This article gives the steps to troubleshoot Dual Spectrum Chirp (DSC) sonar issues.
Jump to:
- DSC Sonar Blacks Out, Loses Bottom, or Erroneous Readings.
- Incorrect Temperature Reading
- Fish Finder is Not Receiving Bottom Reading
- Resources
DSC Sonar Blacks Out, Loses Bottom, or Erroneous Readings.
- Ensure the transducer in in the water or it will display a blank screen.
- Verify that all of the software on the equipment is up to date. Below is a links to Humminbird and Minn Kota updates for fish finder brand you will need to check with the manufacturer on software updates.
- Check the fish finder settings.
- Adjusting noise reduction filters.
- Reduce gain of the sonar display.
- Ensure Operating Frequency is 83/200 kHz.
- Ensure that you have the correct adaptor cable for your trolling motor and unit configuration.
- Ensure the fish finder is on a separate power supply from the trolling motor and ensure proper voltage on the power supply. Click her for Troubleshooting Trolling Motor Power Issues
- If you have multiple fish finders networked together try connecting the transducer to another unit by passing any Y cables or switches to test that the transducer is working. If another transducer is available it can also be testing with the fish finder.
- If the boat has a multi-channel on-board charger that is connected to both the cranking battery and the trolling motor battery disconnect the charger output leads.
- Check the pins for the cables, adaptor cables and the transducer for any physical damage. If any damage is found replacement or repairs will need to be completed to the damaged parts. Please click here to located a Minn Kota Authorized Service Center.
- If issues continue there could be interference. Click here for Troubleshooting Trolling Motor Transducer Interference.
Incorrect Temperature Reading
- Verify the sonar unit is on the current US2, BIMDI, or BIMSI compatibility list, that the correct adapter cable is being used, and all plug connections are secure (in the control box and at the adapter cable). Click here for DSC Compatibility Chart
- Ensure the transducer is in the water or it will display a blank screen.
- Verify that all of the software on the equipment is up to date. Below is a links to Humminbird and Minn Kota updates for fish finder brand you will need to check with the manufacturer on software updates.
- Check that that Operating Frequency is 83/200 kHz.
- If you have multiple fish finders networked together try connecting the transducer to another unit by passing any Y cables or switches to test that the transducer is working. If another transducer is available it can also be testing with the fish finder.
- Check the pins for the cables, adapter cables and the transducer for any physical damage. If any damage is found replacement or repairs will need to be completed to the damaged parts. Please click here to located a Minn Kota Authorized Service Center.
- Ensure the fish finder is on a separate power supply from the trolling motor and ensure proper voltage on the power supply. Click her for Troubleshooting Trolling Motor Power Issues.
- If you have multiple fish finders networked together you can try swapping the transducer connections for testing to narrow down where possible issues maybe.
- If issues continue there could be interference. Click here for Troubleshooting Trolling Motor Transducer Interference.
Fish Finder is Not Receiving Bottom Reading
- Ensure the transducer is in the water or it will display a blank screen.
- Verify the sonar unit is on the current US2, BIMDI, or BIMSI compatibility list, that the correct adapter cable is being used, and all plug connections are secure (in the control box and at the adapter cable). Click here for DSC Compatibility Chart
- Verify that all of the software on the equipment is up to date. Below is a links to Humminbird and Minn Kota updates for fish finder brand you will need to check with the manufacturer on software updates.
- Check the pins for the cables, adapter cables and the transducer for any physical damage. If any damage is found replacement or repairs will need to be completed to the damaged parts. Please click here to located a Minn Kota Authorized Service Center.
- If you have multiple fish finders networked together power off the other units to eliminate the possibility of cross-talk from another transducer.
- Ensure the fish finder is on a separate power supply from the trolling motor and ensure proper voltage on the power supply.
- If you have multiple fish finders networked together you can try swapping the transducer connections for testing to narrow down where possible issues maybe.
- If issues continue there could be interference. Click here for Troubleshooting Trolling Motor Transducer Interference.
