Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 Bundles: System or Transducer?
A complete Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 setup needs the transducer, module, compatible display and power and network connections. A transducer-only bundle works only if you already have the matching module and the other required parts.
On this page (8 sections)
- What does a Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 bundle need to include?
- What is the difference between a complete system and transducer only?
- Which module, transducer and cables do you need?
- Does an ActiveTarget 2 XL bundle include everything?
- How should you plan the installation?
- How do the listed fish finders compare with ActiveTarget 2?
- How can you avoid buying the wrong bundle?
- Which Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 bundle should you choose?
A complete Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 setup needs a transducer, an ActiveTarget 2 module, a compatible display, power and network connections. A transducer-only bundle makes sense when you already own the matching module and have checked the remaining parts.
A bundle can look complete in a product title while leaving out a component you need. Compare its included parts with your current setup before choosing a complete system, an ActiveTarget 2 XL bundle or a transducer-only option.
What does a Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 bundle need to include?
A working setup needs the transducer and module, plus a compatible display and the required connections. The precise bundle contents can vary, so use the component list for the exact version you're considering.
Think of the system as several parts working together:
| Part | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Transducer | The bundle includes the ActiveTarget 2 transducer you need |
| Module | The ActiveTarget 2 module is included, or you already own it |
| Display | Your display is compatible with the system |
| Power cable | The module has the appropriate power connection |
| Network cable | The display and module can connect |
| Mounting hardware | The bundle includes what you need for your intended installation |
The transducer sends and receives sonar signals. The module connects it to a compatible display, where you view live sonar.
Power and network connections let the components operate together.
An included transducer alone doesn't make a complete system. If you're still learning the terms, start with [What Is Live Sonar?
What Anglers Should Know](/what-is-live-sonar/).
Is an ActiveTarget 2 transducer-only bundle enough?
A transducer-only bundle is enough only if the rest of your ActiveTarget 2 system is already in place. Confirm you own the matching module and have a compatible display and the right connections before buying.
Don't assume a transducer can connect directly to any fish finder. Check that your display supports the system and that the module can connect to it.
Then compare the cable ends and lengths with the route from the display to the module and transducer.
If the module is missing, choose a bundle that includes it or source the module separately. A low bundle price doesn't help if you still need to buy multiple system parts.
What is the difference between a complete system and transducer only?
A complete system is intended to provide more of the components in one package; transducer-only means you need to supply the missing pieces yourself. Confirm what each specific bundle contains instead of relying on the title alone.
Use this checklist to compare the options:
| Bundle choice | Better fit when | Check before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Complete system | You need the core ActiveTarget 2 components | Confirm the display, cables and mounting parts included |
| Transducer only | You already own the matching module and compatible display | Verify cables, mounts and the transducer model |
| XL bundle | The named bundle matches the parts you need | Read the component list; “XL” by itself doesn't define what's inside |
A complete system can reduce the chance of overlooking the module, but it may include parts you already have. A transducer-only bundle can suit an upgrade or replacement when your existing system is compatible.
For a different type of sonar, the SplitShot Skimmer Transducer provides DownScan and CHIRP views and fits specified Lowrance HOOK² models. It isn't a substitute for an ActiveTarget 2 transducer.
Which module, transducer and cables do you need?
You need the ActiveTarget 2 transducer and matching module, along with a compatible display and suitable power and network connections. Confirm each part against the equipment you already own.
What should you check on the ActiveTarget 2 module?
Check the module model and its connections before buying a replacement or adding one to an existing installation. Make sure the bundle explicitly includes the module if you don't already have it.
If you have a module, inspect its ports and labels so you can match the cable types. Also check whether the module needs a separate power cable in your setup.
Don't infer that a power cable is included just because the bundle includes a module.
Do you need a Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 power cable?
You need an appropriate power connection for the module, but whether you need to buy a separate power cable depends on what you already have and what the bundle includes. Confirm the cable is compatible with the module and reaches your intended power source.
Cable length matters when the module is mounted away from the display or power source. Measure the route along the boat rather than estimating a straight line, and allow enough length for a safe, tidy installation.
What does the network cable connect?
A network cable connects compatible equipment so the display and sonar module can work together. Check that the bundle includes the cable you need, or identify the compatible cable and length required for your installation.
Avoid buying based on connector appearance alone. Confirm the connection type at both ends and whether your display has the port you need.
