View Full Version : Problems with Lowrance LMS and LCX
1shooter
06-05-2009, 10:56 AM
I have been fighting the depth issue with my LCX unit for several months. I have done numerous things to correct this but am still not 100%.
I have done:
*tried hooking up directly to the battery and the fuse buss
*tried 3 different transducers
*have gone from the 2.1 software to the 2.4 then the 2.4.2 and back to the 2.4
*shallow water setting and general
*adjust ping speed
*received new head unit from lowrance that they tested prior to sending me
*the list goes on
I did notice that going from the 2.1 to 2.4 the depth did hold bottom better. I also noticed the 3rd transducer I put on helped as well.
I thought the issue may be the location of the transducer but I loose bottom when I'm drifting or barely moving.
I am getting the feeling from all the posts on this site that this is just the way the unit works unless by chance you are lucky and get a good one.
I am curious of how bad this issue really is so I am posting this poll to see who has or had a depth or gps issue with their LCX or LMS Lowrance unit.
blueicecpa
06-05-2009, 11:04 AM
Software upgrades corrected them. Took a while in 2008, but third try did fix them.
Then GPS pucks replaced. LCG 2000/LCG 3000 finicky with weather and electrical issues.
The Transducers time to replace 2002 in 2008. The crystals can fail with many disasters.
Both the Puck and Transducer may of had poor manufacturing issues.
Happy to report all systems working.
LCX 113 LCX 37 with 3 LCG 4000 pucks & Broadband unit. & Back up I run HB 1197 SI & 997 SI with their best GPS Pucks.
All running on Current Updated Software.
I am waiting 1 year or more before I get an upgrade for an HD unit from Lowrance. I hate being an Alpha or Beta teaster at Retail.
yarcraft91
06-05-2009, 02:26 PM
It all started when I bought a new LMS-334i the year they were introduced and installed it on a Great Lakes boat. Lots of problems with satellite lock, although software updates seemed to make it better and I learned the unit had to sit absolutely straight up to work. Then, I bought an LCX-27 and moved the 334i to an inland lakes boat and found the sonar was useless in shallow weedy water. After some back and forth with Lowrance, they convinced me to send the unit in to exchange for an LMS-527 which had a software fix for the shallow, weedy problem. First 527 arrived with a broken switch, second with a broken screen, third was OK, but at one point I had 3 LMS-527 units in my house. Good news is Lowrance gave me a 3-year extended warranty on the third 527 as a goodwill gesture.
OK- by the time I got the third 527, it was late fall and the software (2.4.2 BETA) seemed to have solved the shallow, weedy problem. This spring, I found that, instead, the 527 will sometimes decide the water depth is between 0.9' and 2', no matter how deep it really is, if I use the Shallow Water mode. Sigh! Lowrance seems to have stopped updating the LMS-527 software, so I'm probably stuck with this "feature". Before anyone wonders if it's a Lowrance tranducer issue, I am using an Airmar P66 transducer on the 527- one I bought new last September. I can plug in a new Lowrance transducer they sent me last fall- I get the same 0.9'-2' behavior from it. I'm sure this is a software issue.
My LCX-27 works like a charm on the Great Lakes boat, except that the Lakemaster Michigan chip in it will not load maps if there is any kind of chip in the other chip tray slot. Complaints to Lakemaster and Lowrance haven't produced any results and it looks like Lowrance has stopped updating software for this new-in-2008 unit.
My LCX-27 works like a charm on the Great Lakes boat, except that the Lakemaster Michigan chip in it will not load maps if there is any kind of chip in the other chip tray slot. Complaints to Lakemaster and Lowrance haven't produced any results and it looks like Lowrance has stopped updating software for this new-in-2008 unit.
Interesting …I got flamed earlier this spring for making the same type of complaint about Lowrance not continuing to support their top of the line units that are only a year or so old. I was unhappy that they no longer wanted to spend time/resources to update the software to address some of the outstanding issues or complaints that my units have.
I have had decent luck with Lowrance products since 1992, but in the recent years, I have had too many problems/issues and seen WAY TOO MANY complaints to believe that quality control at Lowrance has not slipped.
I like Lowrance product but if I needed to replace all of my electronics today, I would be in a real quandary because I just don’t know if I can trust Lowrance product anymore?
