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Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Equipment => Topic started by: bigfoot86 on Jan 08, 2020, 07:58 AM

Title: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: bigfoot86 on Jan 08, 2020, 07:58 AM
I've seen some people recently that have bypassed using their floats for their transducers and just hanging the cord over the edge of the hole.  I would think that couldn't be too good for the wires inside.  I can see how the float gets in the way pulling fish up thru the hole. 
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Huntindave on Jan 08, 2020, 08:03 AM
I don't use a float nor does the wire bend over the edge of the hole.  That is why some/most un its have a transducer arm.  The transducer arm hangs over the hole with the transducer hanging straight down the hole.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: bigfoot86 on Jan 08, 2020, 08:14 AM
I don't use a float nor does the wire bend over the edge of the hole.  That is why some/most un its have a transducer arm.  The transducer arm hangs over the hole with the transducer hanging straight down the hole.

Well I made a diy flasher box for my helix.  I would imagine if I can get my hands on one of those transducer arms the rubber grommet that comes with it should be pretty universal for most transducer cord brands.  ???
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Figure ate on Jan 08, 2020, 08:18 AM
I just dangle mine over the edge of the ice. No worse than dangling it from a transducer arm. Been working for years now
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Huntindave on Jan 08, 2020, 08:28 AM
I just dangle mine over the edge of the ice. No worse than dangling it from a transducer arm. Been working for years now

If that works for you great.  My experience is I had my cable freeze into the side of the hole at times when it is hanging over the edge.  Never had the cable freeze into the transducer arm.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Figure ate on Jan 08, 2020, 08:31 AM
I don't stay at a hole outside long enough to have it freeze in. If I'm staying put somewhere, I'm in my otter.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: hardwater diehard on Jan 08, 2020, 08:33 AM
The  concern with just hanging the transducer over the edge of your case is it could get cut by a sharp edge of your DIY box (piece of rubber could fix that) the other problem is the transducer may not hang level if not straight down and the cord could freeze to the edge of the hole also . The Vexilar float..transducer arm and rubber stopper should work on your DIY box.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: bigfoot86 on Jan 08, 2020, 08:44 AM
The  concern with just hanging the transducer over the edge of your case is it could get cut by a sharp edge of your DIY box (piece of rubber could fix that) the other problem is the transducer may not hang level if not straight down and the cord could freeze to the edge of the hole also . The Vexilar float..transducer arm and rubber stopper should work on your DIY box.

Thank you, humminbird did give me the foam float for the transducer when I purchased it, so maybe I'll try that but I like the transducer arm probably the best.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: hardwater diehard on Jan 08, 2020, 11:17 AM
Thank you, humminbird did give me the foam float for the transducer when I purchased it, so maybe I'll try that but I like the transducer arm probably the best.

Could use an Eye bolt too..make it removable from your DIY case ..just open it up some to allow the transducer cable to pass through ..could add some shrink tubing too
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Iceassin on Jan 08, 2020, 12:08 PM
No foam float. I use the eye bolt that came with the Genz pack.

I allow the ducer to hug the edge of the hole while I'm fishing and there is little chance it will freeze there:

1) I remove it each time I hook a fish to keep line from wrapping around it while reeling in.

2) If it is sitting in that hole long enough to freeze, I'm not pulling enough fish through it. Time to move.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Unclegillhunter on Jan 09, 2020, 06:55 AM
Thank you, humminbird did give me the foam float for the transducer when I purchased it, so maybe I'll try that but I like the transducer arm probably the best.
i bought a transducer arm for my Helix. the HB float would not set straight in the hole. My vex float did different kind of foam I guess/
Keep it safe! JDL
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: bigfoot86 on Jan 09, 2020, 07:14 AM
i bought a transducer arm for my Helix. the HB float would not set straight in the hole. My vex float did different kind of foam I guess/
Keep it safe! JDL

Does humminbird sell one or did you get one from a different maker?
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: jbird68 on Jan 09, 2020, 03:13 PM
I don' t like using a float. It just gets in the way. On my Lowrance Elite-5 I mounted an eyebolt to the plastic kit. My Showdown came with a cheap plastic extendable arm. I replaced it with an aluminum arm froma guy selling them on Etsy. On my Garmin set-up I used the broken plastic transducer from my Showdown, drilled a hole through it and bolted it to the DIY mount I made. It swings left and right but does not extend. With the arms I just pick up my unit and transducer all together when I am fighting a fish. The cable does not hang over the top edge of the hole.   
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Fisherman 1 on Jan 09, 2020, 06:17 PM
Get a couple feet of 1/4 inch wire loom to slide over the transducer cable, it will prevent it from bending too sharp.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: esox_xtm on Jan 09, 2020, 06:21 PM
Get a couple feet of 1/4 inch wire loom to slide over the transducer cable, it will prevent it from bending too sharp.

