What will be the best way to set up 2 520c’s side by side ?
Hook them both up completely ?
or
Hook one up GPS and sounder and the second one up just GPS ?
or
Can I hook them up so one interfaces with the other ?
It really depends if you want to use both as a sounder or not. I would run one as a sounder and one as a gps. It would be most cost effective to buy one complete unit with gps and transducer, and one head only. You can then run both units off one GPS reciever. And if you have a universal sonar on your trolling motor you can move it up front when you want.
Where will the ducers be mounted if you hook them both up for sonar? You may run into interference problems.
I just kind of did this, but I am by no means a pro 
.
I hooked them both up completely. Use 1 as sonor and the other as the GPS. Just make sure you turn the sonor off (Stop Chart) on the unit used for the GPS so there is no interference between the 2 sonors. I also think you can run 2 units off 1 transducer.
Matt 
I am pretty sure you can not share a transducer.
Dave,
When putting two side by side I would network the two
together, run a separate transducer for each unit,
then I would hook up power for both network and
display on one of the 520’s, and then hook up power
for display only on the other.
I would leave the transducer cable disconnected from
the unit I intend to use for GPS but have it ready
and accessible just in case I had a problem with the
other transducer. I would probably test it on the water
as well and fine tune it just in case I need it someday.
I may never need to use the designated sonar unit
for GPS functions, but with the limited amount of extra
work to set it up for backup it would be worth it!
The only thing these two units will share will be
waypoints. They will not share sonar readings or
map chips from one to the next.
Dan
Quote:
I am pretty sure you can not share a transducer.
The units won’t share a transducer but you could use
a switch box (SB-8X) to run two sonar units off of one
transducer. I was going to try this until I found that
the price of the transducer is less than the switch
box plus there is the added benefit of having a backup transducer. I was not going to run the units
side by side though.
In a side by side scenario you could run just the one
transducer and connect it to the unit you want to use
as sonar. If you decided you wanted the unit intially
set up as sonar to now be the GPS display you can just
change the connection.
The switch box would be the actual transducer
cable in this side by side scenario.
IMO I would run the 2nd transducer and just leave
it disconnected until needed. Or connect it and disable the sonar (“Stop Chart”) on one unit as suggested in the
post above by MIDNIGHT777.
Dan
I agee with Dan’s install.
-J.
Dan,
By sharing the transducer through the switch box I’m assuming you mean running only one head unit at a time correct?? Not running both head units at the same time while sharing the transducer signal.
Dave
Dave,
If using a switch box your switching the signal from one
unit to the other. So to answer your question you could
only run one head unit on Sonar Display at a time.
The other would be used as your GPS display. Your choice!
Dan
Would you be better off getting a 3500/3600 straight GPS?
Lots of great suggestions here..I’m thinking I would like 1 transducer and 1 gps..I have ordered two complete packages from Wade at Jolly Ann Marine. This way I can take the Transducer and GPS and either put it in another boat or in another place in my boat…
I really appreciate all your input..
aint this a great site 
Quote:
Lots of great suggestions here..I’m thinking I would like 1 transducer and 1 gps..I have ordered two complete packages from Wade at Jolly Ann Marine. This way I can take the Transducer and GPS and either put it in another boat or in another place in my boat…
I really appreciate all your input..
aint this a great site
I have two gps sensors too, works out really nice for me in winter. I all need on my wheeler is a 2 inch ball.
Personally after I set this up I have no reason to run the network between units.
Great Service as always Wade
…both units are here and I should be attempting set up the end of the week
I was expecting that same “Great Service” but someone
bogarted all the 520’s with GPS!! 
Luckily I have the time, and the BEER!! 
oops 
sorry man…
But hey…come on down on Thursday and help me put my two in and you will be all ready to put yours in when you get it
Should I bring the 3″ hole saw so you can get that transducer through the transom??
Just bring the beer…I have a cutt’n torch for that
Instalation went great !!!
thanks Jon Jordan for your video and Thanks Wade(Jolly Ann Marine) for all your help and service !!!
Took it all for a test run on Friday and with a few tweaks I am up and running….
I’ll post some pix on some of the things I did to make wiring a bit easier for my rig..
oh and by the way,,,I have a Lorwrance 136 DF for sale 
I just put a 520C on my boat this weekend as well. Had it out testing it last night. So far, so good. I just need to figure out how to swap which side of the screen is active so I can adjust the sonar readings without having to get out of the split screen. I suppose I could read the manual. 
Dave,
Are you still running the Explorer? I’m in the process of trying to figure out the best set up for mounting a graph at the stern on mine. I’ll definitely be taking a look at your pics. Thanks, Chris
mendotaeye,
Hit the “pages” button twice to switch the active window when using split screen.
Thanks AJ. Saved me from having to read the manual.
Quote:
Dave,
Are you still running the Explorer? I’m in the process of trying to figure out the best set up for mounting a graph at the stern on mine. I’ll definitely be taking a look at your pics. Thanks, Chris
Chris,
I still have the Explorer…I have both units in the dash with Ram Mounts…I run the kicker with the steering wheel and the use of the Troll Master, when I need to sit in the back I can still see each unit from right behind the drivers seat. (the kicker is mounted on that side)Having each unit on it’s own makes it real easy to read
Sounds like a nice set up Dave!
Your kicker is mounted on the starboard side you say? A little off topic but is your rig leaning toward that side much?
I just hung a T8 on the starboard side also (I like it better there for now), and noticed a fair amount of listing. Along with filling the rear livewell I’m thinking of moving some stuff to port to see if she balances out better. Thanks alot for all the info over the years!
Chris
Well Chris,
when you put my fatt butt at the back of the boat…no matter what side there is some listing
But in all seriousness…I run the boat a fair amount from the back handlining and she rides pretty well I think..and she track real well too..
glad I can help out
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