DFF3 best Transducer

[giul59]

I upgraded my electronics package to the TZT14 system with the DDF3 sonar module. My current Transducer is a B260 thru hull which is probably close to 10 years old. My boat is a 42' Sportfish. I primarily fish the Northeast Canyons. I like to set my machine in split screen mode one side set to 300' and the other 800'. What's transducer would you recommend? 2k?
Thanks
Bruno

 

[Snips]

Giul59,
Here are two candidates for you to consider, the R-209 and R-109LHW. The main difference between the two is that the R-109LHW has a much wider beam width on the HF side than the R-209. Both are very similar in size and shape.

Snips

 

[giul59]

Snips,
Will the R-109LHW work with DDF3 non chirp system?
Thanks
Bruno

 

[Snips]

Bruno,
Not all Chirp transducers can be pared with regular sounders but the R-109LHW/DFF3 is OK.

Snips

 

[giul59]

Snips,
Thanks for the updates. One more question can I have the R109 glassed into the keel?
Thanks
Bruno

 

[Snips]

Giul59,
The PM111LHW is the pocket version of the R-109. But also be aware that flush mounted transducers are more susceptible to hull turbulence than a transducer that is mounted on a fairing block.

Snips

 

[giul59]

Snips,
If I where go with the R-109LHW would I be sacrificing performance with the DFF3 vs the DFF1-UHD? Also is there plans to release a DFF3-UHD?
Thanks
Bruno

 

[Snips]

Giul59,
No performance sacrifice using the R-109LHW with the DFF3.

Snips

 

[giul59]

Snips,
One more question. What are the advantages would the R509LH-W be over the R109LH-W?
Thanks
Bruno

 

[Snips]

Giul59,
The HF side is the same in both transducers. The LF side of the 509 has more elements and a slightly different frequency range than the 109. I only tested these transducers with a UHD and saw very little difference between the two as far as water column target detection.

Snips

 

[giul59]

Snips,
I spoke with my electronics guy about installing the R109LHW transducer with my DFF3 and he questioned the compatibility of the two units. He then called Maryland Furuno Tech Support and they agreed that they are not compatibility. This is quite a large investment between transducer, installation and hauling. What is the correct answer?

 

[Snips]

Giul59,
I talked to our tech support gentlemen that your installer talked to and it sounds like there was a little confusion in their conversation. The R-109C-LHW can be used with the DFF3. The Tap settings are "B" for the LH side and "A" for the HF side.

Snips

 

[giul59]

Thanks for the update.

 

[giul59]

Snips,
We did our first trip offshore with the new ducer installed and I have a question. When I have the depth display set to 400' and the unit is in split screen mode LF/HF shouldn't the depth display at the bottom of the display show the total depth of the water. When I was in 300' or less it showed the depth but if I was in 900' it was blank.
Thanks
Bruno

 

[Snips]

giul59,
Please post a screen shot of both frequencies at the same gain setting for me.

Snips

 

[giul59]

Okay will do on the next trip

 

[giul59]

FYI. Low frequency we have the gain MUCH lower than high frequency. When low gain is above 20 we get a ton of noise whereas we can turn high gain up to 60 before we get interference.

 

[Snips]

Giul59,
If possible I would like to see two screen shots using both frequencies. One at the dock with the gains set at 0 and the other in deeper water (600ft+) with both gains at 50.

Snips

 

[giul59]

Snips,
Here's are the photos you requested. The LF side bottom detail is good but the first 200' is not useable.
Thanks
Bruno

 

[Snips]

giul59,
For shallow water clutter try adjusting the TVG control.

Snips