display higher-sensitivity, weaker sonar returns with more noise automatically, select Auto High.
   • To display medium-sensitivity sonar returns with moderate noise automatically, select Auto Med.
   • To display lower-sensitivity sonar returns with less noise automatically, select Auto Low.

Setting the Gain Manually

1. From a sonar screen, select  > Gain.
2. Select or until you begin to see noise in the water portion of the screen.
3. Select to decrease the gain.

Adjusting the Range of the Depth Scale

You can adjust the range of the depth scale that appears on the right side of the screen. Automatic ranging keeps the bottom within the lower third of the sonar screen and can be useful for tracking the bottom where there are slow or moderate terrain changes.

When the depth changes dramatically, like a drop off or cliff, manually adjusting the range allows a view of a specified depth range. The bottom is shown on the screen as long as it is anywhere within the manual range established.

1. From a sonar screen, select  > Range.
2. Select an option:
   • To allow the device to adjust the range automatically based on the depth, select Auto.
   • To increase or decrease the range manually, select or
   • (Available only on the 5 in. and 7 in. models.)
   • To increase or decrease the range manually, select or. (Available only on the 4 in. models.)

Setup

Showing and Adjusting the Depth Line

You can show and adjust a horizontal line on a sonar screen. The depth of the line is indicated on the right side of the screen.

1. From a sonar screen, select  > Sonar Setup > Depth Line.
2. Select.
3. To adjust the Depth Line, select.

Setting the Scroll Speed

You can set the rate at which the sonar image moves across the screen. A higher scroll speed shows more detail, especially while moving or trolling. A lower scroll speed displays sonar information on the screen longer. Setting the scroll speed on one sonar view applies to all the sonar views.

1. From a sonar view, select > Sonar Setup > Scroll Speed.
2. Select an option:
3. To adjust the scroll speed automatically using speed-over-ground, select Auto. The Auto setting selects a scroll rate to match the boat speed, so targets in the water are drawn with the correct aspect ratio and appear less distorted. When viewing Garmin ClearVü or SideVü sonar views, it is recommended to use the Auto setting.

• To use a very fast scroll speed, select Ultrascroll^®. The Ultrascroll option quickly scrolls new sonar data, but with a reduced image quality. For most situations, the Fast option provides a good balance between a quickly scrolling image and targets that are less distorted.

Setting the Bottom Search Limit

You can set a maximum depth at which the auto range feature searches for the bottom. A lower limit acquires data about the bottom faster than a higher limit.

1. From a sonar screen, select  > Sonar Setup > Bottom Search Limit.
2. Select a range.

Sonar Appearance Settings

From a sonar view, select  > Sonar Setup > Appearance.

• Color Scheme: Sets the color scheme.
• Edge: Highlights the strongest signal from the bottom to help define the hardness or softness of the signal.
• A-Scope: Displays a vertical flasher along the right side of the screen that shows the range to targets along a scale.
• Fish Symbols: Sets how the sonar interprets suspended targets.

Turning on the A-Scope

The a-scope is a vertical flasher along the right side of the full-screen sonar view. This feature expands the most recently received sonar data so that it is easier to see. It can also help detect fish that are close to the bottom. From the full-screen page, select > Sonar Setup > Appearance > A-Scope.

Configuring the Appearance of Suspended Targets

1. From a sonar screen, select  > Sonar Setup > Appearance > Fish Symbols.
2. Select an option.

Sonar Noise Rejection Settings

From a sonar view, select > Sonar Setup > Noise Reject.

Interference: Adjusts the sensitivity to reduce the effects of interference from nearby sources of noise.

When you adjust the interference setting from off through low, medium, and high, noise is gradually removed, but there is little effect on the strong target returns. You should use the lowest interference setting that achieves the desired improvement to remove interference from the screen. Correcting installation issues that cause noise is the best way to eliminate interference.

Surface Noise: Hides sonar returns near the surface of the water. Hiding surface noise helps reduce screen clutter.

Surface noise is caused by interference between the transducer and water. You can hide surface noise to help reduce clutter. Wider beam widths (lower frequencies) can show more targets, but can generate more surface noise.

TVG: Reduces surface noise. This control is best used for situations when you want to control and suppress clutter or noise near the water surface. It also allows for the display of targets near the surface that are otherwise hidden or masked by surface noise.

Overlay Number Settings

You can customize the data shown on the sonar screen.

From a sonar screen, select > Overlay Numbers.

