ActiveImage 2in1 vs 3in1 transducers

[Lwabirds]

I’ve been on Ranger’s website to build a boat and was looking at adding a HDS live 12 with Activeimaging on the console. Which AI transducer would be installed when buying a Live 12 with AI? When would the 3in1 be used over the 2in1 AI transducer?

[NoCAL]

2 in 1 would typically be mounted on the transom and used for Side/Down imaging only. A second transom or bilge mounted 2D transducer would provide depth while on plane and all other 2D sonar. A 3 in 1 can also be mounted on the stern but is very sensitive to mounting. Usually either the StructureScan works well and the 2D sucks or vice versa. However many riggers like them because it’s less work to mount 1 vs 2 transducers. Now on the trolling motor a 3 in 1 shines for those who want StructureScan at the bow.

NoCAL

[1BADAIR]

With a 3n1 you will most likely have to switch the transducer to the in hull every time you get on plane.

[til]

You would also use the 2in1 if you want a better (or different) 2d transducer than the built in. For example I've got a 2in1 combined with an Airmar TM 150M for 2d.

[SteveS]

Short answer. Put a 2 in 1 on the transom and a 2D in the bilge area.

[thekevin]

I have a 3in1 on the transom and on my trolling motor and as soon as I get moving very fast at all I lose everything off my transom mount, even water temp. If I get a splitter and put a through hull in for on plane readings its a manual switch in the unit every time I run the outboard and then switch back when I slow troll to side scan correct.

[NoCAL]

You don't need any kind of splitter. You don't say what unit you have but both HDS Carbon and Live can have two 2D inputs, eg. Channel 1 and Channel 2. So the AI 3 in 1 goes to the Black Structure port, an in-hull 2D transducer goes to the Sonar port. Turn on both Channel 1 and 2 and then select the source you want to view. To switch between sources you will have to manually select the source you want to use. Possibly a more simple solution is to get the 3 in 1 mounted so it reads both on plane and while idling but that is sometimes a tall order.

NoCAL

[FM350V]

I have a 2019 Ranger Z521C with dual 12" Carbons at the console. I have in hull 2D transducer connected to the sonar port on channel 1 and a 3 in 1 transducer connected to the structure scan port on channel 2. Both transducers are connected to the same unit. I set 2D to channel 1 and can run side/down imaging on any of the 2 console units. They are connected by ethernet. I am not sure about the quality of the 2 in 1 for side/down imaging but can tell you the 3 in 1 is very good.

[tj]

Does Lowrance sell just the Y-cable for use with an Elite FS? If so, does anyone know the part number?
Or would I have to buy an FS with no transducer; and then buy 000-14813-001 (Lowrance Active Imaging High Performance Kit for Elite Ti2 units; photo below)?

Putting 3-in-1 on my jack plate would lose 2D while on plane. I don't want to mount a ~$300 transducer to bottom of my transom because it would probably get knocked off in stump/tree areas, or driving about 64 GPS with white-caps (maybe?).

Thanks, currently have one Lowrance HST-WSBL (83/200) transducer on jack plate; and one Lowrance transducer (for in dash 1210A flasher) in bilge that factory installed years ago (loses depth at medium - fast speeds).

[bloodman]

I have the 3n1 and a shoot through. It is the best. Shoot through on plane and the 3n1 while fishing. Its easy to switch and worth it.

[Lwabirds]

It would be nice to know which AI transducer Ranger will install. I tried calling Ranger but couldn’t get an answer.

[NoCAL]

90% it will be the 3 in 1. The 2 in 1 are not common and some installers don't even know about them. Plus, they think everybody wants them.
NoCAL

[Lwabirds]

Thank you.

[bloodman]

It would be nice to know which AI transducer Ranger will install. I tried calling Ranger but couldn’t get an answer.

They install the 2n1. There is or was no option for a 3n1

[thekevin]

You don't need any kind of splitter. You don't say what unit you have but both HDS Carbon and Live can have two 2D inputs, eg. Channel 1 and Channel 2. So the AI 3 in 1 goes to the Black Structure port, an in-hull 2D transducer goes to the Sonar port. Turn on both Channel 1 and 2 and then select the source you want to view. To switch between sources you will have to manually select the source you want to use. Possibly a more simple solution is to get the 3 in 1 mounted so it reads both on plane and while idling but that is sometimes a tall order.

NoCAL

I have an Elite 9 TI2 on the console and an Elite 7 TI2 on the front.

[NoCAL]

Not sure of options for Ti2 units

[KandKKustomz]

I have the 3n1 and a shoot through. It is the best. Shoot through on plane and the 3n1 while fishing. Its easy to switch and worth it.

my setup as well when not on plane the 3n1 gives me way better 2d then the shoot thru.