Lowrance 527C

[crazykoi]

I have lowrance 527C mounted on the bow of my bass boat and the GPS and sonar stopped working, suddenly. What things can I check to fix the problem?

The unit has power and the transducer is working (clicking and pulsing). My units are networked with my existing LCX 27 at the main console. Does the GPS and sonar work off of one unit or are they independent? I have them sharing waypoints icons etc...., but does this mean they are working off independent GPS' receivers or can I have them work off of one, if I cannot fix the 527C?

Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.

Does anyone know a good lowrance technician in the Sacramento area?

Thank you,
Jeremy

[Marc]

It would be helpful to know what you mean by "not working." Can you send a picture of your screen? Also it would be helpful to know more about your network (NMEA2000?, and if so, does it have blue or red Tee connectors)? The units can work independently but the LCX unit needs an antenna somewhere on the network.

[crazykoi]

Marc,
The GPS cannot acquire a position (arrow has question mark flashing on it). The sonar is flashing 60.0 all of the time and not reading a bottom. I tried doing a hard reset, and that did not work. I did try switching the units (moving the console unit (LCX-27) to the front) and that worked....aka I was able to acquire a GPS position and was able to get a depth reading. This leads me to believe that my wiring is okay and it does not have anything to do with the unit not getting enough volts.

The existing NMEA tee connector is maroon color. Is this correct?

Suggestions?

Thank you for the help.
Jeremy

[Marc]

That is helpful information, and you were smart to try moving your console unit to the bow to verify the transducer and other cables were properly working. Yes, the maroon cables are what I meant by red connectors. This also lessens the probability there is a problem with your NMEA2000 connectors as the red ones are waterproof and reliable, unlike the blue NMEA2000 connections.

I don't have personal experience with the 527, but I would have next suggested:
1. Remove any mapping cards if you use one, and then try again. Sometimes mapping cards malfunction and cause a unit to cease functioning properly.

2. Then I would have suggested a soft reset, and if that didn't work, then a hard reset.

3. I would also download the latest software update from the Lowrance website and try installing it, then check for proper operation.

If it continues to fail to properly operate at either the bow or console, then you would have to assume the unit is faulty and will need to be replaced.