• Navigation Inset: Shows the navigation inset when the vessel is navigating to a destination.
• Compass Tape: Shows the compass tape data bar.
• Device Voltage: Shows the voltage of the device.
• Depth: Shows the transducer’s current depth.
• Speed: Shows the vessel’s current speed.
• Water Temp.Shows the current water temperature.
• Time of Day: Shows the current time of day.

Waypoints

Waypoints are locations you record and store in the device.

Marking Your Present Location as a Waypoint

From any screen, select.

Creating a Waypoint at a Different Location

1. Select User Data > Waypoints > New Waypoint.
2. Select an option:

• To create the waypoint by entering position coordinates, select Enter Coordinates, and enter the coordinates.
• To create the waypoint using the waypoint map, select Use Waypoint Map, select the location, and select
• To create the waypoint using your present location, select Use Current Position, and enter the data.
  The waypoint is saved automatically.

Editing a Saved Waypoint

1. Select User Data > Waypoints.
2. Select a waypoint.
3. Select Edit Waypoint.
4. Select an option:
   • To add a name, select Name and enter a name.
   • To change the symbol, select Symbol.
   • To change the depth, select Depth.
   • To change the water temperature, select Water Temp.
   • To change the comment, select Comment.
   • To move the position of the waypoint, select Position.

Marking and Navigating to a Man Overboard Location

From any screen, select  > Man Overboard > Yes.

The fishfinder sets a direct course back to the location.

Navigating to a Waypoint

1. Pan the waypoint map to find the waypoint.
2. Place the center of the cursor on the center of the waypoint symbol.
   The waypoint name appears on the screen.
3. Select the waypoint.
4. Select Navigate Route > Go To.

Measuring Distance on the Waypoint Map

You can measure the distance between two locations.

1. From the waypoint map, begin panning (Panning on the STRIKER 4, page 2).
2. Select > Measure Distance.
   The distance and other data appear on the screen.

Deleting a Waypoint or an MOB

1. Select User Data > Waypoints.
2. Select a waypoint or an MOB.
3. Select Delete > OK.

Deleting All Waypoints

Select User Data > Manage Data > Clear User Data > Waypoints > All.

Sharing Waypoints and Routes Across Devices

Before you can share waypoints and routes, you must connect the blue and brown wires on the power cable. The blue wire is for Tx (Transmit), and the brown is for Rx (Receive). These wires are used only for sharing data between compatible STRIKER and echoMAP^™ series devices. You must turn on user data sharing for both devices to share data. Select User Data > Manage Data > User Data Sharing > On on both devices.

Waypoint Map Settings

• Select Waypoint Map >           .
• Waypoints: Shows the list of waypoints.
• Waypoint Display: Sets how to display waypoints on the chart.
• Routes: Shows the list of routes.
• Track: Shows the track option menu.
• Search: Allows you to search for saved routes and waypoints.
• Map Setup: Sets the perspective of the waypoint map and shows the heading line, which is a line drawn on the waypoint map from the bow of the boat in the direction of travel.
• Overlay Numbers: Allows you to customize the data shown on the waypoint map.

Routes

A route is a sequence of waypoints or locations that leads you to your final destination. Routes

Creating and Navigating a Route Using the Waypoint Map

The starting point can be your present location or another location.

1. Select User Data > Routes > New > Use Waypoint Map.
2. Pan the waypoint map to select the starting location of the route.
3. Follow the onscreen instructions to add a turn.
4. Select > Navigate To.
5. Select an option.

Editing a Saved Route

You can change the name of a route or change the turns the route contains.

1. Select User Data > Routes.
2. Select a route.
3. Select Edit Route.
4. Select an option:
   • To change the name, select Name and enter the name.
   • To select a waypoint from the turn list, select Edit Turns > Use Turn List, and select a waypoint from the list.
   • To select a turn using the chart, select Edit Turns > Use Waypoint Map, and select a location on the chart.

Viewing a List of Routes

Select User Data > Routes.

Browsing for and Navigating a Saved Route

Before you can browse a list of routes and navigate to one of them, you must create and save at least one route.

1. Select User Data > Routes.
2. Select a route.
3. Select Navigate To.
4. Select an option:
5. To navigate the route from the starting point used when the route was created, select Forward.
6. To navigate the route from the destination point used when the route was created, select Backward.
7. Review the course indicated by the magenta line.

