VEXILAR FL-8 SE Owner's Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. VEXILAR Manuals
  4. Sonar
  5. FL-8SE
  6. Owner's manual

VEXILAR FL-8 SE Owner's Manual

Flasher
Hide thumbs Also See for FL-8 SE:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

O W N E R ' S M A N U A L
Vexilar Flasher Instruction Manual
CO V E R S T H E S E M O D E L S :
F L - 8 ®
| F L - 1 8 ®
s e
F L X - 12™ | F L X - 20 ™ | F L X - 28™ | F L X - 30™
b b

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the FL-8 SE and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for VEXILAR FL-8 SE

Summary of Contents for VEXILAR FL-8 SE

  • Page 1 O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L Vexilar Flasher Instruction Manual CO V E R S T H E S E M O D E L S : F L - 8 ® | F L - 1 8 ®...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Open Water Options Flasher Accessories Vexilar History Features & Specifications Transducer Options How Sonar Works FL-8 Operation Transducer Switches and Extensions Basic Concepts of Vexilar Use ® FLX-12 Operation Storage & Prevention Tips The Vexilar Display ™ FL-18 Operation General Troubleshooting Interference Rejection Explained ®...

  • Page 4: Vexilar History

    VE X ILA R H I S TO RY Pioneers in Marine Electronics Established in 1960, Vexilar, Inc. has been a leading innovator of marine electronics in the sport fishing industry for over 60 years. Some of our innovations include the first: own the ice •...

  • Page 5: How Sonar Works

    The Vexilar Advantage Vexilar’s sonar design offers an optimal balance between the power of the transmitted pulse and the sensitivity of the receiver circuit. Excessive power has been shown to cause premature transducer failure, distortion of the sonar signal, and possibly spook fish from the audible noise they hear.

  • Page 6: Basic Concepts Of Vexilar Use

    Gain Control Gain controls the amount of amplification applied to the return Vexilar FL/FLX series color flashers are great tools for open water and ice fishing. Once you learn to understand the basic concepts and meaning sonar signal. Think of gain as your volume control. You turn up the of the color display, you can apply this knowledge to greatly increase your gain to see more of what’s below.

  • Page 7: The Vexilar Display

    TH E V E X I L AR D I S PLAY Understanding the Display Marks This is the basics of what you will see on the display. Each FL series flasher display consists of multiple colors (marks) which appear at various positions on the screen. The Zero mark always shows, even if the transducer is unplugged.

  • Page 8: Interference Rejection Explained

    Therefore, when you use your Interference Rejection to reduce or eliminate the interference on your display, the other sounder will see a similar reduction. This means you can use your Vexilar flasher next to another sounder which does not have the IR feature and both sounders can run more clearly.

  • Page 9: Vexilar Ice Fishing

    VE X IL A R IC E FI S H I NG The Vexilar FL & FLX series color flashers offer distinct advantages over LCD depth sounders for the sport of ice fishing. This unique style of fishing offers a stable platform on which to fish. Because everything is so stable, the only movements below are that of fish.

  • Page 10: Seeing Your Lure

    S EE IN G YOUR L UR E Typical Ice Fishing View The key to ice fishing success when using a Vexilar This illustrates a typical panfish fishing view. As you lower your lure, ice fishing system is the ability to see your fishing...

  • Page 11: The Ice-Ducer

    TH E I C E- D UC E R ® Vexilar ice fishing systems include a special type of transducer patented by Vexilar in 1997 called the Ice-Ducer . This transducer style is designed specifically for the ice fishing application. The Ice-Ducer ®...

  • Page 12: About Transducers

    AB OUT TR A N S D UCE R S Side Lobe Not all of the sound Transducer waves come out of the Cone of Sound transducer’s bottom. Some sound comes The cone of sound is the area the sound waves cover out the sides and even as they are emitted from the transducer.

  • Page 13: Dead Zone

    D EA D ZO NE Cone angle vs Diameter of Coverage Beam angle has a large effect on the performance of your flasher. There is more to it than simply area of coverage. The correct beam angle to use depends entirely on your application. If you are fishing Depth 8°...

