10 Legacy Lowrance X-4 Eagle Cuda Ball Mount (Read 1241 times)
arnesr
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Legacy Lowrance X-4 Eagle Cuda Ball Mount
Feb 23rd, 2023 at 5:02pm
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I am not sure how many folks are still using these legacy B&W units from nearly a decade ago.  I think they are still relative for canoe country use and are still one of the best low power options.  They can often be picked up quite inexpensively these days on the used market as traditional boaters upgrade to more flashy color units.

Anyway, I have been tinkering with my 3D printer and have come up with a ball mount which fits these units.  I have uploaded the files to a popular 3D print website, Cult3D in case anyone would like to print one for themselves. 

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« Last Edit: Feb 24th, 2023 at 1:32am by arnesr »  
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Westwood
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Re: Legacy Lowrance X-4 Eagle Cuda Ball Mount
Reply #1 - Feb 23rd, 2023 at 9:55pm
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Your post made me realize how out of touch I am with new technology.  I don't think that I have ever seen a 3D printer.  I am positive that I have never messed around with my 3D printer.  Quiet Journey needs people like you because some day I might learn something from you.
  
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arnesr
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Re: Legacy Lowrance X-4 Eagle Cuda Ball Mount
Reply #2 - Feb 24th, 2023 at 1:51am
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3D printers have been around for a while now, but I feel like they have really become more mainstream technology in the last 5 years or so as prices have come down.  I think of it as similar to CNC where you might take a digital file and mill down a block of metal, a subtractive process.  3D printing is just the opposite and is an additive process where you are laying down layers of molten material, usually a type of plastic, to create your shape from a digital file.

My sons turned me on to YouTube a few years back which is where I primarily learned about 3D printing.  Once the pandemic hit and my work commute became zero I decided to invest some time and learn how to use a 3D printer.  It is a bit of a slow process and requires some babysitting, but it has worked out well.  Then, once I got comfortable printing existing downloadable files I dabbled in designing my own creations, which I find very satisfying.
  
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Wally13
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Re: Legacy Lowrance X-4 Eagle Cuda Ball Mount
Reply #3 - Feb 24th, 2023 at 12:49pm
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I have used a Lowrance X-4 fish finder for many years up in Quetico.  Low power black and white unit performs well.

I bought a Ram Mount 1inch ball and arm setup for it. Mount and adjustability is spot on. Not sure Ram still sells the mount.
  
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arnesr
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Re: Legacy Lowrance X-4 Eagle Cuda Ball Mount
Reply #4 - Feb 24th, 2023 at 5:13pm
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Wally13, I thought you were still using an X-4, good to hear it has worked well for you. 

I know RAM makes a wider base plate that you can mount to the stock units base.  You may have something different that has been discontinued?
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Previously I was able to adapt a standard round ball base plate by custom drilling 2 new holes and aligning a 3rd existing hole. Aluminum is soft and easy to drill using a drill press.  This accomplishes basically the same thing and is real sturdy. Functionally it works just the same, but I wanted to streamline it a bit and reduce some of the bulkiness and maybe just a bit of weight.  It is a subtle difference, but I think an improvement.
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What inspired me was what RAM had available for the Hook 4/5 units, which basically plugs in and locks the ball into the unit and has a very clean look.  Hook 4 on the right for comparison:

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I have been using a Hook 4 the last couple years, but I think if I wasn't doing a base camping trip, I might opt to go lighter with the X-4. 


  
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db
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Re: Legacy Lowrance X-4 Eagle Cuda Ball Mount
Reply #5 - Feb 24th, 2023 at 8:13pm
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I love DIY stuff like this! Having hobbies/skills that can compliment each other always increases the enjoyment of both.

I was sort of wondering how I would reproduce that in wood. Fun to think about. Is that one solid piece?

This was my X-4 attachment from bottom up solution. Well, minus the candle lantern and that suction cup from an old green box.
  
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arnesr
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Re: Legacy Lowrance X-4 Eagle Cuda Ball Mount
Reply #6 - Feb 24th, 2023 at 8:37pm
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Yes, I agree, it is fun when hobbies overlap.

It is actually 5 separate 3D printed pieces, plus a nut and bolt.
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I have seen some clever fish finder setups on this and other forums.  Is that Velcro on your setup?

I really like the ball mount setups as they are easy to position and remove. Got some sun glare on your screen?  Easy, adjust the angle as needed.
  
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db
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Re: Legacy Lowrance X-4 Eagle Cuda Ball Mount
Reply #7 - Feb 24th, 2023 at 9:12pm
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Now we're talking! No spring between the green and blue buttons?

Yes... plus a Velcro strap for each side that also allows me a few degrees of swing. The factory part tilts.

I honestly love stuff like this.
  
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db
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Re: Legacy Lowrance X-4 Eagle Cuda Ball Mount
Reply #8 - Feb 24th, 2023 at 9:16pm
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Oh um no. The black is bike tire inner-tube. Kinda sticky, kinda squishy depending on the tightness of the two velcro straps that hold the whole thing to the thwart. Plus that's what I had handy at the time.
  
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arnesr
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Re: Legacy Lowrance X-4 Eagle Cuda Ball Mount
Reply #9 - Feb 24th, 2023 at 10:41pm
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There is no spring between the buttons.  The orange piece acts as a wedge, driving the buttons apart which engages the teeth so it can't rotate.  The lock nut in the orange wedge gets pinned into place by the bolt which once screwed tightly makes everything solid.

  
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