Lowrance electronic AirMap 500 GPS Receiver User Manual


 
11
Section 2:
Installation & Accessories
Power
The AirMap operates from AA batteries or on 3 volts DC using an op-
tional external power cable with a cigarette lighter adapter. If the
power cable is used, the AirMap automatically switches to it if the ex-
ternal power is greater than the battery voltage. If the external power
fails, the unit automatically switches to the batteries.
NOTE:
Some pilots like to keep fresh batteries in their units, even when us-
ing the external power. If the power fails, the unit will automatically
switch to the batteries, thus keeping the unit on without interruption.
Warning!
With earlier Lowrance Aviation units, some pilots liked to
remove the cigarette lighter plug from the adapter cable
and splice the exposed wires directly to their dash con-
soles. However, the AirMap 500 cigarette lighter adapter
contains in the plug a voltage regulator to convert 12
volts down to about 3. Without this regulator, connecting
your unit to a 12-volt power source will destroy the unit –
and this damage will not be covered by your warranty.
Flash memory and an internal lithium battery will keep your stored
data safe and accessible for the life of the product.
Batteries
The unit requires two, 1.5 volt AA batteries. We recommend that you
use alkaline batteries for the best trade-off between battery life and
cost. We recommend DURACELL
brand, but other brands will work.
If you're looking for an extended-life battery, the Duracell
ULTRA bat-
tery has performed well in our tests.
You can also use rechargeable AA alkaline batteries, such as those
made by RAYOVAC
, or rechargeable AA nickel metal hydride (NiMH)
batteries. We do not recommend nickel cadmium (NiCd) rechargeable
batteries because you will get poor battery life.
Rechargeable alkaline batteries will not last as long as standard alka-
line batteries. NiMH batteries are rechargeable and should also give
you suitable battery life.