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Posts: 8
| I'm looking for some input, good or bad, on the universal sonar on the power drives. Reeds has some good deals right now. I've read both good and bad over on walleye central, just looking for some more input. I've got an X67c on the bow right now and the univ. sonar would get rid of the wires for me.
Thanks
Brett |
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | One word, GREAT! |
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| Have a maxum 70lb trust w/ universal on the bow hooked to a vexilar and it works great!!!!!! |
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Posts: 734
| I like the function of no wires, but you get a better reading with the transducer that came with your locator. I think they say up to 25% better.
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Location: Minneapolis, MN | I have an 80lb AP that has one. The first one failed. I got lucky and it was replaced within a couple weeks of warranty expiration. If it goes you have to replace the enire nosecone assembly. The part is $120 plus labor. |
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Posts: 177
Location: Cohasset, MN | Wouldn't you lose temp if you used the universal transducer or is that built in, too ? |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | i've got the universal sonar and it works great ... especially when you run into stuff. i've hit all kinds of wood and rocks with my unit and no problems. you do get a straight line feedback on your sonar screen when you hit the prop on them though. |
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| my 70APUS works fine with my x67.
if you like interference when you hit the prop
and no temp.
i liked it better with the x67 transdx but, it was a mess of wires and after 2 outings, the wire needs repaird.
just my .02
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Posts: 5874
| I had the Universal sonar for 5 years now, and I like it. Never had a problem. Last boat had an X51 on front, and never had a problem with interference.The new boat will have it as well, and an LMS-334C on the front. Or maybe I'll get an X25. Either way, I don't expect problems.
Edited by Shep 11/9/2006 6:59 AM
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| you do not get the temp with the universal sonar if your unit has that ...it has to be with the units transducer, not the universal one...
as far as feedback...there is a wire you can call Minn Kota to get ....it is free, just tell them you are getting interference when you step on the trolling motor...I had the interference problem when I first rigged mine but somehow mysteriously the gremlin went away and i did not need to put on that wire...the wire runs from the 2 batteries or something and "grounds" the system...
they said it takes care of the interference problem on most cases...so call minn kota, get that wire and stop whining about it. 
I like mine once the interference went away..which, knock on wood, hasn't come back...also, they said if the power wires to your Sonar are near or touching the power wire to your trolling motor that can cause it..so keep those wires up under the bow/cap on seperate sides of the boat if possible.... |
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| I like the fact that the wires are hidden...but I don't like the fact that my Universal Sonar unit transmits the pinging sound of the transducer into - and out of - the head of my unit. The sound is amplified, loud, and annoying - although intermittent. That shouldn't happen, but Minn Kota would not repair the unit, saying that the pinging is normal. Uh huh...
The guys at FishLectronics told me that this is a common issue that they see, since the trasducer is afixed to a lower unit that is afixed to a hollow graphite shaft and plastic head. So, if you get the US, be forewarned that this MAY happen to you and MK may not do a darned thing about your complaints.
Unless they correct this problem, my next Minn Kota won't have Universal Sonar for this reason. I'd rather have the wires showing for better sonar performance and quiet (above water) operation.
BrianF. |
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | Brian,
I have used the universal sonar for multiple years, this is my opinion, but the pinging noise is pretty low and is very hard to hear. But if you stick your head next the transducer on the trolling motor you will hear it but let me tell you, having no wires is a great thing! Why do I say this, well there are a many a guys out there that have broke transducers and cut transducer wires more than you care to want to know. If I recall right, you break a transducer or cut a wire, it's about $70 to replace a new transducer or at least the last time I checked into doing so. But just my thoughts, highly recommend the universal sonar. |
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Posts: 5874
| If you are using LowranceNet, you can display temp, and rear depth on your bowmount Lowrance sonar. As to the noise, yup, that may happen. Not a big deal to me, as Koepp usually talks all the time anyway, so I don't notice it! |
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Posts: 1270
| Just to let everyone know Minn Kota is coming out with US2 for 2007 that allows your unit to read temperature. I am thinking of getting one of the new Terrovas and am trying to decide on wether I want US on it or not. |
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minnkota universal sonar