Dealership to install electronics

[Jibber82]

Hi guys. I am about to have the dealer install my trolling motor and graphs. Any advice or anything I should make sure to tell them? Fuses, etc.? It's an Ultrex and 2 Helix 10's (one bow one console) networked w iPilot link. Thanks!

[iabass8]

Make sure to be very clear that you must have a 60a breaker on the ultrex. Don't let them just use your current one if it's not 60. You'll pop the breaker if running on high or spot locking in high current. Make sure it's the appropriate size wiring for the TM. Should be 6g.

 

Electronic wise, all they will do is hook up power under your console and bow and run the transducer. I personally never want my electronics set up like that. Each unit is ran directly back to the battery /w 10g wire and fused on the hot wire at the battery. If you aren't comfortable doing that yourself, I would ask them to do that. 10g wire is plenty and honestly 12g would be fine but I don't ever want electronic issues so I do it right the first time. Don't let them go less than 12g. They will haggle with you because it's extra work and tell you it's not necessary but just do a quick search on electronic wiring and/or issues and you'll find almost always it's recommended to use dedicated wiring for each unit to either the cranking battery or it's own fuse block and then right back to the battery to solve electronic gremlins, voltage issues/drops, etc. 

 

Enjoy that Ultrex. I love mine.

[Jibber82]

So the Helix units don't need fuses? Just directly connected to the battery? Sorry for my lack of knowledge I'm a first timer haha.

[iabass8]

52 minutes ago, Jibber82 said:

So the Helix units don't need fuses? Just directly connected to the battery? Sorry for my lack of knowledge I'm a first timer haha.

No, they needed fuses on each hot (positive) wire AT the battery. I believe they recommend something like within 2 feet of the battery post. I run Lowrance so I don't know the size needed for the Humminbird but it's probably 3 or 5a. More than likely, the units each came /w their own waterproof holder and fuse. Just use those.