Lowrance X-85 Fishfinder Information
In recent decades, advances in technology have made high-tech devices common in many sports. One such piece of technology that has made its mark on recreational fishing is the "fishfinder." A fishfinder uses active sonar to locate fish and provide information about the lake bottom. This information is displayed using graphics on an LCD screen. One common unit, the X-85, is manufactured by Lowrance. While this unit is no longer produced, it continues to be popular and is an inexpensive option used by many anglers.
Other People Are Reading
-
Key Features
-
The X-85, made by Lowrance, features high-performance sonar and a large view screen. The X-85 model is designed to be easy to use, employing a menu options system with "soft key" operation. This allows users to change settings with the touch of a button.
Both the display and keyboard are lighted, allowing better visibility at night. A low-frequency transmitter allows for deeper readings. This enables the X-85 to be used in deep water environments, such as the Great Lakes and the ocean.
Sonar Basics
-
Generally, sonar works by sending a sound wave through the transducer and into the water. If this wave hits an object underwater, it is reflected back and picked up by the receiver. Changes in the reflected wave are used to calculate the size, type and shape of the object.
Fishfinders, including the Lowrance X-85, use this basic principle to detect fish. This sonar information becomes useful when planning fishing routes and finding large targets. -
Sonar Specifications
-
The X-85 features depth penetration down to 1,000 feet, using 3,000 watts peak-to-peak transmit power. ASP, or Advanced Signal Processing, tracks boat speed and other conditions to modify sonar settings automatically. This provides a more accurate sonar picture. The device transmits at a frequency of 192 kHz, using a wide-cone angle transducer. Additionally, other transducers can be installed, each giving the unit different sounding ranges.
Mounting Options
-
Both through-hull and transom-mounting options are possible. A through-hull setup allows the sonar to pass through the bottom of the boat, eliminating risk of transducer damage. Transom mounting opens the unit to possible damage but allows for better sensitivity. This X-85 unit is designed to operate from a 12-volt battery system. It can be connected directly to a battery to eliminate electrical accessory signal noise. However, this mounting setup should not be used without the proper in-line fuse, which is included.
Display Details
-
The display is a Supertwist LCD screen with a 240-by-240 pixel screen. This gives the readout 57,600 total pixels. Split screen allows different zoom ranges to be displayed on one screen. The X-85 also features a digital boat speed and distance readout. A separate readout also displays surface water temperature. These displays update continuously.
-
