Ultrex heading sensor issue

[fishingterp]

I bought a new Ultrex in Oct 2022 and have had numerous issues with it ever since. The motor freezes every few minutes and requires a power reset to unfreeze. I fished at 2-day tournament this past weekend, and I had to recycle the power at the foot pedal 60+ times Friday and 86 times Saturday.

Everyone and his brother has told me that this is a power issue, but I have load tested the batteries (they’re fine), completed a continuity test (results were perfect), and had an ASC look at the motor. He, too, suspected a voltage issue, but I have a meter connected to the motor's plug, which consistently shows 39.5 to 40 volts (I have 3 Relion lithium batteries). And, Minn Kota support has been absolutely worthless! Their response to everything includes ensure your batteries are charged and in proper working order.

I provide the above as context, as I have finally isolated the problem to the heading sensor. When I cut power to the heading sensor puck, the Ultrex works as expected; however, within a few minutes of restoring power to the heading sensor puck, the motor freezes again. I suspect the puck is either sending a bad signal to the motor, or the motor cannot interpret the signal from the puck. Subsequently, the motor freezes, as if it is going into “safe” mode.

Has anyone else experienced this issue? And, have you identified a fix? I may buy a new heading sensor puck, but I would expect Minn Kota to send one under the motor’s warranty.

[squib]

Do you use the jog feature? If not, you may be able to use the motor and spotlock without it. Kill the power to it for one trip and see what functionality you lose. I have never used jog in the 5 years I have had an Ultrex.

[MichAngler]

Heading sensor is for the Jog feature ONLY so like squib said if you don't use the jog don't turn it on

Other options

Make sure you have the latest updates

Check power to the heading sensor maybe a lose (intermittent) connection

try recalibrating the sensor again

on the remote in the settings remove the sensor and pair the sensor and calibrate it again



And like Squib suggested I would go without the heading sensor for a full day and see if it really is the issue

If none of the options solve the issue and the motor works fine without it for a full day then call Minn Kota and get them to send you a new sensor

[CatFan]

That seems pretty bizarre, but far from impossible. I think I’d make sure you are at the current firmware version, then re-pair the sensor.

It’s possible other Bluetooth devices could interfere with the connection and cause the motor to hang while waiting on data. Most Bluetooth devices change frequency when conflicts occur, but maybe a device on your boat isn’t playing nicely.

You have batteries, electronics, the motor and sensor and your phone at least onboard that have Bluetooth. I’d experiment a little by turning Bluetooth on your phone off and anything else you can turn off and see if the problem still happens.

I read something online about somebody who couldn’t use his Android Auto wireless connection for a few minutes when he had parked the car in the garage for a while before leaving. Finally traced it to an inexpensive Bluetooth speaker on his workbench that seemed to behave badly when it saw his phone before it connected to the car. Apparently it interrupted the connection process until the car and phone decided to try again after a little time passed. Not implying the MK or RELiON devices are badly made, just trying to narrow it down.

[Bradrodfish]

I agree with all. It should like interference from some other bluetooth device perhaps even the puck. Ensure all BT devices other than the Ultrex are off and then try turning the puck on and see if it freezes. If not turn on another ETC.
I suspect you have a bad puck and it is sending mixed signals to the Ultrex.
AS stated above it you do not use the jog feature then just keep the puck off, but I would be trying to find the culprit.
Also as suggested make you you have the latest firmware update.