Understanding AHRS (Attitude Heading Reference System) on Garmin LiveScope LVS32 and LVS34

AHRS (Attitude Heading Reference System) is an image stabilization feature on Garmin LiveScope that automatically corrects for boat movement and adjusts your transducer’s orientation. If your screen is rocking or tilting in rough water, AHRS helps stabilize the image—but if you need fine-tuned control, you can manually adjust Pitch Angle.

What Does AHRS Do?

AHRS is essentially a built-in gyroscope that detects and corrects for changes in boat angle, transducer movement, and mounting orientation.

• Stabilizes the Image – If the boat is rocking in waves or moving slightly, AHRS keeps the sonar display level.
• Auto-Adjusts Orientation – Whether you're using Forward, Down, or Perspective Mode, AHRS detects the transducer's positioning and adjusts the image accordingly.
• Reduces the Need for Manual Adjustments – With AHRS on, the system automatically corrects for boat motion, so you don’t have to fine-tune the image manually.

When Should You Use AHRS?

AHRS is best for most fishing conditions, especially if you’re moving or fishing in rougher water. Here’s when it helps:

• If Your Screen is Rocking or Tilting – AHRS stabilizes the image, so fish and structure stay level even if your boat moves.
• When Changing Orientations – AHRS automatically recognizes whether you’re in Forward, Down, or Perspective Mode and adjusts the sonar image accordingly.
• If You Don’t Want to Adjust Pitch Angle Manually – With AHRS on, you don’t have to fine-tune Pitch Angle to correct for tilt.

However, some anglers prefer to turn AHRS off when stationary, especially in calm water, to make manual adjustments with Pitch Angle instead.

AHRS vs. Manual Pitch Angle

• With AHRS ON: The system automatically stabilizes the screen and keeps the bottom level.
• With AHRS OFF: You can manually adjust Pitch Angle to correct for tilt in a controlled way.

If AHRS is on but the screen still looks off, you can turn it off and adjust Pitch Angle manually:

1. Find a flat-bottom area where the bottom should appear level.
2. Turn off AHRS in the menu.
3. Adjust Pitch Angle until the bottom is horizontal.
4. Test in different conditions to ensure accuracy.

The Trade-Off: Auto-Stabilization vs. Manual Control

AHRS is a great tool for keeping your screen stable, but there are times when turning it off and using Pitch Angle manually makes sense:

• AHRS is Best for Rough Water or Moving Conditions – Keeps the image stable when the boat is rocking.
• Turning AHRS Off is Best for Stationary Fishing in Calm Water – Allows manual Pitch Angle adjustment for precise leveling.
• If the Image Still Looks Off, Try Manual Pitch Angle – AHRS can misinterpret some angles, so manual tuning is sometimes needed.

Practical Tips for Using AHRS

1. Leave It On for Most Situations – It does a good job of stabilizing your sonar image.
2. Turn It Off and Use Pitch Angle If the Bottom Looks Slanted – A quick manual adjustment can sometimes give a better result.
3. Test AHRS in Different Conditions – See how it behaves in rough vs. calm water to determine what works best for your setup.
4. Remember That AHRS Also Auto-Adjusts Orientation – If you switch between Forward, Down, and Perspective Mode, AHRS will automatically recognize and adjust the display.

Final Thoughts

AHRS is a powerful tool for stabilizing LiveScope images and ensuring your transducer is in the correct orientation. If your screen is rocking, leave AHRS on—but if the bottom looks slanted in calm water, turning it off and manually adjusting Pitch Angle can help.