Author Topic: 'New' old flasher ... SI-TEX FL-8 (Read 8549 times)

Drift Dodger · « **on:** Jan 13, 2011, 07:56 PM »

Shortly after receiving a nice shiny new MarCum LX-5 for Xmas I discovered an old SI-TEX model FL-8 in my father's garage. He hadn't purchased it himself, but couldn't remember where/when/who he got it from either. Anyways I connected 12V DC and it seemed to work, so mounted it on a portable booster-battery (with built-in handle) and wired directly to the battery clamps so the cig-lighter jack is still available for alternate 12V connection.

Anyways the flasher works just fine ... shows depth, bottom, fish, etc. just like it's supposed to. Now my son won't need to borrow my MarCum!

AtlBraves12 · « **Reply #1 on:** Jan 13, 2011, 08:21 PM »

very nice... i have a buddy that uses a unit just like the one you pictured. Works just fine... colors aren't very defined to a colorblind person like me but it will work great for a non-colorblinded individual

Uplandhuntr · « **Reply #2 on:** Jan 13, 2011, 08:32 PM »

That's pretty cool!! I have a Vexilar brand flasher in an original box, with that box inside an original shipping box with owners manual dated 1968....hooked it up when I bought it and it worked out of water...not sure what it would do on the water.....

I tried to do some Google-ing on it, but I like yours better.....

Let me know what you find out!!

I didn't get any responses on mine when I put it on here originally (several years ago).

Thanks for sharing!!

Kevin23 · « **Reply #3 on:** Jan 13, 2011, 09:28 PM »

Don't get those two units within 10-15 feet of each other. The vex will be covered with interference.

Looks good though!

Uplandhuntr · « **Reply #4 on:** Jan 13, 2011, 09:31 PM »

Quote from: BBK on Jan 13, 2011, 09:28 PM

Don't get those two units within 10-15 feet of each other. The vex will be covered with interference.

Looks good though!

Tell me more....sounds like you are familiar with both units? I couldn't find anything on mine, and the first time I saw one like Drift Dodger's, although his looks just like my original FL-8 that I stil have in the old wooden Genz box and still use every day....

esox_magnum · « **Reply #5 on:** Jan 13, 2011, 09:37 PM »

Vex bought out or merged with Si Tex years ago, back in the day the Si Tex was the top of the line ice electronics. Hondex was another good old back in the day flasher, back when Vex was rather unheard of in the 80's .

Drift Dodger · « **Reply #6 on:** Jan 13, 2011, 09:40 PM »

Quote from: BBK on Jan 13, 2011, 09:28 PM

Don't get those two units within 10-15 feet of each other. The vex will be covered with interference.

Actually we've already had them running a short distance apart. The FL-8 did get interference as soon as I fired-up my MarCum, but pressing the LX-5 IR (Interference Rejection) key a few times eventually cleared-up the FL-8.

Also got the FL-8 manual from the SI-TEX website ... http://www.si-tex.com/index.php/manuals/older-product-manuals.

Uplandhuntr · « **Reply #7 on:** Jan 13, 2011, 09:43 PM »

What about a 1968 Vex??

Drift Dodger · « **Reply #8 on:** Jan 13, 2011, 09:50 PM »

Quote from: Uplandhuntr on Jan 13, 2011, 09:43 PM

What about a 1968 Vex??

Uplandhuntr, if your Vex FL-8 is from 1968, then I really do wonder how old is this SI-TEX FL-8 is! The serial number is 313382 ... also indicates "Manufactured for Smiths Industries Inc. St. Petersburg Florida. MADE IN JAPAN"

esox_magnum · « **Reply #9 on:** Jan 13, 2011, 09:56 PM »

Not sure when Si Tex became avalible, I remember seeing them for the first time in the early 80's

Uplandhuntr · « **Reply #10 on:** Jan 13, 2011, 09:57 PM »

I'm going to set up a photo account to post pics.....but don't get me wrong.....my Vex FL-8 is just like your Si-Tex...and it works great!!

I do, however, have a 1968 Vex and it is much different....

Not trying to hijack your post....sorry....

Drift Dodger · « **Reply #11 on:** Jan 13, 2011, 09:59 PM »

Quote from: Uplandhuntr on Jan 13, 2011, 09:57 PM

I'm going to set up a photo account to post pics.....but don't get me wrong.....my Vex FL-8 is just like your Si-Tex...and it works great!!

I do, however, have a 1968 Vex and it is much different....

Not trying to hijack your post....sorry....

Not a problem at all ... it's all very interesting.

Uplandhuntr · « **Reply #12 on:** Jan 13, 2011, 10:02 PM »

Quote from: Drift Dodger on Jan 13, 2011, 09:59 PM

Not a problem at all ... it's all very interesting.

I bought my FL-8 in or around 1989....looks exactly like your unit except the logo and name.

Drift Dodger · « **Reply #13 on:** Jan 13, 2011, 10:04 PM »

I would suggest when you have your photos ready, start a new thread with your Vex model as the subject, and link to it from here as well.

Uplandhuntr · « **Reply #14 on:** Jan 13, 2011, 10:11 PM »

Quote from: Drift Dodger on Jan 13, 2011, 10:04 PM

I would suggest when you have your photos ready, start a new thread with your Vex model as the subject, and link to it from here as well.

You give me more computer credit than I deserve....

I did double check, and the only thing different that I can see is that my FL-8 does not have a Pat. No. in the bottom right corner like yours does, in addition to the logo and name. Everything else is identical....

I just need to get a pic account....

ice dawg · « **Reply #15 on:** Jan 14, 2011, 02:04 PM »

Quote from: BBK on Jan 13, 2011, 09:28 PM

Don't get those two units within 10-15 feet of each other. The vex will be covered with interference.

Looks good though!

Same thing that I have heard. My son had his Micronar Fl8 about 4 feet from my LX5 and guess who had the interference problem. I pushed my IR button once and it was gone. He had zero interference all day long with the old FL8.

Drift Dodger · « **Reply #16 on:** Jan 13, 2013, 05:00 PM »

Just an update on the old flasher setup. It's still working fine ... doesn't have any fancy features like zoom, but shows depth and fish!

hamms · « **Reply #17 on:** Jan 13, 2013, 05:18 PM »

Great find bonus for the kid and you get the lx5 which is best deal

WalleyeTom · « **Reply #18 on:** Jan 13, 2013, 05:38 PM »

Vintage equipment ....... very interesting topic

Drift Dodger · « **Reply #19 on:** Jan 13, 2013, 07:38 PM »

Quote from: hamms on Jan 13, 2013, 05:18 PM

Great find bonus for the kid and you get the lx5 which is best deal

LOL! ... Well the 'kid' is 30 now and primarily responsible for getting me the LX-5 as a Christmas present two years ago. I guess setting up the relic flasher and passing over to him was the least I could do in return.

filetandrelease · « **Reply #20 on:** Jan 14, 2013, 07:41 AM »

i have a Hondex fl8 think i'll put it back together and see it flash , been in hiding forever , made it easy just unpluged my fl 18 and pluged into the Hondex and still running strong