SUPPORT > CARE & MAINTENANCE

• Do not operate the product near a source of heat that may cause the operational temperature parameters to be exceeded, or stack other heat generating equipment on top of the unit.
• Always use the electronics module on a stable, non-slip, rigid, flat and lint-free surface.
• Make sure the product is more than 10cm away from any other appliance that may be susceptible to electromagnetic interference.

Operational Safety

• Do not rely on the product to necessarily represent the immediate sub-surface conditions below the boat, and as such this product should not be used as a direct means of avoiding submerged objects, shallow water & grounding, collisions with other vessels, boat damage or personal injury. If you are in doubt about any of these hazards, always operate your boat and sonar at reduced speeds, and proceed with caution.
• Do not rely on this product as a navigational aid.
• Do not allow the towing cable to obstruct or present a hazard to other personnel on the deck area or passage-ways of the boat. Use the provided cable-tie to coil and secure any surplus cable.
• Do not rely on the connection between the electronics box and the towing cable, as a means of securing the towed sonar to the boat. The towing cable should always be tied off in a secure fashion to a suitable towing cleat or other appropriate fastening on the boat.
• When towing the sonar, it may extend to a distance of 20 metres behind the vessel, and up to similar depths below it (depending on towing speed). Be vigilant of underwater hazards that may foul the towing line and damage both the sonar product and the boat. Additionally, when changing course, be aware of any hazards (such as cables to buoys, other boats, fishing nets, jetties and landing stages, etc.) that lie between the sonar and the boat, and may be fouled by the towing cable.

Electrical Safety

• The AC power adaptor and surface control box are NOT protected against the ingress of water, so take care to avoid exposing the unit to sources of conductive liquids. Dry wet hands before handling the AC power adaptor or surface control box.
• Do not attempt to disassemble or service this product yourself (outside the scope described in this manual). Contact StarFish technical support for any maintenance, spares or repair work required.
• Do not overload a mains supply outlet, extension cord or adapter as this may result in electric fire or shock.
• Do not modify the power cord or plug.
• Do not place the AC adaptor or power cord near any heat sources that may melt the protective insulation.
• Do not use this product if any of the cabling, or housings of its component parts appear to be damaged or compromised for the ingress of water.
• Do not use (and ensure the product is unplugged) in situations where a power-line surge may occur (such as a lightning storm), or if the product is not used for a prolonged period of time.
• Ensure that the power supply has suitable earthing, and electrical shock risk is minimised through the use of fusing and residual-current-detection (RCD) devices.

When you have finished using your StarFish sonar, you should...

• Disconnect the product from the power supply before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
• Remove any weed, or other detritus, from the towing cable and sonar head, that may have been collected during its operation.
• Wash the towing cable and sonar head in fresh water, if they have been used in salt-water, to prevent corrosion and damage to rubber mouldings.
• Wipe, with a damp cloth, any salt-water spray that may have inadvertently settled on the surface of the 'top box' electronics module and connectors.

Additionally please observe the following precautions for cleaning and maintenance...

• Do not clean with solvents, and only use a damp cloth on the exterior of the unit.
• Do not undertake maintenance of the unit, outside the scope of that defined within this manual, unless instructed to do so by Tritech International Ltd technical support.
• Do not insert extraneous object (metal or other alien substance) into the unit or any of its connector apertures.

When storing or shipping the StarFish system, please observe the following...

• Avoid excessively bending or kinking the towing cable (below a radius of 30mm), as this could reduce its operational life.
• Do not store the unit in direct or strong sunlight, as this may perish the cable insulation and other rubber mouldings.
• Avoid excessive and large fluctuations in temperature.
• To prevent corrosion, remove any salt or other residues from the product before storage.
• Store in a well ventilated enclosure after use, to allow any moisture on system components to evaporate naturally.
• Ensure no point-load is exerted on the transducers on either side of the sonar transducer head.