vex question

[huskie0302]

I have a FL18 and when I turn it on X1 it shows my depth like it would on x2. I was in 8 ft of water so it should of shown up normal. Do you think its my unit or my transducer? I have never had any problems like this before. Any suggestions???? Thanks in advance

[BriGuy88]

You didn't by chance have it in zoom mode, did you?

[huskie0302]

I had it on Normal, AZ. I changed it to BL and it was still like that. I have no idea why this happens? I hope its a user error rather than something with the unit

[BriGuy88]

When you say you had it on Normal, AZ was the switch setting actually on the AZ setting or the Norm setting? If on the AZ setting, switch it to Norm and that should solve the problem.

When it is on the AZ setting, the right side of the flasher shows you the full water column based on the yellow inner depth scale and the left side shows the bottom 6' of the water column.

[huskie0302]

I tried all of the settings, I still had the last 6 on the left side. The right side still had me on the inner yellow line

[BriGuy88]

Any change to the display if you try any of the Low Power modes or up the range selector to x3, x4 or x10?

[huskie0302]

It changes to what it should be at, just the x1 seems like the depth is doubled, you think something could be stuck?

[BriGuy88]

It seems odd to me that only the x1 range seems to have the issue. Maybe a call to Vex customer service unless someone else has any other ideas. I wish you luck. It's frustrating when our toys don't work!

[maxpower17]

Check to see if the knob is coming loose. My FL-20 had the zoom knob coming loose and the indicator line did not match up whith the function that was being used.

There is a metric set screw on the bottom of the knob. Loosten it and take it off. Turn the nub to a known function and put the knob back on and tighten accordingly.

[Ed Carlson]

I had it on Normal, AZ. I changed it to BL and it was still like that. I have no idea why this happens? I hope its a user error rather than something with the unit

maxpower17 hit it on the head I think.

I am also inclined to suspect the set screw is loose and the Mode selection knob is slipping. You may then think it changed modes but it is still set on another.

[huskie0302]

I checked the knobbs, and the one that changes from normal to AZ is still really tight, I rarely change it. Thanks for the input guys, I'm going out later this week and I will see if I can figure it out

[maxpower17]

Its been a few days now, a quick call to Vex can probably be worth while.

[huskie0302]

Ya, I haven't had time to get to a lake to test it out. After my try on the lake I'm going to call vex. thanks for the input!!!

[Ed Carlson]

When you change Modes with the selection knob...does it FEEL like it is clicking between operational modes, and does the Mode it lands on to one side line up with the Mode Indicator?

You should be able to Table Top Test it and determine if the Mode Switch is indeed the culprit.

Set the ducer suspended 24" off the floor (Hard Floor not carpet and clear of obstructions)... it should read 9' at a low gain setting.

Now turn up the gain a bit and switch it between modes...does the modes respond and reflect the desired mode indicated on the dial.

This should give you a good idea what is wrong or not and will be helpful to the service tec at Vexilar when you call for advise if still needed.

[huskie0302]

Well I tried it tonight, when i'm on normal x1 it shows me the depth but doesn't show me the last 6ft. of the bottom on the left hand column. I have to go to AZ to see it. Still confusing....You think I should call Vex?

[minneman]

sounds normal to me, thats what AZ is, Zoom. switching to AZ turns on the left side of the display.

[huskie0302]

But when i'm on x1, it shows my depth at x2, it never use to do that. so if i'm in 9ft of water the right column in tiny and can't see the whole column

[Ed Carlson]

I'm assuming your testing this in 20 feet or less on the 1x mode, correct? If not, switch it over to 2x and see what you find.

The AZ mode will read the bottom 6' either in and depth, but the full display on the right may appear to be tiny if set to the wrong depth mode...but in actuality..it could just be all surface clutter and a false bottom reading you think you see, because it has not found the TRUE Bottom on the 1x mode....so you may need to switch it to 2x, or 3x, as required.

Are you 100% Certain..the depth mode lines up with the correct mark on the indicator? As the indicator points directly to the 1x in that mode ans to the deepest mode to the right does it point directly to that as well... ect...ect.

I still suspect the mode knob may have jumped position on you. Or has been damaged and can't switch from 2x to 1 x when the dial is turned..that is a possibility as well....tough to say without actually getting my hands on the unit to tinker.

Still confused...call Vex..they will be more than happy to talk you through it. They have seen it all..they will figure it out P-D-Q.

[cold one sd]

But when i'm on x1, it shows my depth at x2, it never use to do that. so if i'm in 9ft of water the right column in tiny and can't see the whole column

When you turn on your auto zoom it automatically doubles your depth setting because you are now reading the entire water column on the right side of your screen and only the bottom six feet on the left side. If you were set at x2 the right side of the screen would go to x4 because you are now only using 1/2 of the screen. If you are using x1, the right side of the screen will switch to x2 when AZ is turned on. This is normal, but it does get a bit confusing though.