Topic: Incorrect depth reading

[chadwick0139]

Sorry if this has been discussed, but I have started to get incorrect depth reading from the sonar view.  It will go in and out so it's not always incorrect.  If I look at the sonar view it will pick up two bottoms, but it will take the depth reading off the second bottom.  Say I'm in 7 fow, there will be a bottom line at 7' and the second return line will be at 15 fow, but the depth will read 15 fow instead of 7 fow.  If I look at the DI it clearly looks like I'm in 7 fow but reads 15 or whatever depth that might be.   

Anyone else had this problem?  It only happens in shallow water and it wouldn't be a big deal but I purchased autochart and my maps are incorrect because it will randomly show a quick drop off.  Any help would be great.

P.S.  This started before the last update. 

[Humminbird_Greg]

chadwick0139,
Try adjusting the Surface Clutter menu on your unit and also make sure that you other sonar unit(s) are not on when this happens.  You may also want to try setting the Water Type menu to the Saltwater (deep) menu setting.  Let us know if that helps or not.

[chadwick0139]

chadwick0139,
Try adjusting the Surface Clutter menu on your unit and also make sure that you other sonar unit(s) are not on when this happens.  You may also want to try setting the Water Type menu to the Saltwater (deep) menu setting.  Let us know if that helps or not.

Should I turn the surface clutter up?  There are no other sonars on.

It only happens in shallow (<10') water. 

[Humminbird_Greg]

Normally turning the Surface Clutter to a lower number helps.
Some have to turn it down to a setting or "1".
If this helps, you may want to check it later on in the year because this may be getting tripped off by an algae bloom or some type of plankton/zooplankton or even wind/waves and/or rain that all add to the surface clutter.  What i am trying to say is that the amount of Surface Clutter on a particular body of water can change throughout the year, so you may be able to set the Surface Clutter menu to a different setting later on.

[chadwick0139]

Normally turning the Surface Clutter to a lower number helps.
Some have to turn it down to a setting or "1".
If this helps, you may want to check it later on in the year because this may be getting tripped off by an algae bloom or some type of plankton/zooplankton or even wind/waves and/or rain that all add to the surface clutter.  What i am trying to say is that the amount of Surface Clutter on a particular body of water can change throughout the year, so you may be able to set the Surface Clutter menu to a different setting later on.

Ok.  I always have the surface clutter set to 1.  I get 2 returns all the time but the unit should know that the top return is the bottom not the 2nd return.

[Humminbird_Greg]

It should but they can be fooled and confused sometimes and some of the menu setting will help.  Try the Saltwater (deep) menu setting on your next trip to see if that helps or not.

[h8go4s]

You might need to reduce your sonar sensitivity in shallow water.

[bobcoy]

I have seen recommendations to put the switchfire to clear under 10' of water.