SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING WARNING
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD Keep heater away from equipment.
Do not open the equipment.
A heater can melt the equipment's power
Only qualified personnel cord, which can cause fire or electrical
should work inside the shock.
equipment.
Use the proper fuse.
Immediately turn off the power at the
switchboard if water leaks into the Fuse rating is shown on the equipment.
equipment or something is dropped in Use of a wrong fuse can result in damage
the equipment. to the equipment.

Continued use of the equipment can cause

fire or electrical shock. Contact a FURUNO
agent for service.

Do not disassemble or modify the

CAUTION
equipment. A warning label is attached to the equip-
ment. Do not remove the label. If the
Fire, electrical shock or serious injury can label is missing or illegible, contact
result. a FURUNO agent or dealer.
WARNING Name: Warning Label (1)
Do not place liquid-filled containers on To avoid electrical shock, do not Type: 86-003-1011-0
the top of the equipment. remove cover. No user-serviceable Code No.: 100-236-230
parts inside.

Fire or electrical shock can result if a liquid

spills into the equipment.

Immediately turn off the power at the

switchboard if the equipment is emitting
smoke or fire.

Continued use of the equipment can cause

fire or electrical shock. Contact a FURUNO
agent for service.

Make sure no rain or water splash leaks

into the equipment.

Fire or electrical shock can result if water

leaks in the equipment.

i
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ...................................... ii 2.14 Selecting Background and

INTRODUCTION ................................................ iii Echo Colors ...................................... 2-14
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION .............................. v 2.15 Alarms .............................................. 2-14
SYSTEM CONFIGURATION .............................. vi 2.16 White Marker .................................... 2-16
2.17 Demonstration Picture....................... 2-16
1. CONTROLS, INDICATIONS 2.18 Correcting Speed/Water
1.1 Control Description ............................. 1-1 Temperature Readout........................ 2-17
1.2 Indications .......................................... 1-2
3. INTERPRETING THE DISPLAY
2. BASIC OPERATION 3.1 Zero Line ............................................ 3-1
2.1 Turning the Power On/Off ................... 2-1 3.2 Fish School Echoes ............................ 3-1
2.2 Adjusting Brilliance.............................. 2-1 3.3 Bottom Echo ....................................... 3-1
2.3 Display Mode Selection, Description ... 2-1 3.4 Surface Noise/Aeration ....................... 3-2
2.4 Adjusting Gain .................................... 2-6
2.5 Automatic Operation ........................... 2-6 4. MAINTENANCE, TROUBLESHOOTING
2.6 Selecting Picture Advance Speed ....... 2-7 4.1 Maintenance ....................................... 4-1
2.7 Display Range Selection ..................... 2-7 4.2 Basic Troubleshooting......................... 4-3
2.8 Erasing Weak Echoes......................... 2-8 4.3 Diagnostics ......................................... 4-4
2.9 Measuring Depth to a Fish School....... 2-9 4.4 Transducer Check ............................... 4-5
2.10 A-scope Display.................................. 2-9 4.5 Speed/Water Temperature
2.11 Menu Operation ................................ 2-10 Sensor (option) Check......................... 4-5
2.12 Suppressing Interference .................. 2-13 4.6 Restoring Default Settings................... 4-5
2.13 Suppressing Low Level Noise ........... 2-13
MENU TREE ................................................... A-1
SPECIFICATIONS ......................................... SP-1

INDEX

ii
 INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your choice of the FURUNO FCV-668 Color Video Sounder. We are
confident that you will enjoy many years of operation with this fine piece of equipment.

For over 50 years FURUNO Electric Company has enjoyed an enviable reputation for quality and
reliability throughout the world. This dedication to excellence is furthered by our extensive global
network of agents and dealers.

The FCV-668 is just one of the many FURUNO developments in the field of echo sounding. The
compact, lightweight but rugged unit is easy to install and operate and is suitable for both fresh
and saltwater applications.

This unit is designed and constructed to withstand the rigors of the marine environment.
However, to obtain optimum performance from this unit, you should carefully read and follow the
recommended procedures for operation and maintenance. No machine can perform to the
utmost of its ability unless it is installed, operated and maintained properly.

We would appreciate feedback from you, the end-user, about whether we are achieving our
purposes.

Thank you for considering and purchasing FURUNO equipment.

Features
The FCV-668 color video sounder has a large variety of functions, all contained in a splash-proof
rugged plastic case that is compact to fit small boats.

The principal features of the FCV-668 are

• User-friendly design for simplified operation.

• A wide variety of display modes: bottom-lock expansion, marker zoom and bottom zoom
displays.

• Potent 300 W transceiver.

• 8-color presentation (including background) on a 6" diagonal CRT, providing vivid

presentation of underwater conditions.

• AUTO function permits unattended range and gain setting operations. The range scale and
gain change automatically so that the bottom is displayed in red or reddish brown on the
lower half of the screen.

• A-scope display gives excellent bottom fish discrimination, vital for bottom trawler and
lobster/crab potter.

• Digital and analog displays of navigational data.

iii
• Alarms: fish, bottom, water temperature (requires appropriate sensor).

• Six pulselengths for excellent performance on both shallow and deep ranges.

• Universal 12-24 VDC power supply drawing 30 W of power at maximum.

• Water temperature/speed sensor optionally available.

iv
 PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
This Color Video Sounder determines the distance between its transducer and underwater
objects such as fish, lake bottom or seabed and displays the results on a 6-inch color screen.

It does this by utilizing the fact that an ultrasonic wave transmitted through water travels at a
nearly constant speed of 4800 feet (1500 meters) per second. When a sound wave strikes an
underwater object such as fish or sea bottom, part of the sound wave is reflected back toward
the source. Thus by calculating the time difference between the transmission of a sound wave
and the reception of the reflected sound wave, the depth to the object can be determined. In a
sense an echo sounder can be thought of as being an extremely sophisticated and quick timer,
since it is capable of resolving time differences shorter than one thousandth of a second.

