Existing Airmar Transducer Compatibility

[Sharkey]

Hey Everyone, I'm looking for some help. I'm the original owner of an 03' Ranger 619 that came with Garmin electronics from the factory with what I believe are Airmar P74 ducers glassed into the bilge area.

I would like to upgrade my console unit to a larger screen combo with the main purpose of better sonar technology over the Garmin units that I currently run. The Garmin GPS w/lakemaster and Blue Chart is excellent but I feel the sonar falls short compared to HBird and Lowrance units that I have observed.

Can anyone recommend a combo unit that would ideally work with my existing transducer ? Has anyone tried out the new Garmin 740s and could give feedback on the sonar vs. others?

[Backwater Eddy]

A Garmin 720s or a 5212 would be my choice.

With the right configuration of US-2 MK adapters and a extension cable you might...maybe...be able to get a Hummer unit to work with it? But they run on different frequencies I believe, so that may be a dead end option?

[Chode2235]

I had a long conversation with the folks at Airmar about this.

Check to see if your transducer wire is a "mix and match" wire. If so, you can buy an adapter to connect to any type of unit.

If not (my case), you can splice the wires to a new plug. I used a MinnKota US2 adapter. You will need to solder the wires (Airmar can help you with the color matching), and then I used liquid electrical tape, and then a couple 'layers' of heat shrink tubing around it to seal it.

It worked great for me, and was a lot easier than ripping out the oil res. in the bilge to epoxy a transducer. They recommend that if you spice the wires, do it in a way so the splice isn't going to be exposed to water, as that wont be sealed as well.

[Sharkey]

Thanks for the feedback fellas. I have no problem performing a splice to get a Bird or Lowrance to work. Removing and epoxying a new shoot thru transducer does not look fun. I believe the P74 is a 200khz ducer so I'm really looking for whats compatible so I have all options on the table.

I have emailed customer support, but I know someone on WC has been down this road before.

Chode...what you unit, if you don't mind, did you go with?

[Chode2235]

I have a new Lowrance HDS-5. I went with that as it fit in the flush mount opening that was previously cut in the dash by the former owner for a Garmin. So it looks all nice, flush mounted like the old one.

My dad upgraded to a HB 700 series this year too. Both are great units, I wouldn't hesitate to go with either of those for the size. I ended up with the Lowrance because of the size of the cut hole, the HB would have been a little big (tall).

Long term plan is to probably get a HDS 7 or 8 mounted on the dash, for the SI and other stuff.

The HB and Low units are all very nice, I don't think you can go wrong. The only complaint that I had on the bigger 8-900 series HBs is that the vertical resolution is low (lower than even the 700 series). They need a bit better screen.

In all honesty, the expoxy job is probably really easy. Assuming you can get to the transducer in the bilge. Mine is under the oil res. and I didn't want the hassle of getting that out.

Those airmar trasnducers are top notch, and if you can keep it great; if not I would look to another airmar to epoxy into the hull. Mine works great at 45 mph. I think I have a p74 or p72.

[Sharkey]

Great information. A stereo receiver will be filling the dash where the unused Garmin monochrome unit currently occupies. The new unit will go up on the dash where my current GPS and Sonar (seperate units) are located. So I have plenty of room behind the walk thru for the biggest screen I wanna pay for.

I hear you about the oil resevoir removal. I'm in the same boat so to speak A quality splice will be much easier if needed.

[Chode2235]

Originally Posted by Sharkey

Great information. A stereo receiver will be filling the dash where the unused Garmin monochrome unit currently occupies. The new unit will go up on the dash where my current GPS and Sonar (seperate units) are located. So I have plenty of room behind the walk thru for the biggest screen I wanna pay for.

I hear you about the oil resevoir removal. I'm in the same boat so to speak A quality splice will be much easier if needed.

Yeah, this was my first solder and splice since HS physical science class. It went pretty smooth, and I get great readings from the transducer, even at top speed.