Standard Horizon CP compatible depth transducer

[LadyInBed]

I use a SH 300i CP which I am very content with but my v v old Stow echo sounder plays up and is ready for replacement.
The SH CP is capable of displaying depth and in the list of accessories gives:

FF525 50/200kHz Black Box Fish Finder
DST520 600W 2" Nylon Thru-hull depth temp Transducer
DST521 600WTransom mount depth, speed temp Transducer
DST523 600W 2" Bronze Thru-hull depth temp Transducer
DST525 600W In-hullTransducer
DST526 600W 2" Bronze Thru-hull depth, speed temp Transducer
DST527 1000W In-hull depthTransducer
DST528A 1000WBronze long stem depth temp Transducer

Does anyone know
1: if the transducers listed have to input via the FF525 50/200kHz Black Box Fish Finder or for a simple depth display, can be input directly?
2: are the above still available?
3: is there a better alternative (I've just read Paul's post on the Airmar dst810) I wouldn't want pitch and roll, but a Bluetooth connectivity appeals also a transducer that gives a 'wide' view of the seabed would be good, especially for going up narrow channels (Poole - Wareham).
A combination Speed/Depth would also be an acceptable alternative.
If the alternative isn't compatible with the SH CP, so be it, as the Stow would be removed.

 

[PaulRainbow]

The Standard Horizon plotters had to be connected to the FF525, transducers could not be connected directly.

The DST810 is N2K, so would not connect to anything that you have, although you could view speed and depth on an iOS or Android device.

Another option would be the NASA Clipper Duet, to replace the Stowe unit.

 

[LadyInBed]

Thanks Paul.
I am well out of date with the technological leaps in marine instruments, what is around that gives a 'wide' view of the seabed? Is side scan sonar the term I'm looking for?

 

[ithet]

I seem to remember, from when I had a SH180 (non fishfinder version), that depth info could be input via NMEA0183 and I did this from a Navman 3100 dual instrument. There is even a display option with gave a depth plot against time. So a NMEA 0183 output transducer could be an option.

Edited, removed reference to NavBus not relevant here.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Thanks Paul.
I am well out of date with the technological leaps in marine instruments, what is around that gives a 'wide' view of the seabed? Is side scan sonar the term I'm looking for?

It is, but bear in mind that the shallower the water, the less you can "see" sideways.

 

[wiggy]

I have a SH CP300 and I wouldn’t be investing in anything to interface with it, it’s now out of date technology.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I seem to remember, from when I had a SH180 (non fishfinder version), that depth info could be input via NMEA0183 and I did this from a Navman 3100 dual instrument. There is even a display option with gave a depth plot against time. So a NMEA 0183 output transducer could be an option.

Edited, removed reference to NavBus not relevant here.

All of the SH180 and 300 models were fishfinder versions, if you connected the black box. Without the black box you could connect an NMEA0183 transducer and show depth in a data window, but that's just a digital readout.

 

[LadyInBed]

All of the SH180 and 300 models were fishfinder versions, if you connected the black box. Without the black box you could connect an NMEA0183 transducer and show depth in a data window, but that's just a digital readout.

Either of those options would suit.
Using a 'black box', does it have to be a FF525 50/200kHz Black Box Fish Finder or are there compatible equivalents from other manufacturers?
Going the NMEA0183 route what products should I be looking at?
Is it a transducer that outputs NMEA0183 or a unit that goes to a display head that then outputs NMEA0183?
I think a unit with a display head would be a preferable option, as I can then use the NMEA0183 output or not.
I take your point about the field of vision in shallow water with a side scan.

 

[LadyInBed]

I have a SH CP300 and I wouldn’t be investing in anything to interface with it, it’s now out of date technology.

I take your point, it is just one of the options. Unfortunately, I'm of an age where my CP300 will probably see out my sailing days ?
Especially as I have a backup CP180!

 

[PaulRainbow]

Either of those options would suit.
Using a 'black box', does it have to be a FF525 50/200kHz Black Box Fish Finder or are there compatible equivalents from other manufacturers?
Going the NMEA0183 route what products should I be looking at?
Is it a transducer that outputs NMEA0183 or a unit that goes to a display head that then outputs NMEA0183?
I think a unit with a display head would be a preferable option, as I can then use the NMEA0183 output or not.
I take your point about the field of vision in shallow water with a side scan.

If you want the fishfinder display you need the FF525, if you just want a readout of depth, a transducer.

I would not spend money on either for the CP300. If you want the fishfinder display, buy a fishfinder. If you just want depth and don't want to spend excessive money, i'd replace the Stowe unit with a NASA depth system. If you want speed through the water too, get the Duet. If you only want depth you can fit the transducer "In Hull", so no need to take the boat out of the water.

 

[MikeCC]

What Paul says above. You certainly won't find a new FF black box, so it would mean the usual online watch and wait.

Note that the NASA Clipper Depth outputs NMEA0183 to feed basic depth into CP300, but the Duet does not.

 

[LadyInBed]

Thanks Paul

What Paul says above. You certainly won't find a new FF black box, so it would mean the usual online watch and wait.

?

Note that the NASA Clipper Depth outputs NMEA0183 to feed basic depth into CP300, but the Duet does not.

That's useful info, thanks.