The standard echo sounder is additionally equipped with a sounder sensor holder. There are times when the lock from the kit does not fit: it is used on a non-standard swimming craft, it is operated on a PVC boat without a transom, it underwent deformation and the like. Consider the features of these elements, their types, as well as the possibility of making it yourself.
Kinds
The most popular sounder sensor holders are metal models resembling building clamps with clamping screws and rods. Owners of standard plastic, PVC or rubber boats can easily choose the suitable factory option for themselves. If desired, you can build this element yourself, if the need arises.
It is worth noting that there is an original suction cup sounder lock on the market. It can be mounted on the transom or bottom of the boat. There is another option - a floating model. The sounder sensor holder can be attached to a non-sinking item, such as a plastic bottle.
Factory Lock
Most holders include the following work items:
- Clamp. It is used to fasten the sensor to the transom of a swimming means made of polyvinyl chloride or rubber or to board a wooden or plastic boat.
- A connecting bracket, by means of which the clamp interacts with the fixing part of the transducer, with the possibility of adjusting its height.
- Mounting unit for fixing the signal emitter to the bracket.
A retaining screw is provided in the clamp of the sounder sensor holder. With its weakening, you can move the bracket in height, choosing the optimal mounting depth of the transducer. At the end of the bracket there are special loops for moving the emitter and receiver.
Mounting Features
The fastening of the clamp to the transom must be reliable, without any fluctuations. This will avoid incorrect operation of the device. A very important point is the height of the transducer relative to the surface of the water. When moving the watercraft, certain turbulences with air bubbles form. They can cause a number of negative moments if the echo sounder is not installed correctly (an air gap is obtained between the signal receiving sensor and water), namely:
- Incorrect operation of the echo sounder.
- Distortion of the image of the studied bottom.
- Interference appears on the screen of the device.
Due to the fact that the angle between the bottom and the surface of the water when the boat moves changes with respect to the static position, a prerequisite for installation is the ability to adjust the rotation angle between the bracket and the transducer. This will make it possible to send emitter signals with maximum accuracy perpendicular to the water mirror.
DIY do-it-yourself sounder holder
To make a removable homemade holder you will need:
- Meter tube made of metal plastic with a diameter of 15 millimeters.
- A metal pipe with a diameter of 16 millimeters (a metal-plastic analogue is placed in it).
- A pair of clamps.
- Clamp.
- Polymer or rubber gaskets.
- Four nuts with M4 bolts.
- Cotter pin.
Step-by-step instructions for manufacturing a holder for a sonar sensor on a boat:
- A piece of a metal pipe 400 mm long is attached to the clamp, using clamps and rubber seals for this .
- A metal-plastic tube is inserted into a metal analog.
- From the lower end, the plastic is flattened.
- On the same side, make a pair of holes for fixing the sensor.
- The transducer is attached using a pair of bolts with washers and nuts. Additional nuts or engravers will protect devices from unscrewing during vibration.
- To fix the transmitter and receiver of signals at the required height, several holes are made in the plastic tube for the cotter pin.
- Using a clamp, the structure is mounted on the transom.
- Lower the transducer to the desired depth, followed by fixing to the cotter pin.
- On the upper part of the metal-plastic the echo sounder case is attached.
- Using insulation tape and clamps, the wire is fixed to the tube.
The holder for transom sounder is ready!
Floating sensor
In a calm pond in an oar or PVC boat without a transom, you can use a floating sensor. It is manufactured as follows:
- The body of the echo sounder is attached to the bench of the rowing boat, directly to the bank or bracket.
- The sensor is attached to the middle of a 1.5 liter plastic bottle. As a fixative, use tape or insulating tape.
- The transducer wires are fixed on the neck of the tank.
- The bottle with the sensor is immersed in water (the wire can optionally not be fixed).
- You can adjust the depth of immersion by pouring or removing water in the bottle.
Dead mount sounder holder
For those who constantly operate the same swimming facility, permanent mounting of the echo sounder is quite suitable. To do this, you just need to stick it in the chosen place of the boat. This design is suitable for PVC and fiberglass vessels. When processing, it is necessary to use epoxy glue, which will provide a reliable and durable connection after drying.
Alternatively, on a boat made of wood, screws or bolts can be used as fasteners. Previously, the place of fixation should be primed, and painted with yacht varnish or bitumen mastic.
A bit about sensors
What are the sonar sensors, the holders of which were mentioned above. They are divided into the following groups:
- Transom type sensors. The most popular and inexpensive modifications. They are very popular, but have a characteristic drawback. Since they are mounted next to the propeller, very difficult working conditions are created (with turbulences, splashes and vibration).
- Option with fastening inside the swimming means. Such a sensor is mounted on the bottom of the boat and works directly through it. It is suitable only for metal, wooden or plastic vessels.
- Mortise modifications. Such devices work very effectively, crashing into the bottom of the boat. Its operation is not affected by the motor, debris and speed. There are rotary analogues (angle of rotation up to 12 degrees).
In conclusion
Given all the points considered, it can be concluded that the holder for the sonar sensor on a PVC boat (or from another material) should have:
- Reliable fastening, preventing the slightest vibration and oscillations of the sensor.
- Adjust the angle of the device relative to the water mirror.
- Adjusting the depth of the transducer setting.
These requirements are relevant for both factory equipment and homemade appliances. Making them is not so difficult, having minimal skills.