HDS GPS Freeze

[MadDogMason]

I updated the software in my HDS-7 (w/Insight maps) last week to version 2.0.30.50. I had a chance to use it this past weekend and noticed the GPS screen would freeze at various times thought out the day. I have fished the same waypoints previously and have not had this issue. I tried to determine the root cause but was unable. Below is a list of things I tried.

Turning the unit off and then back. It would correct the problem for a short time but it would freeze again.
Determine if I could move the cursor to others areas of the map. I was able to move the cursor then hit the EXIT button to see if it would un-freeze but it did not help.
Turn the boat different directions to see if it would update. Did not help.
Though it might be trying to access a SD card but there was no SD card installed.
Check the satellite status. I would have anywhere from 6 - 8 satellites locked on.
Allow time for the unit to reset by it self. Sometimes it would reset in a few minutes and other times it would take 5 minutes or longer. Each time it reset I would draw a straight line from where it froze to my current location.
The only thing that was different is the update to version 2.0.30.50. Has anyone had the same issue? Is there a way for me to revert back to the previous version and if so how do I retrieve the previous version?

[hondo]

VAGuy just posted this info in another thread on HDS


Should be a new update by the end of May

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From Lowrance

Software Update Notification (May 21, 2009): Following the release of HDS Update 2.0.30.50 on May 15, 2009, field reports indicated a concern with HDS units not reading select U.S. lake maps on a limited number of Navionics charts. Specifically, the problem is known to affect portions of lake maps on Navionics HotMaps Premium North and HotMaps Premium East 2009 charts.
Navionics is developing a solution to correct this issue with Lowrance HDS models, and the Lowrance software solution is scheduled to be available for download from this website by the end of May. In addition to the Navionics chart-reading correction, this next-available software update will dramatically decrease the chart-load time for all Lowrance maps, including the incredible, new INSIGHT shaded-relief charts.
For now, we still recommend the 2.0.30.50 software update for HDS because of the numerous HDS feature enhancements and Navionics compatibility for most navigational situations. Be sure to visit this website for the latest news on update enhancements for HDS software update 2.0.30.50
Lowrance and Navionics sincerely appreciate our customers’ patience and consideration, as we promptly enhance this software update.

Notes:

They should have the "up side down" problem in this update also.

[djpape]

Buy a HDS unit and become a product tester. These units where not ready for market. Wait for update for them to read Navionics cards & know wait for update to stop freezing up. I also have a problem with trails.
HDS 8 & 10 with 4000 annetenna.

[loner]

Yes, I am having the same problem with my HDS-5 and I'm not using a mapping chip either. Seems to me like the processor is under powered. I tried the same things you did, plus I tried switching WAAS off/on.

[Rick Zachowski]

Have you tried to change trail updating from auto to mins., I orginally had the same problem and then I switched it to a 5sec. update...

Rick Zachowski
NPAA#231

[MadDogMason]

I heard from Navico regarding the GPS screen freezing. This is the first they have heard about this issue. I mentioned there are other who have the same issue so if you are having the same issue give Navico a call (1-800-324-1356) or contact them through their product support at http://www.lowrance.com/en/Support/Product-Support/Contact/.

Thanks,

[MadDogMason]

Thanks Rick. It might be a couple of weeks before I am able to try it out but I will see if it changes anything.

[loner]

I'll also try what rick suggested. Will test this next weekend. Thanks!

[wunderbread]

HDS 10 with insight, GPS freeze. Not happy! I wish I would have held onto my 111. Never had one problem with it. Keep these posts in mind folks when the next best thing comes along. You to can be a tester/debugger for the bargin price of $2,500 per unit. I should have known better. Not that I didn't have my doubts about new technology and being one of the first to own one. It couldn't come at a worse time. Unit locks up on wednsday, tourney to fish on saturday. Thanks for the $2'500 kick in the jigs Lowrance.

[Rick Zachowski]

The other thing that I have thought of also is the fact that you are using up all the points that can be saved on that cerain trail....are you guys starting "new trails" each time out or deleting your old trail as you go??? I usually start a new trail each time out with a different color, there are many new colors to choose from on the HDS units. I have playing with my HDS 10 and 8 and have yet to have it freeze..one other thing to remeber is that with the built in reciever on the top of the unit, if you have a full windsheild, keep it clear of the metal rim of the windsheild...just a few tips.. I know that everyones situation is a little different with the same problem, but I will try and help anyone that I can. I have gone through many of the settings and screens.

