got a foot switch. now what?

[c17Lat]

I bought this foot switch for hand-controlled trolling motors from bass pro shops, and i need help installing it. i'm not really sure how to hook it up. i have a minn kota endura 30 lb thrust. The directions that came with the foot switch are pretty vague:

1. Cut trolling motor negative

2. Hook switch leads to negative as shown

3. turn trolling motor to on

4. activate switch

Can you guys help me out with what to do with this? i want to make sure i know what im doin before i cut anything on my TM.

Here's the foot switch and Trolling motor leads:

[jdw174]

Been a LONG time since I ran a hand controlled TM.  Back then I purchased a switch that was actually used to turn a sewing maching on/off (it was sold by the marina).  What your instructions are telling you is to splice in the wiring from the switch to your negative wire.  (Cut the neg. and splice it using the leads from the switch).  Then just hook your wires in the normal manner to the battery.  When you step on the switch, it will complete the circuit and the TM will run.

[c17Lat]

ok so i have to cut the negative TM wire, but don't i need those metal hook things that are already on the end of the trolling motor wires to connect the wire to the battery. and i'm assuming i need electrical tape to connect the switch and TM wires?

[Long Mike]

:  OK, here we go.

1. Decide where along the length of the two trolling motor wires that you wish to install the switch so as to make it most convenient for you to operate.  Cut one of the wires in half.  It makes absolutely no difference if you cut the negative (Black) wire or the positive (Red) wire.  Either way, the wire you just cut will now be in two pieces.

2.  You must attach your new switch BETWEEN the two pieces of wire that you just cut.   That is, one end of the two leads of your new switch will be attached to one end of the wire you just cut.  Obviously, the other lead of the switch will be attached to the remaining end of the wire you just cut.  It makes no difference which lead is attached first.

3.  Bear in mind that the connections you make with your new switch will be carrying a large Amperage load, so the connections you make with the wires must be secure and substantial.  You can use either crimp  connectors (my prefference) or you can use wire nut connectors.  If you decide to use wire nuts, strip off about 1/2" from each wire end and then twist the two wires together in a clock-wise motion with apair of pliers.  Then screw on the wire nut by hand and snug with the pliers.  Make sure that no bare wire is exposed below the wire nut.

4.  Now you can use your electrical tape on all the connections.

[jdw174]

: OK, here we go.

1. Decide where along the length of the two trolling motor wires that you wish to install the switch so as to make it most convenient for you to operate. Cut one of the wires in half. It makes absolutely no difference if you cut the negative (Black) wire or the positive (Red) wire. Either way, the wire you just cut will now be in two pieces.

2. You must attach your new switch BETWEEN the two pieces of wire that you just cut. That is, one end of the two leads of your new switch will be attached to one end of the wire you just cut. Obviously, the other lead of the switch will be attached to the remaining end of the wire you just cut. It makes no difference which lead is attached first.

3. Bear in mind that the connections you make with your new switch will be carrying a large Amperage load, so the connections you make with the wires must be secure and substantial. You can use either crimp connectors (my prefference) or you can use wire nut connectors. If you decide to use wire nuts, strip off about 1/2" from each wire end and then twist the two wires together in a clock-wise motion with apair of pliers. Then screw on the wire nut by hand and snug with the pliers. Make sure that no bare wire is exposed below the wire nut.

4. Now you can use your electrical tape on all the connections.

That's funny.....I thought I just said all that

I second the crimp connectors, then wrap those tightly with electrical tape.

[Catt]

Shrink Wrap instead of electrical tape  

On a fiberglass boat I run the wire of the big foot behind the gunnels so no wire is on the deck & I wire it directly to the female plug.

[Triton21]

Great tutorrial Mike. The only things I do different is to solder the wires and use shrink tube like Catt said.

Kelley

[Guest the_muddy_man]

SOMEONE SEND HIM A COPY OF Muddy's guide to foot controlrd motors

[Long Mike]

Kelly and Catt, I figured if this guys was so clueless as to how to hook up the foot switch, solder and shrink tubing would be out of the question.

[Catt]

Nah Mike they can handle it as long as they stay away from Muddy  

[kybassangler]

GEEZ LOUISE ;D ;D

[burleytog]

Great tutorrial Mike. The only things I do different is to solder the wires and use shrink tube like Catt said.

Kelley

That is the best way to go with wires in a wet environment (or potentially wet).