What do I need to add depth to my GPS?

ThreeSummers

ThreeSummers

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Hi guys,

Assuming I'm on the right track here, I would need some sort of transducer at the bottom of my boat (in-hull if I can) and then something to power it and/or interpret the signal to send to the input on my GPS (Garmin GPSMap60CSx) which has the option of showing depth.

Question is, while trying to keep to a reasonable price, what specifically do I need, and where do I get it? I don't need or want fish-finder/bottom shape etc, all I want to know is how much water is (will be) under my keel.

Any help appreciated.

Wobb.
 
you might find f/finder is a good solution. Its only called a f/finder so the USA huntin and fishin brigade buy one, but just use it as a depth sounder. Bit like car sat nav.. amazing bit of kit for so little money.
 
To display depth on the GPSMAP60, you need to input NMEA depth data. So you'd need a transducer and a sounder module which outputs this data. It's almost certain that this will cost a lot more than an ordinary depth instrument, so you'd be better off just fitting a depth instrument.
 
Ter be honest, I'd get a Garmin FF90 or FF140 (mine's the 140) and use that. I got a VERY good deal from Malthouse on these forums, no connection, just a very satisfied customer. I'm very happy with it, does exactly what it says on the box. I was even happier when I discovered /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif the backlight function!
 
Agree

I got a 160 with the transducer stuck in the biges with a

dollop of silicone works a charm

you see all the f'ing fish you can't catch as a bonus /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

cheers Joe
 
[ QUOTE ]
all I want to know is how much water is (will be) under my keel.

[/ QUOTE ]Careful, if by 'will be' you mean the depth in front of your boat, you'll need a forward looking sonar, which is a more expensive piece of hardware. And not available with in-hull transducer, afaik.
Aside from that, I'd second other suggestions: a separate small fish finder is the way to go.
And If you really want to show the depth also on the gps display, just buy one with the nmea out and use it to feed the gps.
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
all I want to know is how much water is (will be) under my keel.

[/ QUOTE ]Careful, if by 'will be' you mean the depth in front of your boat, you'll need a forward looking sonar

[/ QUOTE ]

No, "will be " refers to the fact that the boat hasn't got wet yet - hoping to launch May/June, weather dependent (was hoping to launch last summer, but we all know how wet that was!).

Thanks everyone for the responses - it looks like it's not a simple case of getting a depth sounder and plugging the GPS in - some of those fish-finders look cheap enough though...

As to using a chart, that doesn't really help on un-charted rivers etc....

Thanks again, the search goes on.

Wobb.
 
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