  • Page 14: Boat Use

    Bottom Content: Hard & Soft Bottom The Vexilar flashers are also great tools for determining bottom content changes. The colors allow you to easily see when the bottom changes from one type to another. • Hard bottoms will generally appear as a narrow band with color content of mostly red and orange.

  • Page 15: Fishing Vegetation

    F IS H I NG VE GE TATI O N The Vexilar flashers are exceptional when it comes to reading inside vegetation. With proper transducer choice, the colors will allow you to differentiate vegetation from the bottom. Experience will even allow you to identify fish inside heavy vegetation.

  • Page 16: Boat Installation

    BOAT I NS TALL ATI O N Power Connection Mounting the Flasher Unit Your flasher unit requires a 12 volt power source to operate. A Take a few minutes to plan your installation. The unit should be connection can be made directly to a battery, or a connection can be mounted in a location where it will be readily visible yet out of the tapped into the boat’s electrical system.

  • Page 17: Transducer Installation

    (see page 19). NOTE: If you find that you have purchased the wrong transducer for your intended mounting application, you can exchange it with Vexilar. You will only need to pay the retail cost difference, plus shipping, of the transducer style needed.

  • Page 18: Transom Transducer Mounting

    T R AN S OM TRANS DU CE R M O U NT I NG Before you begin the process of installing the transducer, check your hull to CAUTION: Do not use any thread locking compound on the find a spot where you’ll get smooth water flow along the bottom of the boat. screws.

  • Page 19: In-Hull Transducer Mounting

    IN - H U L L TR ANSD U CE R MO UN T I NG Surface preparation and location are the keys to having a good sonar transducer installation that will last for years, so please take a few extra minutes to test the location and prepare the surface area.

  • Page 20: Electric Trolling Motor Mounting

    E LE C TRI C TRO LL I N G M OTOR M O UNT I NG Route Through There are two main styles of trolling motors: manual steer and electric steer. The proper mounting method depends Cord Secure on the style of trolling motor. Cable Route Mounting to Electric Steer Motors...

  • Page 21: Open Water Options

    Universal Open Water Transducer Mounting Kit: TK-100 Year-round fishing use of any Vexilar Flasher sonar system is made a lot easier and less expensive with the Universal Open Water Transducer Mounting Kit from Vexilar. This kit includes a 20-degree transducer with thirty feet of cable and the mounting brackets needed to attach it to the side of a boat with a suction cup mount, an electric trolling motor mounting bracket or an external high-speed mounting bracket.

  • Page 22: Features & Specifications

    Flasher Technology Effective in 2020, All Vexilar Flashers are being produced using Vexilar’s proprietary brushless data transfer technology to deliver a sunlight-readable display and less noise. Resolution 525 segments. Target 525 segments. Target 525 segments. Target 525 segments.
  • Page 23 FR I ENDS AND FA MI LY! For over a half a century, anglers have started many great fishing adventures by turning on a Vexilar. Now with over a half million Vexilar units in use today, it’s no wonder serious anglers proudly state: “They will never go fishing without their Vexilar!”...
  • Page 24 ® With the advent of reliable, light-weight, power ice augers; highly mobile, quick-setup shelters; and the infamous “Vexilar” that let you see your bait as well as the fish, the effectiveness and popularity of the sport made a huge leap forward in the early 1990s. Gone were the days of sitting on a bucket and waiting for the elusive bite.
  • Page 25 FL -8 OPERATION ® Gain Control Turn the Gain Control clockwise to increase the gain. Keep the gain as low as possible. The Gain Control also serves as the ON/OFF switch for the Interference Rejection feature by pushing in on the control.

  • Page 26: Operation

    Also, this feature is designed for SLA type batteries. Vexilar Lithium battery voltage drops much faster than SLA batteries at the end of the discharge cycle. GPX1212 Therefore, expect the battery to die very soon after the first low battery indications are given.
  • Page 27 FLX-12 OPERATION ™ Gain Control Keep the gain low. Increase it only enough to see clear bottom or your bait. Night Mode Push in on the Gain Control to dim the lights of the display for night use. Interference Rejection Press the button repeatedly until the interference goes away or is reduced as much as possible.

