Power for Garmin Chartplotter

Boilermakerjay

Boilermakerjay

New Member
Aug 12, 2020
6
Valparaiso, Indiana
Boat Info
2006 340 Sundancer
Engines
Twin 350 InBoards
Hopefully this is a simple one, I have my chartplotter installed in helm dash but I need to wire the red/black. I want to use one of the accessory buttons but the wires behind the dash coming from a series of buttons are bundled. Is there an easy way to find the red wire or is there an easier way to connect power behind the dash? It does have an inline fuse. Thank you!
 
My accessory switch powers a fuse block that powers the dash electronics. I tap into the fuse block to power new devices.
 
yobub said:
My accessory switch powers a fuse block that powers the dash electronics. I tap into the fuse block to power new devices.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. I am struggling to see how I tap into the fuse block. I see the indicators but how do I access the block, is there a cover that has to be removed?
 
This is not intended as an insult or condescension so I apologize if it comes off that way.

A TV repair-man did a service call. When he got to the TV, he looked around a bit, and then slapped the TV on the side. The TV started working just fine. "That'll be $200 bucks, said he". $200??? But all you did was slap the TV!!
"Right. The service call was only $30. The additional $170, was for knowing where to slap it".

This is one of those cases where if you have to ask, it is better to have someone install it who has a background in electronics installation. If you do so, watch over their shoulder and ask lots of questions. Once you know where to slap it, it will all seem so easy.
 
Boilermakerjay said:
Thanks for the reply. I am struggling to see how I tap into the fuse block. I see the indicators but how do I access the block, is there a cover that has to be removed?
Click to expand...
It may have a cover. You should be looking at a plastic piece that is either behind the dash or maybe under the dash. It will have one or two rows of flat plastic blade-type fuses, and next to each fuse will either be a metal tab to connect the wiring, or a metal screw. Some fuse blocks are only for the positive wire, while others have a place for positive and a place for negative. If you aren't 100% sure what you are looking at, upload a picture.

The part with the fuses is positive, and there may be a set of tabs, a set of screws, or sometimes just a single screw post for negative. The positive power wires are frequently red, but might be other colors. The negative wires are frequently black.

You can screw up your chartplotter if you connect it wrong, so if you aren't completely sure, don't proceed.

If you have an experienced dock neighbor, they could walk you through it.
 
Last edited:
bobeast said:
This is not intended as an insult or condescension so I apologize if it comes off that way.

A TV repair-man did a service call. When he got to the TV, he looked around a bit, and then slapped the TV on the side. The TV started working just fine. "That'll be $200 bucks, said he". $200??? But all you did was slap the TV!!
"Right. The service call was only $30. The additional $170, was for knowing where to slap it".

This is one of those cases where if you have to ask, it is better to have someone install it who has a background in electronics installation. If you do so, watch over their shoulder and ask lots of questions. Once you know where to slap it, it will all seem so easy.
Click to expand...

This is stupid and condescending and stupid. (Yes, it is doubly stupid).

One of the main reasons for CSR is to learn about our boats. He’s asking for assistance.

Would you tell your kids/family/friends this doubly stupid story or would you try to help and provide guidance if possible?
 
Boilermakerjay said:
Hopefully this is a simple one, I have my chartplotter installed in helm dash but I need to wire the red/black. I want to use one of the accessory buttons but the wires behind the dash coming from a series of buttons are bundled. Is there an easy way to find the red wire or is there an easier way to connect power behind the dash? It does have an inline fuse. Thank you!
Click to expand...
I did this in my WE for LED lights. Check the owners manual. There should be a wiring diagram in the back which will identify the bundled wires color, connected to the accessory switch. You may have to dig around in the bundle. Mine was open (not being used) and had a connector on it.

You can do what yobub did and add a block to that accessory cable, to add more accessories to it. Keep in mind, and correct me if I'm wrong someone, but that accessory wire should already be fused through the ECM, which is sounds like you may have.
 
Dabble said:
This is stupid and condescending and stupid. (Yes, it is doubly stupid).

One of the main reasons for CSR is to learn about our boats. He’s asking for assistance.

Would you tell your kids/family/friends this doubly stupid story or would you try to help and provide guidance if possible?
Click to expand...

It's a judgement call. If they didn't know how to open a fuse block I would probably suggest they "have someone install it who has a background in electronics installation". Sorry you didn't appreciate the anecdote. I'm not nearly as funny as I think I am sometimes.
 
Boilermakerjay said:
Hopefully this is a simple one, I have my chartplotter installed in helm dash but I need to wire the red/black. I want to use one of the accessory buttons but the wires behind the dash coming from a series of buttons are bundled. Is there an easy way to find the red wire or is there an easier way to connect power behind the dash? It does have an inline fuse. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Perhaps download the owner's manual and parts manual from the Sea Ray website, under Owners Resources. My manual for the same year boat had very detailed electrical schematics and diagrams for the location of every system and part. This might help you for this and future projects.
 
Thank you all, I ended up piggy backing off another accessory red/black wire and it seems to be working fine. Still can't tell where they terminations are for the unused accessory buttons, manuals are unclear. Thanks again!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,117
Messages
1,426,443
Members
61,032
Latest member
Brock340
Back
Top