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Old 21 August 2014, 21:17   #1
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Lowrance Link 8 DSC fixed VHF

Hi all, have any of you had any dealings with the above radio? I can get one at a reasonable price (with the aid of a gift voucher on Amazon).

I'm thinking of getting one and building an N2K network to connect it to my Raymarine plotter - but I heard that the Link 8 had some issues getting GPS data from some Garmin plotters when it first came out. It seems that it was only reported a couple of years ago and I can't find any recent complaints so it is probably fixed.

I was wondering if anyone knew of any problems that might still be kicking around before I take the plunge?


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Old 24 August 2014, 13:40   #2
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I went into Marine Superstore yesterday to look at both the Lowrance Link 8 and the Garmin 200i.

The Garmin looked a bit "Tomy's My First Radio" and felt plasticky compared to the Lowrance. Plus the Lowrance has an AIS receiver built in so I've ordered the Link 8 with my Amazon voucher.

Looks like I'm going to be installing the aerial cable & radio this week then!


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Old 15 October 2014, 08:56   #3
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I know this is quite a specific request, but I have the Icom M421 and I am thinking of replacing this with the Link 8 to refresh the comms and also get AIS data on my plotter.

Using the power of google it seems the M421 is bigger than the Link 8 so wont fit in the same hole - Anyone have any experience of this and the size of the outer 'lip' of the Link 8?

Link 8 Hole Dims
153 x 76

M421 Hole Dims
149 x 61.6
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Old 15 October 2014, 08:58   #4
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Lowrance Link 8 DSC fixed VHF

Unless I'm missing summat Steve, the link 8 is bigger than the Icom


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Old 15 October 2014, 09:04   #5
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OMG! cant believe that, I have both templates printed out and got them all confused!! Its one of them mornings!

2 weeks of very little sleep due to a new addition of the family!
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Old 15 October 2014, 09:28   #6
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Originally Posted by SteveHall View Post
OMG! cant believe that, I have both templates printed out and got them all confused!! Its one of them mornings!

2 weeks of very little sleep due to a new addition of the family!
I should put that holesaw away for a month or so, IIWY.
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Old 15 October 2014, 09:54   #7
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The lip on the Link 8 is quite big, but be careful at the ends where the securing bolts go as the holes end up quite close to the cut-out for the main body. With the lip on it being so big they could have moved the securing bolts a little further away.

I fitted an N2K network, an antenna and ran the aerial, network and power cables, testing it all correct before cutting/fitting it into the console. After fitting it decided to give up the ghost by not switching on (despite power to it testing correct)! I've sent it back and I'm waiting for a replacement to arrive, so I haven't had chance to set it up and test it properly yet - all I have is a bunch of cables and a hole in the console!
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Old 15 October 2014, 15:51   #8
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Well I was a little undecided about what route to take (No AIS and stay as I am, The Link 8, or a full AIS Transponder) - but I have just ordered a Link 8 for delivery tomorrow. Ohh I will get in trouble tomorrow when that arrives!

Going to try and get this installed on Friday (after a good nights sleep)
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Old 16 October 2014, 17:54   #9
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Got my Link 8 and it all looks good, looks like a nice unit.

One problem I'm having - it seems to have a MMSI already!

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I am running it on a battery just to check it powered up OK - anyone know anything about this MMSI
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Old 16 October 2014, 19:35   #10
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For the brief time mine worked it bleeped at me and the screen flashed saying no MMSI. Looks like you might have a factory repair unit? Go through the manual to try to add a MMSI but if you can't then it's a factory job to reset.


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Old 16 October 2014, 19:37   #11
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Yup. Can't set it. Looks like a factory rest. Gutted

So yours didn't last?
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Old 16 October 2014, 19:41   #12
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No, I ran all the cables then connected it up to make sure it worked - it did. I then cut the hole and squeezed it in placed, reconnected and it didn't power up! 12V to it was fine, as was the fuse but it didn't come on again.

Since its a sealed unit it went back for exchange & it should be here "by 13th November" according to Amazon. (I got it from there as I had some vouchers from work).


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Old 16 October 2014, 19:51   #13
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I still think it'll be a good unit though. I've had the only failed one that I've found in searches & you've just had one sent out with an MMSI already in it for some reason. Every other report I've read gives them a good report.


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Old 16 October 2014, 20:25   #14
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Lowrance Link 8 DSC fixed VHF

I'm starting to get miffed off with it not working. I have got the day booked off tomorrow to spend giving the boat some TLC and this was one of my jobs. If I have to send the unit back I may just say keep it as I won't get chance to install until after my last trip of season and I only wanted it for a gadget.

I've been pressing ass sorts of buttons when powering it up and got two different startup modes.. PC Mode or a screen saying enter PIN
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Old 16 October 2014, 22:03   #15
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Lowrance Link 8 DSC fixed VHF

That PIN request page is probably the manufacturers page to do the reset! Now, if only you knew the PIN.......

You could always do what I did - run all the cables and cut the console ready so when it does arrive it's a 5 minute job. After all, it's got good reviews and has AIS which a lot of others don't have for the same price.

If you need to go out before it arrives there's always masking tape! ;-)


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Old 16 October 2014, 22:15   #16
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Only issue with doing that is that I would remove my working ICOM unit and only go out with a handheld.

Let's see what the supplier and Lowrance say tomorrow
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Old 17 October 2014, 20:37   #17
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It all got sorted today, big thanks to Lowrance and Bottomline!

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Old 17 October 2014, 23:25   #18
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Cool! What did they offer/do?


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Old 18 October 2014, 21:00   #19
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Got the unit reset for me

Didn't get anything extra though 😂
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Old 18 October 2014, 23:08   #20
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Hope you took note of how they did it?! ;-) Glad you got it sorted. It'd be nice to know how you get on with it as I'm still waiting for my replacement.


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