Furuno Network not picking up Transducer data

[Raylee]

I have 3 Furuno TZT (8-9years old) MFDs networked together with input from Radar, AIS, GPS, depth, weather station.. The transducer used is an Airmar DT800 Smart unit which does not require a sounder box/module.. it is setup to send nmea 0183 data to be converted to nmea2000 then onto the MFD.

i noticed that the depth reading is static and frequently goes blank. Under the sensor source list.. only the converting module is listed under depth (I cannot remember if it was always like that). My question is how frequently do these Transducers go bad? And how to test if the transducer is defective ? I checked the wiring from the transducer and followed it through its trajectory.. nothing looks untoward.

I would appreciate your comments and ideas.

Raylee

 

[tiltrider1]

They do go bad but not frequently and there is nothing consistent about when they go bad. That said the DT800 & DT810 seem to report more failures than other models. I say seem because Twistedtree seems to be having consistent issues with his.

 

[twistedtree]

Yes, mine says the Seattle Ship Canal is over 70 deg. Swimming, anyone? As I have posted elsewhere, I have never had one last more than a few years. That said, it has predominantly been the temp that has failed, or at least failed first.

As for testing, check to see if the TZ provides a way to monitor the messages coming from the converter. That might provide some insight. Otherwise the only way I can think of the tell if it’s the converter vs the sounder would be to connect an 0183 capable interface directly to the sounder to see what’s coming out of it.

 

[Raylee]

Thank you twistedtree and tiltrider1 for the comments. I traced the cable/wire from the transducer and found that it is connected to an extension with a nmea terminal.. as we all know, tracing a wire involves dismantling cabinets, remove wall panels, pulling chases, etc. so it took

Bottom line, the transducer is broadcasting nmea2000 data (not 0183). I disconnected it from the extension and connected my own N2K then to a small Simrad MFD and voila.. depth is shown .. so it seems the issue is with the Junction box where the transducer input goes. Until I secure a new junction box, I am connecting the transducer directly a furuno small display monitor. Now i see yhe depth without firing up the network, which is nice.

Thanks again for the input

Raylee

 

[twistedtree]

Nice job diagnosing the problem.