Well, my spot-lock stinks

[jbsoonerfan]

Okay, I really hesitated to post this as I thought maybe there was some sort of user error going on and I was just dumb, but after the last two outings, it can't just be me. For those of you who remember, I had a Terrova on my boat and there were a few things about it that I wasn't crazy about so I was going to make a change. I ended up going with an Ultrex and I was very happy with the change I made. I am not one who uses spot-lock often as I mainly use my poles to anchor and fish. That being said, I rarely, if ever had any issues with the spot-lock on my Terrova. Once I was in a spot I could hit the button and it would hold me there for as long as I wanted. That is not the case at all with my Ultrex. I can find a spot and lock in and my boat may move as much as 15 - 20 ft in any direction. Not only that but the spot-lock turns itself off at least 2 -3 times every few minutes and I have to hit the button again. It is almost like the head is working against it self so much that it is getting confused and it just turns off. I know the head on the Terrova would spin all the way around to correct itself but the Ultrex doesn't do that, it spins so far and shuts off. I am not sure what to do. I have used the spot-lock more the last couple times because I am fishing a little bit deeper and this has really ticked me off. Like I said, I almost didn't mention it because I assumed it was me. I am pointing the nose into the wind and everything like I did before and I never had this many problems with my Terrova. So, is it me, or is the Ultrex just not as good at spot-lock as the Terrova?

[Happybeerbuzz]

Call Minn Kota support to start.  Something is not right. 

[NYBasser]

Yeah definitely contact them, mine works fine.

[Dirtyeggroll]

Check the pedal and head. Make sure that nothing is obstructing either. 

[iabass8]

Make sure there’s nothing under the pedal obstructing the turning. If the pedal senses any resistance, it will shut the spot lock off like if you have a shoe or pliers or something that gets stuck underneath. Also try and re-calibrate your offset to -1. Mine got better when I redid the offset. If that doesn’t help, just take it to a warranty center and they’ll fix it.  

[A-Jay]

Bummer

Sounds like your unit is not operating properly.

As mentioned already, Call Mr Kota. 

In the mean time, Have you updated the software on the Ultrex since you got it?   This cures a lot of oddities, but maybe not what you are experiencing.  I would update that motor and see what the new software fixes.

https://www.minnkotamotors.com/support/software-updates

 

Also this might help as well. 

Good Luck

A-Jay

[jbsoonerfan]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will try a couple things before I call them, I want to make sure I have tried everything that they could possibly suggest before I bother them. I would almost think that there is something a miss like you guys have mentioned. Looks like the weather is going to get better next weekend so I will go out and try to re-calibrate and make sure nothing is in the way.

 

One other thing I failed to mention, because I am forgetful. I installed my Mega 360 and routed the wires through the "coiled" part of the Ultrex. I wonder if those are too tight and causing some resistance that is forcing the head to stop turning sensing there is a problem? I just thought of that. That will be something else I can look into.

 

Appreciate all the replies.

[GaryH]

JB I was just going to suggest about your recent 360 install. Was the Ultrex ok before the install. 

[jbsoonerfan]

15 minutes ago, GaryH said:

JB I was just going to suggest about your recent 360 install. Was the Ultrex ok before the install. 

 

I didn't use it before I installed it, but as I was reading the replies and thinking of possible issues and it came to mind that I could have an issue with those wires being too tight.

[Jig Man]

You might need to adjust your boat offset.

[GaryH]

1 hour ago, jbsoonerfan said:

 

I didn't use it before I installed it, but as I was reading the replies and thinking of possible issues and it came to mind that I could have an issue with those wires being too tight.

Keep us updated. I installed the mega 360 during winterizing this year. Hopefully no issues.

[NoShoes]

Call Minn Kota. I ordered a on board charger and upon installation one of the leads were bad. I called support and they sent me a replacement lead immediately. I was a bit upset, I wanted a new unit and when they sent me a survey on my call I let them know that. 
 

A month later, a random box shows up on my porch. It’s a new unit. No further contact or anything, just sent me a new unit. Give them a call, they’re there to help.