Transducer ID - BBFF3

[DTrol]

I am having trouble with noise at most depths deeper than 50' on my BBFF3. I have been unable to adjust settings to get rid of the noise/clutter and a clear bottom description. My thought is that the transducer may be faulty as the noise seems to appear a split second after each screen automatic adjustment.

I have a dual frequency, retractable transducer, in a bronze tank with a fairing, with the following numbers on the two cables coming out of the transducer:
Small cable: Airmar C189-02...C1225
large Cable: Airmar C190-01...C1225

The retractable transducer itself measures about 6" long and 1 9/16" Dia. The thru hull size seems similar to an Airmar B122. Any help in either troubleshooting the clutte problem or identifying the transducer for replacement would be appreciated?

 

[C-Bass]

Good afternoon Dtrol,

Thank you for your inquiry.

I am a little concerned about this setup. From my experience transducers similar to the B122 are rated at 600 watts of output power. The BBFF3 is compatible with transducers rated for 1/2/3 kw of output power.

We need to try and figure out what transducer you using to make sure it is not being over powered.

Could you also try and post a couple of photos showing what you are looking at. It will give us a better idea of the noise that you are seeing or turbulence.

Is there another tag on the transducer cable that shows any other information?

C-Bass

 

[DTrol]

Thanks - Turns out your right, the transducer actually connected to my BBFF3 is an in-hull R-199. (I was looking at my RD30 transducer) Now my challenge is to figure out why I have so much noise and clutter on both frequencies at any depth deeper than about 50'.

Any troubleshooting ideas? I've confirmed the grounding cable to the BBFF3 is connected. I read about a reset process - do you recommend I try that?

 

[C-Bass]

Good afternoon DTrol,

Thank you for your response. It can sometimes be very difficult to give recommendations to help fine tune your sounder. In order for us to get an idea of what you are looking at we respectfully request some screen shots of your sounder in operation showing your examples of noise/interference/turbulence you are seeing. If you can provide examples we will certainly review and try to give advice to help the performance.

Could you also provide:
What vessel you are running?
Where the transducer is mounted?
The age of the transducer?
Where you fish? What region to get an idea of water quality, temp, salinity ect.
Is this a new issue or has this been occurring from your first trip?
What is the grounding system on the vessel?
Does this noise appear on the screen for both frequencies? Or is it specific to the high or low frequency?
Do you know what frequencies the BBFF3 is set to transmit at? The BBFF3 has the ability to adjust the frequency up or down.
Do you have an genset for AC devices?
Is there an inverter on your vessel?
Does this happen at all speeds? Fast, slow, drifting?

We appreciate your inquiry and look forward to hear from you.

Kind Regards,

C-Bass