02-03-2015, 01:43 AM
Most Humming Birds have a 200Hz. frequency ducer, with a 15degree cone angle. Contrast to older Lowrance units that had a 192Hz frequency with a 20 degree cone angle.
Lowrance no longer uses the 192/20 ducer. They have discarded it because of the 'Uni Ducer' trolling motor's. Both Minn Kota and Motor Guide offer built in ducers in their top of the line motor's. All that is needed is a compatible cable to connect the unit to the motor. As a result, Lowrance has discarded their old ducers for the same 200/15 units. ( Garmin's purchase of Lowrance has also played a major role in this switch as Garmin uses the 200/15 unit.)
Another factor in play with newer units is the fact that many of them now use a dual frequency ducer. This optimizes the ability of the processor to provide the clearer, more detailed readouts.
So, our friend using the Lowrance Elite 7 on the ice, has a dual beam ducer. Your Hummingbird most likely has the 200/15 ducer. The narrow 15 degree cone, covers less bottom than say the older 50 degree units.
One of the things you can do to increase the effectiveness of your unit on the ice is to get the ducer below the lower lip of the ice. While you can shoot through the ice if it is clear, many times the ice forms in the wind and air, dirt, and other things are trapped in it. These inclusions in the ice block the signal and hence no reading. Ice ducers solve this by having a 'float' that slides up and down the cable to allow you to get it below the lower edge. You can do essentially the same thing by first, weighting your ducer on top so that it rides level in the water. You then make your own 'float' out of a wacky noodle ( steal one from your kids) and attach to the cable. Zip ties are great to cinch it down so it slides when you move it and not while sitting there. For a couple of bucks and some time you can save yourself $100 on a new ice ducer.
Puck style ducers are more difficult to stay level than the new skimmer style, due mainly to the position of the cable exiting the ducer !!
Have fun !!!
Lowrance no longer uses the 192/20 ducer. They have discarded it because of the 'Uni Ducer' trolling motor's. Both Minn Kota and Motor Guide offer built in ducers in their top of the line motor's. All that is needed is a compatible cable to connect the unit to the motor. As a result, Lowrance has discarded their old ducers for the same 200/15 units. ( Garmin's purchase of Lowrance has also played a major role in this switch as Garmin uses the 200/15 unit.)
Another factor in play with newer units is the fact that many of them now use a dual frequency ducer. This optimizes the ability of the processor to provide the clearer, more detailed readouts.
So, our friend using the Lowrance Elite 7 on the ice, has a dual beam ducer. Your Hummingbird most likely has the 200/15 ducer. The narrow 15 degree cone, covers less bottom than say the older 50 degree units.
One of the things you can do to increase the effectiveness of your unit on the ice is to get the ducer below the lower lip of the ice. While you can shoot through the ice if it is clear, many times the ice forms in the wind and air, dirt, and other things are trapped in it. These inclusions in the ice block the signal and hence no reading. Ice ducers solve this by having a 'float' that slides up and down the cable to allow you to get it below the lower edge. You can do essentially the same thing by first, weighting your ducer on top so that it rides level in the water. You then make your own 'float' out of a wacky noodle ( steal one from your kids) and attach to the cable. Zip ties are great to cinch it down so it slides when you move it and not while sitting there. For a couple of bucks and some time you can save yourself $100 on a new ice ducer.
Puck style ducers are more difficult to stay level than the new skimmer style, due mainly to the position of the cable exiting the ducer !!
Have fun !!!