Need to test my lowrance 3000 GPS antenna

[frisbee]

Help!
I think my GPS antenna went bad but i cant find anywhere to test it. i chatted with Ken and Lowrance customer care and they just need me to diagnose the problem before they help. All of my software is current. I have networked 480M's and it's a 3000 series antenna with a red connector. I need to plug mine into a network, or plug an antenna into my network to test. I can't find any dealers that have setups i cant test with. Any ideas/ willing to help? I live in Ventura/ los angeles.
thanks,
Joey

[RECKLESS]

I have the same issue with mine? Trying to get another.

[frisbee]

out of nowhere you just got a ? mark over the boat icon in center of screen? that's my problem.

[RECKLESS]

along with no mapping, gps, etc.

[Ken Sauret]

When the ? appears over the icon this is the indication that you are not locked on satellites and therefore you don't have a position lock. There could be a few problems with the LGC 3000 or the NMEA backbone. First there could be a loose connection in the backbone, possibly at one of the tees. I recommend taking this backbone apart and applying dielectric grease to all connections to eliminate any water intrusion. The backbone might possibly not be getting power to the antenna. Check the hot and ground wires to the NMEA backbone. This is either through a power node or via the power cord wire labeled NMEA 2000 if you have LCX or LMS units. The third possibility is the antenna is burnt out and needs to be replaced. The only way I know how to test the antenna is to plug it into a working system and see if the units on that system can get a lock with your antenna.

[frisbee]

i saw replacement 3000's new on ebay for 80 or so, but got the 4000 from Lowrance at the non warranty replacement price of 115 or so. figured i would get better warranty help in case this one dies too.

[Marc]

You did well, and will love the faster and smoother performance of the 4000!

ciao,
Marc Marcantonio

[frisbee]

I have the same issue with mine? Trying to get another.

FYI, just got my new 4000 in the mail (came without mounting base), and it is a smaller diameter than the 3000, so if you are getting the 4000, make sure they send you the base.
when i ordered, the tech guy seemed confident the connections were the same and would mount right on. he was right about the connection, but not the base.
good luck

[frisbee]

update
the 4000 didn't come with mounting instructions, and i didn't find any online, but im guessing this one mounts directly to the boat, so I just need to remove the old base right?
No. it doesn't use the same holes, and it's narrower, so i've got a hardwater ring to take care of and new holes to drill too.

i think this thing is going back to Lowrance and i'm going for the 3000 off ebay.

[Marc]

No, there is no "base" for the 4000. It is a direct mount like you thought. You only need to drill one hole to place the 4000 where your old antenna was previously located. Simply put the cable through the cable hole you already have, then use one of your old holes and install one screw. Before you tighten the screw you can swivel the 4000 so it is centered over the cable hole. Then drill one new screw hole.

If you don't want to drill the new hole you don't have to. Put a ring of silicone around the new 4000 bottom, then install just like above with one screw only in the old hole. Then put a piece of duct tape over it to make sure it is held tight to the deck until the silicone dries.

The next morning remove the tape and id will be held down tight.

You will appreciate the better look and smaller size, but most of all you will love the faster performance and better reception.

ciao,
Marc

[frisbee]

thanks for the tips Marc. was just a little frustrating not getting the whole picture from the lowrance people. I'm sure i'm not the only one caught by this surprise.
Joey