what do I need to know running 2 fish finders?

[Boatist]

Re: what do I need to know running 2 fish finders?

Check the frequency ask questions at Lowrance in the 21 to 40 range.

http://www.lowrance.com/en/Support/Frequently-Asked-Questions/


Can I run two sonar units at the same time? (Sonar PA)


A: If both transducers are using the same frequency, they will most likely interfere with each other eventually. You can shut one off or use a switchbox. In shallow water, they may work if the transducers are far enough apart.

Garmin say the same thing only they say if useing the same frequency or near the same frequency they will interfeer. Sorry I could not find a way to capture their whole message but it is not hard to find under support then FAQ (frequency ask questions)

 

[cbavier]

Re: what do I need to know running 2 fish finders?

I've run many combinations of locators, including two Eagles (bow and stern mount) and the only interference I've encountered is on the radio. Granted, I'm generally in less than 90 feet of water and average 40 feet or less so depth is definitely an issue. All of the bow mounts have used trolling motor transducer mounts. My new pontoon combination is a PinPoint and a Lowrance but it hasn't been tested yet as I'm not finished rigging. If it doesn't quit raining soon I may be able to test it in my driveway.

Me too on the shallower water theory. Like I said I run two an eagle on the stern and a Hummingbird on the Dash. I've never had an interference problem.
But the transducers are mounted one on each side of the stern and the wiring is on opposite sides. Maybe they are different frequencies? I suppose when the boat comes out of storage I could look at the specifications in the owners manuals. Right now I just know that they both work and that is what matters to me.

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: what do I need to know running 2 fish finders?

MrBigStuff: Do you like the Fish TV? Which model do you have?

That's what the wife calls the locator! :-D

But we do have a top of the line, portable Aqua-Vu too.
Works best for ice fishing because in the summer, the water has to be super calm or the video bouncing makes it almost unusable. It can also be a PITA to manage the cabling so I made a reel to deploy and retrieve the camera much like the latest stuff they offer.

We've had many memorable times with the Aqua-Vu with fish coming up to inspect it (camera looks like a big perch). One of my friends had his almost dragged through the ice hole by a Muskie that grabbed the camera head and took off while he was watching it.

It's hard to use it as a camera for watching your bait get taken but it's good for inspecting structure or to verify the locator information. For example, I always wondered what size fish the locator was indicating based on the size of the fish on their display. With the Aqua-Vu, I have been able to see the actual fish being detected so I can calibrate myself to the locator data.

 

[cbavier]

Re: what do I need to know running 2 fish finders?

Mr Big Stuff:
Thanks for the Info. I have to admit I was laughing as I read it. I had wondered about the camera/Fish Decoy.

It certainly would be entertaining.

 

[holbs10]

Re: what do I need to know running 2 fish finders?

WHy cant you just run two screens off from one transducer? I called humminbird and they said it can be done. I think you just need a splitter cable with the wiring.