Coffe Break Project
 

I've had this Eagle Cuda sonar unit since like 2007. Figured I would try to set it up for ice fishing. Total cost of this...$0. All done with bits and pieces laying around the garage.
Looking forward to see if it makes a difference.

will it work the same without an ice transducer?

The only challenge with using a summer transducer is making sure it hangs reasonably level. Other than that there is o difference between the two as far as I know.

Did some research on youtube and google. As long as the transducer hangs level, and just below the ice, it should work.
A couple vids showed quite a hit of detail with this similar set up. Granted, none of those vids were units as old and as basic as this one, but I am curious too how it works.
If it doesn't...back in the garage until summer.

She's going to work ,I just retired an old eagle unite last year that I used for ice fishing since the mid 90's....I think.The only problem I ever had was sometimes the transducer would act up on really cold days,if this happens(rare)just warm up the ducer and your good to go.

Took it to spring lake Saturday morning. While setting it up, an old connection in the wire gave way.
10 minute fix at home and she's good to go next weekend.
BTW, 8" of good ice. The jawjacker out did me, landing 2. me, only 1.

I think an ice transducer projects a narrower cone beam directly under you whereas the summer transducer projects a much wider beam. You may be trying to play with a fish that's 20 or 30 feet away that doesn't even know your lure is there.

Unless your in 3 feet of water!

Sent from my BBF100-6 using Tapatalk

Won't the transducer float by its lonesome?

Nope, it sinks. I use a couple foam blocks to pinch the cord so I can set the depth just below the ice.

It also hangs pretty level, a nice little bonus.

Neat little project. Good luck with it. Hope it works well for you.

I used that same finder for years on the ice. Never had an issue, just make sure the transducer is level and away ya go.