Thread: Rookie issues with depth readings

I've hunted around, but haven't been able to find any topics covering the issues I'm seeing. I have 3 questions:

1. How can I troubleshoot erroneous depth numbers?
2. What's the best approach/app/site for turning my SL2 captures into bathymetry for my bay?
3. What do folks do to protect connectors in situations where the finder isn't permanently installed (mine will only be used when I'm in the boat)

Lowrance Hook 2 5HDI installed on a Hobie Outback kayak. Battery reading 12.6v.

Q1: The issue that I'm having is that the depth being reported is often wrong, yet the image appears to be correct in terms of where the bottom is. It will also occasionally report --- despite a pretty clear image of the floor.

Since I'm hoping to map the bathymetry of the bay that I'm in, I'm hoping to get the best precision as I can in the sl2 file and want to dial it in before getting into mapping.

I've played around with the 2 frequency settings and the sensitivity with no appreciable difference as it relates to this. Screenshots attached below - you can see the lakebed image depth and the number being reported vary considerably in these.

Q2: I tried an upload to cmap genesis using a free account. My dashboard shows that I mapped 3 acres, but there's no trip or map there. The lake I'm on has very little on the social map and I'd like to contribute my data so others can use it as well as build my own bathymetry map. Is there a better approach? Do I need to have a paid account to get what I want?

Q3: Are there "cable caps" for the transducer/power cables? I know these are popular in kayaks and have to believe most folks aren't leaving their units attached when installed. What's the best way to protect against moisture/corrosion?

Thanks in advance for any wisdom / thoughts / pointers to rookie resources. I'm excited to learn more.