Transducer cable spliceing

[Buttanic]

Has anyone spliced a transducer cable. The transducer came with only 20 feet of cable and it is 5 feet too short. I want to splice in a 5 foot extension. I have the correct cable from an old transducer and it would seem as long as I maintain shielding around the splice it should be ok. I have spliced loran and VHF antenna cables with no problems.<br /><br />Buttanic

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Transducer cable spliceing

I have to splice co/ax pretty often (transducers, vhf and such)... I solder and heat shrink both the inner and outer connection...<br /><br />Depending on the brand, some use foil and a few strands of wire instead of just wire for the outter wire which is pretty hard, if not impossible to make a good splice... <br /><br /> Some transducer cables now use multiple (8-12) small wires... Can splice them, but it's a pain.. <br /><br />Personally, I'd look for a plug in extension wire... That way you won't run the risk of trashing a perfectly good transducer.. <br /><br />Unless your absolutely sure the transucer wire is good co/ax, I would'nt do it...<br /><br />I'll try and post some pictures on how i splice co/ax here shortly.. it's pretty trick....

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Transducer cable spliceing

My 2 cents....Buy an extension...plug-n-go, and it's done..

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Transducer cable spliceing

Ditto!

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Transducer cable spliceing

Ditto. Impedence mismatches could cause issues and you don't want to be wondering all the time.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Transducer cable spliceing

I spliced the transducer on my eagle magna two without any problem. Mine was opposite of yours. The cable was too long and I wanted it shortened to 5 ft. (I use it for ice fishing) Just make sure you keep the leads as short as possible. I just twisted and taped. If you solder you will melt the plastic insulator. For the shield wrap a small amount of aluminum foil around the area and tape or shrinkwrap. Make sure this does not come in contact with inner conductor

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: Transducer cable spliceing

I recommend you e-mail or talk to the tech support group of the particular unit you wish to modify, because a lot of units have to have a specific length of cable to work best.<br /><br />I'm an electronic engineer, and it is hard to keep from getting too technical, but the output power, the frequency, the impedence of the transducer, the impedence of the unit head, etc. all play into the equation.<br /><br />That's why it is simpler to call/e-mail the guys that made it, to get their advice.<br /><br />Bottom line - some it does not matter, others it does, and some it matters a lot, others just a little.

 

[nightstalker]

Re: Transducer cable spliceing

Buying an extention is the only way to go. Check out Radio Shack to save a few bucks. They will be cheaper than what you will pay at a marine store.<br />Stalker

 

[Buttanic]

Re: Transducer cable spliceing

I spliced it. No problems.<br /><br />Buttanic