Airmar TM260 Owner's Manual & Installation Instructions

Type
Owner's Manual & Installation Instructions

This manual is also suitable for

Airmar TM260 is a transom mount 1kW depth transducer that provides accurate depth readings in a variety of marine environments. With its high power output and wide beam angle, the TM260 is ideal for use on sport fishing vessels, providing good operation up to 30 knots. The transducer's rugged design and protective bracket make it suitable for use in harsh conditions, and its compact size makes it easy to install on a variety of boats.

The TM260 operates at two frequencies, 50kHz and 200kHz, allowing it to adapt to different water depths and bottom types. The higher frequency of 200kHz provides better resolution and target separation in shallower water, while the lower frequency of 50kHz penetrates deeper and is less affected by noise. The transducer also features a temperature sensor, which can be used to correct depth readings for changes in water temperature.

Airmar TM260 is a transom mount 1kW depth transducer that provides accurate depth readings in a variety of marine environments. With its high power output and wide beam angle, the TM260 is ideal for use on sport fishing vessels, providing good operation up to 30 knots. The transducer's rugged design and protective bracket make it suitable for use in harsh conditions, and its compact size makes it easy to install on a variety of boats.

The TM260 operates at two frequencies, 50kHz and 200kHz, allowing it to adapt to different water depths and bottom types. The higher frequency of 200kHz provides better resolution and target separation in shallower water, while the lower frequency of 50kHz penetrates deeper and is less affected by noise. The transducer also features a temperature sensor, which can be used to correct depth readings for changes in water temperature.

