I used to be a Marcum “fanboy” Owned LX7, LX5, Showndown DB, Showdown Troller.
Sold them all. LX7 updates were far and few inbetween fixed one problem and created another, LX5 hardlely used as I was “beta” testing the LX7.. But the lx5 went back to Marcum 3 times for the same problem. They gave me a new one and I sold it. The Showdowns were fine though.
Went to Helix G2 and absolutely LOVE it
BB
Rob
They make an 800ma outdoor unit. I have been using on my 2013 Can-Am Commander and have been using the same battery since 2013. I plug it in year-round.
tangler you and your dad and I think alot alike. I would rather save up to buy it once then to give into instant gratification and end up buying something cheaper and not as good.
I keep an envelope and I throw a 20 in it here and there and it is surprising how it adds up. I know too many people who cant discipline their spending. They are buried in debt and paying those finance charges really adds up. Making it hard to get out from under that debt. It ends up controlling you
Someone once said do you control your toys or do your toys control you?
I buy good stuff when I can with cash. I do not carry a credit card balance. If I cant afford it I wait till I can.
I think it is more the norm now then ever. Student loan debt is at an all time high. Our national debt is ever increasing and the finance charges are a huge burden.
I own everything 0 debt and it is liberating!!
Good Luck
BB
A wise person once told me if you can afford to buy it twice go for the cheaper option.
I buy quality and pay for it once. I dont like buying things twice or more.
BB
I sell larger generators for living for my hard earned money it would only be a Honda or Yamaha. As someone mentioned they produce the cleanest power so you are less likely to damage what your trying to power.
Most people think the electricity coming out of a generator is all the same.It is not. I would not plug in anything I own into anything other than a Honda or Yamaha.
I have been there to and have used automotive ant seize it works great and does not cost alot
If you’re planning on using a bobber, any stick will do. If you don’t want to use a bobber, you’re a bit more limited. The point of a dead stick without a bobber is for the fish to eat withouth feeling the rod. You mentioned that you have other TUCR rods. The Bullwhip actually makes a great deadstick. Super light tip and tons of backbone.
Dan
I will have a clicker style reel and intend not to use a bobber
I purchased the complete kit Helix 5 Gen 2 chirp with the shuttle and transducer. Put it together this week end and seems like a good kit.
I dont much care for the float/transducer. If it works well I will put a Marcum like arm on it.
I am really looking forward to using it this season. As long as the interference rejection works as well as I have heard it should be great.
BB
CJ
There is an Ethernet hub. But before you spend the money double check with Humminbird. I did not view the above attachment regarding compatibility.
I have a 898 and 788 with the Minnkota Terrova I pilot all networked so they talk to each other through the hub. Think of the hub as a connection point where all the cables come together an allow all the graphs and trolling motor to speak to each other and share information. I can share way points btw graphs, all can view from one transducer or individual transducer. There is also a separate networking cable for the 788 that you will need.
If you decided to pick up the hub. I would suggest wiring a switch to it so that you can disconnect power when not in use. It will put a light drain on the battery.
I would contact Humminbird customer service. They are fantastic. When I bought my stuff they were very helpful and I had no surprises when connecting everything together. And Im not the most handy guy when it comes to this stuff.
Your situation is a little different in that you are connecting different generations of electronics together. So please double check with Humminbird before you spend your money.
Below are links to the hub and the thernet cable adapter you will need.
https://www.humminbird.com/Products/AS-ETH-5PXG/
https://www.humminbird.com/Products/AS-EC-QDE/
Again I think it may work but please double check with Humminbird tech support
Bob
I had the exact same thing, transducer got stuck in the cup and then the bottom was soft and could scrape bits off. I didn’t really see a performance change with the unit, still good, but I bought another transducer as a spare, plus got one of these:
I am going to buy one of those!! My LX5 had the same issue. Cost me $80.00 to replace the transducer and have it looked over by Marcum. I had the same softening of the bottom.
I use the Rapala picks. I like the Frabill’s but I find that unless you have the Frabill Jacket that has the holders for the picks they fly all over and then get tangled.
The Rapala picks join together and it is one coiled line. No tangles. My guess is when I have to use them It will be a panic and untangling them is the last thing I want have to think about. I keep a pair in my side by side one for me and one for who ever fishes with me.
