Depth/Speed Instrument

[Steve]

I have a 1992 H28 that I bought used a couple of years ago. I am having intermittent problems with my depth gauge. Sometimes it will not even power up (blank LCD display). Other times it will show a blinking display with the last depth it registered, then all of a sudden start working again. I have inspected the wiring and all the connections are tight. I used a multimeter and I am getting power to the display head in the cockpit (even when it won't show anything), the through hull doesn't look damaged and is clean. Any ideas why my depth gauge would work intermittantly? I have included a picture of the display, unfortunately it is covered and I'm not sure of the manufacturer (I think it is a Raymarine ST60 Tridata). Thank you for any thoughts that will help me in trouble shooting.

 

[Landsend]

it's time

time to take in into service or buy a new one. If all the wiring is good and tight there isn't much more you can do.

 

[sailme2]

ID it first

If you can figure out what make of instrument it is, you might try the manufacturers website. Some have troubleshooting flowcharts or limited tech support. Be aware though, that some are more willing to help than others. Those that aren't too helpful should be avoided when purchasing new gear. That's the only way they'll eventually get the message.

 

[Mike]

transducer

It looks like a Raymarine cover all right. I'd look at the transducer next. They run about a $130 and are pretty easy to change. Did mine a year ago for the same problem, intermittant operation, and it now works great.

 

[Steve]

Mike . . .

Did yours actually not power-up sometimes? When I flip the breaker for the instruments, sometimes the LCD display stays totally blank. Sometimes in comes on and works fine all day, sometimes it won't power-up at all, and sometimes it works for a while and then shows an blinking depth and then goes back to working OK. Why would the transducer cause that (rather than just an inaccurate reading)? Thanks.

 

[Briann Smith]

Problems

We experienced a very similar problem. I had checked connections, wiring and transducer. Low and behold, I found a small crack in the wiring next to the transducer and it was a piece which ran through an area of the boat which would be wet from time to time. Concluded that it was shorting out because of moisture. Since my transducer was factory wired I had to replace the whole unit. Problems solved.

 

[Mike]

It always powered up

Steve:I must say it always powered up. What I got was an invalid data reading. I did send the instrument off to be checked on their bench ($30) and they blessed it as O.K. so I went to the transducer next on their advice. There may be a local electronic instrument shop in your areas which can diagnose your instrument for correct operation. I gotta' admit now that you mention more symptoms it does sound like an electric supply problem.Good LuckMike