Lowrance GPS units freezing/shutting down
Hi All,
Hoping someone can help me with a problem I have?
I am very new to boating, but I have just purchased my first boat, a Boston Whaler 255 Conquest, 2007 model which has twin 8" screens:-
-Lowrance Lcx 37c sounder/gps (this one has a thru hull transducer hooked up to it)
-Lowrance Globalmap 8200c sounder/gps which is used as the main gps.
I am assuming these gps units are about the same age as the boat?
The boat came from Tassie and didn't have any maps on the gps units, so I purchase 2 x navionics gold XL9 sd cards and the unit recognises these and loads them up fine......for a while, then it doesnt like them any more?
I have only had the boat in the water twice, but both times the gps units work fine until they get a bit of use, then they just freeze up and turn off? This is only happening on the maps function. Navigation and sounder work fine. I can't tell at this stage what is triggering this, but it seems to be when I am playing around with the maps for a while it becomes to much for it to handle. It usually freezes when trying to zoom in.
Without putting ideas in anyones head, could it be the new navionics card has too much info for this 6year old unit to read? The detail is set to medium on both units, and it is very strange that it is happening to both units???
Btw, the sounder works perfectly on the Lcx 37c, no problem at all, also, when the units are turned back on they start up and work fine until it happens agian?
Are these good units or cheapies for their time? Is 6 years all you get out of these things?
Thanks
Riviera 51 Open Flybridge
Redline 8500
Go the Bombers!
jayce
Posts: 564
Date Joined: 10/12/11
I have got some one looking
I have got some one looking at my HDS5 at the moment because its doing the same thing. If i find out what it is i will let ya know.
Spitfire56
Posts: 128
Date Joined: 29/07/12
Sticky buttons
Maybe simple, check that buttons aren't getting stuck eg stuck on zoom, may be causing it to freeze. I have had the issue on the same unit on my last boat. Usually caused by salt build up. Otherwise could be the card as you mentioned
carnarvonite
Posts: 8665
Date Joined: 24/07/07
Contact Lowrance
Wizz off an email to Lowrance through their website, their techs would no doubt have had similar problems to deal with and may provide a simple fix
Grumpysmurf
Posts: 97
Date Joined: 26/02/09
flingdang, I reckon I can
flingdang, I reckon I can help. I had similar issues with an LMS-330C (older and smaller combo)
Firstly, are both of these combo (ie has both GPS & sounder)? Do they use an external puck antenna for GPS? If so, which models. Have you looked at what software versions they are running?
Haines Signature 610C with Mercury 150 EFI
flingdang
Posts: 3
Date Joined: 29/03/13
Hey grumpysmurf, thanks for
Hey grumpysmurf, thanks for your response.
Yes both units are GPS and sounder, with LGC 3000 GPS puck antennas/receivers, and I have just put the latest software update on both units which is version 2.5. Had the boat out today and the same problem, maybe even a bit worse than before.
What are you thinking?
Riviera 51 Open Flybridge
Redline 8500
Go the Bombers!
Grumpysmurf
Posts: 97
Date Joined: 26/02/09
On my unit the GPS puck's
On my unit the GPS puck's software had to be updated. Otherwise it would freeze like what you said. If you have already updated all the software, and that hasn't helped, then I'm not so sure.
I'm sure you have tried the units without the map's SD card. Does it still freeze then? Maybe you could try older maps (I have mine if you need to test it out).
Haines Signature 610C with Mercury 150 EFI
Cruise Control
Posts: 973
Date Joined: 03/11/10
My HDS experiences a similar
My HDS experiences a similar but not the same problem. On the odd occasion, maybe twice a year. the screen dims to a point where you can just make out the images. No amount of button pressing brings it back. Power down and power up, all good.
Emailed Lowrance who suggested either a software glitch or a hardware failure. Solution, save all waypoints and do a reset. If that doesnt work return to Lowrance for a refurb model (not sure of cost with this).
Probably try the reset, dunno about the return unless its a freebie.
jeffh
Posts: 38
Date Joined: 08/02/10
Lowrance gps
Gday Jason I have no idea what the problem maybe but if you just had some decent reliable coordinates to put in youd be catching fish rather than worrying about the unit freezing up.... Hope you get it sorted then we can take you to a few spots, maybe contact James Bain at skippers technologies. all the best Jeff
flingdang
Posts: 3
Date Joined: 29/03/13
I'll have more spots than
I'll have more spots than you in no time Jeff!!!
Ordered all new Raymarine gear today, I had the Lowrance units checked by a proffessional and they are officially cactus.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions, stay away from Lowrance I say.
What sort of gear ar you running Jeff?
Riviera 51 Open Flybridge
Redline 8500
Go the Bombers!
jeffh
Posts: 38
Date Joined: 08/02/10
Lowrance gps
Gday Jason
Im running lowrance hds 8 and navman, had no problems finding it really great , my brother inlaw has raymarine and they are really good, so sounds like you have the boat well set now, so yes you will probably catch up to me very soon, maybe you don't need me to give you any spots, good luck hope it all works good
Jeff
Jeff Hugo
Posts: 48
Date Joined: 14/09/09
2 Jeff h on the forum
To save any confusion, I will get my user name changed.
Cheers,
Jeff
Edit.....done.....thanks Adam.
Jeff