The entire process begins in the display unit. Transmitter power is sent to the transducer as a
short pulse of electrical energy. The electrical signal produced by the transmitter is converted into
an ultrasonic signal by the transducer and transmitted into the water. Any reflected signals from
intervening objects (such as a fish school) are received by the transducer and converted back
into an electrical signal. It is then amplified in the amplifier section, and finally, displayed on the
screen.

The picture displayed by the color video sounder is made up of a series of vertical scan lines,
one for each transmission. Each line represents a "snapshot" of what has occurred beneath the
boat. The series of snapshots are accumulated side by side across the screen, and the resulting
contours of the bottom and fish between the bottom and surface are displayed. The amount of
history of objects that have passed beneath the boat over a series of transmission varies from
less than a minute to a few minutes, depending on how you adjust the unit.

v
 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

DISPLAY UNIT
CV-668

Ship's mains
12-24 VDC

TRANSDUCER External equipment

Standard supply
(GPS navigator, etc.)
520-5PSC-A

Optional supply SPEED, TEMPERATURE SENSOR (option)

Speed/temperature sensor
520-5PWC
ST-02MSB
520-5MSC-A
ST-02PSB
520ST-PWA
ST-01PTB
524ST-MSA
Temperature sensor
T-02MTB
T-02MSB
T-03MSB

vi
 1. CONTROLS, INDICATIONS
1.1 Control Description
The equipment is so designed that even a first time user can quickly become acquainted with
the operating procedure. Operation of each control or key is acknowledged by an alphanumeric
message or symbol indication on the screen.

Control Function
SHIFT-, SHIFT+ • Change display start depth.
(Appears in text as [-], [+].) • Select options on menus.
BRILL Adjusts brilliance of display.
AUTO Turns the automatic sounder adjustment feature on/off.
ADVANCE (BRILL + AUTO) Pressing the BRILL and AUTO keys together selects display
advancement speed.
SIG LEV Eliminates low intensity echoes (up to light-blue echoes) in two
steps.
ALARM Opens/closes the alarm menu.
A-SCOPE (SIG LEV + ALARM) Pressing the SIG LEV and ALARM keys together displays the
A-scope display at the right 1/4 of the screen.
MARKER ▲, MARKER ▼ • Shift the Variable Range Marker (VRM).
(Appears in text as [▲], [▼].) • Set alarm zone.
• Select menu items.
• Set white marker.
RANGE Sets the basic range of the display.
GAIN Adjusts receiver sensitivity.
MODE • Turns unit on/off.
• Selects display mode.

1-1
1.2 Indications
Speed*
Noise Limiter

Picture Advance Speed

Signal Level
Alarm Type
(F,B,TI,TB)
Water
temperature*
49.8˚F 12.5kt NL1 ç1 SL1 F Active alarm
Minute marker
35°15.000' N 0
Nav data* 135°07.500' W (yellow, blue,
30 sec. each)
70
Water temperature
scale* Range scale
60 20
Alarm zone
Water temperature marker
marker* (Color 50
changes with Variable range
HUE setting.)
39.8
40 marker (green)
40 w/depth readout

Color
bar
30
Demonstration Mode
60
Alarm Icon
(DEMO)
All indications and
Auto Setting AUTO-1 markers are displayed
in white unless
49.6 80
noted otherwise.

Depth * Requires appropriate sensor.

1-2
 2. BASIC OPERATION
2.1 Turning the Power On/Off
Turn the [MODE] switch clockwise to turn the power on. The unit starts with the settings used
before it was turned off last time. Note that there is a few seconds delay prior to display of the
picture until the CRT warms up. To turn the power off, turn the switch fully counterclockwise.

2.2 Adjusting Brilliance

Use the [BRILL] key to adjust the brilliance. The selected brilliance level is shown on the display
as below. There are six levels of brilliance including off. Keep the brilliance moderate to extend
the life of the CRT.

BRILL: 0

2.3 Display Mode Selection, Description

2.3.1 Display mode selection
Seven display modes are available and you may select one of them with the [MODE] switch.

MODE switch description

MODE Switch
Function
Position
NORM Provides the normal picture (50 kHz or 200 kHz depending on your system) on
the full screen.
M/Z Displays the normal display on the right-half of the screen and the marker zoom
display on the left-half.
B/L Shows the normal picture on the top 2/3 of the screen and the bottom-lock picture
on the bottom 1/3.
B/Z Shows the bottom zoom display on the left-half of the screen and the normal
display on the right half.
GRAPH Graphic presentation of navigation data.
DATA Digital presentation of navigation data.
MENU Displays the main and system menus.

2-1
2.3.2 Display mode description
NORM display
0.0 0
The normal display appears on the full screen. This mode is
useful for general observation of the seabed and fish schools.
Fish 20
school

40

Bottom
60

49.6 80

M/Z (Marker Zoom) mode

The marker zoom mode expands selected 0

area of the normal picture to full vertical size Normal
of the screen on the left-half window. You may 15 display
specify the portion to expand with the VRM 10
(Variable Range Marker), which you can shift 14.7 Variable range
Fish marker (green)
with [] or []. The area between the VRM school
20 This section
and the zoom range marker is expanded. The 20
is zoomed
length of the segment is equal to one division Z o o m e d fis h
sch o o l
of the depth scale.
30

25
28.2 40

Marker-zoom
Zoom marker
display
(yellow)

2-2
B/L (Bottom-Lock) mode
Zoom marker (yellow)
The bottom-lock mode shows a compressed normal
T h is s e c tio n 0
picture on the top 2/3 of the screen and a 5 or 10 meter is z o o m e d
(10 or 20 feet) wide layer in contact with the bottom is
10
expanded onto the bottom 1/3 of the screen. This mode
is useful for bottom discrimination, essential for bottom
Normal 20
trawling. display

This mode requires that the seabed be steadily and 30

distinctly plotted in red or reddish-brown. Adjust the
gain if necessary. 40
Fish 5
Note 1: The bottom-lock range can be selected on the Bottom- 4
3
system menu [3]. lock
2
display
Note 2: The zoom marker can be turned on/off on the 220.7 1
0
main menu.

