Garmin GSD22 / Airmar Question

[cnthings]

I have Garmin 4210 and 4208 networked to the GSD22 sounder and Airmar M260 ducer, with an AirmarST850 speed / temp ducer. The Temp sensor went on me ( Garmin took care of no questions asked--great service overnighted the part etc. ) My question is that the ST850 and the M260 plug into the GSD22 via a "Y" connection. With the ST850 unhooked and the M260 plugged directly into the GSD22 I swear the echos from the sounder were MUCH better defined---is it my imagination or could this be possible? I left the "Y" connection more easily accessible so I can plug the M260 directly into the GSD 22 again if the Temp sensor goes. It seems the reduction in cable size from the M260 into the "Y"from the ST850 is significant--could it be -- Dytek is gone I believe, this was the best option--but I dont want to loose ducer power.

[LI32]

I don't doubt the echos are better as all of the GSD 22's output is going to the B260. Why don't you replace the ST850 with an Airmar NMEA 2000 sensor, either the DST800 temp/depth/speed, DT800 tilted element temp/depth or T42 High precision temp only, any of which you can just plug into the Garmin NMEA 2000 network port.

[cnthings]

LI, the T42 seems to be compatible based on the Airmar site, but dont want to have to make another thru hull I have to check sizing.* Did not see the DST800 or DT800 listed on site as compatible.* Thanks for the info.

[LI32]

DST800 or DT800 are both available as NMEA 2000 sensors, so they will work with any NMEA 2000 system - Garmin, Furuno, Raymarine, etc. It is a little confusing because Airmar also makes the 800 series (DT, DST, ST) in NMEA 0183 and for proprietary applications. Only the NMEA 2000 version will work with your unit. NMEA 2000 is an industry standard and any manufacturers product will work with any other in NMEA 2000 format.

[sandyda]

Can you get full fishfinder information (not just depth) to the GSD22 over N2k?

[LI32]

No. The N2K units are both transmitters - 200w and transducers in one unit. Fishfinders, like the GSD22 use their own transmitter output power 600-3000 watts to create the image via the transducer. N2K sensors are used for depth, speed and temperature on any N2K display; they don't plug into the GSD22, which is a black box sounder that needs a display as well.