The Standard Horizon FF525 black box sounder adds high-power dual-frequency fish finder capability to a long list of Standard Horizon multifunction displays, including the CP- and CPV-series, neither of which is equipped with their own internal sonar.
We used a large-screen Standard Horizon CP1000C chartplotter display and a Standard Horizon DST528 transducer for our testing.
Standard Horizon FF525 Black Box Sounder
According to a list in the FF525 manual, optional transducers include five 600-watt units and one other 1000-watt transducer. Our test transducer sits at the top of the lineup for recreational 1000 watts transducers.
The maximum power outout of the FF525 has been upgraded to 600- or 1000-watts RMS of output power. Optimal power output is automatically selected depending on the transducer.
Shop for this Standard Horizon black box sounder here.
The FF525 black box measures 7.7-inches by 6.5-inches with a height of 2-inches.
The FF525 operates on either 12- or 24-volt DC electrical systems and typically draws less than 1.5 amps at the 1000-watt setting and around 1-amp at 600-watts.
Typical maximum depth readings with a 1K transducer are approximately 1000 feet at 200 kHz and nearly 3000 feet at 50 kHz. During our testing in the Bahamas we locked onto the bottom at depths in excess of 2000 feet. When used with a 600-watt transducer expect typical maximum depth reading to be about 600 feet at 200 kHz and 1300 feet at 50 kHz.
One big upgrade Standard Horizon made constructing the FF525 was to increase the level of waterproofing significantly over the earlier splash-proof FF520.
The FF525 was coupled to a Standard Horizon CP1000C for this dual frequency screen shot. We found very good results could be achieved using the automatic gain and depth settings. Both sides of the screen have depth markings and the A-scope display. Overall on-the-water performance of the FF525 was good.
According to Marine Division Product Manager, Scott Iverson, the new box is waterproofed to JIS7 standards meaning it will survive going underwater to a depth of one meter for 30 minutes.
We reviewed the FF525 using the full screen sounder display with A-scope in both single frequency and dual frequency modes. Data boxes at the top of the screen use a small section of vertical screen space.
This sounder has zoom, bottom lock, and shift capabilities, basically all the same sophisticated features you expect in a high dollar standalone fish finder.
This box was tested over several weeks while traveling and fishing in the Bahamas.
I did not run it over the three target test range I normally use for sounder reviews due to logistical issues.
Performance ratings over our extended test in everything from water barely deep enough to float the boat all the way out to depths well over 1000 feet were rated good.
Standard Horizon FF525 Specifications
| Maximum Power (Watts RMS) | 600 / 1000 |
| Frequency (kHz) | 50 / 200 |
| Transducer Used for Test | SH DST528 |
| Auto Depth Ranging | Yes |
| Manual Depth Ranging | Yes |
| Gain | Auto(2) / Manual |
| Zoom | 2x, 4x |
| Bottom Lock | Yes |
| A-Scope | Yes |
| Shift | Yes |
| Waterproof | JIS7 |
| Warranty Period (Years) | 3 |
This Standard Horizon black box sounder has a very long 3-year warranty.