Thread: Lowrance HDS Waypoint Synchronization Issue

I actually solved the problem last night. When the boat shop installed a new water pressure gauge in the console, they accidently pulled the NEP power connector off. This created a disconnect in the Ethernet network. Unfortunately finding the problem was not as simple as the solution.


First I did a factory reset on all 4 units. Nothing changed. Next I began addressing the cables by assembling a duplicate NEMA network with new cables and hooked it up. Same problems.

It was common that the front two units and the rear two units would talk back and forth, but I could only add waypoints from front to back. Deletion never occurred between the console and bow units. Next I connected a new Ethernet cable from one of the front units to one on the console. The waypoint sync returned to normal between these two units telling me the issue was in the Ethernet system. Unfortunately I have 7 Ethernet cables in the boat, but I labeled all of them when I installed the system. This plus the power source labeling helped narrow the problem quickly.


The front 2 Ethernet cables go into one Structure Scan box, and the back 2 into a separate Structure Scan box. The 2 Structure Scans along with the Weather module are networked through the Network Expansion Port (NEP). The forward to backward communication issue was because the NEP was not powered and I figured a fuse had blown, but upon inspection I found the power wire had been disconnected. The NEP just sits silently and serves as an Ethernet hub so it is easy to overlook. Everything else in the boat that was visible worked perfectly, so how could there be a power issue?


Unfortunately I did not follow the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) rule very diligently, but at least I found the problem before I tore the boat apart to replace cables.

Couple of take away observations:

1. The NEMA network only adds waypoints. If the problem is deleting them, it is not a NEMA issue.
2. Ethernet adds, deletes, and syncs waypoints and has priority over NEMA in the presence of both. All of this is in the Manual but it means more when you witness it firsthand.
3. When device issues arise, always remember to check the power and status lights on each device first. (KISS) Never begin with the hardest assumption.