Humminbird tranducer cable "specs"

[tboydva]

Sadly, my FishID 4 head unit appears to be on its way out. I'm on the second one (eBay purchase in 2005 got me a serviceable unit). I'm intrigued by the sidescan sonar and plan to purchase a 7XXci SI model when mine dies. In the meantime, I am planning to do some rewiring on my boat - which means pouring in the cable pulling lube into my conduit and removing and reinstalling a wiring harness and control cables.

My question is, can I install "generic" transducer cable now and just pig-tail or mount appropriate connectors so I can plug and go after purchasing a new unit? If so, what are the cable specs? I cannot find much info on the Humminbird site (just awesome images!). My current transducer cable is a single wire with shielding. I was reading some post here indicating there are more than one wire in "modern" transducers. Can anyone point me to the proper-spec'd bulk cabling???

Thanks,
Tom

 

[John_S]

Re: Humminbird tranducer cable "specs"

All of HB transducer cables are integrated with transducer. This includes the SI transducer, which uses 5 of the 7 available pins of their standard connector. You can buy transducer extension cables in 10' increments and run that in your conduit. You would end up with way more cable than you need, and wouldn't recommend it. The power cable is special to the SI units in that it has a noise choke built in. I would recommend temporarily hooking the new unit up and check-out prior to running all the cable through the conduit. IE make sure you can get good SI and 2D at speed. Sometimes you have to use a splitter cable and a 2nd 2D transducer to get the latter.

 

[tboydva]

Re: Humminbird tranducer cable "specs"

Thanks for the rapid reply... I was starting to come to that conclusion. I'm still sort of evaluating the Lowrance unit as well, so I thought perhaps I should try and use a "generic" cable if at all possible. Sounds like I'm going to have to make up my mind sooner rather than later if I want to route a cable now. I've looked at the HB installation guide and pictures of their pre-made extension cables. I know my luck - if I don't find out before, I'd be sure to route the cable with the plugs on the wrong ends! Would the female plug go on the transducer side or the unit side? Thanks again.

Tom

 

[John_S]

Re: Humminbird tranducer cable "specs"

Would the female plug go on the transducer side or the unit side? Thanks again.
Tom

Female goes toward the transducer side. Male to the head unit.



BTW, I believe Lowrance cables are Lowrance/Eagle specific, too.

 

[tboydva]

Re: Humminbird tranducer cable "specs"

Thanks again... I knew the other manufacturers would have to have different cable assemblies. There wasn't much room between the deck and the hull, so my conduit is a little small. Running cables is a hassle so I was hoping to get away with the least effort (the least number of times!). I think I'll get a 10 ft extension and run it through keeping both ends capped off for my future upgrade! Appreciate the info.

Tom