
April
2018
Pathfinder DVL Guide
Page 74
EAR-Controlled Technology Subject to Restrictions Contained on the Cover Page.
Inspection Schedule
TRDI recommends the following regular inspection to be performed before every deployment:
Table 19:
Visual Inspection Criteria
Item
Inspection Criteria
Transducer
The urethane coating on the transducer face is important to Pathfinder watertight integ-
rity. Mishandling, chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and excessive depth pressures can damage
the transducer ceramics or urethane coating. Inspect the transducer face for dents, chip-
ping, peeling, urethane shrinkage, hairline cracks, and damage that may affect watertight
integrity or transducer operation. Repair of the transducer face should only be done by
TRDI.
Before each deployment, check the urethane coating on the transducer faces for dents,
chipping, peeling, urethane shrinkage, hairline cracks and damage that may affect water-
tight integrity or transducer operation (see Figure 25).
Based on experience, TRDI knows that most systems need to have the urethane in-
spected after three to five years of field use; shorter periods may be required depending
on marine growth.
O-rings
O-rings should be replaced whenever the system is opened and BEFORE they are showing
any signs of wear and tear.
All O-rings should be replaced every two to three years maximum.
Cables and
Connectors
Check the Power/Comm connector for cracks or bent pins before each deployment (see
Figure 26).
Check the cable connectors for cracks or bent pins. Inspect the full length of the cable for
cuts, nicks in the insulation, and exposed conductors before each deployment.
Repair of the connectors should only be done by TRDI. The connector is made of rubber
and as a general maintenance item
TRDI recommends that the connector be replaced
every five years or whenever visible signs of wear or corrosion appear
.
Housing paint /
anodize coating
Inspect the housing, and transducer assembly for corrosion, scratches, cracks, abrasions,
or exposed metal (silver-colored aluminum). Be critical in judgment; the useful life of the
Pathfinder depends on it.
Thoroughly clean the exterior of the Pathfinder after retrieval. See
details.
After each deployment, systems need to be cleaned thoroughly.
Anodes
Inspect the anodes on the transducer assembly and housing for corrosion and pitting. If
the RTV has decayed enough to let water enter between the screws and the anode, re-
place the RTV.
Replace anodes whenever the mounting screw is in less than 75% in con-
tact with the anode. Replace all anodes every year.
Hardware
(bolts, etc.)
Check all bolts, washers, and split washers for signs of corrosion before each deployment.
TRDI recommends replacement every 5 years.
Damaged hardware should never be used.
To ensure continued optimal results from the Pathfinder DVL, TRDI recommends that every
system be returned to our factory for an inspection every two to three years. We’ll provide
the unit with a thorough multi-point inspection, and notify if any refurbishment services are
required to properly maintain the unit. To learn more about this service, please