Garmin 546 transducer cable

Dec 21, 2013
7
Catalina 34 Mandeville, LA
Anyone have experiience splicing the cable on a recent Garmin transom mount transducer? Garmin says don't do it because it voids warranty and, more importantly, because the wiring is so small (less than 22 guage) that the resistance from soldering the splices will be such that the unit will probably not work. Are they blowing smoke or what?
 
Nov 22, 2011
1,296
Ericson 26-2 San Pedro, CA
Anyone have experiience splicing the cable on a recent Garmin transom mount transducer? Garmin says don't do it because it voids warranty and, more importantly, because the wiring is so small (less than 22 guage) that the resistance from soldering the splices will be such that the unit will probably not work. Are they blowing smoke or what?
I have this exact unit (the 546) with the depth transducer and we found it necessary to splice the cable. (It is a shoot through the hull transducer, so differs from yours in that respect.) Anyway, although we also noted the warning not to splice it, we unfortunately had no choice in our particular situation. At any rate, this was installed about a year and a half ago and it has worked just fine.
 
Dec 21, 2013
7
Catalina 34 Mandeville, LA
I have this exact unit (the 546) with the depth transducer and we found it necessary to splice the cable. (It is a shoot through the hull transducer, so differs from yours in that respect.) Anyway, although we also noted the warning not to splice it, we unfortunately had no choice in our particular situation. At any rate, this was installed about a year and a half ago and it has worked just fine.
Alan, thanks. Can you share any tips, steps or procedures. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and can use a soldering gun. Mark
 
Nov 22, 2011
1,296
Ericson 26-2 San Pedro, CA
Alan, thanks. Can you share any tips, steps or procedures. I am somewhat mechanically inclined and can use a soldering gun. Mark
Sorry, Mark, but I didn't actually do the splice, nor was I there when it was done. But it was done by Old Skool Neil who frequents SBO, so if he happens to see this message he may well jump in and reply. Otherwise, I'd suggest that you PM him and ask for any specific advice.

--Alan