17-299-01 rev. 01 1/02
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.
IMPORTANT
: Please read these instructions
completely before proceeding with the installation.
These directions supersede any other instructions in
your instrument manual if they differ.
Transom Mount 1kW Depth Transducer
Models: TM256, TM260
See cable tag: Part #________________Date___________Freq._____
Applications
Sport fishing vessels
Good operation up to 30kn (35MPH)
Not
recommended for high-speed inboard powerboats
Bracket protects the transducer from frontal impact only
Tools and Materials
Pencil
Safety goggles
Dust mask
Saw (some installations)
File (some installations)
Sandpaper (some installations)
Wrench: 3/8"
Electric drill
Drill bits:
Bracket holes 4mm, #23,
or
9/64"
Fiberglass hull chamfer, countersink, 6mm,
or
1/4"
Transom hole (optional) 19mm
or
3/4”
20mm
or
13/16"
Furuno, Raymarine only
Cable clamp holes 3mm
or
7/64"
OWNERS GUIDE & INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 1. Mounting location on single drive boat
15cm (6")
minimum beyond
swing radius
hull projection:
0-3cm (0-1/8")
Figure 2. TM256
Masking tape
Marine sealant
Screwdrivers
Straight edge
Stainless steel bolts, nuts, and washers (2 each) 6mm
or
1/4"
Zip-ties
Water based anti-fouling paint (
mandatory in salt water
)
Mounting Location
General Guidelines
Mount on the side of the transom where the propeller is rotating
downward (see Figure 1).
The transducer should be located so that the water passing
over the transducer does not cause a flow disturbance to the
propeller.
The transducer
must
be submerged in aeration-free and
turbulence-free water.
Do not
mount the transducer in an area
of turbulence or bubbles: near water intake or discharge
openings; behind strakes, struts, fittings, or hull irregularities;
behind eroding paint (an indication of turbulence).
Avoid mounting the sensor where the boat may be supported
during trailering, launching, hauling, or storage.
Ideally, mount the bracket above the waterline to minimize the
build up of marine growth. It may be desirable to mount the
bracket farther from the keel than recommended in Figure 1.
Allow enough headroom above the bracket for the transducer to
be raised into the “up” position and the “released” position
(see
Figure 2). If there is too little headroom, the support tube
must
be
shortened (see “Shortening the Support Tube” on page 2).
“Up” position
—The bracket is factory pre-set to provide a
vertical travel of 77mm (3") between the “up” and “down”
positions. The vertical travel can be adjusted by moving the
lower
latch pin to another set of adjustment holes. With the lower
latch pin in the
bottommost
set of holes, the support tube
requires 30cm (12") of headroom above the bracket in the “up”
position.
The upper latch pin must be inserted through the
topmost holes of the support tube for the transducer to release.
“Released” position
—The transducer makes an arc of 110
°
.
“up” “down” “released”
transducer
face
parallel to
waterline
“down”
position
sensor in
Type of Boat
Single drive
—Mount a minimum of 15cm (6") beyond the
swing radius of the propeller (see Figure 1).
Twin drive
—Mount outside the drives a minimum of 15cm (6")
beyond the swing radius of the propeller.
Trim tabs
—Mount inside the trim tab, space permitting.
Drive extension
—Mount as far to the side as is practical.
Swim platform
—If the platform interferes with the movement of
the transducer, make a cutout to accommodate the transducer
and/or shorten the support tube.
Stepped transom
—Mount the transducer on the transom
above the step. Use a straight edge to position the underside of
the transducer even with the underside of the transom (see
Figure 3).
Shortening the Support Tube
WARNING
: The upper latch pin must be inserted through the
topmost
holes of the support tube for the transducer to release.
Failure to pin the support tube through the topmost holes can
result in damage to the bracket if it releases.
If the transducer assembly is too high for the selected mounting
location, the support tube
must
be shortened.
1.Remove the upper latch pin. Slide the support tube out of the
bracket (see Figure 4).
2.The support tube can be shortened in 25mm (1") increments up
to a maximum of 28cm (11"). Determine the amount to be
shortened from the
top
of the tube. Draw a line against the bot-
tom edge of the chosen hole
plumb
with the row of holes.
Do
not cut the bottom of the support tube
(see Figure 5).
Warning
: Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.
3.Cut the
top
of the support tube to the desired length.
4.File and sand the cut edge to remove sharp edges and burrs.
5.Replace the support tube in the bracket. Secure it by sliding the
upper latch pin through the
topmost
adjustment holes (see
Figure 4).
The upper latch pin must be inserted through the
topmost holes of the support tube for the transducer to release.
Installation
Caution
: Never pull, carry, or hold the transducer by the cable as
this may sever internal connections.
Assembling and Positioning
1.Thread the cable through the support tube (see Figure 4).
2.Using the 3 hex socket cap screws and a 3/8" wrench, attach
the transducer to the mounting shoe.
Do not tighten the center
screw at this time
. The transducer angle will be adjusted later.
3.With the transducer in the “down” position, hold the transducer
assembly at the selected location on the transom. Locate the
bottom of the transducer about 03cm (01/8") below the
bottom edge of the transom (see Figure 1).
4.Depending on the angle of your transom, the bracket may need
a shim(s) for the transducer to clear the transom when it is
raised and lowered (see Figure 4). Check for clearances with
the transducer in the “up”, “down”, and “released” positions (see
Figure 2). Experiment with the shim(s) provided until there is
sufficient clearance while maintaining the transducer face
parallel to the water surface. When you are satisfied with the
mounting location, use a pencil to draw the outline of the
mounting plate on the transom (see Figure 6).
Note: The bracket is factory pre-set to provide a vertical travel of
77mm (3") between the “up” and “down” positions. The vertical
