Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Dakota Lithium


eyeguy 54

Recommended Posts

  • Official Fishing Report Team - MN

Totally understand the hype and some of the benefits on the lithium batteries. But honestly I haven't found myself pulling the trigger on one yet. And probably never will. I guess for myself I look at the prices versus rewards and I cant see the benefits worth it I might be wrong. I realize the guys with the LCD Marcums and the LCD Birds  require a lot of battery power and I see the rewards then but just not  for the standard old school dial guys.   I just find myself personally having no problems using a 9 amp 12 v standard battery in my Vexilar.  In fact I have 4 of them one of the extras I Run in my Elite 7 GPS on a blue box for navigation. 1 in my underwater camera 1 as a spare. As far as seasons I get at least 5 years or better off of them. At $19.99 at fleet on sale you cant go wrong. Call me Old school but I have a fishing room built on my house that I put my gear in every day or night when arriveing home, so  I've always made it a habit of charging my vex everyday as a priority. I know the longevity factor and  I realize weight has always been a bonus but honestly if I cant lift a VEX with the standard lead acid battery and  go hole to hole all day then maybe I need to hit the gym or weights a little harder or  find another sport. ?. Maybe some day Ill jump on board but as for now call me old school ?

  • I Like it 2
  • Yayyyy 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

With this body every ounce I don’t have to lift is a plus ?. Like with the auger. So nice with the electric. Only one battery here so a few bucks invested was ok.  No way if I had four going would i have switched. Always always charged the old one after each outing. Great habit. This one hasn’t moved off 100 % yet but I still throw it on for just a bit. Will experiment maybe next time out and see what it does after two outings. 

  • I Like it 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

28 minutes ago, eyeguy 54 said:

 This one hasn’t moved off 100 % yet but I still throw it on for just a bit. Will experiment maybe next time out and see what it does after two outings. 

 

Wouldn't be surprised if the Vex gauge doesn't read the battery correctly, since lithiums have a flatter/higher voltage curve and those meters read the voltage, if my memory serves me right.   Or the Vex just has such low power draw its barely making a dent in it.  ?

 

 

 

 

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

Very low power draw i am told on the fl18

  • Thumbs Up 2
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 hours ago, eyeguy 54 said:

Very low power draw i am told on the fl18

Son has an FL28, buddy the FL18 both thought thier flashers were drawing too much current as there newer batteries died in a few hours. (Had bad batteries) Fl28 spec states 275 ma, I measured 287ma all options on. Fl18 spec at 200ma actual measured 208ma. I ran both units on new full charged 9ah batteries for 8 hrs. Fl28 batt was at 11.72 Fl18 11.97 at end of 8 he's. Calculated run time for a Fl18 on a 15AH battery is about 58 hours and Fl28 at 41 hours.

(15 ah  = 15,000 ma - 15,000ma ÷ 208ma x.8 = 57.69. The x.8 represents 80% due to cold temp, repeted power on/off etc.). 

  • Thumbs Up 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
On 11/17/2019 at 5:00 PM, AlwaysFishing23 said:


I was able to get out for a bit today. Lake had good ice (5-6”) and was able to ice a few nice gills. I did get to drill about 20 holes with the drill/auger setup. Wow is all I can say. Butter smooth and FAST! Very nice, 20 holes and never dropped the battery down one bar. Just pull the trigger and go, no gas no pulling no mess. But I did have a lot of torque to deal with like I expected. The drill did great so I’m going to invest in the clam drill plate and a 6” lazer auger. I have the 8” lazer now so I should have a lot less torque and more holes per charge. As far I know from reading and YouTube the lazer auger (Hand auger) should bolt right on the plate without any other needed adapters? 

Correct 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, papadarv said:

Son has an FL28, buddy the FL18 both thought thier flashers were drawing too much current as there newer batteries died in a few hours. (Had bad batteries) Fl28 spec states 275 ma, I measured 287ma all options on. Fl18 spec at 200ma actual measured 208ma. I ran both units on new full charged 9ah batteries for 8 hrs. Fl28 batt was at 11.72 Fl18 11.97 at end of 8 he's. Calculated run time for a Fl18 on a 15AH battery is about 58 hours and Fl28 at 41 hours.

(15 ah  = 15,000 ma - 15,000ma ÷ 208ma x.8 = 57.69. The x.8 represents 80% due to cold temp, repeted power on/off etc.). 

 

The Ice55 pulls 250mA per its website/spec sheet..  A unit with a big screen like the Ice Helix 7 w/GPS rated at 900mA.

Edited by CJH
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Stopped by Fleet Farm today, picked up new FL-8se. Super quit running. Tested current uses 200ma set at 20ft. Increases to 224ma with Gain set to max. Uses less power when set to deeper depth - 120ft only draws 150ma.

