Vexilar Pro Pack

[WAeyes]

I just received my new FL-18 today and I have a question. There is a "Getting Started" brochure in with it.

The second item it states says this "Make sure you use the protective foam insert next to the battery to store the ice-ducer. Simply push the transducer into the hole. This will guard against vibration and impact damage that can cause the transducer to become weak".

Am I missing something here? I have no foam insert next to the battery. Even if I did, I don't know how the transducer would fit there because the battery seems to take up to much space in the back storage area. Just trying to fit the transducer next to the battery without the insert won't fit.

One major reason I got the Pro Pack was that it stated it had this insert to help protect the transducer when transporting. Now I get my new unit and it is sent half way across the country with the transducer just laying next to the carrying case with nothing holding it stable.

So now I am all worried that this transducer was probably shaken up pretty bad during shipping and its strength will be decreased because of it. Vexilar says how important it is to keep the transducer from being shaken around but they sent it out the door like this? Am I over reacting? Not feeling real good about such an expensive purchase.

The triangular foam piece they mentioned is item #FIN012 and can be viewed on vexilar's web site: http://www.vexilar.com/purchase/dire...cc_direct.html.

The foam piece fits right next to the battery to hold it in place as well as protect the transducer.

Happy Fishing!

[WAeyes]

Yep, thats what I am missing. I need the one for the 9/19 degree transducer. I notice the face of the transducer has some scuffs on it. Do you think it has been damaged in shipping? It was just laying loose in the box next to the case.

[WAeyes]

I found this on the Vexilar website too.

Tie That Thing Down
The worst enemy of any transducer is shock and vibration. And when you put it in a cold environment, the problem gets worse. The Ice-Ducer sees quite a bit of shock and vibration in an average trip on the ice these days. Most of the damage we have seen is caused from a poor method of storing the Ice-Ducer when it's not in the water. Damage occurs when the cold transducer is rattling around in the bottom of the portable case. This will cause the transducer crystal to separate from the housing material, resulting in a weak transducer.

The Vexilar Pro Packs, P-160 and P-100 portable cases, have a foam or rubber insert for safely storing the transducer. If your carrying case does not have some type of storage method, you need to make one.

I bought this unit from Thorne Bros. but I am not sure whether they are responsible or Vexilar but I will get to the bottom of it. I sent an email to Thorne Bros. and let them know how I received my unit.

[Chuckles]

I built a foam protective sleeve for my 9/19 transducer from about 1 foot square of 2?" foam, plus about a 3" square, and duct tape. first I cut out a circle of the 3" foam just a bit larger than the diameter of the bottom of the transducer by tracing it and then cutting it with kitchen shears. Then I wrapped the large piece around the trans. and cut it so it would just overlap enough to tape the seam on the side. Taped the side then taped on the bottom and wallah! Works slick, the foam float sleeve will actually sit straight up and down in there so it doesn't bend and strain the cord where it comes out of the trans. and the open cell foam breatehs enough that any moisture evaporates out of it. Better than anything I've seen because the 9/19 is too big to set in the foam slot by the battery. Good luck, you might look at craft stores for the foam - perhaps it is only 1.5 inches thick - but you get the picture. Chuckles

[WAeyes]

Thanks for the tip, I may have to give it a try. I am curious though about your original set up that came with the Pro Pack. Did you buy the 9/19 ducer with the Pro Pack or did you buy it separately? The reason I ask is because Vexilar makes a different size foam insert for each individual transducer. They sell one for the 9, one for the 19, and yet a different one for the 9/19. I am wondering if yours didn't fit because it was not the original transducer that came with the Pack? Just curious...

[Chuckles]

You are correct - I bought the box for my vexilar after I already had the unit and later moved up to the 9/19 - so the foam was destined not to fit. The 9/19 is so large I don't believe it would fit into the foam without it being to slim and flimsy. My system works great! Won't cost you much to make one - but could cost alot to replace a damaged transducer... Remember what Yoda said - Do or do not - there is no try! Chuckles

[bobco]

I also purchased a FL-18 from throne Brothers and my 12 degree iceducer was rolling around in the blue box and got scratched up by the dry wall screws they used to mount the unit to the blue box. fine but for $360 they could be more carefull! I like the blue box for the storage of the iceducer, I cut a couple of piece of foam, 1 to secure the battery in the box and them another piece at the end of the battery, this piece a dig out a round hole the size of the iceducer , the iceducer slips in this hole and is very well protected. Had it on the ice Friday and love it!

[Dutchman]

I recently purchase a Fl 18 with th 9/19 transducer,160 carrying case, The foam insert provided was for a 12 degree transducer. I called Vexilar @ 1-952-884-5291 and they sent me a foam insert for the 9/19 at no cost. Took about 3 days. Very good service. Give them a call.....


" Fishing is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope "

Bobco, please send your transducer back and we will be more than happy to send you a new one, sorry about the scratches. Matt @ Thorne Bros.