Airmar M260 Instruction Manual

17-446-01 r02 6/07
CAUTION : NEVER USE SOLVENTS!
Cleaners, fuel, paint, sealants, and other products may
contain strong solvents, such as acetone, which attack
many plastics greatly reducing their strength.
In-hull, Removable, Depth Transducer
Model M260
Applications
• Fiberglass hulls only
• Recommended for high-speed boats
• Accommodates a deadrise angle up to 30°
Tools & Materials
Rope
Detergent or weak solvent (such as alcohol)
Safety goggles (some installations)
Dust mask (some installations)
Disk sander (some installations)
Thin sealable plastic bag (optional)
Twist-tie
Water-based lubricant (such as K-Y
®
jelly) (optional)
Carpenter’s level
Pencil
Saw
Scissors
Sand paper: 80 grit
Bonding material
Fiberglass resin approved brands:
Bondo 401
West Marine boaters resin (Model—1937762)
or Marine-Tex epoxy putty (14 oz. pack)
or 3M™ Marine Adhesive/Sealant 5200
Propylene glycol (non-toxic anti-freeze/coolant)
Zip ties
Mounting Location
About Fiberglass Hulls
Caution : The fiberglass hull below the transducer must be solid.
Since the hull absorbs acoustic energy, transmitting through the hull
reduces the transducer’s performance. Fiberglass hulls are often
cored in places for added strength or to reduce weight. These cored
areas contain balsa wood or structural foam which are poor sound
conductors.
Do not locate the transducer over coring.
Choose a location:
• Where the fiberglass is solid (no air bubbles are trapped in the
fiberglass resin) and where no coring, flotation material, or
dead air space is sandwiched between the inside skin and outer
skin of the hull.
• Where the hull below the transducer will be in contact with the
water at all times.
• Where the water flowing across the hull is smoothest with a
minimum of bubbles and turbulence (especially at high speeds).
Caution : Do not mount the transducer near water intake or
discharge openings; or behind strakes, fittings, or hull
irregularities.
•Away from interference caused by power and radiation sources
such as: the propeller(s) and shaft(s), other machinery, other
echosounders, and other cables. The lower the noise level, the
higher the echosounder gain setting that can be used.
• Where the transducer beam will
not be blocked by the keel or
propeller shaft(s).
• Where the deadrise angle does not exceed 30°.
• Where there is space inside the vessel for the size of the tank
and removing the transducer.
Record the information found on the cable tag for future reference.
Part No._________________Date___________Frequency________kHz
IMPORTANT : Please read the instructions completely
before proceeding with the installation. These
instructions supersede any other instructions in your
instrument manual if they differ.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONSOWNER’S GUIDE &
Figure 1. Exploded view
transducer
tank

Boat Types
(see Figure 2)
• Displacement hull powerboats —Locate amidships near the
centerline. The starboard side of the hull where the propeller
blades are moving downward is preferred.
• Planing hull powerboats —Mount well aft, on or near the
centerline, and
well inboard of the first set of lifting strakes to
insure that the transducer will be in contact with the water at
high speeds. The starboard side of the hull where the propeller
blades are moving downward is preferred.
Outboard and I/O —Mount just forward of the engine(s).
Inboard —Mount well ahead of the propeller(s) and shaft(s).
Stepped hull —Mount just ahead of the first step.
Test the Selected Mounting Location
Establishing a Performance Baseline
The results of this test are used as a basis of comparison to
determine the best in-hull location for the transducer.
1. Take the boat to the maximum depth in which you will be
operating the echosounder. If deep water is not available, find a
location with at least 30m (100').
2. Connect the transducer to the echosounder.
Caution : Never pull, carry, or hold the transducer by the cable
as this may sever internal connections.
3. Tie a rope securely around the handle of the transducer (see
Figure 3). Lower it over the side of the boat until the active face
is submerged in the water.
4. Be sure to keep the active face of the transducer parallel to the
surface of the water and fully submerged.Observe the
echosounder’s performance and the depth reading.
Testing the Location
While the boat is at the same site (depth of water), test the
transducer inside the hull at the mounting location. Use one of the
test methods below:
A.This method is recommended if the transducer will be located
near the stern and the boat has a minimum deadrise angle.
Clean away any build-up of dirt and/or grease using detergent
or a weak solvent such as alcohol. Place the transducer against
the hull and flood the area with bilge water to cover the surface
where they touch (see Figure 4-A).
