I-Finder H20 problem with Navionics Chip

[gvt]

Lately the only way that the I-Finder will load the chip is if I shut off the unit, remove and replace chip, then turn on unit. Once the unit has been turned off the Navionics chip no longer appears on the menu and it won't load it. It's getting really annoying! Anybody else experience this or have any thoughts? Thanks

[MLaker2]

Are your batteries fresh? I have had problems when running off the AA's after a few hours. New batteries or using the power cord and all is well.

[HaywardBound]

I have not had that problem. I think you have to be in 'expert mode' to turn the Nav chip on.

Could yours go back to the default settings, and back into 'easy mode'?

[gvt]

Thanks for the replies. I've tried fresh batteries and plugging into 12V source. Also, it is in expert mode. I've turned the Navionics option off and on in the "map catagories" menu and I've reset to default settings in the "system setup". I'm at a loss, it looks like either the unit or the chip is bad. Thanks again.

[Jim Hudson]

GVT

I experienced kind of the same thing that has happened to you but different in one way... First off, I have a I-Finder Pro and was running a Navionics Lake Superior Chart in the unit when this happened. Worked great one day, the next, turned the unit on and it didnt show the map detail from the chip and the unit did not even recognize that the chip was in the unit (at no time did I mess with any settings, etc). I had all necessary updates, etc so I called Lowrance and we did a master re-set of the unit and still no map. Called Navionics where it was found somehow the chip memory was erased. The good thing was they replaced the software on the chip at only shipping costs, but I still experienced some down time during the ice season for an unexplainable reason.

The only way to know if the memory is erased is to send the chip to Navionics and have them diagnose the problem. With that, they may also want a purchase receipt.

But I would try lowrance first, maybe you need an update or something like that. If not, contact Navionics, or just go back to the store you bought the chip from and see if they will refund you.

[gvt]

JKH431,

The odd thing in my case is that 95% of the time if I remove and replace the chip it works just fine. Occasionally (5% of the time) when I turn it on without R&Ring the chip it will actually load the chip. Based on this it is my guess that it's the I-finder, not the chip. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to fix an intermittant problem!!!! Thanks for the replies.

[Hemlock]

I had similar problems, but not exactly the same, so it's not much help. I did however just take it back to where I bought it and they just simply replaced my unit with another. That might be easier than dealing with updates, downtime, etc.

[Jim Hudson]

Maybe something happened to the prongs inside the unit and this is why you are having the problem.. Like Hemlock suggested, you might be best off to see if you can get a refund on the product...

If you know someone with a similar unit, maybe try your chip in theirs just to see if it is not the chip first. Or at a local store that carries the units.

[gvt]

Thanks again guys! Looks like my next stop is Thorne Bros. for a little testing!