Ice 45 - 'ducer or unit problem?

[eyepatrol]

On my recent trip to LOW, my H'bird Ice 45 wasn't picking up my jigging spoons well at all in 25fow. Not even the biggest spoons. I had the gain at max (50), made sure there were no bubbles or any other buildup on the 'ducer. Had the 'ducer well below the ice as well. Batteries are new & were fully charged.

Also, I had to use the narrow beam to get anything to show. Wide beam shows absolutely nothing. Connections on the back of the unit were good as well.

Anybody with expertise be able to tell me if this is a unit problem or a transducer problem? I know the transducer has been banged around a couple times. Maybe one too many times?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[loadmaster]

Eye glad you started this thread about the 45 Was going to start one today also. Do not have the same problem but maybe some one can help me also. What mine is doing after about 1 hour of use, I lose the bottom, it shows anywhere from 300 ft to 5 ft on the read out but every now and then it will show the jig. Turning unit off and then back on does not help. What I have to do is get the transducer out of the water and let sit for 10-15 minutes and then it works fine for awhile. Swapped batteries with no change. I am thinking something is goofy with the ducer but I hate to buy a new one to find out it is the unit. Like you said mine has seen some use also.

[Jmnhunter]

i would call Hbird, you may have to get a replacement transducer, even if you do not have warranty coverage they may help you out. I've had good service in the past, knock on wood