RC530 to eS97 upgrade installation advice

[DrZ]

My existing RC530 is functional but obsolete. Using the existing RS120 GPS, “No GPS fix” is reported. Existing configuration:
Powered from circuit breaker panel as: “Instruments”
Raymarine ST60 Wind Display A22005 0210048 SeaTalk
Raymarine ST60 A22004 Tri Data A22004 0110034 SeaTalk
Speed / Temperature transducer: ST800 / P120 +
Depth transducer: 31-199-4-1 200 KHz
Powered from circuit breaker panel as: “GPS”
Raychart Chartplotter RC530 E32030 with RS120 GPS
Powered from circuit breaker panel as: “Autopilot”
Autohelm ST1500 Plus

Planned Changes:
1. Install eS97 to replace RC530 E32030 and RS120 GPS
2. Replace SeaTalk cable between RC530 and ST60 Wind display with E22158 SeaTalkng Converter Kit between existing ST60 Wind and new eS97

Power considerations:
1. MFD and autopilot already each have dedicated power: no change is anticipated
2. Since the ST60 Wind and Tri Data currently have independent power circuit. Should the SeaTalkng Converter be powered on the ST60 “Instruments” circuit?

Transducer considerations:
1. I don’t expect the boat to be hauled in the near future. Therefore, I’m interested in an eS97 sonar transducer that is compatible with the two existing low profile, retractable thru hull ports. Is the A80171 (P319) Thru-hull Low profile transducer is physically interchangeable with the existing transducers listed above?
2. If so, could the 50 KHz / 200 KHz A80171 (P319) could operate alongside the existing 120K Hz transducer without interference?
3. Is there a better eS97 sonar transducer option? Should I consider an "in-hull" transducer?

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum DrZ,

Please click here to view a FAQ addressing this subject.

Q1. Since the ST60 Wind and Tri Data currently have independent power circuit. Should the SeaTalkng Converter be powered on the ST60 “Instruments” circuit?
Q2. Negative. The SeaTalkng backbone (in this case consisting of the SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter alone) should supply power to the SeaTalk bus via the SeaTalk to SeaTalkng Converter.

Q3. I don’t expect the boat to be hauled in the near future. Therefore, I’m interested in an eS97 sonar transducer that is compatible with the two existing low profile, retractable thru hull ports. Is the A80171 (P319) Thru-hull Low profile transducer is physically interchangeable with the existing transducers listed above?
A3. Installation of thru-hull fishfinding transducer will require replacement of one of the thru-hulls, including its housing, as Raymarine does not offer a retractable fishfinding sonar transducer. Instrument transducers generally require 2" [censored] for the transducer housing. Transducers such as the A80171 P319 may be installed in place of a 2' instrument transducer housing.

Q4. If so, could the 50 KHz / 200 KHz A80171 (P319) could operate alongside the existing 120K Hz transducer without interference?
A4. As long as sonar transducers are operating at different frequencies, there will generally be no interference effects.

Q5. Is there a better eS97 sonar transducer option? Should I consider an "in-hull" transducer?
A5. Should you not desire or be unable to remove one of the existing instrument depth transducer thru-hull and the hull be less than 1" thick in the potential installation location, then it would be recommended that you consider the A80170 P79 In-Hull Fishfinder Transducer.