Can you splice Transducer wire? Depth Sounder question.

S

Sock Puppet

.
Aug 14, 2013
308
MacGregor 26S High Desert
My boat has a transducer for the depth sounder mounted on the bottom of the hull. It was wired to this display:



The display is shot, and I was going to just install a simple depth sounder:


It didn't occur to me to use the existing transducer until I had the new display installed. So, can I splice the correct plug on to the existing transducer wire (marked as Airmar transducer wire #2)? The new wire has no markings. Here is a picture of the plugs in question from left to right: Plug on display, plug on new wire that came with the display, and the plug on the old transducer.


Obviously this would save time and hassle, but I don't want to attempt it if there is a good reason I should not. I appreciate your input!
 
Chris Patterson

Chris Patterson

.
Oct 17, 2011
2,809
Ericson 29 Southport..
Conventional wisdom says no. It is coaxial cable, and unless you are relatively familiar with splicing coax, you may render it useless. Truth is, it is really not that difficult, and I have done it several times. The short version is, you can solder the inside wire, or center conductor whatever, and using a piece of aluminum foil to re splice the outer shield. Are you somewhat familiar with soldering, and/or dealing with coax? If not, my advice is is this is not the time to learn. I didn't mean to sound belittling or sarcastic, truly. But I would hate to tell you to 'yeah, go ahead', and ruin your new sounder. If you do decide to pursue cutting it, throw it out there, and we'll try and walk you through it. Truth is, it really is not that difficult.....you just need to get it right though..
 
S

Sock Puppet

.
Aug 14, 2013
308
MacGregor 26S High Desert
I've soldered a fair bit in the past, and installed new plugs on CB Coax, but can't say I've ever spliced it before.

Would it be too much to ask for an adapter?:)
 
Chris Patterson

Chris Patterson

.
Oct 17, 2011
2,809
Ericson 29 Southport..
Sure. Solder on a PL259 onto each end and the a barrel connector in between. I can't say why exactly, but I've just never cared for that arrangement. But it'll probably work fine. This may turn into another solder/Pl259 debate, but that's about it. It should work though..
 
Bill Roosa

Bill Roosa

.
Jun 6, 2006
6,990
currently boatless wishing Harrington Harbor North, MD
I agree with Chris, solder on two connectors and don't splice the wires. I would use "N" connectors (male and female) as they are waterproof and the male/female only has one connection. Using two females and a couple gives you two connections. PL259 are only water resistant.
 
B

Barnacle Bill

.
Jun 9, 2008
1,792
- -- -Bayfield
Didn't the new unit come with a new transducer? Why not use that? Transducers are tuned to the unit (length of cable is important - can't cut out sections, for example and the impedence of the cable has to match as well).
 
S

Sock Puppet

.
Aug 14, 2013
308
MacGregor 26S High Desert
Barnacle Bill said:
Didn't the new unit come with a new transducer? Why not use that? Transducers are tuned to the unit (length of cable is important - can't cut out sections, for example and the impedence of the cable has to match as well).
Click to expand
Yes it did. I can install the new one, but wanted to check if I could use the old one that is already there. I don't know anything about these, so thanks for the info.
 
boatertwo

boatertwo

.
Jun 18, 2012
9
San Juan 23 Bridgeton
use supplied transducer

I agree with Barnacle Bill. Generally, transducers are dedicated to the displays that are manufactured with them. Even if you are able to adapt the old to the new, it may not work properly or worse, damage the new display. Good Luck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Top Bottom