Help with Hummingbird depth finder

[jklnhyde]

I installed a HDR 610 in my dash last year and to this day I still don't use it. Seems the thing thinks I'm always in 2 feet of water and it starts sounding it's gawd-awful, screeching, low-water alarm.
I have read and re-read the instructions and still cannot get it to give me a steady reading. It goes from several feet to 7 or 8 then drops to less than 3 then starts all over again!
I wish I had stuck with the simple fishfinder I had, but this thing is in the dash now, and I need to know if anyone has an idea on what to do.
Thanks.

 

[rndn]

Re: Help with Hummingbird depth finder

Where is the transducer mounted? Is it close to your outdrive(s)?

 

[jklnhyde]

Re: Help with Hummingbird depth finder

Well, the boat's in the water, but if I had to guess it's on the very lower edge of the transom, 24-36 inches away from the centerline of the outdrive, maybe more. I set up the transducer per instructions in regards to angle, etc.
Are you thinking about turbulence from the I/O?
It's in the flat area between two strakes; is there turbulence in those areas?

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Help with Hummingbird depth finder

Does it happen when the boat isn't running, if not the cavitation isn't causing the poor readings. Take it out in deeper waters and shut the engine off (neutral will work) If you see no difference, it won't be that.

If you check Humminbird's site, ask there online support folks. They may have some more details on if there are specific troubleshooting. They usually have an FAQ for each specific device but none are listed for it on their website.

 

[jklnhyde]

Re: Help with Hummingbird depth finder

Well, I took it out yesterday and it's just messing up when idling or moving very slowly. No adjustments at the instrument will keep it reading steadily or correctly.
At 25-30MPH it's reading steady and accurately. Very interesting...