How to Identify the Transducer Supplied with Your Fish Finder

Whether you're ordering a transducer mount, replacing a damaged transducer or setting up your sonar, you'll need to know exactly which transducer you have. Many transducers look almost identical, so the shape alone isn't enough. The good news is that nearly every transducer has its model name printed on a label on the cable, and it only takes a minute to find.

Step 1: Find the label on the cable

Follow the cable from the transducer back towards the plug that goes into your fish finder. Within about 30 cm of the plug, you'll find a label or tag showing the model name and part number.

  • Take a photo of it. This is the single most useful thing you can send us.
  • Don't cut the label off. If it's already gone, skip to "No label?" below.
  • Check you're reading the right cable. Some boats have an extension or adapter cable between the transducer and the display. Make sure the label you read is on the transducer's own cable.

Step 2: Check the box or receipt

The fish finder box, product listing or receipt usually names the transducer included (for example, "with Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer"). If it says "display only" or "no transducer", one wasn't supplied in the box.

Step 3: Check your fish finder's menu

Many newer fish finders recognise the transducer automatically and show the model in the sonar installation settings. Not every unit does this, so if it shows nothing, go back to the cable label.

Brand-by-brand guide

Lowrance and Simrad

Lowrance and Simrad share many of the same transducers.

  • Label: Shows a part number starting with 000- and the model name. Common models include HDI Skimmer, Active Imaging 3-in-1, TotalScan, SplitShot, TripleShot and ActiveTarget.
  • Plug: Older units use a blue 7-pin plug. Current HDS, Elite FS and Simrad units use a black 9-pin plug (called XSONIC). HOOK2, HOOK Reveal and Simrad Cruise units use their own smaller plug for SplitShot and TripleShot transducers. Adapter cables exist between these types, so check the label rather than relying on the plug alone.
  • Menu: On most units, go to Sonar > Installation > Transducer Type. Transducers with XID are detected automatically.

Garmin

  • Label: About 30 cm from the plug, showing the model name and Garmin part number.
  • Reading the model name: Most start with GT (for example GT20-TM, GT52HW-TM, GT54UHD-TM, GT56UHD-TM). The ending tells you the mount: TM = transom mount, TH = thru-hull, IH = in-hull. Letters such as HW (high-wide CHIRP), M (mid-band CHIRP) and UHD (ultra high-definition) describe the sonar.
  • Plug: Count the pins. Garmin uses 4-pin plugs on entry-level units such as the echo and ECHOMAP ranges, 8-pin on many CHIRP and ClearVü transducers, and 12-pin on scanning transducers with SideVü. The same model can be sold with different plugs (the GT20-TM comes in both 4-pin and 8-pin versions), so note the pin count as well as the model name.
  • Menu: Go to Settings > My Vessel > Transducers, or from a sonar screen select Menu > Sonar Setup > Installation > Transducer Type. If your unit detected the transducer automatically, this option may not appear.

Humminbird

  • Label: About 30 cm from the plug, showing a model name such as XNT 9 HW MSI T and an item number starting with 710 (for example 710274-1). Some cables also carry a small tag with a different number. The model name is what matters.
  • Reading the model name:
    • First part (mount type): XNT = transom mount, XM = MEGA Imaging transom mount, XTM = trolling motor mount, XP = in-hull, XPT = portable, XI = ice, TH = thru-hull.
    • Number (connector): 9 = HELIX-type connector, 14 = SOLIX-type connector.
    • Letters (sonar features): HW = High Wide CHIRP, DI = Down Imaging, SI = Side Imaging, MDI = MEGA Down Imaging, MSI = MEGA Side Imaging, T = temperature sensor.
    • Example: XM 9 HW MSI T = MEGA Imaging transom mount, HELIX connector, High Wide CHIRP, MEGA Side Imaging, with temperature.
  • Minn Kota built-in transducers: If the transducer is built into a Minn Kota trolling motor, it's identified by the serial number label on the trolling motor, not a tag on the cable.

Raymarine

  • Label: A tag near the plug shows the make, model and product ID. Many Raymarine transducers are made by Airmar, so the tag may show both an Airmar part number and a Raymarine part number.
  • Common families:
    • CPT series (for example CPT-S for CHIRP, CPT-100DVS for CHIRP plus DownVision), used with Element and older Dragonfly and a-Series units.
    • HV-100 and HV-300TH (HyperVision), supplied with Element HV displays.
    • RV series (RealVision 3D), such as the RV-100, used with Axiom RV displays.
  • Menu: Select the model shown on the tag in your fish finder's transducer setup menu.

No label?

If the label has been cut off or worn away, these clues will narrow it down:

  1. Count the pins on the plug and compare with the brand guide above.
  2. Measure the transducer. Transducers with side imaging are long, often over 20 cm (the Garmin GT56UHD-TM is about 22 cm). Basic 2D transducers are much smaller.
  3. Check your paperwork. The fish finder's box, receipt or online order usually lists the transducer.
  4. Ask the manufacturer. With your fish finder's model and serial number, they can usually tell you what was supplied.

Still not sure? Send us photos

We're happy to help. Send us:

  • A photo of the cable label (if there is one)
  • A photo of the transducer from the top and the side
  • A close-up of the plug face, with the pins visible
  • The make and model of your fish finder

With these, we can confirm your transducer and make sure you get the right mount or accessory first time.