Lowrance, are you listening???
Speedy
06-05-2009, 06:29 PM
I purchased my LCX 25C in the spring of 2007, the unit worked fine that summer. September of 2007, they issued a 2.1.0 uprade, the only upgrade for this unit. I put it in the spring of 2008 and kapow, the sonar would freeze up the second I hit a weedline, absolutely could not run a weed line. Thanks to some help from Linda Colt, I received the old software files via email and the unit runs fine now, so far. That is the only issue I have had, but boy I was irritated after what the thing cost. Thank God for Linda Colt.
The first electronics I ever had was a Humminbird Super 60 and I have bought Lowrance ever since, now I'm not so sure. Especially with all the problems that have been discussed on WC, with the new generation Lowrance. Sorry for the over long post.
1shooter
06-06-2009, 04:33 PM
I purchased my LCX 25C in the spring of 2007, the unit worked fine that summer. September of 2007, they issued a 2.1.0 uprade, the only upgrade for this unit. I put it in the spring of 2008 and kapow, the sonar would freeze up the second I hit a weedline, absolutely could not run a weed line. Thanks to some help from Linda Colt, I received the old software files via email and the unit runs fine now, so far. That is the only issue I have had, but boy I was irritated after what the thing cost. Thank God for Linda Colt.
The first electronics I ever had was a Humminbird Super 60 and I have bought Lowrance ever since, now I'm not so sure. Especially with all the problems that have been discussed on WC, with the new generation Lowrance. Sorry for the over long post.
I had a 25c where I had the depth issue but after updating the softwate it worked pretty good. As for those who own the 25 know that unit is pretty heavy and my dash would flex pretty good in rough water. I ended up selling it and getting the 27 as they were alot lighter.
Boy I wish I had that unit back! At least it worked.
Speedy
06-06-2009, 04:47 PM
Isn't that strange, I have a good friend that has the 26CHD and he had the same issue as me. Upgraded the software and it would freeze up in the weeds. He went back to the original software and everything was fine.
1shooter, you are right the 25C is heavy, but I am done buying electronics for awhile, as long as this one keeps working I'm sticking with it. I have an X97 and LMS3200 on the bow and a X87 backup and that is going to be it for now. I just hope the 25 doesn't crap out on me, if it does I guess the 97 and 3200 will go back on the dash and the 87 on the bow, color is nice but I seemed to catch my share before.
1shooter
06-06-2009, 05:39 PM
I'm surprised on the lack of votes. There must be more LMS and LXC owners out there.
Triton HWA
06-06-2009, 07:10 PM
I will say this is probly the last Lowrance products I ever purchase. I too found the internal GPS is basically useless I have 2 of them bought new at the same time. I use one on the front and 1 on the helm. You must set it straight up and down and as per Lowrance. Usless tech support team says tilt no more than 10 degrees, this makes it basically non viewable on the front and only viewable in rear if you are setting in the seat. We stand alot. So I challenged the fact that this is NOT stated anywhere in documentation and if I knew this I would have purchased External units instead, but no help from Lowrance on this issue, They challenged voltage and even stated the units must have a min. 12vdc, I promise you that if this is a true spec for this unit it will never work in real world applications. The low water thing is an issue and I too have been through the upgrades in firmware and they still just kinda work. I looked at the HDS this spring and was told flat out by a very well know trusted source to leave them be. nothing more than the old units in new box and the broadband was a joke in water less than 20 foot. Well I fished with a buddy that owns one and I must say I am glad I saved my money. I think I will add a 4000 puck and put up with the junk for another year and see what Hummer brings out. I am just so very frustrated with lowarance and now they are not putting any effort in fixing their engineering so tells me they are not my future company. Sorry for the long rant but I read post after post and Lowrance needs to get a clue.
B.JAY
06-07-2009, 07:05 PM
I have a lowrance lms 522 and i've had nothing but problems with it. I wish i would have never let my boat dealer talk me into buying it. First off , their not made to put on a windsheild walk-thru boat counsol. They are made for open tillers so you can turn them straight up and on a sunny clear day they "might" work for a couple hrs before they lose position. I got so pissed i went and bought a globalmap 5300c with the puck and haven't had one problem yet. I switched the lms to sonar only and i'm hoping it'll work. I have'nt been out since i made the lms into strictly sonar. But if it gives any problems i'm definitly switching to humminbird. Jmo.
