Baja 540 question.

[milo12]

Just received my Baja 540. Very nice screen. I noticed on original setup it took forever (15min) to grab my location. All my garmins have done it in less than 5 minutes. I also noticed the antenna seems sensitive to position. On the dash I lose satellites but removed from the truck and placed on the lawn it works well. From my test it seems the antenna or the receiver is not as good as other GPS's I have had.

Has anyone else noticed this?

Is a better antenna available?

Thanks.

[LC/LR4Life]

Just received my Baja 540. Very nice screen. I noticed on original setup it took forever (15min) to grab my location. All my garmins have done it in less than 5 minutes. I also noticed the antenna seems sensitive to position. On the dash I lose satellites but removed from the truck and placed on the lawn it works well. From my test it seems the antenna or the receiver is not as good as other GPS's I have had.

Has anyone else noticed this?

Is a better antenna available?

Thanks.

Often on a cold start, since the GPS only knows its last location (where they tested it at the factory), it needs to find it's location, and takes a bit longer on first time power up.

I am guessing you are using the white magnetic mount antenna that came with it? Put it out on the hood of your Cruiser. Should be very good reception there. Lowrance is known for their outstanding ability to lock onto, and stay locked, onto a GPS signal even in heavy coverage.

[Angel?]

Cold start takes a while to lock.

fyi, when unit is plugged in gps unit stays on even when main unit is off (where the screen is off), hence it boots quickly.

[mjm]

Mine can take several minutes for it to lock on. Make sure your unit has the latest software update. A recent update (included in the current update) made improvements to the unit's ability to lock on. I am not sure I saw any improvement.

[jerdog53]

Don't remember the cold start its been over a year but normal start of a trip it will grab satellites inside the garage before the door has time to open. My wifes Nuvi takes a lot longer to aquire than my 540C

[milo12]

I have been using it a couple days now and I am very happy. The initial problems were just the startup as others pointed out.

I can't find anything in the manual about software update. How do I check this and how do I update it?

[spressomon]

I just ordered a 540c based on all the positive feedback on Exped and MUD...thanks to all that were ahead of me and provided the feedback to make a better decision! The only downside for me is the apparent lack of Apple/Mac compatibility...so I need to keep that PC plugged in a little longer :(

[spressomon]

Ok...got the 540C. Seems nice enough. However they mention in the manual an "optional magnetic mount" for the antenna puck. No mention on the Lowrance website...no mention about it at TigerGPS...

Anyone figure out where to buy one of these secret accessory magnetic mounts?


Gotta love the GPS industry. :littlefriend:

[adventureduo]

Never seen ours take that long to find our location. Weird. Only time that happens is when it's view is blocked from the sky. Like under a bridge.

Spress, i have never seen a magnetic mount for the antenna. Post up if you find it online please.

[Angel?]

I have been using it a couple days now and I am very happy. The initial problems were just the startup as others pointed out.

I can't find anything in the manual about software update. How do I check this and how do I update it?

Hi Milo,

Here you go: http://www.lowrance.com/en/Products/Automotive/GlobalMap-Baja-540C/Downloads/

Check out your software version as noted in the manual. Most likely you will need to update it. To update it, you will need a blank SD memory card and a SD memory card writer (some recent PCs are now being shipped with built-in reader/writers). You do want to update it, as the update resolves a booting problem.

Cheers,
Cal

[milo12]

Thanks Angel?

I'm digging my 540c now. One bummer is it can't show where people have gated trails.

[CAPTAIN COORS]

I mounted my 540 to an old cb mag mount, works just fine

[Richie Rich]

Interesting about the unit drawing power even when off. That would explain the battery in my rig being stone dead when I go to pull it out of the garage on weekends (not my DD).

As for the mag mount, after searching what seemed like the entire internet, I gave up and made my own.

A pair of magnets harvested out of some dead hard drives and some two part epoxy later, I now have a mag mount. Hasn't moved yet.

Unscrewed base from antenna, making sure to keep the plastic bushings exactly where they belong.

Covered the top of the base with plastic wrap (to keep epoxy from escaping)

Clamped unit to a flat surface

Inserted hard drive magnets

Mixed epoxy, poured into base until almost even with gasket surface

Let epoxy cure

Removed clamps and plastic

Screwed base to antenna and stuck to roof of truck.

Done!

