Electronics dilemma

dmurph

Well-Known Member
looking for opinions regarding the electronics on my boat. I have a older raymarine E 120 with radar. The system has a well known issue with the digital sounder module dsm, which causes the system to lose connection with transducer. My system is acting up. I have already spent money in some fixes to this stover the years. I purchased a second E120 mfd over the years also thing I was going to network to my back deck, never did.

My dilemma is, do I spend more money and effort to send my units off for repair and hope it works. Haven’t ruled out that maybe it could be transducer either. I could see it being easily 1000 bucks to fix probably more by the time it’s all said and done. Or I thought maybe keep my system as plotter and radar as that works pretty good although I have lost gps signal from time time, and then buy a 9 inch unit new as sonar. Or would you all start fresh with a new 6 to 7k system. I don’t really want to spend that kinda money right now, but don’t wanna waste money chasing stuff either
 
I have 2 x E120's with radar and have not had the problem you describe. They do work quite well although the sonar image is not great. I do occasionally lose signal but is usually backing up or too deep. Comes back when conditions change.
I am going to upgrade all my systems to Garmin. Its a lot of money buy hey, that's what boating is for! Plus my Raymarine is 2004 so 15 years old. New technology is much better and more reliable.
I do have a stand alone 7" Garmin that I use in the back. It was about $700 at the boat show a few years ago with maps. The sonar display is way better than the Raymarine and its easy to setup and use. I still see those E120 units for sale for $800 to $1000 on eBay so you would get some money back if you sold them.
So personally I would not invest more money in your current system. Its 15 years old and the new gear is amazing.
 
3FEB8468-AE47-421D-BF85-4C4A59B468E5.jpeg Thanks for replying, ya updated new stuff wouldn’t be such a big blow if I could sell my used stuff, I just bought the second e120 display 2 years ago for 600. Tough one cause it has mostly worked. This is a photo of the sonar image I get.
 
Ray makes some really good newer BB sounder options that blow the old DSM units away so why not just upgrade the BB and transducer?
 
I have the DSM 300 and like I said have not had issues.I may have it for sale in a few months. :)
 
Ya tough call, completely happy when my systems work, just don’t like getting out somewhere and have it not working, especially now that I’m gonna be fishing all new to me areas. Was talking with the expert on repair these systems, it could be the MFD or the DSM. He speaks very highly of the e 120 classics.
 
17DA0AB3-00AD-4E25-AACB-30C11A5E666D.jpeg Sir Reel does your transducer end look like this

I’ve noticed there is a slight bit of play in the female end on this cord.
 
Ray makes some really good newer BB sounder options that blow the old DSM units away so why not just upgrade the BB and transducer?


What’s BB ? I don’t think my system would be compatible with anything new
 
Black box (like your DSM unit) and yes your E classic will display the CP370 with the latest software upgrade
The CP370 is a much better unit than the DSM
Update the MDF's software and get a 1kw Airmar transducer (you will need to spend this money regardless of brand you put in) and you will be happy with the performance of the sonar and save a ton vs a complete refit
 
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I have the exact same set up as you. I had issues with the connector going into the DSM. It would occasionally work itself loose in rough water. I pulled it up tight and zip tied it in place and no more issues.
 
On mine the black plastic nut would loosen a little allowing the contacts to interrupt. I zip tied the 2 nuts together so they could not turn. My issue may be different but my issue was gone.
 
Mine will be working fine and then the sounder screen will just freeze, stuck at what ever depth and screen not scrolling. Other times it will day dsm connection lost. Was speaking with left coast the specialist in raymarine and he speaks really highly of the e120 classic and said he could repair what ever problem is. Thinking I’m going to pull and sell my set up though and start fresh with a new system
 
Would think different if left coast repair was on the island but he’s in Langley, to much of a mission with to many variables for me to try a fix the issue. To bad as I don’t really require the latest and greatest, the e120 has treated me fairly well. New will be pretty nice, especially now that I’m gonna be fishing all new areas
 
Haven’t really had a chance to look around to much yet. Hoping there will still be some good deals after the boat show. Couldn’t make over due to the storms. Thinking Lowrance Carbon with StructureScan transducer. A friend passed on a deal he saw online for a pretty price. Will try the boat house and see what kinda deal they could offer and chandler first as I’d rather buy local but also need the best deal
 
Haven’t really had a chance to look around to much yet. Hoping there will still be some good deals after the boat show. Couldn’t make over due to the storms. Thinking Lowrance Carbon with StructureScan transducer. A friend passed on a deal he saw online for a pretty price. Will try the boat house and see what kinda deal they could offer and chandler first as I’d rather buy local but also need the best deal

I'll be listing a gen3 7" with total scan in a few days.
 
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