Lowrance HDS - stopping sonar while in simulation mode ?

[donberry]

It was mentioned to me in another post that if I happen to be sitting in my boat in the driveway, looking at any sonar logs on my HDS-5, I need to turn off my transducer. I did not know that would hurt them, so I went into the Menu and the only option I saw was "Stop Sonar" - which turns off the entire thing, not just the transducer.
So, when I am in the simulation mode, is my transducer on and if so, how do I shut it off ?
Is running the transducer out of the water bad for it ? I know I was out in the boat setting up routes for my next days trip and not knowing any better, I did not "Stop Sonar" - so I guess that is the 1st thing I should do when I do that again ?

I am curious - how does it affect the transducer ? Is it just a so many pings thing or is it being out of the water affecting the crystal somehow ?

Thanks for any info

[Jason Gilstrap LOWRANCE]

No, it does hurt the transducer while you are in simulation mode or does it hurt if you play with your unit in the drive way.

[Cane Pole]

No, it does hurt the transducer while you are in simulation mode or does it hurt if you play with your unit in the drive way.

Strange answer there Jason....

[donberry]

actually I didn't understand the answer but googled around and now know to make sure I don't use the transducer in the driveway - question is really how do I shut it off ? Only thing I can see to do is to disconnect the plug which while not hard, will be a hassle I could do without.
Funny the transducer stays on in simulator mode, especially since SonarView does not show any gps data so with the HDS, you either have to sit in your boat to check the logs against the charts or get a separate power cord and do it in your house, where of course you wouldn't have the transducer hooked up.
You would think in simulator mode it would quit sending the signal to the transducer.

[Jason Gilstrap LOWRANCE]

Strange answer there Jason....

LOL..I guess, I should have said: it's ok to let the transducer ping while you learn how to used your HDS unit. In the drive way or garage etc.

[Cane Pole]

LOL..I guess, I should have said: it's ok to let the transducer ping while you learn how to used your HDS unit. In the drive way or garage etc.

Glad to see a sense of humor. Some folks take me way too serious, especially the ones with taters stuck in their tailpipe.