Old vs new design specs.

[fish'n Jim]

I've posted that I've changed out all the electronics on my 520C and thought I had the gremlims tamed.   In recent close out conversations w/ Garmin tech, about other issues, when we were 'talking'(vis email) power, he handily pointed out they REQUIRE higher gauge wiring to satisfy the warranty.   (I think it's just an out and they're protecting themselves, because if you look at the specs there's no way you need to run 6 Ga for ~4 amps 12 VDC!   The TM max pulls >50amps and it's 6 ga?   So I'm stuck in a quandary - to wire to spec or not.  Personally I don't see any way except the port side TM cableway and that causes interference.   I don't think I can snake 2 6 ga up the starboard conduit with all the other wire in there already.   These boats are foam filled.   I'm getting a quote from a marine electrician and his opinion this coming week.   More later.   The neck down to 20-22 ga at the connector also?   

I just noticed the new Ranger ad, stating "they now use 6 ga for electronics".   Whoopee!   Selling point, but is it necessary?   The typical way is to grandfather.   I ran the same set-up on my earlier Z-20 and it worked flawless.   Maybe the new gen is more iffy with all the wireless comm.?   Do I really need a message on my graph that I got a phone call or text when the phone is in the glove box on low power?   Or are they spying on me?

Anyone fighting upgrades, let me know what you're doing, going to do, or been told.

As fast as I change electronics, I don't see adding a few months of life for a measly warranty on one unit.   If they're as good as I think won't become an issue.   They would not give me, how long the life the extra Ga wiring adds, their power spec, so I could not calculate the options.  Typical control of voltage is by a capacitance bank, but I understand they have one internally. (redundant design?)   The Charge is doing a good job now of holding at 12 VDC up front but the control is a bit slow when you step on the TM, dips a tenth or two momentarily..

[Tennessee Boy]

Saying they require a specific wire gauge is absurd.  Now saying they require a certain voltage is reasonable and the voltage drop in the wiring is affected by the length and gauge of the wire.  If they told me they require 6 gauge wire I would ask them why the power cord they supply that runs to the unit is not 6 gauge.  

 

I've checked the specs on several Garmin units online and they all say the voltage requirements are 9 to 18 volts.  There is no way your voltage is dropping below 9 volts due to your wire gauge.

[WRB]

DC voltage drops significantly if the wire size is too small due to resistance. AC voltage not affected as much.

Always used 6 gage wire for the battery to TM for decades SOP.

surprised the Bass boat doesn’t have 6 gage primary TM wire from batteries to the bow.

Tom

[F14A-B]

Yup.. go with 6 gauge. Sorry but that’s probably why you’re having that voltage dip when you run your trolling motor, Tom is totally right. I pulled 6 on my Skeeter years ago and never had any issues for the 10 years I ran it.. Good luck. 

[Tennessee Boy]

@fish'n Jim  Are you running the electronics on the same battery as the trolling motor?