Heathkit Depth sounder ????

[MrBee]

Good morning all.
I know some one out there will know about these things.
The boat we just bought has an "MI-1031" Heathkit depth sounder installed. It does work (not sure how acurite, didn't test that.) but I want to update to something smaller and mounted in the cockpit. My question is...Will the Transducer that was installed for the sounder work with other displays? It's the original that came with the unit, I think. The wire that runs from the Transducer to the dispay ends with a plug like a video or stereo cable, rather than "Spade" type connector. I really don't want to deal with a haul out just to change the transducer. If I have to haul I can use a temperary transom set-up till I haul for the winter. Or if I would haul there are a few other things I could do while the boat is out.

I will be looking for a New/Used dislay to install once I figure out if I can use the transducer or will have to buy a newer one.

Thanks
Brian

 

[Ross]

Brian, Welcome to Owen's! I doubt that the old transducer will be compatable with a new electronics unit. But talk to Stan and ask him if he could just pick you up enough to make the change without blocking you on the hard. If you ask for a time convenient to him when they aren't too busy he will likely accomodate you. They are launching as many boats as they can these days and there are always a few jerks that think their boat is the only important launch and want it done yesterday.
Edit to add: He won't want to block the ramp for very long because many trailered boats are launched each day.

 

[MrBee]

Thanks Ross.

 

[Bay Sailor]

The Heathkit transducer probably won't work with a newer depth sounder, as Ross said. But if you get an older depth sounder display unit (Standard Horizon, etc) it will most likely work. The old 40 kHz transducers last forever and the sensitivity and rejection of false echoes is adjustable on the older units. I have owned several display units, including depth plotter, spinning neon light display, and others. They all worked with any 40 kHz transducer I plugged them into. Most had the RCA phone plug connection.

 

[MrBee]

Thanks a bunch Bay Sailor,

Trying to keep the Budget intact so it's best if I can find a display that will work with the present Transducer. With a "New to Us" old boat the list of wants is getting longer and we have to prioritize.

Brian

 

[sailaway78]

Transducer

In case you need to replace the transducer, what you can do is leave the old one intact in the hull, and just shoot right through the hull with the new one. No need to make another hole. The little 2" digital depth by Hawkeye worked very well for me for several years, and was still working fine when I sold the boat. I think they are the exact same ones as the Uniden, at least look the same. Can be had on ebay, brand new, for under 100 bucks, and sometimes as little as 50. To find a good location for the new ducer, put it in a baggie of water, hook it all up and turn it on. Then just move it around in the bottom of the hull, till you get a good return.
PS You can check the accuracy of the existing one with a lead line.

 

[MrBee]

Thanks Easy,
I did think of those type like you suggest but wasn't sure how well they worked. Was going to ask that ? soon. That's probably what i'll do. I'm not looking for the latest and greatest, just the basic needs.
Did do the lead line to check and the sounder seemed to be good, guess i'm just used to looking at different type gage.
When the unit is ON it makes a pretty loud humming sound. It's mounted below and standing next to it you would think a power boat is coming along side.

Thanks again, I'll see if Cabela's has thoughs, we have some points to spend.

Brian

 

[Benny]

On a budget, a fishfinder can give you adequate data plus give you bottom contour. Depending on the construction of the hull you may be able to shoot through the hull without having to make a new hole. The water baggie trick sounds real good to help locate a spot; inserting the transducer into a puddle of epoxy can work for a permanent installation. The idea is not to have air between the puck and the water as the signal will not travel through air. Some use a toilet wax seal to hold the puck. Some hulls are cored and the signal will not travel through them.

 

[MrBee]

Thanks Benny.
The boat is an Irwin 10/4 and is does not have a core.
I like the idea of using a toilet Wax.

Brian