B/Z (Bottom Zoom) mode

Bottom-zoom display
The bottom zoom mode expands bottom and bottom
fish echoes two to five times to vertical size of the 0
screen (the amount of expansion can be selected on
15
the system menu [3]), and it is useful for determining
10
bottom hardness. A bottom displayed with a short
echo tail usually means it is a soft, sandy bottom. A
long echo tail means a hard bottom.
20
20 Zoom
Note 1: The amount of expansion can be selected on marker
the system menu [3]. (yellow)
Note 2: The zoom marker can be turned on/off on the 30

main menu.
25
36.4 40

Bottom
Normal
display

2-3
GRAPHIC mode

The graphic mode presents navigation data (speed, position, course, depth, water temperature,
waypoint data, and cross-track error) in analog form.
Trip Distance*

50 TRIP NM
40 123.0
0
Speedometer* 30
20 SPEED Speed*
10
0
10.6 KT
Depth DEPTH ( : 19 25) 20 Alarm Range
TEMP Water Temperature*
151ft 84.7˚F
Waypoint* WPT: FOX1 35˚23.19'N
122˚46.90'E 40 Ship's Position*
Course* CSE: 120˚
Bearing to Waypoint
Bearing BRG: 135˚
relative to ship's course*
to Waypoint* RNG
100.5NM
60
XTE
0.5 S
NM
1 0.5 0 0.5 1
80 * Requires appropriate sensor.

Cross-Track Error*
(Shows amount and direction
to steer to return to course.
The example shows you should
steer 0.5 nm starboard to return to course.)

DATA mode

The data display shows depth, water temperature, speed and position in digital form.

0
Depth 151ft
20
Water Temperature*
84.7 ˚F
40

Speed*
10.6kt
60

Position*
35°23. 19'N
122°46. 90'E 80
* Requires appropriate sensor.

2-4
Enlarging a nav data indication

You can enlarge and display one of the data indications as follows.
5. Press [▲] or [▼] to select the indication you want to enlarge. A blue cursor circumscribes
your selection. For example, select the depth indication.
6. Press the [+] key to enlarge the data.

151
ft 20

40

60

80

7. To return to the full data display, press the [-] key.

2-5
2.4 Adjusting Gain
The [GAIN] control adjusts the sensitivity of the receiver. Adjust it so that a slight amount of noise
remains on the screen. Generally, use a higher gain setting for greater depths and a lower
setting for shallower waters.

Gain too high Gain proper Gain too low

2.5 Automatic Operation

Automatic operation is useful when you are preoccupied with other tasks and do not have time to
adjust the display.

2.5.1 How it works

The automatic function automatically selects the proper gain and range scale according to depth.
It works as follows:
• The range changes automatically to locate the bottom on the lower half of the screen. It
jumps to one step shallower range when bottom echoes reach a halfway point of the full scale
from top and to one step deeper range when they come to the lower edge of the scale.
• The gain is automatically adjusted to display the bottom echo in reddish-brown (default color
arrangement).
• Clutter level (on the main menu), which suppresses low level noise, is automatically adjusted.

2.5.2 Enabling automatic operation

Two types of automatic modes are available: AUTO 1, for fishing, and AUTO 2, for cruising.
Since cruising uses a higher clutter rejection setting than fishing, it is not recommended for
detection of fish because weak fish echoes may be deleted by clutter rejection. Note that the
[SHIFT] keys ([+], [-]), [RANGE] switch and [GAIN] control are inoperative in the auto mode.

Press the [AUTO] key. Each press of the key turns the auto function on or off in the sequence
shown below.

AUTO-1 ON AUTO-2 ON
AUTO OFF
(FISH MODE) (CRUISE MODE)

2-6
2.6 Selecting Picture Advance Speed
The picture advance speed determines how quickly the vertical scan lines run across the screen.
When selecting a picture advance speed, keep in mind that a fast advance speed will expand the
size of the fish school horizontally on the screen and a slow advance speed will contract it.
1. Press the [BRILL] and [AUTO] keys. The display should look something like the one below.
The fraction shown on the display denote number of scan lines produced per transmission.
For example, 1/8 means one scan line is produced every eight transmissions. "0" freezes the
display and it is convenient for observing an echo.

ADVANCE: 1

(1/8)

2. Continue pressing the [BRILL] and [AUTO] keys together to select desired speed.

2.7 Display Range Selection

The basic range and range shifting functions used together give you the means to select the
depth you can see on the screen. The basic range can be thought of as providing a "window" into
the water column and range shifting as moving the "wi+ndow" to the desired depth.

Shift

Display

2.7.1 Basic range selection

The basic range may be selected with the [RANGE] switch from the eight ranges shown in the
table below.
Table 1-1 Basic ranges (default settings)
Range No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Meters 5 10 20 40 80 150 200 300
Feet 15 30 60 120 200 400 600 1000
Fathoms 3 5 10 20 40 80 100 150
Pass/Braze (P/B) 3 5 10 30 50 100 150 200

2-7
Operate the [RANGE] switch and the display shown below appears. Adjust the [RANGE] control
again to select a basic range.

RANGE: 30 ft

Note: The [RANGE] switch is inoperative when the auto functions is active.

