Overview

The Garmin 010-12122-10 is an adapter cable that lets you connect an 8-pin transducer with XID to a Garmin 12-pin sonar port.

It is commonly used when you are upgrading a chartplotter, fishfinder, or sonar module but want to keep an existing 8-pin transducer already installed on the boat. The XID connection carries transducer identification data so compatible Garmin sonar systems can recognize the transducer and apply the correct tuning.

This is a plug adapter only. It does not change sonar technology or convert frequencies, so the sonar performance you get still depends on the transducer and the sonar hardware you are connecting to.

Key features

• Adapts an 8-pin transducer plug to a 12-pin Garmin sonar connector without cutting or splicing the transducer cable
• Supports transducers that use XID (transducer identification) so compatible Garmin units can read ID data through the connection
• Useful for reusing an existing 8-pin single- or dual-beam transducer when moving to electronics with a 12-pin sonar port
• Maintains a single connector interface at the helm, helping keep rigging changes simple during upgrades or replacements

Compatibility and fit

Verify two things before ordering: your transducer has the Garmin-style 8-pin connector, and your display or sonar module has a 12-pin sonar socket. Connector style matters here, so match the pin count and connector shape rather than relying on brand names alone.

If the connected transducer does not provide XID data, the sonar can still require manual transducer selection where that option is available. This adapter cannot add XID to a transducer that does not support it.

Installation and setup

Make connections in a dry, protected location behind the helm or inside the console. Seat the plugs fully and hand-tighten any locking rings, then secure the cable run so vibration does not work the connectors loose over time.

After installation, check the sonar installation settings on the unit. Some Garmin systems can Auto Detect a transducer through the XID connection, while others require you to choose the transducer model manually.

Use cases on board

This adapter is a practical fit for boats where the transducer cable is already routed through the hull, transom, or rigging tube and you want to avoid re-pulling the cable just to match a different sonar connector. It also helps when electronics are frequently removed and reinstalled, since the transducer side stays unchanged.