I have the LCX-19 and have had no problems at all from day one.
teamlund
06-08-2009, 10:11 AM
I had a LCX27, needless to say, I now own a humminbird:raisin:
teamlund-
what did you end up doing with your 27? Is it now a $1000 paper weight? Or did lowrance work with you a little?
Im having some problems with mine now too and am not in the mood to spend the $$ on a different unit. I just want the one I have to work!
I hate when stuff doesnt work like its intended to.
1shooter
06-08-2009, 08:21 PM
I feel your pain. I leave for Canada in 2 days with my partially working 27c. They did make a good attempt to fix it prior to my trip by overnighting me (at my cost) a new head unit that was "tested" only to have it still loose bottom.
When I return from my trip I plan to go after them pretty hard to get this resolved. My only concern is that I don't think they know how to fix the problems.
There last suggestion was to check the wiring. Funny thing I have check it and rechecked it. Even tried hooking the power from a fuse bus and directly to the battery.
teamlund
06-08-2009, 10:38 PM
teamlund-
what did you end up doing with your 27? Is it now a $1000 paper weight? Or did lowrance work with you a little?
Im having some problems with mine now too and am not in the mood to spend the $$ on a different unit. I just want the one I have to work!
I hate when stuff doesnt work like its intended to.
I took it back to my boat dealer and they sent it in to lowrance... It is 2 months out of warranty but the dealer is going to get is squeeked in under warranty:devil:...When I get it back and it is working properly I am going to try and sell........or it will be a paper weight if I cant sell:)
eyecatcher01
06-09-2009, 02:02 PM
i have a 110c and 337c...been fighting software update problems that have caused locking up in shallows and distorted resolutions and transducer probs that show false structure and fish,not to mention sometimes the bottom just starts moving upward at about a 30 degree angle yet the true bottom still shows...kinda of like a second echo. similarly i get a like fish mark that turns into a line and does the same thing. basically i am uncertain of what im looking at and not confident in them at all. i have a humminbird 787 at the helm that i use from time to time and have no problems except doesnt pick up bottom above about 20mph. i think it rocks:rock-on:...just wish it was 1197:(
so with my two lowrances im stuck not knowing if i got a ducer prob or software prob or just 2 pieces of junk. seems that everday you see posts about lowrance problems guys are having...while the humminbird owners are yappin it up bout boats, fishing, gear, dogs, the weather...etc...etc.
It is amazing how many people "loose" bottom!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol
1shooter
06-16-2009, 05:33 PM
Just got back after 5 days of fishing in Canada. Fishing was awesome but I can not begin to tell you how frustrating it was to have my $1000 Lowrance unit not working.
I will start my journey with Lowrance tomorrow to get this unit fixed once and for all!
teamlund
06-16-2009, 07:32 PM
Ihavenot gotten my lowrance back from the factory yet... smoth sailin with the hb.:)
Cooter
06-18-2009, 03:19 AM
Last two purchases (H20 & LCX-15MT) from Lowrance were nothing but headaches...Lucky if I could get either to hold a satellite (and bottom on the x-15)....Lost a lot of hours of my life put on hold trying to get someone to help me from lowrance....don't pay to try to get advice via e-mail, they'll just send you an e-mail back telling you to visit their website or call....there reputation has gone down the drain IMO the last few years...I will say some of their units I've heard no problems with but let the voting above speak for itself....buy hummingbird or garmin
guest
06-18-2009, 09:24 AM
I purchased 2 x27's 2 years ago and they've been nothing but headaches. I've gone through 3 transducers and 1 gps antenna. I still have both units but now run a different sonar. Basically one of the 27's rides around as a back up beause I'm sick of losing time on the water because of a malfunction. In addition, in my cabin I have a box w/ spare transducer and repaired gps antenna as back-ups.
So for my $2k investment I have 2 units I have no confidence in. Besides time lost on water, time on phone, time sent in for repairs, time loading new software, and time installing new antennas and ducers - you can imagine how pleased I am with Lowrance.
