Humminbird 798ci HD SI - Runnin OUt of the Boat!

[shawnn82]

I just purchased this unit and wanted to play around with it at home before i go out. Is there any way i can run it at home instead of hookin it up to the boat to get it to power up?

 

[John_S]

Re: Humminbird 798ci HD SI - Runnin OUt of the Boat!

You need a 12V 1A DC source. If you have already wired it into the boat, you will want another power cable. You will be able to access the demo mode, and most gps related screens. With no transducer, there maybe a number of screens/config you can't access, but its been a while since I've tried. I have a portable set-up that I use now.

 

[CanWoodsman]

Re: Humminbird 798ci HD SI - Runnin OUt of the Boat!

If it operates anything similar to my 580 starting it up without a transducer will automatically put it in the simulator mode.
Another option is to start it up with the transducer connected & manually put it in the simulator mode & turnoff the transducer. This allows you to set-up the unit the way you want it & your changes will be saved.
If you start it up without the transducer it will automatically go to simulator but any changes you make will not be saved.
Check your manual to see if this applies to your model.

 

[BoatNoobie]

Re: Humminbird 798ci HD SI - Runnin OUt of the Boat!

Unless you spend the extra money for the power cables, you're gonna have to ghetto rig it.

Here's what I did....

Used 16 AWG cable and a small portable 12v battery. This battery accepts female quick disconnects.

Anyways, I cut about 1.5' of positive and negative cable. Attach a QD to 1 end on each. The other ends, I expose about 3/8" of wire.

These bare ends should fit into the power connections on the unit. Then plug closest to the screen, is the negative and farthest away is positive.

Now connect the wires to your battery and you should be able to power it on. I do not recommend you moving the unit around in this position. Just leave it be and push the buttons. You dont want to risk the wires coming loose and shorting something.

 

[John_S]

Re: Humminbird 798ci HD SI - Runnin OUt of the Boat!

Unless you spend the extra money for the power cables, you're gonna have to ghetto rig it.

Here's what I did....

Used 16 AWG cable and a small portable 12v battery. This battery accepts female quick disconnects.

Anyways, I cut about 1.5' of positive and negative cable. Attach a QD to 1 end on each. The other ends, I expose about 3/8" of wire.

These bare ends should fit into the power connections on the unit. Then plug closest to the screen, is the negative and farthest away is positive.

Now connect the wires to your battery and you should be able to power it on. I do not recommend you moving the unit around in this position. Just leave it be and push the buttons. You dont want to risk the wires coming loose and shorting something.

And don't forget an inline fuse (1A) with any power-up solution, but especially this type. The PC-10 or PC-11 power cable are only $14. While the PC-11 comes with the 798, it is only for the noise choke. It doesn't need the larger wire or 3 amp capacity. The PC-10 will be fine for an in house set-up. If buying new cable, the PC-11 is the obvious choice, but if you are trying to save a buck buying used or leftover, the PC-10 is much more common.