does anybody use there lowrance 522 or similar for icefishing

[adamr]

how did you convert your power over? How does it work

[loadmaster]

I used mine on a limited basis. Used it more for the lake maps than a graph but it will work. Instead of of ripping all the wiring from the boat, I bought a new set of wires and just plugged into a graph battry. Lowrance ice fishing packages leave something to be desirred. The case stinks and the arm to hold the transducer is awful. This unit is pricey to bang around the ice that's why I figured it would be cheaper and easier to to buy a hand held GPS and a good entry level flasher.>>>latter the load

[DonC]

http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2108399/1

[Chode2235]

Yeah the easiest way to do it is to buy the Lowrance kit. Ducer, case, and all the necessary wiring. Regardless of what you do, be sure to use a fuse with any of the GPS finders.

[DonC]

I bought the blue box, ice transducer, vexlar float and cigarette lighter connector for just under $100 bucks.

FISH-LECTRONICS

5003 UNIVERSITY AVE NE

MINNEAPOLIS MN 55421

Ph. 763-571-1277

Alrerady had the power cord and an extra puck for GPS use in truck. I Don't plan on using the GPS on ice.

What size fuse and where to put it ? Between the unit and battery in power cord I assume

[SteveD]

how did you convert your power over? How does it work

Powering the unit was pretty simple. I bought a power cord at Cabela's (around $20). You just need the simple power cord, not the one with all the wires for networking. I just hooked the cord to a car power plug and plug it into the DC port on my Jump Starter Power Pack. Took about 5 minutes to hook up and it works great. Be sure to install the in-line fuse that comes with the Power Cable.

Cabela's also sells the ice fishing transducer (around $60 I think) if you want one. Just ask the guys at the Electronics Desk and they will set you up.

[DonC]

Cabela's has the ice transducer on back order :-(

[Itsa Pole Bender]

It's not your lawrance but I made my H-Bird 797 into a portable fish finder. I screwed in some strips of wood to hold two 12 volt batteries inside and to more wood with foam cushionion to hold the unit. I bought an ice ducer for it. I don't have my own boat so in the summer when I fish on the father-in-laws boat I put the suction cup ducer on the boat and have my fish finder. In the winter I drop the ice ducer down the hole and have my fish finder. I also mounted the head mount to the top of the tool box to hold the head in position. It has turned out to be a really useful project. If you are thinking of converting it is pretty easy. Just need to invest in a different transducer.

[Chode2235]

Yeah, I have seen a other people put various lowrance models on a regular old blue box too. The hardest and most expensive part is getting an ice transducer.

Also, Lowrance sells the kit with this metal arm for attaching the transducer. Be sure to get a vexilar float and throw that arm away. The transducer float is the only way to go.

[lookin4fish]

it is an expensive conversion in my opinion. however I did do it so I would have a second unit of the GF or anyone else that comes along that does not have one. I use my vex and think it is much better that the lowrance for ice fishing. I did save some money one way. FF had the grey end power cord on clearence for $5.00 I did not know if it would work but it looked the same as my blue one. so i bought it anyways and it worked fine. I think the grey cords may be old stuff for lowrance so you can find deals on them. when it comes down to it you will most likely spend 100-150 dolers for the complete conversion. much cheaper than a flasher...but you risk breaking you boat locator and we have all heard or expierenced the customer service with lowrance when we need a fix. My suggestion after doing it is buy a used flasher, or a lower end model flasher and just have 2 different units.

[PierBridge]

Picked up a used Cabalas Ice kit for my 522 for $75 and will never go back to a flasher. The Graph and GPS all in one is to die for.

[DonC]

What ever happened to the orignal poster ? Did we scare him away ?

just got all the parts and pieces from above mentioned dealer. Can't wait to start putting it together. Still undecided on batterey type to use. Cabelas 8 amp hr(2 each) with charger or a small ATV type battery. Not sure which would last longer, any suggestions ?

[stumper]

Used my HDS 5 last night for the first time.Works ok, but its no Marcum. It will work for my buddies that tag along though.

[lookin4fish]

very nice of you to make your HDS your loaner unit!!! I would be scared to use someones HDS for fear of replacement cost!!

[stumper]

I have 3 LX-3's that will get used first,lol. But Im not to worried.Here is a couple pics

Mounted it with a ram mount so I can easily stick it on the wheeler for gps.

[PierBridge]

Nice set-up.

The Cabelas set-up with soft case and transducer float works slick.

I have $525 total into my 522 and the ice kit. Just saw another Ice system for $80 on C L.

Here's a good thread on fine tuning your Lowrance Sonars for use on the ice.

http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubb...ing#Post2119087

After a little fine tuning my FL-18 see's little or no action these days.

[JIM C]

I agree, after using a Lowrance HDS-5 for ice fishing all last winter, (and a LMS-334 and LMS-522 before that) I'd say that once you learn the units capabilities you won't be thinking about buying anyone's flasher.

Jim Carroll NPAA #13

[stumper]

So you were one of the lucky ones Jim?