Accidentally sliced transducer cable

[PAbasser927]

I was working on a new mounting system on my kayak for a totalscan transducer.  I slipped when cutting with a utility knife and sliced the transducer cable pretty good.  This is only about 3-4 inches in front of the transducer so it is an area that will be submerged.

 

l will likely be giving Lowrance a call to see if anything can be done.  Just wondering if anyone else has ever done this and whether it was able to be fixed?  I have heard splicing and soldering these things are much more tricky than a standard spice and solder job.

[Scott F]

You’ll have to replace the transducer. In addition to the transducer cable, the thermometer cable is also in there. You might be able to buy a 4 conductor shielded plug and receptacle to put where the wires were cut, but they will probably cost as much as a new transducer, be difficult to install and still be under water. Much easier to replace the transducer. 

[PAbasser927]

I figured as much.  Not sure I would ever trust the image to be as good as it could be if I tried to fix it myself anyway.  It’s a shame the transducer is only about 4 months old.  Live and learn I guess!

[Jig Man]

I've cut them before and had them repaired.  They turned out good as new.

[PAbasser927]

That is promising.  Hopefully Lowrance has some good feedback when I give them a call.

[Krux5506]

Did the same thing last year with my Garmin bow mount except I kept pinching it in the trolling motor when deploying. They told me sometimes people can splice them but its hit or miss. I bought a new one and now am quite a bit more careful. 

[J Francho]

There splicing kits, as well.  Just learned about them a few months ago from another member.

[PAbasser927]

The problem I am going to have with splicing it is how close the slice is to the transducer itself.  In order to stagger the splices so they are not on top of each other, I would need about 12 inches to work with since there appears to be many wires that would need to be spliced and soldered.  I only have about 3 inches to work with and that would take me RIGHT to the transducer.  So in order to get a waterproof heat shrink over top of both sides of the splice, I am now looking at about 2 inches to work with, maybe even less.

 

Usually I am meticulously careful when working on stuff like this, but when I do mess up, it seems like I go big!

[Arcs&sparks]

Did you slice the actual wire? From the picture it looks like you just cut the insulation.  In that case I would just use a length of marine or underground heat shrink (the self adhesive kind), and call it a day.

[haggard]

If you happen to know someone who has the soldering skill, a suitable iron & tip, and the time to do the job, that should all be doable. If not, replacing the transducer is probably less painful in the long run, despite the up front cost.

 

Assuming no actual wire material is cut (just their insulation), you might consider electrical tape on the affected inside wires then adding a waterproof jacket around the outer jacket, and see how long that lasts. Then buy a replacement transducer only if this one fails. The key is really making it waterproof, not with electrical tape, but something more robust.

 

That blue wire looks like it may have been wrapped in a silver foil shield. Was some of that removed? If it was shielded and that shield is now broken (not continuous), it could affect the signal, and a full replacement may just be the best option.

 

[MickD]

As asked above, are you sure the wires are cut?  I would remove the insulation to be sure, and if not, tape any damaged wire insulation, then tape the bundle tightly with electrical tape, then embed the whole area in high quality silicone caulk.

[PAbasser927]

It’s hard to tell from the picture, but yes a few of the interior wires are nicked.  Not cut through, but nicked through the insulation and into the wire.  Obviously to get to that point the foil shield has been cut through as well.

 

I appreciate all the feedback on how to fix, but I may actually be off the hook with this one.  I called Lowrance yesterday and explained my accident and how the transducer was just purchased 4 months ago.  They asked if I could produce a receipt, which I could.  Now it sounds like they are going to send me a new one and I can return ship the one that I sliced the cable on.

 

Considering only factory defects are typically covered under manufacturer warranties, and this one is completely on me, I am pretty blown away by the excellent customer service on the part of Lowrance.  Once I get more details as to the next steps I need to take with Lowrance I will post about my expirience. Hopefully good news to come!

[haggard]

1 hour ago, PAbasser927 said:

I called Lowrance yesterday and explained my accident and how the transducer was just purchased 4 months ago.  They asked if I could produce a receipt, which I could.  Now it sounds like they are going to send me a new one and I can return ship the one that I sliced the cable on.

That's some great customer service. Thank you Lowrance. Running a Hook 4 here and very happy with it. Haven't cut any cables yet...

 

 

[Ratherbfishing]

The obvious question (yet one which I haven't found):  Have you actually TRIED using the fishfinder/transducer since you nicked it?  a few nicked strands may not make a huge difference in the performance of said transducer.  They do make liquid "tape" to seal/separate/insulate wire.  If you've already received a new one, You might keep this one as a spare (if it still works).

[PAbasser927]

I hadn’t tried testing it because I wanted to cover my bases with Lowrance first.  I didn’t want to go boogering it up even more trying to waterproof it and end up ruining my chances getting help from the manufacturer.

 

That being said, Lowrance’s customer support was fantastic.  I came home from work yesterday to a new transducer on my doorstep.  I called them Monday and the package was delivered less than 48 hours later.  There was no instructions for return shipping so I don’t think they even require me to return ship the transducer that I cut (I will be keeping my eyes peeled for an email or call from them about that).  That is, hands down, the best customer service experience that I have had with any company.  They have definitely secured themselves a repeat customer with me.

 

Now I just have to make sure to be more careful with this one!

[Fishingmickey]

For a quick repair try the 3M heat shrink tubing that has a hot melt adhesive coating on the inside, It will when heated create a waterproof bond with the hot melt adhesive. Really good stuff!

FM

 

p.s. I would test the cable if it still works just heat shrink it and be done.

[jaimeastin]

I'm late... But it's not that technical. I have cut a transducer cable in half and sodered them back together.  It's just wire.  Use marine hest shrink afterwards and you will be find.  If not lines a are cut deeply.  I would use liquid tape and then heat shrink it one it dries.