  • Page 28: Operation

    F L-18 O P ERATI ON ® The FL-18 offers a patented split-screen flasher display. This allows FL-18 Modes you to zoom in on the bottom six feet on the left side of the screen The Mode Control is divided left to right by power output. Starting while you watch the entire water column in real time on the right side.
  • Page 29 FL -18 OPERATION ® Gain Control Keep the gain low. Increase it only enough to see clear bottom or your bait. Interference Rejection Press the Gain Control repeatedly until interference goes away or is reduced as much as possible. There are 10 settings to cycle through.
  • Page 30 FL-18 OP ERATION ® Auto Zoom THE LEFT HALF represents the zoom view. THE RIGHT HALF represents the entire water The Zoom scale reads in the opposite direction From the bottom up to six feet. Read the column, from the water surface to the bottom. as the full view scale.
  • Page 31 FL-18 OPE RATION ® Bottom Lock Zoom Understanding the Zoom Modes Bottom Lock (BL) works the same as Auto Zoom, except the flasher When Auto Zoom (AZ or BL) is active, the display is divided into continuously updates the position of the bottom in the magnified view. two halves.

  • Page 32: Operation

    F L X-2 0 O P ERATIO N ™ Versatility is the key to success and the FLX-20 delivers! With two Auto Zoom zone options, one for zooming in on the bottom six feet and one for the bottom twelve feet, there is nowhere those bottom loving fish can hide. From the 300 foot max depth range to the Night Mode for easy viewing in low light conditions, nothing rivals the FLX-20 for superior, multi-use performance, shallow or deep, day or night.
  • Page 33 F LX-20 OPERATION ™ Gain Control Keep the gain low. Increase it only enough to see clear bottom or your bait. The Gain Control also acts as a feature select switch when you push in. See next page. Interference Rejection Press the Gain Control repeatedly until the interference goes away or is reduced as much as possible.
  • Page 34 F L X-2 0 O P ERATIO N ™ Mode Control Deep Mode Control advanced features, such as zoom, power and color. To activate the 300’ Deep Water ranges, turn the Gain setting to “1.” CS > Color Select Mode Then press the Gain knob in while you power on the unit.
  • Page 35 F LX-20 OPERATION ™ Auto Zoom THE LEFT HALF represents the zoom view. THE RIGHT HALF represents the entire water Auto Zoom (AZ) puts the flasher From the bottom up to 6 or 12 feet. Read the column from the transducer to the bottom. Read into a split-screen view, with the distance from the bottom using the the depth using the inner white scale.
  • Page 36 Color Mode 2: Red, Yellow Only the left. The first Low Power Mode provides a normal view. The The more you use a Vexilar flasher, the more you will be confronted LP-AZ Mode places the unit in the split-screen 6' Auto Zoom Mode with situations with a lot of green on the display.
  • Page 37 Note that this feature is designed for SLA type batteries. Vexilar Lithium battery voltage drops quickly at the end of the discharge cycle. Therefore, expect the battery to die very soon after the first low battery indications...

  • Page 38: Operation

    ™ Features, performance and ease of use make fishing with the highly advanced, yet very user-friendly FLX-28 a pure joy. Based on Vexilar’s exclusive brushless data transfer technology, the FLX-28 delivers the industry’s finest display. The sunlight-readable display offers five different color palettes and shows digital depth.
  • Page 39 10 feet and less. To override the AUTO feature, simply change the Range Control to the desired depth setting. The digital display on the inner dial of your Vexilar unit will display the current depth and also the current range setting. For example, the display will read:...
  • Page 40 Remember the golden rule for Gain Control: turn the gain down until NOTE: There is nothing wrong with your Vexilar unit if it cannot the bait appears as a weak signal. If the gain is at minimum, but the bait lock on a range automatically.
  • Page 41 F LX-28 OPERATION ™ FLX-28 - Auto Zoom THE LEFT HALF represents the zoom view THE RIGHT HALF represents the entire water column from the transducer to the bottom. from the bottom up to 6 or 12 feet. Read the distance from the bottom up using the green depth markers.
  • Page 42 Multi-Layer Display The FLX-28 incorporates a three-layer LED, spinning wheel display. The outer color display layer is like our standard three-color Vexilar flasher display. However, with data transfer technology, we can offer more color palettes. The inner layer on the display shows green marker for every foot of depth.
  • Page 43 F LX-28 OPERATION ™ Weed Mode LP Mode & Open Water Use The Weed Mode option can be used in any situation where you want In Low Power Mode accurate digital depth readings cannot be to sharpen individual target separation. Most often this occurs in maintained, so the Digital Depth display is disabled.
  • Page 44 11.7 time fishing without your 11.6 Vexilar unit. IMPORTANT: Both AZ and AZ x2 should never be used in an open water scenario. Also note that if you are in the Auto Range setting, Lithium battery voltage drops faster than an SLA battery at the end of the you will need to manually reset the AZ view by shifting to normal discharge cycle.
  • Page 45 Here is a fun feature that the FLX-28 offers to those dreaming about ice fishing during the off season, or to be used when coaching a friend on what to expect when they go fishing with a Vexilar unit. The Demo Mode runs a simulation program that shows what a bottom signal looks like in Normal Mode setting.

