Transducer issues

[TheHurtLocker]

Looking for some help. I was out last week and my gps/sounder had an issue. Its a 957c Humminbird, its been working perfectly for the last 3 yrs. The sounder quite working, no reading of depth, just the gps worked.

I did a shut off and restart and nothing no readings. Checked all connections from transducer to the unit and still no readings. I have been on the island the past week and bought a new transducer to replace, when taking the boat out today everything worked... I'm going to replace it anyway just wanted some thoughts.

Also since this happened I was thinking of installing a second on board for back up? Any issues with this, or mounting the second transducer? Can it go beside the first or is there a distance away it needs to be?

Thanks THL

 

[trophywife]

running a second ducer is a good idea. or a second cheap unit, but, if ya run em at the same time , you can get ping at your second unit, doubling depth, clutter, etc.. i got a cheap one hooked up at the stern.

 

[rockdog]

I ran into the exact same thing (elite 5). Depth flashing, can't mark fish, barely catch bottom unless I was in 70 ft or less.
I took my head unit onto my buddy's boat to test it, it worked perfectly . So I bought a new transducer, and it's working perfectly again. Marking fish , showing depth at 500'. I was real happy!! Likely is your transducer, maybe you hit something with it by accident?

 

[Bifmalibu]

I run two on my boat with no issues, a HDS-5 and a crappy, cheap lowrance sonar. I glance back and forth for peace of mind and they always read the same depths. The HDS-5 scrolls a bit faster though.

 

[spring fever]

Transducers don't last forever!! They usually consist of a quartz crystal (or several) that vibrates at given frequencies and give out a pulse of sound(ping). They can stop pinging-usually caused by a hard blow such as hitting something at speed. I have an older Lowrance LC 15 mt -the ducer went and I replaced it with an airmar P-66-the old sounder never worked this good. Yes you can run two sounders at the same time-just make sure they are on different frequencies.

 

[Rockfish]

My transducer begins to lose lock at times especially at great depth once it and the boat have been sitting in the marina for sufficient time to have a little weed/growth, small barnicles etc. start growing on it. The solution is obvious; keep it clean.