(https://i.postimg.cc/vTsKv32P/imagesqtbn-ANd9-Gc-Qft-R1ceh-M6-Ym-OWX3-Qe5-zpsa8431ce9.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: kpd145 on Jan 11, 2020, 09:24 AM
As long as your ducer isnt a boat anchor and you dont swing it around like a windmill.

The wires should be fine.  ;D

The float is not just for keeping ducer centered. It also makes sure your cord doesnt freeze to the wall of your ice hole. That's the fastest way to break a cord.  ;)
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: river_scum on Jan 11, 2020, 10:32 AM
shouldn't hurt the wires.  I have seen some people abuse them pretty good for years and years.  if it bothers you just make shallow hole beside fishing hole and set it in there.  I like that best anyhow so I don't get line wrapped in it.

I only ruined 1 ducer cord in my lifetime.  I bought some eater rabbits from an amish guy to butcher.  well I just tossed them in the back of truck cap to take them home. one of them bit threw my finder cord. lol  I accept that as my fault. ;D
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: 3300 on Jan 11, 2020, 01:40 PM
you can buy a marcum arm and stopper for less than 20$. lots of online stores sell them. seen one made out out of two closed end wrenches. there are aftermarket arms being made. i don't have links. a school is making them for non profit and link is in best ice deals lets hear em topic. theirs is aluminum and two engravings shipped for a 20 spot.

when you use your arm, all you have to do is remove the air from under the transducer. so only less than one inch of it goes in the center of the hole.

another way is drill dedicated holes for electronics and fishing. i use a triangle and fish the bottom two holes and sonar in top hole. you can let the transducer sit just below the ice plate and not worry about line cuts or tangles. be sure the transducer isn't touching the side of the ice hole or it won't point straight down where it needs to be.

when scouting i use one hole and keep less than inch in the hole for marking and fishing.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: dekatronic on Jan 15, 2020, 07:28 PM
you can buy a marcum arm and stopper for less than 20$. lots of online stores sell them. seen one made out out of two closed end wrenches. there are aftermarket arms being made. i don't have links. a school is making them for non profit and link is in best ice deals lets hear em topic. theirs is aluminum and two engravings shipped for a 20 spot.

when you use your arm, all you have to do is remove the air from under the transducer. so only less than one inch of it goes in the center of the hole.

another way is drill dedicated holes for electronics and fishing. i use a triangle and fish the bottom two holes and sonar in top hole. you can let the transducer sit just below the ice plate and not worry about line cuts or tangles. be sure the transducer isn't touching the side of the ice hole or it won't point straight down where it needs to be.

when scouting i use one hole and keep less than inch in the hole for marking and fishing.

+1 on drilling separate hole for electronics  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: filetandrelease on Jan 15, 2020, 07:46 PM

 X2
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: bootstrap on Jan 15, 2020, 08:08 PM
2nd hole. good place to toss the shorts too. they help keep it from freezing
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Unclegillhunter on Jan 16, 2020, 06:43 AM
Does humminbird sell one or did you get one from a different maker?
Humminbird does not offer one. I picked mine up from coby manufacturing. Need to contact them though. put mine on my Helix 5 ice and it kind of flops around. Don't know if I am doing something wrong or not.
Keep it safe! JDL
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: bigfoot86 on Jan 16, 2020, 07:57 AM
I wonder if they supply the little beveled rubber grommet or whatever that goes around the transducer cord that fits in the end of the transducer arm like marcum has ???.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: jethro on Jan 16, 2020, 08:06 AM
I like using the float like Uncut Angling does. He often lays the float flat on the ice and the cord hangs over the edge. When he's not using Panoptix of course.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: 3300 on Jan 16, 2020, 08:28 AM
ask if it comes with hardware also.
(https://i.postimg.cc/zbFD8m1q/screenshot-210.png) (http://postimg.cc/zbFD8m1q)
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: bigfoot86 on Jan 16, 2020, 08:31 AM
ask if it comes with hardware also.
(https://i.postimg.cc/zbFD8m1q/screenshot-210.png) (http://postimg.cc/zbFD8m1q)