2.7.2 Range shifting

The basic range may be shifted up or down with the [SHIFT] keys ([+], [-]). Press a [SHIFT] key
and the display shown below appears. Press a [SHIFT] key again to select the amount of shift.

SHIFT: 0 ft

Note 1: The maximum shift range is 1000 feet (300 m). However, actual range will depend on
underwater conditions. In the worst case echoes will not appear.
Note 2: Basic ranges can be changed on the system menu [3].
Note 3: The unit of depth may be selected on system menu [1].
Note 4: The range cannot be shifted when the auto function is active.

2.8 Erasing Weak Echoes

Dirty water or reflections from plankton may be painted on the display in green or light-blue.
These weak echoes may be erased as follows:
1. Press the [SIG LEV] key. The following display appears.

SIGLVL: 1

2. Press the [SIG LEV] key again to select signal level (echo color) to erase. Every pressing
deletes the weakest color echoes on the screen, up to the light-blue. You may identify the
deleted colors on the color bar; deleted colors disappear from the color bar. The selected
level is shown as SL1, SL2 or SL3 at the top of the screen. "0" turns this function off.

2-8
2.9 Measuring Depth to a Fish School
The VRM (Variable Range Marker) functions to measure the depth to fish schools or other echo.
1. Press [▲] or [▼] to place the VRM on an echo.
2. Read the VRM range just above the VRM.

VRM (green) 20

39.8
40

60

49.6 80

2.10 A-scope Display

This display shows echoes at each transmission with amplitudes and tone proportional to their
intensities, on the right 1/4 of the screen. It is useful for estimating the kind of fish school and
bottom composition. To turn the A-scope display on or off press the [SIG LEV] and [ALARM]
keys together.

0 0.0

10
Normal
display

20

30

32.3 40

A-scope
display

2-9
2.11 Menu Operation
The menu, consisting of the main menu and three system menus, contains less often used
functions which do not require frequent adjustment.

2.11.2 Menu selection

1. Set the [MODE] switch in the MENU position.

NOISE LIMITER
OFF 1 2 3
HUE SELECTION
1 (1 - 7)
GAIN ADJUST 50KHZ*
0 (-20 - +20)
CLUTTER LEVEL
0 ** (0 - 3) ** "A" is shown when the
auto function is active.
ZOOM MARKER DISPLAY
OFF ON
MARKER (VRM)
VRM WHT

/ : TO SELECT ITEM, 1/2

-/+ : TO SET CONDITION.

* 200 kHz depending on transducer used.

2. To go to the system menu, press [!] to select GO TO SYSTEM MENU and [+] to select
YES.

GO TO SYSTEM MENU
NO YES

/ : TO SELECT ITEM, 2/2

-/+ : TO SET CONDITION.

2-10
3. You can switch among system menus by selecting MENU and using [+] or [-].
( * SYSTEM MENU [1] *) (* SYSTEM MENU [2] *) (* SYSTEM MENU [3] *)
MENU : [1] [2] [3] MENU : [1] [2] [3] MENU : [1] [2] [3]
DEPTH : m ft fa PB NAV DSP : OFF L/L R/B CSE RANGE1 : 15 (10 - 1000)
SPEED : kt MPH KPH FORMAT : NMEA CIF RANGE2 : 30
TEMP : °C°F SPD SEL : OFF OWN NMEA RANGE3 : 60
F/A LEVEL : WEAK MED STRG TMP SEL : OFF OWN NMEA RANGE4 : 120
TMP GRP: OFF LOW HIGH RANGE5 : 200
SPD ADJ : +0 % [-50 - +50] RANGE6 : 400
TMP ADJ : +0.0 °F [-20 - +20] RANGE7 : 600
(ADJUSTABLE OWN SENSOR ONLY.) RANGE8 : 1000
/ : TO SELECT ITEM. ZOOM RANGE: X2 X3 X4 X5
-/+ : TO SET CONDITION.
OWN SENSOR OWN SENSOR B/L RANGE: 10 20
SPEED TEMPERATURE
0.0 kt °F
/ : TO SELECT ITEM. / : TO SELECT ITEM.
-/+ : TO SET CONDITION. -/+ : TO SET CONDITION.

4. Press [▲] or [▼] to select menu item.

5. Press [+] or [-] to set condition.
6. Set the [MODE] switch in any other position to register selection and close the menu.

2.11.3 Main menu description

Menu item Description
NOISE LIMITER Eliminates noise from other echo sounders and electrical
interference.
HUE SELECTION Selects colors for echoes and background.
GAIN ADJUST (50kHZ or 200KHZ) Adjusts the gain of 50 kHz (or 200 kHz) frequency. Changing
this setting by 10 is equal to changing the GAIN control by 1.
If the sensitivity is too low or the auto function does not work
properly when the transducer is installed inside the hull, try to
adjust the gain here.
CLUTTER LEVEL Eliminates blue dots, which are mainly caused by unclean
water, from the screen.
ZOOM MARKER DISPLAY Turns the zoom marker on/off.
MARKER Selects which marker to use; VRM or white marker.
GO TO SYSTEM MENU Select YES to go to the system menu.

