Overview

The Garmin 010-12188-20 is a pocket mounted CHIRP transducer (Airmar CM599LHW) that provides depth and water temperature to compatible Garmin sonar equipment using 28-60 kHz low CHIRP and 150-250 kHz high-wide CHIRP.

Low CHIRP is rated to 3 kW for deep water use with a beam that narrows from 11° x 23° down to 5° x 9° across the band. High-wide CHIRP runs 150-250 kHz at 1 kW with a 25° constant beam for broad coverage in shallower water. Maximum depth is 10,000 ft (3,048 m) on the low band and 500 ft (152 m) on the high-wide band.

This is a custom cavity or pocket installation that sits flush with the bottom of the hull, commonly in a wet box or welded tank. The transducer uses a 70 ft cable with bare-wire termination, so plan the cable route to the sounder location before the hull work starts.

Key features

• Dual-band CHIRP operation: 28-60 kHz (low) and 150-250 kHz (high wide)
• Power handling by band: 3 kW low CHIRP and 1 kW high-wide CHIRP
• Beam geometry that matches the job: low band narrows from 11° x 23° to 5° x 9°, high-wide stays at 25°
• Depth and fast-response water temperature sensing (no speed sensor)
• Pocket/cavity or welded-tank mount style for a flush install on fiberglass or metal hulls
• 70 ft cable with bare-wire termination for direct connection at the sounder or sonar module
• Urethane housing and acoustic window for wet-box style installations
• Xducer ID technology support for compatible systems

Compatibility and fit

Mounting style is tank, cavity, or pocket/keel mount and is commonly used on fiberglass or metal hulls. Because the pocket is built to match your hull, it can accommodate any deadrise angle, but you need interior clearance for the transducer body, cable routing, and fastening access.

This model is typically used on larger boats (25 ft and up) where a 2-3 kW class transducer and a flush installation make sense for offshore runs and heavier-duty fishing setups.

Installation and setup

This style of transducer requires a strong, watertight cavity or welded tank plus a faceplate to keep the unit secured when the boat is underway. Use a below-waterline marine sealant on the bedding surfaces and fasteners, and tighten the mounting bolts with a torque wrench to no more than 85 in-lb.

Choose a location where water flow stays clean with minimal bubbles and turbulence, and keep the transducer face flush with the hull for consistent bottom tracking. Route the cable with grommets or chafe protection and keep it separated from engine wiring and other high-current runs to reduce electrical noise.

After launch, check for leaks immediately and re-check within three hours.

Electrical and system integration

The cable terminates in bare wires, so the connection is made at the echosounder or sonar module following the wiring details for your Garmin system. If the cable must be spliced during the run, use a splash-proof junction method intended for transducer cabling.

Maintenance and care

For saltwater use, coat surfaces exposed below the waterline with a water-based antifouling made for transducers and refresh it about every six months. Avoid ketone-based antifouling paints and avoid solvents when cleaning.

Keep the face free of growth by cleaning with a mild detergent and a Scotch-Brite pad; heavy fouling can be removed with light wet sanding using fine wet/dry paper. Do not pressure wash or power sand the transducer.

Use on board

This transducer is a good match for offshore and commercial-style fishing boats that need deep-water capability on low CHIRP and more coverage when working the upper water column on high-wide CHIRP. It also fits high-speed hulls where a flush pocket installation helps protect the transducer and keep drag down.