Topic: Depth fluctuating

[coldsteel]

I have a 999 unit and the last two times out when I knew I was in 25 ft. Of water, it would jump to 40+ and stay that way for some time and the go back to actual depth for a few minutes and then back to  40 something ft. Any ideas why depth reading fluctuates?

[rnvinc]

A few things to check ... :

*xducer level with the water's surface ... ??
*xducer clean with no algae or scum covering the face of the xducer ... ??
*current software ... ??

Another possibility is a very hard bottom creating a double echo of the sound pulse reflecting off the water's surface and making a 2nd trip to the bottom ...

Switchfire Clear and reduce Sensitivity can help in this scenario ...

Rickie

[coldsteel]

Transducer is level.  Transducer is clean, Has the latest software. I fish this area often and never had this issue before. Just stared last two outings. Very puzzled. Other than depth reading it seems to be in working order.

[rnvinc]

You might try Restore Defaults ... These little computers need a restart from factory settings occasionally ...

If the issue persists, or seems to occur more frequently - try to capture a screenshot and post it here ...

Rickie

[coldsteel]

I will try that, Thanks for tips

[ITGEEK]

Two other things to consider:
 1) Interference:  Try it with every other electrical device off, and see if the depth changes.

 2) Battery going bad.  Charge it up and have it load tested.  It doesn't matter if it's new, or you KNOW it's good.
A brand new battery could have sat on the shelves, discharged for months.

[coldsteel]

I've been thinking about the battery, it is 3 years old. The voltage on the humminbird screen starts out art about 12.6 volts. It used to stay in that area all day, but now drops off quickly to about 11.8 volts when motor is not running. Like when anchored, drifting or trolling. It comes back up when motor is running. I assumed it was still enough volts to power unit. I was thinking anything over 10 volts volts would be ok.

[ITGEEK]

It may have enough volts, but may not be able to sustain it.
I had a battery once, that charged up to 12.6 volts, but would not allow the unit to boot up.
You should test your battery.

[coldsteel]

I will have it checked and let you know what I find out.