Humminbird Side Imaging Forums
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: edwardpic on August 16, 2011, 08:09:07 AM
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Ok this may sound crazy but I'm looking at changing the connection plugs on both units to something more stable and better connection contact. I do electronics here (pc boards n such) so the connections arent a big deal. Here is my reservation....if I need to send in for repair HB will not be able to test the unit and repair it. BUT, the connections arent really made for hard use or units that arent permanently mounted. Mine are installed and removed 2 to 4 times a week and get that dreaded hit a choppy wave n the unit shuts off. The 1198 is even worse, the square push in plug just doesnt seat well.
Ok time for your thoughts on the subject....I was thinking Sealed Deutsch plugs, I use them now with my wheelchair lift I designed, rock solid water tight connection.
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Instead of changing them permanently, why not just create a pigtail connector. When you disconnect the unit, just undo where the pigtail connects to the ducer wire and leave it connected to the head. If you need to send the head in, you can just remove the pigtail.
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It will certainly void the warranty. If you push the pins out slightly the connector will seat pretty good and you will not get the issues with power cutting off in choppy waves.
I agree, Humminbird needs to do something about their connectors, but I don't think its worth voiding the warranty on a new unit. Now, maybe an older unit is another story. I would probably do it on my 997.
Robert
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That's a great idea Wingnutt.
Can you secure your unit(s) so that you don't have to keep
removing and re-installing them. You are probably wearing
out the connectors.
If you do change the connections, it will affect repairs and
even your ability to sell the unit(s) if you wanted to do so.
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Instead of changing them permanently, why not just create a pigtail connector. When you disconnect the unit, just undo where the pigtail connects to the ducer wire and leave it connected to the head. If you need to send the head in, you can just remove the pigtail.
Ya know after I posted this I thought of that...that way it can still go in for service...
Robert, I agree on warranty...4 months left on the 898 and 10 on the 1198....Definately dont want to void now....Just throwin ideas out there....I'll be bringin the boat and electronics to the shop this week where I have all my pin tools and see what I can do...The cut off has only happened like 4 times so far so its not they dont still work or cutting off a lot
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We bought an extender cable from HB and then cut it into a short 2 foot cable. one foot from each end.
In the cut off part we inserted another connector of a more durable nature.
We then strengthed the HB connection so it was not stressing due to flex or vibration.
None of this voided the warrenty.
And makes it returnable for HB to test..
It would be nice to see HB come out in new models with a more positive connector used in other applications.
Like one that has a locking nut on the collar..
And to ensure the pins are matched in size...
Chuck
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Good idea Chuck...I think thats the way im leaning towards....I have sealed male/female connectors here at the shop I use....I too would like to see more secure connections like Amphenol aerospace (i use these at my shop) or similar....
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We used a water tight connector. I wish HB would make the units with these type of connectors.
Maybe next year... ;D
Chuck
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Chuck, the ones I have here like the picture I posted are military spec (states make me use them on my wheelchair lifts) and are totally sealed for underwater use...pricy but great connectors....the Deutsch connectors are also totally sealed and not bad priced at all....they go up to 12 pins and have gold plated m/f pins available
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Edward, I downloaded the picture and then could see it better as it enlarged. Good connector...Should function well in water...
Chuck
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First things first Chuck.
For now, let's just wish for the 5.7 update to come out for the 1197.
And, that it doesn't have too many bugs in it. ::)