My 997c seems to 'reset' or 'freeze' (sort of like a bad cell phone or computer that craps out) and this happens 2 out of 3 times or so when starting my engine after trolling for some time. I tried both the bow hookup and console wire hookup and it happened at both locations, while my 898c unit doesn't have this happen at all. So at least I know it's isolated to the UNIT itself, and not a wiring issue. I called HB and they want a minimum of $250 for me to send it in and get it fixed by them an sent back to me! Anyone know places or companies I can do this for cheap or more affordable? I feel like HB has great units and all but their after sales is sort of fouled up= $260 for a transducer, $250+ min. for repair... 'C'MON MANNNN!'

Thank You.

You are describing a problem associated with low voltage. You may have a bad connection somewhere in your wiring that only shows up when you crank the big motor. I really doubt it's a problem with the unit itself. But, if it is, I would sent it back to HB instead of letting anyone else open it up.
One way to troubleshoot the problem is to get a small battery like the ones used on riding mowers or seadoos and wire your HB directly to it without anything else attached to the battery. Then go try to duplicate the problem and if it doesn't appear you know it's a wiring issue, possibly a cranking battery that is about to fail.

OK but if the other unit works fine in Both locations and does not experience the same turning off/on and freezing problems, why would it be a power issue? I'm thinking its specific to the unit and there is a problem there. My cranking battery is new and I charge my stuff all the time.

If your 997 is used on the bow and you used the boat wiring harness for a power source instead of extending the unit power cord all the way to the battery with at least 14 guage wire, that is your issue.

I've got three Humminbird Side Imaging units on my Tracker and I have no power issue since I didn't use the boat wiring harness that has conductors that are too small to handle the load (amps)over the distance of the wire run.

You can have the same isse at the console if you used the boat wiring harness.

Along with a direct connection, you should be using a spade type fuse on the postive wire and the wire splices should be soldered. Resistance is your enemy when it comes to providing power to your electronics.

Wayne,

I tried the 997 at both locstions in the boat and the issue was duplicated at each spot (bow and console). However, the 897 did not experience the issue at either location. It has to be isolated to the 997 unit itself. How can it be a power issue if the 897 functions properly? I'm confused on what you're saying. It appears simpler than what you're saying. IMO and Humminbird's when I called them, they said they unit is malfunctioning. I sent it in and hoping that I don't have to pay the full $260 and maybe have their good graces to only pay X amount less if it's something simple to fix or whatever.

After you get the unit back from Humminbird, post the results of the "repair". It "could" be an issue with the unit, but don't be surprised if they find nothing wrong with it.

It could still be a power issue. The 997 will require more power than the 897. So its possible that it could be low power in both locations only causing issues with the 997.

It seems like you don't want to listen, but I'll chime in also. The pin connections in the back of 997 suck. They get dirty and are too large for the pins on the cable. I clean mine with a paper clip. Set up your 997 to display voltage. Try to start the engine and watch the voltage drop until the unit shuts off. I fought mine for hours and days until I pulled the fuse out of the holder. Guess what it looked like. Bad battery or bad connection. You've got one or both.

I wouldn't say I wasn't listening, at all. I explained that HB tech support did a mini-diagnostic over the phone based on my results and THEY suggested it is a unit problem and most likely nothing to do with the power considering the other unit worked fine. I think hearing it from the horse's mouth is usually a good idea, don't you?

AS far as posting results: will do guys, I will follow-up with the results shortly as I should know by tomorrow. They are supposed to call me either way with an update before shipping back to me tomorrow. If it's a power issue, I guess I'll have even more work to do. I don't know what is worse haha. We will find out shortly.

Well, you can always spend the $300, and have HB look at it. It'll cost you that by the time you pay to ship it to Eufala. I'd go out and set my unit to show me some voltage.

Well guys here is the update. Ya'll were right in your assumptions. The diagnosis was indeed "Power". Unreal LOL. It looks like I basically paid $61.00 for a software update ha. Well at least well know that the unit is not broke and I at least saved 150.00+ over what it COULD have cost.

Now here's my pickle and its two fold and I can really use your help.

1. What in the heck do I do to figure out this power issue?!
2. As mentioned in another thread this week, I ordered a whole new transducer cable for another issue (the pins broke off on the cable that goes into the back of the HB Unit and it stopped displaying down imaging and other items. I told HB I think its just one little wire and they told me I need to buy a whole doggon transducer.

Me not being mechanically savvy I followed their lead and I had a guy help me go to install the new wire tonight and after ten minutes he says "Man you don't need all this... All you need is a Y Cable."

So what all this said guys, what the heck do I do to 1. get power issue resolved and 2. get some sort of Y Cable instead of this 200 dollar thing I got? I need to get rocking and rolling on the lake, not spinning my wheels ordering wrong parts and looking like a fool on TFF.

I'm pretty sure this is what it is:
http://store.humminbird.com/products/322954/AS_SIDB_Y

Why none of the reps suggested this to me is beyond me. I did explain that it was a small wire and I didn't think it was a full length wire and it seemed to only come from a certain spot and not all the way to back of boat. Ugh.

Please advise good fishing brethren! And forgive my pathetic electrical/mechanical mind.

Side note, I need to sell this doggon transducer cable now. Please help:

Humminbird XHS 9 HDSI 180 T now. Bought it brand new and found out all I need is a Y Adapter cable (Humminbird told me the wrong info). This cost $240+ S/H at HB, Selling for $200 with free shipping to you anywhere in US. Box is slightly open but cable and connections in package are all sealed and unused.

Call me at 619-940-4757 with any questions or to order. I am in San Diego and can have to anyone in TX in 2 days. Please help me make the most of this foul situation where I have a $240 part I don't need ugh. -Brent