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Open Water Set-Up
The LX-3TC is an excellent sonar unit for open-water use. To convert the
LX-3TC from an ice system to an open water unit, remove the LX-3TC power-
head, gimbal bracket and power cord from the softcase. The gimbal bracket
can be mounted on any flat surface. The unit should be mounted in a location
that is free from other electrical apparatus to eliminate interference. If interfer-
ence is observed, reposition the unit until optimum performance is obtained.
Your boat’s 12-volt DC electrical system can be used to power the unit.
The LX-3TC is protected from accidental polarity reversals. No damage will
result from an incorrect battery hook-up.
The ice-fishing transducer supplied with the Ice System is not designed for
open-water use. There are two transducer choices for use in open water. The
high-speed transducer is designed for transom mounting (outside the hull)
and reads depth while the boat is on plane. The puck-style transducer is most
often mounted on the bottom of a trolling motor or epoxied into the hull of a
fiberglass boat.
High-Speed Transducer Installation
High-Speed transducers are designed to be mounted on the transom of a
boat. If properly installed, you will be able to read depth, weeds, and fish while
the boat is on plane. Transducer mounting location is critical for optimum
performance of the LX-3TC sonar unit. The mounting location should be free
of any white water or turbulence resulting from rivets, ribs or hull strakes. It
is preferable to mount the transducer at least 18 inches from the centerline
of the boat to avoid turbulent water resulting from the outboard motor. The
transducer is wedge-shaped and should be mounted with the leading edge
mounted against the transom. The leading edge of the transducer should be
mounted flush with bottom of the boat. This can be best achieved by using
a flat object like a ruler and holding it flat along the bottom of the boat and
matching the bottom of the transducer to the bottom of the boat.
Attach the mounting hardware to the high-speed transducer as shown in the
instructions included with the transducer. Hold the transducer, with attached
mounting hardware, to the transom of the boat (flush to the bottom) and mark
the center of the holes on the transom. Drill the appropriate-size holes and
attach the transducer to the transom. Tilt the rear of the transducer between
2 and 5 degrees below the transom to ensure solid contact with the water
when the boat is on plane. It may be helpful to use a small amount of marine
silicone along the leading edge of the transducer filling in any gap between
the transducer and hull. This will help eliminate any white water or air bubbles,
which can cause random interference on the sonar display.
Use caution in applying silicone to ensure that it only comes in contact with
the leading edge of transducer, and does not smear across the face of trans-
ducer resulting in reduced sensitivity. More-detailed installation instructions
are included with the high-speed transducer and mounting hardware.
