Humminbird Side Imaging Forums
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: EZM on February 18, 2013, 09:57:41 PM
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I am eagerly awaiting my brand new Lund 1800 Tyee.
The boat comes with "an automotive style fuse panel" - which I assume is a fuse block under the dash. Not sure how many open blocks remain nor do I know what gauge of wire is feeding the block. I can find no info on this on the web.
I am running 3 700 series units and one Ethernet port to be powered. (4) slots are required. I doubt I will have 4 slots available - but who knows.
How many amps does a head unit require?
If I run a NEW power line up from main cranking battery to a new fuse block - what gauge should I use?
I'm thinking of having a "little room" for future expansion - so maybe a 6 block fuse panel.
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Ya direct it's the only way. Your guage wire.That way you eliminate all mistakes. You'll need a waterproof fuse block.And that unto itself will help you with your answer. Gat
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You could always use one circuit from the existing block to the new block. Just make sure the amperage doesn't exceed the amp rating of the fuse and wire on the "add-a-circuit". That's if you don't want to run a new power wire to the battery.
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I would run some 12 AWG multi-stranded copper wire straight to the cranking battery and install a new fuse block. That should be more than enough current carrying capability even if you want to upgrade later to three larger units.
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Cool thanks guys - I'm going to run a 12 gauge dedicated line up to a new (additional) marine fuse block.
I am assuming a 2 conductor is all I will need (positive and negative/ground)?
The 5 port Ethernet is powered - so will that continue to suck power from the battery after the units are turned off if I install it on the new block?
I am assuming running power direct to this unit will leave it draining my battery long after my fishing day is over and the head units are powered down?
Should I run this off my OEM power block - I'm pretty sure the boat has a master power switch. I guess If I forget to power down the master switch - I will have the same problem as the 5 port will continue to suck power from the battery.
Maybe there a better way to do this? Maybe an additional Master power switch at the helm?
Thoughts?
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EZM:
You could install small inline toggle switches on any circuits
that draw current when off.
To check if a circuit is drawing current when things are off:
Take a 12-volt test light and put it anywhere in-line on the circuit.
From the battery to the hot wire is a good place.
If the test light lights, then it's drawing current.
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Two conductors is all you need: +12-volts and a ground.
Yes, the 5-Port Ethernet Switch will always be on when connected to power. You should install an in-line switch for it if you fear it will drain your boat battery.
I would run the 5-Port Ethernet switch off of the new fuse block you will be installing. You could put a switch between it and this new fuse block or go ahead and install a larger battery switch between the new fuse block and the battery that powers it. If you do the latter I would install the switch as close to the battery as possible.
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Cool - thanks everyone ......
What size fuse should I put in the fuse block for each head unit and the Ethernet port? I am assuming 3 amp?
Will I still need an inline fuse near the battery as well? If so what size?
I’m only drawing for the hummingbird stuff (3 head units and the Ethernet port).
I don't know if it matters or not - The boat is a Lund Tyee with other "normal" stuff coming off that cranking battery (bilge, horn, nav. lights, dash, motor etc....) but on a separate ring connectors and leads to the same post of course.
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A 3 amp fuse is recommended between the units and the power source.
I would go with a 5 or 6 amp fuse for the power wire to battery connection (not sure what sizes are available), nothing smaller.
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The power cable that came with the unit will have the proper size wires for connecting to the fuse block. Humminbird has already figured this out. It almost always seems to me that the tendency to err on the side of caution makes for the more difficult installation of a wire guage that is bigger than needed.