Bottom machine mania: Airmar B148 on Garmin or Garmin Livescope for down view only?

[zackmorris]

Current Boat Setup:

• Garmin 1243xsv
• Garmin Force Kraken
• Garmin SXM Weather + Fish Mapping
• Garmin 86sci handheld (used for inReach satellite messaging)
• Simrad NSX 12
• Simrad Halo20+ Radar
• Simrad Precision Compass
• Original Airmar B148 (I believe it’s this model) HDI Transducer

I really dislike the Simrad equipment. As a result, I find that I’m only using the original Simrad MFD for the down scan/CHIRP and radar. I already share all the information over NMEA that I can (water temperature, heading, etc.), but it seems that the transducer and radar data cannot be shared that way.

I’m considering removing the Simrad equipment and replacing it all with Garmin equivalents, but the transducer is an unknown factor. I had significant leaking issues from the transducer when the boat was new, so I’ve been hesitant to tamper with it since the dealer resealed everything. The boat is dry slipped at a marina, so technically, I could put it on a work rack and have it swapped, but that sounds like a lot of effort.

Question 1: Is there a way to use the OEM Airmar B148 HDI transducer, which has a Simrad 9-pin xSonic plug, with the Garmin 1243xsv that uses a 12-pin transducer port?

Question 2: I’ve been considering the Livescope XR or Livescope Plus setup on the trolling motor connected to the Garmin. I’m not overly concerned about the forward view, as the trolling motor is primarily used for anchor mode and will be pointing in random directions. Is the down view sufficient for viewing offshore structures, even if the trolling motor rotates to maintain position in anchor mode?

 

[TeenGee]

I'm with you as far as Simrad (sucks).
I'm going with a 1243xsv with a pair of GT56UHD. I had a 943xsv with a pair of GT56UHD. It was great. just need to get the Y-Cable to use the pair.

 

[zackmorris]

I'm with you as far as Simrad (sucks).
I'm going with a 1243xsv with a pair of GT56UHD. I had a 943xsv with a pair of GT56UHD. It was great. just need to get the Y-Cable to use the pair.

How are you planning to mount them?

 

[TeenGee]

How are you planning to mount them?

Click the link.

Post in thread 'Simrad NSX v. Garmin 8412 (un-derailing 255 FSH Sport H have different impellers)'

Sep 3, 2024

I am done with Simrad!
I'm getting a Garmin.
I tried adding a pair of Simrad Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducers. The attachment shows the installation.
The specs claim:
Operating speed
• Traditional: 48 knots (55 mph)
• DownScan and SideScan: 9 knots (10 mph)

At 35 mph the depth reading went to -----.
The scanning worked as specified up to 10 mph.
Also the depth went to ---- when the depth was less than 1 foot.

West Marine ROCKS. They allowed me to return the 3-in-1 Transducers and refunded to my card.

• TeenGee

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