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Hi again,
I've recently been reluctant to post about Mantua but a man who I respect for judgment/info./common sense seems to think that it might even help. Point is - over population of small bass and blues - let's take as many as possible out. He's got quit an analysis of what's happened and the wrong decisions that were made there!!!
Anyway, went with my buddy and our pooches in our tubes last Thursday and spent about 4-5 hrs. fishing. We actually had a ball! He caught a 16" bass, some smaller ones and lots of blues. I spent a lot of time using my cuda and kind of exploring. Was trying to locate "weed edges" and fish for bigger guys. Boy, the weeds, especially when they come up to the top or close (which was a lot) play havoc with my screen. If nothing else, my cuda can tell me when fish are around or not, so I don't waste my time. I'm still wasting some time just enamored by the view. I'm still in the mode of being able to locate "weed edges" visually and using the cuda to supplement.
I made the mistake of going close to shore and started catching blues on almost every cast. Kept a dozen in the 8 - 8 1/2" range. That stopped all my exploring and learning. I must have caught 270 Zillion blues. Everything is working great on the cuda except for one thing. The power connection to the screen, in my opinion is a poor design. I say this because I went to plug it in and had a lot of trouble. Was bending pins, cursing, re-bending pins, seat pouring in my eyes, finally got it in enough to work. Pin alignment is very critical with very small female holes!!!! I got it home, got it in all the way and have decided to make sure that it stays that way when not in use. Currently, I'm considering ways to anchor the connection permanently. Anyone else have this problem with a good solution?
Looking forward to the cuda and Flaming Gorge!!!
[crazy]Leaky
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Hey Leaky. Good report.
I have an older eagle I had simular problem with. Finally I just got tried of dealing with the "pins" problem and bypassed them completely by wiring it direact. I havent had a problem sence.
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[cool][#408080][size 2]Fortunately I have yet to bend any pins on my Cuda 168EX. However, I always make sure that I line everything up perfectly otherwise I might bend some pins like you did. Will even be more careful in the future. Found that my connection is real tight which is good - no need to keep replugging it in every 5 minutes. Hey leaky - is your connection loose or tight? By the way I connect up at home for it is too hard for me to see what I am doing at the fishing site.[/size][/#408080]
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Coldfoot - Yeah, I thought of hard wiring but I'd hate to mess something up. Anyone have a simple way to do it and could provide instructions, I'd give it a shot.
Dryrod - that's exactly what I've done. When I got home I took my time under the proper light and got it all the way in home and it seems fairly tight. I just worry about it coming out and having to bend more pins.
[unsure]Leaky
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[cool][blue][size 1]Hey Leaky, glad you are finding some fun on M lake. Sorry about the problem with the connector. Like DR, I plug it in firmly at home and do not count on being able to get it hooked up right when on the water. I would not recommend direct wiring unless you really know what you are doing. Each of those pins supports one or more functions of the unit. [/size][/blue]
[#0000ff][size 1]One suggestion might be to squeeze some silicone seal around the outside edges of the properly fitted plug and let it harden to prevent easy removal. You could always peel it off if you need to, but it will help prevent easy knocking loose on a trip. It is designed that way for boaters who want to remove their display from the dash without undoing all the wiring. That is not a problem for tubers and ice fishermen.[/size][/#0000ff]
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Thanks Tube, I'll do something like that!
Leaky
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I bent one of the pins on my 128 (cuda) as well. I found that the plug would stick a little at first so I pushed a bit harder and then the plug released with a lot of force straight into the pins. I took a LITTLE bit of slick 50 and rubbed it on the outside of the plug and haven't had a problem since. It hasn't disconnected on me either.
I learned that from someone on this board, but I forgot who. Whoever said to put a dab of reel grease on the plug, thankyou!
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Hey Guys, I'm sure reel grease would work fine. I don't have the Cuda FF but after reading everyone elses problem with the pins and the plug, I use a simple general purpose marine grease. It is also waterproof just like the reel greese and works very well for that application.[cool]
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[cool][blue][size 1]Hey, I thought your motto was "If it doesn't fit, use a bigger hammer".[/size][/blue]
[#0000ff][size 1]Marine grease? You got something against the navy? How about the army and air force?[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]The best insurance against bent pins and overstressed anglers is putting the plug in while you have the light and the patience to make sure it goes together right.[/size][/#0000ff]
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According to my Bro, the Navy won't use Marine grease either. They will use vaseline and duct tape though.
I only use the grease a an extra measure against splashing on my connector. I do plug it in while there is available light and for some reason, my FF has some big honking pins on it. It's hard to miss the mark.
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Hey there leaky,
I have a supply of different diameter shrink tubing. It is an excellent way to connect thing and water-resistize them at the same time. The tubing is cheap and can be shrunk for either a hair dryer or cigarette lighter (pocket or automobile type)
JapanRon
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Ron,
Well, I took the easy way out. I had some shoe goo so I used that. Going to the Gorge tomorrow. I'm sure your suggestion is better but it looks like the goo works ok. If I have to replace/disconnect I think I can just cut thru the goo with a razor blade and then remove. Thanks for the idea.
Leaky
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Hey Leaky, The shoe goo has solvents in it. It may eat at the plastic on the connector. Test it in a small spot before applying. If it proves to be OK then I would suggest putting a small strip of clear tape around the mating portion of the connector so that if the glue sticks better then expected, you will still be able to score the cured glue with a razor to remove the connector in the future.[cool]
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[cool][#408080][size 1]You can try the product called Pool & Spa Lube Krytox made by DuPont. It is used to make water tight connection for O rings, gaskets, valves, etc. Prevents chemical corrosion. I use this stuff on all my pool connections. There is also another product which is better which is a Teflon grease. These products can be purchased at any pool suppy outlet. [/size][/#408080]
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Is this a common problem with Eagle products? I have an old Humminbird and don't have any connection problems at all. I've been looking into a new fishfinder, and if this is still a problem, I'll just stick with Humminbird. I
'm happy with what I have, I'd just like something newer and better. This thing's performed well for how old it is.
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[cool][blue][size 1]Some manufacturers have different ideas about "user friendly". The small pins on the connectors are only a small potential problem...and made even worse if you are clumsy and impatient. If you put the plug in where you can see what you are doing, and use a reasonable amount of care, it is no problem.[/size][/blue]
[#0000ff][size 1]Choosing a sonar is largely a matter of personal preference. I have had good luck with the Eagle products for over 15 years and find them to be a good system for float tubing applications. They provide all the info you need and at a very affordable price.[/size][/#0000ff]
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naw tubedude thats my moto, never had a problem with it either. as for the water proofing part, i would suggest silocone also. i have used this stuff for everything(heck i fixed a 10 gal fish tank with it). good luck on figureing your problem out, those sonars can help you find the fish
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