Still Having Depth Sounder issues - Nasa Marine Target 2

[JayCbee]

Hi I am still struggling with my Depth Sounder. You guys have offered advice before and it kind of got working though I was never 100% sure. however right now I Pretty much cant get anything out it other than 1.5 meters constantly or slightly up or down which I know is totally wrong. Checked the oil level and and all ok and the transducer is in the oil. Past the marker at the Marina Entry and showing 5 meters and still showing 1.5 on my depth sounder. Its a Nasa Marine Target 2. Wondering whether to abandon the 'oil in a tube' setup and bond the transducer directly to the hull - the instructions suggest this as an option? Its starting to annoy me now as pretty useless. I can adjust for keel though to be fair its such a small boat thats probably less than .5 of a meter. The device allows for 2 meters calibration. Boats coming out of the water for a few jobs today for a week so determined to get this this sorted. Failing all else I may go for an in water kit.

 

[LittleSister]

Are you able to remove the transducer from the oil bath and dangle it over the side in the water? If it works OK then you'll know it must be something amiss with your oil bath, and if it doesn't it's either the transducer, the wiring or the instrument head.

 

[JayCbee]

Are you able to remove the transducer from the oil bath and dangle it over the side in the water? If it works OK then you'll know it must be something amiss with your oil bath, and if it doesn't it's either the transducer, the wiring or the instrument head.

Good idea Yes possible I will give that a go. I also may give Nasa Marine a call to see if doing anything wrong not much to them though is there.

 

[omega2]

As stated by little sister, also you could have a double skin, try a plastic bag with water in it and move around the hull to get the best return, if you find the sweet spot then smooth the area and fix the transy there. glue or mastic, but "work" it in so as to leave no air trapped.

 

[JayCbee]

Hi. Made a decision. Going to go outer hull at transom and doing thE work this week as out of the water right now. Thanks for replies.

 

[Plum]

Hi. Made a decision. Going to go outer hull at transom and doing thE work this week as out of the water right now. Thanks for replies.

What sort of boat? In my experience a transducer on The transom is very difficult to get in exactly the right place, particularly in a planning or semi displacement hull. If its not exactly right you will get turbulance and air bubbles as the water comes out the back of the transom and it will stop reading. You will get good reading at slow speeds.

PS, i assume you meant "go outer hull at transom" to mean outside the hull on the transom?.
www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk