Lowrance HST-WSU 200 KHZ Transom Mount Transducer User Manual

1. Product Overview

The Lowrance HST-WSU 200 KHZ Transom Mount Transducer is designed to provide essential underwater data for your fishfinder system. This transducer is a transom-mount skimmer type, featuring a 20-degree beam angle and an integrated temperature sensor.

It is engineered to accurately determine water temperature, depth, and detect fish, enhancing your marine navigation and fishing experience. The unit comes with a durable 20-foot power cable for flexible installation.

Key features include:

• 200 kHz operating frequency for clear returns.
• 20-degree cone angle for effective coverage.
• Built-in temperature sensor for real-time water temperature readings.
• Transom-mount design for easy installation.
• Includes a 20-foot cable with a unit-plug connector.

This transducer is compatible with a wide range of Lowrance and Eagle fishfinders, including but not limited to:

• Cuda series: 128, 128 P, 168, 168 EX, 240 S/GPS, 242, 250 S/Map, 300, 350
• FishEasy series: 2 (w/ black connector), 240, 245 DS, 250 DS, 320
• FishElite series: 320, 480, 500C, 502C iGPS, 640C, 642C iGPS
• FishMark series: 320, 480, 500C, 640C
• FishStrike series: 1000C, 2000C
• Other models: LCF-1440, LST-3800, M56 S/MAP, M68C S/MAP, SeaFinder 245DS, X-4, X-4 Pro, X47, X47EX, X-50 DS, X67C, X-86 DS, X96

Image: The Lowrance HST-WSU 200 KHZ Transom Mount Transducer, showing the black transducer unit with its attached cable and mounting bracket.

2. Setup and Installation

Proper installation of your HST-WSU transducer is crucial for optimal performance. This transducer is designed for transom mounting, which involves attaching it to the stern of your boat.

Mounting Location

Select a location on the transom where the transducer will be fully submerged in water at all speeds and free from turbulence caused by the hull, engine, or other accessories. The ideal location is typically on the starboard side of the boat, away from the propeller wash.

Installation Steps (General Guidelines)

1. Prepare the Transom: Clean the mounting area thoroughly. If drilling is required, ensure you have the correct drill bits and marine sealant.
2. Attach Mounting Bracket: Secure the transducer's mounting bracket to the transom using the provided hardware. Ensure it is level and positioned correctly to allow the transducer to skim the water surface.
3. Mount the Transducer: Attach the transducer unit to the bracket. Adjust its angle so that the bottom of the transducer is parallel with the bottom of the boat's hull, or slightly angled down at the front to ensure good water contact.
4. Route the Cable: Carefully route the 20-foot cable from the transducer to your fishfinder unit. Avoid sharp bends, kinks, or routing near sources of electrical interference (e.g., engine wiring, VHF cables). Use cable clamps or ties to secure the cable along its path.
5. Connect to Fishfinder: Plug the transducer's connector into the appropriate port on your Lowrance or compatible fishfinder unit. Ensure a secure connection.
6. Test Operation: Power on your fishfinder and test the transducer's performance in the water. Verify that depth, temperature, and sonar readings are accurate.

For detailed, model-specific installation instructions, always refer to the installation manual provided with your fishfinder unit, as it may contain specific requirements or recommendations for transducer setup.

Image: The Lowrance HST-WSU 200 KHZ Transom Mount Transducer, illustrating the unit and its extensive cable, which is essential for proper routing during installation.

3. Operating Principles

The Lowrance HST-WSU transducer operates by emitting sound waves into the water and listening for the echoes that return. This process allows your fishfinder to create a detailed picture of the underwater environment.

Sonar Functionality

• Frequency: The transducer operates at 200 kHz. This high frequency provides excellent detail and target separation, making it effective for detecting fish and structure in shallower to medium depths.
• Beam Angle: A 20-degree cone angle means the sound waves spread out in a cone shape from the transducer. The wider the cone, the larger the area scanned, but with less detail at greater depths. The 20-degree angle offers a good balance for general fishing and navigation.
• Depth Measurement: By measuring the time it takes for the sound waves to travel to the bottom and return, the fishfinder accurately calculates the water depth.
• Fish Detection: When sound waves encounter objects like fish or schools of bait, they reflect back to the transducer. The fishfinder interprets these echoes and displays them as arches or symbols on the screen.
• Structure Identification: Variations in the returning echoes allow the fishfinder to distinguish between different types of bottom composition (e.g., hard bottom, soft bottom) and identify underwater structures like rocks, wrecks, or vegetation.

