Depth Finder battery life???

[Whopper Stopper]

Maybe some one will know what's going on with my Marcum. I have had it for a couple of years and never had any problems. I charge it once during the Summer and by ice fishing time I just plug it in and it is at 100% in no time. I needed it for today so last night I looked at it and the readout said 90%. I plugged it in as usual and about 4 hours later when I went to check it I found the readout saying 0% and the charger and battery were very warm to the touch. I brought it out on the lake anyway and basically it turns on but that's it. I have no idea what happened from charging it up last summer to now. Anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks!

WS

[Paul Waldowski]

Whopper Stooper,

You battery is toast. It has been my experience that 2-3 years is all you will get out of those 7 amp batteries.

[Whopper Stopper]

Thanks, do you also suggest 12 volt 9 amp over the 7 amp? Where is a good place to pick one up in the metro area? I am in Forest Lake.

Thanks again

WS

[Surface Tension]

Whopper Stopper, I'd also replace the battery. Someone always has them on sale. As far as 7 or 9 amp hr, I'd go for whatever you can find at a good price. If I'm on a weekend trip I carry a spare but rarely need it.

[Whopper Stopper]

Thanks a lot! I called Joe's and they have the 9 amp for $55 the guy said. I guess I will see what the 7 Amp goes for. I know that Gander carries those. Thanks a gain!

WS

[cliffy]

I was in the same boat as you this past Monday. I went looking for a new battery for my farther's old FL-8. He had the 12 volt 7.2 amp battery but I couldnt find one to replace it. All the batteries I found were 12 volt 7amp or 9amp. The salesperson said it didnt matter which battery I used..both would work and wouldnt harm the vex.

I bought the 12volt/7amp battery and charger at Scheels (Fargo ND) for 18.00.

I spoke with the salesperson about the Lx-3 because I wanted to sell my FL-18 and get a LX-3 and I noticed it used the same battery...as my Vex......so the I would assume the 7amp replacement battery would work just fine. Good luck.

[Gus]

I was at the Fridley Gander last night and they have a 7 amp battery and charger for $20.

[Ya Hey Der]

Whopper Stopper,

Here is a link to a post from last Jan. regarding battery issues (I copied and posted it here, I hope it works, let me know if it doesn't).

It also contains a link to where you can buy a sealed 12v 9ah.

I think the price is now $25 but I think it has free shipping and no tax, not sure though.

Good luck!

YHD

MarCum Thread-Click here

[Whopper Stopper]

Thanks to everyone for their help and input, I very much appreciated it. I had also sent the Customer Service at Marcom a note explaining what had happen. The were very prompt in their response and the following note is what they sent, part of it may help others. Thanks again and I wish everyone a Happy New Years!

WS

Whopper

It may be that your battery discharged to zero during the of season. This is sometimes occurs on units that have the DCS charger connected during of season storage. This only occurs on certain units and there is nothing in the manual to indicate that customers should not store their units with the DCS disconnected. In the future, it would be a good idea to disconnect the DCS during the of-season. I would first recommend trying a new battery. They can be purchased at most sporting goods stores that sell ice fishing units for around $12.00 or so. Also if your unit is around 1 year old or less we will warranty replace your battery if you send it to us. If your decide to send your battery in, please follow the directions below.

MarCum Technologies Service Center

6713 Thesing Road

Brainerd, Minnesota 56401