HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR PRODUCTS.
 

SOUNDERS

I can't see fish in shallow water, but I can in deeper water.
  Most sounders have an STC control, which reduces sensitivity in shallow water.  Check your STC setting and reduce it to the point where you can see echoes in shallow water.

My sounder is changing ranges and searching for the bottom.
  More than likely, your gain is set too low.  This will happen when the sounder does not see the bottom and auto range is selected.

I have a dual-frequency sounder – I cannot read bottom below 500 ft.
  See above.  200 kHz works great in shallower water but has a depth limitation of roughly 450 – 550 ft.  Make sure you operate in the 50 kHz mode in deep water.

I have an older CVS-106 or CVS-208 and want to replace it with a new CVS-106L or CVS-832 – can I use the same transducer?
  No.  Most dual-frequency sounders nowadays use a multiplexed dual frequency system, which means you'll need to replace your old transducer.  It's always a good idea to replace an old transducer anyway since transducers get weaker as they get older, and you want the best performance possible from your new fishfinder system.

I get a good bottom reading sitting still, or trolling, but I lose bottom or get noise on the screen with any type of speed.
  The fact that you're getting a good reading sitting still or at slow speeds is an indication your system is functioning properly.  If you experience a lack of performance just above slow speeds, then the problem is most likely to be transducer installation or engine noise.  Try relocating the transducer and check to make sure the transducer cable is not running alongside any other cables.  Call Customer Service at 727-576-5734 for transducer installation help.

My color sounder is not displaying a digital depth.
  Increase the gain until the color red appears on your bottom return echo.

My depth sounder is displaying a water temperature of 99º or 32º.
  More than likely the temperature sensor in your transducer has malfunctioned.
  A 10k resistor across pins 6&7 of the transducer recepticle should produce a temperature display of 75º. If it does not, the problem is in the unit. If it does the problem is in the sensing unit not the transducer.

I plan on purchasing a SI-TEX Dual-Frequency Sounder and need to know the best frequency.
  Generally speaking 50 kHz is for deep water applications, 200 kHz is best for shallow water use and differentiating structure and fish from the seabed and 120 kHz is a terrific multi-purpose frequency. For many anglers the less expensive single frequency 120 kHz is a good choice. For those requiring the best shallow and deep water performance we suggest the dual frequency (50/200) version.

The colors on my PROFISH II change slightly.
  The brighter the light on the screen (i.e. sunlight), the more vivid the image displayed on the PROFISH II.

Can I use my existing transducer with a new SI-TEX sounder?
  Yes you can if you match your old equipment's operating frequency to the operating frequency and power output of the new SI-TEX sounder.

GPS

I get erratic heading readings on my GPS.
  When sitting still, or moving very slowly (under 1 knot), the GPS does not get enough history of movement to indicate accurate headings – this is normal.  GPS heading will become more accurate as you resume normal cruising speed.

What is WAAS?
  WAAS stands for Wide Area Augmentation System, and is a system deployed by the Department of Defense (DOD), designed mainly for aviation use but is also available to boaters for precise navigation and positioning.  This system uses a combination of land stations and satellites to provide corrected GPS position anywhere in North America accurate to within 3 meters.  The SI-TEX GPS-20W is a WAAS receiver module designed to work with any piece of marine electronics that requires NMEA 0183 Latitude/Longitude information.

How can I tell if my WAAS GPS is giving me a corrected fix?
  Look for a "D" in your Latitude/Longitude readout.

Now that Selective Availability (SA) has been discontinued, do I still need DGPS?
  A combination of GPS and DGPS still provides the highest degree of accuracy.

My GPS-9 or GPS-9D displays the message, "NO EDITING" and I cannot change this waypoint.
  This is a safety feature. The "NO EDITING" message means that you are currently navigating to this active waypoint. Once this waypoint is deactivated, editing  is allowed.

CHART PLOTTERS

My plotter zooms out by itself when my vessel position enters certain areas.
  C-MAP chart cartridges consist of many charts of various scales.  If you are zoomed in to a small scale and your vessel moves into another "chart" of larger scale, the plotter will automatically zoom "out" to the smallest scale of that new chart.

I cannot scroll to a new screen – my cursor runs out to the edge and just stays there.
  Charting systems operate in one of two modes – "charting" or "navigation".  When you are in the navigation mode, your vessel's position will always be on the screen, so you won't be able to change screens.  To do this, go to "charting" mode.

