Battery for a Lowrance 4 HDI

Hey all, dumb question here... I am ordering a new FF and Bill (Fishingforthecure) was very helpful on suggestions for the installation. I am looking for recommendations for a rechargeable that will hold 7-8mah, just so I don't have to worry about it. My limiting factor is the size, as I have a 5x5.5 wide port to into the hull (older Wilderness Systems Tandem). Also, not trying to break the bank. I am a NEWB, so looking for recommendations for:

1. Battery
2. Charger

Thank you everyone in advance!

-Quinn

I ended up buying an older version of this kit. Works like a charm. You could probably piece that stuff together for less money, but sometimes it's better to pay for convenience...

http://www.austinkayak.com/products/12609/Hobie-Fishfinder-Installation-Kit-III-Lowrance-Ready.html

And make sure you keep all those electrical connections smeared with dielectric grease from day 1. Otherwise they will corrode almost instantly...

Thank you Alex! I really appreciate the help and tips!

I built my own to power a 7 inch CHIRP unit with items below. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PowerStar-12V-9AH-Sealed-Lead-Acid-Deep-Cycle-Battery-AGM-3-Year-Warranty-/161464730245?pt=US_Rechargeable_Batteries&hash=item25980c4285

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Outdoor-Products-Watertight-Box-Large/26674163

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Battery-Tender-Junior-High-Efficiency-12V-Charger/36007111

Thanks Fishingaddict.  Any suggestions on how to get this to go in the hull? My limitation is the size of the storage openings on the Tarpon 130T. They are like 5.5 in diameter, and after fabricating a box, the best I can get to fit in the storage hole is 3.25 x 3.5.  That puts a big limit on size and I dont even have a storage box solution yet.
This battery would fit:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F9LPIAC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3OFK8RHQB5X2K&coliid=I37RODD1ZIFKCQ  but I don't have a drybox option that it could go in. I have seen a post where someone just put the battery in a cut out of dense and the foam down, but that leaves the battery still potentially exposed.

Thanks for the suggestion on the battery tinder charger, seems to be the best out there.

Any other suggestions are welcome.

Get this battery.You pour the acid yourself so that make the battery as fresh as it can be. It lasted so long (5 years now). I am using it on my motorcycle. I put this old battery(5 years) to power my Lowrence Elite 4. I used it for 12 hours on kayak, and still hold charge.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001T0SYV2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Have you seen the T13 battery pouch?
I made mine similar. Spent $2 for clip, and use old pouch I have lay around.It sits about 6" above the bottom.

Thanks Chet. Great battery, but still too large to fit inside the small hatch I have.  I will look at the battery pouch.

Would this work? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F9LPIAC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3OFK8RHQB5X2K&coliid=I37RODD1ZIFKCQ

Still searching.... I had no idea how limiting the size of the hatch openings would be...Really hoping to not have to mount on top.

-Quinn

The rating really good for the size. By BatteryTender should be ok.

Okay, so here is what I am thinking. Any inputs on a final choice?
1. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F9LPIAC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3OFK8RHQB5X2K&coliid=I37RODD1ZIFKCQ   This will fit in the hatch. I would have to build some kind of dry box that would match the size since I am so close to not fitting.

2. http://www.amazon.com/XTPower-10000mAh-Recorders-Sensation-Connectors/dp/B00935L44E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415731435&sr=8-1&keywords=lithium+battery+pack+12v   With this, I would try to mount it off the bottom. I have no clue how I would attach the leads.... For security, I would put it in a dry bag or make a box.

Thoughts? Am I overworking this? Any other ideas are welcomed.

-Quinn

On the XTPower, and I may be TOTALLY wrong on this one, but someone recently posted the output results of this (or similar model) as about 1/2 -3/4 of what it stated.  It does look to be quite small though!

Take a look at this one on Home Depot.  This is what I am using with my Elite 7 HDI unit.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Mighty-Mule-12-Volt-Battery-for-Automatic-Gate-Opener-FM150/100016474

#2 is a USB output, meaning it only gives 5v output. It ain't gonna power your FF.

#1 is Lithium (LiFePO4) battery. The specs on it is sketchy. It says "Lead-Acid Replacement Range: 7-9(Ah)", but it's not saying what is the battery capacity. In my experience, a LiFePO that size is roughly 2ah only. I hate manufacturers that don't provide all the facts. If you decide on this one, make sure you get Lithium battery charger for it.

Please understand there are two types of batteries used by us kayakers, SLA (lead acid or variant) and Lithium Ion (or variant). There are pros and cons for both. Take the time to understand them before deciding. I have some experience with Lithium batteries and I'm biased toward them. Half the size, half the weight of SLA. Not have to worry about the battery depleting from storage.

You just need to figure out the draw from your FF, how long you want the FF to operate, then decide on the capacity of the battery that you need. From there, if size/weight is an issue, Lithium is an option.

Here's a link to some of my batteries and boxes I use on my FF...
http://s1238.photobucket.com/user/luck13ncka/library/FF%20batteries?sort=3&page=1


ernest

#2 Option is 5V for USB but it appears to also have a "jack" which is 9v or 12v/2a

   Sometimes there are a time/place for making one item into something it wasn't REALLY meant to be & then there is THIS time.  I think you are better off with a "battery" as opposed to a charging device such as #2.  Keep it simple for the first setup & then go all out later on, after you have time to see what works best for your needs.  You should be able to have a setup (less the charger) for ~$25.

   Here's a link to the charge I spoke to you about on the phone:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Battery-Tender-Junior-12-Volt-750mA-Battery-Charger-CEC-Compliant-022-0192/204841738

   You, most likely, want to stay away from any battery that requires you to put the fluid in it.  This, generally, tells me that there is a higher likely hood that "what goes in, can come out".  I'm by NOOOOOOO means a professional in the matters of 'all that is batteries' so take my advice for what it's worth (a penny for my thoughts  )

#2 Option is 5V for USB but it appears to also have a "jack" which is 9v or 12v/2a

I stand corrected. Thanks Bill! But that thing is 10a/37Wh, that means it is really a 3.7v/10ah battery pack, or a 11.1v/3.3ah equivalent.

Wasn't out to "correct" anyone.  I thought PolePole had some good insight recently on this type of "power pack" and got some good info on this as well.

BTW, I think your numbers are correct