gamecocks2001 Posted February 24, 2017 Report Share Posted February 24, 2017 I thought there was a thread on this, but I can't find it. For the guys with the new trolling motors, where are you installing the puck? I have thought about maybe on the ttop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEM Posted February 24, 2017 Report Share Posted February 24, 2017 Master Repair Mike mounted mine inside the center console. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gamecocks2001 Posted February 24, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2017 I would have thought that would interfere with the signal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEM Posted February 24, 2017 Report Share Posted February 24, 2017 It worked perfect through my console f/g. He consulted extensively with the MK engineers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gamecocks2001 Posted February 24, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2017 10-4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grant Posted February 24, 2017 Report Share Posted February 24, 2017 Mine's on the right front corner on the top of my console behind the windscreen for the time being. They can go anywhere you can power them, they're aligned with the keel, and there isn't nearby magnetic interference. It's just an electronic compass. JEM is right. The windscreen or the console shell isn't enough material to block the bluetooth signal to the motor. Bluetooth is just a low power RF radio wave, so interference would be caused by other RF generators like heavy live power lines, or blocked by conductive (metal) barriers, or extremely thick and dense material. The heading sensor light will flash every few seconds when it is communicating with the powered up trolling motor. If you're unsure a mount location will allow communication, I would suggest pairing the sensor with the motor before mounting the sensor. Once it's paired, you can try several locations and visually check for communication before actually mounting it. You can unhook the sensor from power without losing the bluetooth pairing during the process. I know you're going to love that motor ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wthree3 Posted February 24, 2017 Report Share Posted February 24, 2017 I mounted mine inside the console on a bracket like the one pictured. Works perfectly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smilemaker Posted February 25, 2017 Report Share Posted February 25, 2017 As Grant said. It is an electronic compass not a gps antenna. It lets the T-M know the compass orientation without movement. A gps antenna alone needs movement to tell direction and that was the cause of such eradicate movement on the old system Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lowcountry Joe Posted February 25, 2017 Report Share Posted February 25, 2017 Mine is located as Grant said on the left corner on top of my console and it works perfectly. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boomer Posted February 25, 2017 Report Share Posted February 25, 2017 My Ulterra is only about a year old. The only feature I'm not thrilled about is the spot lock. Seems to do ok if I'm working against a tide or wind but gets squirrely if it has to counter both. Also, when first engaged if I don't keep the boat pretty close to the spot as it searches for a signal it will go into a spot hunting mode that can be pretty dramatic. If I have someone on the bow I usually warn them to stand by as it does a "crazy Ivan " for about 30 seconds.... Will the puck work with my Ulterra or is this a new version altogether? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wthree3 Posted February 25, 2017 Report Share Posted February 25, 2017 The puck only works with the new version (2017 model). Apparently it only assists the jog function. Spot lock is much improved but not due to the compass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEM Posted February 25, 2017 Report Share Posted February 25, 2017 My understanding is that you can buy a kit from MK to upgrade your first generation. If you don't want to trade out for the Bluetooth Ulterra (like I did), I think the upgrade would be well worth the cost, something like $500, I heard. The new spot lock will hold you on a dime.....amazingly better than the first gen Ulterra. Give MK Support a call to confirm this info. I have not confirmed this to be true. Just internet chatter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldestCityLocal Posted February 26, 2017 Report Share Posted February 26, 2017 Didn't install the puck on my boat. They said" they have been having to much trouble with them." But after reading all the posts might have to install it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptDavis Posted February 26, 2017 Report Share Posted February 26, 2017 Mine is on the floor of my console of the 25 Hybrid. I didn't mount it, just wedged into a spot to see if it worked, before I drilled holes. Works fine. Not moving, so I'll just let it be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplec Posted February 26, 2017 Report Share Posted February 26, 2017 On 2/25/2017 at 8:56 PM, OldestCityLocal said: Didn't install the puck on my boat. They said" they have been having to much trouble with them." But after reading all the posts might have to install it. I think it helps but can't say for sure as I jumped up a generation and functionality w regard to spot lock has improve with each gen. Sure love that new gen though either way! Much quieter too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldestCityLocal Posted February 26, 2017 Report Share Posted February 26, 2017 Yep they have treated me well over on Vilano. I might try it out and see if it helps anything. Thanks. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplec Posted February 27, 2017 Report Share Posted February 27, 2017 Good folks over there for sure. They are just not as convinced the puck is necessary. They do all my repairs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grant Posted February 27, 2017 Report Share Posted February 27, 2017 On 2/26/2017 at 11:17 AM, triplec said: I'm guessing that came from the folks over on Vilano...OR...at least thats where I heard the same but I haven't heard of any probs from anyone else and I did my own install with no issues. I think it helps but can't say for sure as I jumped up a generation and functionality w regard to spot lock has improve with each gen. Sure love that new gen though either way! Much quieter too. When you consider how the new "Jog" function repositions the boat 5 feet ahead, back, left, or right, it HAS to know how the hull is oriented to move in the proper directions. The hull orientation may not be aligned with the trolling motor when you are in a conflicting combination of wind, waves, and current. The compass puck allows the jog function to work properly in those conditions by "seeing" what direction the boat is actually pointing towards. Without it, the motor only knows what direction the motor is pointed. The "jog" will work as advertised without the compass IF the boat is always aligned with the trolling motor, but that's not always the case. Minn Kota claims it helps during other "navigation" functions, but I haven't wrapped my brain around that one yet. It's no trouble to hook it up. Hook it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEM Posted February 27, 2017 Report Share Posted February 27, 2017 Just curious, what is Vilano? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldestCityLocal Posted February 28, 2017 Report Share Posted February 28, 2017 Vilano beach it's north of Saint Augustine. There's a marina there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryH Posted February 28, 2017 Report Share Posted February 28, 2017 My dealer rigged mine. Pretty much out of sight-out of mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biggs Posted July 12, 2019 Report Share Posted July 12, 2019 On 2/27/2017 at 4:52 PM, Grant said: When you consider how the new "Jog" function repositions the boat 5 feet ahead, back, left, or right, it HAS to know how the hull is oriented to move in the proper directions. The hull orientation may not be aligned with the trolling motor when you are in a conflicting combination of wind, waves, and current. The compass puck allows the jog function to work properly in those conditions by "seeing" what direction the boat is actually pointing towards. Without it, the motor only knows what direction the motor is pointed. The "jog" will work as advertised without the compass IF the boat is always aligned with the trolling motor, but that's not always the case. Minn Kota claims it helps during other "navigation" functions, but I haven't wrapped my brain around that one yet. It's no trouble to hook it up. Hook it up. If you do not have the heading sensor installed, or paired with the motor head, the job soft keys do not even display on the remote. The heading sensor must be installed and paired for the job function to work at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whichwaysup Posted July 12, 2019 Report Share Posted July 12, 2019 Hey qq on this - about to pull the trigger on a new TM for my MA once she's finished: A buddy of mine has the puck version on his boat, and he has the puck mounted very close to the TM - like 2-3 ft away at most. You can see the puck in the left side of this pic. I notice when we're moving forward, the head of the TM constantly oscillates back and forth. Is it possible that he has it mounted too close? Anyone else get the constant head oscillations with this puck version? Drives me nuts . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vapor Trail Posted July 12, 2019 Report Share Posted July 12, 2019 Mine is mounted on top of my T top and I don't have that problem. It could be interference from some other metal item also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanaflatsfish Posted July 13, 2019 Report Share Posted July 13, 2019 Mine is located in the center console line on the polling platform.... Spot lock works perfectly. dc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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