Testing a depth sounder on the hard?

over40pirate · 03-07-2008, 20:13

Is there a simple way to test a depth sounder while the boat is on the hard. I picked up a like new Standard depth sounder head unit to replace my old one, and want to test it while the boat is on the hard.
Any suggestions?
Someone told me you should be able to hear the transducer clicking?

windthief · 03-07-2008, 21:41

I know that the AIRMAR transdicers have a clicking noise. You have to get your ear right up to the transducer. Other than that I don't think there is.

Lancerbye · 03-07-2008, 21:41

Yes you should be able to hear it ticking or feel the pulse if it is powerful enough. Using a hard surface up very close to it will show you a depth and will vary as you change it slightly. The echo through air is very different in speed than that in water so this is not a calibration procedure but will indicate a change in depth as you move the plate a little. I have used this proving method on fairly strong sounders, don't know if a small low powered unit would have enough strenght to do this.

**David M** · 03-07-2008, 22:43

Because you can hear it ticking does not necessarily mean that it is working. There are a few other things that need to work in addition to its ability to make a sound pulse.

Alan Wheeler · 04-07-2008, 01:40

Correct!
Plus, NEVER put your ear up to it. The sound is way beyond your hearing range, but can still do damage close up. You can't hear anything apart from the click, but it sure can hurt.
It is not a good idea to run a transducer out of water. The powerful ones that have fishfinder ability, can actually crack the casing.

Bert · 05-07-2008, 12:13

Hi! In the installation instructions of airmar you can find some hints about testing. I recommend strongly to reduce the transmission power of your system to minimum or use a testing tool for transducers because they are working with a low energy impulse. Furuno gives in its technical documentation some circuit layout for testing transducers, but you need a scope and I have to look for the document myself.

over40pirate · 05-07-2008, 16:29

I don't need to test the transducer, just the head.
Maybe I'll cut an old trash can to the shape of the hull and set it on blocks so its is flush with the hull and tape it to the hiull, then fill it with water, for a quick test.

I bought the replacement one from a used equipment dealer, and have about 3 more weeks to return it if it doesn't work.

Thanks folks

seafox · 05-07-2008, 19:55

If you do hold your head up to it, only do it for a few clicks. You lose 1 IQ per click.
A guy in our marina tried it for too long and ended up forgetting what he was doing!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Wheeler

Correct!
Plus, NEVER put your ear up to it. The sound is way beyond your hearing range, but can still do damage close up. You can't hear anything apart from the click, but it sure can hurt.
It is not a good idea to run a transducer out of water. The powerful ones that have fishfinder ability, can actually crack the casing.

exfishnz · 05-07-2008, 23:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by seafox

If you do hold your head up to it, only do it for a few clicks. You lose 1 IQ per click.
A guy in our marina tried it for too long and ended up forgetting what he was doing!

Did you need to take an aspirin after that event - Mr Sea-foxy-man?

Alan Wheeler · 06-07-2008, 00:49

Quote:

A guy in our marina tried it for too long and ended up forgetting what he was doing!

Hmmm, wonder if I once got to close to my transducer???
Now, what was I do....oh yeah push this button

Lancerbye · 06-07-2008, 01:45

I heard it was good for removing wax in your ears. So what's a little forgetfulness, it has it's upside. Every story you hear become a new one. LOL

fairbank56 · 06-07-2008, 09:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by over40pirate

Maybe I'll cut an old trash can to the shape of the hull and set it on blocks so its is flush with the hull and tape it to the hiull, then fill it with water, for a quick test.

In my shop, I use a 10' length of pvc pipe with a cap on one end, standing straight up and filled with water. A B&G transducer, made by Airmar, works just fine sitting in the top of the pipe with the bottom resting on a cement floor. I have a tee with a screw cap on it near the bottom for draining if necessary. Iv'e never tried this on a boat on the hard, but don't see why it wouldn't work as long as you can get the water level up against the transducer.

Eric

over40pirate · 06-07-2008, 10:48

Fairbank56, Thanks for that idea. I will try it. What diameter pvc pipe do you use? I think I hava length of 4 or 6 inch behind the barn.

Alan Wheeler · 06-07-2008, 13:50

Quote:

I heard it was good for removing wax in your ears.

