Topic: 788ci HD DI Options

[jbrady2852]

Looking for some advice.  Currently running the 788ci HD DI.  Been happy with the unit but looking to get some better coverage while trying to find new areas or small targets (chicken Coops) offshore.  Contemplating adding a QuadraBeam transducer via Y cable either on the transom or shoot thru the hull transducer setup.  Long term plan is to upgrade to the 998c SI. 

1)  Will the QuadraBeam puck work with the 998 with Y cable or will I have to upgrade to the TS1 switch?
2)  Should I just save the $$$ and upgrade to the 998.  What transducer should I consider for shoot thru the hull transducer while running?

Thanks,

John
Panama City, Fl

[Humminbird_Greg]

1)  If you connect an AS-Si-DB-Y cable to a QuadraBeam transducer it will only be able to use the DualBeam (200/83kHz) portion of that transducer – not the extra 455kHz Side Beams.

2)  Which unit is this for?  You can only use a DI transducer with the 788ci HD DI unit.  The inside-the-hull transducer for the 998 unit would be the XP-9-20 transducer.

I would just save the money and upgrade to an SI unit later on.

[jbrady2852]

Thanks Greg.  I was thinking I could connect the QuadraBeam to the 788ci HD DI unit via the AS SIDB Y cable and get the benefit of the side beams.  Is the 998si with the QuadraBeam via AS SIDB Y in the hull and SI on the transom an option or is a TS3 switch required.  Looking to get max coverage while under speed.

Thanks,

[Humminbird_Greg]

No it is not.  The only way to connect the QuadraBeam and have the Side Beams work is by the TS3 Tranducer Switch.

[jbrady2852]

First of all thanks Greg for the info.  I decided on going with the TS3 switch is the QuadaBeam thru-hull transducer.  I was looking at the options regarding plastic or bronze transducer.  I am curious about if one is better than the other.  I have a center console boat and I do get in shallow water 2-3ft.  I noticed that the bronze tranducer does not come with a fairing block.  Is a fairing block required for the bronze transducer.

Thanks for the inputs

[Humminbird_Greg]

Possibly.  But whether you need a fairing block or not is really dependant on whether you can mount the transducer flat against your hull while the bottom ‘face’ of the transducer is parallel to the surface of the water or not.  It would also depend on whether you need to use a fairing block to move the bottom of the transducer downwards to get it past turbulent water or not.

Besides the material used for the housings of these transducers; they are electrically the same and will work equally well.

[sonar2000]

As with any of the transducers it will have to be a try and see approach. Unless you can find another user who can tell you what they have..

Chuck

[jbrady2852]

Not sure if it help but the boat is a Sea Hunt BX 22.  Dead Rise are Transom: 15 degrees Midship: 20 degrees Bow: 50 degrees

[Humminbird_Greg]

Sounds like you will need a fairing block.  With a standard DualBeam transducer you may be able to get away with a 15 degree angle but with a QuadraBeam transducer that would put one of the side beams pointing upwards 15 degrees while the opposite side would point downwards 15 degrees (that is saying you can mount it in this area) which would cause some erroneous readings in the quadrabeam sonar much like a 15 degrees tilt in a Si transducer: one side would always show a stronger sonar return than the other.

[jbrady2852]

Thanks Greg.  I looked at the HB website and did not see a fairing block for the bronze transducer.  Any idea where I can purchase one or should I make one using King Starboard.

[Humminbird_Greg]

I’m guessing that you could do either here.  I would check with a marine retailer for a fairing block – I don’t know who carries them.