20191210_140030.thumb.jpg.b26a248e8d2adf0771bfafe43617f022.jpg

 

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

may the vex force be with you. :)

  • Yayyyy 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

update. love the weight. The vex charger was not doing it right so I bought the Dakota charger for 20 bucks. man does it get hot!  

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

You think it’s worth it Eyeguy 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
14 minutes ago, monstermoose78 said:

You think it’s worth it Eyeguy 

Yes indeed. Light as a feather

  • Thumbs Up 1
  • I Like it 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was about to purchase a lithium flasher battery for my FL20.  I spoke with a buddy who is a vexilar rep, sounds like they may be exploring that option for their flasher in the future.  He did mention that charging a lithium battery with the standard vexilar charger or a .8 amp charger can cause some issues.  Almost like reverse polarity issues.  I don't have a lithium battery, but if i were to purchase one it would be with a new charger.  

  • Thumbs Up 1
  • I Like it 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

I have a two lithium. You do get more run time of out them. They run all the way down to about 5% before they quit. Your standard battery will start to lose power and then cut you off with some juice still left. You will want a new lithium charger, charging them on a regular charger can mess them up and give you false readings of it being full.

  • Thumbs Up 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just ordered one of the Amped Outdoors batteries.  My Genius Smart Charger has a Lithium setting, which they said would work perfectly with it.  So if you have one of those, or something similar, that should work.  I'll find out one way or another!!

  • Wow, ❤ 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • Kettle
      I have not eaten one, they are protected generally here in the states and Canada although there have been special seasons for population control but I don't think it was harvested for meat. I've hunted in countries where they are not protected and was with someone who shot one, I didn't eat it but it just stunk after I picked it up. 
    • leech~~
      Do you guys eat cormorant?  Even Indians call them fisheaters, and they don't eat fisheaters! 🤮
    • leech~~
      Happy Thanksgiving to you all as well. We had ours yesterday because our RN daughter in law had to work today.  So I'm trying my hand first time ever at turkey stock for soup later! 😋
    • Wanderer
      Yes! Enjoy your turkey day everyone!
    • Mike89
      happy thanksgiving to all!!!
    • Dash 1
      Happy Thanksgiving everyone.   The ice is coming.  Eager to get out. Dug out my old strikemaster Thursday and got it ready. Smokes like  a chimney at times, but can't justify buying a new one when the old still works good. 
    • Kettle
      They definitely are stinky birds, the cormorant that is. The Sandhills don't really smell. When you clean them it smells more like venison than waterfowl. We figured he wouldn't pick it up since they must smell similar to chickens and my buddy has trained the Chesapeake to not go after their chickens at home
    • gimruis
      Many years ago it was legal to shoot cormorants.  My Grandfather at the time also had a chesapeake bay retriever and he said that dog would retrieve anything in the worst conditions.   One time he told me he shot a cormorant.  The dog swam out out there and refused to pick it up.  Apparently because they are so nasty, stinky, and greasy.   He said its the only bird that dog would not retrieve in 11 years.
    • Mike89
      his eyes say it all!!!  
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  The focus for most this past week has been the ongoing deer hunting season and/or watching the forecast and feeling optimistic about the cold temps over the next couple of weeks.     The forecast shows temps staying below freezing and hitting the single digits many days.  Depending upon the wind, this should make some ice and get things started,   The limited number of anglers still fishing are taking advantage of fairly mild weather for November, but that is changing quickly.  Good numbers of walleyes, saugers and a lot of jumbo perch are staged across the south shore which bodes well for ice fishing.   No surprise this time of year, vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners is catching most of the walleyes, saugers and jumbo perch.     Resorts and outfitters are busy, continually getting ready for the ice fishing season.  Fish house maintenance, light ice rigs, bombardiers, track rigs, augers, fish houses, sleeper houses, permitting, deep cleaning, remodeling, and the list goes on.  All good stuff that helps to make the ice fishing season more enjoyable. On the Rainy River...  Very good fishing reports for those on the river this week, and there have been a few boats.  Limits of walleyes was the norm for most. Most walleyes are being caught in 10-25 feet of water jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners.    Having good numbers of walleyes in the river is desired by those who ice fish the south shore.  It is believed some of the walleyes in the river make their way out to the lake as the ice fishing season progresses, providing additional fish to ice anglers out in front of Pine Island.  All good stuff. Up at the NW Angle...  As temps are getting colder, most are finishing up deer hunting, processing venison or getting ready for the upcoming ice fishing season.  For the few that got out, reports were excellent.  A nice mixed bag with walleyes, saugers, perch, pike and crappies being caught. Very good muskie fishing for those who braved the colder temps.  Some big fish and some good numbers are being caught amongst the islands.  Late fall is known as a good time to catch muskies and this year has held true. If you haven't made reservations for ice fishing, now is a great time.  Day houses normally get out mid December with an extended season on LOW, lasting through March.  Mother Nature always dictates.  Resorts and outfitters will be monitoring ice conditions, posting weight limits throughout the year.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.