Topic: What is it now?

[zdriver]

I kept losing my gps signal so I thought I had a bad puck. Replaced it, still showing unconnected. Then all of a sudden...WAITING FOR TEST COMMAND...What the heck is this...I feel very sick thinking I will have to send it back to H'bird. I had bad luck last time it was sent in...

[ITGEEK]

If I were you, I'd start testing things.
And, don't assume anything.

1) Make sure you are getting a good connection at the back of the unit with the GPS module.  You can bend the pins outward slightly for a better connection.
2)Check to see if your GPS cord is pinched in any way.
3)Check your power connections.
4) Fully charge, and load test your battery.
5) Maybe your software has been corrupted:  Load in a newer update if possible.  First, back up all waypoints, routes, and tracks to an SD card and make a backup on your PC.  Format your NAV directories.  Reset settings to default.  Do the update, then reset all settings to default (again), and retest the GPS.

If nothing above works, then I'd call Humminbird and get some additional suggestions from them, and send the unit in as a last resort.

[sonar2000]

wonder if HB has some code issues or is the new pucks having problems.  I hear more and more of GPS issues around here. Since this is a connection problem I don't see it as a satellite issues..Chuck

[Humminbird_Greg]

zdriver,
Which unit is this on?
Is the GPS Receiver directly connected to the unit or is there a Y-cable or is this through Ethernet?
Which GPS Receiver is this and what software version are you running on the unit having problems?
Any chance you have another Humminbird unit that can use an external GPS Receiver or know of someone that has one (it does not have to be another of the same exact model) that you could cross-test with?  This can be done on the trailer as long as the GPS Receiver has direct line of site to the GPS satellites.

Most of the GPS problems I have been hearing about of late were due to power related causes, so be sure to check all electrical connections (fuse, fuse holder and battery connections) as ITG stated.

[sonar2000]

On our unit the GPS gets it power directly from the 1198. Power supply is dedicated and at fully volume. The screen shows disconnected at times and at other times it is connected but no gps data or mapping.. It seems software related..
Chuck

[Humminbird_Greg]

Chuck,
Even though we power the GPS Receivers through the units, a low power condition can cause one to do some strange things or not work at all.  If you are still running that portable set-up I would bet that yours has fewer electrical connections than most boats do and they are better cared for.  Can you cross-test your unit and/or GPS Receiver with another unit to see where the problem is?

Which GPS Receiver are you using and with what software version?

[sonar2000]

My unit works fine.  it is others that have issues. I have convinced most users to run a dedicated battery for the units. This helps but we do see reoccurring problems and unfortunate hard to diagnose because it is intermittent failures. From what I have seen it does appear to be code or an overloaded processor. 
chuck

our gps is the grs-50 and we are at 6.7  but then we don't have the issue.  I have gotten most of the other units up dated on code. did not seem to have the issuers until the updates. WQe will work thru this as we don't want to go back level..

You are right in that our portable is well cared for...

[zdriver]

I have found out that the new GPS pucks must be ran on 6.740 software. I updated to this, which I do not like, and all seems to be ok. Now, I will just have to wait and see what goes on with this software on the water. I have a bad feeling.

Thanks for all of the replies.

[Humminbird_Greg]

I understand now Chuck; you were just quoting what others had said and did not have a problem yourself.


zdriver, which unit and GPS Receiver are you running?

[zdriver]

This is on my 898c SI. The new gps puck is a AS GRP. The old puck is a ASGR50.
Greg, is what I am being told correct?

[Humminbird_Greg]

No, the AS-GRP GPS Receivers require the unit to run the 6.300 or higher software.
However, if you are running two or more units Ethernet connected together and one of them has 6.680 or higher software on it; then all units have to be running the 6.680 or higher software (or all have to be running lower versions) version.  There is no mixing across the 6.680 “line in the sand” or the units will not communicate.
It is always recommended by Humminbird to run the latest software version, which would be currently version 6.740

[zdriver]

Greg, I was told by the lady at HB customer support that this model puck HAD to be with version 6.740. I even asked her twice.  My 898 and 597 are all ran separate. Nothing is connecting one to the other. I installed 6.7 earlier and my sonar was just a picture.  No fish. Sent it to HB, and they sent a new transducer. Same problem. I had to run at least 6.1 for my sonar to work. I have just about lost faith in HB's support. As a industrial maintenance electrician and instrument mechanic, I have a very good feel on software and electronics. The first question the CS asked me was "DO YOU HAVE THE UNIT TURNED ON FOR IT TO WORK?"
 

[Humminbird_Greg]

zdriver,
Please send me the name and address that you gave when you called in and I will ask the CRC Trainer go over this with them to make sure that we are all the same (correct) page.

[zdriver]

PM sent....

[Humminbird_Greg]

Thanks zdriver.