FF/GPS Outage

[gwood]

2 years ago I had installed a Lowerance LCX 28CHD unit and periodically
it has been difficult to fire up the unit, about 6 times, but it has always powered up with some wire wiggling or reconnecting process. Yesterday I could not power up the unit using my usual methodology and checked all fuses etc and could not find a problem. My question is how do I trouble shoot this issue? I have a volt meter which I have basic understanding of, but how can I use this to direct me to a more specific area rather than exposing all the wiring to find the problem.

Appreciate any advice.

 

[gwood]

Re: FF/GPS Outage

I have checked the power to the lowrance power cable and it is reading 13V, but the screen would not power up. I followed power cable until it was unaccessable (without taking panels off) and wiggled cable which booted the screen on. Is it possible to have power to the cable but a grounding issue or other connection issue causing the unit not to power on from time to time?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: FF/GPS Outage

It depends on which ground point you measured. If you stick the postive meter probe into the positive terminal on the power cable at the locator end, and the negative lead on the negative terminal on that end of the cable, then you either have 12 volts or you don't. If you measured at the other end of the cable that means power is available only to that point. It is no guarantee it is getting to the locator head. Something is wrong with your technique because if you have +12 volts at the plug, then the locator will power up unless the head unit itself is bad.

 

[gwood]

Re: FF/GPS Outage

Thanks for the info.
My technique is highly likely incorrect, I get 13+V when I insert the probes into both wires connections on the connector end and was thinking is was higher than the 12V due to the charging process. I have not yet located the other end of the cable, if it was going to the battery then I would have expected to find an in-line fuse which I don't. I then would have expected the cable to be fused at the fuse box, which it does not appear to be the case. So I'm thinking the in-line fuse is behind a panel or tucked away where I am unable to account for it.

 

[EricJRW]

Re: FF/GPS Outage

I had issues until I gave my connections a squirt of this:

IDEAL Cleaning Electrical Switch and Contract Cleaner, about $8 at Lowe's.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: FF/GPS Outage

If you measured 12 volts (even if it reads 13) at the plug then there is no reason the locator shouldn't fire up. Perhaps the plug/receptacle connection at the locator is intermittent. Wiggling the plug is the only testing you can do short of opening the locator case. Don't do that because they are hermetically sealed and you will have moisture issues down the road..