Lowrance GPS Advice Please

Eugene Wixted · 16 June 2008, 08:47

Hi there,

My Lowrance GPS Plotter LC 16X ci has recently developed a fault. The screen displays vertical lines when powered up. Removing the Navionics chart has no effect. The unit acquires position and uploads to DSC unit as normal. I have checked connections and they look clean and dry.

I'm hoping someone can help me solve this problem.

Eugene

www.arklowseatours.com

Simon B · 16 June 2008, 11:21

Eugene,

The Lowrance man at the new repair agent is;

TIM DAVIES
NAVICO UK LTD
PREMIER WAY,
ABBEY PARK,
ROMSEY,
HANTS,
SO51 9DH

HTH?

jyasaki · 16 June 2008, 16:01

Definitely looks like a display (rather than electronics) problem.

Warranty is valid, I hope?

jky

Texel Tom · 17 June 2008, 23:05

Eugene

Do the lines move or are they stationary?

TT

Eugene Wixted · 18 June 2008, 19:41

Thanks for the info.

jky
Unfortunately the warranty has lapsed.

TT
The lines are stationary. There are multi coloured lines in between the black lines. This may not be clear in the photo. The Lowrance website indicates possible electrical interference as a probable cause but no other equipment has been installed or removed since the problem occurred. When this unit alone is switched on the lines are on the display so I'm not sure if it is interference that is to blame.
Some time ago on a few occasions this fault occurred after starting up normally. More recently the unit ran without fault and now the display shows only the lines.

Eugene

Texel Tom · 18 June 2008, 23:08

Eugene

Not good news I'm afraid. That's pixels going out on the display. You'll need to replace it.

I think the LCX-16's were manufactured in 2001/02 so I guess its going to be a complete new system.

TT

jyasaki · 19 June 2008, 07:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texel Tom

Eugene

Not good news I'm afraid. That's pixels going out on the display. You'll need to replace it.

Tom: No offense, but it's not. Pixels going out would cause a single spot, or multiple random spots that either don;t light up, or light up too much.

That pattern is symptomatic of the display driver circuitry going bad. However, since the display unit is most likely a single-sourced unit, the result is probably the same.

jky

Texel Tom · 19 June 2008, 07:33

jky: absolutely no problem. Thanks for the correction. Perhaps I should have said the display's knackered!

rgds

TT

Eugene Wixted · 19 June 2008, 11:15

Looks like I will have to reach for the chequebook yet again!!!

Is there a current replacement unit that can use the existing antenna and transducer? It would be very difficult to route new cables etc.
Would a used display unit of the same manufacture date be prone to the same fault? Is the display failure age related or due to its location and use?

Thanks

Eugene

Texel Tom · 19 June 2008, 23:30

Unfortunately none of the current units in either the Lowrance or Eagle can utilise both your GPS module and transducer. The module (LGC-12) is used currently in the Eagle range badged EGC-12 but the transducer is no longer used.

One option would be to go for an Eagle combo unit like the Fish Elite 640C which has the same module and get an adapter to convert your grey(?) transducer plug to black. It's the same frequency 200kHz.

Alternatively both these components were last used together in the LCX-19C which was manufactured up to 2004 and this may be your best option if you can find one.

TT

Eugene Wixted · 21 June 2008, 10:23

Tom
Thanks for the detailed replies. I have sourced a new LCX 15 ci head unit in Scotland and should have it here next week. It may be a previous model but it can replace the 16 ci with the minimum disturbance.

Eugene

Justribing · 25 June 2008, 21:01

Dont know for sure but looking at your screen picture it cold be a loose ribon connection inside your unit. I had a similar effect when i was repairng a different unit. Of course the warrenty is void if you open the unit. Did it happen after a dumpy outing perhaps.

Just a thought.

Eugene Wixted · 26 June 2008, 08:38

JustribingYou may be correct. On Monday I switched on the unit after a trip and it was perfect. The replacement unit arrived on Tuesday. I will replace the head unit and then examine the original one. I'll keep you informedEugene

Justribing · 26 June 2008, 10:41

The screen ribbon is connected to the drive board and could be the type that just has a little plastic clamp. Quite fiddle to get in be careful you dont snap it off.

Best of luck.