LMS-480 ??

[scalescratcher]

Just picked up this unit as an upgrade to the ole reliable X-70A and am a bit intimidated by the power hookup directions. Can anyone lend some input to assure I get this right?

[MJCatfish]

I have this unit. I didn't install it, but I may be able to help. What specifically would you like to know? I can check out my hook up and get back to you.

MJ

[fish specialist]

I also just bought a LMS-480M and just finished the installation. I was intimidated at first too, but after reading the directions closely, it wasn't too bad. I trust you understand how the wiring is for the transducer and the white puck antenna, so I assume you are wondering about the last set of cables, which has three wires. Find the NEMA-2000 power cable and connect it to the battery. This will power your GPS antenna. Also find the main power cable for the unit (the thickest wire of the three) and connect it to the battery. You may have to splice in some extra cable, and I believe they recommend #18 wire for it. There will be a third wire, with blue, yellow, orange and white or gray wire coming out of it, called a NEMA data cable that will not be used and I put a wire nut on it that was supplied in one of the small baggies. Basically, that cable is used if you want to add another NEMA-type sensor, such as a fuel gauge or livewell monitor.

So to simplify, you have two sets of power wires running to your battery. One that powers you GPS antenna (called the NEMA power cable) and one that supplies power for you actual unit (the thickest of the three wires). Oh yeah, also don't forget to splice in the fuses on each of the positive connections (supplied by Lowrance as well) as close to the battery as possible. So the order of wiring will be:

Unit with connected cable>added extra wires (if needed to reach battery)>wires with fuses spliced onto each positive extra wire>and finally the battery

I wish I could draw a picture but this is the best I could do. I hope you follow my logic!

Happy Wiring!!

[Deitz Dittrich]

I too have the LMS480 and was as intimidated as you.. there are a bunch of wires that are not needed.. Believe that they are for running a co-piolet kind of thing?.. Anyway the biggest mistake people make installing these is they dont run power to the antennae..

[Bushwacker]

fish specialist,

Great explanation. I hooked up my LMS332 last week and I wish I would have read your post first. The LMS332 is the same exact set-up.

[montanagriz]

I second that...hooked up my 332c last week and thought the GPS was broken, but I didn't realize I needed to hook up the NMEA network for it to work. Works great now though.

[scalescratcher]

Thanks for the input guys! I've rigged several units over the years but this one's making me feel old!! Maybe I should ask my teenager to hook it up. I read the instructions and only question 2 things: How critical is it to run the main power directly to the battery and the draw from the GPS on the battery. Has anyone had issues hooking it up so it shuts down when not in use or with interference on the sonar if going through the fuse block?

[Bushwacker]

I have all mine running through the fuse block and haven't had any problems at all. I have an on-board charger that I always have plugged in so I am not really worried about battery drain.