Wiring trim indicator to acc switch

[Matt S]

New glastron 185 gt w/3.0L volvo. I was at the 20 hour service a few days ago and casually mentioned it stinks that I have to turn the key on and listen to that alarm just to see where the trim is. The shop told me it can't be wired to the same ACC switch that operates the depth finder because it gets power from the fuse block in the back of the boat.

Ok, so remove that power wire, tape it and take power from the acc switch I say.

Nope, can't do it they say. Then they said something about voiding the warantee also...

Now I'm looking at the very vague (typical wiring install) diagram in my owners manual and it's just a typical gauge with positive, negative and signal. If the diagram is correct, I just have to be sure that other gauges fed from this power post remain connected to the wire (not a problem) when removed from the trim indicator and provide my own power.

The only reason I could see they might say it can't be done is because of the floating ground all the gauges share but I can't think of any problem with that either. So is there a problem providing power for the trim gauge from the acc switch that also feeds the depth sounder so I don't have to turn on the key to see trim angle?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Wiring trim indicator to acc switch

All of the gauges have battery ground. It is not "floating". All you need to do is separate the +12V feed from the trim gauge and pick up +12V from any switch you have that can be turned on without the key being on. 12V is 12V, it does not need to come from the ignition switch. Ground on the boat is ground. There is nothing special about ground on the trim gauge. The only thing you need to be careful of is the +12V daisy chaining to other gauges.

 

[Matt S]

Re: Wiring trim indicator to acc switch

Thanks Silvertip. By floating I meant that each gauges grounds to another gauge with one master ground back to the battery. Same thing happens for power also. I sure hope the colors on this "wiring diagram (typical) - Not for electrical work" is close enough...... It's all I have!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Wiring trim indicator to acc switch

The proper term is "daisy chaining". Applies to both +12V and ground.

 

[Matt S]

Re: Wiring trim indicator to acc switch

Ok thanks for the clarification. Does the trim sensor need to be powered also? Or does it get power from the trim motor which works without any keys or switches?