Transducer cable help

[kaliona]

I just removed my old transducer cable and am installing the new transducer for a new Lowrance HDS-5. The old transducer twist lock connector was able to fit through the 7/8" hole through the transom. The new connector is just a tiny bit bigger than my old connector and won't fit through the existing hole.

Does anyone know if the twist lock part of the Lowrance blue connector can be removed? If it can, then I can pass the connector through and then re-attach the twist lock portion. The twist lock diamater is about 1/8" larger than the rest of the connector, otherwise I'll have to somehow enlarge the hole.

If I do have to enlarge the hole, any tips on how to do it? The existing hole is 7/8" and I would need to enlarge it to 1". I have a 1" spade bit, but how would I keep it centered on the existing hole.

Thanks in advance.

 

[BeaufortTJustice]

Re: Transducer cable help

Can't help with the removal of twist lock issue, but if you decide to enlarge the hole, your best bet would be to use a 1" Unibit. I just used one to make a hole in my transom and it worked well. The only problem you may run into with unibit is the shaft is pretty short so if your transom is more than about an inch thick, you'll have to find a way to extend the bit out from the chuck.

If you're not familiar with a unibit, it is shaped like a cone, but with steps along the length of it. They are not cheap ($40 - $50), so try to borrow one from a friend if you can. They are commonly used in car electronics install shops. If you can't borrow one, they are very useful to have around the house and your money won't be wasted if you do any home improvement projects around the house.

Another option, probably less desirable, but possible, would be to fill in old hole with appropriate epoxy or other compound and re-drill hole after it hardens or drill a new hole in a new spot (I would only consider this if the old hole was in a less than ideal spot).

I would not recommend using the spade bit on your old hole.

Someone else who does this kind of work for a living might have an easier of more effective solution...I'm just a weekend carpenter / mechanic, and I use those terms loosely with no disrespect to real carpenters and mechanics that do the job professionally everyday.

Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.

 

[halas]

Re: Transducer cable help

Do not mess with the hole in the transom.
I would cut the wire and feed it trough the existing hole, then connect the wires by soldering and electrical tape. Finish the job by wrapping the outer grounding/shielding wire netting with aluminum foil and heat shrinking tube.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Transducer cable help

NO on the electrical tape. Transducer cables may be shielded so you need to know that first. You can certainly cut the cable and splice it again but if the cable is shielded, that needs to be joined again using aluminum foil and the solder joints need to be protected with something better than electrical tape. It is called heat shrink tubing. Each individual wire must be protected and then the entire cable protected with heat shink.

 

[kaliona]

Re: Transducer cable help

I've heard it was a bad idea to cut a transducer wire. Not just for warranty reasons, but because of the risk of affecting the signal or causing interference. I think I'd feel safer just trying to enlarge the hole.

 

[halas]

Re: Transducer cable help

I've heard it was a bad idea to cut a transducer wire. Not just for warranty reasons, but because of the risk of affecting the signal or causing interference. I think I'd feel safer just trying to enlarge the hole.

I have done the splicing a few times and it did work out well for me. Electrical tape is fine and it will stay dry as long as the splice is in a safe place like under the gunwale.

 

[kaliona]

Re: Transducer cable help

I ended up using a unibit sized from 9/16 to 1". It centered itself nicely in the existing hole. I was only able to go half way through the transom because I didn't have an extension. So I used a forstner bit to finish it off. Worked great and I didn't have to worry about cutting the cable and not splicing it correctly.

 

[gss036]

Re: Transducer cable help

I think you made the correct decision, but make sure you seal the transom if it is wood. You don't want water to get in there and soak into the wood causing rot.