Problem with GPS signal

[seashanti]

We purchased a 2015 Cutwater 28 with the Garmin 7212 chart plotter. We've recently (during the last 2-4 weeks) experienced a problem with the GPS signal. I've noticed that if I take the boat out in the morning when it is relatively cool (in the low to mid-60s) that everything works. However, in the afternoon when the temperatures have been in the low to upper 80's the chartplotter does not receive a GPS signal, however, everything else works. I initially thought that the problem may be with the GPS antenna. So I replaced the antenna and it didn't make a difference. So then I thought that the high temperature may be the problem so in the afternoon I opened the front hatches, added a fan, opened the head door and the panel behind the chartplotter and often the GPS signal appears after a period of time.

When I recently had the boat at Bellingham Yacht Sales, where I purchased the boat, the service manager checked all the connections and they all looked good. I have to say that I am very impressed with his knowledge and support regarding this problem along with a few other issues.

I'm interested if anyone else has had similar problems that they solved or have any suggestions.

Thanks,
Mike
Sea Shanti

 

[Brian B]

I have the 5212, last year the antenna wire had to be replaced. Not a fun job dismantling the interior of the boat. You could run a new wire from the GPS puck to the unit externally and see if that solves the problem. At any rate this is a new boat and your dealer should be figuring out the problem and fixing it. If the dealer can't resolve it they can call in a Garmin service rep. Also contact the Cutwater factory.

 

[seashanti]

I did contact the dealer's service manager and he talked with Cutwater and they think the problem is a missing terminator resistor on the NEMA 2000 backbone. Apparently not properly terminating the backbone has historically caused all kinds of weird problems. They are sending me a new Tee-fitting and a terminator which I will install. I'll let you know if it works.

Mike
Sea Shanti

 

[Franky]

Mine GPS and the hole system had a bug in it to. But found out that3 of the pins where broken when you hook them up. Check the pins and see if they are all their and fix in place . Good eyes help or better a mag find will help.