i'm new to the boat and the depthsounder has not been working for me since the beginning. It just flashes the 188 after poweron every time.

The bottom has been scraped and scrubbed (not yet tried sanding). Is there anyway to isolate the problem?

john

Hello John,

Don't freak out, just call the manufacture.  Here is their web site: http://www.signetmarine.com/products/Signet_Marine_Products.html">http://www.signetmarine.com/products/Signet_Marine_Products.html

They should be able to tell you if it is the sensor or the box, assuming the 188 is a code generated during the initiation phase of unit startup. 

I sent mine in two years ago (just after I bought my boat) and it was a little pricey to get it looked at and fixed.  The next time mine goes out I think I am going to bite the bullet and replace it.  There is a discussion of replacement systems elsewhere on this web site.

With regards to replacement, I am giving very serious thought to going with a chart GPS system which I would put in the cabin using an external GPS antenna.  I would take GPS boat speed to the cockpit using a repeater display.  Most GPS units provide a boat speed output signal.   It would be nice to have reliable boat speed at all heel angles and not have to deal with the thru the hull sensor (which is really 70's & 80's technology).  I tried to get Gamin interested in making a unit that would give GPS boat speed and depth in a self contained unit that would mount in the same opening as the Signet, but my guess is the market is not big enough to support the development even with what must be thousands of units still on the water.  

Bill

The outcome is a bad instrument that is not repairable. They recommend that I replace the instrument and the transducer (to avoid a future transducer failre) and offered a new depth package (transducer + instrument) for 20% off. The advantage of staying with Signet, other than the discount, is transducer is an exact fit.

john