How to Make a Depth Finder Transducer Work

Depth finders use sonar waves to transmit water information.

Depth finders, also called fish finders, use transducers to emit sonar waves through the water under the boat. These waves bounce off the lake bottom, obstacles, and fish, and are then bounced back to a receiving unit. The unit translates this information through the computer chip and displays in onto a screen, usually in the boat. A transducer needs to be properly placed on the boat in order to work properly.

Things You'll Need

• Marine epoxy

Instructions

1. Apply a generous portion of epoxy to the transducer bottom.

2. Glue the transducer onto the hull of the boat, away from the transom or engine. A transducer will not properly receive or transmit sonar waves when placed near the engine or propeller. Position the transducer towards the middle of the boat, and under the draft -- the spot where the boat goes beneath the water surface.

3. Watch where the cavitation from the propeller takes place. Cavitation is the turbulence and air bubbles caused by the propeller movement in the water. Keep the transducer away from the cavitation zone as this will cause missed signals and electronic "noise" on the display screen

References

• The FIsh Finder Store: How Fish Finders Work
• Humminbird 917 User Manual: PDF