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z207/N2frodn/IMG_2079-1.jpg

[nwoods]

I just got a new rig with a 540c hard mounted. Brilliant screen, I like what I've played with so far. Very interesting to read about the power thing, that would explain why the previous owner needed a trickler charger on the rig. He never figured out what was causing the draw. Is there a way to turn it all the way off? I haven't even looked to see if the power cord unplugs from the unit itself, though I assume it would.

Is the MapSearch software the manual talks about any good, or do you guys use something else?

[nwoods]

I just got a new rig with a 540c hard mounted. Brilliant screen, I like what I've played with so far. Very interesting to read about the power thing, that would explain why the previous owner needed a trickler charger on the rig. He never figured out what was causing the draw. Is there a way to turn it all the way off? I haven't even looked to see if the power cord unplugs from the unit itself, though I assume it would.

Is the MapSearch software the manual talks about any good, or do you guys use something else?

[spressomon]

Interesting about the unit drawing power even when off. That would explain the battery in my rig being stone dead when I go to pull it out of the garage on weekends (not my DD).

As for the mag mount, after searching what seemed like the entire internet, I gave up and made my own.

A pair of magnets harvested out of some dead hard drives and some two part epoxy later, I now have a mag mount. Hasn't moved yet.

Unscrewed base from antenna, making sure to keep the plastic bushings exactly where they belong.

Covered the top of the base with plastic wrap (to keep epoxy from escaping)

Clamped unit to a flat surface

Inserted hard drive magnets

Mixed epoxy, poured into base until almost even with gasket surface

Let epoxy cure

Removed clamps and plastic

Screwed base to antenna and stuck to roof of truck.

Done!

http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z207/N2frodn/IMG_2079-1.jpg


Good idea and post. Same thing here: E-mailed after being on hold for freaking 20-minutes at Lowrance's accessory subsidiary but I guess they're too busy to answer why the operator's manual mentions the "optional available magnetic base" but no where to be found within any Lowrance sites.

The manual is also a little confusing to me regarding the NEMA 2000 network. One portion states it is not needed (the power line for the NEMA 2000) if a network is not being utilized...which makes sense to me. But in another section it states it HAS to be connected. I wonder if this is the source of the power drain?

I think I want to start a GPS company...make just OK products that are sorta outdated technologically speaking and then have terrible customer service :yikes:

[mjm]

The NEMA network must be connected to a switched source. It will drain the battery if connected "always on", even if the reciever is turned off. It would be like leaving your cb turned on.

Lowrance support is soooo bad....

[spressomon]

The NEMA network must be connected to a switched source. It will drain the battery if connected "always on", even if the reciever is turned off. It would be like leaving your cb turned on.

Lowrance support is soooo bad....


Ok...stupid question: Since I am not utilizing a physical network apart of my Baja (perhaps like a larger boat would utilize) installation on my Land Cruiser does the NEMA portion need to be powered? Or can I simply disconnect the NEMA power cable portion?

The operator's manual is somewhat ambiguous: It actually states if a network is not being deployed the NEMA cable is not required...yet in another section the same op manual states the NEMA cable does need to be fully connected/powered to the head unit.

You're right: Support kinda sucks from Lowrance. Which is not much better than I experienced with Garmin :confused:

[mjm]

does the NEMA portion need to be powered? Or can I simply disconnect the NEMA power cable portion?


If I recall correctly, there is a wire from the NEMA cable (which connects to the receiver) that connects to power. I connected both the NEMA power and the receiver power to the same switch. Disconnecting the plug at the back of the receiver will not stop the trickle.

I will check tonight and make a correction to this post if needed.

[spressomon]

If I recall correctly, there is a wire from the NEMA cable (which connects to the receiver) that connects to power. I connected both the NEMA power and the receiver power to the same switch. Disconnecting the plug at the back of the receiver will not stop the trickle.

I will check tonight and make a correction to this post if needed.


If the NEMA cable section truly does not need to be apart of my LC install I would prefer to reduce the bulk of the wire assembly. I might try again to contact Lowrance to see if they can provide any real clarification to the ambiguous information contained in the op manual.

[MaxYedor]

I just got a new rig with a 540c hard mounted. Brilliant screen, I like what I've played with so far. Very interesting to read about the power thing, that would explain why the previous owner needed a trickler charger on the rig. He never figured out what was causing the draw. Is there a way to turn it all the way off? I haven't even looked to see if the power cord unplugs from the unit itself, though I assume it would.

Is the MapSearch software the manual talks about any good, or do you guys use something else?

Nathan, the power cabel does unplug, but the simplest way is just an inline switch, the unit draws something like 2.5 amps peak so any switch will work.

