Horizon DS45 Compatability

[atmartin]

How stupid would it be to use a modern 200 kHz depth sounder on transducer(s) for an ancient Standard Horizon DS45? I'm scrambling to ready a new-to-me 43-footer for a trip this spring/summer and I'm not sure if a haul is in the time/money budget until later in the year.

I've read this excellent article from Compass Marine: New Depth Sounder With An Old Transducer Photo Gallery by Compass Marine How To at pbase.com

The advice is that if the 'ducer matches the frequency of the sounder, things should work out. So I found the manual for the DS45 and the specifications list frequency as 203 kHz +/- 1 kHz. So, to my way of thinking, I'm out of luck. But when we talk of 200 kHz sounder, do we mean exactly 200 kHz or just ballpark?

The other option is to use an in-hull sounder like the P79, which I have on my old boat (and it works great). But the new boat is sporting not one, but two depth transducers, so it seems a waste not to use them (at least until I can glass them over). I haven't had much luck finding used DS45s on ebay and what I did come across was at prices equivalent to a new unit.

[atmartin]

So I take it this is a bad idea?

Maybe I'll try it and report back next week.

[slackintide]

I am having exactly the same issue. Have you found a solution that doesn't involve a haul out??
Thanks.

[atmartin]

Yes, but not a cheap one.

I installed an in-hull p79 transducer. The old ducers will come out next haul.