2-11
2.11.4 System menu description
Menu item Description
System Menu 1
DEPTH Selects unit of depth measurement; meters, feet, fathoms, passi/braza.
SPEED Selects unit of speed measurement; knots, miles per hour, kilometers per hour.
TEMP Selects unit of temperature measurement; Celsius and Fahrenheit.
ZOOM MARK Turns zoom range and expansion range markers on/off.
F/A LEVEL Sets fish alarm level.
WEAK: Alarm against weak to strong echoes.
MED: Alarm against medium to strong echoes.
STRG: Alarm against strong echoes only.
NAV Selects digital or analog display of navigation data.
System Menu 2
NAV DSP Selects digital data to display at top-left corner on the screen. L/L, latitude and
longitude position; R/B, Range and bearing to waypoint, CSE, Ship's course.
FORMAT Selects format of data fed from nav sensor. CIF (FURUNO developed) is
standard data format of FURUNO equipment.
SPD SEL Selects source of speed data. OWN, speed data fed by optional speed sensor;
NMEA, speed data fed by position-fixing equipment.
TMP SEL Selects source of water temperature data. OWN, speed data fed by optional
water temperature sensor; NMEA, speed data fed by position-fixing equipment.
TMP GRP Turns temperature graph on/off. Requires water temperature sensor.
OFF: No water temperature graph.
LOW: Temperature graph scale 30°F to 70°F (0°C to 20°C)
HIGH: Temperature graph scale 50°F to 90°F (10°C to 30°C)
SPD ADJ Offsets speed measured by optional speed sensor. When the speed indication
appears to be wrong, apply an offset here. Speed data fed from position-fixing
equipment cannot be compensated.
TMP ADJ Offsets water temperature measured by optional speed sensor. When the water
temperature indication appears to be wrong, apply an offset here. Water
temperature data fed from position-fixing equipment cannot be compensated.
System Menu 3
RANGE 1-8 Sets basic ranges. Change when default ranges are not satisfactory.
ZOOM RANGE Selects range scale for bottom zoom and marker zoom displays. X2, for
example, expands echoes to double size relative to those on the normal
display.
B/L RANGE Selects range for bottom-lock expansion display.

2-12
2.12 Suppressing Interference
Interference from other acoustic equipment operating nearby or other electronic equipment on
your boat may show itself on the display as shown below.

To suppress interference, do the following:

1. Select MENU with the [MODE] switch.
2. Select NOISE LIMITER.
3. Press [+] or [-] to select degree of suppression desired. "3" provides the highest degree of
suppression.

Interference from Electrical inteference

other sounder

Turn the noise limiter circuit off when no interference exists, otherwise weak echoes may be
missed.

2.13 Suppressing Low Level Noise

Light-blue dots may appear over most of screen. This is mainly due to unclean water or noise.
This noise can be suppressed by adjusting CLUTTER on the menu.

When the automatic mode is on, the clutter suppression setting is fixed at AUTO. To suppress
low level noise in manual sounder operation do the following:
1. Select MENU with the [MODE] switch.
2. Select CLUTTER LEVEL.
3. Press [+] or [-] to select degree of suppression desired. "3" provides the highest degree of
suppression.

Low level noise

2-13
2.14 Selecting Background and Echo Colors
1. Select MENU with the [MODE] switch.
2. Press [] to select HUE SELECTION.
3. Press [+] or [-] to select hue arrangement desired, referring to the table below.
Hue options
Hue No. Background color Echo color
1 Blue 7 colors, bottom red
2 Blue 6 colors, bottom red
3 Black 7 colors, bottom reddish-brown
4 Black 6 colors, bottom red
5 White 7 colors, bottom red
6 White 6 colors, bottom reddish-brown
7 Black Monochrome yellow, 8 intensities

2.15 Alarms
2.15.1 Alarm description
Bottom alarm

The bottom alarm sounds when the bottom is within the alarm range set. To activate the bottom
alarm the depth must be displayed.

Fish alarm

The fish alarm sounds when fish are within the preset alarm range. The echo strength which
triggers the fish alarm can be selected on the system menu [1] with F/A LEVEL

Water temperature alarm

There are two types of water temperature alarms: IN and OUT. The IN alarm sounds when the
water temperature is within the range set; the OUT alarm sounds when the water temperature is
higher than the range set. This alarm requires water temperature data.

2-14
2.15.2 Activating an alarm
1. Press the [ALARM] key to display the alarm menu.
BOTTOM OFF ON
ALARM ZONE : 0 --- 5
RANGE : 5

FISH OFF ON
ALARM ZONE : 0 --- 5
RANGE : 5

TEMP OFF IN OUT

ALARM ZONE : 32 --- 37
RANGE : 5

s/t : TO SELECT ITEM.

-/+ : TO SET CONDITION.

2. Press [▲] or [▼] to select an alarm.

3. Press [+] to select ON, IN or OUT. (For the water temperature alarm, select IN to get the
alarm when the water temperature is within the alarm zone range, or OUT to get the alarm
when the water temperature is higher than the alarm zone range.)
4. Press [▼] to select ALARM ZONE.
5. Adjust width of alarm zone with [+] or [-].
Alarm type
B: Bottom
F: Fish
TI: Temperature IN
F TO: Temperature OUT
Alarm Alarm zone marker
zone (Fish, bottom alarms only)

Alarm icon (Appear when alarm is violated.)

6. Press [▼] to select RANGE.

7. Use [+] to [-] to set display range for the alarm.

To deactivate an alarm, select OFF at step 3 in the above procedure.

Note: The echo strength which triggers the fish alarm can be selected on the system menu [1]
with F/A LEVEL.

2.15.3 Silencing the buzzer

When an alarm is violated, the buzzer sounds and the alarm icon and name of alarm violated
(see illustration above) appear on the display. You can temporarily silence the buzzer by
pressing the [ALARM] key. However, the buzzer will sound the next time the alarm setting is
violated.

2-15
2.16 White Marker
The white marker functions to display a particular echo color in white. For example, you may
want to display the bottom echo (reddish-brown) in white to discriminate fish echoes near the
bottom. Note that the bottom must be displayed in reddish-brown for the white marker to
function.
1. Set the [MODE] switch in the MENU position.
2. Press [▼] to select MARKER.
3. Press [+] to select WHT.
4. Set the [MODE] switch in desired mode position.
5. Press [▲] or [▼] to select color to display in white. The indication WHITE MARKER appears.
As you press those keys the white cursor on the color bar shows the color currently
selected to display in white.

