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How to Test a MarCum LX-2

The world of ice fishing requires several tools for a successful endeavor on the tundra. Because the thick ice blocks most sunlight from reaching the cold waters beneath, a MarCum LX-2 ice fishing system is handy for fishers who want to see the size, hardness and distance of their perch, crappies or other swimming targets. The boxed instrument comes equipped with battery pack, display gauges and transducer. With the system, a signal is sent through the water and reflected back to the sensor. Depth gauges display information in three color variables, so using the system is as simple as reading colors.

Things You'll Need

Ice saw or auger
Measuring tape

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a circular hole in the ice about eight inches in diameter, using an ice saw. Remove slush and floating ice chunks continuously, as the exposed water can freeze over again. Measure the ice crust's depth with the measuring tape. Set the MarCum LX-2 system an inch away from the edge of the ice hole.
- 2
  Open the velcro flap on the back of the system, and locate the wires. Affix the negative, red-colored wire to the open nub that is not already connected. The system is now fully powered and ready for testing. Close the battery flap.
- 3
  Open the front display's velcro flap, and fasten it back with the auxiliary velcro straps on the top of the system. Turn the bottom right knob to the right one click. A beep should sound, identifying the system as powered on.
- 4
  Pull the transducer (the camera located at the bottom of the system) out, and measure a lead of cable to extend an inch or two longer than the depth of the ice. Rotate the transducer's cable arm 90 degrees out to the front, so the cable hangs perpendicular to the ice, with the transducer suspended beneath the ice.
- 5
  Check the display for a bright red "return," which is an industry term for the colored bar at the top, where the display gauge reads zero. The red color indicates "large" or "hard." Because the red is at zero depth, on a functioning system it indicates the top layer of ice.
- 6
  Rotate the top knob slowly, watching the display carefully, until a large expanse of red appears, which signifies the rock bottom below the water. The system is now fully tested and operational. As fish move through the column of water under the transducer, lines of red, yellow and green appear, indicating fish size and thickness.

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