Transducer question

[Cindywood3]

We’ve been having issues with the depth finder on our 2018 RT23 working very sporadically and it was suggested both by Ranger Tug customer service and Garmin customer service to overfill the transducer cup with the pink RV antifreeze, then wipe up what spills over. We did that and the depth finder now works perfectly! However, we now have a “ticking” noise coming from the transducer. Any thoughts as to what this is and how to fix it?

 

[BB marine]

" Ticking "noise that is normal. Make sure there is an o-ring installed on the transducer cover so the antifreeze doesn't leak out again.

 

[Cindywood3]

Thanks for the info!

 

[Cindywood3]

" Ticking "noise that is normal. Make sure there is an o-ring installed on the transducer cover so the antifreeze doesn't leak out again.

We appreciate your response. Could you also please explain what exactly this noise is and why it’s normal? Our previous 2 boats (both aluminum fishing boats with thru-hull transducers) never made a clicking noise. We’ve read a number of things online, and have seen conflicting info - some say it’s normal, others say it’s not.

 

[BB marine]

Transducers make a ticking noise, Garmin, Lowrance or other manufacturers device and in this case a P79 Airmar. That is the sonar signal going out. It sends out a ping then the sound echos back letting the device know the depths.
The installation in your C24 is not thru hull. The installation is mounted on the hull and shoots the sonar frequencies thru the hull. Most aluminum fishing boats have either thru hull (hole cut in the hull) to except the transducer or transom mounted. Even on the transom mounted if the unit at the dash is left on and the boat is out of the water, if you get close to the transducer you can here it clicking or ("Ticking"). When I install a transducer and power sonar unit up I check the transducer by either listening for the clicks or putting my hand on it to feel the clicks. Some make more noise than others. In my C26 since it was new it made a clicking noise when the Garmin 7612 was powered up. It is more noticeable when the boat is out of the water. There is conflicting opinions or information on operating the unit out of the water if it does or doesn't do damage to the transducer. I can't comment factually on that one way or the other so I limit the powering up of the Garmin when on the hard. The only time I power it up on the hard is if I'm doing an update or calibrations.

This shows the position of the oring I mentioned.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q ... E09MpQ6lfK

If you read this information it will put you at ease that the clicking is normal.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q ... Y9VQOWLYV-

 

[Cindywood3]

Thank you so much for your in-depth explanation and the links. I had mentioned the thru-hull transducers we’ve had before because we were thinking that the difference in the type of transducers may be why we’ve never heard this noise before. We appreciate your expertise and your time spent sharing it!

 

[Cutwater28GG]

isnt the ticking noise the actual sonar "ping". if you can hear it in the cabin it means you have a good connection with the hull and should get a great read out on the display

 

[Cindywood3]

isnt the ticking noise the actual sonar "ping". if you can hear it in the cabin it means you have a good connection with the hull and should get a great read out on the display

thanks! We are getting great read outs now!