Most quality marine electronic equipment being manufactured now, is designed to withstand many of the hazards associated with a marine environment, but there are some things you can do to help keep your equipment running dependably.  Failure to properly install, operate and care for your electronic equipment will almost surely lead to the failure of some of your electronic equipment.

1. Never start your engines when any of your electronic equipment is turned on! (See exception below.)  Severe damage can and probably will occur sooner or later.  Starting your engines with the equipment turned on is probably one of the biggest causes of equipment failure!  Most electronic equipment is designed to operate from a 12 volt DC source and some from an 11 to 40 volt DC source.  When starting an engine, the instantaneous potential, as voltage "spikes", can vary from around negative (-) 20 volts DC to well over positive (+) 60 volts DC and even more!  These spikes can damage the "junctions" in solid state devices such as diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits (ICs).  Each spike can do a little more damage until the part fails.  The number of times it takes before your equipment fails varies, but this is a leading cause of electronic equipment failure!  So start your engines, and then turn your electronic equipment on.    *The exception to this, is if you have a completely separate battery source and the charging system is isolated by a solenoid or separate charging system. We have a circuit designed to achieve this protection.
   

2. Try to keep your equipment dry!  This is obviously difficult in a marine environment, but there are some things you can do to help.  A clear plastic cover (for example, a plastic bag) can be put over some electronic equipment where it is likely to be exposed to direct spray or splashes, especially on open boats.  Putting towels over the equipment when it isn't being used is often worse than not putting anything over it.  The fabric absorbs moisture in just a short time, and it can make the equipment wet. Putting a piece of plastic over the equipment, and then a towel or blanket, is usually better.  If possible, the equipment should be removed and stored in a warm dry place or the boat kept drier with a lamp or heater.
   

3. Use of some popular spray lubricants on your equipment can sometimes do more harm than good.  Before using any of these on electronic equipment, we suggest you consult with us for a recommendation on what to use and where to use it!
   

4. Noise interference from alternators can affect your loran, radio equipment, depth sounders, and other equipment, and can usually be corrected with the proper type of "alternator filter" or "noise" filter. Filters are also available for your loran input voltage, which can result in better operation.
   

© Fred Fritz Electronics, Inc  March 1999