YES ... dielectric grease is you friend!

I dont use it on the battery connections, but that's because I also use a waterproof Tupperware container for my battery. The sockets for the head unit and the cable's and plugs for sure. Use a liberal amount on both the socket and the connectors, and wipe away extra grease after you seat them.   Extra sockets, like on my Lowrance Elite 4, I just fill the entire thing with grease. 

Well I think I have the transducer angle fixed.  I'm heading out to Donner Lake right now to try it out.  (Paddling a kayak around on the water, using an aluminum paddle during a thunder storm isn't dangerous, is it? ) 

As to the battery, I talked to one of the guys in my club.  He and others are using a sealed battery like has been suggested here, only the one they use is only 3.2 amps.  Smaller and lighter, but I'm wondering if it would last the 4 hours or so of trolling, like I did on Stampede yesterday?

Oh, and as to a battery box, I definitely need one.  When I'm diving I'm pulling out and replacing gear all the time.  As a result, I've usually got up to an inch of water sloshing around in there by the end of the day. 

I think I have some dielectric grease somewhere in the garage.  If I can't find it, I'll have to buy some.  Is this something I can get at a hardware store, or is the stuff for electronics special order?

Thanks again for all of the help!

Ron.

Well I think I have the transducer angle fixed.  I'm heading out to Donner Lake right now to try it out.  (Paddling a kayak around on the water, using an aluminum paddle during a thunder storm isn't dangerous, is it? ) 

As to the battery, I talked to one of the guys in my club.  He and others are using a sealed battery like has been suggested here, only the one they use is only 3.2 amps.  Smaller and lighter, but I'm wondering if it would last the 4 hours or so of trolling, like I did on Stampede yesterday?

Oh, and as to a battery box, I definitely need one.  When I'm diving I'm pulling out and replacing gear all the time.  As a result, I've usually got up to an inch of water sloshing around in there by the end of the day. 

I think I have some dielectric grease somewhere in the garage.  If I can't find it, I'll have to buy some.  Is this something I can get at a hardware store, or is the stuff for electronics special order?

Thanks again for all of the help!

Ron.

You can get a tube at the Auto Stores for ~$8 or so & it will last you a lifetime or for ~$1.50 they have the little "one shot" packets of the stuff at the counter.  Might also go by the name 'Tune-Up Grease'

Alrighty!  I bought a 12 volt, 5 amp battery at my local hardware store.  Charged it up with the little trickle charger I keep on my ATV and went to Donner Lake today between storms.  Everything worked great, and the depth readings now appear to be accurate. 

Now I just need to decide on a battery container.  I may just use a pelican box and not worry about durability or waterproofness.  I'm thinking, drill a hole in the box, run the wires through, and seal with Lexel or something. 

Love my 5ah for local day trips running an eagle 5" basic black and white runs a day +.
This box was put together by another member that I bought the ff and battery from. The box can be bought at Walmart for around $6.

I love it. Super small and it still has a fuse link and pack of extra fuses inside.