Topic: InterLink menu item and select Stop Participating

[bass1958]

I have 998 console and 858 bow units that are interlinked.  Sometimes the interlink shows not connected in the accessories menu.  I'll have to turn off both units, turn my mian power off on the boat, then re-start everything.  Then the interlink connection menu comes up asking if I want it connected, etc.  I e-mailed humminbird to ask if there was a way to make them connect without turning everything off.  They sent instructions to "Go to the InterLink menu item and select Stop Participating on BOTH units". I replied to the e-mail asking where the interlink menu is but haven't ehard anything back (I'm sure they are busy this time of year).  Where is this menu located?  I go to the accessories menu and the interlink will only show up if they are conencted - I can't do anything there but just see the status.

[RGecy]

bass1958,

This problem can usually be attributed to low power to the interlink.  This is caused by either loose connectors or not enough power to the unit.

Check the connectors to the interlink both at the unit and the interlink itself.  You can slightly bend the connector pins outwards to help make the connection tighter.  See how that works.

How do you have the units wired?  Do they have their own battery or do they share with other electronics?

Robert

[bass1958]

The boat manufacturer wired the units so I trust the wire sizes are sufficient.  There is a main wire harness from the battery to the master switch.  The units are connected directly to the master switch.  I keep my boat in storage so won't see it again till next weekend but I looked at the connections at the interlink yesterday. They appeared ok. I will try to bend them out some like you say and see what that does.  I usually motor to a spot then turn sonar off on console to fish. I leave the unit on, just turn off the sonar. I do this because it effects the front sonar.  Sometimes it will lock up when I go to turn it back on.  It has happened at other commands too. Could this be low voltage problem also?

[RGecy]

I would not assume just because theboat manufacture installed the wiring, that it is large enough to handle the power.  This has been a very common issue.  Many installers have been putting the sonar equipment on its own battery and a dedicated bus line for it!

Also, Do you have the latest software/firmware installed on the unit?

Robert

[bass1958]

I'm not sure what version I have.  Boats in storage so I'll have to wait till this weekend to check that out but I'll bring a card with the latest software/firmware just in case so I can load it.
 
The two units are interlinked.  Just curious - what connection goes to the interlink box?  There are 4 on the back of the units = Power, Temp/Speed, Communications/GPS, and Transducer.  With each unti having it's own GPS antenna and transducer  Which connection would go to the interlink box?  The interlink box only has two connections to it so I guess the one not used is for the GPS antenna.

[bass1958]

Robert
Are you saying the updated version might help witht he unit freezing up or is that more related to battery connection?
Thanks

[RGecy]

Some possible issues with turning off could be related to software.  Not saying this is your problem, but updating the unit may help with some of your issues.

Robert