Extending my transducer cables...

Boracay · 09-05-2008, 18:11

I am currently installing a depth sounder and the cables from the transducer are a few metres too short.

The installation instructions say that I need some sort of special waterproof junction box that is probably only available on special order from a few thousand miles away.

Is there any reason why I cannot solder some tinned wire onto each of the transducer wires, making sure that the joints are fully waterproof?

hellosailor · 09-05-2008, 19:36

Boracay-
If the wires are simple wires, not coaxial, you probably can do just that. Taking adequate care to make good waterproof joints and seal them adequately. You'll find some, ah, debate over whether solder is preferable to crimp but any proper connection should do. Usually (usually) the electrical characteristics are not so critical as to make extensions a problem, even for coaxial cable. We replaced a rotted depth sounder cable with some "tv" coax (of the same impedance) with perfectly good results. Odds are, you can do it. You might want to temporarily connect the new wires with alligator clips and check, just to make sure it works before you hack off any fittings and make things permanent, if you want to be really conservative.

senormechanico · 09-05-2008, 21:01

From an electronic technician with 30 years experience I say, "Go for it".

No problems as long as you keep it dry afterward, and don't short out the
connections.

Solder is preferable in my world.

Make connections as short as practical, but don't obsess over it.

It'll work ok.

Steve B.

shawnbush12 · 05-08-2008, 21:13

I soldered my transducer wires and it worked fine as well.

easterly · 05-08-2008, 21:25

Buy a Tacktick and you won't have to worry about it..

09-05-2008, 18:11	#1
Boracay Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: nr Blackwattle Bay,Sydney, NSW, Australia Boat: Steel Roberts Offshore 44 Posts: 1,236 Images: 12	Extending my transducer cables... I am currently installing a depth sounder and the cables from the transducer are a few metres too short. The installation instructions say that I need some sort of special waterproof junction box that is probably only available on special order from a few thousand miles away. Is there any reason why I cannot solder some tinned wire onto each of the transducer wires, making sure that the joints are fully waterproof? __________________ Rust never sleeps Boracay Blog.

05-08-2008, 21:25	#5
easterly Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: St Charles MO Boat: Easterly 36 Aft Cabin Posts: 168	Buy a Tacktick and you won't have to worry about it.. __________________ 7.25 years until the Carib

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09-05-2008, 19:36	#2
hellosailor Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 3,286	Boracay- If the wires are simple wires, not coaxial, you probably can do just that. Taking adequate care to make good waterproof joints and seal them adequately. You'll find some, ah, debate over whether solder is preferable to crimp but any proper connection should do. Usually (usually) the electrical characteristics are not so critical as to make extensions a problem, even for coaxial cable. We replaced a rotted depth sounder cable with some "tv" coax (of the same impedance) with perfectly good results. Odds are, you can do it. You might want to temporarily connect the new wires with alligator clips and check, just to make sure it works before you hack off any fittings and make things permanent, if you want to be really conservative.

09-05-2008, 21:01	#3
senormechanico Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Whidbey Island WA Boat: Dragonfly 1000 trimaran Posts: 807	From an electronic technician with 30 years experience I say, "Go for it". No problems as long as you keep it dry afterward, and don't short out the connections. Solder is preferable in my world. Make connections as short as practical, but don't obsess over it. It'll work ok. Steve B.

05-08-2008, 21:13	#4
shawnbush12 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Longboat Key, FL Boat: R&C, Leopard Catermaran, 47', Rapture Posts: 38	I soldered my transducer wires and it worked fine as well.