nasa depth readout out of the water

smeaks

smeaks

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when standing on the hard is the "OuT" reding to be expected? or if the system is working correctly should I see some random figures (I understand it wont work properly) but form previous posts i am combining an old transducer with a new head unit. The out message could be just no echo but could be a problem with connection.
 
i find i get random figures, it works well when in the water showing acuarate shallow depths 0.2 under the keels. when i dry out it just displays random figures.
I guess this could be due to the transducer not being through hull.
 
[ QUOTE ]
still not got the hang of posting a link

[/ QUOTE ] Use the instant mark up. Difficult to go wrong then.

If you are using "quick reply" don't. In fact turn it off in your User options
 
I remember reading this somewhere, but I've never tried it.

Take a length of plastic drain pipe of the kind you get at B&Q.
Block off one end with a piece of wood or similar.
Stick transducer in the other end and switch on.

The pipe keeps the "pings" within itself, and you will get some sort of a reading. This reading will in no way be accurate as air has a vastly different density to water, but it does prove the system is at least working.

As I say, I've never tried it, so don't blame me if it doesn't work !
 
deapth sounders work on ultrasonic so need a liquid mediunm to transmit the waves hence the need for water ( or other liquid ) to transmit and why there is a false reading when out of the water. i suspect as well that if the transducer is fitted in a high turbulance area i.e when there are lots of bubbles, there is often a false reading on the sounder gauge.
 
My NASA depth sounder just says 'out' when I'm out of the water. If you put your ear close to the transducer with the depthsounder working I think you should hear the output signal as a series of quiet clicking noises. If you can hear these it's probably working.

John
 
thnx
I see what you mean, not sure i understand at the moment, will give it more thought when sober.
thanks for the help

Cheers Jack
PS in china so 23:40 for me . as if i need an excuse
/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
I bought one recently, and thought that "Out" just meant out of the water. It turned out it doesn't - it means the unit isn't getting a signal, or isn't interpreting it. In my case it meant the unit was faulty.
When working properly it gives erratic readings in air, varying depending where you point it.
 
I have recently done exactly what you have just done with the same Nasa depth unit. I got exactly the same result as you too - ie the new Nasa unit said "OuT". I had the same concern as you as well (I also wondered if it should be giving random numbers instead) and I almost posted a similar message to this forum.

I think the chance of both our depth instruments being faulty is small and I guess the "OuT" message is to be expected. Hopefully we'll each having working instruments when the boats are put back in the water.

John
 
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