My unit plugged in and I always unplugged before plugging in to dock electric. So that was not the cause for me. I also shut motor off before unplugging. I’m aware that disconnect or break is greater than the make so I did take that into consideration. In any case you would think/hope manufacturer tech when replacing would have mentioned if it could cause damage.
Last year a storm cause the dock to raise up and destroy my motor so replaced with a Blue tooth model which until sold boat worked great. I think the problem they were having made them decide to go to blue tooth. With new model you also had option to control a lot of unit features with your phone.
Good luck
I believe the motor match and power drain of motor likely cause surges that would ruin the head unit. Anyway last year a storm cause the dock to raise up and destroy my motor so replaced with a Blue tooth model which until sold boat worked great. I think the problem they were having made them decide to go to blue tooth. With new model you also had option to control a lot of unit features with your phone.
Good luck
I actually went through 3 heads they would work great for a while then the range would fall to about 8 feet. I believe the motor match and power drain of motor likely cause surges that would ruin the head unit. Anyway last year a storm cause the dock to raise up and destroy my motor so replaced with a Blue tooth model which until sold boat worked great. I think the problem they were having made them decide to go to blue tooth. With new model you also had option to control a lot of unit features with your phone.
Good luck
Hi B-Man
It was a beautiful day and wind was under 4 MPH, as a courtesy I ran the 7 colors out at 2.2 MPH test.
Here’s a link to the video.
http://www.webeggheads.com/Videos/7Colors-2-2/7colors.MP4
Again thank you for your interest, and have a Great Day Fishing.
Hi B-Man
Your question is fair. The fault is on me and here’s the reason. When Sink Lost Factor is not activated you will see you have the option to enter speed and depth and get the needed colors out to obtain that depth. You also have the option to enter colors out and get depth. However the desire depth entry feature will start losing its accuracy at most trolling speeds when colors out exceeds 3.9. I wanted to have that depth entry as a feature so I could quickly get a very close idea on how many colors to let out. However incorporating the effects of the line starting to flatten is not linear and had to be done for every .1 of a mph. This was very time consuming and required hours and hours of programming. To apply this effect on both Depth entry and color entries and match them up would have taken weeks and I really didn’t need that.
So I had the app turn off the depth entry feature when seeking extended color accuracy. I see now it can be confusing. I’ll have to come up with a note or pop up for the next upgrade. For now I’ll make a stronger mention of it on the Google description.
You can see now why I asked you to email me, explanations can be long. There are other questions you may have if so please email me and I will try to respond quickly.
Hi B-Man
Thank You for showing interest.
More than happy to discuss via ([email protected]) email.
Forums have asked that I do not promote App.
But for now please activate Sink lost factor when exceeding 3.9 colors which with #18 should show 43.5. feet depth.
Other factors like Lead Core brand /type and even age if several years old.
Reason for included compensator
Consider too if you were trolling at just .3 mph faster the depth would have been via App 37.2’
Go to http://webeggheads.com and see an actual test performed twice.
Look forward to your email.
Hi Terry
Thanks for your interest
Please email me at [email protected] and I will respond to your questions – I’ve been asked by forums not to discuss App.
Thanks
Mark
Update.
I’ve been in contact with a tech at Minnkota. He said that if there isn’t some kind of power loss between my batteries and my motor then my ipilot needs replacement.
Big shocker.
Well my voltage from my batteries is 38.4v and it’s the exact same at the motor receptacle.
I feel like I’m officially part of the club.
Yea – I just love it when something fails it’s got to be the buyer’s equipment’s fault especially when I paid professionals to install the whole thing for me. I’ll try not to take a complete sour note on the whole thing, because when it was working it was great. Now I have to walk forward and get within 7 feet of the motor for it to work at all. Maybe I’ll try to install an antenna on it to get some more distance. The thing is it’s likely to stop working all together in the future. Good luck Guys.
Update.