It's the removing by blowing it out the other ear that I am concerned with.

Vasco · 06-07-2008, 15:28

Just hold a radio on the am band next to it, you'll hear the ticking (if it's working).

03-07-2008, 20:13	#1
over40pirate Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 134 Images: 2	Testing a depth sounder on the hard? Is there a simple way to test a depth sounder while the boat is on the hard. I picked up a like new Standard depth sounder head unit to replace my old one, and want to test it while the boat is on the hard. Any suggestions? Someone told me you should be able to hear the transducer clicking?

03-07-2008, 21:41	#2
windthief Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Shelter Island Marina Boat: Cal, 2-30, 35ft - Windthief Posts: 113 Images: 91	That's right I know that the AIRMAR transdicers have a clicking noise. You have to get your ear right up to the transducer. Other than that I don't think there is. __________________ Brad D. S.V. WINDTHIEF WWW.WINDTHIEF.COM

03-07-2008, 21:41	#3
Lancerbye Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Middle East in the winter, West Coast of Canada in the summer for this year. Boat: Lancer 44 Motorsailer Posts: 594 Images: 27	Yes you should be able to hear it ticking or feel the pulse if it is powerful enough. Using a hard surface up very close to it will show you a depth and will vary as you change it slightly. The echo through air is very different in speed than that in water so this is not a calibration procedure but will indicate a change in depth as you move the plate a little. I have used this proving method on fairly strong sounders, don't know if a small low powered unit would have enough strenght to do this. __________________ The basis of accomplishment is in never quitting Mengzi Meng-tse

03-07-2008, 22:43	#4
David M Moderator Site Helper Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: San Francisco Bay Posts: 2,706	Because you can hear it ticking does not necessarily mean that it is working. There are a few other things that need to work in addition to its ability to make a sound pulse. __________________ David Whenever I find myself growing grim...whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul...I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can. -HERMAN MELVILLE, Moby Dick

04-07-2008, 01:40	#5
Alan Wheeler Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Marlborough Sounds. New Zealand Boat: Hartley Tahitian 45ft. Leisure Lady Posts: 8,044 Images: 102	Correct! Plus, NEVER put your ear up to it. The sound is way beyond your hearing range, but can still do damage close up. You can't hear anything apart from the click, but it sure can hurt. It is not a good idea to run a transducer out of water. The powerful ones that have fishfinder ability, can actually crack the casing. __________________ Wheels For God so loved the world..........He didn't send a committee.

05-07-2008, 12:13	#6
Bert Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: La Paz, Mexico Boat: looking for catamaran 40-50ft Posts: 11 Images: 4	Hi! In the installation instructions of airmar you can find some hints about testing. I recommend strongly to reduce the transmission power of your system to minimum or use a testing tool for transducers because they are working with a low energy impulse. Furuno gives in its technical documentation some circuit layout for testing transducers, but you need a scope and I have to look for the document myself. __________________ Regards Bert --------------------------------------- http://nautical-electronics.com

05-07-2008, 16:29	#7
over40pirate Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 134 Images: 2	I don't need to test the transducer, just the head. Maybe I'll cut an old trash can to the shape of the hull and set it on blocks so its is flush with the hull and tape it to the hiull, then fill it with water, for a quick test. I bought the replacement one from a used equipment dealer, and have about 3 more weeks to return it if it doesn't work. Thanks folks

06-07-2008, 01:45	#11
Lancerbye Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Middle East in the winter, West Coast of Canada in the summer for this year. Boat: Lancer 44 Motorsailer Posts: 594 Images: 27	I heard it was good for removing wax in your ears. So what's a little forgetfulness, it has it's upside. Every story you hear become a new one. LOL __________________ The basis of accomplishment is in never quitting Mengzi Meng-tse

06-07-2008, 10:48	#13
over40pirate Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 134 Images: 2	Fairbank56, Thanks for that idea. I will try it. What diameter pvc pipe do you use? I think I hava length of 4 or 6 inch behind the barn.

06-07-2008, 15:28	#15
Vasco Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Toronto in summer, further south in winter. Boat: CS36Merlin, "La Belle Aurore" Ben393 "Breathless" Posts: 1,802 Images: 34	Just hold a radio on the am band next to it, you'll hear the ticking (if it's working). __________________ Rick I Toronto

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