Finally bought a flasher

[fmrusmc]

After looking at the flashers for almost 3 years now, I went to Cabelas and picked up a Humminbird Ice 45. Now I need to get out and test it out!! Anyone else have one of these? How do you like it?
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[northernfisher]

I have a 55 and love it! The zoom is great, the peak to peak power is awesome! Just read the instructions for color specifications, the six color setting is my favorite. A friend of mine that had a FL-20 liked my 55 so much that he sold his Vex to get one, but with that is when we found the only down side which is that they have interference issues when closer than twenty feet. This only applies to Humminbird near Humminbird. Other than that I think you'll love it!
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[CoyoteSpinner]

Had to reread that first sentence. Flashbacks to the Carol Burnett show. . . haha

don't have any experience with the 55, but my Lowrance has a flasher mode. Still getting used to it. Need more practice! Have you looked up any Youtubes on it? I found that pretty helpful in learning the options and functions of finders before I dug in.

I'm sure you'll love it. Don't know how I managed running blind before. Sure helps to have "eyes below"

[fmrusmc]

I have looked at a few youtube videos and they make it look pretty easy. I guess I will find out tomorrow. I am sure its going to beat my Eagle fishmark 320 I have been using!

Since I have been using a fish finder on the ice, I dont think I could go without it!
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[k2muskie]

We have the Ice 55...used it for the first time this past weekend...one recommendation is this...the transducer support cable is a PITA. And if you use it could cause the transducer to be at an angle not giving you a true reading.

So with that being said...I did some K2 research and found out the transducer support cable was to prevent patent infringements on other flashers. You be the judge...we removed ours as per this research found out it works just fine without the support cable.

Here's the answer direct from Humminbird's FAQ page:

[url "http://www.humminbird.com/FAQ.aspx?ContentId=1854"]http://www.humminbird.com/FAQ.aspx?ContentId=1854[/url]

Now if I can only find the bracket that these folks recommended I get...so if anyone knows where I can get the bracket...much appreciated and not to digress from this thread but potentially other Ice owners would like also to eliminate the float.

[inline "Transducer Bracket.jpg"]

We still have our Vex FL12s and will play with the Humminbird and if removing the damn support cable provides what we want...GREAT may see the Vexs up for sale...but not going to do it yet as the Vexs we learned on and well still partial to them but will use the 55 and make the decision on which is best real soon... [][]
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[fmrusmc]

I took the support cable off. I would like to find an arm like that. I saw that on that ice shanty site. They look pretty nice. but if it says humminbird on it, you know its going to be at least 50 bucks for it. Looks simple enough to fabricate myself.
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[kastmaster]

I have the HB 35 and have tossed the float altogether and switched to an arm made out of a 6" threaded eye bolt. I drilled several holes on the front and sides of the case so that I can match which side I would like the arm to come out of. I did bend the eye out a little bit so that I can slip the cable into it and use the rubber stop that came with the unit for length adjustment. Since the unit is plastic, the eye bolt made its own thread when I initially screwed it in the holes. Just make sure that you are using the correct size drill bit. I also threaded on a nut to use as a stop for the bolt.

The solid arm makes hole-hopping a lot easier for me. Just make sure that at the end of the day and you're putting it away, that you don't unscrew the arm when it is right over the hole or it may end up in the drink. Don't ask me how I know.

[fmrusmc]

Id be interested in seeing how you worked that. Pictures would be great. If you dont want to put them up for everyone you can always e mail them. Now i just need a case for mine. You pay enough for the thing, why doesnt it come with a damn case. I know the 55 does.
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[CoyoteSpinner]

I'd love to see a pic too - you got me thinking about the arm that drops the cage in the Mousetrap game! If it was maybe a bit longer - wedge a rubber wedgie against a fixed ring . . .. peg it in place. Hmmmm.

I've just kinda wrapped my transducer over the screen - - - enough. I should just pop an extra hole for it, and be done. Camera and finder - maybe more cowbells. Always gotta have more cowbell. (mine have glow even!)

[fishnutts]

I have the ice 55 as well (very satisfied), i left the support cable on and ditched the float, i just feed enough cable w/support cable just below the ice hole, so the transducer levels out and is not cockeyed. It also helps prevent tangles with the incoming fish i am bringing up. I have been using the flasher this way for 3 years now, and it has been working fine. The arm looks kinda interesting, but if your fishing the same hole your transducer is in, like i do (because i am to lazy to drill a second hole []), you would probably have to pull the finder/transducer out of the way each time you caught a fish. I still would be interested, if you find out where to purchase the arm.
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[Jordanporritt]

If any of you decide to sell yours let me know. I am looking to pick up my first flasher here pretty soon.
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[fmrusmc]

I have thought about doing that too. Just let it hang off of the mount. it looks like that can be done. I think that is what that notch on the front ofthe mount is for. I may end up ditching the float all together too. But over all I would definitely buy that flasher again. Great machine.
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[IceHog]

I have an old Zercom I would sell, it would be cheap but its old and may need a new batt.
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[Jordanporritt]

Pm me a price!
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[kastmaster]

Here they are. Hope the pics help. BTW, I didn't actually toss the float away. I still keep it with the case in case I lose the eye bolt.
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[fmrusmc]

That doesnt look too difficult to do. Thanks for the pictures.
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