Silva Star Sea Data log/sounder

[Jezlyn]

I have a Silva Star Sea Data combi transom mounted log/depth transducer. I have only recently fitted it, according to the instructions, but unfortunately it appears to be giving me totally meaningless readings (depth 71m in 4m of water, speed 1kt when actually making 4kts etc.) I have checked an re-checked the wiring and all seems to be in order. However, I am wondering if the amplifier box requires its own 12v power supply? Nothing is ahown in the cabling diagram in the instructions, but there are two available connectors.
Has anyone else got one of these and can they advise? I have tried emailing Silva but so far no reply.

 

[Talbot]

I have a silva star data and yes they need their own 12v supply to the instrument only. Should be shown on the installation book. Mine is an installed set rather than transom hung, and very happy with them

 

[Jezlyn]

Many thanks. The main difference between the Star Data Set in hull/through hull transducers and the transom mounted combined log and depth transducer appears to be that the Star Data Set transducers are wired directly to the instrument display. In the case of the combined transducer the cabling from the transducer has to go through an amplifier box before connection to the display.

In the instructions which came with the instrument the display is shown as wired to the battery, whereas the amplifier box is not shown as wired to the battery, despite having a +12v and ground terminal. I am beginning to think that the reason I am not getting any meaningful readings is that the amplifier box also needs juice to do its job. This appears to be confirmed by the Swedish version of the instructions. In any case, I am going to give it a go this weekend. It doesn't work now so it can't make matters any worse if I blow the circuit board in the amplifier box! If this fails then I'm going to buy a fishfinder!

Jeremy

 

[Talbot]

My cabling goes through an amp box for the echo sounder, but does not have any additional cables to those from the instruments. check the connections at the instruments again.