Depth Sounder problem

[JustDucky]

I am currently sitting at Beaufort Town Dock with a problem Depth sounder. I am reluctant to continue into the skinny water in souther NC, SC,GA and FL without a working depth sounder.
My depth sounder has an inermittent problem. While underway it reads the depth fine then it looses signal and starts flashing. This has been happening more frequently lately and generaly when you need the info the most. It is and Autohelm ST50 about 20 years old. Of course, while sitting at the dock it is working just fine.
I have a tech check out the transducer and display. He can not find a problem with either of them.
Any ideas here?

 

[Stu Jackson]

Whenever there is an issue with electric or electronic items, 99% of the time it is the connectors. Of course, the other 1% it is the equipment itself. Without being there, most of us recommend you carefully check the connectors. By checking, this means not only "looking" at them, but removing, cleaning and reconnecting them, since visuals aren't enough.

 

[KD3PC]

you may spend a few minutes and follow the cabling back as best you can to make sure that the tywraps and attachments have not chafed through or pinched the cables....the actual wiring is quite fine and does not take much to damage it.

all the best

 

[JustDucky]

Thanks for the fast response.
I did remove and check the connectors but I can't garuntee that I did the cleaning properly since they are so small and tucked away. I will try this again.

 

[JustDucky]

The cabling runs through the grid support system in the bottom of the boat and is not visible. The only way I can see to check the complete cable is to pull it.

 

[Nodak7]

Ducky, mine did the same thing this past season and finally died. The transducer just quit. Here are my suggestions. If you have checked the wiring and connections check the transducer operation by getting a AM radio and setting it by the transducer. If the transducer is working you will hear it "clicking". If there is no clicking your transducer has probably given up the ghost. If it is working then you have instrument issues. If you search back earlier in the year I asked the same question and got lots of good advice. It turned out that I had to replace the transducer and "Pod". Been working fine since.

Also, as a backup go to the local sporting store and buy a "cheap" fish finder. Change the power cable so you can plug it into a 12v outlet. Get some plumbers putty, clean the hull stick the plumbers putty to the hull and the transducer into the putty. It will work as a great backup in case you get into a situation. I used this method while having problems with mine. I remounted the transducer aft and use it as a depth indication when at anchor so I know there is plenty of depth under the rudder.

I will look for my old post and if I find it I will post it here.

Good luck!