Transducer Angle
I'm in the process of setting up a FCV-295 with dual 20 degree tilt SS264 Airmar thru hull transducers. These Airmar transducers come in 0, 12 and 20 tilt to suit the deadrise of your hull.
My question is this...how much difference does being close to the tilt angle matter? For example, if you had a 7 degree deadrise, the Airmar recommendation says get the 0 degree tilt transducer...that 7 degrees off pointing straight down. Why wouldn't the 12 dgree tilt be better, it's only 5 degrees off. I don't really know how the ping works....I know it goes down in a cone, but does it come back that way and the sounder sorts out where the bottom is.
One of the reasons I ask is that I currently have a Lowrance colour sounder with a standard 600w transom mount transducer. It works beautifully, even at over 30 knots, but I just want to be able to go deeper...hence the FCV-295 and new transducers.
Here's the thing though...the transducer is mounted on the same angle as the deadrise....it's at least 15 degrees off pointing straight down. Why does it still work so well? The depth it shows is correct (based on what other boats say), and structure that is mean't to be there is...so it's not like its showing the bottom way off to one side.
It's almost as though being on the 15 degree angle doesn't matter. If so, why does Airmat bother with having the tilted elements?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated
shortfuse
Posts: 211
Date Joined: 02/01/12
Can I ask what the deadrise
Can I ask what the deadrise on your hull?
Are you aware that the FCV295 does not require diplexed transducers,I think SS264 are available in non diplexed configuration but you generally don't see them that way. Most people running a 295 will opt for 2 or 3 KW transducers as oposed to 1KW as the 295 is capable running these transducers. More cost involved but when you start going up to the 295 you may as well get what your paying for and thats the abililty to drive high output transducers
Cheers
Michael
Belly Fish
Posts: 499
Date Joined: 09/03/12
15 or 15.5 degrees
Don't know exactly, but looks to be about 15.5 degrees or so (I used an iPhone app, but it jumps a fair bit). I know the FCV-295 will drive the bigger transducers, but I hear they are huge and I have an Ali boat so can't shoot thru. The 2KW/3KW through hulls apparently require fairings which I'm told will affect the steering of a boat of my size (its 25 feet). Basically I was told the only viable option was the 1KW through hull or transom mount, and from what I hear they are plenty powerful for what I want to do. One of the reasons for my question is I have the 20 degree tilt transducers and am wondering whether being 5 degrees off vertical (if my deadrise is indeed 15 degrees) will make a huge difference, especially since my current Lowrance transducer is on a 15 degree angle -installed flush with the deadrise. I should have got the 12 degree tilt transducer, which would have been only around 3 degrees off vertical. Sorry, but your question about diplexed/non diplexed transducers is beyond my technical knowledge.
shortfuse
Posts: 211
Date Joined: 02/01/12
I'm a bit lost there, ?you
I'm a bit lost there, ?
you already have the transducers? and they are the 20 degree offset?
if they have plugs attatched to the display end they will be diplexed in which case I don't think you will be able to use them with a 295. The boxes will have part no's to avoid confusion you can check airmars website they will most likely have all the details for non diplexed / diplexed part no's
My choice if your only running 1Kw transducer would be a FCV587 in which case the transducers you have should run straight into it assuming you have furuno connectors. Smaller display sure but you can't use the potential of the 295
What cone angle are the transducers you intend on running? and what are you mainly targeting bottom species or palagic? consider this on top of the deadrise
shortfuse
Posts: 211
Date Joined: 02/01/12
should add there anyway if
should add there anyway if around 15 degree deadrise 12 degree offset is what airmar recommend
JohnF
Posts: 2836
Date Joined: 07/07/10
Belly, the reason your 600w
Belly, the reason your 600w works ok even though it is on a 15 degree angle is that the 600 w tranny has quite wide beam angle, even the 200 kHz will be 12-15 degrees. Hence, part of the beam will still be going straight down resulting in accurate depth readings. Not perfect but as you state, it will still work pretty well.
If you go a very narrow beam angle (like on the better 1 kw and above trannies) you will get a depth error if the beam angle is less than the error between the deafened and the transducer angle.
Not as big an issue as most think, hut why not get it as good as you can up front.
Boston Whaler 235 Conquest......getting the flogging it was built for.
Belly Fish
Posts: 499
Date Joined: 09/03/12
I thought this would be simpler than this
Shortfuse, the SS264 was recommended to me for the FCV-295. Below is the furuno website TAP recommendations for a SS264 on a FCV-295.
http://www.furunousa.com/ProductDocuments/Transducer%20Tap%20Settings.pdf
This link says I need to remove the plug from the SS264 and connect the bare wires into the 3 pin WAGO connector at the back of the the FCV-295....it doesn't have plugs.
http://www.furunousa.com/ProductDocuments/Dual%20SS264%20Connection%20to%20FCV295%20or%20FCV1150.pdf
Why is it you say I can't use the Airmar SS264 with the FCV-295?
shortfuse
Posts: 211
Date Joined: 02/01/12
Hi MateThe reason I say this
Hi Mate
The reason I say this is because I have set of SS264 and prior to getting them I found that they were available in diplexed and non diplexed variants. I could not find any reference to the use off SS264 with a 295 on the transducer manufacturer (Airmar) website. The 295 does not require a diplexer perhaps Furuno have found that the diplexer can be bypassed when the leads are cut.
Don't get me wrong not saying it can't be done but I know how expensive they are and you would not want to stuff a set up so just trying to put it out there to save you some greif in case it all goes wrong. Pretty expensive venture if you had to buy different transducers or another head unit after the fact.
Blue herron marine had both diplexed and non diplexed variants listed just checked.
Best of luck
Michael
Belly Fish
Posts: 499
Date Joined: 09/03/12
Cheers
Thanks, I'll do some more research. You're dead right, don't want to stuff these up