Depth Sounder Install

[RV-Dean]

Okay I am have installed Faria depth sounder, 2” gauge style. It is simple with a 2-200’ range or 1-54 fathoms. It is attached to an Airmar, in-hull, adjustable angle depth transducer, model P79. I followed both installation instructions to the tee including a call to the manufacture to clarify the recommended adhesive and the recommended fluid to fill the tank with. I also called the boat manufacturer to ask were the install their factory units so I could avoid any hull interference.

Well, I went out yesterday and it only works sporadically. Today I checked the tank and it was still full of fluid. I called the factory and doubled checked the location. I have it correct but I did learn from the factory that they use a transducer that has its face epoxied to the hull with no tank. The depth finder will occasionally get a reading that seam reasonable for the area then it will just flash that reading for a long time. I plan to test the transducer by holding it over board but I can not do that until the next time I take it out.

Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks in advance

 

[Doitwright]

Re: Depth Sounder Install

Wondering if anyone ever got back to you on this. I have a P79 as well (just installed) and I can't get a Depth reading when I'm in any water less than 15'ft. I tried setting the Range Manually to 10'ft, and nothing. But it seems to work fine in deeper waters? But this is not where I need to know the depth, I need this mostly in Low water. Any ideas?

 

[mymako21]

Re: Depth Sounder Install

NOt familar with your dept sounder system, have sitex unit installed tru hull transducer, except i didnt expoxy transducer to the hull, built small holding tank out of 6" PVC pipe, epoxy to the hull floor and then filled with mineral oil, (no bubble iterference) suspended transducer in oil and closed with screw on cap, works great. Your transducer will probably work in same system just need to make a harness to suspend it in the oil. If you ned to get a different transducer check out www.allboatingfishingstuff.com it lists plenty of electronic gear manufacturers

 

[wire2]

Re: Depth Sounder Install

A tank of mineral oil? What a novel idea! Yes, it would work well.

I just bought a small package of 2 part epoxy from hardware store, (2 tubes in blister pack), mixed a thimble full, placed it on face of transducer, then put transducer on bilge floor at front on engine.

I cleaned the floor first with solvent.
The entire face of transducer must have epoxy in front of it, (no voids). Place it on 1 edge first, then tilt to vertical to avoid trapping air.
I placed a block of wood against the side of transducer to keep it vertical while epoxy cured (5 min).

 

[GaBoy]

Re: Depth Sounder Install

What is the purpose of putting in a container with fluid? Instead of mounting with a glue on the inside of hull.