Depth Sounder Blues

[John T1594]

The RayMarine ST-30 Depth sounder on our 2000 H340 just died. I was able to get the display panel back on line by replacing the spade terminal power contacts and those from the transducer. However, the unit flashes the "feet" units, indicating (according to the manual) that it is not receiving depth information from the transducer. I cannot hear or feel the "ticking" from the transducer (from inside the boat)also as suggested in the owners manual. Every so often the thing starts to work - displaying normal depth and then dies again.Does anyone have any experience troubleshooting the transducer or the whole system?I will call RayMarine tech support but wondered if anyone has had any hands-on experience with this problem. I dread the thought of replacing the transducer since the wiring runs through many mysterious compartments, hidden wire runs and behind bulkheads. Also does anyone have any expereince with fitting newer transducers (same brand) into the older thru hull fittings?

 

[Pete]

depth finder blues

you are describing the same problems I had with my st30 depth.The transducer was bad and needed to be replaced. Good news is it is not a major job.Boat will need to be hauled if your tranducer is internal to the thru hull fitting and you will need to replace entire unit. If you are lucky you will be able to use the same thru hull and relpace the transducer only It is just depending on what model transducer you have, It is pretty straight forward remove and replace. use a good quality caulk (for below water line) you do not need to replace the entire wire to the instrument but would be best if you could. If not test with the new wire to the old wire just (in case there is a wire problem)took me appx two hour to do job (my floor was already removed)Be sure to use a backing plate (piece of wood) on the new thru hull if you need to replace it The good news is you can repace it with the new stlye that you do not need to replace the whole thing when the transducer goes bad again(read hope it does not) Good luck ! !

 

[Terry Cox]

John, contact Airmar Technologies...

at 603/673-9570 regarding your transducer issues. They supply many of the transducers to the marine industry. They were very helpful to me with my questions regarding the one on our boat.Terry