Raymarine C120 -GPS Problem

[Alan TSV]

Hi,

We have a Raymarine C120 1kW with GPS fitted to a Cruisecraft 625.

The gps looses signal. Nothing consistent, very random, sometimes it picks it up straight away, other times it may take 5 minutes, sometimes it will go for two hours with out a problem.

The unit is about 4 months old, this has only started in the last few trips.

I am in Townsville, I did not buy from the local dealer I purchased the gear from Sydney.

Any ideas appreciated.

Thanks

Alan

[Grand_Marlin]

G'day Alan,

The GPS is connected by splicing the nmea 0183 wires of the gps aerial into the raymarine seatalk network.

If it has been working then it is obviously connected ok.
Check the connections between these wires, check the seatalk connection into the c120 and also make sure there is good power supply to the C120 and seatalk network.

If that isn't it, then it is a crook aerial.

Cheers

Pete

[Alan TSV]

Thanks Pete,

I soldered the nmea connections as I thought it was the joiners, no change.

My next step is a dedicated power suppply for the DS300 and sounder, if not it must be a dodgy arial.

Cheers

Al

[Grand_Marlin]

The DSM 300's like plenty of power, and like all Raymarine gear, is sensitive to voltage drop.
Use at least 6mm wire for the power source to the DSM and the same to the C120.
Check and re-check the Seatalk connections - it isn't common for the aerials to be crook.

Cheers

Pete

[Alan TSV]

Turned out a bad antenna, sent it back to Raymarine, they tested it and sent me a new one.

All works well