Combi plotter life span survey

oracle · 08 April 2009, 09:09

I have a Lowrance LMS 332c just coming up to 3 years old. This year after its winter break it doesn't want to fire up, no signs of life at all.

It looks pretty much like its a goner and I'm not expecting a lot of joy on the "it shouldn't have given up yet it's nearly new" front.

I have plenty of volts but no life. (the head unit not me)

What sort of life span have you guys been getting from your electronics?

Mine have a very gentle life, towed to the coast a dozen times a year (it's a long way) then taken off the boat when I get home and brought indoors.

Maybe I'm too kind to them!!

Anyone had particularly good life out of a particular make?

Cheers

oracle · 08 April 2009, 09:11

Just reread that!! The unit is, of course, off the boat when it's towed to the coast. DOH

PeterM · 08 April 2009, 09:53

Have a 4 year old Navman on one boat that lives on it & outside ( even in the really cold/ wet weather over winter) all the time with no problems & a garmin on the other that leads a similar life to your ( indoors etc when not in use ) at 2.5 years old - no problem with either. With electrics I tend to find the more use they get themore relaiable they are - they dont like being sat for long periods not being used & that in these cases it has been corrosion due to not being ' warmed up' often enough to drive out moisture etc.

Chris · 08 April 2009, 12:05

Try sending it back to Navico they just replaced mine even though it was bought in the US.

oracle · 08 April 2009, 17:10

Thanks guys I'll certainly give Navico a go Sounds like I might be a bit unlucky with mine

Steve_B · 08 April 2009, 17:53

I have the Navman 8084 (now Northstar), and treat it very much like yourself, except I put on the boat at home and tow it with it mounted.
Now in it's third year and no problms at all and hoping it remains that way.
Good luck with supplier

oracle · 13 April 2009, 20:44

Thanks for the replies.

Things may not be as clear cut or as bad as I thought. I just got back from Plymouth where I was able to get the head on a test rig and it worked fine.

I have a good 12v plus on at least two pins on the cable but it looks like there may be another pin that isn't getting what it needs or one of these is too dirty to pass current and is dropping under load.

Whichever way there is hope yet. Back to the meter and contact cleaner.