Shep - 9/28/2007 8:43 AM
Ifishskis - 9/27/2007 4:19 PM
I said that he should have an inline fuse to protect the positive (+) wire. Are you saying you should run wires all the way from the GPS unit to the battery? If so, that's ludicrous.
Under dash there should be a terminal block(s) that have always on and switched power. Hooking there is more than enough...again...use an inline fuse. Find any negative and you'll be fine.
If you're having trouble finding a block...a GPS pulls so little power that tapping into an existing hot wire will be OK....use an inline fuse.
But what do I know...I used to do this stuff for a living.......
Calling what Al and I both suggest ludicrous is probably why you "Used" to do this stuff for a living. Somebody is having a problem, we try to help, and you call our suggestions ludicrous?
Connecting direct to the battery has been, and will continue to be, the recommended way to power your sonar and GPS head units. Mostly to prevent interference from accesories like livewell pumps, bilge pumps, stereo's and marine radioes, but also to ensure you have the most voltage available from the battery. A voltage drop of .5 volts can cause issues. It is acceptable to power the NMEA2000 Network from a switched power source from the console.
I'm an electrical Engineer, and have been since 1982. I stand by what I say.
Joel, you going to be in the area or on the way up north one of these days? Stop by, and we'll get that thing fixed up.
