is P79 transducer epoxied to it’s base?

[Thollis2]

my depth sounder works erratically, and only at low depths, like at 10 ft. The signal is lost when i move into deeper water and then —- is displayed on the Garmin 7212 screen. Other posts in tugnuts prompted me to try to add fluid to the cup/ mounting base. but when i remove the cap the transducer seems to be epoxied into it’s base. The assembly does not include the locking ring that is in Airmar’s install manual. am i missing something? can fluid be added? photos attached

 

[Jared Dunning]

The ring in the first picture should hold the unit down. Push it down and twist it to lock it into place, unless the locking tabs have been broken off.

The transducer also needs to have fluid in the housing to work properly. We use RV antifreeze for this.

 

[Thollis2]

my update-there’s no screws holding the assembly together per the installation doc. the locking ring will not budge. cannot turn it counter clockwise and release it. assuming a former owner broke some tabs off and decided to glue the transducer into it’s base. this Airmar unit is 12 yrs old. a new NMEA compatible depth sounder is in my future- probably externally mounted. any suggestions on manufacturer and model?

 

[Thollis2]

ignore my last comment in this thread. i finally understand what i took a picture of. on my 2014 boat, there is no assembly consisting of a base, locking ring, transducer, and cap. It’s just the transducer glued to the hull, and the cap loosely sitting on top. I changed the sonar software setting on the Garmin to “auto zoom”, and am getting valid depth readings now