Helix 5 sonar image problems

I recently replace my HB385 with a Helix5 with GPS and 2D sonar. It is running off the I-Pilot universal transducer, The sonar image goes from sharp color contrast to a washed out brown/white image as I am running the TM. Don't think it is the transducer because the 385 worked fine with this setup. Only reason I replaced the 385 was to get a bigger screen. Here are a couple of screen shots.

Attachment 217999
This is the washed out display.

Attachment 217998

This is as it is changing from the washed out pattern to the full color contrast.
Have I got a bad unit or any suggestions as to cause? Only had it a couple of months.

Can you hook up the transducer supplied with the Helix and just dangle it over the side to see if the display improves?

has it been working ? what I ment was the unit used as you describe or did you just hook it up ?

It has been like this since I took it out of the box. At first I thought I just needed to select a different palette, but they all look washed out with no color contrast. I can try the transducer that came with it I guess. Since the 385 worked fine I assumed the Helix would too. I may need to check the connections between the adapter cable and each end to see if it is tight.
Just occurred to me to try the simulator mode and see what it looks like, but I am betting it is like it should be. I am suspicious of the cable connections the more I think about this.

If the issue is only when running the TM ...your TM is broadcasting RFI in a frequency your unit can read ...

HB has many options for eliminating RFI ...

1-800-633-1468

Rickie

Did you change which transducer you are using in the helix unit?

No I guess I need to check and see how it is set. Honestly the HB 385 spoiled me I guess, it worked out of the box on both transducers and I never changed any settings on it.

anyone know the menu option I need to select to change the transducer type? I can't seem to find it in the manual.

and to Rickie's question, the display goes in and out with the TM running. I can turn the motor off and the image does not change. It goes back and forth at random as shown in my first post pictures.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by vic n

Can you hook up the transducer supplied with the Helix and just dangle it over the side to see if the display improves?

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Searay...try Vic's suggestion to determine if the issue is with the Terrova xducer or the HB head unit ...

And make sure all other electrical stuff is off ... (other depth finders, live wells, big motor, bilge pumps) ...

Rickie

My guess is that you have your transducer mounted on your TM. My other guess is that you are running your unit and TM off the same power source. That could be the problem. If that is how you are powered hook the unit to another source such as your starting battery or a hot wire in the dash. I had the same problem and it fixed it when I changed the power source. Good luck.

Separate power for the TM and the transducer is built into the head of the TM(I-Pilot US2)

It appears you may also have a low voltage problem. You might want to verify with a good strong battery before you do anything drastic.

SeaRay, I agree with Vic. That low voltage will do some funny things to these new units. I would recheck all connections and voltage at battery.

Good point. The voltage should be around 12.5. Should have noticed it before. Thanks.

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Originally Posted by SeaRay

Good point. The voltage should be around 12.5. Should have noticed it before. Thanks.

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I just hope it helps

I must be lucky. This summer I bought a Helix 5, and mounted the transducer to my V2 trolling motor, and its hooked to the same battery that my TM, and another Humminbird locator for power source. Even when I fire up the big motor and leave the TM down, to move short distance, it still works. I like the idea of holding the cord to the transducer so its just under water with everything else off. You couldn't buy mine at any price, I'm in love. Good Luck.

I am running new, larger wire to my two DFs. I still get more of drop than I thought over the wiring from the back of the boat to the front. (From 12.6 to 12.2) I have too many fuses in line as well. Got one on each DF up front and one at the battery. Think I only need one at the battery. All are sources for voltage drop, though it should be negligible. Still don't know if this is what caused the screen wash out, but good place to start.
Will update once I finish wiring and get on the water. Ifffffffffffffffffff,
it ever quits raining. I am sure you folks read and saw all our flooding last month. Well it seems it has rained at least 4 or 5 days of each week since then. All our lakes are high and muddy.

I would go down to one fuse only, and check all connections to be clean and tight. You all have sure had more rain than you want/need. Wish we could get a little here.

Hey Vic, I watched the Miss vs Mo ball game Thursday night and it rained like Noah's flood there. You get any of that???

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Originally Posted by SeaRay

Hey Vic, I watched the Miss vs Mo ball game Thursday night and it rained like Noah's flood there. You get any of that???

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Got maybe 1/4".......could sure use some