Replacing outdated fishfinders wiring question

[cmb3366]

I'm looking to relpace the dated fishfinders on my Tracker, but I would like to do so without having to run new lines for new transducers. I've currently got a Eagle Cuda 128, and a Humminbird Wide Optic. Would it be possible to replace the eagle with a Cuda 242, and the Humminbird with a Humminbird 5xx series without changing brackets or trnasducers (basically plug in and go)? Thanks.

 

[JB]

Re: Replacing outdated fishfinders wiring question

I think the Eagles are compatible transducer and power cable-wise, but I have no idea on the H'bird.

A quick check with Lowrance/Eagle Tech Support can confirm or contradict my thoughts. Ask about the mounting bracket for the unit, too.

 

[John_S]

Re: Replacing outdated fishfinders wiring question

I have Humminbird Wide Optic, Wide Portrait, and 400TX. They are all old 3-beam units. Recently, I have been researching the HB 797 SI, and wondered if I could use the head on my older transducers, which are mounted to other boats and portable units. HB says the transducers will probably work with any unit that can configure for a Quad Beam. If not, should work as single beam. The units will probably not recognize the transducer, and will need to be set manually in one of the menus. They did warn me that the older transducers were not as well shielded as new ones. ie you might pick-up more noise and have to adj the noise filter. But, if I was in your shoes, I'd run the new transducer.

The old Wide tilt/swivel base is similiar to the 700 series mounts. There have been some changes in it though and you will either have to replace with your new one, or interchange some parts.

http://www.xumba.scholleco.com/viewtopic.php?t=416

 

[Boatist]

Re: Replacing outdated fishfinders wiring question

I know nothing about Humming Birds but can tell you Lowrance and Eagle have changed the power and transducer plugs on the back of the units at least 4 times. I would sure call tech support first.

Also in my opinion the highest failing iteam on fish finders is the tranducer crystals. The crystals crack or come loose inside the package and then tranmission is flaky. It work for a while then fails for a while. So for me I would want to replace the transducer more then the displays.

Lowrance did make some adapter to allow you to use a newer transducer on a older unit. On my 1981 Depthfinder I had one transducer go bad and had to replace. Could no longer get the old transducer for my unit. So had to buy a newer style transducer with a different plug and a adapter to connect it to my depthfinder.

Also older Lowrance and Eagle units were 192 khz transducer and the newer ones are 200 Khz units.

Check with Lowrance Support and Humming Bird before you buy.