[CA] [CA11] A127 Needing Transducer Options

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Dave,

Q1. It sure sounds like having 2 depth transducers could be problematic. I would like to explore another approach with you.
A1. While filtering within the fishfinder would likely prevent the depth instrument from interfering with the fishfinder's performance, using the 200kHz fishfinder channel frequency may interfere with the depth instrument. If this is observed, then one would simply configure MFD to use the 50kHz fishfinder channel when desiring depth data from both the fishfinder and instrument via their respective transducers.

Q2. My existing depth transducer is a P533 from AirMar Technology, part number 5119, as indicated on fading label. It connects directly to an older Tri-Data. Both are about 20 years old. Is the P533 able to sense depth as well as the sonar landscape below? Could it be direct connected to a new Tri-Data which is also on SeaTalkng and then able to pass thru both depth and sonar data do the A127? (Depth would be also be displayed on the new Tri-Data).
A2. Unfortunately, I could find no references within Airmar's Transducer Cross Reference for a P333 transducer. That said, any depth transducer which is presently interfaced and working correctly with a Tridata instrument is pinging at 200kHz. While the interfaced instrument may provide the MFD with numerical depth data, it will not support use of the MFD's Fishfinder feature (i.e no graph will be plotted).

Q2. If the answer to Q1 is no, then, I think it might be best to replace the existing P533 with a depth/sonar/temp transducer that is direct connected to the A127. Could the A127 then 'pass thru' the depth reading value to a new Tri-Data unit on SeaTalkng? I am trying to have a more visible depth indicator to refer to, instead of` the mixed data read on the A127.
A2. Indeed, should the currently installed transducer be disconnected from the Tridata instrument, should the instrument be interfaced to the MFD, should the MFD be interfaced to a compatible depth/speed/temp fishfinder transducer, and should the Tridata instrument be configured as a Repeater of Depth and Speed, then the Tridata would repeat the depth, speed, and temperature data determined by the MFD.