Garmin’s home screen allow an angler to put the unit in sleep mode to conserve power. (Photo: Brad Wiegmann)
Go to Sleep and Save Power
by Brad Wiegmann
One of the most underutilized modes anglers use on their electronics is the “Sleep/Standby Mode.” In today’s world of multiple power-draining units on the front deck and another couple units sometimes on the console, it could mean the difference between success and failure.
Reducing power consumption is the main reason to use sleep/standby mode, however, time management is another good reason. It seems like the newer model sonar units take forever to come on after pushing the power button on. By not turning the unit completely off and instead just putting it to sleep, you no longer have to wait through the power up cycle.
Basically your unit or units sleep/standby mode is used to conserve power when an angler is not actively using the device, but allows it to quickly come back on when the power button or touch screen is activated. Sonar units are directly wired to a battery or power source and have no control over other marine modules. Note devices like Garmin LiveScope that are networked sonar devices will keep pinging when the Garmin unit is in sleep mode unless the angler uses the “Disable All” sonar button that is located in the power menu.
Power consumption will continue with modules connected by ethernet cable to sonar units like Garmin LiveScope, Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 or Humminbird MEGA Live imaging forward-facing sonar modules as they require an inline on/off switch to stop power draw from the battery or batteries. Typically the inline on/off switch is used when the angler is done fishing for the day or when the transducer is out of the water and not being used.
Sonar units in sleep/standby mode will not transmit sonar imaging and some will stop transmitting GPS. Most sonar units backlight or screen brightness will automatically dim when in sleep/standby mode.
How much power consumption is there when a sonar unit is powered up?
Typically, a 7-inch sonar unit draws .8 amps an hour, a 9-inch sonar unit draws 1 amp an hour, a 10-inch sonar unit draws 2 amps an hour and 12-inch sonar unit 2.3 amps an hour. An angler with two sonar units plus a forward-facing sonar module would be using 4-to-6-amps on an average fishing outing of 8 hours. Although marine electronic manufactures don’t publish what the reduction in power consumption is, it’s obvious that any angler can benefit from utilizing the sleep/standby mode.
Typically, the sleep/standby mode is found by pushing the power button on after the sonar unit has been on. A menu will appear giving an angler several choices from a menu including sleep/standby option. To wake the sonar unit up, simply push the power button.
Although not an issue with power consumption, anglers can also use sleep/standby mode to resolve crosstalk issues.
From Springdale, Arkansas, Brad Wiegmann is a professional photographer, videographer and outdoor writer published in dozens of print and electronic media outlets all across the nation. Every month Wiegmann will be providing CrappieNOW readers with the latest and greatest information on the ever-changing world of fishing electronics. He is also a well-known guide, podcaster and social media influencer. Learn more about Wiegmann and his lengthy experience and expertise at BradWiegmann.com.