Deleting a Saved Route

1. Select User Data > Routes.
2. Select a route.
3. Select Delete.

Deleting All Saved Routes

Select User Data > Manage Data > Clear User Data > Routes.

Track

A track is a recording of the current path of your boat. You can show your current track in the waypoint map view.

Setting the Color of the Track

1. Select User Data > Track > Track Options > Track Color.
2. Select a track color.

Clearing the Track

Select User Data > Track > Clear Track > OK.

Managing the Track Log Memory During Recording

1. Select User Data > Track > Track Options.
2. Select Record Mode.
3. Select an option:
   • To record a track log until the track memory is full, select Fill.
   • To continuously record a track log, replacing the oldest track data with new data, select Wrap.

Configuring the Recording Interval of the Track Log

You can indicate the frequency at which the track plot is recorded. Recording more frequent plots is more accurate but fills the track log faster. The resolution interval is recommended for the most efficient use of memory.

1. Select User Data > Track > Track Options > Record Intervals > Interval.
2. Select an option:
   • To record the track based on a distance between points, select Distance > Change, and enter the distance.
   • To record the track based on a time interval, select Time > Change, and enter the time interval.
   • To record the track plot based on a variance from your course, select Resolution > Change, and enter the maximum error allowed from the true course before recording a track point.

Deleting All Saved Waypoints, Routes, and Tracks

Select User Data > Manage Data > Clear User Data > All > OK.

Device Configuration

System Settings

Select Settings > System.

• Display: Adjusts the backlight brightness (Adjusting the Garmin STRIKER Series Fish Finder Backlight, page 2) and color scheme (Adjusting the Color Mode, page 2).
• Beeper: Turns on and off the tone that sounds for alarms and selections (Setting the Beeper, page 2).
• GPS: Provides information about the GPS satellite settings and fix.
• Auto Power: Turns on the device automatically when power is applied.
• Language: Sets the on-screen language.
• System Information: Provides information about the device and the software version.
• Simulator: Turns on the simulator and allows you to set the speed and simulated location.

Setting the Keel Offset

You can enter a keel offset to compensate for the surface reading for the depth of a keel, making it possible to measure water depth or depth below the keel instead of depth below the transducer. Enter a positive number to offset for a keel. You can enter a negative number to compensate for a large vessel that may draw several feet of water.

1. Complete an action based on the location of the transducer:
   1. If the transducer is installed at the water line, measure the distance from the transducer location to the keel of the boat. Enter this value in steps 3 and 4 as a positive number to display depth below keel.
   2. If the transducer is installed at the bottom of the keel, measure the distance from the transducer to the water line. Enter this value in steps 3 and 4 as a negative number to display water depth. Enter a 0 in this value to display depth below keel and depth below transducer.
2. Select Settings > My Vessel > Keel Offset.
3. Select based on the location of the transducer.
4. Enter the distance measured in step 1.

Setting the Water Temperature Offset

You can set the temperature offset to compensate for the temperature Garmin STRIKER Series Fish Finder reads from a temperature-capable sensor.

1. Measure the water temperature using the temperature-capable transducer that is connected to the device.
2. Measure the water temperature using a different thermometer or temperature sensor that is known to be accurate.
3. Subtract the water temperature measured in step 1 from the water temperature measured in step 2.
4. Select Settings > My Vessel > Offset.
5. Use the arrow keys to enter the water temperature offset measured in step 3.

Alarms Settings

Select Settings > Alarms > Navigation.

• Arrival: Sets an alarm to sound when you are within a specified distance or time from a turn or a destination.
• Anchor Drag: Sets an alarm to sound when you exceed a specified drift distance while anchored.
• Off Course: Sets an alarm to sound when you are off course by a specified distance.

System Alarms

• Alarm Clock: Sets an alarm clock.
• Device Voltage: Sets an alarm to sound when the battery reaches Garmin STRIKER Series Fish Finder a specified low voltage.
• GPS Accuracy: Sets an alarm to sound when the GPS location accuracy falls outside the user-defined value.

Sonar Alarms

Select Settings > Alarms > Sonar.

• Shallow Water: Sounds when the water depth is shallower than the specified depth.
• Deep Water: Sounds when the water depth is deeper than the specified depth.
• Water Temp.: Sounds when the water temperature varies more than ± 2°F (± 1.1°C). Alarm settings are saved when the device is turned off.

Fish: Sets an alarm to sound when the device detects a suspended target.

