Recommendations on Connecting Power Supply for Electronics

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Doug V

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One of the greatest effects to electronics is insufficient electrical supply. It can make electronics do weird operations and can create headaches for the operator. The best solution is to make sure you have a good power supply that is more than minimum needs for the graph.

There are four basic units of measurement for electricity:
Power: measured in Watts
Current: measured in Amps
Voltage: measured in Volts
Resistance: measured in Ohms
You can have proper voltage but reduced current and power. For proper operation you need Power, Current and Voltage with minimum resitance.

Excellent Read on Choosing Proper Wire: http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tec...t.htm

1) Always run direct to the battery (humminbird Recommended). Utilizing existing boat wiring harness can underpower the electronics. Not all boats are wired the same and wire gauge, connections and circuit protection may limit proper current flow to the unit.

2) If you need to extend the wire use smaller gauge wire (Bigger thickness) for the longer you need to extend. 18 Gauge is minimum gauge but I prefer 14-16 gauge to provide ample capacity for years of trouble free service.

Check out this Voltage Drop Calculator: http://www.altronix.com/app_notes/calc.php

Choosing 14ga over 18 ga in a 20' Span reduces voltage drop approximately 2/3rds. That is why wire size and resistance free, corrosion free wire is important.

3) A 3 Amp Fuse is recommended. I prefer Blade Type Automotive Fuses over Glass Bulb Fuses as they don't lose contact as easy. THe Spring Loaded Fuse Holders in Glass Bulb Fuses can disconnect in rough water shutting down the flow of electricity to the unit.

Blade Style Fuse:

3a%20ATO.jpg


Blade Style Fuse Holder: (Available at Auto Parts Stores):

WEC1213.jpg


4) All connections should be soldered. Using Butt Connector Splices is asking for trouble down the road. Easier for corrosion to enter connection. Improper splice can reduce electrical flow. Connections can vibrate and loosen wires in connector. Or Over crimping can damage wires. Solder Connection creates a better connection. All Connections should be heat shrink to reduce cane of corrosion from water or mositure intrusion.

Video How to Solder: http://youtu.be/6QznAAwL8rI

Video How to Heat Shrink: http://youtu.be/d-j98tkAbh8

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Battery Voltage and State of Charge:

stateofcharge.png


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This information is placed in the Installation Information Resource at top of Page: http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread?id=655154
 
<font face="georgia,palatino" size="2">One other thing that should be added. A cut off or toggle switch should be wired in between the power source and the electronics. This should also be counted for the drop of amperage. Some electronics when they get wet will turn on by themselves. If you happen to be on a road trip, it can be the difference in hot or not batteries. The one problem with a cut off switch is not using it. Make it a habit that you turn off electronics every time you put your boat on the trailer.</font>
 
With Humminbird Electronics you do not need a Cut-Off Switch since the unt controls power of all accessories like GPS, Network etc.
 
Doug V - 5/10/2011 2:20 PM

With Humminbird Electronics you do not need a Cut-Off Switch since the unt controls power of all accessories like GPS, Network etc.

Amen to that........I just installed a structure scan unit on a boat last night. You have to run extra remote wires extra connections, ethernet cables, mounting an extra box and that gaudy transducer.....The Bird's are much simpler to install IMO.
 
<font face="georgia,palatino" size="2">Anytime that you direct wire in a boat you need to do a cut off switch. I would also recommend using a lighted switch. If you lose power to a unit it is much simpler to check the switch and see if there is power there. If not then the power loss is before the switch. If you have a short and a possible power surge just cut the switch off and continue your day. </font>
 

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