Marcum Not Picking Up Lure

[Vitreus]

Hey guys. So I took my LX-5 and my girlfriend's VX-1 out Friday, and the LX-5 wouldn't pick up my lure, even with the gain all the way up. The VX-1 was working fine, so I just used that for the day. I switched out the batteries to see if that was the issue, but the LX-5 is still no dice.

 

I'm still wondering if it's a battery issue, since the LX-5 draws more power than the VX-1...

 

I thought I'd ask if anyone has had a similar issue and perhaps I'm wasting money going out and buying a new battery if it's something else?

[Bass Thumb]

I've never had it happen to mine, but I once spoke to a guy on the lake that had the same thing happen after he was using the puck to re-open semi frozen holes. Lol

 

The puck didn't get banged up, did it? If you shake it, can you hear anything rattling around?

 

I'd call Marcum if I were you. They're an awesome company to deal with. 

[Vitreus]

Thanks for the feedback.

 

The puck (and the unit itself) has been babied. Always open holes with a boot before dropping in.

 

I think it's a transducer issue. Hope Marcum is as good as folks say.

[Sculpin]

Sometimes it is difficult to see certain lures that hang vertically, even with lots of gain, like slender spoons, etc.  You may want to try a lure that hangs horizontally like a jigging Rap. Also, make sure your transducer is under the ice. Even 8/10" of ice can impede it if it is resting against the ice.

Good luck

[Vitreus]

Thanks sculpin. I tried a few different lures that have worked well in the past. Still no signal, even with gain to 10, ducer nicely below the ice line. VX-1, which is presumably a less powerful unit, is picking them up just fine, and it's a much older unit. 

[Jim Almquist]

My guess is your transducer went bad. Everything thing in your setup sounds good and if it is spinning your battery should not be the issue. Always could swap batteries with the VX1

[Vitreus]

Tried a battery swap, and still no luck. Looking at other inquiries online, I think you guys are right - transducer issue.

 

Bummer! Pretty new unit, too.

 

I'll let y'all know how it goes with Marcum CS.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Yup, Transducer problem!

Cliff

[Jim Panfish Uran]

Ughhh I would have guessed battery, but it does sound like a transducer issue. Bummer

[Borch]

If it's out of warranty there are several options to get the new transducer.  But talking to Marcum and describing your issues is a good way to get it fixed with out buying parts you don't need.

[Wanderer]

Probably the ducer is shot BUT you should also check if you have foam stuck to the bottom of it.

 

I've had problems a couple times where I put the wet ducer in the pocket and had it freeze down to the thin patch of foam in the bottom.  The foam definitely deadens the sensitivity.

[Vitreus]

8 hours ago, Wanderer said:

Probably the ducer is shot BUT you should also check if you have foam stuck to the bottom of it.

 

I've had problems a couple times where I put the wet ducer in the pocket and had it freeze down to the thin patch of foam in the bottom.  The foam definitely deadens the sensitivity.

I've had this happen before as well. Not the case here.

[Surface Tension]

 Probably bad ducer but try unplugging it and plug it back in.

Another thing I've seen is sliding the ducer stop without spreading 1st. That will tear the insulation on the ducer cord and eventually the water will make its way into the ducer..

 

I've had the ducer stick/melt to the foam pad during summer storage.  

 

[fsnrod]

6 hours ago, Surface Tension said:

 Probably bad ducer but try unplugging it and plug it back in.

Another thing I've seen is sliding the ducer stop without spreading 1st. That will tear the insulation on the ducer cord and eventually the water will make its way into the ducer..

 

I've had the ducer stick/melt to the foam pad during summer storage. you should be able to hear the transducer clicking if its working. try a different transducer to see if it works maybe the vxi transducer.

 

 

[Vitreus]

11 hours ago, Surface Tension said:

 Probably bad ducer but try unplugging it and plug it back in.

Another thing I've seen is sliding the ducer stop without spreading 1st. That will tear the insulation on the ducer cord and eventually the water will make its way into the ducer..

 

I've had the ducer stick/melt to the foam pad during summer storage.  

 

I hear you about sliding the stop. Seems it could damage the cord for sure. Also, removing and replacing the big dual beam from the case is a tight squeeze. Wonder if there's just a connection loose.

 

Just gave the ducer a listen and it's still clicking...

 

Haven't gotten ahold of Marcum yet. Left a message.

[Vitreus]

Update: I've left multiple messages at Marcum during business hours. No response. Maybe they're closed for the… week?

 

Luckily I found a friend with the same flasher. Tried his ducer, and its still not working. Back to the drawing board I guess.

[ANYFISH2]

Does it pick up bottom well?

[Cheers]

Is the issue just at the bottom or will it not pick up a suspended lure ? If you are fishing in a spot where there is a significant depth difference from one side of your cone to the other it will give you a dead spot and you wont pick up anything below the high point in the cone .

[Luttes]

How old is the unit (i know you said pretty new, but, how new)?  I assume marcum uses the same technology as all the other ones, if it's not the ducer, it could be the brushes on the motor, that's how the unit transmits the information to the lights on the flasher and causes the flashing. should be simple enough to open the unit up and take a look at those.  If it's neither of those two things it's probably something on the motherboard.

 

From Marcum's repair site:

 

Possible symptoms of internal issues

 

Unit turns on, but makes steady loud beeping sound

 

Bottom signal shifts or bounces

 

Unit will not mark bottom or fish, transducer not clicking

 

One or more colors missing from display

 

Have to turn gain very high to mark lure or fish

 

If your flasher is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you ship it back to us right away. We require that you ship the head [display] and transducer only. No need to ship the shuttle, pack, or battery. Be sure to pack the items in a BOX, packed securely with bubble wrap. We are not responsible for items damaged in shipment to us. Write your order number on the outside of the BOX, and ship it to our Minneapolis address. Be sure to include a copy of your order, and include a brief letter that has all your contact info, along with a description of the problems you have experienced.

 

Send unit to:

 

 

 

MarCum Technologies

 

Attention - Service Dept.

 

3943 Quebec Ave North

 

Minneapolis MN 55427

[Surface Tension]

Good info Luttes,   I agree it looks like you'll have to send it in.

[Jighead4914]

Transducer problem or it could be the brushes on the motor.  I had the brushes go on a humminbird ice 45. but never on my marcums..

Edited December 29, 2016 by Jighead4914

[Vitreus]

Thanks for all the information guys. The transducer is good - tested it in another unit and it works. The flasher is not showing anything, just the red line at the top that typically represents the top of the water column. I'll take a picture tomorrow on the lake.

 

Still haven't heard back from Marcum, but called Scheels and they going to send it in and take care of it. I bought it there in January of 2014.

 

Thanks again for the advice.