That's cool! I like it
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: hardwater diehard on Jan 16, 2020, 08:38 AM
I wonder if they supply the little beveled rubber grommet or whatever that goes around the transducer cord that fits in the end of the transducer arm like marcum has ???.

Lots of retailers stock these

https://store.vexilar.com/replacement-stopper-for-iceducer-transducer-float-stopper-2-per-package.html

https://store.vexilar.com/replacement-eye-bolt-for-suspending-transducer-on-ultra-and-propack-ii.html

https://store.vexilar.com/ice-ducer-float-and-stopper.html
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Unclegillhunter on Jan 16, 2020, 10:41 AM
I like using the float like Uncut Angling does. He often lays the float flat on the ice and the cord hangs over the edge. When he's not using Panoptix of course.
Well just goes to show! My problem with the Humminbird float was that it listed to one side. Probably didn’t affect the way the ducer hangs just gets on my nerves. Never even considered just laying the darn thing flat on the ice! One more reason why I love this site!
Keep it safe! JDL
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Unclegillhunter on Jan 16, 2020, 10:44 AM
I wonder if they supply the little beveled rubber grommet or whatever that goes around the transducer cord that fits in the end of the transducer arm like marcum has ???.
If you already have an ice transducer with a float just use the stopper from that. Or diehard was helpful enough to provide links where you can pick one up.
Keep it safe! JDL
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: maddogg on Jan 16, 2020, 10:50 AM
ask if it comes with hardware also.
(https://i.postimg.cc/zbFD8m1q/screenshot-210.png) (http://postimg.cc/zbFD8m1q)

It comes with all the hardware,I have one and its top quality and made in the USA by students.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Unclegillhunter on Jan 16, 2020, 11:04 AM
Humminbird does not offer one. I picked mine up from coby manufacturing. Need to contact them though. put mine on my Helix 5 ice and it kind of flops around. Don't know if I am doing something wrong or not.
Keep it safe! JDL
So got with Coby Manufacturing. The guy said that it will flop, but won’t fall off. Said they are looking at a slightly heavier spring to tighten the arm up. Don’t know if this is an issue with other brands of arms. They all look pretty much the same to me. I think it has to do with how they are mounted to the carrying case.
Keep it safe! JDL
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Jan 16, 2020, 11:06 AM
I know the vexilar float stop works good in the arm.forgot i even had a vexilar arm laying around.i do use a float alot tho.seems like the float moves away from the fish when its hooked more than the stationary  ducer on the arm.the propulsion of the fish tail seems to push the ducer away from it.i only remove the ducer on big fish and rarely get tangles because of the 8”  auger hole i use.
(https://i.postimg.cc/9zTbw3T3/C95010-A8-1-C69-4801-97-C2-77-C12-B88-D76-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9zTbw3T3)
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: bigfoot86 on Jan 16, 2020, 01:22 PM
I like the ducer arm on my marcum but it seems I get fish tangle a lot in the ducer cord and I only have the ducer puck right below the ice.  So maybe I should stick with the float humminbird gave me.  I heard humminbird floats aren't the best but I wouldn't know.  I used on the float on the ice for a little and didn't seem to have any issues but I haven't put enough time in with it to know if it's ok or not. 
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: hardwater diehard on Jan 16, 2020, 01:33 PM
Bluegills and anything in the sunfish family are the biggest culprits of tangles ..the smaller variety in particular..perch and crappie and large gills don't tend to wrap around the cord ..most times just my Vexilar transducer arm ..on cold hole hoping days I sometimes add the float ..im my hub/flip over it just the arm .
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: 3300 on Jan 16, 2020, 01:56 PM
thanks maddogg! does it come with a stopper too? mine still works and is the marcum factory arm. if it breaks i will getting the student arm for sure. i have emailed them. 20$ to your door is a great price and helps students. i guess you can break the marcum arm by pushing the stopper in the C shape too tight and crack it there.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: 3300 on Jan 16, 2020, 02:07 PM
I like the ducer arm on my marcum but it seems I get fish tangle a lot in the ducer cord and I only have the ducer puck right below the ice. 

