Topic: 998 screwing up again

[SkeeterMatt]

I tried what ya'll recommended before as far as bending the power stems on the unit and i replaced my starter battery. it worked great last time out. i had just installed the new update. this was the first of august. i went out yesterday with a fully charged battery and made sure the ducer was clean and set to the proper angle. now the screen was really pixelated and the depth was flashing 495' , when it showed depth at all. my 2d switchfire didn't work at all. the gps seemed fine but gave an incorrect time even tough i set it to cst. after about an hour on the water it would only turn on every now and then. i checked the battery connections and they are all tight. i had the same issue before with unit flashing incorrect depth and then not turning back on. i just wish this would work properly as it is a very big investment for me.
please help!

[ITGEEK]

Skeeter,
I understand your frustration.

I'd first check the connections on the back of the unit.
Make sure they are in tight and not cocked to one side.

You said the unit worked OK after your update.
Under yor menus, I'd double check the following:
Make sure you have the correct transducer selected.
Make sure the fresh/salt water selection is correct.
There is a menu option for daylight savings time, make sure it is set correctly.

Also, it sounds like you may have interference from your main motor or
other electronics on your boat.
Cut everything off except the Sonar and see what happens.
If the screen clears up, then you have electronic interference.
You may have to get a separate battery for your sonar.

Good Luck.

[SkeeterMatt]

thanks for the reply IT, I will try what you recommended.
Do you think zip tying all the cords(gps,power,transducer) together would have any adverse affect?

[ITGEEK]

Skeeter,
I'm not sure.
Each wire has electrical impulses going through it.
They are supposed to be shielded, but who knows.

I'd say to be absolutely safe from any interference, keep them separate from each other
as best you can.

Good Luck.