do sidescans have to be watertight

[Martin]

are the selfbuilt sonars waterproof or waterfilled during operation?
if they are filled the transducers have to be completely waterproof. are they?

thanks
martin

[G.Burton]

Re: do sidescans have to be watertight

Hi,
The transducers are waterproof. The water wets the 'acoustic window' which is the interface from the active elements, which are dry, to the water. The sides of the elements as well as the backs of the elements are acousticly isolated from the water.

[Derek A]

Re: do sidescans have to be watertight

not necessarily. Potted transducers are naturally waterproof because of the epoxy. If your sidescan has electronics in the towfish then it will have to be watertight. If you are merely running the towfish with transducers only and all the electronics topside, then it does not have to be watertight.