Improving Transducer Signal

All transducers

Problem: Poor or erratic signals from the transducer

Symptom: Operator observes intermittent or no readings
                 on digital or vertical LCD display.

Causes:

1. Improper transducer mounting - The pictures showing the transducer mounting were incorrect in the original  Owner's Manual and installation instructions. The transducer "A" must be mounted with slanted side facing the transom "B" (electrical lead forward). Make sure that the transducer is mounted  correctly. If not, remove it from the mounting bracket  and properly position it on the bracket. The bracket may require vertical adjustment to make transducer bottom face "D" parallel with the boat bottom. Improper location or adjustment of the transducer, or uneven application of RTV Adhesive Sealant between transducer and the transom, will create a disturbance of water flow. A disturbance (air bubbles) will impede the accuracy of the transducer.

2. Transducer dried out - If the boat has been out of the water, the transducer will dry out. This will cause erratic readings for several minutes upon re-entry into the water.

3. Transducer dirty - the bottom face of the transducer is covered with a film of gasoline, oil, or marine growth.

4. Transducer painted - the transducer has been painted with unsuitable anti-fouling paint, reducing its sensitivity.

5. Transducer damaged or defective - Poor electrical connections, a defective transducer or a damaged transducer face, will cause intermittent or no readings on the sounder display.

===  Solutions:

1. Make sure the transducer is mounted properly. The transducer should be located clear of any obstructions that could cause air bubbles to flow across the bottom of the transducer. On thru-hull transducers the transducer must be properly secured to the boat bottom, using an epoxy resin. Transom mounted transducers should be parallel with the boat bottom. Fill any gap between the transducer and the boat bottom with RTV. Use your finger to smooth any roughness in the RTV. Gaps or roughness can cause air bubbles to flow across the bottom of the transducer, resulting in erratic or false signals to the Tracker.

2. When the boat is launched after dry storage, the transducer will require several minutes to stabilize. If the transducer is accessible, the time can be reduced by rubbing the face of the transducer.

3. To remove gasoline and oil from the bottom face of the transducer, use a mild soap solution to clean the face thoroughly. For ease of removing marine growth or calcium residue from the bottom face of the transducer, remove the growth or residue while wet. Marine growth and residue become hard and difficult to remove when dry. If a scraper is used to remove marine growth from the face of the transducer, use care not to gouge or scrape the bottom face of the transducer. Scrapes or gouges can cause air bubbles to flow across the transducer. causing erratic or false readings to the sounder.

4. Coating the face of the transducer with anti-fouling paint is not recommended. If anti-fouling paint is mandatory, it should be applied with a thin, even coat of paint recommended for use on transducers. The boat should then be water tested to assure that the sounder is functioning properly. If erratic or false readings are observed, the paint must be removed from the face of the transducer. Do not use any chemicals or solvents to remove paint. Use a scouring pad or a sanding block with 100 grit sandpaper to restore a flat, smooth surface.

5. If wiring connections are adequate and a poor or erratic signal is observed on the sounder, Test by turning the unit gain up as high as it will go, then lightly, slowly rub your finger on the face of the transducer, (or put your ear next to the transducer), you should be able to feel (hear) the pulses from the sounder. If not, remove the transducer and install another transducer. If improved signal is observed, original transducer is defective. If the transducer face is damaged, minor gouges or scrapes may be removed using a sanding block and 100 grit sandpaper.