  • Page 46: Bb Operation

    F LX- 30 OPE RATI ON ™ Vexilar has delivered on the dream of developing a broad band flasher sonar with unmatched interference rejection and signal clarity. Based on the same performance platform as the FLX-28. The FLX-30 offers the angler seven frequencies from which to choose.
  • Page 47 10 feet and less. To override the AUTO feature, simply change the Range Control to the desired depth setting. The digital display on the inner dial of your Vexilar unit will display the current depth and also the current range setting. For example, the display will read:...
  • Page 48 “FACTORY SET DONE!” for about one second. system, but offering several frequencies in a single system was not START Mode Default Settings commercially viable until the development of Vexilar’s Broad Band Ice-Ducer transducer. For the first time, a composite transducer was ®...
  • Page 49 F LX-30 OPERATION ™ Mode and Gain Controls The Mode and Gain Controls work in conjunction with each other. First select the Mode, then push in on the Gain Control to cycle through the Mode’s options. The display will show the current setting.
  • Page 50 Multi-Layer Display The FLX-30 incorporates a three-layer LED, spinning wheel display. The outer color display layer is like our standard three-color Vexilar flasher display. However, with data transfer technology, we can offer more color palettes. The inner layer on the display shows green marker for every foot of depth. This makes it easy to position your bait one or two feet off the bottom without guessing.

  • Page 51: Bb Display Messages

    FL X-30 OPERATION ™ FLX-30 Current Frequency Current Battery Level Message Meanings 160kHz Half Charge Display SEARCHING Messages The FLX-30 is adjusting to the proper range. USE MANUAL RANGE The FLX-30 cannot lock on the bottom. LOW BAT The battery voltage is getting low. Expect the FLX-30 to stop working soon once the LOW BAT message begins flashing.
  • Page 52 FLX-30, a higher gain setting is required the higher the frequency selected. NOTE: There is nothing wrong with your Vexilar unit if it cannot lock on a range automatically. This is a very unique fishing scenario.
  • Page 53 FL X-30 OPERATION ™ FLX-30 - Auto Zoom THE LEFT HALF represents the zoom view THE RIGHT HALF represents the entire water from the bottom up to 6, 12 or 18 feet. Read column from the transducer to the bottom. the distance from the bottom up using the green depth markers.
  • Page 54 F LX -3 0 OPE RATI ON ™ Power Modes Interference Rejection The “P” on the MODE Control stands for Power. The unit will start Interference Rejection (IR) is a feature that allows you to fish around in the default setting, and the main dial will show the designation other sonar systems without seeing a lot of random signal flashes or “H-P”...
  • Page 55 Charge Remaining In Low and Medium Power Modes, accurate digital depth The battery display indicator readings cannot be maintained, so the Digital Depth display is is programmed for the Vexilar Battery Voltage Percent Charge disabled. Lithium battery. If you put in an 13.0 or more...
  • Page 56 If you have seen a Vexilar unit working confusing lines and colors on the dial. Realize the wider the cone angle in the past, you understand that green flashes are the weak signals.
  • Page 57 FL X-30 OPERATION ™ fish at 20 feet in green signal, while at 24 feet you see a strong white To gain the true benefits of this multi-color display, you will need to signal. With these settings you can drop your lure past the green fish adjust power and frequency settings.

