How To Troubleshoot Echo Sounders and Fish Finders?

When the equipment has the following faults, it can be checked according to the troubleshooting table and maintained according to the maintenance methods provided.

See the troubleshooting table.

Interference test:

Checking for electrical interference initially means turning off all other electrical equipment. In many cases, the interference is caused by the engine, specifically the outboard engine ignition system and charging system. Power off all other systems, then gradually start the engine, one at a time, and turn on the other equipment to identify the source of the interference. If the disturbance persists when all other systems are turned off, the sounder's automatic noise suppression may be malfunctioning.

Always make sure that the cables are installed away from high-current-carrying cables. Never install a sounding cable next to a speed cable as interference problems can be severe.

Cavitation check:

Cavitation is caused by water turbulence through the sounder transducer head and can significantly affect transducer performance. At low speeds, the water flow is relatively smooth. When the boat starts to travel at high speed, air bubbles form on the surface of the sensor. The transmitted signal is reflected back from the bubble, which creates noise and masks the sound signal. Underwater turbulence is caused by the shape of the hull or by underwater obstacles and the actual water flow and propulsion on the sensor.

Transducer units mounted on beams must be positioned and mounted correctly to avoid turbulence. The installation of the sensor is critical and it must be installed in an area of least turbulence or away from the main flow area of the hull.

If you have done a factory reset and all of this has failed, you may need to contact us.

Problem: No bottom reading

If the echo sounder is working but there is no bottom reading, perform the following tests:

For new installations, check that the transducer is positioned correctly.

Perform a basic electrical system check for "Show Fault".

Check the transducer for ocean growth, damage, or any obstructions around the transducer surface. Check the transducer for signs of damage or paint coating. Clean the transducer surface with warm soapy water, never use heavy abrasives. Do not apply antifouling paint to the transducer surface. Small voids and air bubbles in the paint reduce sensitivity.

Check the connectors and pins of the display unit and sensor for corrosion.

Make sure your echo sounder is not trying to read depths beyond its range. Upper and lower limit settings can be set for areas with no seafloor. Consult your operator's manual for your device's sensitivity specifications and check that your settings are correct. Sensitivity controls recall in or recall out. If the unit is set to low sensitivity, bottom details will not be detected. A high sensitivity setting returns signal on everything and clutters the screen. Most echo sounders and fish finders have automatic sensitivity adjustments that compensate for ambient water conditions and depth.

Check for excessive propeller cavitation. Additionally, notched or curved props on high speed boats can exacerbate the situation.

If there are sensor switches on board, unplug each sensor and plug in the sounder. Switches can cause problems.

If all of this fails, you're out of DIY territory and you'll need the help of an authorized repairer.

Problem: Incorrect depth reading

If the fish finder indicates an incorrect depth, do the following:

If it is a new installation, verify that the sensor is positioned correctly.

Check the sensor for marine growth and damage.

Make sure no two sounders are in close proximity.

Inspect transducer connectors and pins for signs of corrosion.

Perform basic cavitation checks.

Verify that the upper and lower depth settings are set correctly.

Check the transducer cable for damage.

Problem: Unstable depth or bottom readings

For unstable depth or bottom readings, see the previous troubleshooting tips, then try the following:

For new installations, verify that the sensor is positioned correctly.

Make sure no two sounders are in close proximity.

Perform basic interference checking.

Inspect transducer connectors and pins for signs of corrosion.

If you have any questions during installation or use ova Echo Sounder and Fish Finders , you can contact us.