Flasher Questions

I knew if I started a topic like this it would get people to dig out their ice fishing gear and test it and apparently it did based on the questions I have been getting.  Despite being sponsored by Humminbird I have run just about every flasher out there and tested them all so I will do my best to answer any questions and the best part is you are going to get the honest answer here!  So lets get right into the questions.

Erik from Elk River, MN bought his first flasher in March (congrats) and getting it out to use if for the first time.  He bought a MarCum LX-5 and can't get his SFL or Super Fine Line to work.  He says it goes on all the time while in zoom but never any other time.

SFL or Super Fine Line in a MarCum LX-5 is designed to improve target separation without the need to use the Zoom mode. SFL should always be illuminated while using the Zoom but should also be able to be selected at any time while using the unit while not in Zoom.  If the only time you get the SFL button illuminated is when you are in zoom your unit is not working property and will need to go in for service if you want to use the SFL feature.  If the turn around time on your unit is going to be long I would wait until after the season as the feature is not necessary for the unit to function properly

The next question came from Chad in Minneapolis, MN and he is wondering if his Vexilar is working correctly.  He says when he turns his gain to zero he is still getting a bottom reading while testing the unit on the floor. 

Not knowing which Vexilar unit Chad is running this can be tough to answer but I believe all Vexilar units work the same in regards to this.  I do not believe you are able to adjust the Gain low enough on a Vexilar unit to get a zero bottom.  Essentially you can not turn the unit "down" enough to eliminate the bottom.  Both MarCum and Humminbird units are able to zero the bottom by turning the Gain to zero, this is the reason you do not need a low power mode with a Humminbird or MarCum units.  My guess is your Vexilar is working fine, that is just one of the draw backs of that unit.

Great questions, keep them coming.  Anyone else that has a question feel free to send them in to Steil@meltel.net  I can't answer every question on the Blog but I do try to answer every email I get.