  • Page 58: Flx-30 ™ Bb Color Palettes

    Color Mode 2: Red and Yellow Only The more you use a Vexilar flasher, the more you will be confronted with situations with a lot of green on the display. For example, this can be caused by heavy weeds, or by thick clouds of tiny bugs on some lakes at night. By removing the green, you eliminate many of the confusing signals that you normally have to fish around.
  • Page 59 Color Mode 3: White, Red, Yellow, Green (Default) While color setting #2 limits some of the signals that are displayed, color option #3 does the opposite. Green once again represents the weakest signal, yellow stronger signals, red now shows the second to the strongest, and finally white represents the strongest signals.

  • Page 60: The Genz Pack System Case

    The Genz Pack offers a great value in an affordable ice fishing pack. It includes all of the basic components needed to ice fish with a Vexilar FL series flasher immediately. A key factor of the Genz Pack is that it fits on top of Accessories a five gallon bucket (not included).
  • Page 61 Easy Charge Jack Cable Storage Charge the battery Place extra cable here. You do not into the storage need to disconnect compartment under the battery the flasher unit. connections while charging. Battery Compartment To remove the battery, remove the four rear section screws. Transducer Holder Store the transducer in the special holder above the battery.

  • Page 62: The Pro Pack Ii Case

    12 Volt / 9 Amp-Hour SLA battery with 1 Amp digital automatic charger. The Pro Pack II offers everything needed to begin ice fishing with a Vexilar color flasher, plus some extra add-ons to make the system more complete. DD-100...
  • Page 63 Transducer Holder Accessories Store the transducer in Use the pre-drilled holes for the special holder above Vexilar add-on accessories the battery. The holder is such as the FlexLight. designed to accept most See pages 70 & 71. styles of Ice-Ducers.

  • Page 64: The Ultra Pack Case

    Eye-Bolt Storage FLX-28 & FLX-30 systems come standard The transducer support with a 12 volt / 9 amp-hour Vexilar Lithium eye-bolt fits into a dedicated storage battery & digital charger. location here. Rod Holder...
  • Page 65 Accessories Tackle Box Use the pre-drilled holes for The Vexilar tackle box Vexilar add-on accessories, fits into an easy access such as the FlexLight. See holder on the back of the pages 70 & 71. Ultra Pack. Cable Storage and Cleats Use the area behind the tackle box as cable storage.

  • Page 66: Sla Battery Charging

    S LA BATTERY CHA R GI N G IMPORTANT: If you have an Ultra Pack system, be sure the Master Power switch is on and the flasher is turned off for charging. (Sealed Lead Acid) Once the battery is fully charged and the charger’s light returns to green, the charger is then operating in a “Maintenance Mode.”...
  • Page 67 Keeping the Sealed Lead Acid battery in top condition is the key to your • Do not overcharge the battery. Measure the voltage of the battery while charging. It should never go over 15 volts. Your Vexilar Vexilar system’s reliability. Follow these basic tips and you can expect years of dependability from your Vexilar equipment: charger is designed to provide an optimal charge to your battery.

  • Page 68: Vexilar Lithium Charging

    The Vexilar Lithium battery has been specifically designed to work makes it easier for the charger to charge the battery with the V-410 charger. Also, please do not attempt to use a Vexilar and the battery is more accepting of a charge.
  • Page 69 • Do not use any brand of charger other than Vexilar to charge this battery. • The Vexilar Lithium battery was designed to be charged with the Vexilar V-410 or V-410L charger. Do not attempt to charge other brands of lithium batteries with Vexilar chargers.

  • Page 70: Battery Warranties

    The battery warranty is covered under a pro-rated performance guarantee. Failure to properly care for the battery is not the responsibility of Vexilar. Here are the details of the battery coverage from the date of purchase (proof of purchase will be required): •...

  • Page 71: Digital Depth Indicator

    Current draw: 124uA (micro amps) when off and 21mA (milliamperes) when on. Note: This is not a charge indicator. It will give only current status of an SLA battery’s voltage. (Not compatible with Vexilar Lithium batteries.) Note: Flasher must be in Normal Power Mode (not LP Mode or while using an S-Cable) to get a reliable bottom signal.

