Connectors are often not inserted properly or the connector is not tightened and this leads to corrosion. Use caution when straightening a bent pin as they are relatively brittle. Check that both the connectors and connector pins are straight. Inspect the connectors and pins of the display unit and the transducer, checking for corrosion.Perform the basic electrical system checks above.If the depth sounder powers up but there's no display, there are four elements to check. If you've done a factory reset and all of these actions fail, you may need an authorized repairer. Transducer installation is crucial and it must be installed in areas of minimal turbulence or well clear of the main hull flow areas. Transom-mounted transducer units must be properly sited and mounted to avoid turbulence. Underwater turbulence is caused by the boat's hull form or underwater obstructions, as well as the actual water flow over the transducer, and from propulsion. Transmitted signals reflect back off the air bubbles, and this causes noise and masks the acoustic signals. When the boat starts to travel at speed, air bubbles are created over the face of the transducer. At slow speeds, water flow is relatively smooth. Interference may also be due to cavitation (see below).Ĭavitation is caused by water turbulence passing over a sounder transducer head and can significantly affect transducer performance. Never install sounder cables next to speed log cables, as the interference problem can be significant. In some cases, when you have done everything to eliminate interference sources, you need to run the power supply through a noise suppression unit.Īlways ensure that cables are installed well clear of heavy current-carrying cables. If interference still remains when all other systems are off, the depth sounder may have a malfunctioning automatic noise rejection function. Power down all other systems and then progressively start up the engine and, one at a time, turn on the other equipment to determine the interference source. In many cases, interference is caused by the engine, in particular outboard engine ignition systems and charging systems. If the unit is supplied from a circuit breaker, check the terminations at the breaker and also operate the breaker several times.Ĭhecking for electrical interference initially means turning off all other electrical equipment. Check both the fuse and fuse holder for any signs of corrosion. If the voltage level at the battery is much higher than at the sounder, then there's likely a connection problem.Ĭheck that all power supply connections are properly coupled, are tight and the plug's pins are straight with no sign of corrosion. Use a multimeter to check the voltage level at the depth sounder plug with the engine both on and off. Connection problems are a major cause of voltage drops and this can be at the distribution panel or at the battery. Start the engine and there may be a voltage surge or a dip. It's common to see displays black out if the sounder is connected to an engine start battery. If it's too high when the engine is running, there might be an alternator regulator problem. Verify that the battery supply voltage is normal, around 12 volts. If the display is foggy and shows signs of condensation, the unit requires servicing. If the display has faded, is flashing or just blacks out, follow the steps below. For each problem below, if all else fails, try a hard factory reset. Ensure that settings are selected to auto or default to the factory settings. Verify that the settings are correct, as straying fingers are a common problem. Before troubleshooting, read the product's owner's manual. Acoustic signals are affected by seawater and bottom formations, as well as biological material (algae and plankton) and suspended particulates (silt, dissolved minerals and salts), along with water density, salinity and temperature. The majority of depth sounders operate at a frequency of 200 kHz. Never shake or strike the transducer as it could damage the crystal. Depth transducers are normally constructed of a crystal composed of various elements and it's the crystal, or a piezoelectric element, that converts an electrical signal to an acoustic signal. The higher the output power, the greater the depth range and signal return. The power output of a depth sounder unit is important with respect to the range and resolution of the unit. Modern electronics have significantly improved the performance and reliability of depth sounders and fish finders, but sometimes they do fail.
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