Depth finder reads - -

[Steve C]

My depth finder, which was working flawlessly for the past 3 years now, decided to go on the fritz. It started given me flaky readings the other day, it would fluctuate between the correct depth to several hundred feet (false reading) to - - . Now it just displays - -. At first I suspected something lodged on the through hull for the transducer. I took a rope tied it to a near post and ran it under boat to the other side. I slid it back to where transducer is and slid it back and forth to clean anything off, the rope came up clean, no scum, still only - - . Any ideas on what to check next?Thanks,Steve

 

[Doyle Gougler]

Depth Gauge Problem

I had the same problem on my Ericson 25+. Scrubbing the transducer button didn't help. I even sent the gauge in to the manufacturer to get it checked. It was OK. I finally bit the bullet and ordered a new transducer and cable. I don't remember what it cost, but they darn sure don't give those things away. To make it easier to install, I borrowed a trailer and pulled the boat up the ramp just far enough to get the forward third out of the water. That way I could take my time and not worry about water rushing up through the transducer hole while I took the old one out and put the new one in. Yeah, I know there is dummy plug to use if the boat must stay afoat while the exchange is made, but you will still get a lot of water in the bilge no matter how fast you are with the plug. It's sorta scary.I'm glad to report that my depth gauge now works fine.

 

[Gord May]

Transducers

have a finite life expectancy. Expect to replace yours after about 7 years, and be grateful for every extra year yours lasts.Gord

 

[Gord May]

FERRITES for RFI & EMI

Electronic cables sometimes act as antennaes, picking up unwanted RF signals.This can sometimes be attenuated with the use of "Ferrite Beads".The proper selection & application of "Ferrites" is quite technical (frequency, impedence, attenuation requ'd), but they are great problem solvers, if you know (or know someone who does) know how to use them. You might check with your local radio / electronics "expert".Gord

 

[Charlie on "kestrel"]

Same problem

My depth sounder was doing the same thing intermitently, always at the wrong time. What solved the problem was simply disconnecting all the wires, power and to the transducer and cleaning them. I'm moored in salt water and even slight corrosion here and there will mess up electronics. All this cost (try it anyway) was my time (all of 15 minutes)Good Luck