Multiple transducers

[andrewo1024]

This may have been answered before but if it is I can't find it... Getting ready to install my helix 10 mega si, I have a 2006 bass tracker 170, I don't want to install the ducer on the step for fear that I will break it off ( a few of the ponds I fish are loaded with stumps), to my understanding if I mount on the transom I will not be able to get readings on plane, so I will need to add an additional 2d sonar (xmt 20 9) and a y cable, my question is can I mount that ducer on the transom as well or will I run into some kind of interference between the two? Thanks in advance.

[Wayne P.]

This may have been answered before but if it is I can't find it... Getting ready to install my helix 10 mega si, I have a 2006 bass tracker 170, I don't want to install the ducer on the step for fear that I will break it off ( a few of the ponds I fish are loaded with stumps), to my understanding if I mount on the transom I will not be able to get readings on plane, so I will need to add an additional 2d sonar (xmt 20 9) and a y cable, my question is can I mount that ducer on the transom as well or will I run into some kind of interference between the two? Thanks in advance.

If you use the 9 M SIDB Y cable, the two transducers cannot cause cross-talk since the 2D element in the SI transducer would not be electrically connected. The transom 2D transducer is XNT 9 20.

The XNT mount is plastic and will be easily destroyed by stumps. I would suggest you get the Transducer Shield and Saver mount with Springback bracket and Armour Plate:
https://www.transducershieldandsaver...-back-bracket/

I made this for my MEGA SI transducer and have it attached under the Tracker transom step. I don't have to trim the motor out to get clearance for the SI pulses. Did not have the hull attachment holes when I took the picture.

[Wayne P.]

I also have the ONIX SI transducer under the step using the Transducer Shield and Saver bracket. Already had that bracket since I was using it on the trolling motor before I got the Helix 12 CHIRP SI GPS.

[Wayne P.]

If you get the Transducer Shield and Saver for the MEGA SI transducer, you can do what I did with the ONIX SI transducer. Just have it farther from the keel so you get good water flow off the hull bottom for high speed use. Then you won't need the Y cable or 2D transducer. AND won't have outboard clearance issues for the SI pulses.

There is a stump or three where I fish:

[andrewo1024]

Is the bracket that your onix ducer is sitting in custom or is it a shield/saver?

[andrewo1024]

Just from what I read, I thought if you mounted it in that step, that high, you will have issues from water coming from the step (bubbles???)

[Wayne P.]

Just from what I read, I thought if you mounted it in that step, that high, you will have issues from water coming from the step (bubbles???)

Yes, that is why I stated to have it farther from the keel so you do get water across it when on plane (high speed).

[Wayne P.]

Is the bracket that your onix ducer is sitting in custom or is it a shield/saver?

Yes, that is what I stated in the first sentence in post #4.

[Wayne P.]

This shows the installed custom mount for the MEGA SI transducer and the ONIX SI transducer:

[andrewo1024]

How did you attach the plate to the transom?

[Wayne P.]

How did you attach the plate to the transom?

Four screws to the underside of the extension.

[andrewo1024]

I think I'm going to go that route, thanks.

[Wayne P.]

[andrewo1024]

How did you know where to drill the holes on the top side of the extension?

[Wayne P.]

How did you know where to drill the holes on the top side of the extension?

For attaching to the hull or attaching the transducer to the plate?

[andrewo1024]

To mount the transducer to the plate, seems like a guessing game to know where to drill the holes out.

[Wayne P.]

To mount the transducer to the plate, seems like a guessing game to know where to drill the holes out.

Simple, I used the transom mount as a template for the hole positions.

[andrewo1024]

Just a follow up, made the bracket and mounted it up last night, tried it out this morning and returns were crisp, thanks for the tips Wayne, I do lose depth at speeds so I guess I will have to go the y cable route.

Edit: I will update with pictures once I learn how to post them, but I found a sunken Jon boat at my favorite pond that had crappie stacked on it like a Christmas tree.... looked incredible.

[sfw1960]

Wayne the fabricator!



Glad I'm not the only one who can make what they want!

[granite]

You have an AWESOME garage, Robert.