Power for Depth Sounder

[Guest]

I have a 16 foot trailer sailer and have been using an old Echopilot style depth sounder that uses a dry battery. It's now packed up and was a bit cumbersome. I'm thinking of replacing it with something more compact like a NASA Target depth instrument (needs 12mA + 10mA for light)but I do not have any power on board. Could I run it using a sealed 12v rechargable battery? Any other suggestions?

 

[Guest]

I am in a similar position & run my GPS & fish finder from an old 12v motorcycle battery, so a 12v sealed lead acid such as the smallest one sold by Maplin for £13.00 would be fine. Just charge it up at home using a Maplin charger part no LL30h (also £13) - DO NOT use a car type battery charger as these will charge at too high a rate. I am considering buying a small solar cell from Maplin as even the smallest one will keep the battery charged assuming the sun ever shines !!

 

[Guest]

we supply sealed lead acid batteries for use specifically with Garmin portable fishfinders/GPS. They are 3.2Ah 12v. We also supply a mains plug type charger specifically for this size lead acid battery.

Would not recommend using an un-sealed type battery if it is regularly being taken out for charging due to possibility of spillage.

I can do the pair for £30 inc vat.

we also do the NASA Target and all the accessories. And also small Exide solar chargers!

kev smith www.yachtbits.co.uk