Smartcraft

[bshort]

Anyone know it there's a 10 pin connection or junction box factory installed near the helm?

[TritonTRXV8]

I dont believe so. Not 100% sure on the new models but i know for sure my 2008 did not. I would doubt it the harness is just the main engine to keyswitch harness. If you want to add a smartcraft gauge such as a mercmonitor you simply run the data cable from the kit and its all plug and play.

[gatorglenn]

Take cowling off motor. And the yellow connector in front up high by the flywheel is where it plugs in.

[Transom]

Take cowling off motor. And the yellow connector in front up high by the flywheel is where it plugs in.

Yep if you want the bus at the help you will need to run a cable.

[R2Tracker]

Probably not installed, but easy enough to check... just pull the motor cover off and take a look. If there is a cable here its going somewhere, if there is a terminating resistor it hasn't been installed yet.

Here is how it looks after I installed mine.

[bshort]

It doesn't, as I disconnected the engine terminator when I installed the VV Mobile under the cowl. Guess I'll have to run a data cable to a J-box under the helm and install VV mobile there along with other goodies.

[R2Tracker]

Other goodies... intrigued.

[bshort]

Other goodies... intrigued.

I might put a mercmonitor in there. Hate messing with the phone every time the key gets turned on. I don't know though.......

[Bill Reynolds]

I have a Level 1 Mercmonitor on my Optimax and while I do like the features, it is hard to read in the sunlight. I sought out and responded to advice from the experts but am not satisfied with the results.
What works well for me is to place the few readings of interest on overlay in my Console mounted Lowrance HDS9 so I can see it at a glance and still have full view of the underlying split screen.
If I had it to do over, I would buy the interface cable with the Smartcraft to NEMA 2000 translation module. Would have saved $200.

[fishon396]

I have a Level 1 Mercmonitor on my Optimax and while I do like the features, it is hard to read in the sunlight. I sought out and responded to advice from the experts but am not satisfied with the results.
What works well for me is to place the few readings of interest on overlay in my Console mounted Lowrance HDS9 so I can see it at a glance and still have full view of the underlying split screen.
If I had it to do over, I would buy the interface cable with the Smartcraft to NEMA 2000 translation module. Would have saved $200.

Bill is it fairly easy to get those readings on your Lowrance from the Mercmonitor

[Bill Reynolds]

Bill is it fairly easy to get those readings on your Lowrance from the Mercmonitor

It is very easy. There are templates already set up that you can page to and customize. What I like is the ability to paste invidual readings on the screen overlay. I have an optimax and the standing rule is don’t put it on plane until the engine water temp reaches 120 degrees so I have “engine temp” pasted on the map screen that I run on my console unit.