Transducer Tips & Tricks

Tips and tricks for types of transducers and how to install them for optimal flexibility, dependability, and best fish-finding capability. Also learn about Channels 1 & 2 on the HDS LIVE, and which channel is used for each type of transducer. Transducers mounted and discussed are LiveSight, 3D Structure Scan, PD-WBL shoot thru hull, AirMar TM150M, and the Ghost built-in DownScan and 2D Sonar. Also see custom transducer mounts and jackplate hole shot cover all made by TransducerShieldandSaver.com. Pro Angler Marc Marcantonio shows what he considers the optimal placement of each transducer, along with his Point-1 GPS/Heading Sensor. Demonstration includes views of his bow mounted HDS LIVE-16 and his Console mounted HDS LIVE-12. Both show all connections on the back side of the Lowrance units.

[@johnwilson6340]

saw this post over at BBC....thank you for taking the time to share. Extremely valuable information in this video. Just added a ghost to our pontoon and working with 2 carbon units. Well done!!!!

[@marcmarcantonio]

Thank you!

[@jw228w]

thanks for this very informative video on all your transducers and connections. also liked the idea about the plate under jack to decrease interference i dont have live hds or ultra,,but this video gives me a lot of insight when i go to upgrade. john

[@marcmarcantonio]

Thank you for watching, John; If you haven't already please subscribe as I have a lot more informative videos coming.

[@bhmsupra]

Well put together sonar system sir. Like it a lot. I will have to research the Airmar trans. I currently run a 3-in-1 on the transom and it's hooked up to a Live 12 on the dach. on a Live unit. Is the Airmar compatible or does the 3-in-1 defeat the purpose of the Airmar upgrade?

[@marcmarcantonio]

The sonar in your 3-in-1 is good, but not nearly as good as the Airmar TM150M. Since mine is mounted on the jackplate, it only works when I am off plane and searching at slow speeds. I switch to my shoot-through-the-hull 2D sonar transducer when I run on plane for high speed readings. So you can use your 3-in-1 like I use my thru hull transducer.

[@terryjohnson666]

Nice video, Marc. Now I understand why you have a thru-hull transducer in addition to the others. I don’t know whether you monitor comments here but....As you know from BBC exchange, I have an Ultrex. As of Saturday, I also have a bow-mounted HDS Live 16. I cannot figure out how to connect the Ultrex sonar cable to the Live 16. On the cable, I have the Lowrance adaptor that I used for my now-dead HDS-12 Gen3 but it does not match any of the connectors on the Live 16. Do you know what I need to do to connect the two?

[@marcmarcantonio]

Terry, if you used your HDS-12 previously with your Ultrex, then you already have MinnKota's adapter cable for Lowrance units with 7-pin ports. The problem is the LIVE-16 uses the new 9-pin connectors, and your Ultrex terminates in a 7 pin plug. You can buy a converter cable from Lowrance that adapts your 7-pin plug to a 9 pin plug. I believe that now MinnKota sellsl an adapter cable that would go directly to the 9-pin ports, so check with them first as that will eliminate the need for two adapter cables.

[@terryjohnson666]

@@marcmarcantonio Thx! I will do that.

[@robertdaoud6837]

Awesome video! I am wondering if you can help me? I have a HDS 12 live and I’m using a 3-1 trans. I also have a through hull trans but I can not get it to pop up on my screen to use it as a transducer for some reason. As soon as I get up on plane I have no readings for sonar. When I click on installation it shows a 3-1 trans but will not let me select any other transducer

[@marcmarcantonio]

Go to Settings, Sonar, and then make sure MultiSource is turned on. I am assuming both the thru hull and 3-in-1 are plugged into the same Live? If not, then you also have to have an ethernet cable connecting the Lives, and have multisource turned on. If you have an older "legacy" HDS unit connected to the Live by ethernet, then other problems need to be addressed as well. Also if you have multiple units you need them all on the same software version. Once you turn on MultiSource, then go to your Sonar page, Menu, Source, and select which transducer you want to use. Select the thru hull, and then go to Sonar Installation and choose the correct model.

[@ij4298]

He Marc excellent rigging video, are the shoot through hull transducer and the airmar on a y cable? Three transducers and two "channels "on your unit,please clarify thanks....Ciao

[@marcmarcantonio]

No, my HDS LIVEs have 2 ports for two sonar transducers (I have the shoot thru the hull puck on Channel 1, and the Airmar TM150 on Channel 2). The 3D StructureScan transducer goes to its black box, and connects to my LIVES by ethernet cable.

[@ij4298]

@@marcmarcantonio Thanks for taking the time to reply, my Gen @ touch units are fossils now .

[@randallmiller7082]

Can you adjust your transducer on the jack plate? It doesn't look like it can be tilted up or down for leveling at idle.

[@marcmarcantonio]

This is a custom-made mount designed specifically for my boat model. The optimal position is calculated by the manufacturer who then designs the front angle of the bracket to match the transom angle. The installer pushes the mount flush against the transom and the angle is then perfect. The problem with adjustable mounts is that they get knocked out of adjustment and can damage your transducer. This mount is rock solid and can't get knocked out of adjustment. My images are better than anyone else's I have seen.

[@Topchiefstone]

Will a jackplate mount still tell you depth when on pad?

[@marcmarcantonio]

No, it will not. That is why I have a shoot through the hull transducer as well (as discussed in this video), which works at speeds up to 70 mph. You can't run StructureScan on plane anyway, so Jackplate mount is ideal for clear images. Thank you for watching and the question.

[@shombarrientos3510]

Want to come help me install my HDs live units and ghost trolling motor? Lol Im close.

[@marcmarcantonio]

I will be glad to help you, at least by message or phone, and possibly in person. Where are you located?

[@shombarrientos3510]

@@marcmarcantonio right by Steilacoom lake