Garmin LiveScope Settings and Setup

Auto Stabilization

When the LiveScope™ live scanning LVS transducer is calibrated, the stabilization sensor detects the installation angle of the LVS transducer and automatically calculates to show the correct pitch angle in the Forward and Down view. At the same time, a calibrated stabilization sensor will require the user to set the orientation to either down or forward mode. When the auto stabilization feature is combined with a heading sensor, a beam icon displays on the sonar screen and is accurate whether the boat is sitting or underway. For best results, use a heading sensor such as the SteadyCast™ Heading Sensor, GPS 24xd, or a 9-axis Heading Sensor The heading sensor shows the direction the transducer is pointing relative to the boat. If no heading sensor is used the stabilization sensor will show an accurate beam icon underway but not when anchored, or stationary. Without a heading sensor it displays the last known GPS position relative to the LVS transducer and chartplotter. When the vessel is moving the beam will adjust to the correct direction the LVS transducer is pointing relative to the boat. When the auto stabilization feature is set to OFF, the specific installation angle for the transducer can be entered using the Pitch Angle setting. 

Stabilization Sensor: Compass Calibration

Before beginning calibration of the compass, the transducer must be installed on the shaft far enough away from the trolling motor to avoid magnetic interference. If the LVS32 or LVS34 is installed on the transom, a compass calibration may not be as accurate due to the magnetic interference caused by the outboard motor mid-shaft.

• LVS32 or LVS34 must be deployed in the water and in the Forward view to calibrate the compass. It does not matter if the LVS32 or LVS34 is installed on the port or starboard side of the shaft or transducer pole

External Heading Sensor

• For best results, use a heading sensor such as the SteadyCast Heading Sensor, GPS 24xd, or a 9-axis Heading Sensor

• The heading sensor shows the direction the transducer is pointing relative to the boat

• The sonar beam will be accurate regardless if the boat is moving or stopped when an external Heading Sensor is installed in the vessel (See Stabilization Sensor information above)

NOTE:   Refer to the LiveScope and chartplotter owners manuals for specific information.

Sonar Menu

Gain - Controls the level of detail and noise shown on the sonar screen

• The clarity of the water will affect the overall returns and the amount of Gain a user may need to apply 

  • If you only want to see the strongest returns and less noise - use a lower gain setting

  • If you want to see all sonar returns –use a higher gain setting

  • Gain can be set to: Auto Low, Med, High settings or by 1% incremental changes

• Depth Range - Adjusts the range of the depth scale

  • Use Automatic when tracking the bottom

  • Use manual when tracking a specific portion of the water column

  • Depth can be changed in 1-foot increments

• Forward Range - Adjusts the range of the forward scale

  • Effective forward range is dependent on the clarity of the water

  • Depth of the water will dictate how far out the effective forward range will extend. The ratio is approximately 4:1 (4 foot forward for every 1 foot down)

  • Forward range can be changed in 1-foot increments

• Transmit - On / Off

  • OFF: Disables the LVS transducer from transmitting a sonar signal

  • ON: Enables the LVS transducer to transmit a sonar signal

NOTE: It is highly advised to select the Transmit OFF function, anytime the LVS transducer is removed from water. This will to prevent overheating the transducer. Users may get an error message Transducer Overheated if the LVS transducer is out of the water and transmitting for extended periods of time.

• Pause Sonar - Pauses the sonar scroll / picture without stopping the sonar from transmitting

• Sonar Setup - Directs user to additional features and sub-menus

• Edit Overlay - Allows user to edit information displayed pertaining to LiveScope information

Sonar Setup

• Appearance - Selectable Color Schemes, Color Gains, Trails, Bottom Fill, Grid Overlay, Scroll History, and Boat Icon

• Noise Reject - Reduces noise and interference and attempts to remove returns that are not actually targets in the water

• Ghost Tree Reject - Reduces the occurrence of "ghost" images, which are duplicated or reflected images that are not actually targets in the water

NOTE: Adjusting the Ghost Reject and Noise Reject settings together reduces the occurrence of "ghost" images most effectively.

• TVG - Time Varying Gain is best used for situations when you want to control and suppress clutter or noise near the water surface

• Overlay Data - Sets the data shown on the sonar screen