What's a newer (read: smaller) equivalent of a Raytheon V850?

[redneck7]

I've got a Raytheon V850 in an overhead e-box and I'm really trying to get something that will either fit in a smaller box, or I can mount on my dash, so I'm looking to go smaller, but don't want to lose any capabilities (aside from it's primitive chartplotting abilities, they can go). I have the receipt from purchase in 1995 and it was $1483 with tax. That's insanely expensive for a fishfinder, so I don't want to spend that much, but I'd like something with similar capabilities and if it at all possible I'd like to use the existing (and well installed) Raytheon bronze 50/200 500w thru-hull transducer with the new unit.

Used would be welcomed, so feel free to suggest a unit that was new a few years ago.

Thanks,

[Boomerang]

Redneck,
I think I'm correct in saying any Furuno units will use your existing transducer with a 8 pin to 10 pin adapter (the fcv 667 uses the same 8-pin transducer plug already). Garmin units will work (& they're smaller,too) by using a 8-pin to 6-pin xdcr adapter. Garmin might fit your ticket better if you're looking for a smaller display. Some Si-Tex's might work ,too,but no new Raymarine's will. Just try to stay close to the transducers 500w rating with the output of the unit you choose.

[prodigalson]

Raymarine/Raytheon is kinda tough in the transducer department- they use a different thermisistor, so you won't get temp with anyone elses units.

For about US$700.00 (off the top of my head) you can get a DSX600, which is a nice unit, good screen, decent size, great performance. I think it comes with a rebate, lately.

[redneck7]

I guess I should be clearer, I'm not necessarily looking for a smaller screen, heck a bigger one would be fine. If you're not familiar with the V850, it's probably a foot or more deep, so it's huge.

Prodigalson, temp is fairly important, so do you happen to know where the cut-off is for Ray units that would be newer than mine (LCD) but still use the same ducer?

[prodigalson]

About any newr unit will do, but you will need to whack off the cabled end, and splice on a new one (at the display side). I don't know of an adapter, off the top of my head, but there might be one out there... AIRMAR/ GEMECO is your best bet, and their phones are more likely to be answered sooner.

[Boomerang]

Dont "whack" the transducer cable in half without grounding the shield to the white & the brown internal cables first! There's a small charge thats retained in the above mentioned thermistor that,when shorted against the green & red speed circuit wires,will damage the hall (speed) sensor. Look for an adapter ;thats the easiest/best way,imo.