Sounder Issues

[s4rs]

I have a MFD12, with a DFF1 and Airmar B45 Sensor. It has been flackey for a while and today it died. Depth is not being displayed. They only display is water temp but I can't say if that is accurate.

Is there a way to determine if my problem is with the DFF1 something to do with the B45. I haven't done any troubleshooting IE ohm out the connections. Thanks for any ideas.

 

[Johnny Electron]

The odds are higher that it is the transducer than the sounder but it could be either. I would recommend someone run the transducer with a tester like the Airmar TDT1000.

 

[s4rs]

Johnny,
Thanks for the reply. I called Airmar and they recommended finding a local dealer that has the tester. Problem is all the shops are out flat. If I can't get it tested soon I will put in a new transducer since they are not that expensive.

One of the dealers I called recommended ditching the b45 and going with a B60 which I might do during the off season. But this got me thinking, should I go all out and upgrade my sounder to a DFF1-UHD and get a chirping transducer? I figure if I am going to do the hole patching maybe I should think about upgrading the whole transducer/sounder..

 

[Johnny Electron]

It is an excellent sounder. I agree if replacing the transducer it might be time to make the jump up.

 

[s4rs]

One more question. is the transducer cable the same for the DFF1 and DFF1-UHD? If they are the same I would be more likely to do it.

 

[Johnny Electron]

Transducer cables are hardwired into the transducers. The UHD uses a high and Low connection wired directly into the sounder when the 10 pin DFF1 transducers are multiplexed (only +/- connection [low/high together]) You can't spice it because the UHD transducers have more wires.

 

[s4rs]

Thanks.. I will have to figure out if I want to fish a new wire. I don't think its a trivial thing but I will look at it. I might have to push all the pins our of the connector, pull the cable then reassemble.. If that is even possible.

 

[s4rs]

I ordered a new B45 transducer on Monday and received it today. I filled up my fish box with water to test it. Sure enough I got a depth on the MDF12. With this I figured I could pop the old B45 out and put in the new one today and be all set for the weekend. I did the swap and sure enough with the old one setup in the fish box no depth.