Garmin GPSMap 743 (not "xsv") + depth finder

[Tailwheel]

Hello everyone

Is it possible to hook up a simple depth transducer (or -dare I hope- a DST Triducer) to the above mentioned MFD without needing a black box sounder unit?

I'm just a cruiser and don't need all the fancy side scan and CHIRP stuff, so I was hoping to not have to spring for the pricier "xsv" model.

Thanks!

[pjShap]

As long as your transducer has a NMEA 2000 interface, you can connect it to the boat network and the chartplotter will see it. Airmar's DST810, for example, has NMEA 2K connection.

[PippaB]

I'll quibble a little bit and say 'no' to a 'simple' depth or DST transducer. The 743 has no input for the analog signals that, to me, constitute a 'simple' transducer. It does, as pjShap says, have NMEA 2000 input, and NMEA 0183 input as well, so an 'intelligent' transducer (basically one where the black box is built into the transducer) can be attached and the 743 can display the data.

[Tailwheel]

Thanks folks, so would a DST 810, which connects via NMEA2000 be an example of an intelligent transducer not requiring a separate black box?

[pjShap]

Originally Posted by Tailwheel

Thanks folks, so would a DST 810, which connects via NMEA2000 be an example of an intelligent transducer not requiring a separate black box?

Yes. You need a NMEA2K bus. The chart plotter has to be connected to the bus and so does the transducer.

[smac999]

you can run the dst800 etc. via nmea 2000. you will get a depth value in a data box. (ie on the chart page) you will not get a full screen sounder picture with the bottom etc.

[Tailwheel]

Thanks all! That really clarifies things, and I understand.

What triggered this - to me - extravagant expense was an experience last Summer, when it started pouring with rain, and I was down to 1/4SM visibility or less, approaching Cuttyhunk from Vineyard Sound, with following wind and seas, and a very narrow passage, and I simply couldn't operate my iphone to see where I was with sufficient accuracy to thread the needle of the very narrow passage between Cuttyhunk and Nashaweena. Rain stopped with 1/2NM to go, and I was able to wipe the touchscreen enough to operate it and confirm I was on the right course, but ... that got my attention. Yes I know we're talking about a touchscreen unit, but at least I can (and will) buy a remote keypad for when it's rainy.