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Shorting out #12809067 06/28/18 06:14 PM
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Stratos2011 Offline OP
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I have a Helix 7 on my bow. Every time I hit the livewell or bilge button on the bow panel it will short out the Helix. It will also short out when I start the big motor. Why?

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Re: Shorting out [Re: Stratos2011] #12809092 06/28/18 06:27 PM
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Ian Fellenbaum Offline
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I would wire it directly to the battery. That should solve your problem.


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Re: Shorting out [Re: Ian Fellenbaum] #12809095 06/28/18 06:28 PM
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Stratos2011 Offline OP
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Is that something I could do myself?

Re: Shorting out [Re: Stratos2011] #12809104 06/28/18 06:35 PM
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Cast Offline
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Define short out.


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Re: Shorting out [Re: Cast] #12809108 06/28/18 06:38 PM
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Stratos2011 Offline OP
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the unit turns off and right back on. like a reboot.

Re: Shorting out [Re: Stratos2011] #12809109 06/28/18 06:39 PM
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You have a switch for the bilge and live well on your bow panel ? Never saw that. Anyway, if you've wired your Helix to those switches that's your problem. Try to find another hot wire on the panel to use and I would use a fuse on the hot wire also.


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Re: Shorting out [Re: Stratos2011] #12809130 06/28/18 06:52 PM
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Cast Offline
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Originally Posted By: Stratos2011
the unit turns off and right back on. like a reboot.
.

Ok that makes more sense. Its a voltage drop causing a reset. Direct wiring will help.


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Re: Shorting out [Re: Stratos2011] #12809133 06/28/18 06:53 PM
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squib Offline
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Direct wire to the battery. Fuse the hot wire within a foot of the battery. First thing I do on every boat I buy.

Re: Shorting out [Re: squib] #12809204 06/28/18 07:51 PM
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Originally Posted By: squib
Direct wire to the battery. Fuse the hot wire within a foot of the battery. First thing I do on every boat I buy.


This is actually the correct way to wire a depth finder. Use a 3 amp inline fuse. I usually fuse the negative side of the wire though.
If one took the time to read the wiring instructions on a depthfinder they would read exactly this. Going through a fuse block or accessory switch can ruin your depthfinder. When you do this everytime you start your motor or turn on another switch it causes a power decline or spike. Depthfinders are computers so treat them the same. We use surge protectors on computers and wiring directly to the battery accomplishes the same on a 12 volt system.

Re: Shorting out [Re: Stratos2011] #12809271 06/28/18 08:37 PM
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If it wasn't happening in the past, then it could be that your battery is going bad.... or like others said above, wiring is causing issues. Wire direct to the battery (with fuse)


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Re: Shorting out [Re: Stratos2011] #12809321 06/28/18 09:04 PM
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Like others have said a direct wire is the correct way to do it. With that said I would be willing to bet big money that you have a battery going bad or a bad connection somewhere. I had a jon boat that was doing this exact thing. Replaced the battery and the issue was solved. If running a new wire is not possible right now, check and clean all of your connections first. If problem persists check the battery. Cranking the motor is peak load for a battery. If it has a weakness that is when it will show up first.

Re: Shorting out [Re: Stratos2011] #12809603 06/29/18 01:35 AM
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Stratos2011 Offline OP
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So I have the power cable to run directly to the battery and plan to do just that.

Some of the comments above say it could be faulty wiring causing the issue. If I run directly to the battery should I not concern myself with this hypothetical faulty wiring?

Re: Shorting out [Re: 9094] #12809937 06/29/18 12:20 PM
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Originally Posted By: 9094
I usually fuse the negative side of the wire though.
If one took the time to read the wiring instructions on a depthfinder they would read exactly this.


I disagree. Humminbird specifically shows th fuse on the positive side.

This is from the installation manual for a Humminbird Helix.



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Re: Shorting out [Re: Bryanmc57] #12809971 06/29/18 12:53 PM
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Originally Posted By: Bryanmc57
Originally Posted By: 9094
I usually fuse the negative side of the wire though.
If one took the time to read the wiring instructions on a depthfinder they would read exactly this.


I disagree. Humminbird specifically shows th fuse on the positive side.

This is from the installation manual for a Humminbird Helix.




As a general rule, ON CHASSIS GROUND SYSTEMS, the fuse would go on the positive terminal. Since it would be nearly impossible to fuse the chassis. But, in DC , the current flows from negative to positive and on a boat there is no chassis ground. So either side could be fused with the same result. (Notice the charging leads from your charger has both leads fused).

You are both correct. Either will work.


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Re: Shorting out [Re: Stratos2011] #12809999 06/29/18 01:17 PM
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I had that problem with my Lowrances. Wired them straight to the battery last year and haven't had a problem since.


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