Humminbird matrix97 combo assistance

[sgt413]

I have a matrix97 combo unit from Humminbird that came with a used boat I bought last Fall. The last time I used it ,it worked well (Oct. 2009). I went out last week and I cannot get a water temp reading and I get a "low input voltage" message flashing on the screen.

I just charged my two batteries and I know they are both putting out over 12.4 volts individually. I went one step further and unplugged my unit from the power cord and tested the voltage at the plug of the power cord. I got 12.7 volts.

I called Humminbird and they want $258.00 To diagnose, fix and send back the unit. It is a flat fee regardless of what they find. If it is a transducer or a cord, I just paid them $260.00 for a $50.00 item. Not to wise.

I read on their website that before you send a unit in you should try it on another boat with a similar system to see if the same errors occur. I do not know anybody with a similar set up and was wondering if anyone who fishes near Northeast Md. / Havre de Grace Md. would have a similar set up to let me plug my system into your boat to see what happens.

I also would like to know if it is safe to turn on a system when it is out of water or if that would damage the sonar. I always put my transducer in a 5 galllon bucket of water before I turn it on.