Lowrance elite - 4x chirp.. vertical lines.. interference.. help!

[Clutch]

Just purchased this unit yesterday but can't seem to get a clear image no matter how much I tweak the setting. It's all vertical pixely lines and static. I was wondering if any one has seen this before or could offer me any advice on how to fix it. I have the transducer mounted to my trolling motor and don't think that's causing any problems but not sure. I double checked connections to battery and they were all good as far as I can tell. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

[Scott F]

Does the depth finder use the same battery for power as the trolling motor? Do the lines happen all the time or only when the motor is running? Do you have a second depth finder operating at the same time?

[Clutch]

The depthfinder is running of my cranking battery and trolling motor runs to my deep cycle. The lines are there all the time, even with everything off.

[eddallen]

What does the screen look like when you leave it in AUTO?

What happens in deeper water like 15 to 20 feet?

Some of the older Motor Guide T/Ms used to give us fits.

[Clutch]

I have the sensitivity set to auto and it looks the same. I do have the transducer cable zip tied to the trolling motor leads, but it seems to make no difference when the motors on or off. I will check in deeper water tonight to see if that makes a difference.

[Clutch]

Looks like I won't get around to it til tomorrow. Scott, it's the only depthfinder on board. Could it have something to do with the transducer pointing at the fin on the trolling motor? Can trolling motors cause interference if they are off? I'm a newbie when it comes to electronics.

[Scott F]

There is some kind of interference. I'm no expert. But I would try several things. The trolling motor shouldn't give problems if it's not running but I'd disconnect it from the battery and see if there is a change. It might not be easy to do, but if you could, hook the depthfinder to a another battery, that is not your starting battery, see if that makes a difference.  Check the plugs on the back of the unit. Look for a cut or pinched wire on the transducer. Check the power connections and look for loose or bad wiring. If, the trolling motor is not connected and the power supply is isolated, the problem is probably the unit itself

[Clutch]

I connected the depthfinder to the deep cycle battery with the TM unhooked. I re- soldered the splices and the connections are good and the deep cycle has adequate voltage. The plugs on the back of the unit look fine and I don't see any troubles with the wires. Random question, does mucky water have any effect? If it's the unit I'm assuming I send it to lowrance and not Walmart (where I bought it from).