Lowrance 3500 GPS ???

[gleeeza]

Was just wondering if anybody has encountered a problem with the GPS Module dropping in and out on a Global Map 3500 lowrance?

12 months old and when I picked up the boat it had a similar problem. Turned out to be that blind plug in the NMEA three way network thingo.

Disconnected and reconnected all connections into the 3 way and managed to get a signal back, for a while anyway! Kicked off again on the way back home. Has anyone had a similar experience and if so how did you resolve it?

Gleeeza

[bluefin59]

Mate have you checked the lowrance web site to see if you are running the latest software i beleive they bought out new software that had something to do with G.P.S problems its easy enough to do just buy the smallest sd card plug into your computer download the program then put it in the g.p.s sd holder turn it on and away it goes i did it to my lcx15 about 2yrs ago worked great go to there site and have a look bluefin59......

[Xtreme]

Gleeeza,

I have experienced similar problems with LMS332 and 337's on my boat mostly on cool damp mornings. Keeping the plugs clean and dry has fixed the problem on my units.

Good luck

[gleeeza]

Thanks guys,

Cool damp mornings! That it was and at the end of the humidity to boot. When you say keep the connections dry I assume you mean the external ones. That being the case is there any preferred spray or are we talking hair dryer or poking around with a soft rag?

Going to load my main marks into the backup tomorrow just in case but it is a bush walking number and you just follow the arrows, a nuisance but better than nothing. I have had it for years and you cant kill this thing. Be good to see the difference in accuracy too.

I will wade my way through the web site and see what I can come up with. Is it designed for upgrading old units or has the satellite configuration altered? Personally I hope it's connection problems and not software, computer glitches usually cost bucks!!!!

Thanks again I will let you know how I go one way or the other.

Gleeeza

[Xtreme]

Gleeeza,

I use Inox on the plugs to the Sounder and the pins themselves on the sounder unit and also ensure the power is off at the isolator when I am not using the boat. Not a big issue for the Input / Output to the Aerial but moreso the power in.

Good luck, Steve

[Kerry]

Frankly it is starting to sound like quality has gone down the tube, but then some will argue/agree quality was never there in the first place ?

All this talk about cool/damp mornings? Like lets face it this is gear being used on a boat for hell sake, it's always damp, what's new?

....or has the satellite configuration altered?

What has this got to do with cool damp mornings? But in any case NO it hasn't!

Like what is going on with world of electronics today? or is it really the electronics that is the poblem?

[gleeeza]

Thanks Take2

Will give that a go but I was just a little concerned as to whether or not this would effect the plastic casing and cables being petroleum based ( I think!!).

As this is my first experience with electronics I have no idea about the decline in quality so far!! My work experience has prepared me well for the concept of "Built in obsolescence" and it would seem that even with the stakes so high at sea, it's still unfortunately about the bottom line Kerry. Getting what you pay for might not be negotiable out there on the coal face whether you like it or not!

Day was as clear and dry as they come for my next trip and there was no repeat of performance from the unit, but I am still far from confident at this stage.

Gleeeza

[mirage]

Gleeza, check your PM's please.