526TID-HDD installation question

[islandtime]

I had an 526TID-HDD transducer installed by a local boatyard. It is connected to a TZT2. I've never had very good bottom images from the system since installation. Attached is a photo of the installation from inside the boat. I'm not sure if this could be a source of the problem? Are there other installation or connection issues that I should look for that might affect performance?

 

[Deep Blue]

islandtime,

The transducer that you have selected, the 526TID-HDD is one of my most recommended transducers to use. However, judging by the single picture that you have provided for this transducer's installation, (I would have liked to have some pictures of the sounder as speed, and pictures also showing outside of the hull where the transducer is mounted, and what might be around that transducer). Is there a keel, or any hull chimes, or water intakes. Are there other transducers present also adding to the turbulence problems..? :angry

Where this transducer is currently located, its my opinion that it's too far back on the hull causing severe turbulence, especially being too close to the propellers. :noway

I typically locate transducers at least 1/3 aft of the hull, centerline as possible, and away from any propeller(s) and/or shaft(s). Usually just forward of the engines are typically good locations.

With transducers, you need to have water flowing under the hull must be smooth as possible with a minimum of bubbles and turbulence (especially during high speeds), and I don't think that's happening here.

If it were me, I'd relocate the transducer a little more forward if possible. I know that with trailer boats can be difficult for transducer locations. But where you have that transducer now, its clearly not working.

-Deep Blue

 

[islandtime]

I had another local electronics installer take a look at the install and he confirmed what you said Deep Blue. He's concerned that he won't be able to cleanly remove the transducer from the hull without damaging it. He's suggesting that I might want to buy another one. He intends to install it farther forward and near the centerline where it won't see any bubbles.

Is there another transducer that I should consider that does not require a fairing like this one did? I see the long list of compatible transducers on the TZT2 site, but don't really know where to start again. I need something to see the bottom in 2,000 feet of water if possible.

 

[Deep Blue]

islandtime,

The 526TID-HDD is a 1kW transducer with 50/200 kHz featuring a 20 degree beam width for Low Frequency, and a 6 degree beam width for the High Frequency. (Along with having a temperature sensor which is handy.)

It’s definitely the right tool for the job for what you want to do with your TZT2. So, I’d politely ask your installer if he isn’t sure that he can remove that Thru-hull Transducer by only damaging the Fairing Block. By sacrificing the Fairing Block, sometimes it provides you the ability to remove the transducer without doing any damage to it. Fairing Blocks can be replaced, and they are a lot cheaper than replacing the entire transducer.

- Deep Blue

 

[rodneymeyers]

I have removed a few transducer like the one in the picture. I just took my time cutting the 5200 while prying gently with a screw driver. It did not take to long.