Temperature Sensing

The integrated temperature sensor provides real-time water temperature readings. Water temperature is a critical factor in locating fish, as many species prefer specific temperature ranges. This data is displayed directly on your compatible fishfinder unit.

Image: A close-up view of a Lowrance fishfinder screen, showing detailed mapping and sonar returns, illustrating the data provided by the transducer.

4. Maintenance and Care

Regular maintenance of your Lowrance HST-WSU transducer will ensure its longevity and consistent performance.

Cleaning

• After Each Use: Rinse the transducer and its cable with fresh water, especially after use in saltwater, to remove salt, dirt, and marine growth.
• Remove Fouling: Periodically inspect the transducer face for marine growth (algae, barnacles, etc.). Gently remove any fouling using a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasive cleaners or sharp objects that could scratch the transducer surface, as this can impair performance.
• Stubborn Growth: For stubborn marine growth, a mild boat soap or vinegar solution can be used. Always rinse thoroughly with fresh water afterward.

Inspection

• Cable Integrity: Regularly check the entire length of the cable for any signs of cuts, abrasions, or kinks. Damaged cables can lead to signal loss or intermittent readings.
• Connector: Ensure the connector remains clean and free of corrosion. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the pins if operating in harsh marine environments to prevent moisture ingress.
• Mounting Hardware: Verify that all mounting screws and bolts are tight and secure. Check the mounting bracket for any signs of stress cracks or damage.
• Transducer Face: Inspect the transducer's active face for any cracks, chips, or deep scratches that could affect its ability to transmit and receive sonar signals.

Storage

If storing your boat for an extended period, ensure the transducer is clean and dry. If possible, store the transducer in a position where it is not exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

5. Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with your Lowrance HST-WSU transducer, consider the following common troubleshooting steps before seeking professional assistance.

No Depth Reading or Intermittent Readings

• Check Transducer Placement: Ensure the transducer is fully submerged and free from air bubbles or turbulence. Adjust its angle if necessary.
• Inspect Transducer Face: Clean the transducer face thoroughly. Marine growth or debris can block sonar signals.
• Verify Cable Connection: Ensure the transducer cable is securely plugged into the fishfinder unit. Check for any visible damage to the cable (cuts, kinks, corrosion).
• Power Supply: Confirm that your fishfinder unit is receiving adequate power. Low voltage can affect transducer performance.
• Interference: Identify and mitigate sources of electrical interference from other boat electronics, engine, or trolling motor.

Inaccurate Depth or Temperature Readings

• Calibration: Refer to your fishfinder's manual for instructions on calibrating depth and temperature readings.
• Water Conditions: Extreme water conditions (e.g., heavy aeration, very soft bottom) can sometimes affect accuracy.
• Transducer Angle: An improperly angled transducer can lead to inaccurate depth readings, especially at speed.

Poor Fish Arches or Bottom Detail

• Gain/Sensitivity Settings: Adjust the gain or sensitivity setting on your fishfinder. Too low, and you miss targets; too high, and you get excessive noise.
• Noise Rejection: Utilize noise rejection or filter settings on your fishfinder to reduce clutter from electrical interference.
• Transducer Condition: Ensure the transducer face is clean and undamaged.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, consult the comprehensive troubleshooting section of your fishfinder's user manual or contact Lowrance customer support for further assistance.

6. Specifications

Detailed specifications for the Lowrance HST-WSU 200 KHZ Transom Mount Transducer:

7. Warranty and Support

For information regarding the warranty coverage for your Lowrance HST-WSU transducer, please refer to the official Lowrance website or the warranty documentation included with your original fishfinder purchase. Warranty terms and conditions may vary.

Should you require technical support, service, or have questions not covered in this manual, please visit the official Lowrance support portal or contact their customer service department directly. Up-to-date contact information and support resources can typically be found on the Lowrance website.

You can visit the official Lowrance store for more information and products: Lowrance Store on Amazon