DSM30 Fishfinder Module Watchdog Timeout Reboot

[missnevi]

Has anyone come across this 8-blink amber light warning message from the DSM30 or DSM300 fishfinder module?

The fishfinder does not come up on the screen at all, although I do get an accurate depth reading. I've looked this up in the Raymarine forums and other than some checks like unseat cables and reseat, look for kinks, maybe replace cables, and maybe a software update the main answer seems to be to send the unit for repair. See this:
http://raymarine.ning.com/forum/topics/ ... e=activity

I don't really care so much for 'fishfinding" but do need to have it active in order to bring up its menu to change the kHz setting from 50/200 auto to 50 manual. That way I can install next to the current Airmar transducer an in-hull redundant D10D transducer/sounder from Hawkeye that pulses at 200 kHZ. If both pulse at 200 there would be crosstalk.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts or help.

 

[missnevi]

Problem solved! Read in some obscure place (can't remember where) that the fishfinder may not work if the voltage is low. Sure enough... I checked voltage at the DC bus and it was a low 12V, with all breakers off but the nav. Yet the meter at the pilot station read the expected 13-14V or so. Surprisingly, I did not notice any deficiencies in other DC components running off the bus/breakers.

So I fooled around with the red supply connection to a unit that preceded the bus and got an expected 12.75V. That brought the fishfinder back (before it would not come up at all) and I was able to set the pulse frequency to 50 kHz. Now I can install a redundant 200 kHz sounder unit, which I've ordered. See here:
https://www.westmarine.com/buy/norcross ... ecordNum=3

And the instrument panel to the right of the fuel gauge is a perfect placement. Will have to rent a hole saw for the required 2" hole. Will post an update.

 

[DBBRanger]

Richard,

I have the same redundant Hawkeye depth sounder in my 2008 R25. What is really nice about it is that it takes almost no power (like 0.1A) so that you can have it on all night while at anchor. Plus with the alarm set for low water, sleep comes easier! Mine is mounted on top of the helm deck.

Enjoy!

Doug

 

[missnevi]

Doug,

Thanks for your info. Your use of the Hawkeye as an anchor alarm is a very good idea, as using the multifunction for a radar, depth, or gps alarm would draw too much juice when anchoring overnight.

I'll be installing the sounder's readout gauge in the instrument panel. I have the helm deck rigged in a way that secures my notebook, which runs TimeZero for nav and planning . A touch screen and a pointer make our nav life much easier than the tedious operation of older multifunctions. The Raymarine is now the backup charter. And so is my Android phone running the Navionics app.

Did you install the transducer just forward of the Airmar? Mine is starboard side near the transom. When I get the sounder I'll also check placing the transducer under the entrance step forward of the engine, by the forward bilge pump. I'm not at the boat right now so I'm not sure that's even feasible.

 

[DBBRanger]

Did you install the transducer just forward of the Airmar? Mine is starboard side near the transom.

Yes, mine had already been installed when I purchased the boat just forward of the original transducer. Your idea of setting the frequency of the original different than the Hawkeye is a good one. I did have crosstalk and so I never had both on at the same time, however recently I had inadvertently changed the settings and now both work at the same time! I forget the issue, but I do have the two offsets set differently - one reads below the keel and one reads water depth. I think the Hawkeye didn't allow the setting I wanted.