Depth Finder Question

[subkron]

The depth finder I inherited w/ this boat is made by "President" but it looks just like a Uniden Qt206. The manual recommends placing liquid detergent on the sensor so it does'nt take a couple of days for the proper "wetting" action.<br /><br />I keep forgetting to do this and cannot get any valid readings from the sensor. Is this normal to add the wetting agent? If I do apply the soap, does the sensor start working right away?<br /><br />'94 Wellcraft Eclipse

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Depth Finder Question

think it's probably a matter of where and how the transducer is placed. Is it an external stern mount? Mounted inside the hull?<br /><br />I'm not sure what you mean by valid readings. Are you getting any readings?

 

[subkron]

Re: Depth Finder Question

Sorry, here are some more details:<br /><br />Transom mounted<br />Readings sometimes indicate measurements in excess of 100 ft, when I know it's <10<br />Not even sure if I've gotton a reading that seemed close to correct.<br /><br />Here's the exact text from the manual<br />"Immediately before launching your vessel, thoroughly wipre the face of the transducer with a detergent type liquid soap. This reduced the amount of time required for the transducer to establish good contact with the water. If this procedure is not followed it may take several days for the complete "wetting" to occur, resulting in reduced performance of the unit."

 

[gateway]

Re: Depth Finder Question

#1 make sure the power source has between <br />10.5-14v and that the connectore is fully inserted into the back of the unit.<br /><br />#2 Your choice of where and how you mount the transducer will have a direct impact on the performance.<br />turbulant water or water filled with air bubbles will cause interference or completely inhibit transducer operation.<br />Apply a generous amount of silicone caulk to the surface of the transducer that will contact the boat. In order to ensure the best performance from your transducer, make sure no silicone remains that would disturb the smooth flow of water across its surface. Wipe off all excess silicone with a cloth or paper towl and make sure the transition area between the hull and the transducer is very smooth and that any gaps are completely filled.<br />Make sure the transducer is staying in the water at speed.<br />I have never had to put dishwashing liquid on a transducer to get it to work right. If you install it right, It will give you no problems.<br />good luck,<br />no4njnk

 

[crab bait]

Re: Depth Finder Question

WHAT-THE-HECK...LIQUID SOAP ..??? or DAYS for to be WETTED... ??? <br /><br />bit the bullet / cut your loses & 'DEEP 6' that sucka...

 

[demonicvanguard]

Re: Depth Finder Question

You hit the nail on the head Crabcake! It is time to upgrade!! Can you deep-6 inlaws too?

 

[tjthorson]

Re: Depth Finder Question

I had an Apelco 360 on my first boat that worked like that. It would read 120 feet and be fluctuating, and there was less then 3 feet of water.<br /><br />Turns out the prior owner put some kind of anti-fouling paint on the transducer (not the boat mind you). I put that thing in the trash and put on a Pirahna 4 unit and it worked great. Then I sold the boat and put a new Eagle (identical to the Lowrance, but $30 cheaper) on the new boat because I heard of people only getting a year or so out of the Humminbird units....

 

[Basenjib123]

Re: Depth Finder Question

I agree, Time to trash that old unit that you got there. I can recommend 2 units that both run under 400 bucks. The Furuno LS6100 and the Humminbird, yes, Humminbird Legend 2000 Deep. I have the Furuno LS 6100 and my buddy has the Legend 2000 Deep. I have to be honest if I toss out the "name factor" I dont know which unit I would pick. The Bird is about 50 bucks cheaper than the Furuno so I might have chosen the Bird if I DIDNT have the "brand name" factor going. Both of our units have only 1/2 season under the belt. Of course longevity is the unanswered question here so time will tell... , Good Luck, Joe.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Depth Finder Question

i have the ZERCOM liquid graph finder..<br />they sold out to HUMMINGBIRD.. the zercom & the LEDGEN series are the same thing.. exactly..<br /><br />i don't like mine for one reason & one reason only... when in the sun ,, the screen get hot & the screen goes dark in a major way.. & can hardly see a cotton pickin' thing.. after it gets outta the sun & cools down,,, it's o k...by that time i'm home...