[CA] [CA11] Wonky reports on DS500X Fish Finder

[skipgundlach]

We previously had a different finder, which used a tri-sponder perfectly.

That is, it did depth, temperature and speed reliably.

When we installed the new unit (DS500X), we bought two adapter cables which let that transponder 'talk' to our unit.

It didn't do well, and the advice here at the time was to install the proper transponder - an Airmar B744. Enough internet time spent, and we had the proper unit with the right cable termination.

Except that:

The depth is very intermittent. Sometimes it's there, but mostly we get a flashing line dot line (feet and decimal). The good news is that when it DOES display, we've found it to be accurate, and with the available +/- adjustments, exactly right for water depth (as opposed to under the keel, the only choice I have on my other two depth sounders).

The temperature was previously fairly close, after the adjustments available in the setup menu. Now they routinely read in the high 100s - 160-180F - which isn't in the range of adjustment, never mind that this is new to this trip.

And, the speed is intermittent, as well. Despite being newly cleaned and installed just before our trip, mostly we get no speed (0.0), and when we DO register, it's under by perhaps half. That MAY be adjustable in the range available in the menu for adjustments. Our previous sounder had a wired impeller; this one is inductive, I presume, as there's no wire to the impeller, and a slot up the flap module to allow the transponder cable to come out.

The transponder is on the stem and about 3' deep. It should always see 'clean' water, with no turbulence or other flow issues. It was painted with transponder antifouling at installation, but likely even that is gone after repetitive cleanings.

This all sounds like an issue with the transponder, which would be a huge issue, as, of course, you can't replace it unless you're hauled, and we anticipate that won't be for at least a couple of years. Just by happenstance, I have a replacement (somehow different, as the length of the speed impeller plug is longer than the current one based on a different through-hull termination for securing the impeller).

Or, is there a series of checks and/or adjustments I can do to prove the transponder?

Thanks.

Skip