Marcum beats up batteries???

[Stcloudangler]

My dad has had his LX-5 for about 2 years. He has had to go through 4 batteries, he has even tried going to the higher amperage. No luck, these batteries are 20 bucks, and he is getting frustrated. I have had my Vexilar FL-18 for about 5 years and still on the first one. I am wondering if this is a recurring problem with Marcums, or what?

[Surface Tension]

MarCum flashers must have the battery disconnected during long periods of on use. After the ice season charge up the battery and remove it from the DSC.

[Stcloudangler]

Thanx, I will check with him if he's doing that. I kinda think he is though, because the battery is out when he is charging it, pointing at it and complaining about it....

[Shack]

Going on my third year with my LX-5 and no battery issues to speak of as of yet. Maybe a charger issue? If the read out says a 100% after charging, let it sit for awhile and (still plugged in) and see if the battery is cooking (hot). The charger might not be shutting off????

Ironically I purchased an FL-8 many moons ago and had issues with the battery right out of the box Twice.

I returned it to the store and took the next one in the box on the shelf from where I got the first one. I just figured it was the manufacture of the battery that had the issue, not Vex.

[eyebjim]

Must be due to all that power everyone brags about.

[Borch]

Just replaced a battery after 4 years. My fault as I forgot to unhook the battery last summer and killed it.

[Esox_Magnum]

Just replaced a battery after 4 years. My fault as I forgot to unhook the battery last summer and killed it.

Same here, my fault. My other ones a year old and no problems.

[Jim Almquist]

I am not sure if I am going on my 3rd or 4th year but I always unhook mine as soon as it is finished charging. I actually have got into the habit of disconnecting all of my batteries because it seems like the snowmobile and the 4 wheeler like to drain them in the off season.

[Northlander]

2nd winter on my LX-5 and same battery working fine.

[harvey lee]

Agreed. I have 3 season on one of my LX5's. I di disconnect the hot wire when in storage.

[Orlip]

01-01-06 New FL18 with the same battery. Leads disconnected after every use and recharged after every use.

[harvey lee]

I always charge my flasher battery right away after the days use to keep it fully charged. I have had batteries last for 5-7 years.

[DonC]

Can a bigger battery like a 4 wheeler battery, or even a car battery, be used with a flasher ? Would it last longer ?

[eyebjim]

yes and yes

[Jim Almquist]

Can a bigger battery like a 4 wheeler battery, or even a car battery, be used with a flasher ? Would it last longer ?

I have done it when my battery has ran out but then you pretty much want to sit in one hole because now you have to lug around to much stuff. If your in a fish house it is not a problem.

[harvey lee]

Originally Posted By: DonC

Can a bigger battery like a 4 wheeler battery, or even a car battery, be used with a flasher ? Would it last longer ?

I have done it when my battery has ran out but then you pretty much want to sit in one hole because now you have to lug around to much stuff. If your in a fish house it is not a problem.

I always carry a extra flasher battery in my truck just in case.

[Esox_Magnum]

An extra battry isn't that much to carry I carry a couple for spares or to use for lights, just drop it in a tote when you go out. Comes in handy when yuo forget to charge your camer or flasher or when one gets unplugged and you don't notice untill your ready to fish. I keep 2 spares charged at all times just in case. When you replace your batteries try and get a 8 or 9 ah one they last a few hours longer.

I have loaned them out to other guys fishing with or near me if their flashers run low.