Transducers/Battery Questions

First Question- I installed a second Fishfinder (Garmin 250) in my
boat and moved the first FF (Humminbird WideOne) to the casting deck.
I positioned the new transponder (200 KHz) next to and slightly above
the first transducer (unsure of the frequency of this transducer). The
New FF works great, and I get normal but sporadic operation of the
original FF. Could this be a problem with transducer frequencies, or
transponder locations. I did not change the location of the original
transducer, but just installed the new one again next to and slightly
above the original.

Second Question- While installing the second FF (Garmin), I also
installed a GPS (Garmin GPS72) and connected the GPS to the FF. I also
connected the GPS power cable to the fuse block of the boat, which
both FF'ders are connected. Now, with power shut off to all
electronics, the battery will slowly discharge over the course of a
few days or so. Could these new electronics be draining the battery
even when powered off, or could it just be time to replace the
battery? The battery never reads over 12.4 volts, even when charging,
and after a long day of fishing, the battery level will be down to as
low as 9 volts.

Any responses will be appreciated.


John C. French

I just had a second fishfinder installed on the casting deck. The
mechanic told me that the best position is for the transducers to go
side by side. He did not, however, explain why, nor did I inquire. I
just looked in my manual, but nothing is mentioned about positioning a
second transducer. I have not been out in order to check my new unit
yet. If the problem persists you may want to consider lower the new
transducer so they are side by side.
Bill

Sounds like a charger problem if the battery never reads over 12.4 volts
even when charging, it should be between 13.4 and 14.2 volts depending on
your battery type. A battery at rest should be at 12.6 volts approx. and
should crank your engine over an extended period at above 9.0 volts. This
also applies to your car/truck battery. You can have your batteries load
tested at your auto parts store.
This is assuming your fish finders are attached to you cranking battery,
they should only draw around one/two amps when on. Never run fishfinders off
the trolling motor batteries, the Maximizer circuitry on the motor will give
you fits. The new motors with the transducer built in are an exception I'm
told as are the Pinpoint trolling motor/ fishfinders.
"John C. French" wrote in message
...
First Question- I installed a second Fishfinder (Garmin 250) in my
boat and moved the first FF (Humminbird WideOne) to the casting deck.
I positioned the new transponder (200 KHz) next to and slightly above
the first transducer (unsure of the frequency of this transducer). The
New FF works great, and I get normal but sporadic operation of the
original FF. Could this be a problem with transducer frequencies, or
transponder locations. I did not change the location of the original
transducer, but just installed the new one again next to and slightly
above the original.

Second Question- While installing the second FF (Garmin), I also
installed a GPS (Garmin GPS72) and connected the GPS to the FF. I also
connected the GPS power cable to the fuse block of the boat, which
both FF'ders are connected. Now, with power shut off to all
electronics, the battery will slowly discharge over the course of a
few days or so. Could these new electronics be draining the battery
even when powered off, or could it just be time to replace the
battery? The battery never reads over 12.4 volts, even when charging,
and after a long day of fishing, the battery level will be down to as
low as 9 volts.

Any responses will be appreciated.


John C. French