Structure Scan Install

[PotomacBassin]

I searched the archives but couldn't find what I was looking for.  So I'm going to be ordering an HDS 7 with SS and was wondering out the SS transducer location (LSS).  I know this is supposed to be within one foot of the sounder and to keep it below the sounder transducer, according to the installation manual online. But it doesn't say anything about keeping it away a certain distance from the prop.  It just says to make sure it doesn't interfere with the trim.  I'm worried about interference with the prop. 

[Wayne P.]

If you put the LSS transducer at the hull bottom level, it needs to be to the right or left of the diameter of the prop so it won't cause aeration of the water going to the prop and water intake.

 

If you have it above the hull bottom, then you can have it as close to the engine as you want as long as the lower unit does not hit it when trimmed all the way down.

 

The proximity of the LSS to the 2D transducer is for the DI overlay on the 2D image. Otherwise it makes no difference.

[PotomacBassin]

So the wake or other affects from the prop won't affect or interfere with 'reception' of the SS?

[Wayne P.]

The water has already passed over a transducer before the prop affects the water.

The only way an outboard prop can affect a transducer is if the motor is in reverse.

[Wayne P.]

Additionally if you have the LSS-2 transducer, and don't have a jackplate, you need to attach the transducer under the transom step on the surface where the drain plug is. That thing is like a beaver tail.

 

Send me a picture of your transom from drectly behind with the motor trimmed all the way up and at a level that shows all of the step. I can edit it with the suggested location.

[PotomacBassin]

I don't have any pics handy or I would.  The boat is 5 miles away at the park.  I probably won't get to it for a little bit.

[Wayne P.]

Is you present transducer here? 

 

 

 

Or is it here?

 

[PotomacBassin]

Currently it looks like the one on the top (first picture).  Another question I had is do I have to replace this transducer? Or does Lowrance use the same one for all their units.  They all look the same.  Ha.  I'm sure I need to since the internals of the old and new transducer aren't the same.  Figured I would ask to save time if I could. 

 

Looking at these pictures... I have one additional pump out hole located to the starboard side of the bilge drain hole. I n other words, I have two of the black fittings where only one is shown in these pictures.  

[Wayne P.]

Currently it looks like the one on the top (first picture).  Another question I had is do I have to replace this transducer? Or does Lowrance use the same one for all their units.  They all look the same.  Ha.  I'm sure I need to since the internals of the old and new transducer aren't the same.  Figured I would ask to save time if I could. 

 

Looking at these pictures... I have one additional pump out hole located to the starboard side of the bilge drain hole. I n other words, I have two of the black fittings where only one is shown in these pictures.  

The transducer depends on the model of sonar you have now. If you still have the little screen unit that came with the boat, that probably has the uni-plug with the transducer cable and power cable combined. The HDS units use separate power and transducer plugs that have lock rings on them. If you have the separate cable transducer, you can use that with the HDS. I will send you a PM later with some mounting suggestions for the LSS transducer.

[Chief 2]

Potomac,

      Any reason you decided to go with the Lowrance instead of the HB 899ci with side imaging? I looked hard at both and the Lowrance seemed to require additional equipment for the Side Scan and was more expensive. Am I missing something?

Gary

[TrapperJ]

Going thru this right now with my HDS 9 Touch

 

Mine is like the First Pic Wayne P posted with the 2D on the left

 

Right now unless someone says other wise i plan to mount my LSS on the right side underneath the transom step, even with the 2D as long as the motor trim doesnt interfere.

[TrapperJ]

Just come across this on a lowrance video, the LSS2 needs to be level with or lower than the 2d ducer.

If this is the case, I may need to move my 2d since it's already close to the motor, to get my LSS2 below or slightly below, the 2D. Cause you also don't want the LSS2, to close to the motor as well.

[Jig Man]

Just come across this on a lowrance video, the LSS2 needs to be level with or lower than the 2d ducer.

 

 

That is so you can overlay downscan on the 2 d sonar which is basically useless.  I ran it that way for 3 days and got rid of it.  I don't know anyone who uses that function.

[Wayne P.]

That is so you can overlay downscan on the 2 d sonar which is basically useless.  I ran it that way for 3 days and got rid of it.  I don't know anyone who uses that function.

Agreed, cute feature but little functionality

 

 

[TrapperJ]

Ok so don't need to worry about it so much then seems like something I'd use once then never bother with.

[PotomacBassin]

That is so you can overlay downscan on the 2 d sonar which is basically useless.  I ran it that way for 3 days and got rid of it.  I don't know anyone who uses that function.

 

 

Just come across this on a lowrance video, the LSS2 needs to be level with or lower than the 2d ducer.

If this is the case, I may need to move my 2d since it's already close to the motor, to get my LSS2 below or slightly below, the 2D. Cause you also don't want the LSS2, to close to the motor as well.

This requirement is so the 2D transducer doesn't get in the way of the structure scan, not for the overlay from my understanding.  The requirement for the overlay is when they say to mount them within 1-2 feet (or whatever they say) of each other so you can have the most accurate overlay as possible.

[TrapperJ]

I dont have my book in front of me and i have to still yet mount my LSS2 do you want to mount it on the Right side of the prop correct? if you facing the prop?

 

I wanted to reuse my 2d Ducer holes on the left side, but it looks like to keep the LSS2 in the sweet spot it will be pretty much in line with the 2d, my understanding is you dont want to to close to the motor? or to far away?

 

Correct me or Educate me please, thanks!

[PotomacBassin]

Well you don't want the LSS2 to pick up the lower unit doing its scan. I think I've read somewhere that some people need to trim up to run it.

[TrapperJ]

I found this in another forum to help out. 

 

[Wayne P.]

I dont have my book in front of me and i have to still yet mount my LSS2 do you want to mount it on the Right side of the prop correct? if you facing the prop?

 

I wanted to reuse my 2d Ducer holes on the left side, but it looks like to keep the LSS2 in the sweet spot it will be pretty much in line with the 2d, my understanding is you dont want to to close to the motor? or to far away?

 

Correct me or Educate me please, thanks!

You can attach it to the hull any place as long as the motor's lower unit does not contact it. The closer to the motor, the better.

Most that are concerned with possible impact damage, attach it to a jackplate if they have one.

 

[PotomacBassin]

Wayne helped me out as well.  Any suggestions on good silicone to seal up the drill/screw holes?

[Wayne P.]

Wayne helped me out as well.  Any suggestions on good silicone to seal up the drill/screw holes?

3M 5200 for permanent or 3M 4200 for later removal.

[PotomacBassin]

3M 5200 for permanent or 3M 4200 for later removal.

Can I use marine grade silicone?

[PotomacBassin]

3M 5200 for permanent or 3M 4200 for later removal.

Or maybe I should ask if the 4200 will work on aluminum because it doesn't mention metal on the package

[WIGuide]

That is so you can overlay downscan on the 2 d sonar which is basically useless.  I ran it that way for 3 days and got rid of it.  I don't know anyone who uses that function.

 

Agreed, cute feature but little functionality

 

 

 

I actually run my unit this way almost all the time when I split the map and 2D so I can see the 3 different readings with the biggest split. That image isn't a very good representation of what it actually looks like, or at least compared to how it looks on mine.