Are transducers standard for each manufacturer?

[ebry710]

I look at ebay and craigslist and there are many depth/fishfinders for sell without transducers. Are transducers standard or designed especially for each model?

 

[slasmith1]

Re: Are transducers standard for each manufacturer?

Most transducers are manufacturer specific but you also have some choices depending on the model/manufacturer. you can get transom mount, thru-hull, or transducers that mount inside but shoot the beam through the hull.

 

[John_S]

Re: Are transducers standard for each manufacturer?

Assume not, unless you have researched and found one that crosses. Even if they operate at the same frequency the connector ends are different between mfgs. Within a mfg you can usually get the info from the tech support contact.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Are transducers standard for each manufacturer?

I'm most familiar with Eagle/Lowrance but even though the transducers themselves are fairly standard across the product offerings, it is indeed the connectors that differ. Over the last few years there have been at least three different connector styles. There are some adapters available but by the time you buy a head unit on e-bay, pay shipping, then buy a transducer and the adapter if required, you might be better off buying new.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Are transducers standard for each manufacturer?

Airmar is the OEM for Furuno, Raymarine, Garmin, Si-tex and a host of others. They also make a large percentage of the 50 kHz and 200 kHz transducers in use by Lowrance.
http://airmartechnology.com/airmar2005/ex20/RMProducts/DrillDown.asp?Type=FF

Start comparing transducers being offered by the various sonar manufacturers and the similarity becomes obvious. Most don?t even bother to disguise the fact and just add a prefix to the Airmar part number as an identifier. The only difference is the connector on the end of the cable.


BTW: Contrary to popular belief, transducers are not matched or load balanced to the head unit. You can modify the cable/ change connectors at will. Just make sure to do your best to maintain the shielding around the connection. Wrapping the connection in aluminum foil works as well as anything

 

[cbavier]

Re: Are transducers standard for each manufacturer?

I look at ebay and craigslist and there are many depth/fishfinders for sell without transducers. Are transducers standard or designed especially for each model?

First the transducers are not interchangeable. The transducer MUST match the fishfinder. Second the transducers start at about $47 so that's half the cost of a new fishfinder. The reason the transducers are missing is because the owner didn't want to take it off the boat and then have to repair the mounting holes in the stern or transom. I would suggest if the fishfinder is not complete to steer clear.

 

[John_S]

Re: Are transducers standard for each manufacturer?

Along with the transducer, many head units need a specific power cable (around $15) and mounting brackets. Buying peicemeal can easily get you over the price of an entry level unit.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Are transducers standard for each manufacturer?

First the transducers are not interchangeable. The transducer MUST match the fishfinder. Second the transducers start at about $47 so that's half the cost of a new fishfinder. The reason the transducers are missing is because the owner didn't want to take it off the boat and then have to repair the mounting holes in the stern or transom. I would suggest if the fishfinder is not complete to steer clear.

That makes sense considering other comments in this thread. Thank you all for you help.