Bottom line: When you spend that kind of money for what you think is top of line equipment - it should work. Little hiccups I can deal with. The issues I've had and have read about here are totally unacceptable.
I'd like to hear what a rep from Lowrance has to say about all this.
teamlund
06-18-2009, 02:27 PM
I know that some of the big wigs with the boat companies watch web sites like WC and keed an eye out for threads on their products and their competitions threads.... Do you think that Lowrance is seeing some of the poor reports that people are posting? It is only helping out Humminbird and garmin, ect
1shooter
06-18-2009, 02:47 PM
I know that some of the big wigs with the boat companies watch web sites like WC and keed an eye out for threads on their products and their competitions threads.... Do you think that Lowrance is seeing some of the poor reports that people are posting? It is only helping out Humminbird and garmin, ect
If they are watching they don't seem to be doing anything about it. Or at least anything that is helping. Oh....and by the way I am currently on hold on their 800 number.
LUV2FSH
06-19-2009, 08:29 AM
I have a LCX 110 on the bow and a LCX 38 HD on the counsole. As for the 110, Iv'e had it for three yeaqrs and it has always worked without one flaw. (Knock on wood) As for the 38, iv'e had the same issues as others with loosing the bottom. It not only happens in shallow grass areas but above 30 MPH as well. It's also intermittant. Also, when I switch to the 3D map, the screen will freeze and not change unless I power off the Unit. This gets really old. I also get freeze up changing from the Navionics chip to the internal mapping. So far, I havn't even tryed calling Lowrance because I spent a month on the phone with them last winter just trying to get an adapter to hook the 38 up to a Blue Network. The LEI outfit never seems to have anything in stock that I need. I would think that Lowrance would know people shop in the winter to get ready for when the ice is out. Apparently they havn't figured out their peak times of demand. I could go on and on. GRRRRRRRR!
1shooter
06-19-2009, 09:19 AM
The good news is that when I talked to Lowrance yesterday they said this is not a common problem that they are aware of????????????
I also mentioned this site to them and they said that the information posted on any site is not credible and the majority of the problems people experience are user error and not a problem with their product.
Hope I'm not jinxing myself but here goes...I run an LCX-28C in the console and LMS-520C in the bow. I am networked between the two for sonor and GPS and use the 3000 GPS puck. I also use a shoot through hull transducer for the 28C and the 520C transducer is built into the Minkota Maxumm trolling motor. I am running a 620VS. I have never had a sniff of trouble...yet. Good picture at all speeds and in all depths on both finders. Shallow weed covered bottom has not been an issue either. I have not introduced any updates yet (if it isn't broken, don't fix it) at the risk of missing out on improvements Lowrance may have made.
Man, I sure hope I don't have to start dealing with what some of the people on this site have to deal with with these finders because I will replace everything with Bird the minute I do.
Kroe
LUV2FSH
06-19-2009, 03:32 PM
I also mentioned this site to them and they said that the information posted on any site is not credible and the majority of the problems people experience are user error and not a problem with their product.
What's the saying?? Hear no Evil, See no Evil, Speak No Evil. I guess it's easy to keep your head buried in the sand so you can say the problems are not credible.
Yea Right !
06-19-2009, 03:35 PM
The good news is that when I talked to Lowrance yesterday they said this is not a common problem that they are aware of????????????
I also mentioned this site to them and they said that the information posted on any site is not credible and the majority of the problems people experience are user error and not a problem with their product.
Then how do they explain their transducer issue ? They are junk. I suppose that is caused by "user error".
I don't know why I bother to even respond to this $%&@. Just don't buy their product anymore !
It just angers me to think they sell so many of their products everyday, yet they will not look after them. If the "users" are the problem, make them less complicated to use !
One day they will be just like GM.
perchjerker
06-19-2009, 03:49 PM
Then how do they explain their transducer issue ? They are junk. I suppose that is caused by "user error".
I don't know why I bother to even respond to this $%&@. Just don't buy their product anymore !
It just angers me to think they sell so many of their products everyday, yet they will not look after them. If the "users" are the problem, make them less complicated to use !
One day they will be just like GM.
I dont know why you bother to respond either...
blueicecpa
06-19-2009, 09:16 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by 1shooter http://www.walleyecentral.com/forums/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.walleyecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1114906#post1114906)
I also mentioned this site to them and they said that the information posted on any site is not credible and the majority of the problems people experience are user error and not a problem with their product.
