Datamarine Depth Sounder

[Bill Root]

I have this depth sounder as a back-up to the chart plotter sounder with two displays, one on the main bridge and another on the fly bridge. It probably came with the boat when it was new. It works fine, but the backlight on the one on the main bridge has gotten dim, making it difficult to read. Does anyone know if this can be fixed? I tried removing the back plate, but no bulb is visible. Maybe there isn't a bulb and the light is generated some other way.

I also have a matching speed/wind indicator on the other side of the helm. The light in it is plenty bright enough to make the display easy to read.

I know I can replace this unit with a Raymarine St60, but then I would have to replace both the displays. I have plenty of places to spend a boat buck, so I'm hoping to find a way to fix it.

 

[GJH]

Have you talked with these guys?

http://www.dmimarine.com/

 

[captddis]

Send it to DMI Marine
18 commerce Park Rd
Pocasset, MA 02559
508 564 7491

 

[drburke]

Instead of repairing the existing old-school fluorescent CCFL illumination, consider an upgrade to sunlight-readable LEDs.

http://www.lcdparts.net/
http://www.moniservinc.com/

I have no idea if they can help you, but they have a broad range of parts. Worth a call at least.

They are on my to-do list to address my dim display issues, but I have not used them yet.

DAN

 

[Bill Root]

Thanks, guys. I'll try DMI. Maybe they cab install the new lighting, too.

 

[Bill Root]

Spoke with Steve at DMI yesterday. He confirmed he can rebuild these with re-soldered connection s and new lamps for about $180. Sure beats spending $1K installing two new ones. The unit went back to DMI today. I'll report on the outcome after I get it back and re-installed. Thanks for the tips.