Portable Pack for my HDS

[CaptainMusky]

So I have wanted to build a portable pack for my HDS to use for ice fishing. I didnt like the options out there and decided I could probably come up with something closer to what I wanted myself with some equipment lying around the garage.

I took a 5 gallon pail, my clam portable power station with battery tray, a ram mount for a VHF antenna and came up with this.

I can fold it down flat and put a cover on the pail.

The main thing I like is that it sits up higher which is nice when walking around on the ice.

[CaptainMusky]

Well, I am going to have to research how to attach images. LOL

[McGurk]

Eagerly awaiting a photo... If you already have it loaded on a HSOforum somewhere you can simply insert the direct image link (http:// xxxx.xxx) into this coding: . Click preview to see if it worked before posting.

[CaptainMusky]

http://img849.imageshack.us/edit_preview...p;action=rotate

[CaptainMusky]

Well, that didnt work exactly as I had hoped, but you get the idea.

I have work to do yet. I have to get the wiring done and a storage location for the transducer. Well see if my redneck engineering works.

Either that or I will get laughed at which is OK too. :-)

[anderson_dc]

I use a genz box and it works pretty slick. I like your ingenuity though!

[CaptainMusky]

The first pic here is with the unit folded down and cover on.

The second pic is of the unit folded down.

The main reason I am doing this in the first place is my two oldest boys (6 and 11) are now really getting in to ice fishing. And rather than go out and buy another flasher (have an Lx3tc) I figured I could use one of the open water electronics I already have.

This way they can "watch" the fish too and not cripple me from fishing. :-)

[Stick in Mud]

Great pics. I've got the same unit, and I've also wanted to use it for ice fishing. You're right about the Lowrance-made ice packs being a bit...unhelpful.

Are you planning on looping the ducer cable up and out of the bucket? Drilling a hole through the bottom to run the cable?

[CaptainMusky]

Great pics. I've got the same unit, and I've also wanted to use it for ice fishing. You're right about the Lowrance-made ice packs being a bit...unhelpful.

Are you planning on looping the ducer cable up and out of the bucket? Drilling a hole through the bottom to run the cable?

Yes, that is exactly my plan. I will drill a hole somewhat high up the side of the bucket big enough to fit the plug end through and then mount a large eyebolt which will hold the cable out to the side.

I thought about just doing the Genz box thing, but they are hard to find plus, I had a goal of getting it up higher so its easier to see when standing on the ice. Plus when seated in the fish house it would be closer to eye level.

[Esox_Magnum]

I use a Vex pro pack for mine works fine....

[Crappyfisherman]

Old Vex box,10 amp battery. The HDS-5 is a battery eater. This year I'm

adding a Elite 4 to my Bird-55 for gps. That way I can turn the gps off

and save the battery.

[CaptainMusky]

Yeah, if you leave the GPS on it will eat your battery for sure. I dont plan to use the GPS on this much. I will leave my HDS7 on my ATV to find the spot to set up the house. If hole hopping I will just use my Navionics app on my phone or turn on the GPS on the 5 to get me honed in.

Nothing against using those genz boxes or shuttle from a Vex. I couldnt find a new one and really wanted it to sit up higher. Plus, this whole thing will cost me like $2.50 for the bolts and washers.

Dannn, what did you use for rod holders? Looks like PVC, but hard to tell.

[Crappyfisherman]

That is why I put the Elite-4 on my 55. The HDS works great but for hole hopping it is a little slow.Every time you move to a new hole it takes afew seconds to pick up the signal and display it,really bad on auto depth.It worked better on manual but for me it is still slower than a flasher.I move fast and alot so it was kind of annoying.Also with a 10 amp battery the thing was like an anchor,over 10 lbs. I'm a walkout guy so weight is important.Tried a Lithium Ion battery(10 amp,2 1/2 lbs.)but it ran out of gas after 5 hours.Put that battery in my 55/Elite-4 and it went all day.The HDS is a great unit I have 3 on the boat. For icefishing a flasher works better. Enjoy yours.Once you get the setting down they are really fun.

[CaptainMusky]

Yeah, I dont plan on it being my sole depth finder for sure. My primary will still be my LX3, but when the boys are with I will need two units to keep them occupied. They are convinced there are no fish there otherwise. :-)

[Crappyfisherman]

Not to change the subject,just wish the HDS didnt use so much juice.

I was going to buy a h.b.385 but already have 3 lowrance lakemaster chips.

Now I see Hummingbird is giving free chips if you buy a 385,good deal.

Isnt ice fishing great,so many toys.

Just hope when I die my wife sells them for more than I told her I payed for them !!!