Topic: 899ci HD SI won't read over 70' Saltwater

[captbruce]

Hello, HSI Forum
I'm Capt. Bruce Cronin
I'm new to the forum, but have been a guide in Key West, Florida, for almost 40 yrs.
I just acquired a 899ci HD SI (ver. 6.940) and I can't get it to  read deeper then 70' of Saltwater.

When I got it the unit was set to "Freshwater" so I got to the "Advanced User" tab and now can change it to "Shallow or Deep Saltwater" but it won't read over 70' or so.

The Transom mounted X-ducer is a XNT 9SI 180 T
The will read nicely while the boat is planning at 25 knots.

I thought I'd post here before I call Hbird.

Thanks, in advance.
captbruce

[Humminbird_Greg]

Welcome to the Humminbird Side imaging Forums Capt. Bruce.

Is this the 2D sonar you are talking about that will not read deeper than 70 feet?  If so, try checking the electrical connections to the unit to make sure that it is receiving at least 1 amp of current.  Loose or corroded connections can cause this so be sure to check the fuse, fuse holder and battery contacts too as these are sometimes overlooked.  You should also try and cross-test your 899ci HD Si unit with someone else that is running a non-DI model Humminbird unit.  Many other models will work because most use the same 200/83kHz 2D sonar.  Cross-testing will let us know where the problem is: in your 899 unit or on your boat.

[captbruce]

Thanks Greg,

I will check the wiring.
The Batteries were replaced this year with new, and the wiring harness, looked great when I installed the 899 last July.
I don't really have another H-bird to swap with.

The unit works great otherwise.
The SI lets me see schooling Tarpon, up to 80' each side in only 30' of water.

It's just when I get over 70" of water, I have to rely on my Furuno 585.

I just thought someone might have had the same problem and found a "fix"
I did scour the forum, for a possible answer.

Love the unit for shallow. (well up to 70' for me)
Love the SI too.
I just wish it would read deeper

captbruce

[rnvinc]

If your depth issue is occurring as the boat speed increases ...this could be the xducer coming out of the water or aerated water blocking the pulse ...

If your depth issue is even at idle or adrift ...first follow Greg's advice above ...

You might also try setting the "Max Depth" setting under the Sonar tab a little deeper than the water depth ...this will tell the unit to "not wait" for a bottom return echo if the unit looses bottom in any single transmit duty cycle ...

Rickie

[Humminbird_Greg]

Capt. Bruce, are you running another sonar unit at the same time that this happens?  See if it will work better with the other units turned off.

[captbruce]

No... Just one at a time.
I can always fall back on my Furuno 585

I got the 899 just to find the schooling Tarpon, in 35' of water.
The SI'ing works well, for that.

But no matter what I try I can't get it to read over well 67' to be exact.

I will take some "screen-shots", next time.
Does "Photobucket" work well with your forum ??

captbruce

[Humminbird_Greg]

Photobucket does work with this forum but you should be able to post the image straight from your computer (look below the text box for where it says: "Attach").

Have you tried using the 83kHz sonar or just the 200kHz sonar setting?

[bobcoy]

What SI frequency are you using? 455khz has longer range capabilities than 800khz.

[sfw1960]

What is your "Maximum Depth" set to??