Garmin GPS Antenna Replacement

[Brian B]

I have the 5212 system with a model 17X antenna. The antenna failed and I replaced it with the new model 19X. The symptom was a flashing question mark on the chart screen, no satellites showed on the satellite receiving screen. I called Garmin Tech Support and worked through a few procedures and it was determined the antenna had failed. I also borrowed the antenna from another RT and that worked on the system so I was then convinced to replace the antenna The new 19x kit lists for $250.00, I was able to find one on Ebay for $99.00.
Removing the VHF wire from the radio to the backbone and connecting the antenna to that wire is an easy way to determine if the antenna or wiring failed. In the past I had the wiring fail and navigated with the antenna on the helm connected to the VHF wire. (I credit another RT owner with that fix)

 

[SerenaBeckett]

Is it working well? because I have also replaced 17x model with 19X model and I am facing a problem, it is not working properly. Do I need to replace this also?

 

[tkaustin]

I did this last summer. My original one rusted at the cable connection to the base of the white hockey puck receiver. Water came inside.

The newer one is not plug compatible with NMEA2000. Furthermore, connecting it as an NMEA0183 device it didn't work either.

We connected the RX+ and TX+ wires to the GPS/RS232 pins on the head unit. The RX- was grounded and TX- was left open circuit. My boat's wrapped now and it's below zero. If you need a photos I can get some but it may be a couple months.

PM if needed. I don't recall that the instructions were particularly useful. My son is an EE and it was with his help that we got thru it with intuition, trial, and error.

 

[Brian B]

When I replaced the 17x with the 19x I unplugged the old one and plugged the new in. The plugs are exactly the same. It is working without any issues. If you are having a problem I would call Garmin Support and speak with a tech, they are easy to reach and are very helpful.