Topic: HB 997 sonar imaging gotten worse over time

[eddy6053]

When I first got my HB 997 (09) it worked great, one of the things I loved was being able to watch my jig on the screen, a couple of years later I noticed it was harder to see and now can't see it at all. The si still looks good, it just appears to be the sonar. I have tried different settings and gone back to default. Could the contact pins have gotten corroded? They look normal... If you wanted to clean the pins, would something like Tarnex work. Any idea's?

[JDX]

I just say that if your cleaning any electrical contact you can use an electric parts cleaner. I always use CRC brand and have never had any corrosive issues to plastic. I would also make sure you didn't pinch any of your wires.

[newkid4si]

Have you updated from the original software level?
The third update level I did, the image was not as good as the previous two.I went back one level and everything was OK.
Another possibility is the transducer is failing.

         Mike

[Humminbird_Greg]

eddy6053,
I would try cross-testing your 997 unit with someone else that is running a Humminbird unit.  This does not have to be another 997 unit or even an Si unit as your concern is with the 2D sonar.  Just don’t test it with a DI model unit as they use a different 2D sonar.

My $$$ would be on the transducer starting to fail as well.

[eddy6053]

I'm going to try a differant transducer on Tuesday. Is there a set time a transducer is usually good for? I know it's not set in stone, but average transducer life? Is there something that causes them to fail faster? I've never had a problem with any of the others I've had.

[Humminbird_Greg]

I don’t know that there is a set lifespan for a transducer.
Just like anything else: extreme physical and temperature stresses that the transducer gets exposed to would speed up its failure.

[jgollihar]

I strongly believe it is the updates causing the loss of quality of the 2D sonar. Humminbird has lost and will continue to lose customers because of this issue. My 1197 unit 2D is terrible and looks like a 1980's dot matrix. I have watched it get worse with every update. I know it is not the transducer because my non updated unit looks fabulous. An obviously there is nothing wrong with the unit because I sent it to Humminbird and 70 dollars later was told it was fine. I myself am finished with Humminbird.

[eddy6053]

I didn't get a chance to take the boat out...I'm in Minnesota, and in late Nov or Dec you have to pick your days, and find a landing that's not iced in. When it gets close to 40 degrees I don't mind getting out but the wind was gusting to 30mph....kinda takes the fun right out of it. As far as the updates ... that could be, is there any going back in updates?

[strawdg]

As far as the updates ... that could be, is there any going back in updates?

Yes you can go back within reason, don't know where the 'don't go past point for the 997 is'..... My 998 has been taken back to 6.49 where it will stay until HB (hopefully) fixes the 2D problem.

Wish I didn't have to stay at 6.49 because I would like to go with the Ipilot link BUT will not invest more money till there is a fix.

Straw

[newkid4si]

eddy6053

      Near the top of the this page is a link to the downloads section. Click on that.
      On that page click on the Sub Category in the Humminbird Firmware/Software Updates that applies to your unit.
      Robert and Chuck have posted different levels of updates. They can be downloaded to a blank SD card.
      It is recommended not to go back past the level that originally came on your unit when new.

                  Mike

[Bob B]

I didn't get a chance to take the boat out...I'm in Minnesota, and in late Nov or Dec you have to pick your days, and find a landing that's not iced in. When it gets close to 40 degrees I don't mind getting out but the wind was gusting to 30mph....kinda takes the fun right out of it. As far as the updates ... that could be, is there any going back in updates?

What revision are you running now?

[eddy6053]

I'll have to run out and check...but I think it was the down imaging update

[Bob B]

Sounds like you're revs are way older than the software revisions that caused some imaging problems.
Not up to speed on the 997 revs, but the 6.310 revision is probably the best.....6.49 would be better if it is available for the 997.  I suspect your revisions are well below these.

[Humminbird_Greg]

The last software version released for the 997 units was 6.300