Author Topic: GPS Failed - Any Ideas?? (Read 8489 times)

MTBob · « **on:** March 25, 2013, 03:38:28 PM »

This post is about a 998c SI unit. (I'm not sure if this should go in the General Section or the 998 Section)
So, my installation was progressing OK until today. Over the weekend I got everything mounted, adjusted and ready to go. Messed around with the screens and began learning the ropes. This morning I decided to do the software upgrade to version 6.61. That installation seemed to work OK, no hitches. But, then I looked at the System Status and found that the GPS was "not connected". Previously the GPS was showing "Connected". I checked and rechecked the cable connection on the back of the Control Head, wiggled the wires on the GPS head, no change, still "not connected".
I called HB Tech Support and they said that the GPS has apparently failed. That seems kind of odd since it was working yesterday and I was actually able to get a signal inside my metal building shop, the maps popped up and it found my location. I wonder if the software upgrade has something to do with this - Tech Support said no, it's an equipment failure.
I also mentioned to them that the unit started up in the "PC Connect" mode. They said that was an indication that the GPS failed.
Anyway, they want me to send it back for testing and repair/replacement. Do you folks know of anything that I should be doing to resolve this without returning the GPS head?
I must say, that HB Tech Support seems to be fairly good. It's refreshing to talk to someone who speaks English and is located in North America.
Bob

strawdg · « **Reply #1 on:** March 25, 2013, 03:54:22 PM »

I personally would back out of the new firmware version first and see if it starts working again....

I think I have seen several reports that indicate you ARE seeing a 6.61 bug.....

Straw

RGecy · « **Reply #2 on:** March 25, 2013, 03:56:54 PM »

I would agree. Go back to the previous version and see what happens. No chance you have someone with a HB GPS reciever you can test?

Also, what steps did you use when doing the update?

Robert

MTBob · « **Reply #3 on:** March 25, 2013, 04:07:03 PM »

Wow, fast replies, thanks guys.
I did the software install as follows: 1) downloaded file from HB, 2) copied it to a SD card, 3) placed the card in the HB, 4) started it up, followed the prompts, and 5) it loaded, apparently without any problems. I shut the unit down and restarted. That's when I saw the problem.
Question - how do I revert to the previous version?

strawdg · « **Reply #4 on:** March 25, 2013, 04:08:15 PM »

Note: Your unit has to be a newer HD unit because 6.61 for the non HD units hasn't been released yet.... so I take that to mean the HD and non HD units MAY be different versions even if they have the same numbers.....

DO NOT back out to a version older than your unit shipped with....

Straw

strawdg · « **Reply #5 on:** March 25, 2013, 04:12:53 PM »

Try restoring defaults first....

You should do that before and after ANY update.

The only way to safely get the previous version is to call HB and tell them you want it....

NEVER update without a fall back version available...

Straw

RGecy · « **Reply #6 on:** March 25, 2013, 04:15:32 PM »

Bob,

I still say follow the video I made and restore the defaults. Whenever I hear about problems its always when someone used the steps from HB. Restoring the defaults has been proven to work more often than not and is the only way I perform any updates.


How to Update the Software on your Humminbird Side Imaging Unit

strawdg · « **Reply #7 on:** March 25, 2013, 04:19:34 PM »

BTW......
6.61 has been reported as BUGGY.....

6.60 has been reported as BUGGY.....

5.57 has been reported AND acknowledged by HB as BUGGY.....

Straw

MTBob · « **Reply #8 on:** March 25, 2013, 04:41:51 PM »

Here is the file name of the update that I used this morning: 998c_v6.610_5d1c6938a3d64508accb052802696861.bin
And, to answer one other question: I don't know of anyone nearby with a HB unit.
I'm going out to the shop right now and try reloading the update following the video.
Thanks again for the quick replies, very impressive!
Bob

MTBob · « **Reply #9 on:** March 25, 2013, 04:55:35 PM »

I just reset to default,inserted the card with the 6.61 update on it and the system wouldn't let me reinstall.
sent from my cell phone.
Bob

RGecy · « **Reply #10 on:** March 25, 2013, 05:02:57 PM »

Bob,

Once an update is installed it will not let you reinstall the same update. You will need to have the previous version. If you didnt have it downloaded from HB website you will need to call HB support and have them email it.

Robert

MTBob · « **Reply #11 on:** March 25, 2013, 05:34:35 PM »

I just spoke with Tech Support. They are sending me an earlier software version, I think the one that came with my unit - 6.49? They told me to reset the unit's default & load the older version. Then check to see if I have GPS connection and signal. If so, then load the new 6.61 version again (setting to default mode first). At least then, if 6.6.1 fails again, I have 6.49 to fall back to. But, what's somewhat troubling is that they claim 6.61 includes some important improvements and is bug free .
Once I've done all this, I'll report back.

Trytoofish · « **Reply #12 on:** March 25, 2013, 05:39:33 PM »

most of the 998 hd's are shipping with 6.49 that I have seen. you won't want to load any updates prior to 6.49. It has been posted before to not load a update that is older than the one it was shipped with.

RGecy · « **Reply #13 on:** March 25, 2013, 05:41:38 PM »

Follow the Video! ......................

MTBob · « **Reply #14 on:** March 25, 2013, 07:03:19 PM »

OK, I think you guys have lead me down the path to resolution...
HB Tech Support sent me the old version that came with the unit, 6.49
I reloaded the old version 6.49 per Robert's video - GPS worked!!
I re-reloaded the new version 6.610 per the video... and the GPS sort of worked... then went into a cycling mode betwen "No Fix, Enhanced and 3D Fix"... and finally stabilized in an "Enhanced" mode. That's where it sits now. I'll leave in that condition for a while and see if is stable. If not I'll return to the 6.49 version.
Fortunately, it's a beautiful day in Montana, mid 50's, and I was able to move the GPS puck outside to get a clear signal. I had already ripped the cable out of the boat in anticipation of sending the unit back to HB. Fortunately, you guys just saved a bunch of time. I've received my first lesson on the new HB, this forum is an amazing resource.
Thanks!!
Bob

MTBob · « **Reply #15 on:** March 25, 2013, 07:26:22 PM »

A follow-up.
This unit is currently operating on software version 6.61 The "Enhanced" mode is what I see on the GPS Diagnostic Screen when I move the puck outside the shop. In that location it acquired strong signals from a bunch of satellites. But, when I moved it back inside and closed the metal overhead door, the signal strength dropped and the screen showed "3D Mode".
So, is the "Enhanced" mode is better than the "3D" mode?

newkid4si · « **Reply #16 on:** March 25, 2013, 08:18:01 PM »

MTBob
I copied this from Doug Vahrenberg on BBC.

No Fix, 2D Fix, 3D Fix or Enhanced. Enhanced is the highest level. Enhance uses correction data from WAAS, EGNOS or MSAS to help increase position accuracy. A 3D or Enhanced Fix is need for Navigation.

Mike

strawdg · « **Reply #17 on:** March 25, 2013, 09:12:55 PM »

Straw

Humminbird_Greg · « **Reply #18 on:** March 29, 2013, 03:39:07 PM »

Yes, an Enhanced Fix Type would be better than a 3D Fix Type.

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