Faded screen on Hummin Bird 8000

[EYES-R-US]

My screen on an old Hummin Bird 8000 is faded. This unit is always removed and stored in a case in doors when not in use. I contacted Hummin Bird they want $150.00 to fix. Its old and my concern is that it may be a $50.00 transducer and not the unit. I also wonder if anybody knows about a menu that lets you adjust contrast. Someone told me that its not listed in the manuals but some Hummin Birds let you adjust the contrast. Any help is appreciated.

[Mr Tesla]

It sound like it just may be time to upgrade the unit. However 150 bucks to fix a locator is not a bad deal. You may want to take a look at the newer 'bird models. Or better yet, other electronics out there. You will probably be able to find low end units with more and better features than the one you have. With electronics, right now you could probably buy a better, more powerful, unit with more features than you paid for that original unit.

[Greg Walters]

Mr. Tesla is right; it may just be time to upgrade your unit. The newer depth sounders have more features and are more capable than depth sounders of a few years ago (or more!). It's the same story in all of the electronics industry; the best/fastest is almost always the newest and latest. I'm not sure when we stopped producing the LCR 8000 but I know it has been quite a while ago.

You said that the screen on your LCR 8000 is faded. By this do you mean that the plastic lens is no longer clear enough to see through or do you mean that the display has faded? If it is the lens, than the lens would have to be replaced. If it is the display, I would first check the voltage going to the LCR 8000. If it is low (below 10 volts) it could cause the display to fade or be less clear/sharp. You will have to check this with a voltmeter. While you are doing this, make sure that the connectors on the back of the LCR 8000 and on the power cable, are clean and bright gold in appearance. If they are not, this will cause a decrease in the available voltage for the LCR 8000. If all of this checks out, the problem may be with the internal electronics of the unit. Again, I would heed Mr. Tesla's advice and look into purchasing a newer depth sounder.

I do not believe that the LCR 8000 has a contrast adjustment menu.

Hope this helps!

Greg Walters
Product Test and Calibration Technician
Techsonic Industries, Inc.