helix 7 upgrade?

multispecies1 · April 05, 2018, 06:52:32 PM

When you guys install a new unit do you get power at the fuse block or do you extend you power cable to the battery box?

Princeton_Man · April 05, 2018, 07:07:03 PM

It's best to have a dedicated 16-18 gauge stranded power wire from either your main power buss or straight to the battery.

If you come off a position from a fuse that's dedicated to the unit, that should be fine. Not recommended to tap into a fuse being used for something else though.

multispecies1 · April 05, 2018, 08:13:53 PM

I do have an empty post on the block, And I could add a 3amp fuse there. Seems a simple way to go with the least chance of wiring issues in the future.

Princeton_Man · April 06, 2018, 06:46:21 AM

Quote from: multispecies1 on April 05, 2018, 08:13:53 PM
I do have an empty post on the block, And I could add a 3amp fuse there. Seems a simple way to go with the least chance of wiring issues in the future.

Yup, I'd go that route first. If you have power issues down the road, you can always change it.

multispecies1 · April 06, 2018, 08:02:56 AM

I had a lot of feed back on another site, so I have changed direction. Going to run a direct line to the cranking battery. Guys are telling of unit shut down when cranking up the outboard. I don't want that so I'm just going to run it direct. thanks for all the insight.

Princeton_Man · April 06, 2018, 11:23:57 AM

Quote from: multispecies1 on April 06, 2018, 08:02:56 AM
I had a lot of feed back on another site, so I have changed direction. Going to run a direct line to the cranking battery. Guys are telling of unit shut down when cranking up the outboard. I don't want that so I'm just going to run it direct. thanks for all the insight.

That will happen if the fuse block is on the ignition switch.

That can happen even when you have a direct line to the battery if when you crank the battery voltage drops below 11 or 11.2 volts.

basss · April 11, 2018, 02:47:12 PM

I have 2 Helix 7s, both are wired direct to the battery ... with a fuse close to the battery.

multispecies1 · April 14, 2018, 04:53:56 AM

I connected at the fuse block because it was right there. I did have the issue of it shutting down when I cranked the motor so it is now ran directly to the cranking battery. Problem solved.

Goldstar225 · April 14, 2018, 10:14:27 AM

Both of my helix 7's are connected to the fuse block. No problems yet with shut down or interference. If that develops I'll run a dedicated line direct to the battery.