Transducer noise?

[ashtead]

Is it normal for a transducer to constantly click when on? Never found or noticed this on last boat but just wondering if this noise is indicative of some issue which needs fixing? It's a through hull airmic brand? connected to Raymarine kit . Been meaning to see how I can turn off maybe if noise cannot be stopped but seems to be part of whole electronics system with no separate switch ?

 

[vyv_cox]

Mine clicks constantly.

 

[noelex]

They can be noisy. If the transducer has multiple frequencies try turning off the lower settings.

They are less noticable at 200 kHz than 50 kHz.

 

[ashtead]

Thanks as moored in one of Monsieur vaubann basins currently will do some reasearch on precise make etc and if any variation possible before we set off again. It's just rather irritating when having a quiet sail when below.

 

[Dan Tribe]

I sometimes wonder, when seals surface and look at you, are they trying to say
"turn that blooming row off!".

 

[ashtead]

I sometimes wonder, when seals surface and look at you, are they trying to say
"turn that blooming row off!".

Don't think my French is up to understanding The seals here though.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Is it normal for a transducer to constantly click when on? Never found or noticed this on last boat but just wondering if this noise is indicative of some issue which needs fixing? It's a through hull airmic brand? connected to Raymarine kit . Been meaning to see how I can turn off maybe if noise cannot be stopped but seems to be part of whole electronics system with no separate switch ?

As other have said, the noise is normal. It will be an Airmar transducer. Raymarine electronics commonly used the B60 transducer, if that's what you have, the positive power supply is fed in through pin 1, opening the cable and fitting a switch into this wire would allow you to turn the transducer off.

I've not tried fitting such a switch, so can't say for sure how well it would work. I can't see it doing any harm to the transducer, but there is a chance that when you switch it back on the electronics won't recognise it without being re-started. Be easy to test, just unplug the transducer for a few seconds, then plug it back in and see if the depth readings resume. If they do, it should be ok to fit the switch.

 

[fisherman]

Don't think my French is up to understanding The seals here though.

Play them some folk music......

 

[ashtead]

Yes I think it is an Airmar 79 having looked at owners guide but pleased to hear ticking is normal . It says it has a cable tag with frequency kHz but nothing says it clicks in operation I can see but pleased this seems normal

 

[ashtead]

Play them some folk music......

Sadly have left the gramophone at home but maybe a Breton CD will work instead.

 

[Daverw]

Yes I think it is an Airmar 79 having looked at owners guide but pleased to hear ticking is normal . It says it has a cable tag with frequency kHz but nothing says it clicks in operation I can see but pleased this seems normal

Would you not expect it to click? That’s how sonar works

 

[PaulRainbow]

Yes I think it is an Airmar 79 having looked at owners guide but pleased to hear ticking is normal . It says it has a cable tag with frequency kHz but nothing says it clicks in operation I can see but pleased this seems normal

The P79 is 50hz/200hz and all of that type will click, not usually enough to be intrusive though. Unscrew the transducer and check the base is full of fluid. If it needs topping up and it's a water based fluid, you can use anti freeze, for oil based, baby oil or similar will do.

 

[bignick]

I used to have a portable fishing echo sounder. I wasn't sure whether it was charged and working so I put it in the (stainless steel) sink at home and turned it on. The volume of the clicks and the vibration waves visible on the water surface were both impressive!

 

[ashtead]

Many thanks for helpful advice PaulRainbow -will have a look

 

[fisherman]

Play them some folk music......

Oh for goodness' sake...see, the french word for seal is 'phoque'......oh I give up, sometimes wonder why i bother, bunch of philistines, what became of a decent education? burble burble chunter millenium hand and shrimp.....

 

[ashtead]

Oh for goodness' sake...see, the french word for seal is 'phoque'......oh I give up, sometimes wonder why i bother, bunch of philistines, what became of a decent education? burble burble chunter millenium hand and shrimp.....

Now in St Helier so hopefully any language issues will have vanished and have time to look further into issue

 

[TLouth7]

Oh for goodness' sake...see, the french word for seal is 'phoque'......oh I give up, sometimes wonder why i bother, bunch of philistines, what became of a decent education? burble burble chunter millenium hand and shrimp.....

That was a Breton the nose, I guess your joke Breizh-ed over our heads. I fully expect all Helier to break loose now, given we are reunig this thread.

Sorry (Buggrit)