Airmar R109LM CHIRP Through-Hull Sonar

It is a 2 kW underwater detection transducer designed for deep-water fishing, whether commercial or recreational. It integrates CHIRP technology to offer superior resolution and detail compared to traditional sonars, allowing precise identification of fish and underwater structures.

The Airmar R109LM CHIRP transducer operates on two distinct frequency bands:

A low frequency (Low CHIRP) ranging from 38 kHz to 75 kHz. A medium frequency (Medium CHIRP) ranging from 80 kHz to 130 kHz. These frequencies provide extended coverage and optimized detection at various depths.

This transducer has an output power of 2 kW (2000 Watts RMS), making it particularly effective for deep-water detection.

Yes, the Airmar R109LM CHIRP transducer is equipped with an integrated water temperature sensor.

The main body of the transducer is made of urethane, a durable material resistant to marine environments. It is designed for installation with an external fairing block.

This transducer is a thru-hull external mount model. This means it is installed through the hull, with the majority of the transducer and its fairing block on the exterior, submerged in the water.

The Airmar R109LM transducer is recommended for all hull materials, including fiberglass, wood, aluminum, and steel. For fiberglass hulls, installation must be in solid fiberglass, not in a sandwich material. For aluminum hulls, stainless steel hardware must be isolated from the hull to prevent electrolytic corrosion.

The Airmar R109LM transducer can be installed on hulls with a deadrise angle of up to 22°. The fairing block must be precisely adjusted to the hull angle.

Yes, a thru-hull fitting is mandatory for this installation. It seals the hull and forms a watertight conduit for the transducer cable, thereby ensuring the hull's integrity.

Yes, a fairing block is required for the installation of the R109LM transducer. It must be cut and fitted parallel to the keel to ensure optimal water flow under the transducer and good vessel performance.

It is not recommended to paint the active face of the transducer with spray paint, as this can create tiny bubbles that would negatively affect the transducer's performance. If anti-fouling protection is necessary, use a water-based anti-fouling coating, specifically designed for transducers, and only on non-active surfaces.

CHIRP transducers generate more heat than traditional transducers. To prevent overheating and transducer failure, it is crucial that the active face and sides of the transducer are always submerged in water during operation. Never operate the transducer out of water.

No, this transducer is not recommended for stepped hulls. In this case, it is advisable to choose an "in-hull" transducer (inside the hull) to ensure optimal performance.

The ideal placement depends on the hull type:

For displacement hull boats: The transducer should be located approximately one-third of the waterline length (LWL) from the bow and 200-600 mm (8-24") from the centerline.For planing hull boats: The transducer should be mounted in the aft third of the hull, as far aft as possible, and as close to the centerline as possible, avoiding turbulence (strakes, water intakes, etc.).The water under the hull must be smooth, with minimal bubbles and turbulence.

This Airmar R109LM CHIRP transducer is compatible with Garmin fishfinder/chartplotter combos equipped with high-performance CHIRP technology, such as the GPSMAP® series (e.g., 8400, 8600, 7400, 7600, 1000/1200) or black box fishfinder modules like the GSD™ 26. Ensure your Garmin device supports low and medium CHIRP frequencies.

No, this transducer is specifically designed for CHIRP (Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse) technology and is not compatible with traditional fixed-pulse depth sounder systems. It requires a CHIRP-compatible depth sounder module or multifunction display to function correctly.