My boat icon goes off the screen and it does not re-draw.
  When you are in the Charting mode, the cursor determines which part of the chart is on the screen.  Change your mode to Navigation, and your vessel's position will always be on the screen

I am trying to interface my Neptune, Nautilus, MAX10NT or PRISM10NT plotter to a Standard Intrepid VHF, but my position is not appearing on the Intrepid VHF.
  There is an interface cable available to facilitate this installation. The part # is  Sensor Y-6. The list price is 49.95

I have just purchased a SI-TEX Chart Plotter, with GPS (or DGPS). I need help connecting the two together.
  Please see the "Interconnect Diagrams" located at the top of the "Support" section of our web site, or e-mail us requesting the drawing you need. Be sure to include your fax #.

After installing my new chart plotter a message appears, "FIX NOT RECEIVED".
  Chances are the wrong port has been selected in the fix and compass menu. Try selecting a different port.

My Chart Plotter indicates a good fix but it is placing me miles away from where I am.
  Go into your Fix/Compass functions menu and turn the fix correction OFF.

GENESIS/RADARpc

Why does my map display move when the boat is not moving?
  In order for the map display to remain stable at slow speeds and at standstill, an input from a flux gate compass or other NMEA 0183 heading device is required. Like our e-LORAN or Vector Pro.

VHF & ADF

My direction finder (ADF) is reading 180 degrees off.
  Although there is a procedure to correct this problem, which should only be performed by a qualified marine electronics technician, a simple solution is to just rotate the adcock antenna 180 degrees.

I get a hum in my VHF radio when a signal comes in when connected to my ADF.
  Some level of hum will be heard and is normal.  It is recommended that the ADF only be turned on when ready to use, or, you may want a second dedicated VHF for this purpose only.

The LED indicator on my ADF jumps around.
  First, make sure you are not in an area with a lot of other vessels – like a port or marina.
  Other causes could be a loose wire in the interconnect cable, or interference from other antennas onboard.  Remember, the audio cable is a critical length and should NOT be cut.

How can I get more range out of my VHF radio?
  VHF signals are for the most part "line of sight" but do follow the curvature of the earth slightly.  The higher you can place your antenna, the more range you will get.  You may also want to try an antenna with a higher level of gain, called "dB Gain".

Can I operate two VHF radios at the same time, using one antenna?
  No.  A coaxial switch must be used if you want to run two radios off the same antenna.

With today's cell phone technology, why do I still need a VHF radio?
  Cell phone tower coverage is very directional and does not travel offshore very far.  Remember, all VHF radios also receive NOAA weather broadcasts.  It is also a requirement to keep your VHF radio on and tuned to the local calling channel when on the water to monitor any emergencies.

Do I still need a license for my VHF radio?
  Yes.  Most new VHF radios will come with a license application.  You can also contact your regional FCC office for the application.  Many marine stores and dealers also carry this application.

I've purchased the NAV-FAX 200 and my computer does not have a sound card, how do interface with my computer?
 DOS software and serial interface cable are available for computers without sound card, contact SI-TEX customer service department.

RADAR

I have a dual speed radar (T-295, T-1040/1041 or T-1140/1141).  Can this unit be operated as a single speed unit?
  Yes.  There is a setting in the initialization menu to select single speed.  The faster speed however, will give you better resolution in the close ranges.

Why does my radar have to wait 3 minutes after I turn it on before I get a picture?
  The component that transmits radar energy is called a magnetron and is similar to that which is in your microwave oven, but much more powerful.  This is a tube, which will be destroyed if the filament isn't heated to a proper temperature.  Therefore, radars have a timing circuit – typically 3 minutes – which disables the magnetron from transmitting until the filament is sufficiently heated.

Can My SI-TEX Radar be converted to a RADARpc?
   No. It is not economically feasible to convert them.

LORANS

My XJ-1 is locked up. It has all nines in the display and the mode indicator bar is missing.
  To correct this, you must input four digits of your GRI and then press ENT. Lock in the two correct secondaries with the S1 and S2 keys.

GENERAL

My internal settings or menu settings change when my unit has not been in use for a while.
  Most marine electronics have an internal battery for the purpose of retaining menu settings and memory.  This battery has a life of anywhere from 3 to 5 years typically, and needs to be replaced periodically.  It's a good idea to keep a written waypoint log in the event the battery dies or needs to be replaced as these will have to be reprogrammed.

I need to send in my unit for repair.  How long can I expect it to take to complete the repairs?
  Repair times vary by season.  Please contact our customer service department prior to shipping for an update of current repair times. Obviously, summer time is hectic, as is late spring.  If you know your unit is need of repair, or, if it's time for its periodic check out and alignment, consider sending it in the late fall or early winter.

What is SI-TEX's Fax Number
 You can fax us at 727-570-8646.

I just bought a used boat that has SI-TEX equipment on it. How can I obtain a new manual?
  Please contact SI-TEX by e-mail or by phone with the model number of the equipment.