I’ve been in contact with a tech at Minnkota. He said that if there isn’t some kind of power loss between my batteries and my motor then my ipilot needs replacement.
Big shocker.
Well my voltage from my batteries is 38.4v and it’s the exact same at the motor receptacle.
I feel like I’m officially part of the club.
Yea – I just love it when something fails it’s got to be the buyer’s equipment’s fault especially when I paid professionals to install the whole thing for me. I’ll try not to take a complete sour note on the whole thing, because when it was working it was great. Now I have to walk forward and get within 7 feet of the motor for it to work at all. Maybe I’ll try to install an antenna on it to get some more distance. The thing is it’s likely to stop working all together in the future. Good luck Guys.
FYI… I just sent in a troubleshooting request to MK. I was polite hoping I can get a valuable response.
I’m curious what they have to say.
FYI… I just sent in a troubleshooting request to MK. I was polite hoping I can get a valuable response.
I’m curious what they have to say.
Would be nice if they could help. To bad they don’t repair for a reasonable price. Also maybe studying the bad units could determine why they failed.
I am not gonna take the time to read back through all these posts but did you ever try resetting it and going through set up again? I am referring to the process that matches the remote to the head.
I was running a friends Terrova without Link last weekend, he had the plain remote without the colored screen. I too had problems getting the remote to command the motor when people stood in my way.
I have the link with the color LCD remote and have never had problems.
Yes at least 6 times but thanks for suggesting.
Yes at least 6 times but thanks for suggesting.
Same here I been dealing with it from time of purchase. I figured after the first receiver head replacement all would be find. However like I said two more replacement heads and the problem just kept returning. Bad enough all that downtime and replacement involvement, but being one of the few that has a costly system that doesn’t work with no real repair option, well that just eats at me every time I use it now. Receiver units are $249 a pop so if you’ve never replaced yours it might be an option. If it were to fix your system it would be worth it. In my case after three I give up, I just hope that Minn Kota isn’t aware there’s a problem out there, but has ignored it because it only affects a low percentage of owners.
I search every now and then to see if others have report same issues and I’m starting to see reports of the problem. However I’ve not yet seen if and how similar complaints have been resolved. I’m always hoping the cause is found and Minn Kota comes out with perhaps a go between plug filter or something that will fix it even if it means purchasing another receiver is required.
Good Luck to both of us!
If I ever find anything I’ll try to remember to post back here.
I know this is an old post – but I wanted to comment for those with iPilot problems in the future.
I have a Terrova 24 volt system and have gone through 3 iPilot heads over a 2 year period.
When I first installed the receiver head onto the Terrova it had a range of over 500 feet each time and would work fine for weeks or even several months. Then seemingly for no reason the range would decrease to under 15 feet and any farther than that it would not respond at all or response erratically. My wiring is the proper size and the battery in the remote is not the problem. I know this because when I would received the new replacement head units and they would work fine with the same remote and battery. I also had new power series 12 volt batteries. I have to believe it has to be something wrong with the Terrova unit that causes failure.
The last time in the middle of fishing season Minn Kota wanted me to ship the whole motor to them at my expense. I refused because it was in the middle of fishing season and I knew it was highly unlikely they would fine the problem because the unit never fails right away. They would likely have it for weeks and just replace the iPilot head again and send it back. I still use the iPilot, but it’s a pain in the a**. I have a foot pedal unit should it become unusable
My point is I believe there are some motor that just don’t match up properly with the iPilot receiver and that depending on how bad the match problem is, the ipilot receiver may last only weeks or months. It’s a shame if you get stuck with a bad pairing because it’s an excellent system when it works. However in some cases I believe it will be nearly impossible to establish a fix before your warrantee runs out.
I just hope enough people make it known to Minn Kota so as to adjust for possible issues in the future.
Me maybe I’ll sell my unit with foot pedal and buy replacement in future. However now in retirement and those kind of bucks don’t come easy.
No problem Mike.