History of Bad Transducers and GPS pucks, have nothing to do with operating errors...........most of the time:bowdown:
Are they made in Mexico or China instead of the USA:deadhorse:
yarcraft91
06-20-2009, 07:47 AM
The good news is that when I talked to Lowrance yesterday they said this is not a common problem that they are aware of????????????
I also mentioned this site to them and they said that the information posted on any site is not credible and the majority of the problems people experience are user error and not a problem with their product.
Denial is the first step in the grieving process. "It can't us! It must be your fault"
Stage2- anger. "What's the matter with you customers? Don't you know we made wonderful products in the past!"
Stage 3- bargaining. "If we rush a new product to market, you'll forget those legacy product problems, won't you?"
Stage 4- depression. "Man- are we in a mess!"
Stage 5- acceptance. "OK- we screwed up. How do we recover?"
I hope someone in Lowrance leadership is working hard on Stage 5.
whofan
06-20-2009, 08:41 PM
Denial is the first step in the grieving process. "It can't us! It must be your fault"
Stage2- anger. "What's the matter with you customers? Don't you know we made wonderful products in the past!"
Stage 3- bargaining. "If we rush a new product to market, you'll forget those legacy product problems, won't you?"
Stage 4- depression. "Man- are we in a mess!"
Stage 5- acceptance. "OK- we screwed up. How do we recover?"
I hope someone in Lowrance leadership is working hard on Stage 5.
Couldn`t have said better myself!
Airwave(OH)
06-22-2009, 12:28 AM
I haven't been on here in awhile, I just found this post. I have the LCX28c HD. I lose the bottom at higher speeds(where I need it the most) It would be nice to know if I'm running up on a reef.. Looks like I'll have to try all the updates you all have tried to see if it helps. Here the whole time I thought maybe I instaled the Thru Hull incorrectly, Didn't think I did, Now I really don't think I did.....
Speedy
06-22-2009, 07:55 AM
Here is who we are dealing with. Lowrance is owned by Navico headquartered in Oslo, Norway. Navico is also the parent company of B&G,Eagle,MX Marine,Navman,Northstar and Simrad. They have developmental and manufacturing facilities in Tulsa,OK,Acton,Mass, Torrance,CA, Ensenada,Mexico, Egersund,Norway,Romsey, United Kingdom, and Auckland, New Zealand.
Don't know if this means anything at all relating to customer service, it is just interesting to me.
release em
06-22-2009, 11:10 AM
I have a 522 that was purchased 2 years ago that I have had no problems at all with, it is the 1.4 version.
I then bought a 2nd unit last year with the 2.1 version, this version is terrible. It freezes up in weeds and it looses bottom after about 15 mph.
Does anyone know it a guy can down grade? I would like to put the 1.4 version in this unit, because the up grades have been so bad.
yarcraft91
06-22-2009, 01:14 PM
You can downgrade if you can get the old software with an installer. Lowrance can provide it. Contact Customer Service by e-mail and ask for version 1.4 for your depthfinder.
1shooter
06-22-2009, 03:19 PM
Maybe this is another poll question but I am curious for those of you who are or have experienced problems if your boat is fiberglass or aluminum.
Mine is aluminum.
Speedy
06-22-2009, 03:35 PM
Fiberglass.
yarcraft91
06-22-2009, 04:52 PM
One of each, problems in both with a 334i (GPS problems in glass, sonar screen locking in weedy water in aluminum). Also, problems in aluminum with a 527c (sometimes thinks the bottom depth is 1.0 feet) that replaced the 334i. One problem in glass with the X27c (can't have Lakemaster Michigan and any other chip installed at the same time!), but only use that boat on Great Lakes.
teamlund
06-22-2009, 04:59 PM
I am in a tin boat:driver:
Yup, someone should make this a poll question
perchjerker
06-22-2009, 05:54 PM
same unit, first in a tuna fish can then it moved to a glass boat
worked perfect in both.
