Splicing transducer cable

[aeviaanah]

I have a fish finder with a sliced transducer cable. I am looking to put it back together. Any tips? Ive heard when splicing transducer cable It may pick up electronic noise...any tips for me before I attempt?

 

[sschefer]

Re: Splicing transducer cable

you can splice it back together wire for wire but use marine grade shrink tubing to get a good water tight seal over the repair. If it's shielded with a foil or woven shield just solder the two ends together.Once you've done your repair take it out and verify the depth it's reading while sitting at the dock or something.

You weren't up at Eagle Lake last week by any chance?

 

[aeviaanah]

Re: Splicing transducer cable

you can splice it back together wire for wire but use marine grade shrink tubing to get a good water tight seal over the repair. If it's shielded with a foil or woven shield just solder the two ends together.Once you've done your repair take it out and verify the depth it's reading while sitting at the dock or something.

You weren't up at Eagle Lake last week by any chance?

No I wasnt. Thanks for the help!

 

[TMALEGA]

Re: Splicing transducer cable

I soldered the shielded wire together then wrapped a small amount of aluminum foil around it then heat shrinked it and then did the same for the whole repair. It is good and water tight, no interferrence from other power sources so far.

 

[fucawi]

Re: Splicing transducer cable

I have had no problems even with crude splices

 

[John_S]

Re: Splicing transducer cable

A basic transducer will only have a few wires, and usually just one shield around all. If this is a multi-beam or SI transducer, you may find twisted shielded pairs within the overall shielding. Stagger the splices so you don't end up with a large bulge in the cable.

How much noise you get will be dependant on how well you maintain the shielding, and how many emmiters are on your boat, and how close the splice is to them. Digital controlled trolling motors tend to be noisy. Engine ignitions and any radio transmitters can be an issue as well. Can't say I've seen noise from cell phones, though.

Take your time and don't rush it.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Splicing transducer cable

I have had no problems even with crude splices

Me neither.

 

[John_S]

Re: Splicing transducer cable

And I hope it is that easy for the OP.

Relatively recent attempts:

I have had success with a HB HDSI, spliced about 2' from plug end. Lots of wires, lots of shields. It wasn't pretty, but worked.

On a HB WS with a splice about 3' from transducer, not so much. Less wires, and less shielding, but get noise as soon as the MG Wireless is powered on. I run the same model transducer on another Wireless, with no issues. I haven't decided to make another attempt, or just put in on the kayak and see how it performs there.

On older attempts, if there was enough cable on boths sides, would work, but didn't have digital control trolling motors then. The only failures I remember, were ones where the wires were cracked or broken, just before they enter the epoxy on the transducer. Not a noise issue, just not enough wire for me to get a splice to.


Always worth giving it a shot before throwing it away. Actually, I probably haven't thrown any away, just into a box for possible salvage in the future.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Splicing transducer cable

I think you'll find that the "noise" issue is directly tied to the quality of the electronics which it?s attached too.

Most if not all the ?noise? coming from a transducers cable is a grounding issue within the head unit.

 

[John_S]

Re: Splicing transducer cable

Most if not all the ?noise? coming from a transducers cable is a grounding issue within the head unit.

Not in this case. The same head unit was used to test both trolling motor/transducers.