Hello,
I purchased a Humminbird 363 Combo a few days ago, and hooked it up to a 12v battery in my workroom once I got it home. Playing around with the menu's I decided to turn off the backlight. To my curiosity, at the backlight (not the unit) "OFF" position the light still stays on (very dimly though). So with those who have experience with Humminbird...is this normal???
I plan on running this unit off of AA batteries (2650 mah/10.4v total). It should last me roughly 6 hrs with the backlight off, but I'm concerned that I may have a defective unit with a light that is stuck on. Basspro shops said it's normal, but in looking at their demo - the light did go off. Called Humminbird Tech, and they said it was normal too, so now I'm baffled - because my technical side says it should be 'off' when set to backlight 'off'.
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The back light should be off when set to off. You may have a leaking diode inside the unit. It won't cause any harm but it should be diagnosed properly and fixed.
As far as the batteries go, you would probably be better off using 10 of the rechargeables at 1.2v each. That would give you the 12 volts of normal operating power.
You can also go to Cabelas and order up one of their 12v SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) batter packs. It comes with 2 batteries and a charger for around 30 bucks.
Simply charge the batteries the night before going out and give them a freshen up when you get back home. The batteries are rather compact and should run that sonar unit for up to 10 hours.[cool]
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Yeah, I would take it back and exchange it. I buy stuff like that from cabelas and they have always been extremely good to exchange things. I also agree that the batteries tubeN2 suggests work great. They are light weight, completely sealed, and hold a charge very nicely. I use them for ice fishing.
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Thanks for the replies, I'm gonna return it when I get a chance (at Bass Pro Shop). Tomorrow I'll make a trip to Cabelas and check out those batteries, and see if they got the 363 combos in stock.
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So I went to Cabelas and picked up a 12v 5A SLA. I plan on using the Fish Finder on my FC4 primarily and thought that the 8 amp was too heavy. If I'm doing the math right the 363 combo draws .383 amps and with a 5 amp battery I should get roughly 12-13 hrs. Is this correct?
Also I picked up another 363 combo at Cabelas, and I was surprised to see that it too had a lit backlight when the setting "off" for the backlight was chosen. I give up, and am concluding that its normal. This is my third 363 combo (the first two from Bass Pro Shops- One which I'll return tomorrow).
Lastly, what method is the safest in carrying this little SLA on my float tube? Thanks again....looking forward to tomorrow...FISH'in day for daddy!
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Your math is correct for the battery. Just try not to run it all the way down.
What kind of float tube do you have?? On most float tubes, the battery will fit inside of any of the side zippered pockets. Only your wire will stick out from one corner to power up the Fish Finder.
Feel free to drop on by the Float Tubing board as well. We welcome all new members over there too.
We also have an archives picture board that could help you choose some clever ways to mount your rods and fish finder to your tube.[cool]
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Hello Tuben2,
I purchased a Fishcat 4. It seems to be the standard at the moment on the net. I like it very much.
So there is no problem with venting the battery? It's peculiar that a "sealed" LA battery needs venting, or do they?
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That is one of the same tubes that I have. There is no need to vent the battery. I put my battery in the left pocket towards the front of the zipper. My Fish finder also mounts on the same side as well as my rod rack. That works for me since I am right handed.
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