Minn Kota Heading Sensor Puck Install

After a previous video installing the Terrova, I finish up by showing where I installed the Minn Kota Heading Sensor puck and how I ran the wires on my Tracker Classic XL.

[@dalemccluskey7746]

IMPORTANT- To prevent interference, they say to use a typical compass to be sure there's no interference in the area. Hold the Hand Compass in the same spot and see if the dial changes.If no acton go ahead and mount.

[@waynem4844]

Great little video...it was extremely helpful. Thank you

[@justjimtime1672]

Thanks

[@travisnunya4641]

Jim my boat is a lot like yours I thought about mounting in same spot has that face you any trouble also I have the hummingbird solix 15 and I have it hooked to the boats constant power wire which I beleive is 16 gauge maybe 14 gauge would I need a bigger gauge wire if I splice into it with this puck??

[@justjimtime1672]

travis lewin I have had no issues. It’s working as it should. Spot lock and jog both work perfectly. You should not need a larger gauge wire for this sensor. It draws very low amperage.

[@KDOG9720]

Jim, Did you ever put a support in for when the trolling motor is in the stowed position? My set up is almost identical and the placement just in front of the shift lever worked great. Thanks, Kevin

[@justjimtime1672]

Those things are so expensive. Temporarily I had a cardboard cylinder a fishing rod was shipped in that I cut to about 12 inches long and cut a slot in one end. I just set in under the shaft near the head and It works great for transporting on the trailer. but i don't use it on the lake, but I probably could.

[@justjimtime1672]

similarly, a 4 inch pvc pipe cut about a foot long or what ever the measurement was would work equally as well and be water proof

[@miked8227]

Try using one side of a gun rack that they mount on the front of your quad. Can even strap it down with the rubber straps that span the crotch the gun sets in.

[@goflyhighrc]

Great video -- Question for you, is the GPS puck on a switch to power on/off

[@dalemccluskey7746]

When the power to the motor is off then a couple minutes later the puck shuts down. There is no actual power switch however some use a in line fuse.

[@FranklinHicks-qs4gs]

I see you have a battery in the front compartment under the seat . is there enough room for 2 ? Did you use the factory wiring to run the charging up from the rear ?

[@justjimtime1672]

I think there would be room for two batteries and I did use the factory wiring for the charger in the back to the battery in the front. If you put two batteries in that compartment though Im not sure how you would charge the second one, Since there is only one set of wires from the back. Ive heard its not easy running new wires from the back to the front but I have never tried. Probably easier with the smaller gauge required for the charger than the battery itself though

[@bubbafarmer4867]

Great vid! I just purchased a terrova and I’m conflicted about where to mount the puck. Your location is the best I’ve seen for all the reasons you mention. HOWEVER, the instructions mentioned making certain the puck has clear line of site to trolling motor head. Have you had and loss of communication issues between the two units with the dash being in the way? If not I think I’m going to do exactly as you’ve done. Thanks again for the informative video. Tight lines!

[@justjimtime1672]

Thanks. I haven't had any issues and I was comfortable doing it after I researched and seen some people were putting them in compartments and it was working good for them. It paired quickly and has not lost connection since. You're good to go. Just make sure you don't drill into any wires or cables.

[@stevenhilliard9738]

My trolling motor cables run right through where you mounted the sensor. Do yours run through there? If so has it caused any issues?

[@justjimtime1672]

yes the cable for the rear transducer runs through there. I have had 0 issues.

[@jpoprock]

Do you have to have a depth finder with Networking capabilities to use this?

[@justjimtime1672]

Jason Sheroan this heading sensor is only used with the minn Kota trolling motors that have spot lock and spot lock jog. It serves no other purpose. It’s an electronic compass That pairs with the trolling motor. It comes with them.

[@jpoprock]

Just Jim Time Oh wow. Thanks for that info Jim!

[@michaeltierney8573]

Hi Jim, do you know if draws any power when not in use ? I was debating whether to install it there using the wires going to the fish finder. But wouldn’t it be always on? Thanks

[@justjimtime1672]

Michael Tierney the puck flashes when the the trolling motor is on and doesn’t when the trolling motor is off. With that said it should be wired to constant power. With no key in my boat if I turn on my trolling motor the puck starts flashing. Hope that helps

[@charlesmiller7901]

Just Jim Time would it be ok to wire it to the trolling motor plug?

[@michaeltierney8573]

I’m sure you could. You would need to add a 1amp fuse though. Only issue I could see is that when the trolling motor is operating it is drawing a lot of power which could possibly impact a consistent voltage. I have mine tapped into the console fish finder power like Jim did and it has been operating fine.

[@justjimtime1672]

@@charlesmiller7901 It's very low amp draw so I would probably wire it where ever was easiest, but I'm also in mind set that nothing should be powered from the trolling batteries except the trolling motor, so I would only do it if I had too.

[@charlesmiller7901]

Michael Tierney thanks.

[@cristianmccullough4374]

I just installed an ultrex and have my puck wired direct to my cranking (12v) battery with an inline fuse. Will this constantly draw power ? Or will it stop pulling power when I shut off my ultrex ?

[@justjimtime1672]

I’ve never tested it to see if minimal power is being drawn but I can tell you a light on the puck flashes when the trolling motor is on. And when the trolling motor is off there is no light on the puck. My guess is if there is power it’s very minimal. I would consider it none. But the puck has to know when the trolling motor is turned on. In that regard there might need to be just enough power for it to be ready.

[@rottlertab2534]

Minn kota says that the the puck goes to " sleep" mode when the motor is powered off, it only draws less than 1mA . I'm not an electrician but that doesn't seem like I should be concerned about itndraning my cranking battery ...

[@justjimtime1672]

@@rottlertab2534 Sounds logical. Thanks

[@mikegonzales707]

I have an Ultrex I’m about to install. Do you need the puck to use Spotlock?

[@justjimtime1672]

you don't need it for spot lock. They say you need it for spot lock jog. which is a feature where after your spot locked you can move a certain amount of feet in any direction by pressing the jog button.

[@mikegonzales707]

Thank you very much

[@ganderwitz]

I have been told that the puck needs to be installed dead center of the keel of my boat. Is this true? I am installing it on an aluminum jet sled though not a bass boat. Thanks in advance!

[@justjimtime1672]

Not true at all. The only thing you need to do is install it facing strait forward. So when its on the side of the boat you are supposed to imagine a straight line in the center from motor to bow and then make sure its mounted parallel to that line. basically so if facing the exact direction your traveling when going straight forward. You can look at the installation instructions on Minn Kotas site if it help.

[@ganderwitz]

@@justjimtime1672 great news for me! Thank you!

[@bobbyparker780]

If hooking straight to battery does it run all the time. Should I disconnect mine when not using or put it on some kind of switch so it doesn't drain the battery

[@justjimtime1672]

It only turns on when the trolling motor is powered on. No switch needed

[@rottlertab2534]

It goes into sleep mode . It will draw less than 1aM in sleep mode and would take 90,000 hours to drain a 12v battery.. mines hooked direct. No issues . Do put a fuse tho just incase

[@toddbollen1455]

HI just installed same motor. still trying deside were to install the sensor . that a good idear i going to look at that spot on my boat...I was thinking of wiring to horn?? I almost never use horn..I would add a 1 amp in line fuse..I been playing with it without sensor and been working fine... But have it so might as well install it Thanks for idear

[@justjimtime1672]

Your welcome. The only thing this sensor is for is spot lock jog as far as I'm aware.The feature where when you are spot locked it can move the boat in 5 foot increments in any direction to a new spot lock location. I assume that feature will not work without sensor installed. That feature was not even available on my last Terrrova, hence no puck. I don't think its a cant live without not sure if it something I will be using a lot or not yet.

[@gr0uch02a]

@@justjimtime1672 Will be interesting to see what you think in a month or two. I was hooked the very first time I used Spot Lock. I don't use the jog function very often, but the electronic anchor is the best thing to come along since a reel. :) It will allow me to spin sometimes though, so maybe it's time to recalibrate it. Thanks for the video.

[@justjimtime1672]

@@gr0uch02a This is my second Terrova I have used spot lock for years. I wouldn't want to be with out it. Ive never even carried an actual anchor

[@justjimtime1672]

Spot lock will spin boats for 2 reasons that are normal. if you have momentum when you hit it. it will spin the boat back around to get back to the spot you told it you wanted to be, and to put itself in a position where its facing into the wind or current so it can maintain the spot easier with no movement. I always try to drift to a near stop before hitting it. if you are going with the current its going to spin you around no matter what. The good thing is it only happens once when you first select it each time

[@walleyeheadztackle5415]

Is there a light on the puck to show that it's getting power?

[@justjimtime1672]

yes. it blinks when it is on which is only when the trolling motor is powered on.

[@mysdak]

Do you wire direct to battery or to ignition. Ie so it’s only on when the key is on

[@vaspar9871]

I had a marina install my Terrova year ago, I'm not sure they paired the sensor because I can not use Jog. When I went to pair it, there is no blue light when my electronics are on, and nothing happens when I press the button. I thought the light was blue when it is on, Is that correct?

[@justjimtime1672]

power on light will turn on for 3 seconds pairing. light will flash 2 times per second for 20 seconds. Paired: Normal operation, Not Paired: light turns off Normal operation. light flashes every 3 seconds.

[@vaspar9871]

@@justjimtime1672 thank you for the reply, this made me realize that there was something wrong with the head sensor. After some investigating I realized the ground was broke at the connector that the marina installed. I replaced it and now everything is lighting up, can't wait to get to the lake a calibrate everything now. Thanks.

[@justjimtime1672]

@@vaspar9871 Cool, glad you figured it out.

[@jsbeton4622]

you are pretty sharp to park your car so close to the door 😆

[@justjimtime1672]

Whats your point?

[@justjimtime1672]

oh I get it your a troll.

[@jsbeton4622]

Just Jim Time: i was just watching your video and you gave some good information by the way! and i realize that your car is park so close to the door! that’s it.

[@justjimtime1672]

@@jsbeton4622 I see, sometimes I do that. I no longer have that car. I have a bigger one! I keep a towel on the boat where the door would make contact, just in case. most times Im far enough away where it's not necessary. Guess I need a bigger garage!

[@justjimtime1672]

@@jsbeton4622 Sorry about that. I wasn't sure if you were talking about the car to the boat or the car to the garage door. Thought you were calling me sharp sarcastically. I have a sensor that lights up when Im in the garage far enough mounted in front of the car

[@akbuilder7626]

The spot lock feature will still work without the puck. The puck just makes it more accurate.

[@justjimtime1672]

it is for the Jog feature

[@JC-ez9yx]

Is that the 45” shaft ?

[@justjimtime1672]

yes it is and you wouldn't need any bigger

[@JC-ez9yx]

Thanks!

[@kevindunsn1903]

I purched a used terrova do these pucks come with the trooling motor when purchased new bc I didn't receive one with mine hooe I dont need it to use my trolling motor

[@justjimtime1672]

It should come with it if it is a newer model. The older Terrova's had the technology built in. I think it was 2017 they changed them.

[@justjimtime1672]

If your trolling motor has a "pair" button on the head of the trolling motor. it uses the puck and should have come with it

[@kevindunsn1903]

I have the 101lb terrova from 2012 but I believe it has pair button on it as well bought it last year and didn't get to hook it up yet is yours the newer one ?

[@cmbtvet01]

@@kevindunsn1903 Spot lock jog is the only reason for the puck's existence. Spot lock will still work without the puck, you just won't be able to "jog" 5 feet. I bought an Ulterra earlier this year and haven't installed the puck yet (I'm going to, just haven't done it yet).

[@felixmikkialmosttoasted3911]

Just Jim Time makes sense to have them built in. Plugged in externally With a spot to add one later if the internal one failed.

[@tonydtom536]

There is supposed to be a line of sight to the Min Kota.

[@justjimtime1672]

Sorry, I cant tell if this is a question or a statement. Either way, there does not need to be a line of sight. Many people install theirs inside cabins in an engine compartment on bigger boats, not only not line of sight but enclose in a room. Obviously if it connects and works it does not need to be line of sight. I can tell you from my experience and others your good to put it anywhere on most boats as long as there is not interference from metal or high power wires.

[@tonydtom536]

@@justjimtime1672 Right but according to Min Kota it should be in a line of sight. At least according to my instructions manual.

[@justjimtime1672]

@@tonydtom536 Im sure Minn Kota Just wants simple instructions that will 100% work for all situations to avoid lawsuits and recalls. You should probably follow their instructions if it concerns you. I prefer to live dangerously

[@tonydtom536]

@@justjimtime1672 Wow you are so courageous! Look man I just thought it was worth mentioning for people looking for help but it seems you are offended by thinking people and you like to try to demean people who have input or opinion. Whatever floats your boat I guess.

[@justjimtime1672]

@@tonydtom536 You got it all wrong. I think people come to youtube looking for solutions and options. They can read the directions for themselves. I personally like to come here looking for alternatives and to see what works in real life. Sorry I offended you, I just want to make sure people that come to my channel know the facts, and the fact is the puck doesn't need to be line of sight to the head unit.

[@gordonosborne2314]

mentioned the 1 amp fuse...guess you couldnt find the time to show and how installed which i was looking for...my fault... i shouldnt be looking things up on you tube

[@justjimtime1672]

I installed it inline where you connect the wire from the puck to power.basically take the wire from the puck and add a fuse holder to it. put in a one amp fuse. connect wire to power of your choice. I chose where the console fish finder gets power

[@justjimtime1672]

I didn't show it at the time because I didn't have a one amp fuse. I used a 2 amp fuse until I could get the correct one. Didn't want to mislead anyone. Sorry. You can always ask

[@giantsexistofficial3169]

Hello! Not the greatest spot, in my opinion. If the wiring for all the console electronics goes underneath it, you might get interference..

[@justjimtime1672]

Thanks but its not an issue. Something like a placing it near the trolling motors high amperage wires might cause interference or placement near a lot of metal possibly. but the fish finder power is so low and far enough away that I'm not having issues. there's not much else in use when using the trolling motor and not the big engine. there's not a whole lot of amps going to the console.

[@charlesmiller7901]

Just Jim Time Just saw this, so taping into the trolling motor plug might not be good. How about taping into an electric reel outlet, or a speaker wire?

[@felixmikkialmosttoasted3911]

Charles Miller if its 24 or 36 volt not a good idea from what i see