I have been getting goofy readings from my depth guage, but only when the motor is running. I put a multi-meter on it this weekend and found that voltage was spiking to 14.5 to 14.7 volts. I suspect that I have a bad voltage regulator but am curious to know if anyone else has had this problem and how they fixed it.
Depth guage error readings
- Thread starter Rich Woodward
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Reply to Depth Gage Error
Rich, The 14.5 to 14.7 voltage range when the engine is running is normal. That's the alternator voltage charging the battery. The battery voltage will be at that level when engine is on and then slowly drop down to fully charge level of about 12.6 Volts over a half hour or so after engine is off. The 'goofy' reading may be due to turbulance in the water, but NOT turbulance that is caused by YOUR engine. A few weeks ago I was following a tug up the Sakonnet Passage and when I was directly behind it (a quarter mile back) the depth alarm went off (I have the alarm set to 3 Ft. below the keel) and was reading 0 to 2 feet of depth (in 20+ Ft. of water). As soon as I moved to port or starboard out of the tugs wake, all was normal. If I moved back into the tugs wake the alarm would go off. A large fish or a school of fish passing under the boat will give similar results.
Rich, The 14.5 to 14.7 voltage range when the engine is running is normal. That's the alternator voltage charging the battery. The battery voltage will be at that level when engine is on and then slowly drop down to fully charge level of about 12.6 Volts over a half hour or so after engine is off. The 'goofy' reading may be due to turbulance in the water, but NOT turbulance that is caused by YOUR engine. A few weeks ago I was following a tug up the Sakonnet Passage and when I was directly behind it (a quarter mile back) the depth alarm went off (I have the alarm set to 3 Ft. below the keel) and was reading 0 to 2 feet of depth (in 20+ Ft. of water). As soon as I moved to port or starboard out of the tugs wake, all was normal. If I moved back into the tugs wake the alarm would go off. A large fish or a school of fish passing under the boat will give similar results.
No, my problems are only with motor running....
not under sail. The thing will read correctly, then seem to lose itself, showing various depths up to 60 - 80 feet then, every once in a while, lock back onto what should be the correct depth. Under power it is mostly haywire (which is, of course, when I really need the depth guage while finding my way into a cove, or new harbor). I have seen some false reading under sail but it is different, I saw as much as 6.7 KPH in fairly heavy winds last Monday and saw some momentary inaccurate readings but not the same as my under power problem.
not under sail. The thing will read correctly, then seem to lose itself, showing various depths up to 60 - 80 feet then, every once in a while, lock back onto what should be the correct depth. Under power it is mostly haywire (which is, of course, when I really need the depth guage while finding my way into a cove, or new harbor). I have seen some false reading under sail but it is different, I saw as much as 6.7 KPH in fairly heavy winds last Monday and saw some momentary inaccurate readings but not the same as my under power problem.
I also get the goofy readings
I had noticed that the depth gauge jumped readings all over the scale when I first left the dock. I learned that every 4 or 5 different readings it would give one that seemed correct; so I learned to recognize and steer by the lowest value. I have also learned that after a while it will read correctly and on a long trip it would work like a charm. It is that initial half an hour. I did not think it had anything to do with the engine as I have motored for hours on a trip with the gauge working properly. But you may be unto something as once the battery charges,after starting, the alternator reduces output. Someone told me that every ten years or so those gauges need to be refurbished and the transducer replaced. The manufacturer is still in business and you can look them up in the internet. I'll continue to observe and if it is that the unit is no longer able to handle voltage spikes Ill switch its connections to the house battery when it is not being charged.
I had noticed that the depth gauge jumped readings all over the scale when I first left the dock. I learned that every 4 or 5 different readings it would give one that seemed correct; so I learned to recognize and steer by the lowest value. I have also learned that after a while it will read correctly and on a long trip it would work like a charm. It is that initial half an hour. I did not think it had anything to do with the engine as I have motored for hours on a trip with the gauge working properly. But you may be unto something as once the battery charges,after starting, the alternator reduces output. Someone told me that every ten years or so those gauges need to be refurbished and the transducer replaced. The manufacturer is still in business and you can look them up in the internet. I'll continue to observe and if it is that the unit is no longer able to handle voltage spikes Ill switch its connections to the house battery when it is not being charged.
Thanks, I'll try that........
as I am convinced that it is electrical noise. At least until I become convinced it is something else.
as I am convinced that it is electrical noise. At least until I become convinced it is something else.
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