LBS-1 Anybody Else Have This Problem?

[Edd]

Here's the setup. Lowrance LCX 28cHD, LGC 3000 GPS, and West Marine (Uniden) DSC600 VHF Radio. All this equipment worked in unison with one minor problem which Lowrance has taken care of.

I purchased and added the Lowrance LBS-1 broadband sounder connected through the NMEA2000 network (parts included) and from that moment forward my VHF has been unusable as an emergency piece of equipment because of severe noise. So noisy that the 'SCAN' feature on the radio will not work. It locks on to channel 16 as it should if there were legitimate traffic.

I have checked and re-re-re-checked all connections and grounds. I have the LBS-1 as far from the VHF as I can get it and the VHF antenna is at least 9 feet from the LBS-1 and the head unit. The LBS-1 is also wired to it's own source.

I'm pretty sure it's not a head unit problem because I have since traded (under warranty) Lowrance the 28c HD for a NIB LCX 112c. There was no change in the noise on the VHF. Besides the West Marine radio I have switched out to a Uniden, and iCOM, and a SH. All these radios suffered the same noise on the same channels.

During operation, if I disconnect the yellow network cable the noise immediately disappears. Also, with the network cable connected, if I disconnect the XDCR cable the noise also disappears.

Anyone here suffering the same UNSAFE conditions?

Edd

[LongLine]

Edd - If units are separated & cables/connections all secure then it's got to be in the wires. Are they separated and no power wire even comes close to an antenna cable? Is/are any cables coiled up? It is easy to pick up noise thru a coiled cable, even if it's shielded. Do you have the same noise if the engine is off? (Ignitions produce tremendous noise.) Does network cable have a bad end? Sometimes connectors come loose and the shielding at the plug becomes worthless.

Tom B.

(LongLine)

[borderline 350]

Dear EDD,

Of course you are experiencing spurious RF coming out of your electronics. The real problem is trying to identify the source and how to eliminate this from coming back into the radio. Shielding is extremely important. You might try a separate battery for the radio as a test. If this removes the problem, you then know that RF is coming back thru the radio power cable. If not, your VHF antenna and co-ax should be moved or tested with another antenna. Try a high dollar QUALITY antenna with the heavy shielded coax. These networked systems do pose special problems because of spurious RF. Even try wrapping aluminum foil around your connector cables and see if this helps. Not an easy one to find sometimes, keep trying!

Sincerely,

Jet Boat Bill

P.S My Mercruiser Thunderbolt Ignition is within 15 inches of my electronics package. HOWEVER, I used shielded battery power leads to all my units including my VHF radio.

[Edd]

Thanks for the response, but this is not an isolated incident with my gear. Here is a link that goes further into detail. http://www.thehulltruth.com/marine-electronics-forum/198369-lowrance-broadband-sounder-problems.html

You'll be able to see from this thread that many, many different things have been done. All to no avail. I was just curious if any members of my other forums experienced this type problem. All of my components exceed Lowrance/Navico's recommendations for installation, and I'm limited with an 18' craft. Do you have a link for the shielded battery leads?

Thanks guys,

Edd

[borderline 350]

Dear EDD,

I found the shielded # 14 AWG black/red lead wire at a local Surplus Electronics Store, GoldCrest Electronics. Nothing that I can steer you to on the web and then, they might make you buy a min. 250 ft. roll!$$$$$. Your RF problem is not new to networked systems. The RF is allowed to be produced by gov. regulation & it can raise havoc with all kinds of navigational gear including a GPS. All military (Naval Gear) has special coatings(nickel rich paint) on the inside of the equipment to minimize spurious RF signals, so other equipment is not affected. Solving this problem on your 18 ft. boat needs a skilled tech. You may have to recruit one. Take him fishing! And one more tech comment. Don't think that the manufacturers are privy to these "Install RF Problems" All of the components are made offshore and come from multiple sub-contractors. A nightmare for the possible problems for the 'tech guy". Good luck on hunting for the noise source.

Sincerely,

Jet Boat Bill

[holy mackerel]

I was able to clear up alot of electronic noise by putting a 2' antenna extension on the vhf antenna. It will get the coil above tour other stuff.

[Edd]

Don't think that the manufacturers are privy to these "Install RF Problems" .....

Sincerely,

Jet Boat Bill

Lowrance/Navico is all too well aware of this particular problem as there are some 15 to 20 of us in contact with them daily, and have been for the past 8 months. I am fully comfortable using the 112c naked. That way I have full capabilities of my VHF. But understand that I didn't spend $2400 +/- with any understanding I would need to hire an Electrical Engineer to make this all work. I totally surveyed my boat with Lowrance installation specs in hand prior to making the purchase of the LBS-1, knowing I could install the product at least to their minimum+. Now, all of a sudden, I have a problem because Lowrance was wrong.

My main problem, as well the rest of the group, what is a fair amount of time to wait for Lowrance to come up with a FIX? What is my loss for buying the LBS-1 10 months ago and not having a single day of proper and safe operation? Or better yet......how would you feel if you had a life threatening emergency aboard your craft and you put out a MAY DAY to a boat you could see but wouldn't respond?

I'm going to use the shielded power leads as soon as I can buy it. I think it's a great idea no matter what.

Edd

[traveling man]

Have you tried putting a RF Choke on the VHF power wire? If not go to Radio Shack and buy a 1. Put it on your power feed to your radio(as close to the radio as you can).

[Edd]

Have you tried putting a RF Choke on the VHF power wire? If not go to Radio Shack and buy a 1. Put it on your power feed to your radio(as close to the radio as you can).

If you mean a Ferite yes we have tried those.

Edd

[Edd]

Just an update on this problem.

While my LBS was installed as far away as possible from the VHF, it was also installed right next to the NMEA2000 network T's. So I decided to move it away from the NMEA2000, but closer to the VHF. BINGO! no more VHF noise.

While discussing this with Navico, they wanted me to change it back and install a filter they were sending. I did so, and bummer, the noise was back. Then I put the LBS back where there was no noise and re-installed the filter. VHF operated as it should.

Navico is sure that I have simply located a 'sweet' spot and the interference could return any time. They are sending one of their Engineers out to the boat.

I'll advise after the Engineer leaves.

Edd

[Edd]

PROBLEM FIXED

Thanks to Greg Hunter at Navico and a great team of engineers, our problem was fixed with a software upgrade albeit BETA. Downloaded from email and installed in my LCX 112.....all was perfect.

If anyone here has this problem, I suggest you contact Greg at Navico.

Edd