• Sets the alarm to sound when fish of all sizes are detected.
• Sets the alarm to sound only when medium or large fish are detected.
• Sets the alarm to sound only when large fish are detected.

Unit Settings

Select Settings > Units.

• System Units: Sets the unit format for the device.
• Variance: Sets the magnetic declination, the angle between magnetic north and true north, for your present location.
• North Reference: Sets the direction references used in calculating heading information. True sets geographic north as the north reference. Grid sets grid north as the north reference (000º). Magnetic sets the magnetic north as the north reference.
• Position Format: Sets the position format in which a given location reading appears. Do not change this setting unless you are using a map or chart that specifies a different position format.
• Map Datum: Sets the coordinate system on which the map is structured. Do not change this setting unless you are using a map or chart that specifies a different Garmin STRIKER Series Fish Finder map datum.
• Time Format: Sets a 12-hour, 24-hour, or UTC format.
• Time Zone: Sets the time zone.
• Daylight Savings Time: Sets daylight savings time on the Garmin STRIKER Series Fish Finder to Off or On.

Navigation Settings

Select Settings > Navigation.

Route Labels: Sets the type of labels shown with route turns on the map.

Turn Transition Activ.: Sets the turn transition to be calculated based on time or distance.

Turn Transition Time: Sets how many minutes before the turn that you transition to it as the next leg, when Time is selected for the Turn Transition Activ. Setting.

Turn Transition Dist. Sets how far before the turn that you transition to it as the next leg, when Distance is selected for the Turn Transition Activ. Setting.

Route Start: Selects a starting point for route navigation. You can select Boat to start navigation from the current vessel location, or Waypoints to start from the first waypoint on the route.

Restoring the Factory Default Settings

1. Select > System > System Information > Factory Settings.
2. Select an option.

Specifications

Troubleshooting

• Push the power cable all the way into the back of the device.
• Even if the cable seems to be connected, you should push firmly so that it is fully seated.
• Make sure the power source is generating power. You can check this in several ways.
• Check the fuse in the power cable. The fuse should be located in a holder that is part of the red wire of the power cable. Check that the proper size fuse is installed.
• Refer to the label on the cable or the installation instructions for the exact fuse size needed.
• Check the fuse to make sure there is still a connection inside the fuse.
• You can test the fuse using a multimeter.
• Check to make sure the device is receiving at least 10 Vdc, but 12 Vdc is recommended.
• Push the transducer cable all the way into the back of the device.
• Even if the cable seems to be connected, you should push firmly so that it is fully seated.
• Check to make sure the sonar transmission is turned on.
• Find out which map datum and position format were used when the original waypoint was created.
• Select Settings > Units.
• Select the correct map datum and position format settings.
• Create the waypoint again.

Customer Service

• Website: https://support.garmin.com/
• Ph: 00 886 2 2642 9199

FAQs

Q: What makes the STRIKER Series different from other fish finders?

Unlike entry-level fish finders, the STRIKER Series has built-in CHIRP sonar, GPS for waypoint marking, and Quickdraw Contours for making personalised depth maps.

Q: Does the STRIKER Series have built-in charts or maps?

No. Although STRIKER units lack integrated navigation charts, they do have GPS for waypoint, route, and speed marking. Quickdraw may still be used to make unique contour maps.

Q: What transducer types are compatible with the STRIKER Series?

Garmin CHIRP, CHIRP ClearVü, and GT-series transducers are compatible with the majority of STRIKER models. Verify the compatibility of your particular model before making a purchase.

Q: Where should I mount the transducer for best performance?

Make sure that the transducer is mounted on the transom or trolling motor below the waterline and in an area free of impediment, turbulence, or bubbles.

Q: Can I use the STRIKER fish finder in saltwater?

STRIKER units work in both freshwater and saltwater. Use a transducer that is rated for saltwater, nevertheless, and rinse it after each saltwater excursion.

Q: Does the STRIKER Series support NMEA or network connections?

While several STRIKER models accept NMEA 0183 for sharing basic GPS data, the majority do not allow chartplotter networking. Sonar views cannot be shared with other units.

Q: How do I mark waypoints while on the water?

When you are immediately over an area you wish to preserve, such as a reef, building, or fishing hotspot, press the Waypoint button (or hold Select, depending on your model).

Q: How do I update the software on my STRIKER unit?

When you are immediately over an area you wish to preserve, such as a reef, building, or fishing hotspot, press the Waypoint button (or hold Select, depending on your model).