Blog

Upgrading to a 16-volt lithium battery has become a popular way to squeeze longer run times in a smaller form factor out of today’s high-demand marine electronics... especially in a portable shuttle.

But when it comes to Lowrance HDS units, one extra component becomes absolutely essential: a voltage regulator.

Lowrance designs the HDS lineup to safely operate within a specific voltage range, typically topping out around 17 volts.

A fully charged 16-volt lithium battery, however, doesn’t sit at 16 volts—it can peak above 18 volts, especially under light load or when charging.

That’s enough to push the unit past its safe input limit. And unlike some gear with built-in protections, HDS units aren’t designed to handle over-voltage. The result can be everything from random shutdowns… to permanent damage.

A voltage regulator solves this problem by clamping the output voltage to a consistent, safe level (usually 12–13V or 15V depending on your setup). That means your HDS gets clean, stable power all day, no matter how the battery fluctuates. You still benefit from the higher-capacity lithium system, but without risking damage to your equipment.

In short:

If you’re running a 16-volt battery to a Lowrance HDS Carbon, Live, or Pro unit, a voltage regulator isn’t optional—it’s cheap insurance that protects your gear, stabilizes performance, and keeps you fishing. 

Need help finding a voltage regulator? Contact us today.