i see the problem. just put an inch or less of the bottom of the transducer in the water and centered in the hole. when the fish head is in the hole you can lean the string some to the side and steer the fish away from the transducer to keep it from swimming around it. all any transducer needs to work at it's best is to have the air removed. it says that in their manual.

only way i'll let the ducer hang under the plate is in a dedicated ice hole and fish the others when i plan to stay put for a while i'll make a triangle and fish the bottom two and electronics gets the top hole.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: bigfoot86 on Jan 16, 2020, 02:24 PM
i see the problem. just put an inch or less of the bottom of the transducer in the water and centered in the hole. when the fish head is in the hole you can lean the string some to the side and steer the fish away from the transducer to keep it from swimming around it. all any transducer needs to work at it's best is to have the air removed. it says that in their manual.

only way i'll let the ducer hang under the plate is in a dedicated ice hole and fish the others when i plan to stay put for a while i'll make a triangle and fish the bottom two and electronics gets the top hole.

 You mean just center the puck in the hole but just barely submerge it?  Does that ever mess with your sonar readings when the ice is real thick?
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: 3300 on Jan 16, 2020, 11:31 PM
if you get 2 feet or more, then you have to drop it down some supposedly. the hole can blind the transducer on the outer circumference. otherwise it's a good thing to do for landing fish and using the hole to block stray sonar signals from hitting yours.

try it, you'll like it and that's how it is designed to be used. check the manual online.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: bigfoot86 on Jan 17, 2020, 06:15 AM
Really, that's how it supposed to be used?!  I have had that marcum for a while and I never knew that nor did I ever take a look owners manual.  Wow, I feel like an idiot.  I guess I always see most people dropping the ducer with a lot of cord hanging out.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Iceassin on Jan 17, 2020, 06:24 AM
Still trying to figure out how the cable is freezing to the side of your hole? Why is it sitting there that long? Been using my Vex for over 20 years and NEVER had it freeze in the hole. Granted, I pull it out when reeling in, but if I'm sitting there long enough that I haven't caught anything...and to freeze...I've been there too long.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: hardwater diehard on Jan 17, 2020, 07:29 AM
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Jan 17, 2020, 08:05 AM
Still trying to figure out how the cable is freezing to the side of your hole? Why is it sitting there that long? Been using my Vex for over 20 years and NEVER had it freeze in the hole. Granted, I pull it out when reeling in, but if I'm sitting there long enough that I haven't caught anything...and to freeze...I've been there too long.
right on.if  the cord is frozen there has not been enough fish pulled up and its time to move.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: maddogg on Jan 17, 2020, 09:40 AM
thanks maddogg! does it come with a stopper too? mine still works and is the marcum factory arm. if it breaks i will getting the student arm for sure. i have emailed them. 20$ to your door is a great price and helps students. i guess you can break the marcum arm by pushing the stopper in the C shape too tight and crack it there.
No stopper included.
You can get a rubber stopper at all most any hardware store. Just cut a slit in it.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: 3300 on Jan 17, 2020, 12:24 PM
ok thanks again madogg, good idea! maybe a cork would work. it might hold better than the factory stopper. i wrap the cable around the arm to help the stopper hold thr cable from slipping. just have to remember to unwrap it for storage.

Really, that's how it supposed to be used?!  I have had that marcum for a while and I never knew that nor did I ever take a look owners manual.

this has been updated since i read the version i have, but it is still on point. if i have time, i can look for the older one i should have here and copy it from that.
https://marcumtech.com/download/35654/

