Newer marine electronics challenged

[SKYCHENEY]

I still live in the 80's as far as electronics. I've never been caught up in having the latest and greatest and I still enjoy using paper charts and a compass. That said, I have a problem that I need help with. I have a 1999 Boston Whaler 18' Dauntless. It has a Raytheon L470 Fishfinder on it. The unit now blows fuses as soon as you plug in the power cord to the back of it. I have thought about changing it to something else, but I don't want to run a new transducer wire. So, what is the configuration of these new units? Do they use the same plugs? Can I replace with a Garmin or some other brand or do I need to stick with RayMarine? Maybe even those are different now. I just don't know enough about these electronics. I guess I should have paid more attention at boat shows, etc, but it never really interested me. Suggestions?

 

[Brian Degulis]

The Transducer should be a 200 or a 50 generaly 50 for deep readings 200 for shallow (I think). I have changed units using the old transducer as long as I matched the frequency. You can get a plug for the new unit and put it on the existing tranducer cable or get an adapter. Places like Consumers Marine Electronics can fix you right up with what you need.

Brian

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Thanks Brian. It's a 1999 transom mounted transducer with the temp and speed built into it. The current plug is round and has about 5 conductors. I didn't know that they made adapters. That would probably take care of it.

 

[Avenger]

Sky,

Is there any chance that you've got the polarity on that unit reversed?

I've managed to require a few new fuses for that reason.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Scrod,
I haven't changed anything since I last used the boat, so I doubt it. I'll check it with my meter though, just to make sure before I toss it.

 

[chris piazza]

I had the next model up, I think it was an LX600? a few years ago on a small fishing boat... anyways it stopped working for no particular reason. When I took it apart I noted that inside behind the six or eight pin plug was some very poor soldering joints to the back of the plug, a touch of solder and it was back to working fine. I guess getting beat around in a small boat took it's toll on the connections. Very simple wiring and PC board inside, I know you can figure this one out.

Chris
Superior Nights 53C

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I had the next model up, I think it was an LX600? a few years ago on a small fishing boat... anyways it stopped working for no particular reason. When I took it apart I noted that inside behind the six or eight pin plug was some very poor soldering joints to the back of the plug, a touch of solder and it was back to working fine. I guess getting beat around in a small boat took it's toll on the connections. Very simple wiring and PC board inside, I know you can figure this one out.

Chris
Superior Nights 53C

Chris,
I popped the back open thinking the same thing. I checked the continuity from the pins in the back to the board and it seems okay. I figure it must be a short in the circuit board itself. Time for a new one unless I find a direct replacement on ebay in the next couple of weeks.

 

[REBrueckner]

As noted, many 50 khz and 200 kHz transducers work with multiple models of depth sounders...many are made by the same company...can't think of the name...is it ampxxx or somehting????it was posted here within the last few months...but with temp and speed I'm much less sure how interchangeable sounders would be...
I'd go for a new Raytheon, now Raymarine, and ask specifically if you can use the old sensors....and see if they have an adaptor plug while you are at it...

 

[fissioneng]

The company is Airmar Technology at http://www.airmartechnology.com.

I just talked to their tech support today. They make the majority of transducers and should be able to tell you if the old will go with the new. You'll need all the numbers.

 

[StratPlan61]

Sky, I can't add anything technical to your thread as I am similarly challenged. You're touching on a project I have put off but must address late this year/early next year. I really need to join the GPS/Plotter generation, rip out my coupled LORAN-C, replace the dated autopilot, update the VHF radios, etc.
I do have stand alone RADAR, GPS, VHFs, etc., but I really want to add a plotter, cctv. I dread the thought of new thru-hulls to replace transducers, etc. I'm cringing to think of the $$$ it's going to cost - even worse finding the right technician to install it all and make it reliable????
I needed the reality nudge - now the dreaded nightmares! I guess I had better start asking some good questions at the fall boatshows. Ugh!

 

[jlightonjr]

Not to get this post off track but...

I have to say the new modern GPS units can be amazing they are so easy to use, have so much info on the screen (weather, depth, harbor entrance photos...) They are extreamly modern.

What I don't like is the fact that the new equipment is being used by many newer boaters to replace traditional navigational knowledge. I know many boaters here in S.FL who head out to the Islands for the weekends and don't have one paper chart on board and who would have no clue on how to navigate if they lost their modern electronics.

I use to really enjoy having the big huge paper charts out and plotting our progress, in heavy seas, fog, and what not and using the GPS plotter as our "back up"

Anyhow, I'll stop going on and on about this as I know I am talking to a crew of folks who I am sure can relate to my point of view!