Airmar P66 - Manual (Page 4)

Testing on the Water
1. Become familiar with your echosounder’s performance at a speed of 4kn
(5MPH).
2. Gradually increase the boat speed and observe the gradual decline in
performance due to turbulent water flowing under the transducer’s face.
3. If the decline in performance is sudden (not gradual), identify the boat
speed at which the onset occurred. Return the boat to this speed, then
gradually increase speed while making moderate turns in both
directions.
4. If the performance improves while turning to the side on which the
sensor is installed, the transducer’s position probably needs
adjustment. It is probably in aerated water.
To improve performance, try the following one at a time in the order
given.
a. Increase the sensor’s angle in the water. Review “Compensating for
the Transom Angle: Shim” and see Figure 10.
b. Move the sensor deeper into the water in increments of 3mm (1/8")
(see Figure 11).
c. Move the sensor closer to the centerline of the boat.
Fill unused screw holes with marine sealant.
NOTE: High-speed operation [above 35kn (40MPH)] may
require less projection in the water to improve performance and
reduce the chance that water pressure will cause the bracket to
release.
5. Calibration—To match the speed shown on the display to the actual
speed of the boat, you may need to calibrate the instrument. Refer to
your instrument owner’s manual.
Cable Routing & Connecting
CAUTION: Do not remove the connector to ease cable routing. If
the cable must be cut and spliced, use Airmar’s splash-proof
Junction Box No. 33-035 and follow the instructions provided.
Removing the waterproof connector or cutting the cable, except
when using a water-tight junction box, will void the sensor
warranty.
Route the sensor cable over the transom, through a drain hole, or through
a new hole drilled in the transom above the waterline.
1. If a hole must be drilled through the transom, choose a location well
above the waterline (see Figure 11). Check for obstructions such as
trim tabs, pumps, or wiring inside the hull. Mark the location with a pencil.
Drill a hole using the appropriate size bit to accommodate the connector.
2. Route the cable over or through the transom.
3. On the outside of the hull, secure the cable against the transom using
the cable clamps. Position one cable clamp 50mm (2") above the
bracket and mark the mounting hole with a pencil.
4. Position the second cable clamp halfway between the first clamp and
the cable hole. Mark this mounting hole.
5. If a hole has been drilled in the transom, open the appropriate slot in the
cable cover. Position the cover over the cable where it enters the hull.
Mark the two mounting holes.
6. At each of the marked locations, use a 3mm or 1/8" bit to drill a hole
10mm (3/8") deep.
7. Apply marine sealant to the threads of the #6 x 1/2" self-tapping screws
to prevent water from seeping into the transom. If you have drilled a
hole through the transom, apply marine sealant to the space around the
cable where it passes through the transom.
8. Position the two cable clamps and fasten them in place. If used, push
the cable cover over the cable and screw it in place.
9. Route the cable to the instrument being careful not to tear the cable jacket
when passing it through the bulkhead(s) and other parts of the boat. Use
grommets where appropriate. To reduce electrical interference, separate
the sensor cable from other electrical wiring and the engine(s). Coil any
excess cable and secure it in place with cable ties to prevent damage.
10.Refer to your echosounder owner’s manual to connect the sensor to
the instrument.
4
Checking for Leaks
When the boat is placed in the water, immediately check for leaks around
the screws and any holes drilled in the hull. Note that very small leaks may
not be readily observed. Do not leave the boat in the water unchecked for
more than three hours.
Anti-fouling Paint
Aquatic growth can accumulate rapidly on the sensor’s surface reducing
performance within weeks. Surfaces exposed to salt water that do not
interlock, must be coated with anti-fouling paint. Use water-based anti-
fouling paint only. Never use ketone based paint, since ketones can attack
many types of plastic possibly causing damage to the transducer. Repaint
every 6 months or at the beginning of each boating season.
Maintenance, Repair & Parts
Cleaning
Clean the transducer’s face with a Scotch-Brite® scour pad and mild
household detergent taking care to avoid making scratches. If the fouling is
severe, lightly wet sand with fine grade wet/dry paper.
Servicing the Speed Sensor
If the paddlewheel becomes fouled or inoperable, remove it for cleaning.
Remove the two screws from the speed sensor (see Figure 13). Slide it
upward to remove it from the transducer housing. Grasp the two retaining
bars and pull to access the shaft.
After cleaning, slide the paddlewheel onto the shaft. Orient the short side
of the paddlewheel blade as shown on the side view. It must be oriented
correctly to measure the boat’s speed. Fit the shaft into the holes marked
“B” in the retaining bars. Note: There is a left retaining bar marked with an
L and a right retaining bar marked with an R. Slide the assembly into the
speed sensor housing. Note: The interior of the housing is marked with a
corresponding L and R. Re-attach the speed sensor.
Sensor Replacement & Parts
The information needed to order a replacement sensor is printed on the
cable tag. Do not remove this tag. When ordering, specify the part number,
date, and frequency in kHz. For convenient reference, record this information
on the top of page one.
Replace broken or worn parts immediately. The water-lubricated
paddlewheel bearings have a life of up to 5 years on low-speed boats [less
than 10kn (11MPH)] and 2 years on high-speed vessels. Some depth/
temperature units can be upgraded by adding a speed sensor.
Part Part Number
Paddlewheel Kit 33-473-01
Bracket and Wedge Kit33-479-01
Speed Sensor Kit
33-346-03
Obtain parts from your instrument manufacturer or marine dealer.
Gemeco Tel: 803-693-0777
(USA) Fax: 803-693-0477
email: [email protected]
Airmar EMEA Tel: +33.(0)2.23.52.06.48
(Europe, Middle East, Africa) Fax: +33.(0)2.23.52.06.49
email: [email protected]
Copyright © 2000 - 2014 Airmar Technology Corp. All rights reserved.
Figure 13. Servicing the speed sensor
side view
shaft
short side
of blade
insert shaft
BOW
through
hole B in
B
retaining
bar (2)
speed
sensor
housing
Copyright © 2003 Airmar Technology Corp.