Xi5 interference with Garmin 93SV

[KingRanch]

I recently got a Garmin 93SV with "total scan" (Sonar, Down image and Side image) transducer. I have a MG Xi5 with a built in sonar transducer (not using this transducer). I mounted the transducer to the bottom of motor and it reads fine .... until I use the trolling motor. Bad interference! Immediately starts reading fine when motor is not running. I have cable running loosely up the shaft and have isolated transducer wire from trolling motor wiring with the same results!


Any help?
KingRanch

[TeeDee]

Welcome to the club! I've 'fixed' my interference at least twice only to have it return. It's always only on the 2d and when the TM is turned on. Mine also seems to be depth sensitive a great majority of the time...i.e. in shallow water I do not see the spike when hitting the TM on button. I think the best thing you can do is to read the RF sticky above and especially one of Rickie's last comments. Probably are going to have to separate the ducer cable from the TM and see where/when it cleans up. Mine is not so bad that I am totally committed to a different installation for the ducer, but it's starting to make me think about it. I can usually make sure my loosely coiled cable is away from the TM power as far as possible and that helps a lot. But honestly, I think an alternate mount may be the best solution. Check above, there is some good info, but the one I referred to is a straight-forward approach to determining the path for a fix.

[KingRanch]

I did read the "RF sticky" thread. tried those things with maybe marginal success. What I am thinking about doing is calling the folks at CornField Crappie and talking to them about maybe a modified version of the mount they make for the HB 360 transducer. This might solve 2 issues. 1-the transducer interference issues we have discussed, an 2- a mount for the a Panoptix transducer. I think that this would isolate the transducer. Mounting the Panoptix this way would not allow you to "pan" left/right, but would allow you to look forward.

The other option, and the most expensive, I to go with a MinnKota Ultrex TM. The only thing that I KNOW that would be simpler/better with the MK is mounting and running the transducer cables. I really like the MG ... when I was running Lowrance stuff.

This crappie fishing stuff is getting complicated and expensive!

[TeeDee]

If your interference is coming from the ducer cable location, etc., then moving it far enough away will solve that problem. If it is in the power side, then not so much. I have separate battery, run power lines down opposite sides of boat, no connectivity at all. I can physically stage my excess soiled ducer cable such that I have no interference, but evidently it migrates back over near the TM over time. I need to get back in there and check, move, secure this time. I made about 6-7 trips with no interference before it returned. Panoptix when (I hope) and if, will definitely be on an alternative mount, perhaps everything will be on it. The interference is only on the 2d and is a small spike on the lower half of my screen, see almost no clutter or anything else from it. I guess the freq's are different enough on dv and sv to not be an impact. Really like the units, and the TM's. Read enough forums. It's not the brand of either, just the luck of the draw.

[KingRanch]

I have a separate battery. In a Ranger bass boat. Power is ran up drivers side for electronics, left side for trolling motor. Excess transducer cable coiled layed on front deck completely away fro TM. It does run loosely up the TM shaft though. My issue shows up on sonar, DI and SI!! Nice clear image until the TM starts. slow, fast, 5 FOW or 30 FOW Same thing! I guess I will remove transducer completely from TM and see what happens. ???

[rnvinc]

I guess I will remove transducer completely from TM and see what happens. ???

This is the best test that definitively determines if interference is encroaching into the unit xducer circuit - or the unit power circuit ...

Rickie

[TeeDee]

I have a spare gt52hw and that is what I did when I determined for sure where my cause was/is. I have spaced my ducer cable off the shaft about 1/8", put insulators between cable and shaft, brought the ducer cable off the shaft about 6" below the head, etc. Digital, variable speed, battery saving interference generators! One of the guys on BBC still runs a 5 speed just for this reason. And he has a lot of electronics. Sharp fellow. Mine is not so bad as to be a show stopper, but I would like to be able to say I solved it. And basically I know that a different mount would do that for me. Good luck

[KingRanch]

Thanks guys, I don't have a spare transducer, but now I have some things to try.

[sfw1960]

A ferrite ring or two wrapped several times thru the XDCR cable often helps...

I used 2 of these stacked & wrapped about 9 turns of cable for my SI and DI units on the bow.

I used the "31 mix" because I use 800 kHz more than many do and wanted to effect the higher frequencies as little as possible.

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...te/2631803802/

The "77 mix" may work better for you, as their is "no magical formula"...

https://www.mouser.com/productdetail...te/5977003801/



G'Luck,
RAS

[KingRanch]

sfw1960,
Not really following what you are doing, or what the rings do? Pics?