Evinrude I-Command Classic/I-Command Wiring Question

[flyfish2743]

I am building a boat and plan to use the I-Command gauges. However, I like the Classic I-Command gauges because of the analog and digital readout and will fit the style of my boat a bit better than the full digital gauges. They were discontinued in 09.

The wiring is a little different than that of the fully digital gauges. The classic uses the Deutsch where the digital uses the quick connect linear wiring with the red and or blue connectors.

If I purchase the I-Command Classic gauges do you know of a simple connector for the gauge that will allow me to use the newer quick connect linear wiring instead of the older Deutsch wires? This would simply take me from a Deutsch style square plug to the round plug seen on the new gauges.

Do you have any thoughts concerning the I-Command Classic vs. the I-Command fully digital?

Thanks in advance!

 

[seabob4]

Re: Evinrude I-Command Classic/I-Command Wiring Question

Why not go with the current I-Command? The gauges (actually Lowrrance LMF-400s, same as Suzukis SMIS gauges) come from the factory with the analog display as a default. You have to re-configure them to have a digital display...

 

[seabob4]

Re: Evinrude I-Command Classic/I-Command Wiring Question

BTW, I have 3 "red" tees, a 120 OHM termination resistor, and a network power supply, never been used/installed. Contact me if your interested.

Also have a about 10 "blue" tees...with the red to blue adapters, they work just fine.

 

[flyfish2743]

Re: Evinrude I-Command Classic/I-Command Wiring Question

There is no doubt the standard digital would work, it's just the classic look really good! The face of the gauge and the traditional needle really add a nice touch to the console.

 

[flyfish2743]

Re: Evinrude I-Command Classic/I-Command Wiring Question

I just saw the items and will keep them in mind!

 

[flyfish2743]

Re: Evinrude I-Command Classic/I-Command Wiring Question

I also see you have a flats boat in the pic. That's what I'm building.

Here is my blog. Www.caseysboat.blogspot.com

 

[seabob4]

Re: Evinrude I-Command Classic/I-Command Wiring Question

Rewired the whole thing. I'll show you the helm as the rest is pretty mundane...

 

[flyfish2743]

Re: Evinrude I-Command Classic/I-Command Wiring Question

Very cool! Do you have a picture from the other side?

 

[seabob4]

Re: Evinrude I-Command Classic/I-Command Wiring Question

This is the best I can do right now...

The panel has all new switches and breakers, rewired that on my bench. Every bit of wiring was yanked out of that boat...

 

[flyfish2743]

Re: Evinrude I-Command Classic/I-Command Wiring Question

Ok. Now I understand what I'm looking at. Very cool. The wiring looks very clean. I think i'm leaning toward the full digital and away from the I command classic.

Have you had any experience with Minn Kota's Trim n Troll?

 

[seabob4]

Re: Evinrude I-Command Classic/I-Command Wiring Question

Flyfish,
Those are Yamaha fully digital gauges on my boat. The ones you want, the I-Command digitals, can be configured to display in analog, digital, or both, as evidenced in this pic. This is the Lowrrance LMF-400, which is identical to the I-Command or Suzuki SMIS gauge...

 

[seabob4]

Re: Evinrude I-Command Classic/I-Command Wiring Question

Well, seems MinnKota has been doing a little "plagerism...http://www.lencomarine.com/trollntabs.html

MinnKota doesn't have a real big presence down here in FL. Regular trolling motors yes, but if one was going to have the combo tabs/TMs, it would be Lenco. They've been out for years...and their customer service is as good as it gets...

 

[flyfish2743]

Re: Evinrude I-Command Classic/I-Command Wiring Question

I have come across some statements on the net that concern me regarding the brand you are referring too. However these were quite old reports and they have most likely improved them.

Another issue I have is the cost. I can pick up a pair of Minn Kota for a reasonable price. I will do some research into this other brand's cost.

 

[flyfish2743]

Re: Evinrude I-Command Classic/I-Command Wiring Question

Seabob - Im going with the I Command Digital - I Command Classic is out!

 

[seabob4]

Re: Evinrude I-Command Classic/I-Command Wiring Question

Flyfish,
It's a pretty simple install. Our normal install on a single engine boat is (2) 4" gauges, fuel sender module, sea water temp sender module, GPS antenna module (for GPS speed). If you need any help, let me know...

 

[flyfish2743]

Re: Evinrude I-Command Classic/I-Command Wiring Question

So you sell this stuff huh? Great! I will keep your contact info and as I get closer I will hit you up for a quote.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Evinrude I-Command Classic/I-Command Wiring Question

Fly,
No, I don't sell this stuff, I'm an engineer for Proline. I do the install configurations and the component configurations, plus do what trouble-shooting I need to (it's somewhat limited considering the NMEA 2000 system). Wish I did sell it though...

Keep in mind you'll need the BRP diagnostic software when you get everything installed to program the motor. It only takes about 5 minutes to do, but the dealer will charge you an hour labor...

 

[flyfish2743]

Re: Evinrude I-Command Classic/I-Command Wiring Question

Good tip! Is the software easy to acquire? I read a little bit about this but I'm not familar. I like the idea of running my own diagnostics. I do some similar things on my diesel and wifes car.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Evinrude I-Command Classic/I-Command Wiring Question

Fly,
You'll need the software, here, and the interface cable here.

If you have a brand new motor, you'll need to prime the oil pump first, via the diagnostic software. The laptop will do it for you. You start up a brand new Etec, and within a couple of minutes, the "Low Oil" alarm will sound. If you get the manual that that tells you how to use the diagnostics, it will tell you how to prime the system. This is dynamic operation, done with the engine running...

Thought you could just hang it, rig it, and run, didn't you?

 

[flyfish2743]

Re: Evinrude I-Command Classic/I-Command Wiring Question

Wow! So another $200+ bucks. Well that is the price for fun I guess.

Yeah I figured I just topped the oil and gas off and went to town. However tinkering with stuff is half the fun. Hooking into a large red with my 8 weight is the other half.

So I'm picking up the rest of the wood for the hull this Saturday... Lord willing. I may have some decent progress by mid winter and possibly begin installing the electronics and rigging as soon as Jan or Feb... assuming I am diligent with the build.

I'm thinking on going with the Teleflex for the helm. However I'm torn between the Baystar from a price point and the Sea Star Pro for strength and durability. Any thoughts on this?