travel can be adjusted by moving the
lower
latch pin to another
set of adjustment holes.
Figure 3. Stepped transom
Figure 6. Mounting plate and screw locations
correct incorrect
hull
screw
reinforcement
bolt hole (2)
Figure 4. TM256 assembly
upper latch pin
bracket
latch release line
latch lever
lower latch pin
transducer
hoist line
hinge pin
safety ring
mounting plate
support tube
mounting shoe
adjustment hole
cable
location (4)
Figure 5. Shorten support tube
immediately
below a hole,
plumb with the
row of holes
shim (2)
do not
cut
bottom (with
small holes)
(17 pairs)
cut top only,
screw recess (2)
2
Mounting
1.Separate the mounting plate from the bracket by removing one
safety ring and withdrawing the hinge pin (see Figure 4).
2.Position the mounting plate on the transom over the pencil
outline with the shim(s) in place. (To hold the shim(s) in place,
tape it to the bracket.)
Be sure
the bracket is plumb with the
waterline (see Figure 6).
Warning
: Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.
3.Using a 4mm, #23 or 9/64" bit, drill four holes, 30mm (1-1/4")
deep, at the selected location.
Be sure
the drill is oriented
parallel to the keel and at right angles to the transom. Drill
through any shim(s).
Do not drill the holes for the
reinforcement bolts at this time
.
Fiberglass hull
—To minimize surface cracking, chamfer the
gelcoat. If a chamfer bit or countersink bit is not available, start
drilling with a 6mm or 1/4" bit to a depth of 1mm (1/16").
Note: To prevent drilling too deeply, wrap masking tape around
the bit the desired distance from the point.
4.Apply marine sealant to the four #10 x 1-1/2" self-tapping
screws to prevent water seepage into the transom. Fasten the
mounting plate and any shim(s) to the hull with the screws
positioned at the bottom of each slot.
5.Attach the transducer assembly to the mounting plate with the
hinge pin and safety ring (see Figure 4).
6.Check again for clearances with the transducer in the “up,
“down”, and “released” positions.
7.Using a straight edge, sight the underside of the transducer
relative to the underside of the hull (see Figure 7).
Being sure
the transducer face is nearly parallel to the water surface, adjust
the angle of the mounting shoe to make the aft end of the
transducer 3mm (1/8") below the rounded forward end. Tighten
the center screw.
8.The large diameter line is the hoist line. Tie it to the upper latch
pin
inside
the support tube with a boline knot. The small
diameter line is the latch line. Tie it to the latch lever with a
boline knot (see Figure 4).
You may want to hoist the transducer into the “up” position at
planing speeds [especially above 30kn (35MPH)]. To operate
the latch release line and the hoist line, it may be necessary to
devise a system of sheaves and eyes to a remote location.
Testing on the Water
1.Test the transducer at 200kHz with the engine off.
2.Become familiar with your echosounder’s performance at a
speed of 4kn (5 MPH).
3.Gradually increase the boat speed and observe the gradual
decline of performance due to turbulent water flowing over the
transducer’s face.
Note: As the speed increases the performance at 50kHz will
deteriorate more rapidly because more acoustic noise is
generated at low frequencies.
4.If the decline of performance is sudden (not gradual), identify
the boat speed at which the onset occurred. Return the boat to
this speed, then gradually increase speed while making
moderate turns in both directions.
5.If the performance improves when turning, the transducer’s
position probably needs adjustment. The transducer is probably
in turbulent or aerated water. Move the transducer farther down
into the water in increments of 12mm (1/2"). If the performance
does not improve satisfactorily, move the transducer closer to
the centerline (keel). Fill unused screw holes with marine
sealant.
Bolting the Assembly
When you are satisfied that the mounting location provides good
performance, reinforce the mounting bracket with bolts, washers,
and nuts (not supplied). Since transom thicknesses vary and most
installations require a spacer, the installer must determine the
appropriate length bolt.
1.Separate the bracket from the mounting plate by removing one
safety ring and withdrawing the hinge pin (see Figure 4).
Figure 7. Transducer angle (TM256 shown)
Warning
: Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.
2.Drill the two reinforcement bolt holes through the hull and
spacer (see Figure 6).
3.Apply sealant to the bolt threads to prevent water seeping into
the transom. Tap the bolts into place. Apply the washers and
nuts inside the transom.
4.Reattach the bracket to the mounting plate with the hinge pin
and safety ring.
Cable Routing
Route the cable over the transom for a detachable installation. For
permanent mounting, route the cable through a drain hole or
through a new hole drilled in the transom
above the
waterline
.
Caution
: Never cut the cable or remove the connector; this will
void the warranty.
Warning
: Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.
1.If a hole must be drilled
through the transom,
choose a location
well
above the waterline
(see
Figure 8). Check for
obstructions such as trim
tabs, pumps, or wiring
inside the hull. Mark the
location with a pencil. Drill
the hole using the
appropriate size bit to
accommodate the
connector.
2.Route the cable over
or
through the transom.
3. On the outside of the hull,
secure the cable against
the transom using the cable
clamps. Position one cable
clamp 15cm (6") above the
bracket. Mark the mounting
hole with a pencil.
Figure 8. Cable routing
cable
clamps
cable
cover
15cm (6")
4" of
slack
10cm
3
4.Position the second cable clamp halfway between the first
clamp and the cable hole. Mark this mounting hole.
5.If a hole has been drilled through the transom, open the large
slot in the transom cable cover. Position the cover over the
cable where it enters the hull. Mark the two mounting holes.
6.At each of the marked locations, use a 3mm or 1/8" bit to drill a
hole 10mm (3/8") deep. To prevent drilling too deeply, wrap
masking tape around the bit 10mm (3/8") from the point.
