Symptom: Raymarine "C" series system (specifically the DMS 300), "resets" at odd times. This "seems" to occur when engine power is cut back (and not that much of a speed drop: dropping from 15mph to 5mph can cause it), or one engine stalls. A good example would be chopping power back as one arrives at a site. It seems to take several minutes or more for the signal/data to return on the monitor. Keep in mind we are not talking dropping back from 30 kph and losing it.

What we have checked, checked firmware version on DSM, have checked all connections for corrosion (not or little present), "re-attached" shielding on main power cable.

At this point we think that there is a power spike/drop issue. Keep in mind that this is a "semi-educated" guess based on the fact that most of the rigs electronics (C80, DSM, panel options, trim switches, etc) are on one single power line, and a single bus.

What we are considering doing as a resolve, is to run another power line and install a second bus to power the DSM, display and fish finder on a separate "line" and bus. This would allow for the future expansion of a back-up FF and GPS system as well.

Any comments/advice/info is appreciated.

We are also trying to "figure out" what size wire we need to run to support the existing C80 system and to support a future FF/GPS system something like a Humminbird Side Image combo (9xx series, just as an example). Input on proper size is appreciated as well. The actual length of wire we will run is 25ft (one way, 50ft round trip. So far, our best guess is AWG 10 (shielded, marine grade).

/r

I have had problems with Raymarine and these are of the suggestions I've gotten.

I would also crank the motor and slowly raise RPMs and see at what speed the alt. starts putting out 13-13.8 volts. If your batteries are weak it might also be a factor.

I hope you get everything resolved.

George 

1923:

This one has a DSM 300 on it, and it does have an indicator light. It's om our list to do on next trip out. Is just a slight pain pulling it out and putting it where we can eyeball it in a hurry when losees the FF signal. Hadn't considered that the batteries may be causing the spike/drop. We do charge all three (two main, one house) every time prior to heading out, but haven’t "load tested" them.

Speckulator:

Ground is good and has been checked as well as all other connections in the path for corrosion. We also took the opportunity to apply electronic corrosion prevention on them as well. No joy there. The boat is an 06 Grady Journey. As part of the package, the electronics (C80 system, radar, and unrelated fishing enhancements) were installed by Marinemax, Ft Walton. As well as the custom console work needed to get the C80 dash mounted into the crappy Grady console. They basically ran all deck/console electronics off one line/bus, and hard top level electronics (radio, radar, etc).

This is what has lead us to the conclusion of rigging another dedicated power line and bus just for console electronics. Just unsure of the AWG wire size necessary to power what we have and what we intend on installing in the near future. Have done some initial math, hence the AWG 10 number.

/r

I know there's at least one knowledge base article on raymarie referencing the firmware version of the DSM. Has to be 2.24 or higher. They go on the say that earlier versions of the DSM firmare (something like shipped before oct 03) can cause the same issue. We checked ours via console menu and it's up to date. Just passing on what we already have done.

Would be great if Tony finds a cure and shares it...

/r

Well it appears I may be in the same "boat" as ya'll....

Scenario – I generally fish the “Yellow Gravel” area of the Gulf. When bottom bumping we shut off the engines and deploy a sea anchor and drift fish. I leave the electronics on while drifting. When we decide to move and fire the engines up the monitors will momentarily shut off, and then re-energize.  The display then flashes a warning that the DSM has no data, and that the chart shows a warning of position lost. When the E-80 reacquires the NEMA 0183 signal from the GPS and the DMS-300 reacquires the transducer signal the alarms can be cleared.

I believe the problems is in how the electronics are wired. Everything from the same power feed. If anybody finds the cure pass it on.  tks. BBob

 

"OOH RAH" 29' Black Sport w/twin zukes