Lowrance 3500 Depth Gauge Manual
Savage Doherty
How to Use the Lowrance 3500 Depth Gauge: A Complete Guide
If you are looking for a high-performance digital sonar that can measure the water depth accurately and automatically, you might want to consider the Lowrance 3500 depth gauge. This device fits in a standard 2 1/8" (54 mm) hole used by most marine equipment manufacturers and has a simple and sleek design that blends well with any boat dashboard. In this guide, we will show you how to install and operate the Lowrance 3500 depth gauge, as well as some tips and tricks to get the most out of it.
Installation
The Lowrance 3500 depth gauge needs at least 2 1/2" (64 mm) of space to mount on any flat panel or dash. To install the unit, also make sure there is at least 3 3/4" (95 mm) from the front of the dash to any obstruction behind the dash. Check to be sure there is room to route the power and sensor cables.
When you determine the location for the Lowrance 3500 depth gauge, drill a 2 1/8" (54 mm) hole in the dash. Slide the unit through the hole from the front of the dash. Align it so that it's straight, then tighten the two screws with a Phillips-head screwdriver. To prevent damage to the unit, DO NOT use a pneumatic/power screwdriver. Use a hand-held screwdriver and the torque should not exceed 7 in lbs. Also, when removing the unit, do not back the screws out of the case. Damage to the faceplate will result. We recommend backing off the screws one complete turn before attempting to remove the unit. If further loosening of the screws is required, do so in half-rotation increments. Place the push-button into the holes in the bezel and snap it on to the unit. The unit is now ready for wiring.
Wiring
The Lowrance 3500 depth gauge comes with a power cable and a sensor cable. The power cable has two wires: red (+) and black (-). The sensor cable has three wires: white (signal), shield (ground), and blue (speed). The power cable connects to a 12-volt DC power source on your boat, such as a fuse panel or battery. The sensor cable connects to a transducer that sends and receives sound waves to measure the water depth.
To wire the power cable, connect the red wire to a positive (+) terminal and the black wire to a negative (-) terminal on your power source. Use an in-line fuse holder with a 1-amp fuse on the red wire for protection. To wire the sensor cable, connect the white wire to one of the two terminals on your transducer and connect the shield wire to the other terminal. The blue wire is optional and can be connected to a speed sensor or left unconnected.
After wiring, route both cables through an opening in your boat's hull or transom and secure them with cable clamps or ties. Make sure there is enough slack in both cables to allow for movement of your boat and transducer. Avoid routing cables near sources of electrical interference, such as ignition systems or radios.
Operation
The Lowrance 3500 depth gauge is an automatic sonar that works only off the bottom signal and its operation is completely automatic. There are no sensitivity or noise controls. All of this is made possible by the computer built inside. To operate the unit, all you have to do is turn its power on by pressing and holding the push-button for two seconds. It will give you a water depth reading within seconds on its LCD display. Once it finds
Features
The Lowrance 3500 depth gauge has some features that make it stand out from other depth finders. Some of these features are:
- High-contrast LCD display that shows the water depth in feet or meters, with a range of 0 to 600 feet (0 to 183 meters).
- Automatic backlighting that adjusts to the ambient light conditions for optimal visibility.
- Depth alarm that sounds when the water depth reaches a preset value, which can be set from 3 to 99 feet (1 to 30 meters).
- Temperature sensor that displays the water temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
- Speed sensor that displays the boat speed in miles per hour or kilometers per hour (optional).
- NMEA 2000 certified and compatible with LowranceNET networking, which allows the unit to communicate with other compatible devices on the network.
Tips and Tricks
To get the most out of your Lowrance 3500 depth gauge, here are some tips and tricks you can follow:
- Make sure the transducer is installed correctly and securely on your boat, following the instructions in the manual. The transducer should be mounted on a smooth and flat surface, away from sources of turbulence or interference, such as propellers, strakes, or hull fittings. The transducer should also be oriented parallel to the water surface and perpendicular to the keel line.
- Keep the unit clean and dry, and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or humidity. Use a soft cloth dampened with water to wipe off any dirt or salt deposits on the unit. Do not use solvents or abrasives to clean the unit.
- Check the power and sensor cables regularly for any signs of damage or wear. Replace any damaged or worn cables as soon as possible. Do not splice or cut the cables, as this may affect their performance or cause electrical hazards.
- Update the software of your unit periodically to get the latest features and improvements. You can download the software updates from the Lowrance website and transfer them to your unit using a memory card or a NMEA 2000 network. Follow the instructions on the website or in the manual to update your unit.
Conclusion
The Lowrance 3500 depth gauge is a reliable and easy-to-use device that can help you measure the water depth, temperature, and speed of your boat. It has a high-contrast LCD display, automatic backlighting, depth alarm, temperature sensor, speed sensor, and NMEA 2000 compatibility. It also has a simple and sleek design that fits in a standard 2 1/8" (54 mm) hole on your boat dashboard. To install and operate the Lowrance 3500 depth gauge, you just need to follow the instructions in the manual and some tips and tricks we have provided in this guide. With the Lowrance 3500 depth gauge, you can enjoy peace of mind and confidence while boating.
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