If you have an Android phone, I created an App called Lead Core Depth Calculator that’s on Google Play, you can check out if you like. I hesitate putting the link on threads anymore because some think I’m spamming, but actually it’s my proud creation and I believe some may find it helpful.
In any case Good Luck with your fishing.
Hey, looked around but couldn’t find the answer…question is “do spinnerbaits pulled on leadcore have a different dive curve because of their higher resistance?? Also, do these need to be pulled at a slower speed than cranks on leadcore??” Thanks in advance for sharing any wisdom here…
I would say no, think only the weight of the lure would be a factor with spinnerbaits.
I’ve done testing with Phoebe’s which have a lot of action, but did not add to the dive as a result of action.
Thanks for all the tips guys!
I will post back when I have a chance to give this lead core a try…. hopefully soon!
Well it’s been a couple of years since you posted how did you do with your lead core fishing. It’s practically all that I’ve used for 20+ years now.
Love it because I can fish and relax at the same time.
Ha ha
Because I have version 13 and with an additional coupon I can get at 41 and change. However it is still a bit too much as far as I’m concerned so I’ll probably wait until the next upgrade. It has come a long way since the first version but I forget what that was. I believe if you search for additional coupons you may find one to get an additional 17% off.
I got an old version of Cyberlink with my laptop. It was ok, but I still use GoPro studio. However, I will be upgrading because the reviews of the new Cyberlink are all good. It seems to be the best for home use.
I currently Have Ver. 13 and they came out with 14. I like the software use it often, but I think they charge to much for the upgrades. I’ll wait for 15 before upgrading again. (I think unless I find a good coupon)
Mark or Pug – Why would I need an editor / converter ?
Is there an advantage to resize a video?
What would I edit?I know the videos aren’t real great quality but would something like that make them better?
It’s not that you need one so much as you might be able to make good use of one.
If you took video in HD 2048 X 1536 reducing to a lower HD 960 X 720, and reducing the audio quality will result in much smaller size, and still be a good viewing quality. Higher resolutions are needed more for full screen display and reduced sound quality seldom is a factor if the video is the primary attraction.
An Editor will likely improve a video by allowing you to zoom in on areas you want to be highlighted, and cutting out any redundant parts that may lose viewers interest (and more). If you cut out an unneeded 33% you reduce the size by same and reduce the necessary viewing time. Most editors today will offer an output in line with the display device, reducing it to the desired size and cutting uploading time.
If your video is exactly the way you want it to be, then nothing is gained except upload time, which would not compensate for editing time. After uploading YouTube, and Facebook reduce the video anyway.
Note many video editor today come with a host of useful software tools AVS4YOU does.
If it’s rare you upload, or take videos you likely have no need for any editing software.
I have a web site dedicated to family videos so I use an editors a lot. Comes in handy to take out things that are better left out too. I use a converter to make use of flash format which can bring down a 25 minute video do 100 meg and is compatible with most PC’s when in an SWF format. It’s also not blocked easily.
If you plan on doing a fair amount of short videos consider a good video editor / converter which will let you resize your video. I use Cyberlink PowerDirector and AVS4YOU they are both easy to use. Cyberlink will upload to various online accounts like YouTube and Facebook at different video resolutions. AVS4You does a good job if you don’t need to do special effects and I believe still offers lifetime upgrades. I believe both offer free trail version so you can try before you buy. If you do buy search first for discount coupon.
Hi riverrat56
Actually I have read this, and many other posting on lead core over the years, as I’m sure others have. I stated that 15 years I’ve been using lead core, but it’s actually over 30. I can’t speak for others, but when I did search forums for lead core information it’s was almost always to get a better handle on how to determine what depth my lure was at. So now I’m retired and years later I found myself still looking for a better way to determine the depth of my lure using lead core, and it was obvious others were too.
