Older Datamarine Depth Sounder Needs Cosmetic Repai

[rardiH36]

Cosmetic Failure - Datamarine Depth Sounder Display

The original Datamarine depth sounder/display on my boat still functions quite fine. With the expectation (or maybe hope) that it will do so for a while anyway, I am not inclined to buy a new depth sounder just yet.

But it needs some cosmetic maintenance as per the attached picture. After being fine for 30 years, what you see has happened over a span of only a few months.

Below is my anticipated method of attack. Thought first however to run it past the forum for alternative suggestions or specifics - particularly for any tips about paint adhesion to glass:

- From the inside, remove the back cover and then circuit board to expose the inside surface of the glass. Everything that follows is done to the inside of the glass.
- Put a rectangular piece of masking tape cut to the proper size on the glass where the existing clear area is to view the LCD display.
- Remove all the damaged/peeling membrane from the glass.
- Clean with acetone to remove all traces of oils.
- Apply several coats of a good quality black paint (I have some Interlux polyurethane enamel which is leftover from the last haul-out bootstripe painting.)

The display surface will no longer have any printing to identify it as the depth instrument. But I think I won't get it confused with knot meter which is mounted just below.

Thanks for any ideas.

 

[kenn]

If the unit`s working fine, the only reason I`d bother opening it up would be to change the broken switch. Otherwise, I`d probably look for some thin opaque plastic, or some sign-maker`s vinyl sheet with a self-adhesive back, cut it into a circle, cut windows for the display and switch, and stick it on.

If you do go inside, you could also just make a plastic or cardboard mask with the window for display. Less effort than painting...

 

[alexco38]

You have to remove the nut holding the switch to the face plate in order to pull the circuit board out.

Vinyl sign sheet will work best. You can draw it out using some drawing tool e.g. Visio and printer to make a mock up first. Once everything is good, then take it to a sign shop to have it cut for you.

Must less work and looks better. You can even have the original name on the Vinyl.

 

[berner73]

You might want to call DMI. They may have some old displays they could part out to you.

http://www.dmimarine.com/index.html

 

[Stu Jackson]

rardi, please let me know what you end up using. I went the dmi routine a few years ago on our depthsounder, and need to do some cosmetic stuff, too. Thanks, Stu

 

[Rob19574]

I second the DMIMArine approach. I've used them in the past to rebuild my identical units and they carry all sorts of parts for just about everything ever made by Datamarine/OEM.

- Rob

 

[rardiH36]

Re: Cosmetic Failure - Datamarine Depth Sounder Display

Thanks for the good responses so far.

One thing not revealed in my original query is that I once had the unit apart from the inside. Pulling out the electronics from the housing only takes a few minutes. The interior side of the glass is then cleanly exposed.

For Ken, the switch is working without issue. As alexco38 observed, the nut securing the switch through the hole in the glass needs to be undone to remove it. That I also did when I had the unit apart before. Since last time, hopefully the nut is still not corroded onto the shaft!

Thanks for the DMI tip, which might eventually be the outcome. I liked seeing on their website that a modern drop-in replacement for my existing cut-outs is still available. However, getting replacement glass or maybe a complete replacement housing from DMI is something I would like to fall back on only if the simpler ideas don't hold up. Further, although the back of the unit and the electronics will come out quickly, I already know that the SS set screws that secure the unit to the cockpit forward bulkhead are thoroughly corroded to the aluminum housing. The time to remove the whole housing from the boat so that I can replace with new glass or replace the whole housing will be much more than trying to makeover the existing one in-situ. Not to mention the $'s.

Looking at the picture I included, it appears that the original coating was some sort of press-on decal that finally lost its will to stay adhered. So the self-stick vinyl sheet idea has appeal. I'll investigate.

Stu: Its off to the mountains next week, so it will be a while before I can report back.

 

[Slim pickins]

I was thinking window tint, you can get it limo black and it might hold up to UV better.