PG 4
SETTING THE TRANSDUCER FOR ICE FISHING
When used in conjunction with the retractable pivoting transducer arm and rubber stopper, the
Digital Sonar’s transducer will automatically level itself in your ice hole. To begin operation, take
the transducer out of the recessed holder, and rotate the adjustable ice arm out from inside the
shuttle. Extend the transducer arm, (the cable should already be threaded through it with stopper
in place) and deploy the transducer into the water. We recommend setting your stopper to have
the transducer down the least amount possible. The MarCum Digital Sonar puts out enough
power that in most cases it is not necessary to have your transducer down more than a few
inches below the water line to get a good reading. When the ice thickness is over two feet, it
may be necessary to have your transducer set somewhat farther down.
Remember--the less transducer cable you have out, the easier it is to pull it out of the water
when bringing in a fish, or to move to a new location. Under no circumstances should you ever
have the ducer below the ice—this can lead to the ducer becoming damaged.
It is also important that you keep the cable near the center of the ice hole. We frequently hear
from anglers who allowed their cable to freeze into the side of the ice hole. If this should happen
to you, make sure the unit is turned off before attempting to chisel it out. If you accidentally cut
the ducer cable, do not try to use that ducer again.
(copied from link)
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: bigfoot86 on Jan 17, 2020, 04:05 PM
Thanks 3300 a lot!  These flashers are so simple basic and simple to learn that I didn't even bother looking at the manual.  I used to get so frustrated with fish, especially gills and such getting wrapped in the ducer.  Now I'm excited to try that.  As for my helix I will look into getting one the the transducer arms from the students that make them.  For now I'll just use the float for the bird, seeing as I'll probably be using the marcum more.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: 3300 on Jan 17, 2020, 06:01 PM
glad to help!

here's a shot i found looking thru some of my pics showing how the sonar shows fish and shows how high up in the water i keep the transducer in the water.
(https://i.postimg.cc/tZTrQnL5/screenshot-210.png) (http://postimg.cc/tZTrQnL5)
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: dekatronic on Jan 17, 2020, 06:17 PM
ok thanks again madogg, good idea! maybe a cork would work. it might hold better than the factory stopper. i wrap the cable around the arm to help the stopper hold thr cable from slipping. just have to remember to unwrap it for storage.

this has been updated since i read the version i have, but it is still on point. if i have time, i can look for the older one i should have here and copy it from that.
https://marcumtech.com/download/35654/

PG 4
SETTING THE TRANSDUCER FOR ICE FISHING
When used in conjunction with the retractable pivoting transducer arm and rubber stopper, the
Digital Sonar’s transducer will automatically level itself in your ice hole. To begin operation, take
the transducer out of the recessed holder, and rotate the adjustable ice arm out from inside the
shuttle. Extend the transducer arm, (the cable should already be threaded through it with stopper
in place) and deploy the transducer into the water. We recommend setting your stopper to have
the transducer down the least amount possible. The MarCum Digital Sonar puts out enough
power that in most cases it is not necessary to have your transducer down more than a few
inches below the water line to get a good reading. When the ice thickness is over two feet, it
may be necessary to have your transducer set somewhat farther down.
Remember--the less transducer cable you have out, the easier it is to pull it out of the water
when bringing in a fish, or to move to a new location. Under no circumstances should you ever
have the ducer below the ice—this can lead to the ducer becoming damaged.

It is also important that you keep the cable near the center of the ice hole. We frequently hear
from anglers who allowed their cable to freeze into the side of the ice hole. If this should happen
to you, make sure the unit is turned off before attempting to chisel it out. If you accidentally cut
the ducer cable, do not try to use that ducer again.
(copied from link)

Uhhhh .. I'm guilty of doing this  :o

This could explain why my Marcum stopped working and resulted in a $200 repair bill. Thanks for the heads up 3300
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: bigfoot86 on Jan 17, 2020, 06:45 PM
Yea wow, I did not know this seriously.  I've seen so many people with the transducer down the hole I never even thought twice about it.  From now on I'm not dropping down the hole anymore!  I too had to replace a transducer after about 5 yrs of use....maybe that was the reason.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Unclegillhunter on Jan 18, 2020, 05:53 AM
glad to help!

here's a shot i found looking thru some of my pics showing how the sonar shows fish and shows how high up in the water i keep the transducer in the water.
(https://i.postimg.cc/tZTrQnL5/screenshot-210.png) (http://postimg.cc/tZTrQnL5)
Guessing this would not be Marcum specific?
Keep it safe! JDL
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Jan 18, 2020, 07:28 AM
Vexilar has less power and recommends putting the ducer to the bottom  of the ice plate.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Iceassin on Jan 18, 2020, 08:49 AM
Vexilar has less power and recommends putting the ducer to the bottom  of the ice plate.