Anyway a year ago I decided to do something about it because I love to fish, and I fish with lead core almost always. I wasn’t always a programmer, but I developed the skill working for a high precision company. So a year ago after retiring I put my skill to work for myself. This is my first Android App, I pick android only because my phone is android. I did it for me, with no intention at the time to post it. I’m pretty proud of how it turned out, the same way most of us are when we catch that monster. So yea guess I’m showing it off, and yes I think it’s a good accomplishment. So why not share it and maybe recover a little bit of what it cost to develop too. Also it’s pretty rewarding when someone is willing to purchase something you created even at $.99, and even more so if they use it often.
Do I expect to get rich, make a lot of money, I think not, it costs $25 dollars to post Apps on Google Play, and they get 30% of what you charge. When you Include the development cost it’s a lot like fishing . If I were to determine what each fish I caught cost me I’m sure it would be interesting.
I can see where my post might be received as a self serving , and it is , but certainly not in a bad way.
Had someone else made the same post several years ago, for me that would have been good reading. It’s actually the type of info I look for on forums. Sorry if I offended anyone, but I actually figured it might be of interest.
In any case Nice Catch – Have A Great Day
I’ve been fishing Lead core for at least 15 years and fine it fun and very relaxing. I call it easy fishing which is what I like. I’m able to fish and take in everything around me at the same time.
I fish Sufix Performance I find it to be a good quality at a reasonable price. The 832 is too pricey for me, but I do hear good and bad things about it and may try it someday . That’s not to say other brands aren’t just as good. I fish a lake with a depth of 90 feet or less and haven’t needed more than 7.5 colors to reach may targets. I do put about 50 feet of backing on just in case I need to have a little more running distance, but never have yet. Leader never exceeds 25′ so it’s a very small factor in depth. Unless you exceed an ounce in lure weight that’s not a big factor either. Speed and colors out make a big difference. So I do adjust colors out especially for the change in speed when going with and against the wind, or trying to determine the best hits speed. Like most lead core user I’ve read many posts on discussion of lead core and still do. I’ve been returning and re-reading a lot then and adding my 2 cents here and there
Some may fine this as useful as I do.
Lead Core Depth Calculator
https://play.google.com/store/search?q=fishing%20lead%20core&c=apps
Have a Great Day Fishing
These day I only fish with Lead core, I find trolling very relaxing.
I fish for trout, and bass using lead core, and indeed need to adjust with change in speed. Especially the difference trolling with and against the wind.
Some may fine this as useful as I have.
Lead Core Depth Calculator
https://play.google.com/store/search?q=fishing%20lead%20core&c=apps
I fished lead core for years good charts are hard to fine.
Some may find this helpful.
Lead Core Depth Calculator
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=trolling.leadcore.depth&hl=en
Hey Al
Just wanted to get back to you and let you know I gave some thought to the questions you posed concerning the Lead core Depth Cal App. You asked (If I run 12 lb Suffix Advanced Lead Core 820. Your app is set for 18 or 37 lb lead core. How would your app help me).
As you likely know I’ve been adding New features to the App which should have Auto updated on you device. In any case I gave a lot of thought to your question, and basically knew it would be too costly and time consuming to test every brand and test weight, so I added a feature called Brand Compensator.
The App description describes how it works, but not in the detail the next update will include.
Here how it works.
If you determined your Lead Core Brand has a different sink rate per color. You can compensate by selecting the difference in feet per color from minus 1.5 feet to plus 3.25 feet. Here’s what to do. If you know the actual depth at any given Colors Out / Speed just enter the speed, and your Number of Colors Out into the App, and get the App’s Current Depth. Take the difference in depth of the two, and divide by the numbers of Colors out to get the average per color. You now have the difference of depth per color. If your line went deeper you Select the closest plus number of your average in feet. If less than the minus amount closest.
I use Sufix Performance (It’s a lot cheaper), but if your using the Sufix Advance it’s going to have 1.5 to 2 feet more sink per color so you would compensate plus 1.5 or 2.0 or maybe more. The speed and lure weight affect should be similar or an extremely small difference..
