I have had nothing but problems with the GPS/Chartplotter that was already installed on the 260 that I bought. Dealer delivered the boat and when re-installing the antenna on the arch, the TNC connector came loose. (Poor Crimping job) They came to the boat while I was not there and replace the connector. I connected the GPS and could not get a signal. Took the antenna down and found another poor crimping of the connector. I ordered TNC connectors and a crimp tool and made the connection. Still no GPS signal. Ohmed out the coax and it checked good. Contacted Northstar for assistance. They
suggested that I check for 5VDC at the connector (Antenna end) and that checked good. Northstar asked that I send the antenna back to them. That checked good. Next to go was the unit itself. They did find a bad processor board and that was replaced. All set right, not in the cards. Very inconsistant GPS signals. The GPS would acquire satellites and then in 10-15 minutes it would drop them. Ready to throw the unit overboard! Called Northstar one more time and explained everything that had been accomplished to this point. The tech asked me a question, "how long is the coax"? I explained that I did not install it but expected it to be about 20 feet. He explained that the coax could be to short. So I ordered a new coax (50') with connectors on each end. Went to the boat yesterday installed the new cable temporarily and it WORKED! Used the old coax as a pull string and permanently installed the new coax. Signal is strong and consistant. Advice for anyone installing one of these, do not shorten the coax if possible. A coax shorter than 20' does not provide enough attenuation and the antenna has to much gain.
:smt038:smt038:smt038 :grin:
suggested that I check for 5VDC at the connector (Antenna end) and that checked good. Northstar asked that I send the antenna back to them. That checked good. Next to go was the unit itself. They did find a bad processor board and that was replaced. All set right, not in the cards. Very inconsistant GPS signals. The GPS would acquire satellites and then in 10-15 minutes it would drop them. Ready to throw the unit overboard! Called Northstar one more time and explained everything that had been accomplished to this point. The tech asked me a question, "how long is the coax"? I explained that I did not install it but expected it to be about 20 feet. He explained that the coax could be to short. So I ordered a new coax (50') with connectors on each end. Went to the boat yesterday installed the new cable temporarily and it WORKED! Used the old coax as a pull string and permanently installed the new coax. Signal is strong and consistant. Advice for anyone installing one of these, do not shorten the coax if possible. A coax shorter than 20' does not provide enough attenuation and the antenna has to much gain.
:smt038:smt038:smt038 :grin:
