Has anybody had any issues with their Helix unit overheating? My Helix 7 keeps turning off and feels very hot. So I usually unplug the unit and put it in the shade, it turns on again an hour later or so. The unit is in the sun obviously but shouldn’t it be able to handle direct sunlight?
Mine gets hot, especially in direct sun when you need to have the backlight at 100%, but never had it shut down. Could it possibly be the voltage getting too low? What size wires do you have it connected to and how long? May want to keep an eye on the voltage and setup the low voltage alarm at like 11volts to rule that out. Also trim the factory power cable from the 3 or 4 ft they come to 12inches and run 10 or 12 gauge wire directly to the battery with the appropriate inline fuse. These units are very power hungry and sensitive, too small of wire will cause a big voltage drop.
I have got the stock wires and connections. The dealer installed it for me. I will look into trimming the wires, and running new wires. I’m not too fimiliar with wiring, is it basically draining the battery due to the length and gauge of the cables?
Thanks a bunch!
The wiring does not increase current drain from the battery, it can however reduce available voltage if inadequate. Put your voltage up on the display so you can monitor. Per Humminbird 10.8 volts is the minimum voltage required for proper operation.
So to understand, a larger gauge wire would increase voltage above the minimum 10.8?
is it basically draining the battery due to the length and gauge of the cables
It’s not draining your battery, it is just restricting the flow of electrons through the fine gauge wire enough so there is a voltage drop at the Helix connector end.
However, your description of the unit getting hot and working again after cooling off in the shade suggests a different problem. Heat from sunlight should have no effect on the unit. Measure battery voltage before you start the unit and after it shuts down.
Also, the voltage readings in Bird units are often inaccurate. Get a digital multimeter so you know what your battery is reading at the posts and at the Helix connector. That will get you started on troubleshooting.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Wade Ottman wrote:</div>
is it basically draining the battery due to the length and gauge of the cablesIt’s not draining your battery, it is just restricting the flow of electrons through the fine gauge wire enough so there is a voltage drop at the Helix connector end.
However, your description of the unit getting hot and working again after cooling off in the shade suggests a different problem. Heat from sunlight should have no effect on the unit. Measure battery voltage before you start the unit and after it shuts down.
Also, the voltage readings in Bird units are often inaccurate. Get a digital multimeter so you know what your battery is reading at the posts and at the Helix connector. That will get you started on troubleshooting.
You’re suggesting to measure the battery voltage at the TERMINALS before and after shut down?
Yes.
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