Does A68 require a CP100 so downvison sonar will work?

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum Richard,

The ax8 MFDs and eSx8 MFDs feature internal CHIRP (Conical) sonar and DownVision sonar circuitry. As such, these MFDs need only be interfaced to a compatible CHIRP (Conical) / DownVision Transducer. The only reasons that one would typically install a CP100 CHIRP (Conical) Sonar DownVision Sonar Module onboard a vessel featuring an ax8 MFD or eSx8 MFD would be:
- the transducer cable and extension are not sufficiently long enough to mate to the MFD's transducer socket
- the transducer cable or cable's plug cannot be chased without modifying the transducer's cable
- simplification of the installation achieved by interfacing the CP100, MFD, Radome/Open Array Pedestal, etc. though a HS5 RayNet Network Switch ... as "time is money", it may be more cost effective from an installation standpoint to install a HS5 RayNet Network Switch rather than chase several cables to the location of the MFD.

That said, should a CP100 be installed onboard, then an ax5/cx5/e7/ex5 MFD would have typically been recommended, as the MFD's CHIRP (Conical) sonar and DownVision sonar circuitry would be redundant and not used. Raymarine does not offer versions of the eS-Series MFDs lacking internal sonar circuity.