Sonar troubleshooting

Problems with the sonar and their possible causes and solutions are described here.

“No transducer connected” message displayed

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Incorrect display software version:

Display software may be incompatible with your connected transducer. Ensure that the display is running the latest available software.

Transducer not connected:

Connect compatible transducer. Ensure that the transducer cable connector is fully inserted and locked in position, and then restart the display.

Wrong transducer selected:

Transducer selection is performed as part of the initial start up wizard. If an incorrect transducer was selected, the “No transducer connected” message is displayed each time a new instance of the Fishfinder app is opened. To view the Fishfinder image, press the Menu button and select the fishfinder channel you want to view.

To prevent further “No transducer connected” warnings, perform a factory reset and ensure that the correct transducer is selected from the bottom of the Boat details page of the startup wizard.

Damaged display connector:

Check that the transducer connector pins on the back of the display are not bent or broken / missing. If damage is detected, replace the display or send it to an authorized service agent for repair.

Damaged transducer or cable:

  1. Check that the transducer cable connector is free from damage, is correctly orientated and fully inserted into the display, and that the connector is locked in position. If damage is detected, replace the transducer.

  2. Check the condition of the transducer and cabling for signs of damage. If damage is detected, replace the transducer.

Wrong transducer fitted:

Check product and transducer documentation, and ensure that the transducer is compatible with your system. Replace with a compatible transducer, if necessary.

Scrolling image is not being displayed, or is intermittent

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Sonar ping disabled:

Enable sonar ping from the shortcuts page by pressing the Power button and enabling Sonar ping.

Transducer location:

Check that the transducer has been installed in accordance with the instructions provided with the transducer.

The transducer must be installed where it is , always submerged, is parallel to the waterline and in an area free from turbulence and aeration.

Damaged display connector:

Check that the transducer connector pins on the back of the display are not bent or broken / missing. If damage is detected replace the display or send it to an authorized service agent for repair.

Damaged transducer or cable:

  1. Check that the transducer cable connector is free from damage, is correctly orientated and fully inserted into the display and that the connector is locked in position. If damage is detected, replace the transducer.

  2. Check the condition of the transducer and cabling for signs of damage. If damage is detected, replace the transducer.

Fouled transducer:

Check transducer condition, ensuring it is free from debris/fouling. If necessary, clean or replace your transducer.

After cleaning or replacement coat the transducer using a water-based anti-fouling paint.

Wrong transducer fitted:

Check product and transducer documentation and ensure that the transducer is compatible with your system.

Proximity of high power cables:

If the transducer cable runs too close to engine and other high power cables the transducer signal may be interrupted causing loss of transducer connection and or electrical noise to appear onscreen. These issues may be more prevalent at higher engine revs.

Move transducer cable as far away from high power cables as possible.

No depth reading / lost bottom lock

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Transducer location:

Check that the transducer has been installed in accordance with the instructions provided with the transducer.

Transducer angle:

If the transducer angle is too great, the beam can miss the bottom. Adjust transducer angle and re-check.

Transducer kicked-up:

If the transducer has a kick-up mechanism, check that it has not kicked up due to hitting an object.

Power source insufficient:

With the product under load, using a multi-meter, check the power supply voltage as close to the unit as possible, to establish actual voltage when the current is flowing. (Check your product’s Technical specification for power supply requirements.)

Damaged or fouled transducer:

Check transducer condition, ensuring it is not damaged and is free from debris / fouling. If necessary, clean or replace your transducer.

After cleaning or replacement, coat the transducer using a water-based anti-fouling paint.

Damaged cables:

  1. Check the unit’s connector for broken or bent pins.

  2. Check that the cable connector is fully inserted into the unit, and that the locking collar is in the locked position.

  3. Check the cable and connectors for signs of damage or corrosion. Replace if necessary.

  4. With the unit switched on, try flexing the power cable near to the display connector, to see if this causes the unit to re-start or lose power. Replace if necessary.

  5. Check the vessel’s battery voltage, the condition of the battery terminals and power supply cables, ensuring connections are secure, clean and free from corrosion, replace if necessary.

  6. With the product under load, using a multi-meter, check for high voltage drop across all connectors/fuses etc (this can cause the Fishfinder applications to stop scrolling or the unit to reset/turn off), replace if necessary.

Vessel speed too high:

Slow vessel speed and re-check.

Bottom too shallow or too deep:

The bottom depth may be outside of the transducer’s depth range. Move vessel to shallower or deeper waters as relevant, and re-check.

Poor / problematic image

Possible causes

Possible solutions

Targets will appear differently if your vessel is stationary (e.g.: fish will appear on the display as straight lines):

Increase vessel speed.

Scrolling paused or speed set too low:

Un-pause or increase sonar scrolling speed.

Sensitivity settings may be inappropriate for present conditions:

Check and adjust sensitivity settings, or perform a Sonar reset.

Damaged cables:

  1. Check the unit’s connector for broken or bent pins.

  2. Check that the cable connector is fully inserted into the unit, and that the locking collar is in the locked position.

  3. Check the cable and connectors for signs of damage or corrosion, replace if necessary.

  4. With the product switched on, try flexing the cable near to the display connector to see if this causes the product to re-start or lose power. Replace if necessary.

  5. Check the vessel’s battery voltage, the condition of the battery terminals and power supply cables, ensuring that connections are secure, clean and free from corrosion. Replace if necessary.

  6. With the product under load, using a multi-meter, check for high voltage drop across all connectors / fuses etc (this can cause the Fishfinder applications to stop scrolling, or the unit to reset / switch off). Replace if necessary.

Transducer location:

  • Check that the transducer has been installed in accordance with the instructions provided with the transducer.

  • If a transom mount transducer is mounted too high on the transom, it may be lifting out of the water. Check that the transducer face is fully submerged when planing and turning.

Transducer kicked-up:

If the transducer has a kick-up mechanism, check that it has not kicked up due to hitting an object.

Damaged or fouled transducer:

  • Check transducer condition, ensuring it is not damaged and is free from debris / fouling. If necessary, clean or replace the transducer.

  • After cleaning or replacement, coat the transducer using a water-based anti-fouling paint.

Damaged transducer cable:

Check that the transducer cable and connection is free from damage, and that the connections are secure and free from corrosion.

Turbulence around the transducer at higher speeds may affect transducer performance:

Slow vessel speed and re-check.

Interference from another transducer:

  1. Switch off the transducer causing the interference.

  2. Re-position the transducers so that they are farther apart.

Unit power supply fault:

Check the voltage from the power supply, if this is too low it can affect the transmitting power of the unit.