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Posted

A couple weeks ago, I had posted the question about making my HDS7 portable. Thanks again to everyone who replied and helped me out.

 

I took some time last Friday night to put everything together and see if I could make it work.

 

So I bought a Aluminum Carry case from Canadian tire for $30... A 12V battery & Charger for $50... and I was ready to go.

 

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I used the spare transducer I had lying around and rigged it up on some extra 1" aluminum angle I had... lying around :) lol

 

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It fits nicely in the rod case for transport.

 

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So.... I have had it out on the ice and tested it for all of 15 minutes. We moved at that point to some really skinny water ( 3 ft) so I had no use for the Sonar anymore.... which sucked lol

 

What I did find out from the little time I got to use it.... ITS AWESOME !!!!! lol Its like playing a video game. I never realized what I was missing by not having a sonar/flasher till now.

 

Like the title says.... its Version 1. It was thrown together with little thought, I just wanted something ready for the next day. I would like to clean up/re-route the power cable and lead wires. Also, I would like to get an ice transducer for the unit. I could potentially pack everything into the little case that way. If not, the ice transducer is a little more user friendly, I don't have to worry about it being level, etc..... stay tuned for V.2 !

 

Thanks for looking

 

PS... A bonus about having it set up as a portable... I can bring it inside, or in the tackle room and play with my way points, study maps, etc. Its great !!!

Posted

That's a nicer box than I've seen most people use, but you are using a HDS7 though!

You'll have a great time using it!

I agree.... but for the price, I couldn't find another box that was nearly as sturdy/heavy duty for the same price. The "cheaper" tool boxes etc. were either to small, a awkward size, or flimsy as heck !

 

I was surprised to find such a nice carry case for $30 though.... I'm thinking about getting another one to store my HDS screens in during the summer months to transport them to/from the water.

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

I like that case....I've been using a soft-sided thermal bag for years.....starting to break down a bit now. If you're in deep stuff, you'll definitely appreciate the ice ducer....either way you have a super slick setup

Posted

I used it yesterday and it accounted for at least 10 fish. I would have not got those bites if I didn't have the HDS there.

 

It really opened my eyes .... how many fish have I missed THIS YEAR alone without the electronics ?

Posted

That's a professional looking job...nicely done! Can you tell yet how long that battery will keep the 7 going on a full charge?

Posted

That's a professional looking job...nicely done! Can you tell yet how long that battery will keep the 7 going on a full charge?

 

Well yesterday I ran it pretty well all day ( 9am-5:30pm) and she dropped to about 11.6 V. That was FULLY charged the night before. I was really impressed with the amount of time I got out of the battery. I think it shuts off at 11 volts ? I can't remember. If it were a "from dusk till dawn " type of fishing day. I think it would have died.

Posted

Well yesterday I ran it pretty well all day ( 9am-5:30pm) and she dropped to about 11.6 V. That was FULLY charged the night before. I was really impressed with the amount of time I got out of the battery. I think it shuts off at 11 volts ? I can't remember. If it were a "from dusk till dawn " type of fishing day. I think it would have died.

 

Thanks. That sounds good cause they're powerful units. For very long day of fishing it wouldn't be a big deal to bring an extra 7.5ah.

Posted

Thanks. That sounds good cause they're powerful units. For very long day of fishing it wouldn't be a big deal to bring an extra 7.5ah.

 

I think I will ad one for next year (Version 2.0) so if I forget to charge over night, or if we go on a trip up north and I forget to charge.. there is no worries.

 

For an extra $20-30 it will be worth it.

Posted

Thanks for all the comments guys

 

Unfortunately .... the ice seems to be finished for this year around here.... time to set it back up for soft water and get ready for the DEEEEEEEEEEtroit river !!!

 

Tight lines everyone

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