Electrical interference

[Rizzo]

Since OFC was quick to solve my prop nut woes, thought I'd try another issue! My finder (Lowrance elite 5) never seems to mark fish while the motor is running, only when drifting or when trolling motor is on. All the cables are wrapped snuggly together. Could this be the source of a problem or would that have nothing to do with it? Would it help if I put something between the fishfinder cable and all the other cables (ie put a rag or something in between?). I already tried adjusting ping speed and that didn't help. Last time out sometimes it didn't even read that well, would tell me I was in 2 feet when it was more like 30. Would be like that for a minute or 2, and then all of a sudden would start working again.

[sneak_e_pete]

Interested in the answer to this. My 597ci doesnt work when the Terrova is on.

[Dan668]

Are they hooked up to the same batteries? The FF shouldnt be sharing the same battery as the bowmount

[Dan668]

As for the Op's problem, im not exactly sure but ive heard from others who have had interference problems when the cables are wrapped together

[Rizzo]

Its hooked into the same battery as the motor, not the trolling motor

Edited June 30, 2012 by Rizzo

[Terry]

well there are rf chokes and suppressors and filters you can put on it

it could be as simple as changing the spark plugs to suppressor plugs

[BillM]

You need an power isolator, or have the finder on a completely separate battery.

[Tybo]

Change the spark plugs. Make sure the connections on every thing is clean and tight.

[dave524]

Electrical noise has always been random marks and/or vertical lines on anything I have used, this sounds more like a poor connection or a voltage problem to me.

[craigdritchie]

1. Don't bundle the fishfinder or GPS power cable in with anything else. Bundle it with the engine controls and you will almost always get some amount of interference. If possible, run cables for electronics down the opposite side of the boat from the engine and dash wires.

 

2. Ideally, run electronics off their own battery or, as Bill suggests, use an isolator.

Edited June 30, 2012 by Craig_Ritchie

[Rizzo]

thanks for all the advice

[Billy Bob]

I have install MANY fish/depth finders over the years.......NEVER had a problem bundling the wires along the gunnel to the back of the boat.....and I ALWAYS use the starting battery for my power source....never the TM battery.......

 

You should go on Lowrance's website and see if you need to update the software on that unit.....simple down load onto a SD card and put it in the unit.....

 

Other then that.......follow Tybo's advice.....YOU MUST HAVE RESISTOR SPARK PLUGS any time you are using a depth finder or VHF radio.....also a AM/FM radio.

 

 

Bob

[Terry]

I think it was someone else who said suppressor plugs

I think he just said change them

but I could be wrong...LOL

 

 

 

it could be as simple as changing the spark plugs to suppressor plugs

 

 

Change the spark plugs.