Switching out Depthfinders - Questions

[Fishook]

I currently run a Lowrance 520 on my counsel and a Lowrance x-67 off my bow mount Terrova (universal transducer). I want to move the 520 to the bow and replace the counsel mount. My questions: a) What do I need to do or know to make this change? do I need to rewire, move cabels, etc.? what would be a good counsel mount (comparable to the 520 or a bit better) to replace? Can I use the external gps on two units at the same time? c) do I need to be concerned about interference issues between the 520 and the new? d) my puck for the 520 is located at the rear starboard side - would I need to move it to the front?

I know I have fired out a lot of questions but I am a "fish out of water" when it comes to this sort of thing. I appreciate any and all advice given. Thanks.

[fishwater]

The power and transducer from your 520 would work for a newer HDS unit; you could buy just a head unit and plug it in. The universal sonar on your Terrova will work with the 520. It should be super easy, toughest decision is where to mount the LSS1 unit.

[PerchJerker]

Definately agree on the HDS, like Sean said the HDS will use the same power cable and transducer that are already there on your console.

You'd need a different cable to connect the 520 to your Terrova, they are about $30.

You could leave your gps puck for your 520 where it is, but you might need extension cables to get it to reach. But I think a better idea is relocating the puck to the bow ---- the gps position comes from the puck, and this could give you "funny" readings at times when you're looking at detail map cards on the 520 --- ie. your transducer and your gps puck will be 18 or so feet apart.

We're happy to help if there's anything else we can do, you can reach us through the link to Pro Fishing Supply in my signature.

[Fishook]

Thanks for the quick feedback and suggestions. Sounds like it should not be to big of an issue to make the change. I did not make my one question very clear but I think it has been answered. I am assuming the HDS is a Lowrance unit? and using two Lowrance units will not cause unit interference? What if I put a Hummingbird on the counsel? I would have to change tranducers (and cabeling?) but would the 520 work OK with a Hummingbird unit? I appreciate everyone's reply and very high quality input. Thanks.

[PerchJerker]

Lowrance and HB units work best in freshwater at 200 kHz. You will get interference between them ----- both across brands and across multiple units of the same brand ---- whenever they units are on the same frequency and the water is deep enough so the transducer cones overlap.

In an 18 foot boat, you're usually looking at 25-30 fow or so before the cones overlap --- it depends on where and how they're mounted on your boat, and what the bottom content is, but that's a good rule of thumb.

One way to get around the interference is to run one of the units at 83 kHz ..... but personally I do not like the sonar display I get at 83 kHz. I don't really have any problems with interference, but if I do I usually turn off a unit instead of switch one to 83 kHz.

HDS is a Lowrance line and will work with the cables for your 520. Lowrance also has a line called the Elite series but that line will not work with your cables. None of the HB locators will work with your cables.

Hope that helps.