White cursor shows

color currently displayed
in white.

2.17 Demonstration Picture

Your unit incorporates a convenient demonstration display to help you become acquainted with
how it works. Connection of the transducer is not required.
1. Turn on the equipment while pressing any key. The following display appears.
*** OPTION MODE ***

[−] : SELF TEST

s
[ ] : SET DATA TO DEFAULT
t
[ ] : DEMONSTRATION

PLEASE HIT ANY KEY.

PROG-NO. 025-2179-0**

** Program version No.

2. Press [▼] to select DEMONSTRATION. The following display appears.

*** DEMO MODE ***
OFF ON

3. Press [+] to select ON.

4. Turn the power off and an again.
5. To turn off the demonstration mode, press [-] to select OFF at step 3 in this procedure.

2-16
2.18 Correcting Speed/Water Temperature Readout
Wrong ship's speed or water temperature indication can be corrected on the system menu 2 as
follows:
1. Set the [MODE] switch in the MENU position.

2. Press [▼] until GO TO SYSTEM MENU appears and then press [+] to select YES.

3. Use [+] or [-] key to select system menu 2.

(* SYSTEM MENU [2] *)
MENU : [1] [2] [3]
NAV DSP : OFF L/L R/B CSE
FORMAT : NMEA CIF
SPD SEL : OFF OWN NMEA
TMP SEL : OFF OWN NMEA
TMP GRP: OFF LOW HIGH
SPD ADJ : +0 % [-50 - +50]
TMP ADJ : +0.0 °F [-20 - +20]
(ADJUSTABLE OWN SENSOR ONLY.)

OWN SENSOR OWN SENSOR

SPEED TEMPERATURE
0.0 kt °F
/ : TO SELECT ITEM.
-/+ : TO SET CONDITION.

4. Select SPD ADJ or TMP ADJ as appropriate.

5. Use [+], [-] to enter offset.

2-17
 3. INTERPRETING THE DISPLAY
3.1 Zero Line
Zero
The zero line (sometimes referred to as the transmission line) line
represents the transducer's position, and moves off the screen
when a deep phased range is used.

3.2 Fish School Echoes

Shift

Fish school echoes will generally be plotted between the zero

line and the bottom. Usually the fish school/fish echo is
weaker than the bottom echo because its reflection property is
Large
much smaller compared to the bottom. The size of the fish Small
school
school
school can be ascertained from the density of the display. Size of
fish school

3.3 Bottom Echo

Echoes from the bottom are normally the strongest and
are displayed in reddish-brown color (in default color
arrangement) but the color and width will vary with
bottom composition, water depth, frequency, sensitivity,
etc. Intensity
difference in
In a comparatively shallow depth, a high gain setting will water depth
cause a second or sometimes a third or a fourth echo to
be displayed at the same interval between them below Second bottom
the first echo trace. This is because the echo travels echo

between the bottom and the surface twice or more in

shallow depths.
Rock base
The color of the bottom echo can be used to help
determine the density of the bottom materials (soft or Mud
hard). The harder the bottom, the wider the trace. If the and sand
gain is set to show only a single bottom echo on mud, a
rocky bottom will show a second or third bottom return.
The range should be chosen so the first and second
bottom echoes are displayed when bottom hardness is
being determined.

3-1
3.4 Surface Noise/Aeration
When the waters are rough or the boat passes over a wake, surface noise may appear near the
zero line. As surface turbulence is acoustically equivalent to running into a brick wall, the bottom
echo will be displayed intermittently. Similar noise sometimes appears when a water temperature
difference (thermocline) exists. Different species of fish tend to prefer different temperature
zones, so the thermocline may be useful to help identify target fish.

In rough waters the display is occasionally interrupted due to below-the-ship air bubbles
obstructing the sound path. This also occurs when the boat makes a quick turn or reverses
movement. Lowering the picture advance speed may reduce the interruption. However,
reconsideration of the transducer installation may be necessary if the interruption occurs
frequently.

Surface noise

Caused by
aerated water

Thermocline

3-2
4. MAINTENANCE, TROUBLESHOOTING

WARNING
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD
Do not open the equipment.

Only qualified personnel

should work inside the
equipment.

4.1 Maintenance
Regular maintenance is important for good performance. Following the recommended
maintenance procedures will help keep your set in good working condition.

4.1.2 General checking

Important points to be checked from time to time are tabulated below.
Maintenance check points
Check point Action
Transducer cable If conductors are exposed, replace cable.
Power cable plug/transducer cable plug If loosened, tighten.
Display unit ground If corroded, clean.
Ship's mains voltage If out of ratings, correct problem.

4.1.3 Replacement of fuse

The fuse on the power cable protects the equipment against overvoltage/reverse polarity of the
ship's mains or internal fault of the equipment. If the fuse blows, find the cause before replacing
the fuse. If the fuse blows again after replacement, call for service. A fuse rated for more than 3A
should not be used since it would damage the equipment and void the warranty.

CAUTION
Use the proper fuse.

Use of a wrong fuse can cause fire or

equipment damage.

4-1
4.1.4 Cleaning
Keep the equipment clean and dry at all times. Dust or loose dirt should be wiped off with a soft,
dry cloth. Do not use chemical cleaners to clean the display unit - they can remove paint or
markings.

4.1.5 Maintenance of the transducer

Marine life on the transducer face will result in gradual decrease in the sensitivity. Check the
transducer face for cleanliness each time the boat is hauled out of the water. Carefully remove
any marine life with a piece of wood or fine sandpaper.

4-2
4.2 Basic Troubleshooting
The troubleshooting table below presents common problems and the means to restore normal
operation. If normal operation cannot be restored do not attempt to check inside the equipment.

