Using a Heading Sensor to Display LiveScope Direction
If you're using a Garmin Force or Kraken trolling motor or Garmin heading sensor you can display the exact direction your LiveScope transducer is pointing on your screen. This feature eliminates guesswork when casting to fish or scanning structure, making your sonar setup even more effective.
How the Heading Sensor Works with LiveScope
When paired with a Garmin Force or Kraken trolling motor, the heading sensor communicates directly with GPSMAP or ECHOMAP units to provide a real-time compass overlay.
💡 Without a heading sensor, LiveScope direction is tied to the boat's movement, meaning you can't see where the transducer is pointing if it's on a turret mount or independent pole.
How to Enable the LiveScope Compass Display
Step 1: Connect the Heading Sensor to Your Garmin Force or Kraken
- Ensure your Garmin Force or Kraken trolling motor is networked with your Garmin chartplotter (GPSMAP or ECHOMAP).
- Follow Garmin’s installation guide to pair the heading sensor with the trolling motor.
- Power cycle the trolling motor and chartplotter to ensure proper communication.
Step 2: Enable Compass Display in LiveScope
- Press the Home button on your Garmin unit.
- Go to Settings > Sonar Setup > Installation.
- Scroll to “Compass” and turn it ON.
- Set the display orientation to “Heading Up.”
- Calibrate the Compass
💡 Now, the LiveScope screen will display a compass showing the exact direction your transducer is pointing.
Why Use a Heading Sensor for LiveScope?
✅ Improves Casting Accuracy – Know exactly where your transducer is pointing before making a cast.
✅ Essential for Spot-Lock Users – If your trolling motor is locked in place, the heading sensor keeps your LiveScope image aligned correctly.
✅ Works with Turret or Independent Pole Mounts – If using a turret mount, the compass overlay tells you where LiveScope is scanning.
✅ Removes Guesswork in Scanning – Quickly adjust and position your casts based on fish movement.
Final Thoughts
Using a Garmin heading sensor with the LiveScope compass option helps you align casts, scan fish movement more accurately, and adjust LiveScope positioning with precision.
If you’re running Spot-Lock or a turret mount, this is one of the best upgrades you can add to your LiveScope setup.
