Humminbird Side Imaging Forums
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: MonteSS on May 01, 2012, 06:03:44 PM
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So my 898c is a little over a year old now. I have had no issues with it till now.
Recently the screen has become cloudy. I took a pic and sent it to HB. They say the coating is damaged by me and I need to send it in to be repaired at my expense of over $350.
Even though out of warranty, I feel that I should not be responsible for the damage. I have always used Original Windex with Amonia. I now know they reccomend Windex with vinegar. If the windex I used (probably the most common in the US) woyld damage the screen, then a big flourescent sticker should be put on the screen when new so people know this.
A supervisor is supposed to call me back, but they seem furm on their stance.
I have always used HB and Minnkota products for years. I bought a new $800 Maxxum trolling motor this year too. This didnt seem to impress them.
What do you think.
(http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq257/zz430t56/screen.jpg)
....Bill
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It looks like something splashed on your screen that damaged it. I have read other posts in the past where people have said that insect repellent can damage the screen.
I don't think there is any known manufacturers defect with the unit that could cause that kind of problem.
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Another thing....what type of cloth have you been using ? The micro cloths is what works best. Never papertowels or anything harsh. Also, your never know but you might have had a bad bottle of Windez that had to much Amonia or something like that. Could be several things.......Good Luck.
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This is why you put a stick-on screen protector for 10-30$ depending on the model/quality.
I have one on my 778c and 798ci and you can literally clean your unit with a steel wool pad.
No more special cleaning product and cloth.
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Well Bill,
That's a really tuff break.
That screen looks pretty bad.
Probably the worst I've ever seen.
I'm with Calli1, maybe your cleaner was defective, or just too strong, or something.
Well, from HB's point of view, like it or not, you probably caused
the damage to the screen, even though you did not do it
on purpose.
On the paperwork with the unit, it does say to read all
instructions thoroughly before using the unit.
I think there are instructions in the manual about how to clean
the screen, and what NOT to use.
If the unit was still under warranty I can see them
maybe doing something for you and giving you a
break on the repair.
But, since it's not, I'd have to say, that I can't see them
shelling out any coin to fix this for you.
Sorry.
Well, can you still see the sonar through the views and
still use the unit?
If only the sunscreen coating is damaged, you could get a shield
to go on the top of the unit to cut down some of the glare.
All may not be lost.
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Only really affects the side imaging view.
My buddy saw my screen and what Hummingbird said and bought a Lowrance instead. I worked in customer service and sometimes you have to eat a repair for good public relations. Word of mouth is better than any advertising.
....Bill
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I understand your point, but a company can't absorb every customer wrong doing.
Since, from the picture you posted and the fact that's a rare case, I point to user error and not HB fault.
It's kind of accusing Chevrolet because I wrecked my car into a wall and they don't repair it at their expense.
As I said above, a little screen protector (the one that you stick on the screen) would have prevented this for 30$
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OK in your car example.
Lets say chevy reccomends valvoline oil.
I put the most popular oil in the world in it (castrol) and the engine blows up.
Now chevy knew that Castrol would harm the engine. Dont you think they would warn you ahead of time not to use it.
Whatever...they already lost one customer over what might have cost them $50 or so. Think I would ever buy a HB product again. Nope. So they potentially lost another sale.
I bought a 10 year old Canon Camera on Ebay. A sensor was bad on it. I called Canon and they fixed it for no charge and no questions asked. Think I will buy Canon next time. You betcha and will recomend it to others.
I worked at a car dealer in parts dept. A customer off the street would come in and ask for a key made. We made it and told them no charge. They were shocked. Key cost us a quarter. Many of those people came back and bought new cars there because of that.
Thats what customer service is all about.
....Bill
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I'm sure that HB customer service has bent over backwards to help out some people,
especially if their unit was not out of warranty long.
Some people should get a break.
But, in your case, you actually damaged the screen by using something on it
that you should not have.
We all understand, that you didn't mean to do it, but you did.
There's an old saying, that Ignorance is no excuse.
You have to understand that Humminbird is a FOR PROFIT business.
It's not good business to lose money.
I can understand completely why Humminbird won't fix this for free.
If you take your brand new unit out of the box and drop it, and break it,
is Humminbird supposed to give you another new unit for nothing?
User negligence or abuse is just not covered, by any company.
Sorry.
Best advice is to move forward.
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Directly from HB
Care and Maintenance Information
Your Humminbird fishfinder is designed to provide years of trouble free operation with virtually no maintenance. Follow these simple procedures to ensure your Humminbird continues to deliver top performance.
If the unit comes into contact with salt spray simply wipe the affected surfaces with a cloth dampened in fresh water. Do not use a chemical glass cleaner on the lens. Chemicals in the solution may cause cracking in the lens of the unit.
When cleaning the LCD protective lens, we recommend that your first use a solution of warm mild soapy water (Dawn or similiar mild brand), wipe the face dry and if water spots remain, use a solution of water and vinegar. Always use a soft cloth. Do not wipe while dirt or grease is on the lens. Be careful to avoid scratching the lens.
Chemicals like sunscreen and bug spray can cause permenant damage to the protective lens. This is not covered by warranty.
If your boat remains in the water for long periods of time, algae and other marine growth can reduce the effectiveness of the transducer. Periodically clean the face of the transducer with liquid detergent. Pivoting the transducer up in the bracket may allow better access for inspection or cleaning.