7.Allow about 10cm (4") of slack in the cable below the lower cable
clamp to accommodate the sensor in the “released” position.
8.Apply marine sealant to the threads of the #6 x 1/2" self-tapping
screw to prevent water from seeping into the transom.If you
have drilled a hole through the transom, apply marine sealant to
the space around the cable where it passes through the
transom.
9.Position the two cable clamps over the cable and fasten them in
place. If used, push the cable cover over the cable and screw it
in place.
10.Route the cable to the instrument
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
sensor cable from other electrical wiring and the engine(s). Coil
any excess cable and secure it in place with zip-ties to prevent
damage.
11.Refer to your echosounder owner’s manual to connect the
transducer to the instrument.
Checking for Leaks
Warning
: When the boat is placed in the water,
immediately
check for leaks around the screws and any hole drilled in the hull.
Never install a sensor and leave the boat in the water unchecked
for several days.
Anti-fouling Paint
Marine growth can accumulate rapidly on the transducer’s surface
reducing performance within weeks. Surfaces exposed to salt
water
must
be coated with anti-fouling paint.Use
water based
anti-fouling paint only.
Never
use ketone based paint, since
ketones can attack many types of plastic possibly damaging the
transducer.
Apply paint to the transducer and all parts of the bracket up to
100mm (4")
above the waterline
. Repaint every 6 months or at the
beginning of each boating season.
Operation
“Up” position
Store the transducer in the “up” position when it is not in use (see
Figure 2). In the “up” position, the transducer is protected from
impact, but note that
the bracket will not release
. The “up”
position must be used when running at high speed [above 30kn
(35MPH)] to minimize drag. The “up” position will provide very
good fishfinding at boat speeds below 6kn (7MPH). Raise the
transducer to the “up” position by pulling on the latch line to
release the latch while pulling on the hoist line to raise the support
tube until the latch engages the lower latch pin (see Figure 4).
“Down” Position
Place the transducer in the “down” position for normal operation.
The bracket will release in this position. To lower the transducer,
pull on the latch line and lower the support tube.
Be sure
that the
latch re-engages with the upper latch pin (see Figure 4).
“Released” Position
When the transducer is in the “down” position and hits an object in
the water, the bracket will release (see Figure 2). Also, when the
boat is making headway, the water exerts drag on the transducer.
As the boat speed increases, the force on the bracket increases
dramatically. Depending on the water conditions and the amount
the transducer projects below the transom, the transducer bracket
will release at about 40kn (46MPH).
After release, the transducer will ride atop the outwash from the
transom and cause minimal drag while the boat is making
headway. The transducer can survive in this condition if the water
is calm. However, pitching and rolling in rough water will stress the
bracket. Also, the transducer will sink at zero boat speed.
The
release feature is not intended to be a substitute for hoisting
the transducer
.
Caution
: Always reset the transducer in the “down” position as
soon as possible using a blunt pole.
Maintenance and Parts
Removing the Transducer
1.Lower the transducer into the “down” position.
2.Separate the transducer assembly from the mounting plate by
removing one safety ring and withdrawing the hinge pin (see
Figure 4).
3.Remove the bracket by grasping the support tube near the
mounting shoe and pulling away from the boat.
4.Replace the hinge pin and safety ring on the bracket.
Cleaning
Keep the support tube, guides, and rollers free of sand and grit by
washing them with mild household detergent.
Do not
use a
lubricant, since grit will stick to it increasing friction and wear.
If fouling is severe, use a stiff brush or putty knife to remove the
growth,
being careful
to avoid making scratches on the
transducer’s face. Wet sanding the fouled surfaces with #220 or
finer grade wet/dry paper is permissible.
Storage
Avoid extremes of temperature. Low temperatures make plastic
brittle, and although the transducer is designed to withstand
temperatures up to 70
°
C (160
°
F), it is best to store the transducer
at a moderate temperature.
Parts
Lost, broken, and warn parts should be replaced immediately and
can be obtained from your marine dealer or instrument
manufacturer:
Bracket Assembly 33-432-01
Transducer Replacement
The information needed to order a replacement transducer is
printed on the cable tag.
Do not
remove this tag. When ordering,
specify the part number, date, and frequency in kHz. For
convenient reference, record this information where indicated
near the top of page one.
AIRMAR
TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
35 Meadowbrook Drive, Milford, New Hampshire 03055-4613, USA
www.airmar.com
4
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Airmar TM260 Owner's Manual & Installation Instructions

Type
Owner's Manual & Installation Instructions
This manual is also suitable for

Airmar TM260 is a transom mount 1kW depth transducer that provides accurate depth readings in a variety of marine environments. With its high power output and wide beam angle, the TM260 is ideal for use on sport fishing vessels, providing good operation up to 30 knots. The transducer's rugged design and protective bracket make it suitable for use in harsh conditions, and its compact size makes it easy to install on a variety of boats.

The TM260 operates at two frequencies, 50kHz and 200kHz, allowing it to adapt to different water depths and bottom types. The higher frequency of 200kHz provides better resolution and target separation in shallower water, while the lower frequency of 50kHz penetrates deeper and is less affected by noise. The transducer also features a temperature sensor, which can be used to correct depth readings for changes in water temperature.

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