Garmin LiveScope Installation Suggestions

[jaimeastin]

Hi guys. 

 

My install keeps being delayed by me.  My boat is ripped open in garage and I have a couple options for the install.  I have a tracker heritage.  I have upgraded the trolling motor, moved from 12v to 24 volt, electronic will now be run off of the house battery rather than a separate battery,  I upgraded the console and bow to a Garmin 93sv, and of course I have a livescope.

 

I currently have the livescope installed in the from storage hatch.  The power and all wires are run under the front deck to the electrical wire run for a bow unit.  The issi with this is that I would like to network the devices now or later... Just can keep loading the 14gauge wire with electronics.

 

Alternative option is to put the black box under the console.  I have 12gauge wire that I have already run from.rhe batter to the console.  I can have the black box here and I can run the transducer and network cable up to the bow.  

 

In both cases, I and most likely going to install the livescope transducer on the trolling motor.  I was originally planning to put it on a separate pole, but I want it as simple as can be.

 

The first option is the cleanest, but the cons are networking limitations and that storage hatch gets hot where the max operating temperature is 158 degrees.

 

Option two where I install under console is the most serviceable, but is not the cleanest.

 

What are you all doing?  Where is the best place to mount the transducer?  I am very partial to the motor, but I need feedback from you all... I really want to button up the boat tomorrow

[GPtimes2]

If you are using livescope anchored, the trolling motor location will be ok. If you are using it moving, or holding in the wind, you will want it on a pole. It's about useless trying to control the boat and point the livescope where you want it at the same time. I tried with the first panoptix I bought 4 years ago. Now I have livescope and it's going on a pole. I looked at homemade that others did, but ended up with fishing specialties. It pricey but I didn't like the homemade look/quality. 

Here is a link. https://fishingspecialties.com/

 

[Sprocket]

I've had mine for a year now on the trolling motor shaft.  In heavy wind or heavy current it is difficult.  But in 99% of the time I'm fishing, I wouldn't move it.  I bass fish only in inland lakes.  The black box is in the port side rod locker.  Everybody has a different approach to what is best for their style of fishing.  Good luck!

 

SE Kansas grass grower

[jaimeastin]

7 hours ago, Sprocket said:

I've had mine for a year now on the trolling motor shaft.  In heavy wind or heavy current it is difficult.  But in 99% of the time I'm fishing, I wouldn't move it.  I bass fish only in inland lakes.  The black box is in the port side rod locker.  Everybody has a different approach to what is best for their style of fishing.  Good luck!

 

SE Kansas grass grower

 

Thanks for your feedback.  Did you write it back to the motor or did you wire it with your current electric fish finder?

[Sprocket]

It's on a separate post on a fuse block.  If I'm understanding correctly.

 

SE Kansas grass grower

[jaimeastin]

You are correct.  My boat is just wired up for fish finders, everything is spliced.  Tracker just hooked it all up as is noone would make an upgrade. So I am running new wire and going to install a circuit breaker under the dash.  

 

Thanks for your feedback.  I truely appreciate it.  I will start with mine on the trolling motor.  The way I have it all run, I could easily move it to another mount.  

 

I see many people making it portable, and it is a need idea.  I may do it later, but not right now.

 

[jaimeastin]

Ok, I have my two 93sv and lives in networked, latest software... One unit will not detect the livescope transducer regardless or where it is or of it is solo or directly connected. 

 

Update: I did a factory reset on on the unit and it all works now.  I made a custom network hub and saved $250!!

 

?

[jaimeastin]

Pics of the install.  I installed the black box under my console.  I rant the long livescope transducer from the console to the trolling motor.  I ran the cable under the side gunnel, but used right-angle aluminum to protect and keep the cable secure.  

 

It was slower installed because I had to test and make decisions on where to put my hardware.  I wanted to be able to access it if needed, but wanted it out of the way.  I also ran new power cable to a fuse box and other things.  I will tidy up the network cable, but it as well as the switch in the plano box is still being tested out.

 

Like other boat electronics, I know everyone has to make their own decisions on the install.