[CA] [CA11] Choosing transducer for Axiom. Fishing Oregon

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

lukerabun,

Q1. Can the RV220 transducers be mounted too close or too far away from each other?
A1. I'll begin this response by indicating that thru-hull RV transducers would not typically be recommended for trailered boats as they can be easily damaged be loading or unloading. With respect to locating them in proximity to one another, they may be installed as closely as the transducer's shafts (which will point toward one another) will permit. With respect to how far they may be separated, this is limited the supplied cable joining the transducers to one another (2m).

Q2. Is the only difference between the Rv100 and the RV220s the material they are made out of, or is there a performance difference?
A2. The RV-212, RV-312, RV-412, RV-220, RV-320, and RV-420 transducer pairs feature tilted elements, while the RV-100, RV-200, RV-300, and RV-100 are all essentially the same in design, and performance, differing only in method of installation, type of mount, or material used for the mount.

Q3. When transom mounted will the lower unit of the OB motor interfere with the RV100's signal?
A3. It is quite possible that a lower unit may interfere with transducer energy which is directed toward the lower unit. The degree of such will vary and be dependent on the design of the number of outboards/drives and how far aft their leading edge is in relation to the transducer. As such tilting the outboard/drive can sometimes reduce such interference which would typically manifest itself as a blind spot.

Q4. If mounted to close to each other is it possible that a TH 1KW Chip transducer and the RV220s would cause interference with each other?
A4. Possibly, depending upon the frequency of the TH 1kW CHIRP transducer. Please click here to view a FAQ addressing this subject. Such interference may appear of noise within the plot of the sonar imaging supported by the RV transducer. One of the benefits of installing an in-hull or thru hull 1kW transducer would be the additional separation may reduce such effect.

A5. I've seen the Axiom ProS described as having "high chirp sonar" and the Axiom RVX has having "1KW chirp sonar", what's the difference?
A5. Axiom Pro S MFDs are designed to be mated to a CPT-S transducer to support low power, high frequency CHIRP conical sonar. The Axiom Pro RVX and RVX1000 sounder modules each support the same type of sonar imaging when a RV transducer has been interfaced to the MFD or sounder module. The Axiom Pro RVX and RVX1000 sounder modules may additionally and simultaneously be interfaced to a 1kW CHIRP or compatible 600W/1kW 50kHz/200kHz transducer to support deep water operation and support better bottom tracking while operating at planing speeds. 1kW CHIRP transducers are available in a number of frequency ranges. See the previously referenced FAQ to view the frequency ranges used by RV transducers.

Q6. Is Lighthouse NC2 include with Axiom e7037-00-NAG? It would be better than what it comes with if not correct?
A6. Negative. A Navionics+ chart card is included within the referenced bundle.

Q7. Is Realbathy standard with one of these units or is it an add-on? How does transducer selection effect this function?
A7. RealBaythy is a feature supported by any model of Axiom MFD which is running the latest available software and has been equipped to support sonar imaging. RealBathy is not dependent upon any specific type of cartography.

Q8. Other than a RV100 or RV220 pair what is needed to get the full benefit of the 3D function?
A8. Nothing.

Q9. Could I use a 600watt transducer such as the B75M or does the transducer power rating have to match the power rating of the Axiom unit, in this case 1KW?
A9. Yes, 600W transducers which have been designed to be directly (not adapted) mated to a CP370 sounder module may be adpated to be mated to an Axiom Pro RVX MFD's 1kW Transducer socket or to the 1kW Transducer socket of an RVX-1000.