Problem with Garmin GPS

Spud · 11 June 2003, 14:19

Hi Guys,
Could anyone offer any advice as to why my Garmin GPSMap 235 is in the habit of turning itself off if the Hull takes any sort of shock? I was cruising around off Plymouth last weekend and it would cut off intermittently. It would turn straight back on again but obviously i would like to get it sorted properly!
Thanks Spud

Jonny Fuller · 11 June 2003, 14:36

We had a lot of this with the gps's we used when racing, you need to run a feed directly from the battery isolator to avoid all the connections and switches etc along the way, the jarring must be causing a momentary loss, or at least reduction in your supply to the unit, and unfortunately they cannot stand even the shortest spell without "juice"

Bilge Rat · 11 June 2003, 15:08

I'd agree with John any connections between the powersource and the unit will and can interfere with the sets performance no matter how well these connections are made they will jump about when jarred around.

But of course unless you want your kit draining down your battery all the time you must fit an isolator and some form of junction box, obviously a switch is an optional extra as GPS and VHF comes with on/off switch anyway.

R

Powerboat · 11 June 2003, 16:00

Hi ,

We have had the same problem with these units and Garmin 225s as well; and also with Simrad 32E s that we had fitted to various craft.

The problem seemed to always be where the main power lead goes into the set. We only had problems with sets that were mounted on top of the dash in the "cradle mount" which as well as being more succeptible to vibration, also allowed and even encouraged different instructors to adjust for best viewing angle ! . We never had a problem with flush mounted sets (ie set into the console) as the set is better supported and does not jiggle around as much.

if your set is flush mounted try and secure and support any loose cables feeding into the set so that there is neither pressure or movement at the plug.

Best wishes,

Stuart

Jonny Fuller · 11 June 2003, 16:28

The power cable on a 235, infact all the "fixed" garmins I think, has an excellent power/data plug with a rotary bayonet retainer ring, once secured it is very firm indeed, I wouldn't think this junction was where the problem lay. however i will stand corrected if you find otherwise.

geoff · 11 June 2003, 17:16

Had the same problem with battery powered hand held unit. I've sent it back to Garmin but haven't heard from them yet.

Jonny Fuller · 11 June 2003, 17:38

we had that trouble too! we used to gaffa the unit to the dash when racing, when you land real hard, the battery bounces on the spring contacts within the unit interupting the vital supply long enough to shut it down, we then got a power cable for the hand held to run it off the boat electrics which improved it no-end, but moved on to the fixed units for the bigger screen.

Cookee · 11 June 2003, 18:05

The same goes for us and racing - I got hold of some switches that I thought were good - watertight and robust, but it was a rocker switch and it rocked on hard landings - luckily it was only on the nav lights and it just meant we were switching the nav lights on and off as we raced!

thewavehumper · 11 June 2003, 19:02

MMM gaffa tape, where would the entertainment industry be without it anybody know why it's called that.

I agree that Rocker switcheshave no place on a Ribasthey do self actuate. what switches do you use now Cookee

Remember when you are running the power lead directto the GPS put an inline fuse in.

Jonny Fuller · 11 June 2003, 22:12

Carlingswitch make excellent rocker switches, used by all the yank builders and plenty of british too, I've never had a single problem with them, either racing, or in my pleasure boats, but then being hard boats they do have exceptional ride and sea-keeping qualities, with very little jarring, unlike the rubber-dubs!

kitten · 11 June 2003, 23:09

Remind us again of your top speed with 600+hp?

Cookee · 12 June 2003, 07:05

Wavehumper - the only switch is behind this hatch and it's a bullet connector!

Unless you count 2 push and hold switches for the bilge pump and the bow tank dump!

Lets go out in a force 6 to 7 then Jon!

Jonny Fuller · 12 June 2003, 07:23

Quote:

Originally posted by kitten
Remind us again of your top speed with 600+hp?

Strange question, how fast do you think the banana would go with 650hp if it weighed 3-1/4 tons? you need to study the levi formula so you don't get so confused over hp/weight! I often see you chaps going on about "not bad with only 200 horse" but where's your double bed, seating area, central heating, mains supply, cockpit for six, and 1-1/4 tons of engines? I'll dig it up and post it for you, and all will become clear, here endeth the lesson. LOL

Spud · 12 June 2003, 08:28

Thanks for all the advice Guys. My Gps is mounted on brackets on top of the console same as Powerboats set ups with similiar problems. I will have a look at the power set ups and see if i can incorporate any of the advice given to sort this problem out. I will be out this weekend so will let you know how i get on!
Spud