P79 Newbie ? - The Hull Truth

Mine Now · 11-10-2009, 09:35 AM

This is my first boat and I believe it has an Airmar P79 connected to a Uniden QT206 Depth Sounder. I havent seen the P79 but I have paperwork for it from the original owner. My Question is can this transducer be used with a Garmin combi unit for fish finding? Can one transducer be used for 2 devices. Would appreciate any and all recommendations thanks.

Edd · 11-10-2009, 09:46 AM

Try here... http://www.airmartechnology.com/xref/default.asp

Edd

Mike Shaler · 11-10-2009, 09:48 AM

Try this

http://www.airmartechnology.com/uplo.../17-217-01.pdf

Mine Now · 11-10-2009, 11:16 AM

Thanks so P79 is a generic model # then there are sub models for different applications

rwidman · 11-10-2009, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mine Now

Thanks so P79 is a generic model # then there are sub models for different applications

I believe it's just different connectors.

You can probably leave the base from your original P79 and just swap out the transducer and cable if you make the switch.

It would be nice if they made adapters but I don't believe they do.

Mine Now · 11-10-2009, 01:41 PM

When it says "depth only" does it also work for a fishfinder.
It appears that besides the connector there also different frequencies

Edd · 11-10-2009, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mine Now

When it says "depth only" does it also work for a fishfinder.
It appears that besides the connector there also different frequencies

I'll build the fire. Looks like we're in for a long one.

If you will navigate to http://www.lowrance.com/Support/Tips...onar-Tutorial/ I think it will help you understand sonar (depth/fishfinder) operation. This is the Lowrance site and not the Garmin site, but it's good 411.

Edd

Mine Now · 11-10-2009, 02:25 PM

Thanks for the link
Sorry to put you through that, never had any reason to learn about sonar before or really pay attention to how it worked. I also wasnt sure if there were transducers that werent sensitive enough to pick up the small echos from fish.

jeremyj · 11-11-2009, 03:02 PM

I have a P79. All you need to do is call up Airmar and get the cable for your unit and install it. You will be good to go!

rwidman · 11-11-2009, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeremyj

I have a P79. All you need to do is call up Airmar and get the cable for your unit and install it. You will be good to go!

The cable for mine is attached to the transducer. An adapter might work, but there's no way to replace the cable.

jeremyj · 11-11-2009, 05:47 PM

I purchased mine about a year ago. There is a cable that comes off the transducer that is only about 3' long, at least on mine. Then I plugged another cable into it (provided with transducer by Airmar) that runs up to my GSD22.

Maybe it has changed since I bought mine, but you could always check with Airmar.

Mine Now · 11-11-2009, 06:55 PM

Is there any problem with using 2 transducers? If I use the P79 for a new Combi unit Ill have to disconnect my in dash depth guage. Should I just get a transom mount ducer and leave my other guage working?

rwidman · 11-11-2009, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mine Now

Is there any problem with using 2 transducers? If I use the P79 for a new Combi unit Ill have to disconnect my in dash depth guage. Should I just get a transom mount ducer and leave my other guage working?

If they are on the same or close frequency they will interfere with each other.

There's no real advantage to having two depth sounders. You could put another gauge in the hole or get a blank plug to fill the hole.