Airmar Tilted Element B164

This document describes the installation, usage, and maintenance of Airmar Thru-Hull 1 kW Tilted Element™ Depth Transducers with Temperature Sensor. These transducers are designed for various hull types and come in different tilt angles to match the boat's deadrise.

Function Description

The Airmar Tilted Element™ Depth Transducer is a high-performance thru-hull device designed to provide accurate depth and temperature readings for marine echosounders. It utilizes a tilted element design to compensate for the hull's deadrise angle, ensuring the transducer beam is aimed straight down, even on hulls with significant V-shapes. This design optimizes signal return and improves depth performance. The transducer also incorporates a temperature sensor for water temperature readings.

CHIRP (Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse) transducer models are available, offering enhanced target resolution and depth penetration compared to traditional fixed-frequency transducers. These models require careful mounting in a cool, well-ventilated area to prevent overheating.

Important Technical Specifications

Power Output: 1 kW (kilowatt)
Sensor Type: Depth and Temperature
Transducer Type: Tilted Element™ Thru-Hull
Tilt Angles: Available in 0°, 12°, and 20° to match hull deadrise angles.
- 0° transducer: For deadrise angles from 0° to 7°
- 12° transducer: For deadrise angles from 8° to 15°
- 20° transducer: For deadrise angles from 16° to 24°
Models:
- Bronze Housing: B164, B175H, B175HW, B175L, B175M
- Stainless Steel Housing: SS164, SS175H, SS175HW, SS175L, SS175M
Paired Models (for dual-frequency systems): B264N, B264W, SS264N, SS264W
Housing Material: Bronze (recommended for fiberglass or wood hulls) or Stainless Steel (compatible with all hull materials, recommended for metal hulls with isolation).
Hole Saw Sizes for Installation:
- Fiberglass or Wood Hull: 95mm or 3-3/4"
- Metal Hull: 105mm or 4-1/8" (to accommodate isolation bushing)
- Cored Fiberglass Hull (interior): 115mm or 4-1/2"
Frequency: Specific frequencies vary by model (e.g., 50kHz, 200kHz, 130-210 kHz for CHIRP models).
U.S. Patent Numbers: 7,369,45; 8,582,393.
UK Patent Number: 2 414 077.

Usage Features

Hull Compatibility: Designed for various hull types, including solid fiberglass, wood, metal, and cored fiberglass. Specific housing materials are recommended based on hull material to prevent electrolytic corrosion (e.g., bronze for fiberglass/wood, stainless steel with isolation for metal).
Deadrise Matching: The transducer's tilt angle must match the hull's deadrise angle at the chosen mounting location for optimal performance. An arrow on the transducer's top indicates the direction that must point towards the keel or centerline of the boat.
Mounting Location Guidelines:
- Avoid mounting in line with or near water intake/discharge openings, strakes, fittings, or hull irregularities that disturb water flow.
- Ensure smooth water flow with minimal bubbles and turbulence.
- The transducer must be continuously immersed in water.
- The beam must be unobstructed by the keel or propeller shaft(s).
- Choose a location away from interference sources (propellers, shafts, other machinery, other echosounders, other cables).
- For planing hull powerboats, mount well aft, near the centerline, and inboard of the first set of lifting strakes. The starboard side is often preferred.
- For outboard and I/O boats, mount just forward of the engine(s).
- For inboard boats, mount well ahead of the propeller(s) and shaft(s).
- For stepped hulls, mount just ahead of the first step.
- For boats capable of speeds above 25 knots (29 MPH), review similar boat installations.
- For CHIRP transducers, mount in a cool, well-ventilated area away from the engine to prevent overheating.
- For paired transducers, mount them across from one another on opposite sides of the centerline.
Cable Routing: Cables should be routed carefully to avoid tearing the jacket, using grommets to prevent chafing. Separate transducer cables from other electrical wiring and the engine to reduce interference. Excess cable should be coiled and secured.
Leak Checking: Immediate and subsequent checks for leaks are crucial after the boat is placed in the water.

Maintenance Features

Anti-fouling Paint: Surfaces exposed to salt water must be coated with water-based anti-fouling paint. Ketone-based paints should be avoided as they can damage plastic parts. Reapply paint every 6 months or at the beginning of each boating season. The exposed temperature button should not be painted as it will slow response time.
Cleaning: Aquatic growth can reduce performance. Clean the transducer's face with a Scotch-Brite® scour pad and mild household detergent, avoiding scratches. For severe fouling, lightly wet sand with fine-grade wet/dry paper.
Replacement Parts: Information for ordering replacement transducers and parts is found on the cable tag. This information should be recorded for future reference.
Isolation Bushing (for metal hulls with stainless steel housing): The isolation bushing is critical to prevent electrolytic corrosion between the stainless steel housing and the metal hull. Ensure it contacts the hull and is properly sealed.
Set Screws: The two set screws (with marine sealant) are essential for securing the hull nut firmly in place, preventing it from vibrating loose. They should be tightened an additional 1/8 to 1/4 turn after making contact with the housing threads.