Faulty Nasa Clipper depth sounder

[mirror image]

I am getting no display at all. I assumed it was the display but then got a reading for a few seconds.

The transducer is in the boat. I checked the wire to the transducer for resistance and got no reading. (its like the vhf arial with a central pin).

Should I get a reading indicating a circuit?

I can buy a new transducer for about £30 but if it is the display I don't want to waste money replacing the transducer.

Any advice appreciated.

 

[VicS]

I am getting no display at all. I assumed it was the display but then got a reading for a few seconds.

The transducer is in the boat. I checked the wire to the transducer for resistance and got no reading. (its like the vhf arial with a central pin).

Should I get a reading indicating a circuit?

I can buy a new transducer for about £30 but if it is the display I don't want to waste money replacing the transducer.

Any advice appreciated.

there is no continuity between the inner and outer conductors using a meter on the ohms ranges

Check the connections with the display unit Power on OK? There should be no other connections or breaks in the cable between the display and the transducer... if there are check them very carefully.
Check the transducer mounting..... in a reservoir of (castor?) oil or with a blob of silicone or similar to make a good "coupling" with the hull

Manual on the website if you have mislaid the original.

 

[duncan99210]

If there's no display at all, then you get a display, sounds like theres a break somewhere in the power supply to the instrument. Check that through for broken/dodgy connections.

 

[alahol2]

Can you get the illumination on? If not I would be looking at the 12volt supply. I think the head should show some sort of display even if the transducer is not attached.

 

[mirror image]

Transducer could be faulty. No breaks in the cable. There has been water in the locker, could have got in under the mass of filler attaching it to the hull. I have not removed it from the hull.

I have checked the power supply and its getting 12.5 volts.

It shows no display so it looks like a the display is at fault.

Would that be the consensus?

Thanks for comments.

 

[winsbury]

If you disconnect the transducers coax cable from the back of display and turn it on it should display 'out' as it wont find the transducer, if it doesn't then the display or the power to it is definitely an issue.

 

[VicS]

Transducer could be faulty. No breaks in the cable. There has been water in the locker, could have got in under the mass of filler attaching it to the hull. I have not removed it from the hull.

I have checked the power supply and its getting 12.5 volts.

It shows no display so it looks like a the display is at fault.

Would that be the consensus?

Thanks for comments.

The transducer may not be waterproof at the top of the stem where the cable enters but otherwise should be completely waterproof.

There should not be any scope for water to get under the mass of filler attaching it to the hull. If it could then when dry there would be an air pocket that would affect it.

If there is never anything on the display ... always blank .. then I agree it looks like the display unit that is at fault ... what's the manual say.. I have not read it.

 

[mirror image]

Ah! I do recall it saying 'out' in the past. Looks like a new unit then.

 

[Seajet]

Mirror Image,

I have a Clipper Depth ( I think the best instrument they offer ) and I agree the display should be showing something if only out, BUT make certain of your power supply.

After that try putting your ear close by the transducer,if getting anything from the display / power unit it should make a faint ticking sound a bit faster than your heartbeat - well I hope so on both counts !

Good luck,

Andy

 

[Hamish H.]

Ok well MY problem is having had my NASA (target?) depth sounder checked through the winter and being told it was working but I needed a new transducer I got that and have now put the boat in the water - it is a through hull transducer - I have filled it with ultrasound gel - and on switching on I just get 88.88 without being able alter that in anyway pressing set or alarm buttons - any advice would be gratefully received......!! - Hamish

 

[yachtorion]

Hi Hamish. Welcome from another relative newbie! It's better to start a new thread rather than resurrect the old one. A lot of people don't read the whole thread before replying, won't notice the date, and will answer the OP question rather than yours.

If you disconnect the transducer what happens?

 

[winsbury]

If there's any trapped air bubbles in the gel it will probably cause problems. We use simple vegetable oil topped up to the brim so there's no air at all. I know others do the same thing too.

 

[Hamish H.]

Ok thanks for that ! - will try but seem to think when done earlier it does the same 888.8 - doesn't blink or change or respond to pressing set or either alarm......