  • Page 72: Flasher Accessories

    Velcro seal-able access locations and side pocket storage. Genz “Blue Box” Carry Case - BC-100 A solid carrying case for your Vexilar flasher or other Flasher Cover - COV001 electronics. Neoprene cover will protect the flasher face during transport and storage. (Not for FL-8 ®...
  • Page 73 Accessory Plug GLO-RING - VGR-001 PCDCA1 / PCDCA4 Works like a Vexilar carry case rod holder, but inside the ring are Power your FL/FLX unit via an eighteen super bright, UV LEDs to charge a lure instantly with automotive or ATV power jack.

  • Page 74: Transducer Options

    If you purchase the wrong transducer for your intended fishing application, you can exchange the new transducer for a different one with Vexilar. Only pay the retail cost difference of the transducer style, *Dual beam transducers include a beam switch assembly.

  • Page 75: Transducer Switches And Extensions

    • V-100L - 12 Volt Vexilar Lithium Battery Only • FT-100 - Float with stopper for all Ice-Ducers • V-120L - 12 Volt Vexilar Lithium Battery & Charger • ST-100 - Stopper for all Ice-Ducers (two pieces) • DD-100 - Digital Depth Display & Charge Status* •...

  • Page 76: Storage & Prevention Tips

    Storage & Prevention Tips General Troubleshooting Symptom Possible Cause ● Store in cool dry area. Do not store Unit is turned on, but no display Check for bad connections, proper hook up polarity, and in a sealed container like a bucket and motor is not running.

  • Page 77: Electrical Interference Troubleshooting

    Electrical Interference Troubleshooting Grounding There may be situations where you experience interference from other electrical devices, not just from another nearby depth sounder. This The boat’s electrical system should have a common “Earth” ground to interference will show on the display as random signals and interfere with the water.

  • Page 78: Vexilar Support

    In addition to streamlining any future service need, we’ll also keep you up-to-date on the performance, components and reliability of latest tips, videos and product updates so you’ll be sure to get the most from your Vexilar! the products it produces. The FL-8 of 40 years ago is not the same FL-8 of today.
  • Page 79 Underwater Camera System sonar system that will rival any high-end sonar is a REVOLUTION The Vexilar FS800IR Fish Scout Underwater Camera System on the market today. Using patented WiFi signal consists of a color/black and white camera, a 7" color LCD...

  • Page 80: Two-Year Extended Limited Warranty

    ™ ™ If you purchased a new Vexilar pack that includes a qualifying model, you may buy the extended warranty, for that head unit only, from Vexilar, Inc. for up to 12 months after your purchase. This warranty is transferable to a new owner.

  • Page 81: Extended Limited Warranty

    Vexilar in order to receive warranty coverage. The unit must be the original factory warranty expires. This will give you a total of four years of shipped prepaid to: limited coverage based on the original purchase date of the unit.)

  • Page 82: Warranty Information

    2 years from the date of purchase or receipt as a gift*. SLA batteries offer a pro-rated warranty; see page 68 for more tips from the pro staff and the latest in Vexilar news and events information. During the warranty period, VEXILAR will repair or at its delivered right to your email.
  • Page 83 WE WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR ANSWERS TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: What type of Fishing do you do: Your Occupation: Walleye Bass What Generated Your Interest: Panfish Pike Sales Person Other Friend Magazine Length of your Boat: Feet Experience Internet Size of your Motor: History with Vexilar Comments:...
  • Page 84 Place Stamp Here VEXILAR, INC. 6667 West Old Shakopee Road Suite #101 Minneapolis, MN 55438-2622 ATTN: CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPT.
  • Page 85 R E CE I P T H E RE Don’t take it back to the store. Vexilar Support is Second to None! Vexilar may request proof of purchase at time of service if the unit’s purchase date is in question. Call: 952-884-5291 D I D Y O U KN OW ? Please fill in the information below and retain for your records.
  • Page 86 On The Web For more product information, videos, tips and FAQs visit us on the web at vexilar.com Vexilar , Inc. | 6667 West Old Shakopee Road Suite 101 | Minneapolis, MN 55438 ® 952-884-5291 | https://vexilar.com | © 2020 Vexilar , Inc.

This manual is also suitable for:

Fl-18Flx-12Flx-20Flx-28Flx-30 bb

Table of Contents

Save PDF