Figure 5.2: A Sonar Transducer Is Lowered Over The Side Of The Surface Vessel
The most common method of mounting the surface station sonar transducers is shown in figure 7.2.
The cabled transducer is attached to a load carrying (strain relief) line and weighted down with a
lead weight of about 5 kg (10 pounds). The line is attached to the top U-bolt of the transducer cage,
the weight to the bottom U-bolt. The transducer is then lowered over the side of the vessel. This
mounting method is fast and does not require any special engineering. The weighted transducer is
kept in the proper 'cable up / transducer head down' orientation by the weight. The approach lends is
itself to anchored operations as well as live boat operations as long as the weight and line strength is
dimensioned properly to keep the transducer down even at the highest conceivable vessel speed. Of
course, caution must be taken to prevent the transducer from getting caught up in the ship's
propeller.
Surface Station Transducer Mounting Techniques
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Weigh the transducer down with a lead weight of about 5 kg (10 lb) attached to the
transducer head side U-bolt of the transducer cage. Attach a load bearing line to the
cable side of the transducer cage. Lower the weighted transducer over the side of the
vessel and secure. Stay clear of the vessel propeller, water intakes or outlets and other
obstacles
