In this article, you will learn how to resolve common Deeper Quest and Deeper Spark Autopilot issues, such as inaccurate navigation, drifting, or missions pausing unexpectedly. You will also learn how to properly calibrate the Autopilot system for reliable performance.
Common Autopilot Issues
You may experience the following problems:
The boat moves in circles or drifts off the planned route
Autopilot accuracy is poor
Missions pause or stop unexpectedly
These issues are most commonly caused by:
Missing or incorrect Autopilot calibration
Dirty or obstructed water sensors
Poor environmental conditions (interference, overhead obstacles, poor GPS connection in the area)
Important: For Autopilot to function correctly, your smart device must have built-in GPS. If you are using an Apple or Android device without built-in GPS, Autopilot performance may be inaccurate or limited.
When to Perform Autopilot Calibration
Usually, you will never need to calibrate your Deeper bait boats Autopilot. All devices are factory calibrated, and it's designed to work accurately right out of the box. Performing a calibration before every fishing session will not improve the accuracy of the Autopilot.
Calibration is only necessary if you notice that the Autopilot is not working well during your fishing experience. If everything is functioning properly, there's no need to recalibrate. |
How to Calibrate Autopilot:
Place the Deeper bait boat on a flat, stable, non-metallic surface
Turn on the boat and connect to it via the Fish Deeper app
Open the device or Autopilot settings menu
Select Calibrate Magnetometer
Follow the on-screen instructions:
Slowly rotate the boat 360°
Keep it horizontal during rotation
Keep the boat level and steady during the process
Wait for confirmation in the app
If calibration fails: Repeat the process from the beginning.
Autopilot Missions Randomly Pause
If your Autopilot missions pause unexpectedly, check the following:
1. Calibration Issues
If the compass is not properly calibrated:
The boat may lose orientation
Missions may pause for safety
Navigation may become inaccurate
Solution: Perform Autopilot calibration as described above.
2. Dirty or Obstructed Water Sensors
The water sensors must detect that the boat is in water for Autopilot to function.
Symptoms:
Autopilot pauses randomly
Sonar or navigation stops intermittently
Deeper Quest: How to Clean Water Sensors:
Using the special tool from the green tool bag, that is located inside the Deeper Quest backpack, remove the weedguard, that is located on the Deeper Quest's side, where the charging port is located.
Gently clean water sensors using:
A soft cloth or tissue
You can use WD40 or electronic contact cleaning solution.
Ensure the contacts are clean, unobstructed, and dry
Deeper Spark: How to Clean Water Sensors:
Locate the water sensors (3 metal pins) near the sonar module of Deeper Spark.
Gently clean water sensors using:
A soft cloth or tissue
You can use WD40 or electronic contact cleaning solution.
Ensure the contacts are clean, unobstructed, and dry
Why These Steps Matter
Calibration ensures accurate heading and route tracking
Clean water sensors ensure the system correctly detects water and allows Autopilot to operate
Both are essential for stable and reliable Autopilot performance.
Important: Environmental Interference and GPS Limitations
Autopilot performance may be affected by environmental conditions and external signal interference.
Performance can be reduced in areas with:
Dense urban infrastructure (high concentration of buildings and radio signals)
High-voltage power lines or electrical installations
Critical infrastructure or restricted areas (locations where GPS jamming or spoofing may be present)
In such environments, you may experience:
Reduced navigation accuracy
Drifting from planned routes
Unexpected pauses or irregular Autopilot behavior
Recommendation: Whenever possible, use Deeper bait boats in open areas with minimal signal interference and a clear view of the sky to ensure optimal GPS accuracy and Autopilot performance.