Basic troubleshooting
If… Then
neither echo nor fixed range scale appears • check battery voltage.
• check fuse.
• check battery terminal for corrosion.
• check that power cable is securely
plugged.
no echo but range scale shows • check if display speed is set to "0."
• check if transducer plug is firmly
connected.
echo appears but no zero line • check if range shifting is set to "0."
the equipment shows signs of low sensitivity • check if gain setting is suitable.
• check for air bubbles or marine life
attached to transducer.
• check if water is dirty.
• bottom may be too soft to return proper
echo.
no water depth readout is shown • check if bottom echo is painted red or
reddish-brown.
• check if bottom is displayed.
much noise or interference is present • check if transducer/transducer cable is too
close to engine.
• check unit ground.
• check if there are other echo sounders of
the same frequency nearby.
speed/water temperature indication* is absent or • check that sensor plug is securely
unrealistic fastened.
position indication* is absent or unrealistic • check that sensor plug is securely
fastened.
• check position-fixing equipment.
* Requires appropriate sensor.

4-3
4.3 Diagnostics
Your equipment incorporates a diagnostic self-test facility to check the devices and controls for
proper operation.
1. Turn on the unit while pressing any key.
2. Press the [-] key to start the diagnostic test. The diagnostics screen appears, devices are
checked and the results displayed as OK or NG (No Good).
3. Operate all controls one by one. Confirm that key name and switch position are correct.
Note: Do not place the [MODE] switch in the POWER ON position; power will be turned off

(* SELF TEST *) DEVICE CHECK

PROM : OK Major devices are checked.
REDDISH-BROWN OK for normal, NG (No Good)
E2PR : OK
SRAM : OK for error.
RED
VRAM1 : OK
ORANGE VRAM2 : OK PANEL SWITCH CHECK
SIO : NG* Operate each key and switch.
YELLOW Confirm that key name and
KEY : NONE switch position are correct.
GREEN
RANGE :1
LIGHT-BLUE GAIN : 14 * Special connection
MODE : MENU cable required to check SIO.
BLUE NG displayed when cable is
FREQ : 50 kHz# not connected.
PLEASE CHECK KEYS/SWITCHES.
# 200 kHz depending
on transducer used.

Note: If NG apepars instead of OK for any device or panel switch, contact FURUNO for
service. Do not attempt to check inside the unit because of the high voltage used in the
equipment.
4. To terminate the test, turn the power off.

4-4
4.4 Transducer Check
A simple and reliable check of the transducer is to temporarily replace the transducer with a new
one. If the sensitivity is considerably improved through this change, the transducer is probably
faulty. This method is especially useful for inside-hull or through-hull installation.
Another method is to listen to the transmission sound. Haul the transducer from the water and
turn on the power. Put your ear near the transducer face and carefully listen to the transmission
sound. If you can hear a clicking sound, the transducer is probably normal. Next, rub the
transducer face with your hand and observe whether noise appears on the screen. The
appearance of noise indicates the transducer is normal. In case of neither sound nor noise, the
transducer is probably faulty.

4.5 Speed/Water Temperature Sensor (option)

Check
The idea of the transducer check can apply to this case, too; temporarily substitute a new
sensor. If the speed/temperature indications become normal, your sensor may be faulty.
When a new sensor is not available, try to turn the water wheel with a finger. If the sensor is
normal, the speed indication will be two to three knots when the wheel is turned slowly and
seven to eight knots when turned more quickly. As for the water temperature, the water
temperature indication should change when you touch the thermosensor.

4.6 Restoring Default Settings

1. Turn on the unit while pressing any key. The following display appears.

*** OPTION MODE ***

[−] : SELF TEST

[ ] : SET DATA TO DEFAULT
[ ] : DEMONSTRATION

PLEASE HIT ANY KEY.

PROG-NO. 025-2179-0**

** Program version No.

2. Press [▲] to restore default settings. The message SET DATA TO DEFAULT! appears. After
default settings are restored, the message is erased and the normal display appears. See
the next page for default settings.

4-5
 MENU TREE
NOISE LIMITER
PRess [+] at
[MODE] switch in OFF NL1 NL2 NL3 GO TO SYSTEM
MENU position HUE SELECTION MENU.
1 (1 - 7)
* 200 kHz depending on GAIN ADJUST 50KHZ* ( * SYSTEM MENU [1] *)
transducer used. MENU : [1] [2] [3]
0 (-20 - +20)
CLUTTER LEVEL DEPTH : m ft fa PB
0 (0 - 3) SPEED : kt MPH KPH
ZOOM MARKER DISPLAY TEMP : °C°F
OFF ON F/A LEVEL : WEAK MED STRG
MARKER (VRM)
VRM WHT
/ : TO SELECT ITEM, 1/2
-/+ : TO SET CONDITION.
/ : TO SELECT ITEM.
Press [ ] at MARKER. -/+ : TO SET CONDITION.

Press Press [+] at

[-]. MENU.
GO TO SYSTEM MENU
NO YES
(* SYSTEM MENU [2] *)
MENU : [1] [2] [3]
NAV DSP : OFF L/L R/B CSE
FORMAT : NMEA CIF
/ : TO SELECT ITEM, 2/2
SPD SEL : OFF OWN NMEA
-/+ : TO SET CONDITION.
TMP SEL : OFF OWN NMEA
TMP GRP: OFF LOW HIGH
SPD ADJ : +0 % [-50 - +50]
TMP ADJ : +0.0 °F [-20 - +20]
(ADJUSTABLE OWN SENSOR ONLY.)
DEFAULT CONTROL SETTINGS
OWN SENSOR OWN SENSOR
SHIFT: 0 SPEED TEMPERATURE
BRILL: 6 0.0 kt °F
ADVANCE: 4 / : TO SELECT ITEM.
-/+ : TO SET CONDITION.
SIG LEV: 0

ALARM: OFF Press Press [+] at

[-]. MENU.
A-SCOPE: OFF
(* SYSTEM MENU [3] *)
MARKER: 0 MENU : [1] [2] [3]
RANGE1 : 15 (10 - 1000)
Default setings are circumscribed. RANGE2 : 30
RANGE3 : 60
RANGE4 : 120
RANGE5 : 200
RANGE6 : 400
RANGE7 : 600
RANGE8 : 1000
ZOOM RANGE: X2 X3 X4 X5
B/L RANGE: 10 20

/ : TO SELECT ITEM.
-/+ : TO SET CONDITION.

