Do you have a SD card in the slot? Have to be in snap shot view,then press menu once,then push the right side of the cursor. This will start the recording,then press again to stop. I might be a bit rusty on this. As far as the side scan make sure nothing is in the way of the transducer, also reduce the scan amount down. I reduce it on the bottom also,say if I am at NWR I will run the bottom about 20 foot. I get better returns. I am still learnin, A very good site is the humminbird side imaging forums. I have recived a lot of good info. A fellow is on from humminbird to help with questions. I know that some fellows will chime in here also.