Transducer or ??

[jtmarten]

I have a DataMarine LX201 depth finder that shows 2-4ft all the time. Would that be a failed transducer or head unit?
Just don't want to spend $129 on a transducer if its not bad.

Thanks!

 

[Boatist]

Re: Transducer or ??

If it mounted in the bilge may have just come loose. Put some water around it and weight it. Also unplug it and check the connections to make sure they are clean.

 

[RickJ6956]

Re: Transducer or ??

I have the same device on the flybridge and it's doing exactly the same thing. The shallow gain control does nothing.

I cleaned the RCA connectors with emery paper. They are shiny. I used a burnishing tool to clean the center contact inside the jack. I took the unit apart and touched up all the solder joints.

I pulled the cable down into the bilge (taped to a piece of string to make it easy to put it back) and checked it for nicks and breaks. Nothing.

Next step is to snorkel under the boat to see if something is blocking the transducer. (Like maybe some bottom paint?)

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Transducer or ??

Thanks for the heads-up on the gain control. I had a chance to play with it this weekend while docked at the marina store waiting for my folks to get there. After adjusting the gain, it showed 75-77ft. I asked about the depth in the store; 80ft is what I was told.
I think the alarm buzzer is dead though. I had it set to alarm at 8ft, but even at the launch ramp it didn't sound. Looks like an easy replacement though.