I know your looking for quads but I have had a 2013 Can Am Commander since 2014.
I could not be happier. Starts at minus 22 degrees F. Been on some serious trail rides were many others were breaking equipment. Never left me stranded great power and fuel economy. No repairs except regular maintenance.
My only complaint is it is difficult to service when you have to. Good Luck
Bob
until manufactures provide info on how they derive their target separation spec’s, they don’t mean squat and cannot be used as a basis of comparison between dissimilar units. There are so many factors that impact target separation and a unit’s ability to actually display the separation…
X2
There are no standards out there for specs that I am aware of. One mfg states on spec the other states another. My experience using numerous sonars is I personally never felt that any one particular sonar was any better than the other . (or that it mattered much) .I have used and still own all the following except the LX7 and Vex FL8. LX7, LX5, Showdown 5.6 Dual Beam, Show Down Ice troller 2, and Hummingbird 788ci. I actually use the SD 5.6 DB more than any of them. I think it is one of the most underrated ice sonars on the market. I dont miss the LX7 (slow firmware updates and execution of the release reasons for selling it) The vex was sold to upgrade to the LX5. I was trying to get satisfied with the LX7 and only used it for 5 years and decided to sell it. Tried the LX5 again only to have to replace the motor. I rarely used it. Still dont use it after fixing it. Had to have the seals replaced in the Showdown 5.6 due to fogging display. Next season I intend to give the HB Helix gen 2 a trial
PS Marcum states the Showdown 5.6 Dual Beam has 1/2″ target separation but that is not why I like it. Nice to know but I think too much is made of it.
Bob
I’ve been to stores where they have augers on display and sometimes they won’t have a cover over the blades.
The biggest factor that I did not see discussed is the difference between the Gen 1 (G1) and the Gen 2 (G2) units. I had previously used a G1 587 and recently tried my dad’s G1 Helix 5, both of which operated “gen 1” ice software, which is what I have seen in the screenshots in this thread. These units were “usable” on the ice, but struggled with return delay and interference that took a lot of work to remedy using the noise reduction setting.
I bought a Helix 7 G2N for my boat bow this winter and rigged it up for ice. The difference between the G1 units and the G2 units with their updated processor power/software/CHIRP Iceducer is like comparing a model T to a Ferrari. The G2 unit also has very clear CHIRP IR settings that eliminates interference completely. I was dubious at first but thought hey, it is a good boat unit and can likely be a usable backup to my FL-20 on the ice. I’ve had it on the ice 3 times and the Vex is now a firm backup unit going forward. It is essentially comparable in performance to the Marcum LX units, but with mapping capability. Seriously impressed.
Bioguy has nailed it. The G2 Helix will provide improved interference rejection and longer battery life. I am seriously considering this option myself. I had a conversion with a woman in tech support who was fantastic to work with.
I think using one piece of electronics for ice and open water is very beneficial. If you use the GPS version all your way points in one unit.I can also add that from past experience with my other Humminbird products firmware up dates happen quickly. If you ever have a question they answer the phone and provide good information.
Please note that if you intend to network with another humminbird graph or Terrova Ulterra trolling motor you will want the network version or N model
Take it to D Rock in New Brighton Tell them the issue. They will do a tune and it runs better than new. I use Tru Fuel 40:1 or 50:1 It is a premix fuel LOVE IT
Use to use Amsoil with Non Ox fuel and it was OK.
Now the other thing I do during the off season every time I get done mowing the lawn. I grab a beer and run the auger for a few minutes.
Bob
I think Joes has them or at least a few years ago. They did not have the Impact when I was buying but was able to figure my size from trying another pair similar.
I tried to get them to special order but the wait was long so ended up buying them on line. They are sized small. I wear a size 11 shoe and ended up buying a size 14 Baffin Boot
Love my Baffins Impacts. Yes they are big but warm and dry
Joef421
I have read that with the gen 2 chirp technology Humminbird has addressed the interference issues when used in close proximity to other sonars such as a Vexilar or Marcum. Have you had much experience when fishing close to others using a Vexilar or Marcum?? If so any interference issues for you or the guys using the Vex and Marcum?
Thank you
Bob
Dog done!!
I really want give it a try. Lets hope this year it freezes over.
