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Section 5:
Sonar Troubleshooting
Unit won't turn on:
1. Check the power cable's connection at the unit. Check the fuse. Also
check the wiring.
2. Make certain the power cable is wired properly. The red wire con-
nects to the positive battery terminal, black to negative or ground.
3. Make sure battery voltage is at least 11 volts.
Unit operates only in demo mode:
The transducer or antenna module has not yet been connected or has
been disconnected.
Unit freezes, locks up, or operates erratically:
1. Electrical noise from the boat's motor, trolling motor, or an accessory
may be interfering with the sonar unit. Rerouting the power and trans-
ducer cables away from other electrical wiring on the boat may help.
Route the sonar unit's power cable directly to the battery instead of
through a fuse block or ignition switch
2. Inspect the transducer cable for breaks, cuts, or pinched wires.
3. Check both the transducer and power connectors. Make certain both
are securely plugged in to the unit.
Weak bottom echo, digital readings erratic, or no fish signals:
1. Make certain the transducer is pointing straight down. Clean the
face of the transducer. Oil, dirt and fuel can cause a film to form on the
transducer, reducing its effectiveness. If the transducer is mounted in-
side the hull, be sure it is shooting through only one layer of fiberglass
and that it is securely bonded to the hull.
2. Electrical noise from the boat's motor can interfere with the sonar,
causing the noise rejection level to increase, eliminating weaker signals
like fish or even structure.
3. The water may be deeper than the sonar's ability to find the bottom.
4. Check the battery voltage. If the voltage drops, the unit's transmitter
power also drops, reducing its ability to find the bottom or targets.
Bottom echo disappears at high speeds or erratic digital read-
ing or weak bottom echo while boat is moving
1. The transducer may be in turbulent water. It must be mounted in a
smooth flow of water in order for the sonar to work at all boat speeds. Air