A-1
 SPECIFICATIONS OF COLOR VIDEO SOUNDER
FCV-668

1. GENERAL
(1) Display 6-inch diagonal CRT
(2) Echo Color 8 colors (including background color) according to echo intensity.
Monochrome display is also available. The background color is selectable
from blue, light blue, white and black.
(3) Basic Range Meters: 5/10/20/40/80/150/200/300
Feet: 15/30/60/120/200/400/600/1000
Fathoms: 3/5/10/20/40/80/100/150
Passi/Braza: 3/5/10/30/50/100/150/200
The basic ranges can be changed on the system menu.
(4) Range Shift Up to 300 meters (1000 feet, 150 fathoms, 200 passi/braza)
(5) Zoom Range Times 2, 3, 4 and 5 ranges
(6) Bottom Lock Expansion Range
5/10 meters, 10/20 feet, 2/5 fathoms, 2/5 passi/braza
(7) Auto Mode Automatic adjustment of range and gain
(8) Display Mode Normal, Normal and Marker Zoom, Normal and Bottom-lock Expansion
Normal and Bottom Zoom, Graphical and Numerical displays,
Data Display and A-scope Display
(9) Zoom Display Marker Zoom, Bottom Zoom and Bottom-lock Expansion
(10) Display Advance Speed Lines/TX: Freeze, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1/1, 2/1
(11) TX Frequency/ Output power
50 and 200 kHz (selected), 300 W
(12) Pulse-length/TX rate
Display End Depth (m) 5 10 20 40 80 150 300
Pulse-Length (ms) 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.8 1.5 3.0
TX Rate (pulse/min) 600 600 600 375 187 100 50
(13) Interference Rejecter Rejects unwanted signals by comparing last and present echoes in
strength.
(14) Alarm Fish and Bottom alarms, Temperature alarm
(15) Input/output data NMEA 0183 or CIF format
NMEA Input RMB, BWC, RMC, RMA, GLL, VTG, VHW, MTW, XTE
NMEA Output SDDBT, YCMTW*, VWVHW*, SDDPT
CIF Input L/L, Ship’s speed, Course, Waypoint ID, Range/bearing to Waypoint,
Water temperature, Cross-track Error
CIF Output Depth, Water temperature*, Ship’s Speed*

SP - 1
 *: Speed/temperature sensor required.

2. POWER SUPPLY
(1) Display Unit 12-24 VDC (-10%, +30%): 2.5-1.25 A

3. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION
(1) Ambient Temperature 0°C to +50°C
(2) Relative Humidity 85% at 40°C
(3) Water proofing Display Unit: IPX4
(4) Vibration ±1 mm ±10%, 2(5) to 13.2 Hz,
Maximum acceleration 7 m/s2 , 13.2 to 100 Hz

4. COATING COLOR
(1) Display Unit Chassis: 2.5GY5/1.5
Panel: N3.0 Newtone No.5

SP - 2
 INDEX
Aeration........................................................ 3-2 Indications.....................................................1-2
Alarms Interference.................................................2-13
activating ................................................ 2-15 Main menu ..................................................2-10
bottom .................................................... 2-14 Marker zoom mode .......................................2-2
fish ......................................................... 2-14 Menu
silencing buzzer...................................... 2-15 main menu description ............................ 2-11
water temperature................................... 2-14 menu selection ........................................2-10
A-scope display ............................................ 2-9 system menu description .........................2-12
AUTO key..................................................... 2-6 Menu tree..................................................... A-1
Automatic operation...................................... 2-6 MODE switch ................................................2-1
Background color........................................ 2-14 Nav data enlargement ...................................2-5
Bottom alarm .............................................. 2-14 Noise limiter ................................................2-13
Bottom echoes.............................................. 3-1 Normal mode ................................................2-2
Bottom zoom mode....................................... 2-3 Picture advance speed ..................................2-7
Bottom-lock mode......................................... 2-3 Power on/off ..................................................2-1
BRILL key..................................................... 2-1 Principle of operation........................................v
Brilliance....................................................... 2-1 RANGE switch ..............................................2-7
Checking ...................................................... 4-1 SHIFT keys ...................................................2-8
Cleaning ....................................................... 4-2 SIG LEV key .................................................2-8
Clutter ........................................................ 2-13 Speed indication correction .........................2-17
Data mode.................................................... 2-4 Speed sensor check......................................4-5
Default settings............................................. 4-5 Surface noise ................................................3-2
Demonstration picture................................. 2-16 System menu ..............................................2-12
Depth measurement ..................................... 2-9 Transducer
Diagnostics (self test) ................................... 4-4 checking....................................................4-5
Display mode................................................ 2-1 maintenance..............................................4-2
Echo color .................................................. 2-14 Troubleshooting.............................................4-3
Fish alarm .................................................. 2-14 VRM..............................................................2-9
Fish school echoes ....................................... 3-1 Water temperature alarm.............................2-14
Fuse replacement ......................................... 4-1 Water temperature graph.............................2-12
GAIN control................................................. 2-6 Water temperature indication correction.......2-17
Graphic mode............................................... 2-4 Water temperature sensor check ...................4-5
Hue ............................................................ 2-14 White marker...............................................2-16
Zero line........................................................3-1

Index-1