Originally Posted by
Ronje1
Fine Big E. A data processing issue.
The little "jesus box" in the top unit is actually a second digital compass to give better position fix when in anchor mode. Stop the boat swinging around so much when in anchor mode.
Earlier Minn Kota only had 1 digital compass with its GPS receiver and would wander all over the place when in spotlock. I believe that Minn Kota installed a second digital compass in newer units and performs pretty much the same as a MG in anchor/spotlock mode. So its much of a muchness.
I think that one lesson out of these problems is that none of this stuff is of brain surgery complexity. A couple of little black boxes and a mother board inside the electric and lots of empty space.
Doesn't hurt to take tops off things at times to have a look at what's housed inside. At least now, users of this forum can see whats inside an electric motor without pulling their own apart. Not much.
One of the other common problems is burnt or melted power wires in 1 leg (usually the negative).
Wire becomes corroded and ends up with a high resistance length of cable. High current (like an electric motor draws) passing through a high resistance produces heat and so the corroded wire heats up. Insulation or other fittings can char/catch fire. Corroded negative legs from batteries to o/b motor starters do the same thing.
Had that happen on mate's boat in the NTs Roper River (crocodile country). Corroded negative battery lead heating up as starter motor was cranked, smoking and catching fire. S..t was trumps that day.