Please help me choose a new echo sounder.

[Dellquay13]

I was hoping for something that lasted longer than three years.

Does anyone know anything about these SHUAIGUO F918-C180S I assume you could mount the transducer in hull in oil/CT1/epoxy, but don't know if the display will bulkhead mount.

There’s a few issues with that item. Battery power. Suction cup mount for the wireless transducer. Very doubtful it would have a bulkhead mount option.
They see it as used on kayaks mostly?

Known brands of fishfinder such as Lowrance or hummingbird have alternative transducer options and bulkhead mount kits available, but they aren’t down at the cheap end of Amazon.

 

[MontyMariner]

Is it worth fitting a through hull sender like the Airmar P17 and buying a used instrument like the B&G T41 from Ebay?

Thanks for that input, it sparked a memory - I have an Airmar DST55 in hull transducer, which terminates in a TV style banana plug, but I have no idea as to what displays it would be compatible with. I astound myself on my ignorance on some subjects!
Can anyone enlighten me?

 

[wonkywinch]

Thanks for that input, it sparked a memory - I have an Airmar DST55 in hull transducer, which terminates in a TV style banana plug, but I have no idea as to what displays it would be compatible with. I astound myself on my ignorance on some subjects!
Can anyone enlighten me?

It's not a "TV" banana plug but rather a phono/RCA (audio) connector. It's an old analogue 200KHz device but the good news is it will work with more relatively modern devices like the Raymarine ST-60. Here's a workround bearing in mind the article itself is 15 years old.

New Depth Sounder With An Old Transducer by Compass Marine How To

There are a few ST60 depth instruments on Ebay for circa £200. If you need help wiring it and are near the Hamble, let me know.

I believe this is the manual for your DST55 - https://www.airmar.com/Catalog/Marine/Traditional-Frequency/In-hull/P79

 

[MontyMariner]

Thanks WW that's extremely helpful. With what I have, a 2nd hand ST60 looks like a good route to follow.

 

[PaulRainbow]

There’s a few issues with that item. Battery power. Suction cup mount for the wireless transducer. Very doubtful it would have a bulkhead mount option.
They see it as used on kayaks mostly?

Known brands of fishfinder such as Lowrance or hummingbird have alternative transducer options and bulkhead mount kits available, but they aren’t down at the cheap end of Amazon.

It isn't wired and it's the transducer that's suction cup mounted.

Still of dubious use though.

 

[MontyMariner]

There are a few ST60 depth instruments on Ebay for circa £200.

Thanks everyone, I've just bought a ST60 depth display on eBay - £181.95 inc P&P.
I will update when tested / fitted.

 

[Refueler]

It isn't wired and it's the transducer that's suction cup mounted.

Still of dubious use though.

I found the online page confusing ... its says Wireless .... but in tech description - it states transducer with 8m cable ...

The spec table says Wired as well ..... nowhere does it give any info as to how it could be wireless .. no BT .. no WiFi ... nothing.

I would be wary of how its powered as well ... the unit says 11 - 13V ..... Oh Dear ! Wonder what would happen if wired to boats battery bank and you start engine ... have engine running ?? Its a battery based system obviously as its intended for kayak / dinghy use ... an SLA maybe ??

 

[Plum]

My Nasa target2 depth and log displays are donkeys years old, and haven’t fogged enough for me to notice. I didn’t even know it was a thing.

I always keep the covers on when not in use though.

Agree. My NASA target2 depthsounder is 15 years old, still working, no fogging.

 

[wonkywinch]

Thanks everyone, I've just bought a ST60 depth display on eBay - £181.95 inc P&P.
I will update when tested / fitted.

You'll also need a seatalk cable/connector to power it with if you're using it as a standalone instrument.

Details in the manual.

 

[MontyMariner]

I found this diagram online, it looks like I can just use spade connectors.

Seatalk 1 pinout (3rd pic shows pinout)

 

[wonkywinch]

I found this diagram online, it looks like I can just use spade connectors.

Seatalk 1 pinout (3rd pic shows pinout)

Certainly could. I don't know the size of them but if you have a multipack something will fit nicely.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I found this diagram online, it looks like I can just use spade connectors.

Seatalk 1 pinout (3rd pic shows pinout)

You need some 2.8mm x 0.8mm spades, you'll need them for the transducer too.

You can get a pack of 11, genuine Raymarine ones here, for £21.25 (no, that's not a typo) Raymarine 1/8 x 11 Spade Connectors - Q085

Or, a pack of 10 here for £2.92 Fully Insulated Spade Connectors Female Terminals Red Blue Yellow All Tab Sizes | eBay

 

[wonkywinch]

You need some 2.8mm x 0.8mm spades, you'll need them for the transducer too.

You can get a pack of 11, genuine Raymarine ones here, for £21.25 (no, that's not a typo) Raymarine 1/8 x 11 Spade Connectors - Q085

Or, a pack of 10 here for £2.92 Fully Insulated Spade Connectors Female Terminals Red Blue Yellow All Tab Sizes | eBay

Monty, in case you, or anyone following this post isn't aware, the crimp colours depends on the cable size being used, not the purpose (ie positive, negative etc). Your crimp tool will have three different colour coded sizes to fit each size crimp.

Apologies if you already knew that!

 

[PaulRainbow]

Monty, in case you, or anyone following this post isn't aware, the crimp colours depends on the cable size being used, not the purpose (ie positive, negative etc). Your crimp tool will have three different colour coded sizes to fit each size crimp.

Apologies if you already knew that!

View attachment 190308

And be sure to use proper ratchet crimping pliers, as above, not those useless things that look like scissors.

 

[wonkywinch]

That example only to show colours. You can borrow my ratchet set if you don't have any.

And be sure to use proper ratchet crimping pliers, as above, not those useless things that look like scissors.

They are OK if you have some experience and know how hard to squeeze. Like many things in life

 

[Dellquay13]

Actually, my nasa has got a bit of fogging, I hadn’t noticed before, and I certainly won’t be worrying about it.
Edit; the fog disappeared after 15mins, likely I’ve never noticed before because it’s cleared by the time I’m ready to cast off