Datamarine S200DL Problems

[Dean P]

I have a Datamarine depth gauge, model S200DL that is acting up. Two seasons ago the readings on the display started jumping all over the place but I'd say 60% of the time showed the real depth in between jumping from numbers below and above actual so I was able to reasonably diseminate the bad readings from good. Last year however, the frequency of 'bad' readings increased to the point where I no longer know what number displayed at any given time is the acurate reading. I've tried adjusting the shallow gain knob on the back of the head unit with no luck. The connections for the power and transducer (DX-110) all appear good/tight and free of corrosion. The front of the display shows signs of weather intrusion as there are stains from where water may have entered the switch on the face of the display for setting/selecting the depth alarm.

I've read some other (limited) threads on this subject with this particular model and have been informed of DMI Marine where it can be repaired.

Since this thing is pretty old, replacements no longer manufactured, and repairs likely costly I wouldn't mind replacing the system with a new model. That being said, I'd like to not have to modify my seacock fitting that the current through-hull transducer is mounted in.

Does anyone have any insight or experience with this transducer type and a same-size replacement?

Or, if someone can convince me that the transducer is the only thing wrong then I will consider purchasing a new one which I have been able to track down online and keep the old head unit. The boat is on the hard so now is the time to address this if I have to play with the transducer and/or seacock. Thanks!

 

[Stu Jackson]

You already have a good reference

so please use it. So, call DMI and ask them! They have repairs and replacements. Call them. I've used them, they're great.

 

[alexco38]

Datamarine problem

I had the same intermittent problem for years and finally resolved it without any cost.

On the back of the display unit, there is a RCA socket for the transducer to plug into. The wire inside the display goes to a push plug onto the circuit board. The push plug is a crimped joint and over the years, the crimp isn't good. All you need to do is to use a jewellers needle screwdriver push the copper pin out and either crimp it again or just solder it.

It is easy to open the unit. You need to remove the rubber boot for the switch on the front. You can remove the three screws on the back and the unit slides out.

 

[Dean P]

Thanks for advice...

Alexco38, I took your advice and pulled the guts of the meter. I checked all the wire-to-pcb connections and all looked good but I soldered every one just to be sure. I also checked all other solder joints and verified all I could with an ohm meter. Everything looks good but I may have fixed something. I won't know until the boat is back in the water... at which point it will be too late to fit a new transducer into the hull if need be.

BTW, last fall I emailed Datamarine with the same overview of symptoms and the response I got back was that they had the transducer for sale for x amount. Maybe he was hinting at the problem being with the transducer and not the head unit by this response I'm not sure. I tried to call Datamarine last week after Stu's suggestion but their number listed in numerous places on their website has been disconnected. So, that doesn't sound promising.

If I went out and purchased a new depth finder/transducer what are the chances of it fitting the same through hull fitting? I'm guessing pretty slim. Any experience out there with this?

Thanks for the responses.

 

[tcalef]

Hi All,

I just wanted to let you know, I acquired all of the old stock and technical manuals from Datamarine. If you need any parts or troubleshooting help please let me know. I should be able to help. I've serviced many of the datamarine parts already, and have had very good results.

Let me know if i can help!

tom

 

[Warren Milberg]

Can anyone confirm that DMI is out of business?

 

[Blitz]

Datamarine is still around

I know they are still around since I ordered new unit display covers and a paddlewheel as spares and got them last week. Used the info on their website when ordering. I got some info to make note of a new address but thought it was the same as their old one - as per the website. Info is on the boat and I'll check it later this weekend.

 

[Blitz]

Send them an e-mail if the phone doesn't work;

taken from:
http://www.dmimarine.com/

DMI Marine, Inc.
18 Commerce Park Road
Pocasset, Ma 02559

main phone number: 508-564-7491
fax number: 508-564-7497
email: dmi@dmimarine.com

 

[Blitz]

DMI contact are the same

All the information on contacting is the same in there recent brochure. Good luck

 

[John Nantz]

Tom Calef - are you connected to DMI?

Tom, are you connected to DMI?

Hi All,

I just wanted to let you know, I acquired all of the old stock and technical manuals from Datamarine. If you need any parts or troubleshooting help please let me know. I should be able to help. I've serviced many of the datamarine parts already, and have had very good results.

Let me know if i can help!

If not, what are you going to do with all the items you acquired?

And, what is your contact info?

 

[Steve @ DMI]

DMI Marine Inc

Hello Everyone.
DMI Marine is the only authorized Datamarine repair facility. We have a full service department plus parts & products for all Datamarine products and our own product line. While I am sure Tom means well, he is not associated with Datamarine or DMI Marine and does not have the knowledge or history that is required to fully repair any Datamarine instrument. If you want he job done right contact us at DMImarine.com.

Steve

 

[tcalef]

I'm not trying to get into a commercial battle. I saw the need by searching through some sailing forums, that Datamarine help was needed. I have posted on those, in hopes of both helping people get their instruments working, and trying to sell off the old stock and complete instruments that I have.

I am not at all associated with DMI. The stock I aquired was from the previous owner of Datamarine, from 34 Currier Road in East Falmouth, MA. While I never worked for Datamarine, I have all the schematics necessary to fix any and all of the Datamarine equipment that was originally manufactured.

While I was never an employee of DMI, I have a graduate degree in both electrical and mechanical engineering, and have been dealing with electronics for many years. So, if anyone does need help and find that they are not getting the answers they want or need. Please let me know.

Hope this explains it a little bit.

-Tom

 

[adentoscavanbussel.]

Hi Tom,

I'm interested in a the mastheadunit CORINTHIAN LX-360.

Kind regards,

Ad van Bussel

Hi All,

I just wanted to let you know, I acquired all of the old stock and technical manuals from Datamarine. If you need any parts or troubleshooting help please let me know. I should be able to help. I've serviced many of the datamarine parts already, and have had very good results.

Let me know if i can help!

tom

 

[Maine Sail]

A Datamarine Transducer

A Datamarine transducer will work fine with a Raymarine ST-60 provided the frequencies match 200khz transducer with a 200khz instrument. You'll need to buy a length of two conductor RCA cable. This is better than a one conductor RCA, that uses the shield as ground, though using the shield as ground will be fine and will work too. Once you have the cable you'll plug the female end into the male transducer cable cut the male end off of the new RCA to crimp the ST-60 connectors onto.

I have a 30 year old transducer running my ST-60 depth. It performs flawlessly and is significantly faster in depth change response times than the Datamarine instrument ever was.

P.S. The Datamarine hole is bigger than the Raymarine instrument so you'll need to make a cover plate to mount the ST-60 in if you choose to go this route.

I opted for not repairing my Datamarine instruments this time after spending well over $100.00 with DMI only to have the same exact problem re-occur the next season and be told it would need repair again....

 

[sailorbeez]

Re: A Datamarine Transducer

Maine Sail,
What is the wiring protocal to interface the Datamarine transducer with the ST-60? The ST-60 calls for a black, blue and shield connection. The Datamarine RCA plug would appear to have only two connection points. I'm about to replace my old Datamarine Link instruments with ST-60 and would prefer not to replace the transducer.
Thanks, Richard
Westsail 42

 

[imathews]

Tom,

I need a replacement LCD display for my S200DL. Can't find it anywhere. Please email me if you can help.

Thanks,
Ian