Vexilar problems

[JohnMickish]

I've got an older FL8 that I use as a back up and after pulling it out to check it out it now has a problem. After I turn it on everything works fine as long as the gain is near zero, if I turn it up past 1 it make a nasty, loud squeeling sound from inside the unit. Anybody have a guess as to what it is and how to fix it?

[mojogunter]

Several years ago an FL8 unit I had quit working, and I was able to bring it to vexilar to rebuild the unit in Bloomington. I'm not sure if they are still there or not, but if they aren't then maybe fishlectronics in Fridley can most likely fix it.

[LakeDocktor]

Several years ago an FL8 unit I had quit working, and I was able to bring it to vexilar to rebuild the unit in Bloomington. I'm not sure if they are still there or not, but if they aren't then maybe fishlectronics in Fridley can most likely fix it.

They are still there in Bloomington. I just ordered a bunch of stuff yesterday from Corey. I'm not sure how old your FL8 is, but they did have a recall on the motor on the FL8 about 10 years ago. If you go on their HSOforum and depending on how handy you are, you could clean the brushes. I use a piece of emory board instead of sandpaper. I would try that and see if the problem stops. Also use some compressed air (computer cleaner) to spray out all the dust that has accumulated over the years.

[T.O.W]

I turned up my radio and the sqeeling went right away. Actually my FL18 goes in spurts of squeeling now for the past four years, but knock on wood, it still going strong. I guess it must be the bearings or bushings?

[Ed Carlson]

Sounds like it's time for a new brush kit. Cheap fix, and you will be amazed at how crisp the unit will be after they clean the inside of dust and add the new dial assembly. It will be better than new as the L*E*D's are better now.

If your interested...it would be a very good time to also consider doing the Vexilar "Cool Blue Conversion". It would be cost effective as they are going to re-build the dial assembly anyhow.

If your unfamiliar with it...The CB Conversion is where they convert the L*E*D's to blue and Purple/(kinda Pink)..and Red...it was originally designed to help guys with Color Blindness issues, and it is the real deal for anyone who deals with it..like myself.... but it is also very daylight friendly and easy on the eyes at night...and really looks Kewl.

An option to consider anyhow. Call the service dept at Vexilar and they can fill you in on it and the cost. Very reasonable...I did the CB on both my FL-20's...love them!

[CNY Tim]

I turned up my radio and the sqeeling went right away.

That's funny right there

[kg2]

Does Versatech do brush/bearings fixes, too? I fished last Saturday with a buddy who has an LX-5 on the bow of his boat. I had to turn it off because it was so loud even with the waves lapping against the boat and the wind whistling in our ears. He had it "repaired" last year, but maybe now something or a service policy changed with the new owners?

[EBass]

I'd have Vexilar look at it mnfishinguy. They fixed my FL-18 and I ran it over with my truck! (Don't ask) Their cust service is top notch. The turn around time was less than 4 hours! Can't beat that.

[jerkbait]

Well, I am going to throw out the stupid question. Does your older fl-8 have a fish alarm. I know mine does and some times it gets turned up and when when turn the sensitivity up it will sqeull. Just a thought.

[harvey lee]

Vexilar does have great customer service. if it needed brushes and it sounds like it does, it is a easy fix and can be done at home in very little time.

I believe Vexilar has instructions on their HSOforum.

[JohnMickish]

It does not have a fish alarm. Like I said, it's my back up so I am not very familiar with it as I use my LX3 99.99% of the time. I just noticed that this unit has a "pull cal" switch that when pulled it moves a red line around the dial. What the heck is that for?

[mojogunter]

That is an alarm so that if anything that shows up orange or red shallower than you have the red line set at the alarm goes off.

[JohnMickish]

Awsome! Silly me, I didn't know what that thing did, and yes, that was the problem. Thanks to all.

[mojogunter]

Nice call Jerkbait

[T.O.W]

That's a great call! What's that saying from Garage Logic? "You can learn more here by accident than by design."?

[Ed Carlson]

Yup..good catch Jerkbait...I sailed right past that port Eh. LOL!

Now ya got the squealing to quit...you got 30 more years of use from that Vex.

Eh...Jerkbait..I got a problem too.

I have a light switch next to my kitchen sink in my new apartment....but...Every time I turn it on...I hear ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRR..GRRRRRRR..ARRRR..GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR...shut it off..and it quiets....then I turn it back on and ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRR..GRRRRRRR..ARRRR..GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR all over again....so....I'm think'n I just might have a crabby raccoon under my sink and he just don't like the light switch on...Eh?

What's your call on that deal..should I be let'n da crabby coon be, or should I just be stop play'n with the darn light switch...Eh?

[jerkbait]

Well, when you turn the switch on and the crabby racoon is making the noise I think he wants you to feed him like a built in garbage disposal.