Small Fish On
06-22-2009, 09:14 PM
With Lowrance if it aint broke don't fix it. Do not every install one of their updates if you current product works. I was dumb enough to do it and my LCX 110 has not work correclty scense. Called them they had me upgrade software, didn't work. They had me purchase a new transducer didn't work. They had me send the unit in to them charge me $400 didn't fix it. They had me down grade the software, didn't work. Still does not work. I now have a new Hummingbird SI on my boat and I will never buy another product from Lowrance agian.
1shooter
06-24-2009, 10:36 PM
With Lowrance if it aint broke don't fix it. Do not every install one of their updates if you current product works. I was dumb enough to do it and my LCX 110 has not work correclty scense. Called them they had me upgrade software, didn't work. They had me purchase a new transducer didn't work. They had me send the unit in to them charge me $400 didn't fix it. They had me down grade the software, didn't work. Still does not work. I now have a new Hummingbird SI on my boat and I will never buy another product from Lowrance agian.
Do you have a aluminum or fiberglass boat?
Captjimtc
06-25-2009, 12:55 PM
I have a lcx-15mt and just sold a LMS350a and Globalmap 2000....No problems with any of the units except the GPS cord falling out of the back of the unit quite often on the LCX. After reading about all the problems people were having with their Lowrances I replaced my 350a with a Raymarine ds600x. i love the raymarine but they are not without their faults either as i had to send the unit back because of the screen fogging first trip out. On a side note the Raymarine while running side by side against my old LCX15 shows way more details and even fish that the lowrance doesn't even pick up.
VaGuy
06-25-2009, 02:39 PM
I have a lcx-15mt and just sold a LMS350a and Globalmap 2000....No problems with any of the units except the GPS cord falling out of the back of the unit quite often on the LCX. After reading about all the problems people were having with their Lowrances I replaced my 350a with a Raymarine ds600x. i love the raymarine but they are not without their faults either as i had to send the unit back because of the screen fogging first trip out. On a side note the Raymarine while running side by side against my old LCX15 shows way more details and even fish that the lowrance doesn't even pick up.
Good luck with RayMarine. They have only been around as a company
sense 2001, are for sale (no buyers), out of cash, poor sales (bad in the US), and not considered to be around much longer unless a buyer is found. Only Garmin & Navico have shown any interest, but will not
touch the $153,000,000 RM owes to creditors.
Screen fogging is very common on the ds600. Good to see they
repaired it.
MikeF
06-26-2009, 10:07 PM
[With Lowrance if it aint broke don't fix it. Do not every install one of their updates if you current product works.]
I wonder.
I have had a LCX18c for the last 4+ and never used the gps kit that came with the unit.
This was part of a new boat package in 04 and the units were back ordered during the promo and I installed the graph minus the gps when it finally came in. I had a Garmin gps that was already in use
This spring I decided to hook up the gps for a little larger screen view for Lake Michigan use and borrowed a friends Navionics chip to test. Found out that I needed the one and only update that Lowrance had for the unit.
Did the update and everything looked good so I bought a chip.
First trip out everything was good for about an hour. My partner looks at the unit and says" Uh Oh that can't be good".
The screen is blank and says" Program corrupted. See manufacturer for repair."
Wow, a whole hour + after one of their infamous upgrades.
I turn the unit off and restarted . The graph works but the Gps mode now says the dreaded "GPS module not responding".
Talked to Linda at Lowrance and she said she has seen this before and the problem is most likely in the progam of the unit and "We do not support this unit any longer". She was very nice and offered the advice of buying a new module or test with a borrowed good module.
Keep in mind the gps kit has been in the plastic bags in the sealed box in a closet and never used before.
When asked if there was a possibility of corrupting or ruining the borrowed module or lcx unit for testing, she replied that she did not know.
She then proceded to explain how to get a coupon for an upgrade unit. I thanked her for her time and explained I would not be needing a coupon.
I installed a 957c next to the LCX18c for gps and backup graph. I then told the LCX18c to go ahead and crap out anytime it feels like it as I have my eye on a nice 1100 series si that would take its place.
The LCX18c still works in the graph mode as good as before the upgrade so I am still using it as a graph.
I did one upgrade on the 957c with no problems.
The 957c gps locks on inside the garage!
Well thats my LCX story.
Who knows, in 4+ years I may have a story about Humminbird.
