Radar service lost

[Rangas]

Hello all. I just bought a 2012 Cutwater 26 in Florida and towed it up to Mass. I'm not sure if the bumpy roads shook something loose but I can't get anything to display on the radar screen. The Radar option shows on the home menu and I can hear it start up and spin. Then nothing shows up unless I zoom out to 3 miles and I see some dots (noise) on the outer ring.
So far I have updated the software on the Garmin 5212 and changed out the network cable which are the 2 things Google tells me to do. Before I try support I'm hoping someone can point out a simple fix.
Thanks,
Randy

 

[Brian B]

You will find Garmin support to be very helpful. Give them a call while you are on the boat and they will help troubleshoot the issue. It could be as simple as a setting in the radar menu.

 

[knotflying]

There are two cables that go into the dome. One is power the other ethernet. Even though it sounds like you have power, I would remove both connectors and make sure that the connections are very clean. Also make sure the connection at the chartplotter is good. Then reinstall with a small amount dialectic grease. See what happens. If that does not work then remove the ethernet again and get another cord long enough and run a temporary from the dome to the chartplotter connection. If the unit works after that then you know it is a bad cord. The next step will require removing the dome cover. There is a small ethernet cord that goes from the outside ethernet connection to the unit board. See if the connections on that are clean and you can also use your purchased bypass cord and plug it in direct and see what happens. Many times the connections of the small interior cord get corroded. If this troubleshooting process does not work out then a call to Garmin, as Brian said, will be warranted. However at that point they will advise to send the unit in for a service charge, which can be fairly expensive. Let us know how things work out.

 

[JamesTXSD]

I am not sure what the Garmin set-up looks like inside the dome, but on a couple occasions, I have had to replace or reposition the belt that turns the antenna as it broke or came off the guides (Raymarine and Furuno). In each circumstance it powered up as normal, but got a blank screen (was actually solid returns).

 

[scross]

What knotflying said. Those two cord connectors are a known problem at Garmin. Garmin techs replaced both of mine in 2016 for the same symptoms you are having. I still get the occasional issue in rough seas or after a long trailering. Dielectric grease and clean out the connectors solves the problem.

 

[Rangas]

Well I checked the belt, disconnected the short cable inside the dome and connected the new Garmin cable there, cleaned the connections and applied dialectic grease, and updated the software again. Finally I called Garmin support and they suggested all the same things you did and decided it is broken. They didn't mention sending it to them so I asked about that option but they said it's too old and they wouldn't have parts for it. Now I'll be looking at a new dome for a winter project.
Thanks for the suggestions,
Randy

 

[knotflying]

If you have the money I would upgrade to the newest model Chartplotter and dome. There have been considerable changes to processing and performance. I would first check to make sure the autopilot will work with it and you may want to change your transducer for better sonar readings. A nice winter job and a bit of work, but a nice upgrade.

 

[Rangas]

Support said the same thing. If I upgrade the dome I won't get all the features because the MFD is so old. What features would I be missing? I am using a Garmin 5212.

 

[Catch22]

The newer Garmin Fantom radars are a significant step up. They feature a motion detect process using Doppler effect for high resolution display of moving targets in red or green to show movement toward or away from your vessel. Value bundles(radar&display) are available .
If you chose to keep the 5212 make sure to clarify which of the legacy radars are still compatible. I recall that there were differences even in the HD+ and XHD units in capatibility.

 

[HookedUp]

I have a 24” fantom radar with a Garmin 1042 mdf. Very happy with the red or green direction and blue for stationary. I really like being able to see storms as in my area it’s not unusual to get pop up thunderstorms in summer and I can drive around them so much easier with the radar view. For my use the fantom is worth every penny. I wasn’t sure if I was buying features I wouldn’t use, but I can’t do without them now. I’ve only had it in light fog, but it did well and really helps with night boating. Won’t find crab pots ( camera for that ), but displays pound nets in blue which is great.