If your boat remains out of the water for a long period of time, it may take some time to wet the transducer when returned to the water. Small air bubbles can climb to the surface of the transducer and interfere with proper operation. These bubbles dissipate with time, or you can wipe the face of the transducer with your fingers after the transducer is in the water.
NEVER leave the fishfinder in a closed car or trunk - the extremely high temperatures generated in hot weather can damage the electronics.
from me:
I know when I bought mine, I made sure to find out how to take care of it, and and the proper maintenance of it. you have to follow manufactures recommendations, you just can't say "well lets try this and see what happens". As the buyer you have to take some responsibility.
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Good advice. Always follow the manufacture recomendations.
Now:
What documents are sent with the unit now that a maintenance manual is not included?
What precautions are given to the buyer without a "book"?
Chuck
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Good advice. Always follow the manufacture recomendations.
Now:
What documents are sent with the unit now that a maintenance manual is not included?
What precautions are given to the buyer without a "book"?
Chuck
Yup you are absolutely correct, I forget that not everyone has access to the internet. My apologies if the previous post sounded harsh, although, is there not a note in the box about cleaning the screen?
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erock, dont know. I was just asking what is shipped with the unit now that the book has been removed.
Chuck
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erocks4u & Chuck
Truth be known, I probably like many others got the screen cleaning information from "unofficial humminbird forum" (this on had not yet started).
But I did know that the screen had a coating which need protection.
We probably need something in the forum highlighting "CAUTION CLEANING THE SCREEN" for new users that when highlighted will give them the necessary information to protect their unit. It needs to be in our faces when coming to this site.
Chuck I think that you could write up and place it on the opening forum screen, I am sure that others have done some damage. If it saves one person it is worth it.
I would venture to say that even some Lowrance users have done the same damage.
George
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Good idea George. I will do some work and see what we can do to get this out.
I agree that probably many sonar unit screens have been damaged by improper care/cleaning.
And I doubt that even with a manual, all have read the care of your product section.
We are so quick to get it running and in use..
I will work on this..
Thanks for the suggestion.
Chuck
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George, for the time being I put a post in the Articles and Tutorials. Until I can get a better place.
The topic is locked but I will take PM's and add additional as given.
Chuck
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Chuck
How about putting a highlight in the "Welcome to the Humminbird Side Imaging Forums!" in the paragraph under it that will take them to the post.
Just a thought.
I am just glad that I found out about Windex Multi-Purpose in the first week of owning the unit and that I installed a screen saver the 2nd week, I could have doe the same thing.
We need to get the word out to everyone.
George
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Yes, +20 on the Windex.......
I will have Robert see what he can do with the main greeting. That is his area which I dont have access to.
I will pm him.
Chuck
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Thanks Chuck
I think this is a high priority area.
George
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I did what I could in the FAQ's and A&T's.
I will continue to see what can be done about a section for new users or buyers.
I agree this should be a list priority since we dont get manuals and most dont ask HB for a copy.. either electronic (cd) or hardcopy.
Chuck
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Well, I had seen the screen cleaning subject so many times on forums with the recommendation to use Windex Multisurface with Vinegar, that I assumed it must be in the manual.
I have a .pdf manual for my 1197 as well as a hard copy. I just searched these manuals and there is no reference to recommended screen cleaning proceedures that I could find. Also searched an 898 manual....nothing.
This IS a major oversight on Humminbird's part. The recommended cleaning proceedure should definitely be part of the operator manual!!
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I agree with you Bob, but getting HB to spend money on book is not going well with them.
That is why I like George's suggestion and I am working towards that.
to add to that. This forum is probably the only one that is capable in doing just as he asks since it is a dedicated HB forum operated by independent moderators.
I have seen more issues identified and fixed here than anywhere else.
This forum also has some of the finest guys who willing take time to help with their knowledge and experience.
Most questions are answered by good folks with knowledge. These folks are users of HB and not employees. There is no pay in this for anyone.
We have in effect hijacked the original thread but overall the posting here tie into each other. And are related to the starting topic.
Chuck
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Thanks everyone for the input. Sorry if I am a little upset about this.
I still feel that HB should have and still could put a sticker on the screen that the user must remove that warns about using the incorrect cleaning solution that may damage the screen. Would not even cost them a penny.
Hopefully others may learn from my error.
For $16 a will try a screen saver and see if it may make it better. Are the screen protectors removable so I can reuse it if I do need a new screen?
...Bill
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Bill,
I think the screen savers just peel off and can be re-used.
I would read all of the information about the screen saver before you buy.
Good Luck.
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Even though the screen protectors are labeled as removable, don't mean they are reusable.
It will be next to impossible to have a perfect install the second time.
But I know a brand ( don't remember ) that ships 2 in the package...
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I have used screen protectors on many different cell phones in the past and realize they are not that sticky but the phones I've used them on are all glass screens. Is there any concern that the special coating on the screen could be pulled off (not completely of course) when it's time to replace the screen protector? How many times have you replaced your Screen protector? Does the screen protector pull off easy? Just a thought.
Tom
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screenpatronus.com make protectors to fit HB products at a great price. I've been using them for my 998c and no problems at all.
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Well as a last effort, I bought a screen protector. I got the NavProtector. They reccomended putting it on dry but that didnt work so well. So I wet it down and squeegie with a CC. Went on great and screen looks like new. No signs of the missing/blotched coating. Hopefully it will work out.
...Bill
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MonteSS
WOW! it sounds like you found a solution. Let us know over time how it works out, others may want to try your solution.
George