What is this??Transducer??Why anit-freeze??

[MI_Thumb_2010]

Just got this boat 79 Century 230cc and was getting rid of unused wires that were on the dash.Followed the wire back figured it was an old unused transducer and it went to this pvc tube with anti-freeze in it.Think its a thru-hull transducer but not sure.How would this set up work and is it stock or did someone add these pvc tubes?Why are they full of anti-freeze?Thanks for the help!

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: What is this??Transducer??Why anit-freeze??

I suspect someone set up some tranducers to be- thru hull- As you said. They work better if they are submerged in liquid. Anti freeze so they dont freeze and crack in winter ???? Just my guess Sure doesnt look stock but i believe they work ok

 

[EricJRW]

Re: What is this??Transducer??Why anit-freeze??

Wow, that's pretty elaborate, and two no less.

Looks like you could remove that screw (at the top of the tube in the second picture) and lift the whole unit out. Then we would know for sure.

Was there a connector on the other end, or had it been cut off? If the end is still there, a picture of that might help too.

 

[Al-53]

Re: What is this??Transducer??Why anit-freeze??

This is a common set up for thru the hull ducers....the fluid provides a better reading....and also the anti freeze ensures it won't freeze....alot of guys have done this..I would bet its not epoxied to the hull and the fluid keeps any air pockets out to keep reading true....

Al

 

[rwidman]

Re: What is this??Transducer??Why anit-freeze??

This is a common set up for thru the hull ducers....the fluid provides a better reading....and also the anti freeze ensures it won't freeze....alot of guys have done this..I would bet its not epoxied to the hull and the fluid keeps any air pockets out to keep reading true....

That's true and Airmar makes a transducer with an adjustable mounting ring to accomodate different hulls.

What we see in the first post is a "home made" version of the Airmar transducer.

Here's the "real thing":

http://www.airmartechnology.com/2009/products/marine-product.asp?prodid=52&manf=All

 

[MI_Thumb_2010]

Re: What is this??Transducer??Why anit-freeze??

Wow, that's pretty elaborate, and two no less.

Looks like you could remove that screw (at the top of the tube in the second picture) and lift the whole unit out. Then we would know for sure.

Was there a connector on the other end, or had it been cut off? If the end is still there, a picture of that might help too.

Yes sir,there was a connector on the other end and i took the top off the second tube and the transducer is in there but i've never seen anything like it so i was a bit .

EDIT: Selling is forbidden

 

[Outsider]

Re: What is this??Transducer??Why anit-freeze??

the fluid provides a better reading.

The fluid has nothing to do with the 'quality' of the reading, a flush mounted 'ducer would have as good or better reading. What it will do, however, is allow a 'ducer to shoot thru vertically when flush mounting on the hull isn't practical ...

 

[rwidman]

Re: What is this??Transducer??Why anit-freeze??

the fluid provides a better reading.

The fluid has nothing to do with the 'quality' of the reading, a flush mounted 'ducer would have as good or better reading. What it will do, however, is allow a 'ducer to shoot thru vertically when flush mounting on the hull isn't practical ...

Suspending the transducer in fluid provides a better coupling to the hull and surrounding water than setting the transducer on the hull or glueing it. It's difficult to glue the transducer without bubbles in the glue. And anything flexible like 4200 would tend to absorb the transmission and reception of the signal.

And of course, what you said about the angle.

I have installed three of these in three different boats. They work well.