LMS 334 GPS Performance

[jacko]

While sitting stationary with a clear sky view, I'm seeing position errors float from 50-600 feet on my unit. Is this the best I can expect from this model? If so I'm disappointed. Cabelas suggested updating the software to v1.6.0 (It's at v1.1.0) and to not tip the unit up on its mount. I don't see either of these as valid fixes. Any one having similar issues? Thanks!

[Giant_Jackpot]

I would take it back and get a unit with the external antenna and mount the antenna as far away from the unit as possible. I keep hearing stories of the internal antenna units losing position or having high position errors. The antenna for my 5500 is at least 10 feet from the unit and I never have any issues and my error range is 15 to 18 feet.

[jacko]

Yea - It's looking like that's the way I'll have to go. My main issue there is I use it as a portable for winter and summer in the "Ice Machne" package. Having the external antenna is a bit of a pain, unless I can integrate it as part of the package. Does the performance suffer if the puck is too close to the display?

Thanks Again.

[Mykal]

jacko, I ran a 3500C with the external puck 3 feet away from the unit. I could pick up signal through the roof of my garage. I added a 332 c in the rear at trolling motor on INET. With the external puck you can always upgrade to INET and run another gps unit from the same puck if you want to upgrade down the road.

[CrappiesNeyes]

I HAVE THE 332 (SAME AS 334 WITH AN EXTERNAL GPS ANTENNA) i HAVE IT RIGGED FOR WINTER USE ON A VEXILAR BOX WITH THE GPS PUCK 4 INCHES FROM THE UNIT AND IT WORKS FINE.

[jacko]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll have to check and see if it's possible to hook up an external puck to the 334. If not, it may be a return and re-think of my needs. Since most of my use is on the ice, a hand held H2O and sonar unit may be better.

[hanson]

I believe you can hook up an external antenna to a 334 using the LowranceNet connections. The internal antenna has to be disabled to use the external, not sure if you have to do that manually with the software or if it happens automatically when you connect the external antenna.

You may want to contact Lowrance first before considering an external antenna. The 334 is notorious for this problem- GPS not working right. From what I've read in the forums here, guys who have sent them in have gotten them back fixed right and have not had issues since. I would start there.

I have a 334 as well and haven't had any issues yet... "fingers crossed".

[zachp]

I have a 334 on the bow with no obstructions and I lose signal about 2 to 3 times a day, could be the clearest day and i'd lose it, usually not for more than 5 to 10 minutes at a time but it's still annoying and shouldn't be happening.

[deacon]

External antenna and distance from unit make a tremendous difference. I have a 332 and move the GPS puck 2ft and now it picks up a lot more satelites and never loses a signal.

[RonT]

I have the same unit and the same problem. I called Lowrance today and as soon as I told them what unit I have and the problem they gave me a return authorization to send it in and have it fixed. If you don't want to wait forever on the phone to talk to a human, you can get an authorization on their HSOforum. I'll let you know how long it takes to get back to me.

[jacko]

I pulled an RMA number and will send the unit off tomorrow. We'll keep our fingers crossed.

[RonT]

My unit is on its way back to me. They recieved it on Friday, shipped today and should be back to me by Friday PM. Hopefully it will work.

[PierBridge]

Thats the first step in getting upgraded to a 500 series unit.

[RonT]

I have had my boat out twice since my locator was fixed and it has worked perfectly. Locks in right away and stays locked in.

[jacko]

I received mine back from Lowrance yesterday. Trying it in the back yard shows shows better performance. Position errors are in the 20-30 foot range and appear to be steady. With WAAS on, it locked in and held. What kind of postion errors are you guys seeing on yours? It still seems odd that my Garmin hand held sitting right next to it shows single digit position errors. Am I just being a whiner?