Humminbird Low Battery Alarm Setting?

[Ki Ki]

So another new to us boat question: new boat has a fish finder. Pervious owner set battery alarm at 12. When I went to that setting last it had a scale and it showed 13.5. Two questions, is 12 too low or high - what should I set it at so I can safely crank battery after stopping to fish?

Also, the 13.5 past the 12 setting- is that what my battery is at now and is that acceptable?

 

[NYBo]

Re: Humminbird Low Battery Alarm Setting?

Yes, that's the current voltage; 13.5V is about right when the motor is running over idle speed (or charging system cut-in speed). I would set the low voltage alarm a little higher, maybe 12.2 or 12.3. At 12V, it may not start the motor.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Humminbird Low Battery Alarm Setting?

I wouldn't worry too much about not starting the engine. It's a 25 HP and likely can be pull started.

 

[E_S_A_D]

Re: Humminbird Low Battery Alarm Setting?

I wouldn't worry too much about not starting the engine. It's a 25 HP and likely can be pull started.

It can by inserting a rope in case ever needed, but it doesn't have a pull thing on it nor is the engine cover set up for that. It's a true eletric start OMC to Johnson system.

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

If you set the low voltage alarm on the fish finder at say 12 volts, and if it goes off, does that alarm mean that your main battery is low? If so that's a great option to have on your boat in case your alternator is crapping out etc. I was wondering what that setting was for on my Helix 5.

 

[dingbat]

If you set the low voltage alarm on the fish finder at say 12 volts, and if it goes off, does that alarm mean that your main battery is low?

Technically, 12 volts is a dead battery. You might want to set it a bit higher

Yes, with caviots.
1. Depends on where in the circuit the voltage is monitored (input or output of power supply)

2. May or may not be an accurate depending on how much of a voltage drop do you have between the battery and the unit.
Up to 3 volts is acceptable by marine wiring standards

If so that's a great option to have on your boat in case your alternator is crapping out

If your goal is to alarm on a failing charging system, you need to set the threshold above the 12.7 volts of a fully charged battery

 

[cyclops222]

I set mine to 12.3 volts for a lead acid battery. That is about the 50 % of the battery left.

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

Technically, 12 volts is a dead battery. You might want to set it a bit higher

Yes, with caviots.
1. Depends on where in the circuit the voltage is monitored (input or output of power supply)

2. May or may not be an accurate depending on how much of a voltage drop do you have between the battery and the unit.
Up to 3 volts is acceptable by marine wiring standards


If your goal is to alarm on a failing charging system, you need to set the threshold above the 12.7 volts of a fully charged battery

Thanks . Yes, I want to set it for a failing charging system. Even though the hummingbirds alarms aren't too loud. They should definitely have a louder alarm, like my old low depth finderthat I used to have in the 90s. I may consider getting one if I can find an affordable one, they seem pretty expensive today, just for an alarm.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Guys, this thread is 11 years old. Read the rules