How to tune your flasher???

[KG243]

Were do I start in tuning my flasher so it is reading right? I have a Bird 55 and this is my first flasher so I wan't to make sure I am doing this right. Thanks for the help.

[IceProwler]

How is it not reading correctly?

[KG243]

I just wan't to make sure I am using it right, I think it is working good, but I have heard of a guy that has the same one as i and he can set it so he knows when his waxi is off his hook. I just want to make sure I am setting everything corectly.

[hound32]

that just usually has to do with the sensitivity being turned up.

[IceProwler]

I am not an expert of flasher reading but what I do is try to get a good setting on the gain adjustment. Get it to the point where the jig with waxie registers a mid-range color bar(not sure what color that is on the bird). Then, when the waxie is off you will either show a lesser color or register a thinner line on the display. I am sure many others can chime in with better info.

[palisade1kid]

IceProwler hit it on the head.

[T.O.W]

First flasher can be tough for a while. Play with it on the water with someone who has used them in the past and soon you will be reading that thing like the Matrix. I don't even see colored lines anymore, all I see is my bait and the fish coming up to it. My brain subconsciously deciphers it in nano seconds. Good luck!

[LakeDocktor]

Like others have said, there is no presetting that you can have that will make it work to its optimal potential. These adjustments are made on the ice based on the size of the jig and the depth you are fishing in. You will just need to play around with it to find what best works for you. I would start with the gain at zero and slowly crank it up until you start reading your jig. You will find that you want your gain turned down to the lowest setting possible, especially if you are fishing with others close by. Turning up your gain will only cause interference issues for you and others near by. Good luck and have fun with your new toy that you will never hit the lake without again!

[shizzy]

time on the ice will be your greatest help. I got my first Flasher last season and each time I was out I learned more. Don't be afraid to turn the knobs and push the buttons.

[jwhjr]

As others have stated, time on the ice will be the best way to learn how it works best for you. It seems like the first outing or 2 each winter I have to "remember" how to use mine.

[DTro]

Turning up your gain will only cause interference issues for you and others near by.

This is only true for the flasher you are using. The gain will not affect anyone else.

Your gain or sensitivity is the ability of the flasher to detect objects in the water column. The higher you have this setting, the more sensitive it is. You want it set so that it is just barely reading your bait, anything more than that and you risk picking up microorganisms and flooding your screen with unnecessary clutter.

The amount you need to turn this up will be directly related to the depth you are fishing in.

[PerchJerker]

dtro is correct, adjusting your gain won't affect any other flashers.

Oen thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is to clean the bottom of your transducer to make sure you're getting the best readings. And make sure it is hanging perfectly vertical. After that you can adjust the gain .... and it all depends on how deep you're fishing and which bait you're using and if you're in a split-screen zoom mode, etc .... but basically you want to be able to just barely see your bait when it is not moving.

[KG243]

Thanks guys, all I need is some ice!!

[LakeDocktor]

dtro is correct, adjusting your gain won't affect any other flashers.

Oen thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is to clean the bottom of your transducer to make sure you're getting the best readings. And make sure it is hanging perfectly vertical. After that you can adjust the gain .... and it all depends on how deep you're fishing and which bait you're using and if you're in a split-screen zoom mode, etc .... but basically you want to be able to just barely see your bait when it is not moving.

I have seen turning up your gain affect others near by. On any given day, if someone is fishing close enough to me, I can tell if they have their gain too high based on the interference issues I am experiencing. This holds turn for any combination of the my Vexilars I have. I thought this may have been an issue with my transducer the first time it happened, but I have had it happen on all 6 of my units.

[DTro]

I'll take your word for it, but I don't think it's possible for that to happen.

The cones can interfere with each other based on beam size, frequency, location, and depth, but I'm pretty sure the output of the transducer is fixed and you are only adjusting the input on the display with the gain.

[harvey lee]

I have never had an issue with 2-4 flashers in a portable fishing at one time with the gain to high on one. I have had to turn the narrow beam on.

I love the Humminbirds as they seem to not interfere much at all with each other.

[Ed Carlson]

The gain equates to the internal return signal processor and really has nothing to do with the sonar emitter end of the signal equation, so it will have no effect on ducer output or cross talk interference.

A damaged ducer may "leak sonar signal" in a manner that casts sonar waves in odd directions that causes interference that is out of the norm.

Do not confuse "Sonar crosstalk Interference" with unwanted targets or a "Dirty Display" due to particulate clutter, Gain will clean up unwanted Target ID's but has nothing to do with electrical crosstalk interference, they are completely separate issues and methods of managing them.

Crosstalk is managed by the IR function, clutter is managed by raising or lowering the Gain, one does not influence the other.