keljad
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Registered: 02-2005
Location: Cooma, NSW
Posts: 72
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 Fitting a sounder
Just interested in hearing everybodies different approaches to fitting a sounder and transducer- (yes Phil, the Minnow is growing up). I have already seen a couple of ways, but am keen to hear more, I want to do it right the first time. Also, what is everyones opinion on a cheap Humminbird Piranah 10X for the job. I have a brand newiie, but will upgrade depending on the feedback.
cheers,
James
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James
(with the "little minnow")
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7/Apr/2005, 7:06 pm
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The Mariner
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Location: Adelaide, Australia
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Re: Fitting a sounder
Hi James,
I epoxy my transducers to the inside of the hull. One day I'll try the other mounting styles but for now I'm sticking (pardon the pun) with what works for me.
I assume you are talking about a PiranhaMAX10 ? Haven't used one but I do use it's bigger brother, the MAX15 and am very happy with it. Nice small footprint so it's easier to work with on a cluttered deck, 100% waterproof & easy to use.
--- Regards,
Phil.
Forum Administrator.
Visit www.hookedonkayaks.com.au for kayaks and kayak fishing accessories. |
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8/Apr/2005, 7:46 am
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keljad
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Location: Cooma, NSW
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Re: Fitting a sounder
What kind of epoxy do you use, and do you just drop a blob down and place the transducer in it? Also how do you remove it if you change your mind? I am thinking about putting a Matrix 17 or 27 in, but if you think the Max 10 would be ok i will stick to that.
cheers,
James
Last edited by keljad, 8/Apr/2005, 12:23 pm
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James
(with the "little minnow")
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8/Apr/2005, 12:21 pm
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The Mariner
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Re: Fitting a sounder
Howdy,
I use 'Araldite'... the 24 hour stuff not the 5 minute. Get it in the syringe pack so you get equal metering-out of the 2 components. Mix them SLOWLY in a clear container... a disposable cup works well.
Air bubbles are your enemy (they stuff-up the sonar signal) & the more you mix the more the more bubbles you can introduce. The clear container allows you to monitor this & you can see when the 2 parts are JUST combined.
Use really coarse sandpaper to rough-up the area on the inside of the hull where you want the trans. to be (between a pair of scupper posts is best), then clean it with a rag soaked in metho. Make a well a little larger than the trans. out of plasticene/play-doh etc. that you can pour the mixed epoxy into, then pour it in SLOWLY to avoid air bubbles. Once enough is poured in let it sit for a few minutes to let bubbles rise. While waiting, use your sandpaper to rough-up the bottom face of the trans. then clean it with metho.
Take the trans, hold it at an angle & push the back edge into the puddle of epoxy, then slowly rotate the trans forward & down to bring it down flush onto the the hull. This rotating will help to push any trapped air forward & out of the way. Make sure the trans. is down hard against the hull & facing the right way, then weigh it down with some heavy sinkers/a dive weight/a big bag of flour or sugar for at least 3 days (I leave it a week) while the epoxy sets. If you don't weigh it down the trans. lifts a little & bingo... trapped air.
Epoxy bonds well enough to the hull plastic to hold the trans in place but not so it can't be removed later. A few sharp hits with your fist on the outside of the hull should be enough to flex the hull & crack the epoxy joint, then just saw/file/sand the epoxy off the transducer.
As for the MAX10.. only you can determine if it works for you. I'm happy with my MAX15 & if the lesser features of the 10 are acceptable to you then I'm sure the rest of the unit will be fine. Lotsa guys in the U.S. use the MAX10 so if you have it already, don't spend more money until you try it out.
I think the Matrix mounts are the same size as the MAX mounts (check for yourself) so maybe mount the head & just hang the trans over the side for a trial. If it's performance is acceptable, mount it properly. If not, un-bolt the MAX10 & use the holes for the Matrix.
Just an idea...
--- Regards,
Phil.
Forum Administrator.
Visit www.hookedonkayaks.com.au for kayaks and kayak fishing accessories. |
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8/Apr/2005, 2:40 pm
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keljad
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Re: Fitting a sounder
Thanks for the detailed instructions Phil, much appreciated. Anyone else out there with ideas aswell????
God I love kayaks!!!!
James
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James
(with the "little minnow")
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8/Apr/2005, 6:14 pm
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Meoldchina
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Registered: 01-2005
Location: Brisbane
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Re: Fitting a sounder
Hi James,
As you already know, I think a bit differently to many Kayak fishers on this board as, for most of my fishing, I prefer a fibreglass "sit-in" Kayak.
When I looked at sounders about a year ago I ended up getting a portable "Matrix 10" and it does everything I want.
I also prefer the removable side mount suction cup concept (with a small modification) as there is no risk of stuffing up the transducer or signal with a permanently glued "through the hull" set-up.
The cup holds its position no matter what speed I travel at - it just gets a bit noisy due to turbulence with some drag when paddling from medium pace upwards. I don't know whether the suction cup would work as well on poly surfaces though.
Regards,
Ross
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8/Apr/2005, 9:07 pm
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keljad
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Registered: 02-2005
Location: Cooma, NSW
Posts: 72
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Re: Fitting a sounder
A couple of good ideas, thanks to all, the info has been a great help.
cheers,
James
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James
(with the "little minnow")
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9/Apr/2005, 7:42 pm
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