Marcum question....

[broman]

I have a VX-1 and an older LX-3 (no true color). I just purchased the LX-3 used from someone last week because I wanted the adjustable zoom and better power (I will be fishing next to my cuz who's FL-18 knocks out my VX-1 when I'm within 50 feet of him.

I'm not sure if the LX-3 is working 100%. Since I haven't really had a chance to take it out and test it on the lake (just got it in the mail yesterday) I was wondering what everyone thinks about the following.

When I rub the transducer from each unit on my pant leg the VX-1 shows static on the screen without turning up the gain. I have to turn the gain up on the LX-3 to about half way before I see the static. Should I be worried about the possibility of a weakened transducer?

I did stop by a lake on the way home, drill a hole and test the LX-3. I didn't bring a rod so I couldn't test if it would see a lure, and there were no fish on the screen. I had to turn up the gain in order to see the bottom. This was a 15 foot depth. Should it see the bottom without turning up the gain? Or is this pretty normal?

[blueroof]

Sounds like something is up, can you switch transducers with your older LX-3 for a test?? LB

[FrontenacPike]

I own a LX3-TC, when I first drop it in the water I turn the gain up until I can see solid bottom,(which is about 1-2). After dropping a lure down I simply give it a little more gain until the lure appears. If I remember right its usually around 2-3.

[Schloogs]

I don't think you are going to see the bottom unless you turn the gain up a little(1 to 2). I think I run mine around 2 for good lure and bottom signal.

[blueroof]

Broman - I realized I completely misread your post, was thinking you had to turn your gain way up to see the bottom. Also realized you have just one LX-3.

I don't see bottom with my marcum either unless I turn the gain up a bit, sounds like it is working OK. Good luck! LB

[Deitz Dittrich]

Really hard to say without being there. Please let us know how things turn out for you.. If you do have problems, please give Jon a call at Marcum cust service.. they will take care of you.

[broman]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I'm feeling better about my purchase.

I'm going to bring both up next weekend to Mille Lacs and test them both out.

Another question. If you had your choice between keeping the new VX-1 or the older LX-3, which would you keep? I bought the LX-3 for the power and the adjustable zoom. But I like the green that the LX-1's shows on the screen and it's a little quieter.

[LMITOUT]

You can test it anywhere without water. The depth won't be correct, but it should still show the reflection off a hard surface and anything in between.

[FrontenacPike]

Keep the LX3 and sent it in to Marcum and have them add the tru-color upgrade. A buddy of mine just did it, and he can't believe the difference. It did however cost him $49 bucks, but he said it was worth every penny and it's like using a brand new unit.

[broman]

When did he send it in? I heard that they weren't doing anymore of the upgrades at this time.

Also, what was the turnaround time?

[sodajerk]

My LX-5 works the same as some others have described. I see nothing on the screen with the gain way down. I have to turn it up to about 1 1/2 to get a good bottom reading, and then adjust it up to around 2 or a little above to see my lure consistently.

[Flip37]

Email Marcum and tell them you want the upgrade. I did because i just bought an older lx-3, got a good deal. Anyway they said they will put me on the list and open the upgrade again if they get enough requests.

[thumper1]

I have an older lx-3 without true color also. I just had to send in my unit because I was having to turn the gain way up (max out) in order to see my lure. I emailed Marcum on a Friday and received a reply that same day with instructions on how to send it in. We sent it out by UPS on Monday and it was back on my door step on Friday. I thought that was great turn around time.

[slipperybob]

At first, when a buddy (owner of an FL18) asked about how high my gain was on my unit and I said about 2 on the LX5, he was laughing at me. But that's what I like about being able to turn the gain to 0 to see nothing. At about just short of 1, I can usuaully get a red line on hard bottom. If I ever had to use a 1/4 oz jig with a fathead minnow, my gain is usually around 1 and 1/2. Throw the same size lure in my buddy's FL18 and it's a huge fish line. Now wonder he doesn't realize a fish on his lure. After I pulled a few fishes, he checks his lure and there's a fish on it. LOL's It's the fisherman, not his equipment. Light biters can really be sneaky.