These tests involved the HDS8 and HDS7. I wanted to determine a minimum power source for the units. I used a 12v, 7 AH sla battery as the power source for testing.

The purpose of the test was to determine a safe power source for a desk power supply for inside operation

I measured 12.25v no load and 11.99 volts loaded when testing both units.

Measurements were head units only. No transducers or LSS1.

HDS8 Head Unit

1. required 1.2 amp at start up ( about 10 seconds)
2. required 650 ma in simulate mode

HDS7 Head Unit

1. required 1.3 amps at start up (about 8 seconds)
2. requires 850 ma in simulate mode

I would suggest (if you decide to wire up for desktop use) that you get something with ample amperage at 12v to cover my findings above.

But, you can do what you want.