Echo sounder replacement

[Jegs]

Hi,

The ancient sounder on the boat, a VDO Modis 1200, is failing due to the fluid (?) gradually flooding one of the displays. I would prefer to have it repaired but fear that is not possible. The problem for a replacement is the size of the display (120mm square) & the likelihood that the sensor (200 kHz) will not be compatible with new models - steel hull.

I suspect that this a problem that has been overcome by someone more able than myself (not a high Bar) and would be much obliged if they could share their experience.

Hopeful thanks,

John G

 

[andsarkit]

Is this the Modis 120?

Would a Nasa Clipper (150kHz) or Raymarine i50 (200kHz) fit? They are 110mm but could be OK if they cover the round hole.
You could make up an intermediate panel to accomodate a different size display.

 

[Jegs]

Food for thought, many thanks for your time & trouble.

ATB,
John G

 

[Stemar]

A bit of 3 or 5mm exterior ply would cover the hole if your chosen sounder is undersized. Bevel the edges, soak with epoxy and varnish (I like le Tonkinois, as it's less inclined to flake when it gets old). If the panel is painted, you could use plastic or metal painted to match.

Stick it down with an exterior No more Nails or similar

 

[eddystone]

Fitting a replacement instrument turned out to be a minor issue compared to 6 months of grief over replacement transducer

 

[Jegs]

A bit of 3 or 5mm exterior ply would cover the hole if your chosen sounder is undersized. Bevel the edges, soak with epoxy and varnish (I like le Tonkinois, as it's less inclined to flake when it gets old). If the panel is painted, you could use plastic or metal painted to match.

Stick it down with an exterior No more Nails or similar

Thank you for your advice. Unfortunately one f the displays in two parts, 190mm wide, is internal & the woodwork is of a fairly high standard, eg inlaid trim on doors & lots of curves.

ATB,
John G

 

[Jegs]

Fitting a replacement instrument turned out to be a minor issue compared to 6 months of grief over replacement transducer

Any advice?

ATB,
John G

 

[PaulRainbow]

Thank you for your advice. Unfortunately one f the displays in two parts, 190mm wide, is internal & the woodwork is of a fairly high standard, eg inlaid trim on doors & lots of curves.

ATB,
John G

Simple, get a piece of Acrylic cut to cover the old hole up, in a colour that compliments the new display (often black). Have the edges bevelled and polished an get them to make the correct size hole in it. Stick in place with something like CT1 or OB1. You'll never know it's there.

Here's one i prepared earlier, the Garmin 12" plotter replaced an old Raymarine C120 classic, a nice piece of 5mm black Perspex was used to adapt the hole. Lot's of companies around to do Perspex, i use Bay Plastics (no connection):



Most new depth transducers can be mounted in hull, so no need for a lift out or any extra holes. Glass the old one over when you're next out.

 

[eddystone]

Any advice?

ATB,
John G

If you have an existing transducer that works see if it can be made to speak to your new instrument

 

[Mister E]

You could consider a Fish Finder as it gives depth and other information.

 

[oldmanofthehills]

Simple, get a piece of Acrylic cut to cover the old hole up, in a colour that compliments the new display (often black). Have the edges bevelled and polished an get them to make the correct size hole in it. Stick in place with something like CT1 or OB1. You'll never know it's there.

Here's one i prepared earlier, the Garmin 12" plotter replaced an old Raymarine C120 classic, a nice piece of 5mm black Perspex was used to adapt the hole. Lot's of companies around to do Perspex, i use Bay Plastics (no connection):

View attachment 129274

Most new depth transducers can be mounted in hull, so no need for a lift out or any extra holes. Glass the old one over when you're next out.

Will that work just as well with a steel hull?

 

[PaulRainbow]

Will that work just as well with a steel hull?

No, only works for GRP.

 

[Stemar]

No, only works for GRP.

Why's that?

I'd expect CT1 to stick to metal just as well as to GRP.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Why's that?

I'd expect CT1 to stick to metal just as well as to GRP.

I was referring to mounting the transducer in hull, only works with GRP.

 

[bedouin]

When I did this a few years ago now the new instrument was compatible with the old transducer and so replacement of the display was easy without needing to worry about replacing the transducer. I think instruments using either common frequency (150 and 200) are still available - particularly with the lower pricing instruments - some of the more modern designs seem to use dual frequency.

I also suspect you may find that the sounders may work with a mismatch between the frequencies albeit it at a reduced sensitivity. I would certainly try using the new instrument with the old transducer before going to the effort of replacing it.

 

[Jegs]

My thanks to all.

ATB,
John G