Depth/Fish Finder Problem - Maxum Boat Owners Club

bmatt · 07-01-2009, 12:02 AM

I just picked up a used boat with a Humminbird Wide Eye (Depth & Fish finder I believe) and it won't power on. I assume that the unit is probably broken, but I figured I'd post to see if anyone had any other suggestions.

There is a 20A fuse in the fuse panel I checked that and it looked fine and I ran a continuity test through the fuse and it was good. There is also a smaller inline bus fuse, didn't look to see the amp rating on it, but it was good as well. I pulled the spay connector off and tested the voltage from the fuse panel to the grounding block and everything was good, getting around 11VDC. The unit looks to have some sun damage on the screen, little looks like the laminate shrunk a little, not too bad though.

Any other suggestions before I look for a new one?

seapuppy · 07-01-2009, 02:04 AM

well.....I'd also check your ground...that might be corroded....check the plug going into the unit...might be corrosion on the pins.....

that;s about all there is on these new units....

SP

irate:

bmatt · 07-01-2009, 04:32 PM

Cool, I'll check those as well, the ground seemed ok but of course it pulled out of the connector so it may not have had a good ground. Any suggestions on what I should get to replace it? I have been reading around and Humminbird's seem to have a pretty bad reputation. I'm assuming I'd have to run a new transponder if I choose a different type too?

seapuppy · 07-01-2009, 05:09 PM

I'd suggest Garmin or Raymarine....both are good units....
garmin makes the 160c...I had that one on my 2700scr and it was amazing what I could see....
SP

bmatt · 07-01-2009, 05:22 PM

Cool, I found that one on Amazon for $160, $175 and I can have it by Friday and that'd give me a day or two to install it before I go out again. How involved is it to install one, the electrical wiring I can do but what about running the wiring for the transducer? I have one on the back right now (transom mounted I guess it would be called). Should I just try to reuse this spot? It'd be nice if I could unplug the transducer and just plug in and mount the new one without having to fish wire or anything, though I guess the back of the boat there is fairly open I just have to pull the motor cover back or look behind the flaps covering the battery or oil pump (I think thats what is on the other side for the outboard?)

Stressleave · 07-02-2009, 09:34 AM

Check to see if they run it on one of the dash switches like accessery. Then I would run a fresh test positive and ground to rule out bad connections.
Paul

bmatt · 07-02-2009, 04:52 PM

Yea, thats what I was thinking initially but I think I tried it with all switches turned on. I'll double check though. I read something about burning them up if they run without a load? Should I not turn it on if im not on the water?

Stressleave · 07-02-2009, 09:31 PM

That may be true I'm not sure but I thought we were trying to get it fired up first then worry about how long we leave it on for.
Did you test for power at the unit in the plug?
If there is power there and the ground is good then buy a new one. I had good luck with the Eagle units, I had one in each of my last three boats. I Glued the transducers to the inside of the hull and they worked perfect.
Good luck
Paul