Garmin 545s GPS Install....done

Nice install Todd. You always have the best install pics!

Off topic: remove the spare key from your float key thing.
The spare key will scratch your dash when swinging left to right.
I know from experience!
 
Shining said:
Nice install Todd. You always have the best install pics!

Off topic: remove the spare key from your float key thing.
The spare key will scratch your dash when swinging left to right.
I know from experience!
Click to expand...

It's the cabin key. I'll have to take a look. I'll see if I need a pad there. Thanks for the heads up. I haven't been in the boat long enough while underway to notice
 
has anyone intigrated a garmin sounder with their existing thru-hull sounder or with smartcaft? is there a way.

I have my 545s on order from BOE and would appreciate any input....

thanks...
 
tphinney said:
has anyone intigrated a garmin sounder with their existing thru-hull sounder or with smartcaft? is there a way.

I have my 545s on order from BOE and would appreciate any input....

thanks...
Click to expand...

The Factory transducer is Lowrance and I was told by Garmin will not work.
 
Now for the ultra geek question........ How did you do the swirl on the first closeup? :grin:
 
DCarl320 said:
Now for the ultra geek question........ How did you do the swirl on the first closeup? :grin:
Click to expand...

Editting in Photobucket. I was warned that my lat/long was visible and thought it a good idea to alter it.
 
tphinney said:
has anyone intigrated a garmin sounder with their existing thru-hull sounder or with smartcaft? is there a way.

I have my 545s on order from BOE and would appreciate any input....

thanks...
Click to expand...

Well I got the opportunity to test out the 545s this weekend. It worked great and the transom mounted transducer I must have installed in the correct spot, because it worked perfectly. I'm very happy with the ease of use on this unit and I'm glad I bought the 545s V the 540s. The screen is great with the sunshine and sunglasses on.

Also others thought that it may be in the way, but door doesn't open all the behind the helm so the natural path to the door guides you away from it.
 
Glad to here it worked out the way you wanted!!! I'm always concerned about ad-ons like this with small kids aboard. I know how my 6 and 2 year old grandkids bounce about my boat...
 
I love my 545 - I'm picking up the Vision card this week for the unit also.
I mounted mine on the ledge between the two dashes - works great.
 
KeithD said:
I love my 545 - I'm picking up the Vision card this week for the unit also.
I mounted mine on the ledge between the two dashes - works great.
Click to expand...

Let's see some pics. I figured that in between the two dashes would obscure the view of the other gauges.
 
OK -never posted a pic before so I'll give it a shot:
 

Attachments

  • 2000_260_Dash_sm.jpg
    2000_260_Dash_sm.jpg
    58.6 KB · Views: 234
Gotcha. Yeah I thought about there, but I wanted it to be more level.
 
The GPS is usually perfectly level since I still haven't mastered the trim tabs...
 
KeithD said:
The GPS is usually perfectly level since I still haven't mastered the trim tabs...
Click to expand...

That's funny.
I will be in the G2Vision area this weekend and I look forward to seeing how much more detail it has compared to factory.
 
todd;

if you haven't used it run the Mariners view. I actually find this to be more helpfull for navigating aroudn the shoals than the standard chart view. It's like playing a video game. keep the boat in the blue part and stay out of the yellow and red areas.
 
Todd,
That installation looks really good. I was looking at the Garmin 152 for my 220 Sunsport Europe, but I think I'll now go for the 540s. Out of interest, how did you make the electrical connections ?
Dave
 
Panda220 said:
Todd,
That installation looks really good. I was looking at the Garmin 152 for my 220 Sunsport Europe, but I think I'll now go for the 540s. Out of interest, how did you make the electrical connections ?
Dave
Click to expand...
Well I ran the transducer from the engine bay through the starboard side bulkhead cut out for the wiring, right up to the helm. Zip tied that all up and it wasn't too bad, other than the yoga to get it there.

The GPS power wires I ran to the accessory fuse block in the helm. I dropped the red(+) wire right on the + side of the fuse block, and the Black(-) on the - negative side of the fuse block. Then I put a 3A (I'm not sure about the fuse size, but whatever was appropriate) fuse in the slot for that location on the fuse block and it was done.

I will be buying a DSC Radio here soon and then hook up that connection as well.
 
Last edited:
Thanks Todd, thats very interesting. Have you wired the GPS to the accessory switch on the helm, or direct to the fuse block ? I appreciate the info as I'm trying to decide whether to fit the GPS myself or pay to have it done.
Dave
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,190
Messages
1,428,258
Members
61,102
Latest member
Zork06
Back
Top