NEED HELP WITH GPS!!

[buddha]

I splurged and purchased the LCX-37 this weekend and put it on my boat. Everything seemed to go fine except I cannot get a GPS signal. All the wires are connected correctly(there is only one for the GPS) and I pulled the boat out of the shed and into the open so the GPS could grab signal but nothing happened.

Since this is the first time I have put a new unit on my boat did I not do something correct? Do I need to initialize it first? Any help would be awesome.

Thanks,

Nate

[Northlander]

Ya ago in and initialize it and you should be ok. If not make sure the GPS puck antana isnt blocked by anything. Otherwise check all connections and fuses.

[LMITOUT]

Go into the satellite status screen and look at the signal strength bars of all the satellites it's receiving. Are they any bars at all? I'm just curious if the unit is even talking to the puck.

The first time it's powered up it can take a while to lock on unless you initialize your position. Go to the initialize option and then move the cursor to your position and then hit enter. The GPS always tries to lock onto your last known position and the factory is quite a ways away from Shakopee so it struggles for a while. You don't have to initialize but it speeds things up the first time.

[buddha]

Limitout

I had an X-15 and did a replacement so the GPS is in the same spot and that worked fine. The boat is in storage up at the lake so I can't even work on it at home. When I pulled it out in the open I was getting no signal at all, it was not locking in. After reading the manual it does mention moving the cursor close to your position. I did do that but may I didn't give it enough time. I probably let it sit for 5 minutes. I was in an area with just a little tree cover but it was more open then covered and my iFinder works fine in the same situation. Is there something else I am missing to initialize this unit for first time operation? Maybe I was was in a situation where the tree cover was too much for the initial set up.

Thanks for any other ideas. I'm hoping there is not an equimpment malfunction cause that would be a bummer this close to fishing opener!

[fishorgolf]

I just had the same problem with a new LCX112C. I initalized it everything and it just wouldn't get a signal. I took it Cabelas service dept and they tryed it on a diff. puck and still no signal. Returned it and got a new unit. I sure hope this one works!

My ifinder worked also.

[LMITOUT]

buddha - Did you wire up both power leads for the new graph? There should be one set for powering the graph itself and another pair for the NEMA communication. Both of these have to be connected to a 12V source when using the GPS option.

[buddha]

I only hooked up the one for the graph, the single red/black that was wired up to the older unit. I do not have a network setup for my boat but the NEMA wires need to be connected too? If that is the case shouldn't I just be able to tie into the existing line already or will I need to run a new set of wires to my battery? Thanks!!!!

[walleyewild]

There are 3 sets of wires on the plugs, one set is for the head unit, one set for network power and the 3rd set is for a nmea 0183 network, the 2nd set should be wired to a switched power supply because it constantly draws power.

Search install on lowrance dot com, Lots of info there.

[LMITOUT]

walleyewild is correct. You should wire a disconnect switch inline with the network/NEMA power as it draws a small amount of current continuously and could potentially draw down your starting battery if the boat is left sitting for long periods of time.

Look on the main connector for the graph and you'll see two sets of power leads. Also refer to the owner's manual as there is a illustration of this wiring. Even without the LowranceNet network you still need power to the NEMA/network power leads for the GPS to work because the puck is essentially part of the network.

[buddha]

I think I've got it. After reading through all of your information and then looking at the book a little harder I can see that you do need the NMEA power cable hooked up. I bet that will fix my problem. Thanks a million for all of your help. I'll give you a report after I have a chance to get back to the lake and fix it.

Nate