Speed over water not working

Tally Ho · Sep 2, 2024

Sounds like wiring if the wheel spins but still has 0.0 on the readout.

Greg

kappykaplan · Sep 2, 2024

Tally Ho said:
Sounds like wiring if the wheel spins but still has 0.0 on the readout.

dlochner · Sep 2, 2024

Can you give us a little more information on the system? Which 9" plotter, what's on the system, etc.

In the mean time make sure all the network connections are good and solid. If this is a NMEA 2000 system make sure the backbone is properly terminated. Go into the System settings and look for Network. First go to the Devices menu and rescan the system. Does the CP see the transducer? Then go to the Sources menu and make sure On that menu there should be a Sources option, look for Speed Thru Water, is the transducer selected as the device to provide Speed Through Water?

This should get your started.

dlochner · Sep 2, 2024

Captain W said:
That’s helpful.
I have a pretty simple system, just really a chartplotter, a HALO radar and a Triton 2 repeater display. I think it is a NMEA 2000 system. I will see if the system is detecting the sensor or if perhaps it somehow got unselected.

Thanks.

On the Triton 2 display, press menu and go to System. Then dig around a bit and select "Global Reset" and select that. And it is entirely possible the electronics in the transducer are failing. Airmar makes the transducer and they have been known to fail. My Airmar Depth/Speed/Temp transducer tells me the water temp is 133°F. I'm pretty sure the Atlantic off the coast of Nova Scotia is not 133°.

Davidasailor26 · Sep 2, 2024

If you’re seeing 0’s and not dashes I think that means the transducer is talking on the network. Do you have the blank plug for the thru-hull? If so I’d pull the transducer and spin the paddle wheel while someone watches the display to see if it reads anything. That way you could narrow down the problem to either the electronics or a jammed or fouled wheel. The wheel itself could have gone bad too - I’ve had mine loose a tooth and not spin when the boat is moving slow. The wheel can be replaced inexpensively enough. It certainly could be the sensor in the transducer, but I’d check the cheaper options first.

Davidasailor26 · Sep 2, 2024

On the Zeus you can also go into Settings -> Network -> Device List. That should show you everything on the network. I expect you’ll see the transducer there. You can tap on it and select “Data” to see all the data coming from it. You’ll probably see speed through water of 0. That will confirm that it’s sending (incorrect) data onto the NMEA network.

Scott T-Bird · Sep 3, 2024

If you bought the transducer within the past 2 years it should be on warranty. Call B&G service dept. It's a PIA because it may take literally hours to get thru. Once you finally get thru they are very helpful. Be sure to call when they open at 8:30 (eastern time zone). Whatever you do, don't lose your space in the que.

My wind transducer was reading "0" for wind speed once I finally had it paired (wireless system). That was key - that it was 0 and not dashes. B&G sent me a new transducer on warranty while I sent the original one back to them for the credit. Once you have verified that the wheel spins and the instrument reads 0 then get on the phone with the service dept at the earliest opportunity no matter how difficult it proves to be. Even if you think that the warranty has expired, I would call the service dept anyway and see how they can help you. I found the service dept. to be very reasonable and helpful, even tho it is difficult to get them on the phone.

You got a blank plug with the transducer when you bought it. Double check everywhere because you should have it if you didn't throw it away. You can also buy one because it may be essential to remove your ducer when hauling the boat so it doesn't get damaged.

Be sure to have your serial numbers available when you call. Serial numbers for all devices are listed in the Devise List that you call up on the CP.