Transducer selection

[Soardo]

Okay, my refurb is coming along and I'm ready to decide on transducers. For displays, I'll go 76xx series, for now one on console and bow but maybe add a second in one or both places later. I'm a bass guy, with maybe a little crappie or stripers mixed in on my home lake (Lanier), but bass is the focus. I'll be on this lake much of the time, save a few vacations or tournaments in the southeastern US.

I was considering the following:
GT-52 on hole shot plate (Atlas 6" jack)
GT-52 on trolling motor
PS-31 on trolling motor
P79 in hull near GPS puck

Does this cover my down and side for low speed along with the down for high speed? Sorry for the repeat questions....just wondering what people would do in light of all the options out there if they were starting from scratch....

Thanks!

-G

[Todd Driscoll]

Looks good, but I would get the new GT15 CHIRP inhull to replace the P79.

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-t...rod530269.html

[Soardo]

Ah, great! That's why I asked Todd....didn't know about the GT15.

Thanks!

-G

[TroyBoy30]

what he said. my exact set up except I have a 8 inch atlas. still waiting on transducer shield and saver at this point

[Soardo]

Troy, are you putting shields on both GT52s?

[TroyBoy30]

i am. im waiting on Scap to get them done. she be shipping by the end of the month

[LWINCHESTER2]

I agree on the GT15. Also if there was room I would consider a GT50 instead of the GT52 for the transom if there's room. GT50 is 9 in long compared to 6.1 for the GT52. It's also different chirp 85-165 (26/15) for the GT50 where the GT52 is 150-240 (24/16). It's not a big deal. Both are really good. I do think the GT50 SideVu has the edge on SideVu.

[Soardo]

Interesting (and sometimes confusing) stuff....thanks guys!

[Soardo]

Okay....got my PS31, GT52 (trolling motor), and GT 15. Just trying to wrap my head around anything on the transom. I'd prefer not to drill on the transom, although I have a transom-saver block that I can adhere to it if needed. My goal would be to install on the holeshot plate under my 6" Atlas jackplate.

With the GT15, am I better off putting it in the bilge or can I put in the drain area right in front of the bench seat? Also, I haven't bought the second GT52 yet, because I understand the GT30 is the only one that works with a Y-cable to the GT15 for on plane depth readings? What do I gain/lose with the GT30 vs. GT52 on the transom? I'm using 76xx series Garmin units, two on the bow and one on the console.

Thanks!

-G

[TroyBoy30]

get a hole shot plate for your atlas and a transducer shield and saver and mount your gt52 to the hole shot plate. put the gt15 in the bilge after you test for the best area to mount it. if you have 7600 series units you don't need a y cable. both transducers will connect to the unit at the same time. the gt15 uses the 8 pin and the gt52 uses the 12 pin

[Larry3215]

Before you glue in the GT-15, you need to test the location to be sure it works. You dont want to have to un-glue it!

There are a few different ways. Most common is to:

1) Clean/sand the hull inside where you want to mount the ducer. It needs to be as flat/smooth as possible and no delams, holes, ridges etc that could cause air pockets
2) At least partially fill a 1 gal baggie with water, place it in the sanded bilge area where you want to test.
3) Figure out some way to hold the transducer flat on top of the baggie (usually a really good friend) while you drive the boat at up-to full speed to see if you get good bottom readings.

If it doesnt work very well or at all, try another spot.

Repeat as needed.

[Soardo]

Ah great. I got a bit confused with the whole Y cable thing. Didn't know if that was needed for some form of handoff from one TD to the other as speed increases. Is that a manual selection or something that can be set to automate?

[Larry3215]

When you open any sonar screen, you can go to the menu and choose which transducer to display and set frequencies, gain, etc.

[Soardo]

Understood. I guess with a single screen was wondering if I could start w GT52 and have it automatically switch on plane to the GT15? I guess I could split screen one on each side?

[Larry3215]

I dont think there is any auto switch option. That would be cool though!

Yeah, split screen or just change screens. With the 7600's you have bunches of options. I have one screen set up with charts, 2D and engine data for cruising. Other options for fishing.

[Soardo]

Makes sense kinda what I thought but the whole Y cable thing made me think maybe there was some hidden wizardry lol. I never thought it was just an extra port function. Thanks for clarifying.

[TroyBoy30]

[Soardo]

Awesome....so you use the wedge that is listed for the LSS for the holeshot plate? Mine's a six inch Atlas, any issues with fitting on that?

[TroyBoy30]

mines an 8 but i would think it would work. call them directly and they will tell you exactly what you need. tell them i sent you

[Soardo]

Will do....thanks!