How to Test a Fish Finder
- 1). Turn the unit on while the boat is on the trailer to perform a basic operation test. If the fish finder fails to power on, check the wire connection and ensure that the device is fully mounted. Check the power source and make sure electricity is available.
- 2). Use the simulator option on the screen to test feature displays and adjust settings for your fish finder. The simulator is a tool that allows anglers to learn how to use the device before taking the boat on the water. It simulates water operation and provides randomly updated water display. This allows you to test menu functions so you can play with the settings and then apply them in normal operation. Some fish finders show the simulator option from the start-up screen, while other units may require you to select it manually.
- 3). Perform a device self-test to confirm connections. This shows system status and system connections so you can fix any errors, especially if a part of the system is disconnected. Self-test displays internal diagnostic information, input voltage and more, while an accessory self-test lists the accessories connected to the unit system.
- 4). Check the transducer connection. Use the installation guide of your unit to ensure that the transducer cable and connector are securely routed to the fish finder. Reconnect the wires if necessary and turn on the device again to confirm connection.
- 5). Test the transducer by bringing the boat out on the water. The transducer needs to be submerged for the unit to detect it. Power on the device and look at the display. If the water bottom is visible on the screen, along with a digital depth reading, the unit is functioning properly. Make sure the boat is on water with depths of more than 2 feet, but not over the depth capability of your unit. Keep the transducer fully submerged because the sonar signal cannot pass through air.
- 6). Increase the speed of your boat to test the transducer's performance during high speed. If the device works well at low speeds but starts to skip or malfunction at higher speeds, the transducer requires adjustment. Refer to your unit's installation guide to adjust the angle, location or height of the transducer. It may take several transducer adjustments to achieve optimum performance.
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