Guidelines Summary
Before we move on to more specific installa-
tion concerns in the following chapters, here’s
a summary of some general electronic equip-
ment installation guidelines:- Be sure voltage and amperage can be
delivered to the equipment in the needed
amounts under all conditions, including
during engine cranking and activation of
high-demand loads like electric winches,
anchor windlasses, and bow thrusters.
Achieving this may require the installa-
tion of a UPS device for the system or
extra batteries. - Voltage parameters of the gear in question
must be confirmed by the installer or
troubleshooter. Some devices (such as
radar) have broad acceptable ranges for
operating voltage, whereas others (like
SSBs and fishfinders) tend to have com-
paratively narrow operating ranges.
138 marine electronics installation and troubleshooting
- Reverse polarity can easily and instantly
damage electronics. Beware of reversing
the positive and negative feed wires. - Consider possible spray conditions in the
intended installation location, and ensure
the equipment matches the situation
(check the equipment’s IP or JIS water-
proof rating). - Consider ergonomics when mounting
gear: will it be visible, audible, and reach-
able and convenient? - Be concerned about both RFI and EMI,
and provide appropriate levels of separa-
tion and shielding for equipment and
cable runs throughout the boat. - Make sure that antennas and transducers
are oriented correctly from a directional
perspective so that their beam transmis-
sion is not obstructed by boat structures.
StartGuard NS-12-20, Newmar, http://www.newmarpower.com
C-Power, Charles Industries, http://www.charlesindustries.comDC-POWERED UPS DEVICES