And no mention that damage could occur if it hung that far. Why?...it's a Vexilar (sorry...I had to)  ;D
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: DR.SPECKLER on Jan 18, 2020, 08:52 AM
And no mention that damage could occur if it hung that far. Why?...it's a Vexilar (sorry...I had to)  ;D
and if a transducer would get damaged from being in the water i think that is ridiculous.they are made to be submerged.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: hardwater diehard on Jan 18, 2020, 09:50 AM
and if a transducer would get damaged from being in the water i think that is ridiculous.they are made to be submerged.

How long are Marcum transducer cords ? Thinking 5-6 feet ..if so why ? If on 2 foot of ice ..having it just below the top of the ice ..I would think your signal must be bouncing off the sides..causing a slew of interference . I do raise my Vexilar transduce to just below the top of the ice when fishing shallow water and thin ice ..w/o any ill effects ..mostly for sunfish fish tangles in the cord prevention ...but I suppose I get a little more cone viewing as well.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Iceassin on Jan 18, 2020, 10:25 AM
How long are Marcum transducer cords ? Thinking 5-6 feet ..if so why ? If on 2 foot of ice ..having it just below the top of the ice ..I would think your signal must be bouncing off the sides..causing a slew of interference . I do raise my Vexilar transduce to just below the top of the ice when fishing shallow water and thin ice ..w/o any ill effects ..mostly for sunfish fish tangles in the cord prevention ...but I suppose I get a little more cone viewing as well.

What he said.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Unclegillhunter on Jan 18, 2020, 11:47 AM
Guessing this would not be Marcum specific?
Keep it safe! JDL
Answered my own question never mind.
Keep it safe! JDL
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Unclegillhunter on Jan 18, 2020, 11:57 AM
So thanks to the folks who chimed in here! Never had an issue with the cord freezing to the hole. At the same time I have never once paid attention to how far down the hole the transducer was. One more reason to appreciate this site!
Keep it safe! JDL
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: 3300 on Jan 19, 2020, 12:58 AM
Vexilar has less power and recommends putting the ducer to the bottom  of the ice plate.

here's a link to their manual. i can't seem to be able to find which page shows us that information.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B6O6hqT9O0J6OVY5bnRRMjRWWTQ


and if a transducer would get damaged from being in the water i think that is ridiculous.they are made to be submerged.

where did you hear about damaging a transducer from being in water? i've never heard of that. do you have a link?
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: 3300 on Jan 19, 2020, 01:00 AM
And no mention that damage could occur if it hung that far. Why?...it's a Vexilar (sorry...I had to)  ;D

page 30 ~ 32 depends on which manual you click on.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B6O6hqT9O0J6OVY5bnRRMjRWWTQ

  Quote
Float - The float suspends the transducer in the ice hole. You
can also use the eye-bolt included with the Vexilar ice fishing
systems to suspend the transducer. This can often be the best
choice for early ice conditions.

Cable - Ice-Ducer® cable is specifically designed to stay
flexible in cold temperatures. This flexible cable will be more
prone to be cut by your line or damaged if not stored correctly.
It’s a key part of the Ice-Ducer® system.
 End quote

 why would you think they suggest using the eye bolt over the swim noodle?

vex expects you to use either their eye bolt or swim noodle. they don't say hang the cable over the edge of the ice hole.

vex does mention damaging their transducers tho. they mention it in several areas in their manuals. they say every time it takes a hit it's weakening it. if you pull your cord and don't use a float then the cone more than likely hits the edge of the ice hole.

here's one link mentioning it.
https://www.vexilar.com/blog/2018/10/16/simple-in-hull

  Quote
Any hits to the transducer face can be bad for the transducer. The extreme vibration between it and the hull can be damaging to the transducer. After time, it can become weak. You’ll notice that you aren’t seeing as many fish or your losing bottom when it gets deep and soft. Then It’s time for a new one.
 End quote
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: 3300 on Jan 19, 2020, 01:01 AM
How long are Marcum transducer cords ? Thinking 5-6 feet ..if so why ? If on 2 foot of ice ..having it just below the top of the ice ..I would think your signal must be bouncing off the sides..causing a slew of interference . I do raise my Vexilar transduce to just below the top of the ice when fishing shallow water and thin ice ..w/o any ill effects ..mostly for sunfish fish tangles in the cord prevention ...but I suppose I get a little more cone viewing as well.