[spressomon]

I just had to post this craziness: I e-mailed Lowrance on April 19th regarding the Baja 540C GPS mount magnet that the op manual states is an "available option"...and finally got a BS reply today (May 6). Now THAT'S customer service: Too bad its BAD customer service ;-/

If you go to Lowrance's accessory site (www.lei-extras.com) you won't find the magnet accessory Lowrance states is available in the operator manual. But I guess they think if they get their customer's to chase their tail long enough they'll just give up...like I just did :eek:



We do apologize for the delay in responding. We are currently at the peak of our busy season and responding to all inquiries as quickly as possible. You are very important to us and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you for your inquiry.

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LEI-Extras 1-800-324-0045
www.lei-extras.com


-----Original Message-----
Received: 4/19/2008 9:15 AM
To: lei-extras@lowrance.com
Subject: RE: LEI Extras Comment or Question

LEI Extras Comment or Question>
I just purchased the Lowrance 540C. The owner's manual references an "optional magnetic mount" for the GPS antenna puck. However I can't find this on your site nor Lowrance's. This would be a great accessory to include with the 540C.

How/where do I get one?

Thank you,
Dan Streight> >

[jerdog53]

So i was trying to input waypoints into my 540C today and after reviewing my data to ensure it was correctly saved and shut down the system i went out to drive home(i had done this at lunch) and all the way points were saved to the same place some place way south and far east like Africa and all the locations were the same location. Now if I save the current location as a way point it works fine but to input the location it is not working on 6 attempts, anyone of you had this happen?



Edit!

Apperently it was a one time deal the next two times I tried this I had no problems but I will always be looking for it to do it again..........

[spressomon]

Apparently, from the testing procedure and helpful assistance from the Lowrance Tech Support fella, my 5-month old Baja 540C's antenna puck bit the dust. They are sending me a warranty replacement but thank God I hadn't permanently mounted the antenna outside the vehicle!

Also of note: The Lowrance Tech told me they see a higher incidence of failure for these antenna pucks when mounted closer than 3' to the GPS unit itself; although that wasn't the cause of failure on mine. Kinda hard, in an automotive application, to get the antenna puck beyond 3' from the GPS head unit...

It ain't a perfect world out there in GPS land...

[jerdog53]

I wonder if that was my problem? I had rigged it up on my Gran Canyon one day mostly to say I could and it had a real hard time acquiring a lock onto the satellites, the antenna was less than a foot away from the head unit. I noticed the voltage was in the 11V range from the bikes battery and I chocked that slow acquisition up to low voltage but I now wonder if the closeness of the antenna had more to do with it than voltage input.

[spressomon]

Well...I received the new antenna puck from Lowrance today. Although the antenna now "sees" the satellites the main unit still will not fix/lock onto current position.

More "please wait for the next available operator...your approximate hold time is...25-minutes" tomorrow.

[jerdog53]

This is what made me thing the voltage wasent high enough for it to lock, when installed in my Jeep the unit will lock through the hard top in the garage with the antenna mounted on the roll bar, but when mounted on the bike with the antenna less than a foot away in clear skys it had a real hard time if it locked at all............

[mjm]

Lowrance posted update 2.4.0 yesterday. They made a change quite some time ago that helped lock the position in quicker. If your version is significantly earlier, try updating.

[adventureduo]

Snapshot mode sounds cool.

What changes are made in this update?


Includes all features from previous updates, including:
Added Lowrance HD radar support via serial communications
Added Greek language
Added Polish language
Added ability to take a screenshot capture of the display on the unit and save to a card/hard drive – In Screen Snapshot mode, use the power key to capture the screenshot
Added Navionics Platinum support including 3D view and panoramic photos
Added support for the Lowrance Broadband Sounder-1
Updated language translations
Improved sonar digital depth tracking in weeds and over bluffs
Improved Navionics support
Changed Map/Sonar/Radar page to be resizeable
Modified memory card reading functionality
Enhanced Navionics support
Enhanced NauticPath electronic chart support

[jerdog53]

Oh yeah what a photo?!

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa102/jerrrymoran/CagivaDash004.jpg

:smileeek:

[adventureduo]

Oh yeah what a photo?!

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa102/jerrrymoran/CagivaDash004.jpg

:smileeek:


Shoot and here i was having trouble trying to find a spot to put that GPS unit in my rig! LOL!

[spressomon]

Just to follow up: Lowrance sent me a new antenna puck under warranty. I had to reset the main GPS again after the new antenna was connected. But it functions again as it should.