Technique of bottom bouncing/hooking likely can establish a close number to work with.
The Compensator could be used for very heavy non diving lures as well.
Thanks for the question, it’s a fun project still to be improved and fine tuned.
Have A Great Day.
Hi Chuck
When I can’t fish I always like talking fishing so I welcome your comments.
Most of what you expressed is why I created my APP, and you present an excellent question, and made some very good points. So some info, all my depths readings were based on colors out, meaning the start of the next color was touching the very surface of the water. To your point 15′ of lead core depending on speed could change total depth 1 to 4 feet. My biggest challenge was speed control. I use a Minn Kota Terrova with I-Pilot (Love the combo) in conjunction with my engine at idle speeds. Basically I turn on the trolling motor combo to steer and hold a straight line while I play the catch. I do this because if I used the trolling motor as the sole driving source the best I can get is one or two outings and then two 27 group batteries need charging. This involved unhooking, a wagon, hand carrying up 14 steep stairs, loading batteries and cart, and setting up charging at home. By using in conjunction with engine I get 6 to 7 outings . At my age I don’t look forward to the recharging process. My trolling process didn’t offer the same constant speed control the trolling motor and I-Pilot are capable of, and as you stated a few tenth mph makes a difference. Even though I feel my speed control was good, it could have been better. Next year I will have access to power at my boat slip and charging batteries will be a breeze. I will fully utilize the trolling motor for better constant speed control and will double the amount of testing . For me it’s a fun project, so if necessary I’ll tweak my App until I’m satisfied. As to slight direction changes, or split seconds change in speed I’ve noted and read that lead core isn’t quick to respond so the effect I believe is very small. However I believe it’s important to hold as straight a line as possible and when making a turn even when it’s wide the effect is substantial. How I deal with turns depends on the targeted area. Mid lake depth I make a wide turn and let the line raise and lower with no danger of bottoming this sometimes can produce a hit. If I’m near lake bottom depth I increase speed until the turn is completed, and line is running straight again. In both cases if I see surface floating weed I bring lines in to insure lures are clean. The slow circling lead core has a gathering effect which I’m sure most have noted. Also for slight changes in speed I just added the GPS feature to my App to average it out which should minimize that even more. Even after taking all this into account as you mentioned there are lots of variables so 100% accuracy is unlikely. However there’s are positive aspects that makes my App a good tool for me. First I have a better assessment of feet per color, and when changing speed for control or better hits I don’t need a chart, or have to be a math wiz to assess lure depth quickly. For me I usually want to be 1 to 4 feet above the fish I’m targeting, so with that range in mind the App tool has a very good chance to be within that range. It’s still a work in process and as one individual pointed out, you should consider it as having possibility until more people have tried it, and that statement sum it up very well.
Enjoyed conversation.
FYI
I run with the Sufix Performance, and your right speed makes a huge difference.
Because I needed to have an accurate assessment of depth vs speed I created an App call Lead Core Depth Cal. If you search you can check it out on Google play. I even recently added auto speed color depth display, but haven’t tried it on the water yet. It’s true Sufix 832 sinks deeper, but I’ve heard good and bad things about the quality, and it costs more. Anyway anyone using the Sufix Performance may find the App very useful. Note only Android compatible not Apple devices. Fished Lead Core for years, but finally feel I’m getting a good handle on it. This year I will test for flat line effect, and using crank bait. Let you know what I find late spring 2016.
Enjoy your fishing!
Great that’s what should happen. Like you I’m still patiently waiting for spring again. When it does arrive I plan on doing another 70 to 100 checks at extreme slow and fast speeds and will be looking to see if there is a flat line effect.After which I’ll make any adjustments if needed. Because I actually use it my goal is to make it as accurate as possible and improve it in general. If it works out for you be sure to give it a good rating and enjoy. The reward is knowing it was useful. Let’s hope it’s a short winter.
Mark