why make a short cable. that would limit the use of the sonar for using in boats.
you can see in my picture there is zero clutter. marcum digital doesn't show the first 2.5 feet of the water column. my hb ice-55 didn't show much of the top either, but it did show 3 feet of clutter all of the time regardless of ice thickness and that's with it hanging under the ice plate because they said to use a swim noodle they provide and we don't get thick ice here.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: 3300 on Jan 19, 2020, 01:02 AM
Guessing this would not be Marcum specific?
Keep it safe! JDL

any ice fishing sonar will benefit from fishing this way. the people that remove their float and have to pull their transducer from under the plate will bang the transducer against the bottom of the ice plate and can't see that they are doing so. they also have to put it on ice and normally in a big hurry and maybe not thinking so much about the condition of their electronics as much as landing the fish. every time you hit any transducer you are weakening it more and more. doesn't matter who's brand it is. they all use a crystal. using the float will help to keep the cone shape from going under the plates edge by keeping it more centered than hanging the cable over the edge of the ice hole and it can hold it up from being under the plate. everyone says ditch the float, it's just in the way.

using an arm takes care of those problems and keeps it high enough where you can land fish and leave the transducer in the water even fishing pan fish like i do. having less than inch of the transducer in the water means there's a lot less in your way.
the arm offers way more flexibility than a solid metal eye bolt. might be good for a last resort. i've seen others use two box end wrenches to make an adjustable arm and cut a notch open for the cable to slip in/out.

vex has the eye bolt to hold the transducer up high. i'd ditch it and get an adjustable arm, but then again, i don't use a mechanical flasher anymore.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Sylvanboat on Jan 22, 2020, 02:31 PM
I wonder if they supply the little beveled rubber grommet or whatever that goes around the transducer cord that fits in the end of the transducer arm like marcum has ???.

I use a spring clothes pin. Easy to adjust distance on the transducer and it floats.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: eyeflyer on Jan 22, 2020, 09:38 PM
I use a spring clothes pin. Easy to adjust distance on the transducer and it floats.
[/quote

There is a reason they do not use "clamps" on small cables.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: jjc155 on Jan 25, 2020, 09:12 AM
I've seen some people recently that have bypassed using their floats for their transducers and just hanging the cord over the edge of the hole.  I would think that couldn't be too good for the wires inside.  I can see how the float gets in the way pulling fish up thru the hole.

years of doing this and have never had an issue.

J-
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Iceassin on Jan 25, 2020, 12:34 PM
This topic has me thinking...a length of wire protection tubing for the cable and a little electrical tape wrapped around the outside of the ducer. With that said...

I am probably one of the worst when it comes to taking care of my flasher...particularly the cable and ducer. When doing a lot of hole hopping, I've been known to drag it across the ice and snow...not good, I know. But in 20+ years of doing so I have never had an issue. Pretty lucky I guess.

Which is why I am seriously considering my first thought.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Fisherman 1 on Jan 25, 2020, 05:06 PM
This topic has me thinking...a length of wire protection tubing for the cable and a little electrical tape wrapped around the outside of the ducer. With that said...

https://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=374103.msg4043175#msg4043175
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: maddogg on Jan 25, 2020, 06:26 PM
To help my hook from penetrating my transducer cable I put this on the bottom 10inches.
(https://i.postimg.cc/LgzScd45/003.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LgzScd45)
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Iceassin on Jan 25, 2020, 07:13 PM
To help my hook from penetrating my transducer cable I put this on the bottom 10inches.
(https://i.postimg.cc/LgzScd45/003.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LgzScd45)

That's what I'm talking about!
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Iceassin on Jan 25, 2020, 07:15 PM
https://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=374103.msg4043175#msg4043175

👍😁👍
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: hardwater diehard on Jan 26, 2020, 07:39 AM
Vexilar transducer are pretty rugged ..mine has frozen to the side of the hole with and without the float ...just was careful removing it . As long as your not dragging it on the ice ..or using it as a wrecking ball to break ice in your hole you should be fine .

