Installing a Transducer
There are several ways to install a transducer on your boat. The information in this section describes the different mounting configurations available and the benefits of each. Detailed instructions of the installation process of your choice are available.
What parts are supplied to install my fishfinder?
Before installing your new fishfinder, please ensure the following parts are included in the box:
* Fishfinder
* Transducer with 20' (6m) of cable and mounting hardware kit (some fishfinders are specificially sold without transducer. These models are designated as CHO in the part number on the UPC code. Therefore there will be no transducer)
* Mounting system and mounting hardware kit
* 6' (2m) power cable
* Publications kit
These parts list are for fixed mount units. A portable fish finder will have a different transducer, power cable and unit mount
Installation Overview
The control head contains the sonar transmit and receive circuitry, as well as the user controls and display. It should be installed in a location that provides access to the controls and visibility while in use. The control head mounts on a quick disconnect mounting system that swivels and tilts providing flexibility for viewing from almost anywhere on the boat.
The transducer converts electrical energy from the transmitter into mechanical pulses or sound waves. The transducer also receives the reflected sound waves and converts them back into electrical signals for display on the control head. It should be installed in contact with the surface of the water in an area that has smooth waterflow- usually on the transom of the boat. There are several mounting options for the transducr. Review the following section to determine the method that works for you and your boat.
Determining How to Mount the Transducer
Your fishfinder includes a standard transducer. This transducer can be mounted on the transom of the boat or bonded to the inside of a fiberglass hull boat.
The transom installation, which is the most widely used, places the transducer on the outside of the boat hull. This technique produces the least signal loss, and provides a way to adjust the transducer after installation. The mounting hardware included is designed to protect both the boat and the transducer should the boat strike debris in the water or when trailering.
As an alternative to transom mounting, it is possible on many fiberglass-hulled boats to glue the transducer on the inside of the boat hull. Since fiberglass has similar sonar characteristics as water, the sonar signal can pass through the boat hull with minimal loss. The hull of the boat must be single layer construction (not double-hulled) Also, any air trapped in the lamination of the fiberglass would prevent the sonar signal from passing through. This method will not work for any side imaging transducers.
Inside the hull installations require no holes be drilled into the boat and through experimentation, high-speed operation comparable to transom mounting can be achieved. Two-part slow cure epoxy (not included) is required to glue the transducer in place.
Mounting Methods
Your fishfinder comes with everything necessary for installation and operation on most boats. However, there are several situations which may require a different type of transducer. Inboard boats, wood or metal hulls, and sail boats create unique transducer mounting needs Alternate transducers and mounting methods are detailed below.
Portable Mounting
The standard transducer can be adapted for portable installations with a portable mounting kit available from manufacture. This accessory adapts your transducer to a suction cup mount for temporary installation on the boat hull or other surface.
Trolling Motor Mounting
The standard transducer can also be adapted to mount on most trolling motors using a different accessory kit. This accessory includes a bracket and hose clamp that allows mounting the transducer to the body of most trolling motors.
Thru-Hull Mounting
Thru-hull transducers install through a hole drilled in the hull of the boat. Larger boats or boats with inboard motors create turbulence that make transom mounting ineffective. Also, hulls that are very thick or are double layered, or made from materials such as wood or metal, (which do not conduct sonar signals) make inside the hull mounting inadvisable.
How do I install the transducer?
Now that you have determined the transducer mounting method you can begin installation of your new fishfinder. The installation guide included in your manual detailed step by step instructions for installation of the control head and transducer. For transom mount transducer installations you will need the mounting template included with your manual.
In addition to the parts included you need the following for installation and operation:
* A powered hand drill and various drill bits
* Philips and flat-head screwdrivers
* A ruler or measuring tape
* Pen or pencil
* 12 volt power source (your boat's battery)
* A 1-amp fuse
* A fuse holder (if you are wiring directly to the boat's battery)
* Silicone sealant (for sealing drilled holes)
* 2-part, slow-cure epoxy (for inside the hull transducer installations)
How can I test the installation of my transducer?
Testing should be performed with the boat in the water, however you can initially confirm basic operation with the boat trailered.
Press POWER once to turn the unit on. There will be an audible chirp when any button is pressed to confirm the button press. If the unit does not power-up, ensure the unit is fully seated on the mount and that power is available.
The first screen provides four options: Start-up, Options, Simulator, and Diagnostic. A message at the bottom of the screen indicates the transducer connection. If no transducer is detected (or one is not connected), the message will indicate this and the unit will go into simulator after the initial screen times out.
Note: the transducer must be submerged in water for reliable transducer detection.
If a transducer is detected, the unit will enter "Start Up" or normal operation unless you choose another option. If you do not press any button before the timer reaches "0", the normal operation screen is displayed. If the boat is in water, sonar data appears.
If the bottom is visible on screen with a digital depth readout, the unit is working properly. Ensure the boat is in water greater than 2' but less than the depth capability of the unit and the transducer is fully submerged. Remember the sonar signal cannot pass through air.
If the unit is working properly gradually increase the boat speed to test high-speed performance. If the unit-functions well at low speeds but begins to skip or miss the bottom at higher speeds, the transducer requires adjustment. Refer to the appropriate transducer installation section for more detail.
Note: it is often necessary to make several incremental transducer adjustments before optimum high-speed performance is achieved.
Important: For Transom Mount transducer installations, install the third mounting screw after the final transducer adjustments.
What is the length of the cable that is included with the transducer?
Transom mounted transducers come with approximately 20 feet of cable. Trolling motor transducers come with approximately 15 feet of cable, bronze and plastic thru the hull transducers come with 30 feet of cable.
