Recommended Power Setup

Best Option: Direct Wiring to key-switched 12V Power

This is the most reliable and maintenance-free setup, ideal for full-season use and long-term installations. It wires the turfRad sensor directly to the mower’s power system, which makes it water- and vibration-proof. This can solve the issue with loose connectors.

• Connect the fused wiring kit behind the cigarette lighter jack or USB port insert (on newer machines), or to the wireless hour meter, or telematics port. 

• Additional power cables and Direct Wiring Kits are available if you regularly move sensors between vehicles.

Find the Direct Wiring Instructions here.

USB Adapter

Our provided USB adapters can work well, but only if certain conditions are met. 

• Requires a 2A USB port, 1A ports may cause unstable behavior.

• These ports are often unlabeled, making it hard to verify the power rating

• The spring-loaded power cable plug can loosen in the adapter’s cigarette lighter jack, and this connection is not water-tight; secure it with electrical tape or similar

Cigarette Lighter 12V Jack

For vehicles without a locking 12V cigarette lighter jack, this option is prone to issues for long-term installation. 

• This connector can come loose or corrode over time, leading to power and data loss.

• The standard power cable works well for locking 12V jacks, often labeled “Marine”, but we recommend contacting turfRad support to obtain a Direct Wiring Kit for long-term installations on non-locking jacks.