Topic: Interlink GPS issue.........

[Rick James]

So I finally finished the install of my 997 and 998. I have them interlinked and setup with two seperate GPS pucks. The 998 is on the console, and the 997 is on the bow. For the record as well, both units were updated to the latest software today.  The diagram below outlines how I have everything setup.



The 998 has a 16 channel puck setup with a splitter in the head unit, and the interlink cable on the one side of the bottom of the splitter and the GPS plugged into the other. The 997 on the front is setup the same with a splitter going to the interlink and a seperate 50 channel puck that's installed upfront.  Both units have the NMEA side of the splitter running to their individual pucks, and the COM side running to the Interlink.

For some reason, it the 998 on the console won't connect to GPS when the 997 on the console is turned off.  It also won't read contour lines from my Navionics Premium card (both units have brand new cards).  It does show as being connected to Interlink though. 

When I turn the bow unit 997 on, then both consoles will connect to GPS, but the console unit still won't read the Navionics maps.  It also appears that the front 50 channel puck is being shared across the interlink and the 998 on the console is reading it, while I would prefer to have it reading the seperate 16 channel unit that's plugged directly into it via splitter.

When I swap units, the 997 won't read GPS from the console either.  I also tried to go into the GPS settings and when I have both units on, the console unit allows me to pick auto or external GPS.  When I turn off the front GPS, the console unit only allows me the auto option.

If anyone has any ideas or thoughts, I'd certainly appreciate some input on this.  Thanks guys!

[lcookie]

You can share GPS over the interlink when each unit has it's own GPS Puck. Under one of the settings tabs you have a choice as to which GPS the unit will read. The options are internal, external, or remote external. Check that out. Also, switch unit locations and see if the 997 will read the GR 16. For your maps make sure in the settings tab you have the card selector tab set to auto or the appropriate card slot that the navionics card is in. Also, as been stated make sure the card is seated properly. Lastly, switch cards in the units and see if the problem follows the card.
 

[Rick James]

OK, an update.........

The map card issue and the GPS issue were seperate.  I unplugged both units from Interlink last night and then swapped the working card into both units and it worked fine.  I then re-updated the non working card via Navionics and now both units are reading contour lines perfectly assuming that they can connect to the GPS.

While both units were unplugged from Interlink, I swapped the 997 and 998 to the known working 50 channel puck.  Both worked fine.  I then swapped both from the suspect 16 channel puck, and neither would read it.

I'm 99% sure based on this my 16 channel puck in the back is bad.  Anyone else think it could still be something else?

[Humminbird_Greg]

Rick,
When you tested these on the GR16 was this with or without the AS-YC Y-cable installed?  If it was with it installed try testing the units again without it in the circuit.  Either the GR16 or that AS-YC cable is bad.  Find out which it by testing without the AS-YC in circuit.

[Rick James]

Thanks for the thoughts Greg.  I'll test tonight without the cable, last night I only tested with the cable.  I'm kind of hoping it's the puck though, as I've already ordered a replacement.  If it's the cable I guess I'll be upgrading the 16 to a 50 channel anyhow and then will sell the 16 to someone else. 

[sonar2000]

Rick, lets hope it is the puck..
You will like the 50 better.
It is also faster on acquisition..

Chuck

[Rick James]

A final update for those of you who are following and curious. It was two seperate issues. The map card on that unit somehow didn't update properly. Once I re-updated....it read fine in that unit. Second issue was the puck. I ordered a new 50 channel and now both units work great independantly of each other.

Thanks for the help!!

[sonar2000]

Good that you are back in the boat.

Does the 50 seem faster for acquiring satelites?

Chuck

[Rick James]

Thanks Chuck.  Honestly, I have no idea if it's faster since the 16 never worked.  What I can say is that the 998 runs the maps a LOT faster than the 997, it's noticable and already has me thinking about unloading the 997 end of this season to upgrade to a 1198.

[sonar2000]

Rick,  You will be amazed at the difference between the two units. If you do buy an 1198 I dont think you will ever look back.

when we switched from a 16 to a 50 the time to get a fix was a lot faster and the position change on a display was quicker.

chuck