HB 798SI acting up

[Hook1]

The last two times I have been out the sonar and side imaging on my 798 will blank out and I lose the depth reading. The first time this happened it would only be a short period. Jason and I went yesterday afternoon and it didnt take long and my screen went blank. The unit would not display the depth and the only thing that worked right were my lake maps. I checked the transducer and it wasnt kicked up and there was nothing stuck on it. I hope some of these HB experts see this and might have a solution other than paying for a new transducer. I have an Interlink system as well but dont know if it had anything to do with the problem because my 788 on the bow works fine. emoScratch Any help would be DEEPLY appreciated. This time of year I pay extra attention to the water depth because everything is so low I dont want to lose another prop! emoBang

 

[BulletTJ]

Check all the connections also check the power and ground connections. If that doesnt solve the problem, call Humminbird Monday. Tech support will fix you up. They have the best customer service in the business.

 

[Hook1]

Thats what I've heard and thats why I bought these. I just hoped i would never have to call them lol.

 

[BulletTJ]

I had a 797 that started acting up one winter. The screen would just go off. I got to checking and there was a crack in the base unit. It was on the inside where close to the retainer that holds the cable ends in the base unit. Turns out the power cord was not plugging in all the way. I took it off and epoxied the crack, then clamped it until it dried. Problem went away.

 

[Doug V]

How do you have power wire run? Direct to the battery or tapped into existing boat wiring? Many times low current can make units do weird things. I recommend hooking direct to the battery to get proper current and voltage.

Also check to make sure the transducer is plugging in fully. Might need to bend the tabs in the cable collector up to get better contact.

Can you test it on another transducer? And test their headunit on your transducer? This will help see where the concern is.

If not HB Customer Service can help you get it going 800-633-1468

 

[chillerman69]

If you aren't a 100% sure all your electrical connections aren't put together with dielectric grease, all should be checked, cleaned with contact cleaner and greased, to seal out moisture. Boats are exposed to, too much moisture, to cut that corner. A faulty ground or power wire will do some very crazy things on a DC system.

 

[Hook1]

Ok I have a breakthrough. I was out yesterday and the unit still wont read depth or side imaging. I took the 798 off the base and grabbed my 788 from the bow and stuck it on there. Stupid thing works fine on the base so this tells me the connections are good to go. I think the problem lies within the head. Like some people I know!!lol Does this mean I have to buy a new unit? I SURE hope not because Im saving for a heaftier trolling motor.

 

[Mike Hernandez]

Theres a HB guy at the expo with Louie B that may be able to help.

 

[chillerman69]

Great job and while I'm not sure of how much this will end up costing you, at least you have the problem isolated, to the unit. Nothing like like having something, that is known to be good, to try in its place. You didn't say but I'm sure you put the working head back to its original location and it still works. That should eliminate the one in a billion chance that the wiring is causing you head problems. I hope the fix is cheap-n-easy for you, good luck.

 

[Hook1]

Yes, I put the 788 back on the bow location and fished the rest of the evening.

 

[Doug V]

Call HB Customer Service they can help you and tell you the cost to repair in not under warranty. 800-633-1468