7 Inspecting and cleaning the transducer face
Marine growth (biological fouling) on the transducer face reduces the performance. For this reason, it is important to keep the transducer face clean. Every time your vessel is in dry dock, you must remove the marine growth. At the same time, you must inspect the transducer closely for physical damage.
Prerequisites
The following tools and consumables are required:
•  Personal protection
•  Fresh water
•  Plastic brush
•  Mild synthetic detergent
•  Piece of wood or plastic without sharp corners
• 
Context
During normal use, the transducer is subjected to biological fouling. If this marine growth is excessive, it will reduce the overall performance of your system. Whenever opportunity arise, typically when the vessel is dry-docked, the transducer face must be cleaned for shells and other marine growth.
It is important to check the transducer for physical damage. Any cracks, fractures or holes in the red protective coating may result in a water leak, and a leak may cause irreparable damage to the transducer.
A transducer must always be handled as a delicate instrument. Incorrect actions may damage the transducer beyond repair. Observe these transducer handling rules:
•  Do not activate the transducer when it is out of the water.
•  Do not handle the transducer roughly. Avoid impacts.
•  Do not expose the transducer to direct sunlight or excessive heat.
•  Do not use high-pressure water, sandblasting, metal tools or strong solvents to clean the transducer.
•  Do not damage the outer protective skin of the transducer.
•  Do not damage the outer protective skin of the transducer face.
•  Do not step on the transducer cable.
•  Do not damage the transducer cable.Avoid exposure to sharp objects.
Procedure
1 Allow for sufficient access to clean and inspect the entire surface of the transducer.
2 Remove biological fouling carefully using a plastic brush, a suitable synthetic detergent and fresh water.
Biological material which is strongly rooted in the substrate can be removed carefully with a piece of wood or plastic. If required, you can also use citric acid. Apply, leave it working for several hours, and rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
Note
Do not use high-pressure water, sandblasting, metal tools or strong solvents to clean the transducer. Do not damage the outer protective skin of the transducer face.
3 Allow the transducer surface to dry.
4 Do a thorough visual inspection of the transducer.
Check for dents, scratches, holes or other damage to the surface.
If you find suspicious damage, take high resolution photos that show the damage. Contact your dealer or the Simrad support organization for advice.
5 If necessary, apply anti-fouling paint as described in the dedicated procedure.
Note
Because some paint types may be aggressive to the polyurethane in the transducer, consult our list of approved paints.
Related topics
Maintaining the EK80 system