Rick Zachowski
NPAA #231

[MadDogMason]

Thanks for your suggestion Rick. Actually when I was out yesterday I tried starting a new trail to see if it was getting bogged down with the number of points. It did not help. I also tried a few more things but none helped. This is what I tried:

Changing trail setting from auto to 5 second intervals for dropping points.
Starting a new trail without resetting the unit.
Turn WAAS on and off.
Soft reset and started a new trail.
Hard reset and did not load any of my trails, waypoints or settings. Just as it was from the factory.
None of the items helped. The GPS screen would freeze. I checked to assure the GPS was locked on satellites and it would be locked on anywhere from 8 to 11 satellites. Sometimes it would freeze for as much as 30 minutes and then start tracking again and sometimes would un-freeze for less than 1 minute. Since nothing helped I decided to reload all of my trails, waypoint and settings.
I am starting to think the software upgrade to 2.0.30.50 was not the reason the GPS screen starting freezing. I am thinking it might be temperature related. Yesterday the screen did not start freezing until it got hot outside. From about 1 - 6pm it was lockup about 50 percent of the time. Once the sun starting going down it started working again.
I will call Lowrance tomorrow to talk with someone and will post their suggestions.


Johnny

[Bowhuntnsteve]

Any new info??
I just found this website yesterday.
Just had my HDS-7 installed last week on my Starcraft. After reading this post, ya got me worried!!! I hope to get out on the water Saturday to test things out.

[MadDogMason]

I talked with Lowrance tech support and they have not had other reports regarding the GPS screen freezing. He asked the other tech support group if they had any suggestions and was told to turn on simulator mode and the turn it off and see if it corrects the problem. If it does not they want me to send the unit to them and they will repair it. They mentioned that HDS units are top priority when they hit the door. I will not be able to test it for a few weeks but I will post the results as soon as I do.

Johnny

[Wall@y@]

I have one question about the GPS screen freeze. Did any of you that have this problem once you activated the "Cursor" and then the GPS screen seem to freeze with no more GPS information being transfered to the screen?

The reason I ask this question is that yesterday while using my HDS-8 with the GPS screen, immediately when I activated the "Cursor" the GPS track stopped. This took me by suprise and I thought the unit had lost the satalites and had quit working. I turned the unit off then on again and as soon as I turned the unit on it would give me my heading and boat speed for about 5 seconds then would seem to freeze. When it would do this the "Cursor" was active. I worked with it for about 10 minutes then shut off the "Cursor" and immediately my boat heading and speed appeared on the screen along with the tracking line. So, from my short experience with the HDS-8 it appears that once you activate the "Cursor" the boat heading and boat speed are deactivated and do not appear on the screen giving the appearance that the GPS is "Locked Up" or "Freezing" and remains in the last location you were at upon activating the Cursor.

I am by no means an expert with this unit and I might be all wet with my anology of your GPS freezing problem. I am just giving you the information that I learned yesterday on the water.

[MadDogMason]

I have tried moving the cursor and then pushing the exit button to see if it would reset. It did not help the issue. Thanks for your suggestion.

Johnny

[jr863]

I just purchased this unit and am having the screen freeze problem. It is okay when powered on but freezes after a few minutes. I am aware that the navigation stops when the cursor is activated. I leaned that the hard way. I am hoping that Lowrance has a fix for this problem.

[Pezman38]

Lowrance HDS5 bought new on my Reata this year also had problems. The entire unit would freeze and no buttons would work. Sometimes it just didn't turn on. The dealer tested the unit instide and couldn't get the gps fix alarm to shut off. Unit was replaced with a brand new one.

I installed the software update myself and the navionics card worked excellent in Canada.

Besides the issues with my first unit, this new one is unbelieveable. I love it, detail, modes, creating waypoints on structure, trails, all just excellent.

To load waypoints from an old Lowrance H20C onto your HDS be sure to do that in the pages menu under files. I didn't figure that out till I was back from Canada.

I hope you all get your issues addressed, I don't believe that when you buy one you are supposed to be a debugger although it appears we all have been.

[M Burley]

Having same trouble fish for an hour or two then cursor freezes for seconds or minutes then jumps to new position in a straigth line but marks the straight line, works fine for a while then screws up without touching unit, have good sattelite reception, was told on one of these boards lowrance knows about problem but havent found fix yet, probably find one when water is hard and warranty will run out before we can test in spring