Using another brand's transducer.

[Larry]

I have a Uniden fish finder MC-180 and it came with an inside-the-hull transducer mounting. I need a transducer that has a suction cup so I can attach it to the side of the boat, but I can't find one from Uniden. Is it possible for me to use a transducer from another company like Hummingbird or Eagle if I change the socket?

Thanks

Larry



GuzmanL@ibm.net

[Tom Coons]

I have a Uniden fish finder MC-180 and it came with an inside-the-hull transducer mounting. I need a transducer that has a suction cup so I can attach it to the side of the boat, but I can't find one from Uniden. Is it possible for me to use a transducer from another company like Hummingbird or Eagle if I change the socket?

Thanks

Larry

Larry, I was waiting for somone more knoweldgeable than I to give you a definitive answer, but since none have done so here's what I understand. Not all transducers are the same, but not all are different either. A distant memory from somewhere I can't remember tells me that there are several different values that are found in transducers. If you get one with the wrong value it won't match and therefore won't work. Sort of like your old TV that uses 300 ohm lead from the antenna on the roof and if you want to hook up a cable that uses 75 ohm coaxial cable you have to put a little converter on it to make it match. Since they don't sell converters for this you have to get one that matches or it won't work. Also the terminals are critical and you want to end up with something that is truly waterproof in a marine environment. I think you want to consult your local technician before you invest in something on a chance. I'm a sailor not an electrical technician so don't take what I say for truth, but at least you have something to go on. Maybe one of those companies you mentioned has an "800" number for technical assistance and could help you on the phone. You probably know you just dial 1-800-555-1212 to get the 800 information operator to look it up for you.

Taccambria@thegrid.net

[Walt Bilofsky]

I have a Uniden fish finder MC-180 and it came with an inside-the-hull transducer mounting. I need a transducer that has a suction cup so I can attach it to the side of the boat, but I can't find one from Uniden. Is it possible for me to use a transducer from another company like Hummingbird or Eagle if I change the socket?

Generally the answer is no. For a starter, transducers come in a number of different frequencies. The common ones are 200 kHz and 50 kHz, but some sounders use 192kHz and there are probably others. Even with the same frequency, there may be issues of transmitter power and who knows what else.

If you are sure the frequency is right, and the pinouts are right, and have a transducer you think might work, you could always take a chance and try it (in the water but unmounted of course). It is possible, but very unlikely, that you would harm either the transducer or the fishfinder - probably the biggest risk is having a wiring mistake blow the fishfinder.

IMO the best idea is to find a good marine electronics place and let them tackle the problem for you. It will probably cost more to get the transducer from them, but they will know, for example, if two brands are actually made by the same company and may be compatible. My first boat, a Bayliner, had a house brand fishfinder, but my electronics dealer knew that it was made by JRC, which also made Raytheon's Loran/fishfinder combo - and by golly, the old transducer worked perfectly with the new Raytheon. But go with the experts - it's worth any extra cost, and they should take responsibility for making it work.



bilofsky@toolworks.com