Xplorer thanks for the pic
FF
I was told by a Striker Rep that the Climate is the warmest. The Bibs have a removable liner for extra warmth so does the jacket. The nice thing about Striker products is it is easy to adjust the inseam length. BUT when doing this with the Climate bibs the liner does not “hem” up nicely. I just took the liner out and it is better and plenty warm. If I had to do it all over I would go Hard water bibs and then Climate jacket. I heard on this forum that the codura is heaver on the hardwater. Also please note the sizes run a little small. 2XL = 1XL
This coming from a cold sensitive guy. Previous to this I used a SnoSuit that I also liked but was starting to wear.
I did what Biggill did awhile back at his recommendation. Bought a used Garmin Colorado on Craigslist and the Garmin lake software for the midwest great detail in the maps. Very Lakemaster like. However I find myself using my Humminbird 788ci on my SxS with the Lakemaster chip on a Ram Mount 100% of the time.
Bob
http://www.outdoorcanada.ca/Why-you-should-always-always-ALWAYS-release-big-fish
Congrats on the fish!!
KP great article !
Bob
Good info guys.
I will have it at the cabin full time so weight really doesn’t play a factor, but heating it does. On a very cold day will a big buddy or sunflower keep a Resort toasty?The Resort is big enough to use a spare garage.
Brady – I like the Frabil cover tip.
Nick – Maiden Voyage, catch any fish??
I would think a Big Buddy would have no problem heating a Resort. I tried one in my Lodge and it is too much heat I actually steeped down to the standard Buddy for my Lodge and run in on low most of the time.
Bob
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>nhamm wrote:</div>
I bought the black and Decker charger from home Depot. Battery tenders was just too much for a stupid charger, think mine was $20.Battery tender jr is only a few dollars more… $20-$25 all over the internet.
I use the Jr. for charging my vex and gps batteries and it’s been awesome for about 5 years now.
X2
It is all I use for any ice sonar charging. They work great. They even make out door versions that I use for cars and trucks I dont drive often to keep the battery in top shape.
So if I understand this correctly during the winter months due to the power plant adding warm water it is best to go up to the red wing dam and fish open water.
The ice fishing else where is hit or miss as the fish migrate to the warmer water near the dam. Unless there are long periods of no power plant activity the dam is the place to be?
Thanks a ton there has been some very interesting discussion on the topic. Initially I was thinking of trying something new by ice fishing Pepin near Lake City.
Again thank you to the time and energy responding to my questions
Bob
Everyone Thank you!!
I had some questions and issues with my Otter 1200XT lodge. If it is the same girl answering the phone that I had she has an attitude that is not right for the position. I went over her head and got to a higher up and that guy was great!
I did not have your problem. My personal experience is the cover is OK for keeping dry fluffy snow off but once it becomes wet forget it it leaks water into the sled. I put a waterproof tarp on top of my cover to keep things dry.
I store mine out side on a trailer with my SxS so it ready to go at a moments notice. I also have a battery tender hooked up to the battery for the Lodge and one hooked up to the SxS. The tarp keeps things dry when the snow falls or when Im trailering down the road.
Previous to the tarp I could not figure whay I had water on the bottom of my sled. Then it dawned on me that the cover lets the wet snow and water through. Maybe your cover is not keeping things dry and thus your hardware is exposed to moisture and salt.
I sometimes start with the troller thinking I will switch to the SD 5.6 or my LX5 or my LX7 when I had it once I get on fish . But I sometimes just keep using the troller it just works and I never feel Im at a disadvantage.
I really wanted my LX7 to work out but one update would fix one issue and make another issue and then no updates for two years and I figured I been “beta testing” long enough. Maybe I will come back to it once I hear enough positives. But these new Helix Gen 2’s look promising. But I will wait to hear more. Not gonna be a “beta tester” any more. Not for how much they get for them.
The troller just works
I think the G2 could be better than a Marcum LX 6,7, and 9 if the interference can be controlled. It sounds like G2 has accomplished this. In addition I have Hummin bird graphs on my boat 788ci and 898 ci. Humminbird does a great job providing firm ware updates. Better than Marcum has in the past with the LX7. I really wanted to like the lX7 but no updates for 2 years I decided to sell it. Wait till they get it figured out. But now the G2 Helix has me thinking
Bob
