Substitute PD-WBK transducer for PD-W

[toyotafreak]

The PD-W transducer is a bit of pain to get ahold of, and I grabbed a PD-WBK off the shelf while on travel in VA. $47, no S&H, no waiting, get to install it before my trip. 192KHz, check. Wide angle, check. Through-hull mount, check. Difference is the connector. I'd like to splice the old connector into the new transducer. By chance, has anyone tried to do this? Also, has anyone opened up the cable on the current transducer? I'm curious how many conductors...

Thanks!

[breakawaydaze]

Derek,

I just went through some of the transducer issues on my boat.  I bought a new one, put in the the same location as the old one and had the same problems.  Still very erratic, no readings blank screen etc.  I have always thought it sat way to far forward in the boat S22 (next to bilge pump forward of fuel tank).  I relocated it in the rear next to the prop shaft in front of the motor.  Now it reads perfect every time with no issues what so ever.  I really think my old transducer was fine, it was just poorly located from the start.  The old one is at the lake, I would be happy to cut the wire and count the leads, but will not be back to the lake b4 sat.  let me know if you have any questions.

[toyotafreak]

Thanks BAD. I found it hard to hear the clicking noise while the screaming buzzer was going off. Should've either found and disarmed the buzzer, run the engine on the hose, or waited till the lake. Held it real close, though and don't think it was ticking. I think it will be best to wait until we're on the water next week, no big rush. If it doesn't work when held in the water, it's bad fo sho. I need to compare the number of contacts, etc. then open the old wire. If it's like 3 or 4 wires (+, gnd, Tx, Rx) it should be easy to match up. If more than that, I'll return to Bass Pro and wait for the proper. Feel more lame every minute for getting the wrong one.

The depth finder worked perfectly when I bought the boat in '03, but stopped that first summer around the time I removed the fuel tank, installed the tracking fin, and remounted the tower, each of which had the potnetial to tweak on things a bit.

Please don't give it another thought, and I'll report back with results.

[toyotafreak]

Thought I'd better update this. Replaced the stock sender (PD-W) with grey connectors, for a more-available version iwth black connectors (PD-WBK). There is a center conductor and a shield and I spliced the line, using environmental crimp barrells/splices and wrapped with a couple layers of regular heat shrink. In the process cut out like ten feet of line but still left enough slack to reach the transom. Tried numerous spots in the aft end of the hull to shoot through the liner & hull but didn't find one nearly as good as the original location under the driver's seat. Epoxied that sucker in the stock spot and the depth finder is just as solid as I remember from '03. If you have any connector repair experience whatsoever, you shouldn't be afraid to go with the PD-WBK. Do be careful with the open flame when you're sitting on the fuel tank :-)

[Capt Rick]

The original trasducer is available. Recommend grinding where it is mounted to remove the inner liner thus no air pocket.
MGA001151304 Module,DepthSounder,Transducer     83.33  $62.50  $15.00 
Capt Rick