Electrical problem

[mickburder]

Hi All

Went out for the first time on Saturday, both my Garmin fish finder and my Navman gps wouldn't power up. Last year I had problems with the fish finder and the company in Wareham repaired it (in unit fuse).

It seems strange that both units wont power up, I have checked the boat fuses and all seems ok.

Before I start sending them off for repair I figure if I could take them somewhere local so I can plug them in to another boat or power source just to eliminate that it could be the boat.

Do you know if there is anyone in or around Christchurch that could help? I maybe able to get down tomorrow work permitting

thanks Mick

[Barney]

Hi Mick

 

I have a garmin 550s and have a land based power supply set up if your garmin is the same multipin connector.

 

Im in christchurch any time is good for me day or evening

 

Mick B

Edited April 20, 2010 by Barney

[plaicemat]

Might be worth getting some connector cleaning spray and attending to your terminals. With exposure to salty air, they do have a tendency to lose conductivity and the spray will sort that out.

 

Terry.

[mickburder]

Thanks very much for the offer Mick, I cant make it tomorrow, gott'a work, I will call you when I can next get down.

Thanks Terry I will give them a squirt before I do anything else

regards Mick

[Brian]

I agree with Terry, clean the connections.

It's unlikely two things developed faults at the same time, most likely a supply problem. Have you got a multimeter to test for a good supply?

Edited April 20, 2010 by Brian

[Paul J]

connector cleaning spray

 

whats it called and where can you get it?

 

PJ

[plaicemat]

PJ, the stuff I use is Servisol Super 10 Switch Cleaning Lubricant. 200ml spray can,

[mickburder]

Quick update, I sprayed all the connections with a switch cleaner, switched them on and off a couple of times and bingo, both units now working

thanks for the advice.

Mick

[plaicemat]

I love it when a plan comes together. I do my connections a couple of times a year as part of routine maintenance; doesn't take two ticks and worth the effort. Especially important after a bit of a lay up.

 

Terry.

[Jim]

My Brother negotiated 250 quid off the price of Small Fry because the GPS would not " Fire up ". The dealer I bought it from obviously didn't know either.

I bought a new bank of switches and sorted it.

I wish I'd known about switch cleaner. It would have saved the bother of changing the switches.

 

Good post Gents.

 

 

Jim

[Paul D]

Very good post. Have problems with my Garmin having an intermittent connection and I am sure cleaning the connector pins will help.

 

[Rob]

 

Once you have cleaned connectors smear with vaseline to keep nice un clean and free from water and corrosion.