Trouble With Transducer

[dsafety]

Originally Posted by Flyfisher70

Okay, I believe I've found what the problem was or is, I'm thinking it's the GPS puck I have plugged into the unit, it's mounted just behind the head unit on a thin metal bar. The GPS puck is magnetized on the bottom, I'm thinking the magnet is interfering with the transducer somehow. For whatever reason it does seem like there is some interference with the transducer not sure if the magnet would be causing this a magnetic interference. I unplugged the GPS connection and the sonar started working. I have a handheld Garmin GPSmap 76 so this is just going to be a minor inconvenience.

It does not seem logical to me that a GPS puck would interfere with a sonar signal. My guess is that you probably did not have the power or data cable plugged in all the way the first time.

As Leo said, using Goop on the transducer is probably not the best way to mount one of these things. Other options include the wet mount, grease mount or just strapping the Xducer to the lowest point in the hull and adding enough water to cover the bottom of the unit.

The best way I have found to strap the transducer, (or anything else for that matter), to the hull is to glue a couple pad-eyes to the plastic on either side of the unit and secure with a Velcro strap. Another option is to get a piece of closed cell EVA foam, (the stuff flip flop sandals are made of). Cut a tight fitting hole in the foam in the shape of the transducer and glue the foam to the hull. Fill the hole in the foam with water or grease and press the transducer into the hole. If you cut the hole correctly, friction should hold the transducer in place. If not, you may have to add a strap.

Since water can drain away or evaporate, I have found that using grease as the conductor is the best way to go.

Bob

[kobra]

If you decide to mount with goop again, get the foam with the tranny cut out and goop it down. After that has cured, before gooping the tranny, place the tube of goop in a pot of hot water for a little bit. Doing this makes the goop flow better so you don't end up with all the little bubbles. Not having bubbles is very important as they have a negative effect on the sonar signals.

[Flyfisher70]

Originally Posted by dsafety

It does not seem logical to me that a GPS puck would interfere with a sonar signal. My guess is that you probably did not have the power or data cable plugged in all the way the first time.

Bob

I feel the same way. The GPS puck is not the original Lawrance receiver, it's an after market I picked up on Ebay for about twenty bucks. The problem is definitely the GPS puck pictured below.



When I plug the GPS puck cable in, the transducer stops working immediately, has something to do with it for sure, not sure what it is just yet but it's definitely causing a malfunction.

[GregAndrew]

I know that most FF manufacturers say that you need to avoid contact with the different wires (power, GPS, Xducer etc.) inside the hull. You might try to isolate the GPS cable and puck to see if it contiues to interfere.