Structure Scan Issues

Chief-C · Post by **Chief-C** » Tue Aug 13, 2013 4:42 am

I've been having an intermittent problem with my HDS-10 Gen 2 and LSS-1. At random times and duration, the structure scan sets to a depth of 1.4 ft and displays clutter. I recorded an event and attached a screen shot of the display. I've checked cable connections, completed soft and hard unit resets . I loaded software version 2.1.45.144 onto the unit, but haven't tested it yet. Beside these random events, the unit is operating very well. Has anyone else had a similar issue?

Chief-C · Post by **Chief-C** » Sun Aug 18, 2013 3:04 am

No luck with the software update. There was a change though...now the downscan stays normal, when the structure scan drop out. Looks like I'll have to return the unit.

Chief-C · Post by **Chief-C** » Mon Sep 30, 2013 9:14 am

Good news and bad news. I returned the HDS-10 and they sent me a replacement (great service...took about 2 weeks with shipping) . The sonar problem is solved, but the structure scan still randomly drops out. It appears the auto ranging feature looses track of the bottom and goes to 1.4ft (range goes to 10). I attached a screenshot of a previous sonar log that shows an event. While on the lake I was able to zoom out and find the bottom again. The unit is functional, but it's a little irritating. Anyone have a similar problem?

Ken Sauret · Post by **Ken Sauret** » Tue Oct 01, 2013 7:15 pm

I've never seen this before and I haven't seen a Structure Scan ducer fail so I would point to the module. Possibly a software problem?

Chief-C · Post by **Chief-C** » Wed Oct 02, 2013 3:47 am

I've just updated the replacement HSD-10 with the latest software, but haven't had the opportunity to put it in the water. Still, it strikes me as odd that both HDS-10s would have the same issue. When you say "module", are you referring to the LSS-1?

Ken Sauret · Post by **Ken Sauret** » Tue Oct 08, 2013 7:03 pm

I'm talking about the black box that the transducer plugs into that connects to the head unit via an ethernet cable. This black box is where the software is located that talks to the head unit.

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Sun Oct 27, 2013 10:47 am

This is an unusual display, and raises several questions to me. It would be helpful to know the transducer location, type of boat, and show a picture of the transducer mounting location to provide the best advice. Also, your images don't show any information at all that would help, like is this with 455 kHz or 800 kHz, or does the problem occur with both?

The situation appears to be one in which the transducer is losing its lock on the bottom; so it then goes through different ranges to find a bottom lock. If you could look at your StructureScan box when this occurs, a blinking green LED would confirm that you are losing bottom lock (when locked the green LED stays on constant).

Then the trick would be to find what is causing the transducer to lose bottom lock...maybe a loose ethernet connection, bad ethernet cable (not uncommon since it is easy to damage these when pulling them during the rigging), bad transducer connection at the StructureScan box (disconnect and look for corrosion or bent pins), even a bad ground wire or power wire or fuse connection (not likely in your case since the image continues even when range is short).

Blocking the transducer signal is another cause for this, which is why knowing more about your installation would be helpful. If the signal is blocked by sponsons, the outboard lower unit, other transducers, stepped hulls, etc. then this could also trigger the ranging to occur.

Try and pay attention to anything you are doing at the same time this situation occurs.

The other possibility is a problem with either the StructureScan box or the transducer itself. I do not believe there to be a problem with the HDS unit. Hope this helps.

Chief-C · Post by **Chief-C** » Fri Nov 01, 2013 4:56 pm

Thanks...very helpful. I'll check them out.

NoCAL · Post by **NoCAL** » Wed Nov 06, 2013 3:28 pm

I would do as Marc suggests and look at your transducer installation. In rough water, the boat could rock sideways and sometimes a part of the boat or jackplate will block the signal. If mounted to high, foward and back rocking could lift the transducer out of the water. To me, that is what your images look like. It's the same as when you get on plane while on the SS page. Once the transducer lifts out of the water, a blank screen is displayed. I would be very surprized if there isn't an issue with the installation because your scans look pretty good except for the blank areas.

NoCAL

Chief-C · Post by **Chief-C** » Fri Nov 08, 2013 8:06 am

The transducer is mounted about 10" below the water line (I've attached a pic). As for the other information you mentioned, the boat is a TRACKER® Targa™ V-18 WT, with a 115 HP 4-stroke.

I always run the system in 800 kHz mode. I have tried switching frequencies to 455 kHz while it's acting up, but it didn't have an effect. I don't run at 455 kHz, so I don't know if it will occur in that mode.

If I ever get a chance to put the boat back in the water, I'll check your suggestions on the StructureScan box. Between blizzards and archery season, I haven't had the opportunity to get to the lake. I appreciate your suggestions.

Ken Sauret · Post by **Ken Sauret** » Fri Nov 08, 2013 3:49 pm

After seeing the picture of where the ducer is mounted in relation to the motor, if you trim the motor all the way down it would be in the cone and interrupt the return and give you the picture you first posted.

Most of the guys who mount the LSS ducer like you did have a jack plate that moves the motor back out of the ping cone. Next time you are in the water try looking at the Structure Scan pic with the motor trimmed up and out of the way and then trim it all the way down and see if the problem exists. I would try this before looking into a module problem.

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Mon Nov 18, 2013 7:36 pm

As I suspected, your installation can cause your problem. Trimming down the outboard will cause your lower unit to block some or all of your signal, and will account for the images you are seeing. You will need to trim your outboard up when using SideScan, or use an alternate mounting method to provide your transducer a clear signal scan of 180-degrees.

NoCAL · Post by **NoCAL** » Mon Jan 13, 2014 1:07 pm

I just took another look at your photo. I believe the black you are seeing is the "shadow" produced from your motor blocking the signal from the transducer. If there was a problem with the box or software you wouldn't have the line signal being displayed right down the middle. The sonar is doing what it is supposed to! It is displaying the first object it strikes on the screen, which is the motor in this case. Trim up the motor while scanning or move the transducer to another location and you will be fine.

NoCAL