[Backwater Eddy]

Here is a simple sensitivity test that will help diagnose the problem for you.

(First off, Check all connections, and start with a fully charged battery.)

1 - Set the unit on a table with the transducer suspended 24" from the face of the puck to the floor, with a clear view of the floor.

Do this on a hard floor, concrete is best, but linoleum is also workable, no carpet.

Still the puck, do not have it swinging, no motion is best.

2 - Now set the gain at the lowest level on the dial, then turn it up slowly tell you get a good read in RED on the floor.

The math will be off, it will ready 9' in the 20' mode...due to sound waves travel at a different speed in the air then they do in water...this is normal.

3 - The higher you need to turn the gain UP to get a good read, the weaker the transducer is.

If you need to turn it up past 11:00 on the dial in Full Power Mode...you very likely have found your problem...it is a bad transducer and in need of replacement. (If so...then this is a very good time to consider a duel beam or a new tri-beam ducer as 2/3 of the cost of a single beam is already required, and the multi beam is very handy in many situations.)

Note: There are factors that may make a higher gain setting required. The style of jig used, some are more "Flasher Friendly" in profile then others, requiring a higher gain setting to be viewed.

Another factor is current and positioning of the jig in the beam of the sonar.

An often missed factor is if the transducer puck is leaning up against the side of the ice it will slightly tilt the transducer allowing the beam angle to look off in the opposite direction then intended. This will miss-align the beam causing difficulty in picking up the bait. Try to be sure the beam is level whenever you possibly can.

Try the sensitivity test I described above, and also take the other factors I mentioned into consideration on your next trip. See if it solves the issues or not.

I hope this helped.