I had to take the first one back. The plug was a very sloppy fit and would not make proper contact with the pins. The second one works great. I put the trasmitter on a strap and wear it around my neck. First one came from BPS and the second from a local Minnkota repair shop. I didn't really shop around as I figured by time I paid for shipping I wouldn't save that much anyway if anything. Yes you can leave the pedal plugged in.