X-85 not working properly Need Help

[ryan the poor college kid]

Last weekend we were out and the graph started reading fine and then the depth stayed on 14.7 feet and was flashing. I shut it off and turned it back on and then it just read 0.0 feet. Then after that, it would come back on for a minute or two, then go back to flashing.
As soon as we got back to camp, I turned it on and then checked the transducer for the clicking noise. It was more of a stuttered clicking noise that was not rythmatic but more like morse code.
So, my question is should I assume there is a short in the wire from the transducer to the unit or could this be an electrical problem in the unit??
Also, there was plenty of power to the unit and the speed and temp both worked equally well.

[tomgrousehunter]

Been there. Transducer is shot.

[hiwayman]

When the transducer loses bottom signal it sends a signal for a second or so and then stops and then tarts again. Does it do this setting still? Try using dish soap to wash the transducer of any grease or other gunk that would keep water from making a good contact with the transducer

[Shellback]

I had a new one do that right out of the box. Speed and temp worked okay. Called Lowrance, and they sent me a new transducer. That didn't do it and they landed up replacing the computer display unit. I wouldn't replace the transducer until I was sure. Maybe you have a friend with a Lowrance or Eagle setup that you could try your unit on. If you look at a Cabelas catalog, you will find that the power cord and transducer is common with many Lowrance and Eagle units. Shouldn't be too hard to find someone that would let you plug your's into there boat for a test.

[tomgrousehunter]

I agree. Switch the unit to a transducer you know works.

[fishhunter3]

best fix I know of is replace th X85 with a vexlar edge. Worked for me. the only problem is what do you do with a broke X85

larry

[PigBoy]

Yup, mine too. I replaced the transducer and it works perfect.


Hey Poor college Kid, you may have go give plasma to get the cash for the new one. I've been there, done that for other things, like a trip to Padre Island for spring break. Your reason is better than mine. But I was young and foolish then, now I'm just old.

[Crappie Kid]

The connector that plugs into the back of the X-85 is not the best.

2 things:

1: Clean the X-85 side and the cable end with contact cleaner (or isopropol alchohol) using a toothbrush.

2. Lube the outside of the cable jacket that slides into the X-85 with dialectric grease (just a tiny bit and not on the contacts). These cables dry up and dont seat quite all the way. Now it will be easier to plug the cable in all the way.

If you still have problems then it it's transducer time.

[Suzuki]

How's that bow mount Zercom working for ya?

[link]

Hey Larry, That was a nice sarcastic reply. Keep it to yourself nextime. Thanks. Lance

[Interested]

Is that x85 working now?

[eyewitness]

It is definately a transducer issue. If your using it on the bow mount trolling motor I may have your fix for you. My good friend Jack at Actions Electronics in Anoka, Mn. pointed out a very common problem to me with many trolling motor transducer mount problems. Many dealers (mine did) will rig the transducer cable up the trolling motor shaft with zip ties to hold the cable next to the shaft at the top. THIS IS A NO NO! The zip tie is too restrictive and when the motor spins around it pulls at the wiring inside the cable and stretches it. Eventually it will seperate and the transducer will fail. Good news is that you can have it repaired. I now own three transducers after having them repaired AFTER I had replaced two of them unknowingly. Simply use waterproof black electrical tape to wrap the cable to the top of the shaft and it will give enough to prevent this from happening. Ever since I learned this I've paid attention to this on others boats and see it all the time. I hope this solves your issue in time for opener. Good Luck!