1shooter
07-06-2009, 05:55 PM
I am in a tin boat:driver:
Yup, someone should make this a poll question
teamlund,
Have you heard from Lowrance yet?
teamlund
07-06-2009, 08:12 PM
Nothing yet:(
1shooter
07-07-2009, 08:26 AM
Well...I received the new head unit they sent me and am still having the depth issue. One of the techs took my old head unit and used it on his boat over the weekend and told me it worked flawlessly.
They are now suggesting I try a ALUMADUCER by Vexlar.
http://www.vexilar.com/pages/accessories/accy_transducers_au.html
Has anyone tried one of these?
teamlund
07-07-2009, 08:45 AM
So than you would have tp spend evern more money to get your lowrance to work? I am sure that is what you really want to do after all the hassel you have gone through witl a $1000 unit...
1shooter
07-13-2009, 11:55 PM
I don't plan on trying the alumaducer but am determined to figure this out with Lowrance. My plan was to get rid of my Lowrance and switch to a Hbird but I discovered the Hbirds do not accept Lakemaster chips and Navionics do not have the detailed chips for the lakes I fish.
yarcraft91
07-14-2009, 02:18 PM
[QUOTE=1shooter;1118997]Well...I received the new head unit they sent me and am still having the depth issue. One of the techs took my old head unit and used it on his boat over the weekend and told me it worked flawlessly.
They are now suggesting I try a ALUMADUCER by Vexlar.
QUOTE]
Seriously? A Lowrance tech suggested you use a competitor's product because the Lowrance product just won't work well enough? That can't be on the standard Lowrance support script.
eyecatcher01
07-14-2009, 04:07 PM
that is odd. could see em recommending an airmar but vex? did they explain why that a vex ducer is the answer and theirs isnt? is it even compatible...who has the adapter? i just installed the airmar p66 and only had it on the water once but seems to work ok. need to compare it with my bird 787...have to run one on a wide beam and the other on the 200khz, i dont think those freq will interfere with each other. i know the p66 works alot better at higher speeds the skimmer. it just seems like my 110c shows to much clutter in places where i have to believe are relatively clean....got me. thought it was a ducer problem but leaning more towards the unit....know more after a side by side comparison and maybe putting the camera down.
whofan
07-14-2009, 05:57 PM
Well...I received the new head unit they sent me and am still having the depth issue. One of the techs took my old head unit and used it on his boat over the weekend and told me it worked flawlessly.
They are now suggesting I try a ALUMADUCER by Vexlar.
http://www.vexilar.com/pages/accessories/accy_transducers_au.html
Has anyone tried one of these?
I fixed my Lowrance problem, I went with a Vexilar transducer and the head unit to go with it.
You beat your against the wall, after a while it hurts.
Need GPS too? mount a Garmin next to the Vexilar.
1shooter
07-15-2009, 10:42 AM
[QUOTE=1shooter;1118997]Well...I received the new head unit they sent me and am still having the depth issue. One of the techs took my old head unit and used it on his boat over the weekend and told me it worked flawlessly.
They are now suggesting I try a ALUMADUCER by Vexlar.
QUOTE]
Seriously? A Lowrance tech suggested you use a competitor's product because the Lowrance product just won't work well enough? That can't be on the standard Lowrance support script.
Yep it came from Lowrance. It wasn't one of the people asnwering the phones but a Supervisor.
1shooter
07-15-2009, 10:59 AM
that is odd. could see em recommending an airmar but vex? did they explain why that a vex ducer is the answer and theirs isnt? is it even compatible...who has the adapter? i just installed the airmar p66 and only had it on the water once but seems to work ok. need to compare it with my bird 787...have to run one on a wide beam and the other on the 200khz, i dont think those freq will interfere with each other. i know the p66 works alot better at higher speeds the skimmer. it just seems like my 110c shows to much clutter in places where i have to believe are relatively clean....got me. thought it was a ducer problem but leaning more towards the unit....know more after a side by side comparison and maybe putting the camera down.
The way they expalined it to me was the the Vexilar transducer is not mounted on the transom but is a hull mounted transducer and therefore they would not have the cavitation issue.
I did talk to Vexilar and they do sell the adapters as well but at this time I really don't want to spend the money.
I am prettty much convinced the issue with their units loosing bottom has to do with the transducer.