Hey fellas,

I have a side imaging unit that I'd really like to get installed on my jon boat. Currently I hook a small trolling motor straight to the battery terminals when I go out, and I'm wondering if I can hook in a side imaging unit in the same way (I already have the unit, it's a Humminbird 899 from a few years back I believe, discontinued). 

 

I don't know a darn thing about setting one of these up, so I'm wondering if y'all could give me a few tips or starting point(s)? I'm looking for the most basic setup humanly possible. 

 

Thanks so much - as a complete noob I appreciate you even reading this

If it's got an inline fuse included - then you should be alright. If it doesn't, I'd definitely add a fuse to the line.

You may get interference from the TM when it's running.

Where do you plan on mounting the transducer, bow or stern? 

Tom

Get a small 12 volt battery, the type used for ice fishing, and power the unit with that.  That way you will not have interference and enough power for 2 or 3 days before you have to recharge the battery.  This type of battery weighs less than 5 pound and doesn't cost that much. 

Hey guys - this is a great starting point - thank you! So @Reel i think I will go ahead and pick up a smaller battery - do you have one that you'd recommend? To answer your question @WRB I was going to place the transducer on the back (stern) after looking up some mounting tips. (Better be careful how I Google image search that phrase...)
 

@MN Fisher I do not have a fuse so it sounds like that would be a good investment as well as that smaller battery mentioned above - do you have any in mind?

 

Sorry for the dumb questions but I am completely new to installing electronics of any sort

 

Thanks!

43 minutes ago, AJH said:

@MN Fisher I do not have a fuse so it sounds like that would be a good investment as well as that smaller battery mentioned above - do you have any in mind?

Any type of in-line fuse rated 5A - put between the battery positive and positive connection of the sonar.

 

Far as the battery - the 899 draws 1amp of power - that's from the manual https://www.manualslib.com/manual/815510/Humminbird-800-Series.html?page=134#manual

So to run it for one hour takes 1AH - a 12AH battery will run dry after 12 hours...but never run a battery dry, leave 15% or so - so just over 10 hours. You can get 18-20AH batteries for under $40...and you'll want a charger that's designed for deep cycle batteries - standard auto charger won't work.

Hey fellas, time to pick a few things up and get this going now that it's cooling off! @MN Fisher how do these items look?

 

Inline Fuse: https://www.amazon.com/5-Amp-Inline-Holder-5x20mm-Fuses/dp/B007Z7WG58/ref=sr_1_6

Battery: https://www.amazon.com/Weize-Sealed-Cycle-Rechargeable-Battery/dp/B07QPYFBW6/ref=sr_1_1_sspa

Charger: I own a 12 Volt 10 Amp Minn Kota charger I use for trolling motor batteries - will that work?

 

Finally, do I need to run power to the transducer too, or is that run "off" the main unit?

 

Thank you so much guys - first install, really need and appreciate the direction!  

The fuse looks good - the battery should give you 7-8 hours of run-time before it gets too low...don't want to discharge it too much.

 

I think that charger will work...I use a 2amp charger on my battery (75AH) that runs...everything - TM, Sonar, Camera, Tablet. The charger I use is a West Marine, and it's on sale right now for $33 - https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--automatic-2a-battery-charger--14982037?recordNum=6

 

No - the transducer gets it's power from the main unit - no need for separate power for that.

2 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

The fuse looks good - the battery should give you 7-8 hours of run-time before it gets too low...don't want to discharge it too much.

Thank you! Would you recommend a slightly larger battery? I don't see myself needing more than 16 hours of run time between when I am able to charge, but I would like to leave myself a little headroom. 

For just a bit more, you can go to a 20AH battery.

https://www.amazon.com/ExpertPower-EXP12200-Rechargeable-Threaded-Terminals/dp/B00KC39BE6/ref=sr_1_18?crid=30Y0TC43M3YCA&dchild=1&keywords=12v+deep+cycle+battery&qid=1598827060&s=electronics&sprefix=12v+deep%2Celectronics%2C226&sr=1-18

Nice - thank you @MN Fisher!!!

Oh shoot - do I need to buy fuses separate from that "fuse holder? And do I need to get something to "splice" it into the cord(s)? 

 

See I said I was a noob... sorry... :/

Yes, you need fuses - but they're cheap. $4.29 for a pack of 5 at O'Reilly - or any auto parts store. You're looking for 12v, 5amp.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/blister-pack-4152/accessories-16449/accessories---exterior-16767/exterior-lighting-16612/bulb-flasher-fuse-16457/fuses-16615/fuses-11492/8db92bcc5690/littelfuse-blister-pack-5-amp-glass-fuse/agc5bp/4414494?pos=1

 

Pack of 'butt splices' - cut the wire, strip back about 1/2", crimp on. Any hardware store - make sure to get the correct size for the wires. Different sizes have different colors. Bare wire goes in the necked down area which is where you crimp, insulation is covered by the flared ends.

MUCH APPRECIATED @MN Fisher!! I believe I can get all of my components at my local Farm & Fleet... I was checking this out the other day. Hopefully we're off to the races but I'll be sure to let you know if I get stuck - thank you again, really really appreciate the help. 

Hey @MN Fisher - I just wanted to come back and thank you again - I was able to get the unit installed and take it out to test this last weekend. Worked like a charm - thank you again for all the help and feedback!!

 

 

17 minutes ago, AJH said:

I just wanted to come back and thank you again - I was able to get the unit installed and take it out to test this last weekend. Worked like a charm - thank you again for all the help and feedback!!

"I love it when a plan comes together."

 

That's what we're here for - helping others where we can. Nice to see everything worked out.