Lowrance LCX-15 MT

Burner · 06-16-2003, 02:20 PM

Does anyone have any experience or thoughts about this unit? I'm taking delivery of my new Trophy next week and want to get a depth finder/GPS before I pick it up. Also, can anyone recommend a good handheld GPS as a backup unit?

Thanks,
Burner

Soft Plastic · 06-16-2003, 05:34 PM

Hey man,

Glad to hear you got the deal done. For a handheld you should look at the garmin 72. For an older model look at the 45 XL on ebay. I used to have one and really liked it.

NorthRiverS · 06-16-2003, 06:36 PM

Burner,
I love my Lowrance LCX-X15MT. The picture is great. I feel confident that it actually shows what is under the boat. Unlike my old graphs. My LCX-15MT also has the GPS which makes it that much nicer. I'm sure you'll be pleased.
Steve

HOGGEMIN · 06-16-2003, 07:11 PM

I really enjoy my X15MT for Hand held its a little pricy but Magellan has a SporTrac Pro Marine It has built-in North American database. Its loaded with maps, navaids and unique marine functions such as High and Low tide time for most North American ports. Sportsman Wearhouse has them I think for $449.

Fishplay · 06-16-2003, 08:36 PM

I own the 15MT but it has never been mounted. I didn't find the time last weekend.

Would have been nice to have HOGGEMIN tutor me on it.

HOGGEMIN · 06-16-2003, 09:06 PM

I will be glad to help out my new friend, I'm still learning and lost my instruction manual, but know the basics. I am still learning the GPS function as I'm more GPS illiterate than computer illiterate LOL. are you gona be down there Wed. afternoon we could work on it then and maybe jig for some bait.

Burner · 06-17-2003, 05:10 AM

Thanks for all of the input :smile: .

Stryker · 06-17-2003, 07:04 AM

You can download an emulators to help you practice using your 15MT on your home computer. This will allow you to spend a lot of time learning the unit off the water in the comfort of your home warm and dry. I have used it and it made all the difference in my learning curve.
http://www.lowrance.com/software/PCSoftware/demos.asp

Make sure you have the latest version of the units� software (version 2.90)

Also consider the Navionics map card (retail $199.99). They are NOAA maps on one card that will make the GPS part of your unit look and feel like a real chart.
The latest version of the units� software (version 2.90) will allow the Navionics maps to display tide flow and height on the GPS among other upgrades over older versions. I am on the third version in my unit. Loading new version to the unit is simple.
http://www.navionics.com/Usa/Index.asp

HOGGEMIN · 06-17-2003, 08:21 AM

Thanks Stryker, This is much appricated and will really help.

fish_on · 06-17-2003, 11:47 PM

When you get your unit installed check to see what software version it is running. Lowrance has free software upgrades you can download from their website, the last one added a nice flasher style page and some better shallow water abilities. Since I have had mine they have had 4 software upgrades, so keep on top of it.

Burner · 06-27-2003, 10:08 PM

Ok.....So now I have the unit and a brand new boat sitting in my drive way

. The manual says to route the power directly to the battery and away from all other cables to reduce interference, but I have a very convenient buss bar and a breaker on my dash. Has anyone ignored the manual and powered the unit off an accessory buss? Maybe a toroid choke on the positive lead would block any noise. By the way, that emulator is great. Thanks for the info.

[ 06-27-2003, 11:11 PM: Message edited by: Burner ]

crabbait · 06-28-2003, 02:01 AM

Good question, Burner. Enquiring minds (and LCX-16ci still in the box) want to know.

fish_on · 06-28-2003, 08:13 AM

I did not run my power to the battery, I went off the power block under my console and everything works fine. Make sure first thing before you go and use it the first time you check your software version and then see if it is current you never know how long they sat on the shelf. A software update can make all the difference.

lowrance software updates

I had been using mine with some of the surface clarity and noise rejection setting set to low, when in shallow water it did not work well. After I set those setting to off I get a much better picture of the bottom, the pixels are much sharper.

Sturgeon Tom · 06-28-2003, 06:21 PM

I love mine. I have mine hooked to a buss bar and have no problunms at all. You will love the unit. The GPS is easy to use.
st

Pilar · 06-29-2003, 04:09 PM

The 'wired to the source' deal is to ensure that you have a good ground and adequate power for the sonar. Most Buss bars are set up for only 20 amps and are several connections away from the battery. Each connection raises the possibility of corrosion and problems.

I think Lowrance is using the same basic sonar on the newer units that it used on the older ones. 50 and/or 192 kHZ at 3000 watts with 5000 watts peak. That ground wire will have minimal problems most of the time but max power will not be possible without a good connection to both power and ground.

The other issue is interference from spark plugs and alternator noise. I run my Nav/Sonar unit (Lowrance LMS350A) off of an isolated battery. Isolated so no interference. The voltage on some boats will drop and reset the GPS when you crank the boat. That is why I have the power on an isolated battery on my boat.

Burner · 07-02-2003, 02:00 PM

I've heard people say to mount your transducer on a peice of Delrin so you don't have to drill a bunch of holes in the fiberglass. I managed to scrounge up a nice peice of Lexan and some stainless screws from work (gotta love bin stock

), but I'm wondering if this is going to hold up in saltwater. The Lexan is definitely harder than the Delrin, but I think it is more susceptable to sun damage. Hopefully, I'll get eveything mounted so the shakedown cruise/motor burn in can commense on monday.