Problem with sonar losing signal

[bruceb58]

Re: Problem with sonar losing signal

That's WAY too low. Just the bottom surface of the ducer needs to be in the water...not the whole unit. You probably have tons of turbulence at planing speeds.

 

[MAC ATTACK]

Re: Problem with sonar losing signal

That is what I thought too. When I first installed it higher up I would lose all sonar on plane, but when I turned starboard the signal increased, so according to everything I have read I lowered it. Now the sonar is better on plane, but I lose it while planing. When the signal returns after planing out I get perfect bottom return at 35 knots.

Not sure I understand that the transducer should not be in the water, by that do you mean the face of it during cruise? I guess I might need to relocate due to it working better at that depth. I must have some dirty water in that area........

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Problem with sonar losing signal

Maybe I can't tell from the pictures.

The port edge should be even or slightly lower than the bottom of the hull. Is that how it is?

 

[MAC ATTACK]

Re: Problem with sonar losing signal

Actually that is how it was at first, but now is probably 1/4 inch lower due to relocation. Sorry about the crappy pics. It is lower than I have ever mounted one, but I lowered it due to using the turn test for signal. Man this is frustrating. Maybe too close to the prop for this one.

I think I will take it out in 30' of water and try several things, even raising and lowering at the boat ramp before I remove it

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Problem with sonar losing signal

I don't think the distance from the prop is your issue. If it was, you would have problems at slow speeds.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Problem with sonar losing signal

Maybe I can't tell from the pictures.

The port edge should be even or slightly lower than the bottom of the hull. Is that how it is?

+1^^^I have a p66 on my boats transom also. They are great transducers but a little bit finicky when first setting them up. First it was too high, now it looks a little low from your flashlight pic. You might try right in between. 1/2 the distance between where it was and where it is now. The port edge as bruce pointed out just needs to be skimming the water. (constant contact though) Maybe 1/8 of an inch below where it meets the bottom of your boat. The picture you shot with the flashlight is definitely too low into the water on the port side. I feel your pain... it took a bunch of adjustments until I got mine just right too.

 

[Fed]

Re: Problem with sonar losing signal

You'd think with an 11 degree cone angle as soon as the bow rises more that 5.5 degrees the return signal would start having problems. There's probably some leeway higher than 5.5 degrees but who knows how much & for how long.
I believe the software fills in the gaps for short loss of signal but with an extended loss like climbing out of the hole it could be enough to send it searching for the right depth again.

All of the above could also be completely wrong but that's my take on it.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Problem with sonar losing signal

You'd think with an 11 degree cone angle as soon as the bow rises more that 5.5 degrees the return signal would start having problems. There's probably some leeway higher than 5.5 degrees but who knows how much & for how long.
I believe the software fills in the gaps for short loss of signal but with an extended loss like climbing out of the hole it could be enough to send it searching for the right depth again.

All of the above could also be completely wrong but that's my take on it.

I vote for completely wrong....lol
Not sure what the change in transom angle has to do with the cone angle.

The transducer is attached to the transom. The transducer and thus the cone angle would change with the transom