Q What oil is used in the in hull mounting kit?
A Vegetable cooking oil.
Q What is the depth transducer frequency?
A 150Khz
Q Can I use two depth sounders of the same operating frequency at the same time?
A No, they will interfere with each other.
Q My depth sounder is showing erratic readings
A Check the transducer is installed correctly, hang the transducer over the side directly into the water, it should work perfectly this way. If mounted in an in hull kit ensure there is enough oil in the tube, the transducer face should not touch the hull.
A Turn engine/charging system off, if readings settle its likely to be alternator or spark plug ‘noise’. Fit suppressor to alternator/fit suppressor spark plugs.
A Turn all other electrical systems off, operate depth sounder in isolation, if readings okay turn one systems one by one noting which is causing the RFI (radio frequency interference). Suppress the offending item at source.
A Check the depth sounders ‘GAIN’ setting
Q My depth sounder is not showing a depth reading
A Check the transducer is installed correctly, hang the transducer over the side directly into the water, it should work perfectly this way. If mounted in an in hull kit ensure there is enough oil in the tube, the transducer face should not touch the hull.
The transducer itself can be heard ticking faintly, this is the transmit pulse. If it is not ticking check the transducer cable carefully for damage. Replace any damaged cable with good quality 75 ohm coaxial cable, keep the overall length the same.
If the transducer can be heard ticking rub the palm of your hand briskly over the face of the transducer, this should result in random numbers showing on the display and will prove the sounder is receiving a signal.
Q Can I reset my Target Depth Sounder?
A Yes, you can reset the depth sounder to restore all of the factory default settings.
1/ Turn power to instrument off.
2/ Press and hold the Deep alarm key and turn power to instrument on.
3/ Display will show ‘FAC’ Release key.
4/ Press and hold the ‘SET’ key for a minimum of 5 seconds then release the key.
5/ The ‘FAC’ on display will disappear and display will return to normal operation. All factory default settings are restored.
6/ If ‘FAC’ still shown on the display repeat step 5.
Q My log isn’t showing a speed reading?
A Look at the impeller wheel, check it rotates freely and inspect for damage, two magnets are potted inside two opposing vanes of the paddlewheel, check with the end of a screwdriver or similar that two ends of the wheel are magnetic. Clean the wheel and void underneath the wheel with a toothbrush. (the axle is a slight interference fit and will press out from either side quite easily with the aid of a ball point pen or similar).
A Check the resistance across the end of the paddlewheel coaxial plug, it should read around 75 ohms, if it reads open or short circuit inspect the cable carefully for damage.
Q My log isn’t showing approximately half speed
A Examine the impeller wheel carefully, check it rotates freely and inspect for damage, two magnets are potted inside two opposing vanes of the paddlewheel, check with the end of a screwdriver or similar that two ends of the wheel are magnetic.
Q The speed reading is too low
A Check the impeller spins freely, clean if necessary. It is important water flows directly over the wheel, if there is a keel or similar the water flow may not be from directly ahead. Whist ‘under way’ slightly loosen the nut holding the paddlewheel unit in the skin fitting, slowly rotate the paddlewheel unit whilst someone is observing the speed display, adjust the paddlewheel unit angle for maximum speed reading on the display, retighten the paddlewheel nut.
Q How to restore Target Depth factory default settings
A Turn power supply to depth sounder off
Press and hold the bottom key (lower Alarm key)
Turn power supply on
The letters FAC show on the display
Release bottom key
Press SET key for approx 5 seconds
Q No wind speed displayed
A Check wind anemometer cups are spinning correctly. Check the connection on the White wire, this sends the wind speed data (1 x 5V 10 millisecond pulse per complete revolution of the wind cup) Note this will not be detectable with a multimeter.
Q No wind direction displayed
A Check wind vane is rotating correctly. Check connections on Blue and Black wires, these are SIN/COS for direction. (approx 1 to 4V reference to the silver screen wire depending on orientation of wind vane)
Q Wind direction is shown 180 degrees out
A Realign the windvane, it is important the windvane does not move during the alignment process.
Q Does the Clipper Wind have an NMEA output?
A Yes, since 2010 Clipper Wind has NMEA output. NMEA 0183 sentence MWV 4800 Baud is accessed from a socket on the back of the display unit. There is a small label with the pinout data.
Q No wind speed or direction displayed
A Check the wind anemometer cups and wind vane are rotating normally. Check the connections on the Blue wire and silver/black wires from the mast unit, the blue is the NMEA output positive and sends the wind speed and direction data to the display unit. The silver is the negative and NMEA reference. (NMEA 0183 MWV sentence)
Q No display
A Check power supply and in line fuse. Check display contrast. Press reset – all 4 keys together.
Press and hold the CTRL key then press and hold the DOWN key to increase the LCD contrast, or press and hold the CTRL key then press and hold the UP key to reduce the LCD contrast.
Q No messages received
A Check antenna and cable for signs of damage, any joints in the coaxial cable should be well made. Set receiver for INT and ALL stations and ALL messages. Leave receiver on overnight with all other equipment/systems turned off and vessel disconnected from shore power. If messages are received review all systems by turning on one by one whilst a message is being received, when the offending item is identified suppress it at source.
A For Clipper and Target Navtex that receive both frequencies by pressing keys on the keypad you can test the receiver with a long wire instead of the antenna. Unplug the antenna and connect a long wire instead – length 8 to 10 metres of ordinary single core wire connected to the centre of the receiver antenna socket and strung out along the boat. Leave on overnight to test. If messages received look at the antenna cable for any damage or pinch points.
Q No display
A Check power supply and in line fuse. Check display contrast. Press reset – all 3 keys together.
Rotate the contrast control shaft on the rear of the receiver, viewed from the back turning the control anticlockwise will increase the LCD contrast and clockwise will reduce the contrast. Adjust for peak contrast.
Q No messages received
A Check antenna and cable for signs of damage, any joints in the coaxial cable should be well made. Set receiver for INT and ALL stations and ALL messages. Leave receiver on overnight with all other equipment/systems turned off and vessel disconnected from shore power. If messages are received review all systems by turning on one by one whilst a message is being received, when the offending item is identified suppress it at source.
Q Blank display
A Check the red LED illuminates when you connect the 12V supply. (it will flash when communications are established with the mast unit) Check the 12V power supply across the DC power connector. Check the wire connections to the wind display connector on the base unit, ensure the wire clamps on the the connector are clamped on the copper of the wire and not the plastic insulation.
Q No display of Wind speed or direction
A Check the red LED on the receiver base unit is flashing. If this is blank check the 12V power supply across the DC power connector. To test move the base receiver box nearer to the mast unit.
Q How do I Align the wind direction
A To calibrate the direction, point the wind vane to dead ahead (eg. By motoring into a steady headwind) then press and hold the “SET” key on the base unit until
the LED glows steadily. Releasing the key returns to normal operation with the dead ahead position reading zero degrees.
