Condensation problem on Garmin Fishfinder

[al40]

Just replaced my Garmin Fishfinder 80 with the newer 90. Essentially the 80 had got so full of water it no longer worked... It's permanantly fitted to the rib (sikaflexed in place). The 90 has been there for all of about a month and was out today and the thing was full of condensation - exactly the same as the old uinit. I have even got a waterproof cover for the new unit but has not done any good...

Has anyone else had this problem?

It's supposed to be IP rated for 30 mins at 1m so should be fully sealed. The console is not vented and there is a console cover fitted but none of the other instruments have a problem.....

Maybe time to give Garmin a call!

[BruceB]

I found the same problem with my old Garmins. I ended up opening up the case and flushing them with nitrogen, this cured the problem.

[Erin]

Although they are sealed against water, they aren't sealed fully against vapour. There is normally a small breather/vent hole apparently with a piece of goretex behind, which allows vapour to escape when the unit heats up. My 3006c suffers the same problem and I've had two previous units replaced by Garmin. they reckon it shoudl clear up after 10mins of use, but I find it takes more like 2 hours. I keep my unit ashore these days, which is a PITA, but also guards against theft.

[codprawn]

Thats why I like the Raymarine so much - out in all weathers - takes any abuse and it's still fine!!!

[BruceB]

I found the nitrogen flushing solved the problem permanently as the gas had no moisture in it at all so none to condense.
I had the boat about two years after flushing and it never came back in that time

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by Erin

My 3006c suffers the same problem

Yep, mine too.

Originally Posted by Erin

they reckon it shoudl clear up after 10mins of use, but I find it takes more like 2 hours.

Mine starts to mist up after around half an hour. After a couple of hours, there's still condensation in there.

Originally Posted by Erin

I keep my unit ashore these days, which is a PITA,

So do I - in a nice dry garage, but it still mists up in use.


My previous Garmin 192C used to do the same.

[willk]

Originally Posted by BruceB

I found the same problem with my old Garmins. I ended up opening up the case and flushing them with nitrogen, this cured the problem.

That's very interesting - would you explain how this is carried out? I have a plotter I'd like to sort and a very large supply of 25% CO2 75% Nitrogen - might work??

[BruceB]

I flushed mine with test gas which is certified moisture free and 99.99999% nitrogen.
Just open the case and stick a small pipe in the crack, open the valve and leave for a few minutes to flush out the air inside, close it and bobs your uncle.
I never had any more issues with my 250blue sounder or my 182C plotter after doing this as there was no moisture in the case to condense. they lived outside all year round under a cover and were never taken off the boat.