Does an ActiveTarget 2 XL bundle include everything?
An ActiveTarget 2 XL bundle may group several components, but the name alone doesn't confirm whether it includes everything you need. Compare the exact included-items list with your own equipment.
Check for the transducer, module, power cable, network cable and mounting pieces. Then verify that your display is compatible.
If the bundle omits one of these parts, decide whether you already own it or need to source it separately.
This check also helps when comparing two bundles with similar names. One may suit an angler starting fresh, while another may suit someone who already owns a module or display.
How should you plan the installation?
Plan where each component will sit and measure the cable routes before you buy. A compatible set of parts still needs to fit your boat and mounting plan.
- Identify your display model and confirm compatibility.
- Check whether you already own the correct ActiveTarget 2 module.
- Decide where the transducer and module will be mounted.
- Measure the cable routes to the display and power source.
- Confirm the bundle includes the cables and mounting hardware those routes require.
- Follow the component manuals for mounting, wiring and setup.
Your mounting plan affects cable length and where connections need to reach. Leave access to the module and connections so you can inspect them later.
If you're learning how live sonar differs from traditional sonar, What Is Forward Facing Sonar? A Quick Answer explains the basic idea.
For another live sonar system, see How Does PingLive Sonar Work?.
How do the listed fish finders compare with ActiveTarget 2?
These three fish finders are different alternatives for sonar needs, not replacement parts for an ActiveTarget 2 system. Choose one only if its own sonar features and intended use fit your fishing setup.
The SplitShot Skimmer is described as fitting Lowrance HOOK² 5, 7, 9 and 12 in fish finder models. It offers DownScan and CHIRP sonar views, so it may suit someone looking for those views on a compatible HOOK² unit.
The Garmin Striker 4 includes a fish finder, power/data cable, mount and transducer. It has CHIRP sonar, a waypoint map and a built-in flasher, giving it a distinct role from adding ActiveTarget 2 to a compatible display.
The Deeper Start pairs with a mobile device through the Fish Deeper app and generates its own Wi-Fi. Its portable format is aimed at recreational fishing from shore, a dock, bank or kayak rather than outfitting an ActiveTarget 2 boat system.
How can you avoid buying the wrong bundle?
Avoid a mismatch by writing down the parts you own and checking every bundle component against that list. This is especially useful when deciding whether a module, power cable or network cable must be bought separately.
Keep a simple inventory:
- Display model and compatibility
- ActiveTarget 2 module, if owned
- Transducer, if owned
- Power cable and its length
- Network cable and its length
- Mounting hardware for your planned installation
If a component isn't named in the bundle contents, don't count on it being included. Ask the seller to clarify any unclear item before ordering, especially when two versions have similar names.
Which Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 bundle should you choose?
Choose a complete system if you need the core components and want them packaged together. Choose transducer only if you already have the matching module and compatible display, and you've confirmed the cables and mounts you need.
For an ActiveTarget 2 XL bundle, make the decision from its included-parts list rather than the XL label. Match the module, transducer and connections to your current equipment before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Does an ActiveTarget 2 transducer-only bundle include the module?
A transducer-only bundle generally describes the transducer as the included part, so don't assume it comes with an ActiveTarget 2 module. Check the exact bundle contents, then confirm you have a compatible module, display, power connection and network cable for your setup.
What does the ActiveTarget 2 module do?
The module connects the ActiveTarget 2 transducer to a compatible display as part of the live sonar system. Before buying a transducer-only bundle, confirm you already have the matching module and the connections your display and boat installation require.
Do I need a separate power cable for ActiveTarget 2?
You need a suitable power connection for the system, but whether a separate power cable is required depends on the bundle and the equipment you already own. Check the included cables and connection requirements for your specific module and display before ordering.
Is the ActiveTarget 2 XL bundle the same as a transducer-only bundle?
Bundle names can describe different combinations of components, so don't use “XL” alone to infer what's included. Check whether the specific ActiveTarget 2 XL bundle contains the module, transducer and cables, then compare that list with the parts already on your boat.
Can a SplitShot transducer replace an ActiveTarget 2 transducer?
No. The Lowrance SplitShot Skimmer is described for HOOK² fish finders and provides DownScan and CHIRP views; that does not make it an ActiveTarget 2 transducer.
Match the transducer to the sonar system and display you plan to use.
