Echo sounder problem

[Guest]

Can running an echo sounder with no oil in the oil bath damage the system (it's an Incastec combined log and sounder, with separate transducers and one display, probably about 10-15 years old)?

A constant alarm tone was sounding every time I switched it on after getting back on the oggin after a lay-up of about four years, then I discovered all the oil had gone, but putting more oil in hasn't solved the problem. Also, the transducer head is a pretty tight fit in its well; although the sounder worked before, I've been told there should be plenty of room.

Any advice greatly appreciated

 

[rogerroger]

mine ran dry all the time last season until I fixed it properly over the winter - doesn't seem to have done it any harm.

As far as I'm aware it just won't work with no seal.

Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[jfkal]

What does the manual say? Sounds like a connection fault and the diosplay "complaining" that there is no transducer connected.

 

[oldharry]

The oil provides a mechanical bond between the transducer and the water. Air will absorb the HF pulses and prevent them being transmitted, but does not affect the transducer itself.

Far more likely is a connection fault - try some wd 40 spray, or an internal fault either due to damp, or disuse. Capacitors can fail due to disuse for example.