B. Warning : Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.
This method can be used at any location. If the hull surface is not
smooth, grind it with a disc sander. Place the transducer inside a
thin plastic bag. Partially fill the bag with water and close it tightly
with a twist-tie. Wet the surface of the hull and press the active
face of the transducer against it through the bag (see Figure 4-B).
C. Warning : Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.
This method can be used at any location. If the hull surface is not
smooth, grind it with a disc sander. Coat the active face of the
transducer with a water-based lubricant (such as K-Y
®
jelly).
With a twisting motion, press the face firmly against the hull
(see Figure 4-C). After testing, wipe away all traces of the
lubricant from the transducer’s face.
2
inboard
Figure 2.
pressure waves
1/3 aft
displacement hull
(6-12")
150-300mm
LWL
Best location for the transducer
(Load Waterline Length)
stepped hull
outboard and I/O
planing hulls
Copyright © 2006 Airmar Technology Corp.
Figure 4. Testing the transducer at the selected location
AB C
Copyright © 2006 Airmar Technology Corp.
Figure 3. Establishing a performance baseline
active face
Copyright © 2006 Airmar Technology Corp.

Observe the echosounder’s performance and compare it to the
baseline. Look for a stable depth reading that is similar to the
baseline. Compare the thickness and intensity of the bottom trace.
If the performance is close to the baseline, this is a good mounting
location. Remember, some energy is lost transmitting through the
hull. If the test reading differs markedly from the baseline, you will
need to find another location to install the transducer.
Note : If there is no reading or it is erratic, the transducer may be
positioned over coring which is absorbing the acoustic energy.
Choose another location. If no other location is available, check
with the boat manufacturer to be certain coring is present.
Installation
Marking & Cutting
Caution : For optimal performance, the transducer must be installed
so the beam will be aimed straight down. This is accomplished by
cutting the tank to match the deadrise angle of the hull.
1. The tank can be disassembled for installation in tight places.
Do not disassemble the tank unless it is necessary . If the tank
will be installed as one unit, lightly tighten the socket-head cap
screws that hold the two halves of the tank together using the
Allen wrench supplied (see Figure 1). (Use a blade screwdriver to
remove the Allen wrench from the handle of the transducer. After
use, replace the Allen wrench in the recess.)
2. When you are satisfied that the selected mounting location is
optimal, place the tank
up-side-down on the hull (see Figure 5).
The tank can be placed with either a short side or a long side
parallel to the centerline of the boat.
Caution : Do not mark or cut the tank in the space labeled
“Do not cut above this line.”
3. Holding a carpenter’s level even with the lower corner of one of
the sides to be cut, draw a level line on the tank. Repeat this
process on the opposite side of the tank. Connect the two
lines to form the SHORTEST side of the tank. Be sure the
lines are level . They will be the cutting guidelines.
Warning : Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.
4. Before cutting the tank, be sure the TALLEST side will be
closest to the centerline (keel) of the boat after the tank is
installed
. And be sure to observe the “Do not cut above this
line.” Using a saw, cut the three sides of the tank along the
guidelines drawn. It may be necessary to further shape the tank
to the hull to ensure a liquid tight bond.
5. The tank is provided with a cork liner to reduce sound echoes.
After the tank has been cut, wrap the cork liner around the
inside of the tank (see Figure 6). Butt the sides of the liner along
the center of the tallest side. Note: There may be a gap
between the edges which will not affect performance.
Push the
cork liner up against the step on the inside of the tank. Trace the
bottom edge of the tank onto the liner.
6. Remove the cork liner from the tank. Use scissors to cut the
liner along the line drawn.
Bonding the Tank
Warning : Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.
1. To ensure a tight bond, the hull under and around the tank must
be smooth and free of paint or any other finish . If the surface is
rough, use a disk sander to smooth an area slightly larger than
the tank. Remove any dust, grease, or oil from the hull surface
with a weak solvent, such as alcohol. Dry the effected area.
2. Use 80 grit sand paper to sand the outside and inside of the tank
up 50mm (2") above the bottom edge. Remove the dust with a
weak solvent, such as alcohol. Dry the effected area.
Caution : The tank must be liquid-tight .
3. Use an approved bonding material (see Tools & Materials on
page 1). Glass the tank to the hull with fiberglass resin, using
standard fiberglass technique. Alternatively, apply a generous
bead of marine putty/sealant to the bottom edge of the tank
following the manufacturer’s instructions (see Figure 7). Press
the tank firmly in place. Apply a second bead around the inside of
the tank. And apply a third bead around the outside of the tank.