5:43 mark


1:26 mark





Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: Sylvanboat on Oct 04, 2020, 04:19 PM
I use the hanging float for my transducer. I fish in a flip over and cut three holes. My camera hangs in the middle hole and I switch my flasher transducer btw the outer holes where I use my rods.  I can pan the camera to watch my baits.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: badger132 on Nov 07, 2020, 11:51 AM
I have always lowered my transducer to the bottom of the ice. I use a 5 inch hole, and I feel that the sonar cone would be narrowed once the ice is more than a foot thick. I do drill a separate hole most of the time, since it only takes a few seconds. There are floating transducer sonars (Deeper, FishHunter,...) and I always wondered how well they could work with the transducer on the surface.
This makes me think I should do some experiments this winter when the ice is thick, and lower a jig down holes drilled a few feet off to the side to see if the hole is blocking the signal when the transducer is at the top.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: DLB on Nov 08, 2020, 08:01 AM
Lots of retailers stock these

https://store.vexilar.com/replacement-stopper-for-iceducer-transducer-float-stopper-2-per-package.html



Would anyone know the secret to placing an order for these things?  I filled out the required information, got as far as figuring out the shipping cost but there is no option for ordering them that I can find.  Thanks for any help.

Dennis
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: hardwater diehard on Nov 08, 2020, 08:15 AM
Would anyone know the secret to placing an order for these things?  I filled out the required information, got as far as figuring out the shipping cost but there is no option for ordering them that I can find.  Thanks for any help.

Dennis

shipping via Vexilar will probably cost prohibitive...other retails have them ..maybe with free shipping witha certain dollar amount ..do some shopping of other items 

Site sponsor

https://www.fishusa.com/search?order=onlinecustomerprice:asc&keywords=vexilar

https://www.fish307.com/search.php?search_query=vexil&section=content

other places have the too

https://www.campingworld.com/vexilar-replacement-transducer-stopper-2-pack-219577.html?msclkid=4ca4883bae7b1037f500d79c52468860&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SHB%20%7C%20Low%20Margin&utm_term=4580840328064664&utm_content=CW%20-%20Low%20Margin%2020%25%20or%20Less&gclid=4ca4883bae7b1037f500d79c52468860&gclsrc=3p.ds
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: DLB on Nov 08, 2020, 08:29 AM
Thanks Diehard.  Although shipping wasn't all that much, I'll check those out.  Thanks again.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: hardwater diehard on Nov 08, 2020, 08:50 AM
Thanks Diehard.  Although shipping wasn't all that much, I'll check those out.  Thanks again.

Not sure when your getting ice up your way ..got plenty of time I assume ..start filling carts at the various retailers with odds and ends you would purchase this season ..most have free shipping stating at $50 ..adds up quite quickly. ;)2
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: LSHD69 on Dec 08, 2020, 05:39 PM
It comes with all the hardware,I have one and its top quality and made in the USA by students.

Yes! I got one one these from the MN high school students! Great quality and very reasonable price.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: DANMAN on Dec 29, 2020, 07:54 AM

(https://i.postimg.cc/K1sps2yT/CBA25-A00-9126-49-A3-8390-2-F39-A42-DF081.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K1sps2yT)
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: river_scum on Dec 29, 2020, 08:03 AM
I just drill shallow hole next to my jig hole and fill it with water.  shoots threw just fine with decent ice. no tangles possible.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: badger132 on Dec 29, 2020, 09:05 PM
I just drill shallow hole next to my jig hole and fill it with water.  shoots threw just fine with decent ice. no tangles possible.

Genius!

Does the shallow hole ever freeze?
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: meandcuznalfy on Dec 29, 2020, 09:07 PM
Genius!

Does the shallow hole ever freeze?
X2, sounds like a great idea
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: ice dawg on Dec 29, 2020, 09:20 PM
Sometimes I drill an extra hole and drop my transducer to the bottom of it.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: river_scum on Dec 30, 2020, 07:19 AM
sure it will freeze when blistering cold out.  your rite there just scoop and refresh water same as fishing hole.
Title: Re: Transducer cord in the hole
Post by: maddogg on Dec 30, 2020, 09:43 AM
(https://i.postimg.cc/K1sps2yT/CBA25-A00-9126-49-A3-8390-2-F39-A42-DF081.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K1sps2yT)

How do you keep those from freezing in?