Ok I'm still having a lot of trouble getting my new depth finder working for me. I have an elite 5 hdi. I have the settings on auto and shallow water, but I still see what looks like to me a lot of interference or something. I know that all applications and water is different but what would be a good starting settings for water no deeper than. 15-20' thanks in advance for all the help guys!

I also have same unit---elite 5 hdi combo.  I would leave on shallow and auto for now.  You can adjust later.  Best is to spend time on water-not fishing-and play with controls as you pass over weeds, soft bottom, hard bottom, etc.  I plan on doing more of this once water opens up and Ive had mine one season so far.  Also try adjusting sensitivity up and down to get rid of some of the surface clutter.  Most say sensitivity should be 60-70%.  I cant recall where mine is set at right now.  

 

Also, if your transducer is too close to a motor or wired to trolling motor battery can be an issue.  Placement of transducer to just skimming water or just below surface is important.  I plan on wiring my finder to its own battery as leaving it on can drain the starting battery somewhat.

 

Lots of good articles out here on what you are looking for.  Search elite 5 or Lowrance, or transducer.  Wayne P. on here is very knowledgeable about electronics and associative.

Best to you.