Running two sounders on one network

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Mountain Boy at Sea,

Q1 Like davej I am in the process of adding a second transducer (CPT-120) to my dual e125 installation on my 44 Sundancer as we speak. I thought I read somewhere that
- you can only have one source of data for the same item (e.g. depth)
A1: It is indeed possible to simultaneously operate more than one fishfinder/depth sounding product within a network of a/c/e/eS/gS-Series MFDs and i50/i60/i70 Instruments. The specification of single source applies to the numerical Depth value displayed by an instrument or within the Databar, Data application, or Databoxes of all applications (except Fishfinder applications page/panes) of a Raymarine a/c/e/eS/gS-Series MFD. The Depth Databox within an a/c/e/eS/gS-Series MFD.

Q2 - you can't really have two depth sounders close to each other (interference)
A2 - It is typically recommended that some spacing between fishfinder transducers (ex. install thru-hull transducers opposite sides of the keel)

Q3 - running two sounders might overload the power draw
A3 - Not likely. On my 22' Mercruiser I/O powered deck boat, I am simultaneously operating the following:
e7D w/P66 xducer (epoxied inside hull)
DSM300 w/M260 (installed inside hull opposite P66)
a78 w/CPT-100 (installed starboard side of transom)
CP200 w/CPT-200 (installed port side of transom)
...
and five MFDs

Q4 - Since I just learned that the CPT-120 requires a smaller diameter thruhull than the existing Airmar, we are discussing reglassing and drilling smaller [censored], or, a new location. With you running 4 sounders simultaneously, my concerns seem unnecessary on all counts. True? If yes, and like davej again, I love redundancy, so it's all great news it seems.
A4 - See the response to Q3. Any interference that is visible on my system is quite minimal.

Q5 - Now, I assume that there is a minimal distance to be observed between the transducers - how much would you recommend as minimal distance?
A5 - Raymarine's engineering team has not specified minimum separation distances for transducers ... see the reference above