Common Challenges Faced by Fish Finder Owners

While a fish finder device can be a great help while fishing, it might be a bit confusing for some anglers. You need to learn how to use it properly, in order to enjoy its benefits. In this article, we have gathered information about the most common challenges that owners of fish finder devices experience, and some solutions for them.

Problem with Properly Installing Your Device

The place that you will install your device can determine how it will perform. It has to be installed properly. You might want to ask a specialist for help or try to do it on your own. Check this article with fish finder installation tips from fishing experts at FindYourFish to make your installation process run smoothly.

If your device is not installed properly it can give you a wrong image, not work at all, or be at risk of getting damaged.

The Display of the Device Is Malfunctioning

If you have problems with the device’s display, for example it has faded, blacked out, or is flashing, you should do interference tests, cavitation checks, and electrical system checks. If you notice that the display is foggy or notice some signs of condensation, your device needs servicing.

There Is Power, But the Display Doesn’t Work

In case your device turns on but there is nothing on the screen, you should check the connectors and pins of the display. Verify if there are any signs of corrosion. Be sure that the connectors and connector pins are not bent. In case you need to straighten them up, be cautious, as they are quite brittle. If this move doesn’t bring any effect, check the fuses and circuit breaker connections.

If all of the above fail, you should disconnect the plug to the transducer and check if the sounder unit powers up. In case it doesn’t, you need to contact the manufacturer for help.

There Are No Bottom Readings

In case the sounder works but there are no bottom readings, you should troubleshoot it. In case it was newly installed, verify if the transducer is in the right position. Be sure to run all the troubleshooting steps from the point before. Check if the transducer is damaged or in any way obstructed. You can clean the transducer face with warm water and soap. Never use abrasive liquids. Verify if the connectors, pins of the display unit, and transducer are corroded.

Be sure that your sounder is not trying to work beyond its designed range. Verify the settings of the upper and lower limits. Consult the manuals for all the specifications and check if your settings are correct. If your device is set to too low sensitivity, it might not detect any bottom details. In case it is set to a too high sensitivity, it can clutter the screen, making it impossible to read. Luckily most fish finders already come with automatic sensitivity adjustments.

Another reason why there might be no proper bottom reading is a problem with the transducer switches. Find out where they are, unplug each of the transducers, and then connect them with the sounder instead of through the switches.