Help on GPS!
 

Installed a new Garmin 541 over the weekend. Connections are exactly the same as before, running the hot wire to console bank of switches/fuses. Problem is when I go to start the engine as the starter engages the power blinks on the GPS then turns off. I notice my VHF and fish finder will dim momentarily then come back up to full power.
Do I have a weak battery???? Should I wire direct to battery with in-line fuses and by-pass the console bank? Get a new, stronger battery? Wire to one of the trolling motor batteries?
Any suggestions will be appreciated!

Think I'd have the battery checked first. Sounds like you have low voltage.

Mine does the same thing. I have my low voltage alarm set at 11v and last time I fished with the radio and GPS on, I was constantly getting a low voltage alarm. More than likely your battery is getting weak.



Warren

Wouldn't hurt to put your switch panel and starter on separate batteries.

If I put the panel on another battery it would have to come from one of the trolling motor batteries....I really hate to put that much drain on one of those batteries!

I have a feeling that my battery is reaching old age (3 years old). I need to run a diagnostic test under load on that battery. Voltage is probably dropping below the needed threshold for that Garmin.

Thanks guys for your input...always great info on this site!

My switch panel and all my electronics are hooked into my trolling motor batteries. I have never had a problem with losing power. As long as you run at least a 24v system you wont have any problems

Thanks Meaux! I think this will be the easiest solution for the future. I never ran my batteries for the trolling motor that far down in a day of fishing to have voltage issues. I'm still gonna get a new battery for starting to be safe. Thanks!

Mine done the same thing!! I hooked it to one of my trolling batteries also and leave it on all day and it don't run my battery down.

I use a house battery for electronics ,motor has its own battery and (2) for the trolling motors w/perko switches for all.When motor is running it charges motor battery and house battery.My boat was set up like this from factory.You can probably make it work like meaux suggest........Good luck reefman

I'm using just 3 batteries; 2 for troll and 1 for start/house. I have no room under console for a 4th. I'm gonna do a meaux on it tonight along with changing out my start bat. Should work just fine. Seems 323, meaux and a few others run off their troll bats. Thanks guys

Just change ur battery and I bet it fixes it