bullet175

This is the 3rd Lowrance LMS 332C Ive had this year. Lowrance has replaced this unit three times this year and the antenna twice for GPS module notresponding. Every time its been after the 90 warranty replacement had expired so Ive had to pay for them. Well yesterday, opening day of snapper season in Fla. after driveing 400 miles to Panama City we were heading out about 5:30ish AM and it was rough out there. We got out about 10 or so miles and I came down on a wave and BANG the GPS screen went black. I was able to get the unit to come back on for a sec but when it did I get the message GPS module not responding again. So unable to go out and get my snapper we turned around and headed back in. Im home now. No snapper. I know the drill for troubleshooting power supply issues after spending half of last summer waiting for Lowrance to send me replacements and I refuse to do it this go round so I am washing my hands of them all together. I was wondering if anyone can recommend a good color plotter for around 6 or 6 hundred bucks thats not mad by Lowrance.

sealark

I hate combo machines for the reason you are experiencing now. When the machine fails you loose everything. Furuno makes a great little bottom machine 600L in that price range. And let me tell you I beat the crap out of itand get mine wet all the time. I have had mine for five years now without any problems. And mine was purchased as a demo.. I realize you are looking for a combo machine. Maybe considersperate machines, just a suggestion..

Strictly Bizness

when i had my sea pro, i installed all brand new lowrance color units on it. the 2nd time i took it out i got the "gps module not responding" message. i quickly found out that it was because the terminator fuse that supplies power to the gps antannae failed which also almost caught fire. i quickly switched to furuno after that. i would also recommend garmin as well. good luck on your next purchase!

bullet175

Thanks guys, Accually I do have a seperate bottom machine that was added later after I got the 332C. But it too is also a Lawrance and Ill keep it for now untill it quits. Ill check out furino.

Kim

I have to agree with Mr Stucco there. Garmin has started an awesome line of electronics. The systemare the greatest. I have complete systems of Raymarine and Garmin on the big boat (back up) and I have Raymarine and Hummingbird on the small boat. Sidescan gives me a woodie. I have never had a problem with any of this equipment.

Kim

Play'N Hooky

I thought "GPS Module Not Responding" was just part of the Lowrance boot-up sequence.:banghead:banghead

captken

I've used Lowrance electronics since their little green box. Problems have been absolutely minimal. I've used the same monochrome combo unit for the past 6 years and, if it dies, I'll try to find another just like it.

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Captken
http://www.panhandlefishingbooks.com/

Hydro Therapy 2

I too have a Garmin and have had no issues

Danno

I too have had some bad experiences with Lowrance, I have replaced the external GPS antenna 3 times in the last year. Since the last time I bought a Humminbird GPS and I am now looking for a separate bottom machine. I wish that Humminbird made their side scan in a singe unit, but all that I see are combo units. No more combos for me.

Out Align

I had a bad experience with a Raymarine chartplotter. I had it forabout4 years when the 10 year lithium battery went out wiping out all of my numbers. This happened without warning. I check with Raymarine and they want $150 to replace the battery. WTF I opened it up and looked and it was a regular watch battery on a tiny bracket soldered to the board. So I called George's and they also wanted $150, I told them I couldn't pay $150 for a new watch battery. I ordered the new battery and holder from digi-key for less than $3. The shipping cost more than the parts. I fixed it myself for less than $8.

Then the antenna starts giving me some trouble so I send them an e-mail and they suggest sending it to them. Then they call me weeks later and say that yes it's broke and they can sell me a replacement for $200. Thanks but no thanks. They did offer a disposal service at no cost. :doh

I now have a Garmin 540s that I use just as a chartplotter. I have a Furuno 582L bottom machine.

I will never put another raymarine product on my boat and I will never step foot in George's again.