Can I test sounder or log?

davidbfox

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I've got old and non-functional log and sounder. Don't really need either one, as I sail on a lake and don't race, but I can't bear things that don't work.

Is there a way of proving that either sensors or main units work, and thus isolating the faulty components, using a multimeter?

It's a huge hassle removing hull fittings on a tideless lake!
 

Danny

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I don't think there's any way of checking either using a multimeter. If you know anyone with similar equipment you could temporarily swap the main units to see if yours work on their transducers (and possibly vice versa).

I take it that the log doesn't use a withdrawable paddle wheel transducer and the e/s has a through-hull transducer.
 

William_H

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With the echosounder it is not likely to be a problem with the transducer. No it can only be tested by substitution.
Do you have any reading at all? is there any sign of power on the device?
I have just fixed a friends sounder. The power wires were copper not tinned and corroded to the point of no power.

His speed log likewise had corroded wires back into the circuit board which was also corroded. He binned it.

However if you have an indication of power on the log then it is very likely the transducer. This is a paddle wheel that spins. They frequently foul with weed and growth. In fact until I threw it away mine had about a 10% chance of working each time I sailed. I had to pull it and clean it each outing.
It is most likely your transducer can be pulled out of its tube for cleaning. You may find in all the bits in the boat a screw top or plug that fits onto the tube in place of the transducer paddle wheel.
If you are quick only a little water gets in to the bilge. If you don't have a plug get someone to hopld a hand over the hole.
If you can get it out then a hard blow to spin it should get you 10 knots. If it is no good then if you have [power to the head unti the problem ismost likely wiring to the paddle (corroded)

Failing all this you should remove the systems. (for binning)

good luck olewill
 
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