Electronic/Ultrex/360 Upgrade

Hummm....Im up grading the electronics on the bow of my 2012 Cougar - Helix 10, Ultrex I-Pilot Link (80) and the 360 for the Ultrex.Since I installed the Helix 10 it shuts down when I start the big motor and it will also shut off on its own (wiring? Not enough battery?). Im using Optima 31M Blue Top currently. Im considering installing a Odyssey PC2250 to run the electronics and starting. and a PS3 Pro Series 3 bank charger for the Odyssey.Am I OK with the set up I have? Or is the Odyssey/PS3 the way to go?Ps - Ive been told the the issue of the Helix 10 shutting down when I start the motor is that it needs to be wired direct to the battery instead of to the power cable at the bow. As far as it just shutting down on its own ????Do I need a stand alone battery for the electronics?

This topic has 9 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 10 months ago by C130.

Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)

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June 15, 2018 at 3:06 pm #342043

Bearkat
Participant

What kind of voltage are you seeing at the unit? The issues you are experiencing sound like they are the result of low voltage. I have all the units on my 2008 Cougar wired direct to the battery. Also, make sure you have the latest software on your units and Ultrex. I was having some shutdown issues on Helix 10 (not when starting the big motor) and updating the software resolved them.

June 15, 2018 at 3:20 pm #342063

Cleminator
Participant

Bearkat,Not sure on the voltage….I know the 31M Optima is 5-6 yrs old.Im having the 360 installed this coming week and will have him check – I do know its not wire directly to the battery – Its wire to the power cable running up front..

June 15, 2018 at 3:48 pm #342080

Bearkat
Participant

I have my Ultrex heading sensor and 360 wired to the boat wiring harness up front as well. My Ethernet hub is also wired to the boat wiring harness. Only the graphs go directly to the battery. You can set one of the display boxes to show voltage. I bet you see a significant voltage drop. Of course the best way to test voltage will be with a meter.

June 15, 2018 at 5:01 pm #342100

mike dominick
Participant

The Blue Top does not have enough juice to run the big electronics all day, I ran one as well, once they start getting older they will let you down. Go buy an Odyssey 2150 or Batteries Plus X2 group 31 and you will have no more worries. Wire direct to the battery like Bearkat said.

June 15, 2018 at 7:31 pm #342118

Cleminator
Participant

Mike,I have a Norco charger now…I know I have to get a special charger for the Odyssey – So will the Norco work with the Batteries Plus X2 ??

June 15, 2018 at 8:06 pm #342137

mike dominick
Participant

I think the Noco would be fine, but I would ask John at Jones Trolling Motor, hes a Cat guy

June 19, 2018 at 10:00 am #342156

Dwayne
Participant

This is my personal viewpoint and will probably be dismissed by others, with that said the additional load on the electrical system is pushing the capacity of the 20 Amp line. So I ran another 20 Amp power line (12 gauge wires) from the battery to a multi fuse block I installed under the dash. I connected the stereo, the bow HB 898, the dash HB 798 & 998, and the cellphone charger. This cleaned up the electrical power and reduced the electrical noise from bilge and livewell pumps going to the graphs. This also gives me a way to add anything in the future.Something to consider???

June 19, 2018 at 1:08 pm #342177

Bearkat
Participant

I wish I had done the same Dwayne. I put a battery mounted fuse block on my cranking battery that my graphs run to. The 360, Ethernet switch, ultrex heading sensor, etc. are on the boat wiring harness. If I did it again, I would run 10 ga wire from the battery to the console and mount a fuse block there. It would make the wiring cleaner and simpler.

June 19, 2018 at 1:39 pm #342196

C130
Participant

How do you guys like the 360? Ive had interest in being one but havent decided yet. How easy is it to take it off for traveling as I know my cover would not fit with it attached?
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