My depth/log is knacked - can I replace it without changing the tpondr

[lazarette]

My navico corus log/depth started playing up at the weekend, occasionally giving 'no signal' and hence no depth - not too handing as I was whizzing across the thames estuary at the time !

Question - can I replace the head unit and keep the same transponder hull fittings ? Im thinking of getting a Raycom triple display with speed/depth/log.

Also, is changing a head unit advisable for someone with limited DIY skills /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Any advice much appreciated .

 

[macd]

I changed a NASA Target display for a NASA Clipper a while back, without changing the transponder. It worked fine. But if you're planning to end up with a hybrid of makes, I'd check with the manfacturer of the new display.

 

[Norman_E]

Are you sure it is not the transponder, or the wiring which is at fault? A loose connection might give you an intermittent "no signal" condition.

 

[mainmarine]

Re: My depth/log is knacked - can I replace it without changing the tp

Hi Check here to see if your transducer is compatible with the new head you want to fit: http://www.airmar.com/pdfs/xref/xref.pdf
Malc
Mainmarine

 

[fireball]

Re: My depth/log is knacked - can I replace it without changing the tp

Try finding your kit on www.airmar.com - quite a bit of technical stuff on there...

 

[fireball]

Re: My depth/log is knacked - can I replace it without changing the tp

Pah ... you beat me too it! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[lazarette]

Re: My depth/log is knacked - can I replace it without changing the tp

Many thanks, I checked out that PDF, and I think I have this:

Navico Corus, 150 kHz
D P Thru-hull Low Profile P19 150A 19° 31-184-1-01 TXD300P:10M 91-170

Now I'm not too sure what all the numbers mean, but the part name is the same as the Raymarine st60 series here:
Autohelm (Raymarine) ST60 Series, 200 kHz
D P Thru-hull Low Profile P19 200U 11° 31-188-4-01 5099-028/
M78713
91-261


But, I notice the frequency's are different.
Can anyone offer advice as to whether the ST60 series would work with the 1st transponder mentioned above ?

I have checked out the cable etc. all seems fine, the head unit has quite a bit of condensation, and the yard told me it would need replaced. Somewhat confused as to why if its damp only the depth wouldn't work, but I'm learning that for East Coast sailing depth is pretty useful /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif And I'm trying to avoid another haul out this year!

 

[squidge]

Re: My depth/log is knacked - can I replace it without changing the tp

After you have confirmed your system is shot and not repairable(everything is but its down to is it worth it)It may be a simple connection at fault. Anyway if you do decide to buy new you can change it yourself as most of the wireing will be already there.Check the dimentions of the head unit, larger is easy you just make the hole bigger but if its smaller you will have to find a way to fill the gaps.Your new transducer could be simply bonded to your hull.
IMHO have a go, it will give you a greater insite into your yachts make up and if you get another problem at least you will know what you are looking at, not to mention the sence of achievement when it all works fine.

 

[fireball]

Re: My depth/log is knacked - can I replace it without changing the tp

Hmm .. I would say that the transponder wouldn't work with your current sounder ... due to the different frequency ...

A couple of tests you can do to see which bit isn't working on your current system though:
1) The sounder should make a ticking noise (when turned on)
2) The head unit will probably have 2 cables running to the sounder - there should be a recordable voltage across that with the sounder unplugged - on a Raymarine unit it is 5v .. (despite being told I couldn't check it by the RM helpdesk!)

 

[aluijten]

Re: My depth/log is knacked - can I replace it without changing the tp

You could consider to buy a Echopilot 'Trio Bronze'. This unit is capable of using many different transponders (including both 150 kHz and 200 kHz). It's not cheap but it's very well build will much functionality.

But, first make sure the transponders are still OK.

Arno

 

[lazarette]

Re: My depth/log is knacked - can I replace it without changing the tp

Many thanks for all the help.
I'm going to check the transponder, and if its good, will try the Echopilot option...

 

[Stork_III]

More likely to be transponder fouling/dicky wiring than the head display unit. Suggest you fiddle first.

 

[lazarette]

Well after all that it fixed itself.

Following advice from a different post, I turned the backlight on the head unit up to full, and it seemed to dry out. Now depth is working regular as clockwork again..

wierdness !

 

[hightech]

If anyone else out there is having similar problems or just needs to freshen up their system. Actisense make a number of transducer interfaces that will convert existing operational speed/depth transducers to NMEA devices, so you can feed to modern instruments (Simrad, Raymarine etc) or a PC or a plotter. All the standard frequencies are catered for (active DST modules).

Internet-Marine are a dealer for them.

Hightech