4. Allow the bonding material to cure. The seal
must be liquid-tight.
3
Figure 5. Marking the cutting guidelines
(30º deadrise angle shown)
top
hull
carpenter’s
level
draw a level line
Do not mark
below this line
Copyright © 2006, 2007 Airmar Technology Corp.
even with the
Figure 6. Fitting the cork liner
(30º angle shown)
trace bottom
edge of tank
onto cork liner
gap
Copyright © 2006 Airmar Technology Corp.
Figure 7. Bonding the tank
fiberglass
hull
in place
or apply
three beads
of marine
after bonding
putty/sealant
Copyright © 2006, 2007 Airmar Technology Corp.
material cures,
insert cork liner
lower corner of
opposite sides
of tank

propylene glycol
4
5. If the tank is being installed in two parts, reattach the two
sections now (see Figure 8). Be sure the O-ring gasket is in
place around the lip and lubricated. Screw the two halves
together using the socket-head cap screws, lock washers, and
washers supplied.
Do not over tighten.
Installing the Transducer
1. After the bonding material has cured, insert the cork liner into the
lower section of the tank (see Figure 7). Butt the edges along the
center of the tallest side. Note, there may be a gap, but this will
not affect performance.
2. Following the manufacturer’s directions for use, pour propylene
glycol into the tank until it covers the exposed hull inside the tank.
3. Before installing the transducer, wipe it clean of any lubricant
that was used in testing the location. Check that the O-ring
gasket is in the groove around the lip of the transducer.
Caution : Do not use sealant or adhesive on the gasket. To do
so may break the tank when the transducer is removed.
4. Grasp the transducer by the handle and lower it into the tank
(see Figure 8). There is no fore or aft to the transducer; it fits
either way.
Caution : Do not over-tighten the bolts to avoid cracking the tank.
5. Attach the transducer to the tank. Use the four socket-head cap
screws, four lock washers, and four washers supplied. Lightly
tighten with the Allen wrench supplied. (Use a blade
screwdriver to remove the Allen wrench from the handle of the
transducer. Replace the Allen wrench in the recess in the
handle.)
6. Top-off the propylene glycol in the tank. However, allow a small
air space to accommodate expansion with temperature
changes.Using the funnel supplied, pour the fill-liquid through
one of the fill/vent holes until the tank is full (see Figure 9).The
second hole will act as a vent. Alternately, the tank can be filled
using standard diameter tubing secured with a band clamp.
Attach the stoppers supplied and plug both fill/vent holes (see
Figure 8). To ease sliding, lubricate the stoppers with the fill
liquid. Tie the funnel to the handle to keep it near-at-hand.
Caution: Do not remove the connector to ease cable routing. If
the cable must be cut and spliced, use Airmar’s splash-proof
Junction Box No. 33-035 and follow the instructions provided.
Removing the water-proof connector or cutting the cable,
except when using Airmar’s junction box, will void the
transducer warranty.
7. Route the cable to the echosounder being careful not to tear the
cable jacket when passing it through the bulkhead(s) and other
parts of the boat. To reduce electrical interference, separate the
transducer cable from other electrical wiring and the engine(s).
Coil any excess cable and secure it in place with zip-ties to
prevent damage.
8. Refer to your echosounder owner’s manual to connect the
transducer to the instrument.
Replacement Transducer & Parts
The information needed to order a replacement Airmar transducer
is printed on the cable tag.
Do not remove this tag. When ordering,
specify the part number, date, and frequency in kHz. For con-
venient reference, record this information at the top of page one.
Lost, broken, or worn parts should be replaced immediately.
In-hull Mounting Kit 33-547-01
Obtain parts from your instrument manufacturer or marine dealer.
Gemeco (USA) Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
email: [e-mail]
Airmar Europe Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
Figure 8. Installing the transducer in the tank
socket head
washer (4)
transducer
lock washer (4)
tank top
cap screw (4)
Copyright © 2006 Airmar Technology Corp.
Allen
wrench
Figure 9. Cross section of installed transducer
hull
cork liner
fill/vent hole (2)
Copyright © 2006, 2007 Airmar Technology Corp.
funnel
O-ring gasket
tank bottom
stopper
transducer
stopper (2)
under lip
AIRMAR
®
TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
35 Meadowbrook Drive, Milford, New Hampshire 03055-4613, USA
■
www.airmar.com
Copyright © 2006, 2007 Airmar Technology Corp. All rights reserved.
(non-toxic antifreeze/coolant)