View Full Version : LMS350A Question
I was thinking about sending my 350A in to get it upgraded to the 12 channel software. They said that they will make every effort to salvage my waypoints and icons but couldn't guarantee it. Has anyone had this done, and did you lose your data points?
Someday
02-04-2001, 07:46 AM
I had to send mine in last summer to get fixed. What I did is write down all of my waypoints. As far as the Icons, You can put the unit on the plotter screen and with the up - down, left or right arrow buttons "drive" the unit to the lake the icons are at. For instance, all of my waypoints and icons were North of my house. I pushed the up arrow and watched the cross-hairs and the coordinates go north until I was at the right area. Move the crosshair cursor until it is right on top of one of your icons and write down the coordinates that are on the screen and what symbol you have there. Do this for all the ones you want to keep. Make sure you have the distance set as low as it will go. I think .10 mile. When you get your new unit,(they will probably send you another unit, not the one you had) You can again "Drive" the unit to the lake and add icons where the cursor is. The closer you are physically to the lake the quicker it is to drive the 350 screen to the coordinates you want. Hope this helps, Stephen
Captn Ric
02-04-2001, 08:12 AM
I thought you would need a new module as well to ocnvert to 12 channel,, I recently sent in my old 350 for repairs and they puyt in new screen, new battery and software and they did save waypoints,, however nothing was mentioned about channel capability
Boatnut
02-04-2001, 08:23 AM
Ric,
I believe you are correct. It's the antennae module that you need to upgrade to 12 channels. That's where the GPS is, in the antennae module. Not sure if the actual 350 unit has to be "upgraded" to display 12 channel information or not.
Mike(boatnut)
Bill R
02-04-2001, 10:47 AM
You will need a new antenae module and also have your unit upgraded to work with the new module if you want to upgrade to the 12 channel. Not cheap!
Airwave(OH)
02-04-2001, 11:31 AM
Mine is in there now getting the upgrade.. Last time I lost everything so this time I wrote it all down. You'll get new antenna and a rebuilt unit. They will keep your old one..
Airwave(OH)
02-04-2001, 11:31 AM
Forgot to say it cost $300.00
Boatnut
02-04-2001, 12:39 PM
Just curious why you wanted to upgrade if everything works ok?
I think the older units are just as accurate in open waters. The twelve channel may benefit you if the signal is partially blocked, like in steep terrain or in the woods, but not sure if any benefit on the water. Anyone noticed any improvments after upgrading to the 12 channel unit??
Mike(boatnut)
mnjimcarp
02-04-2001, 04:53 PM
NO WAY MAN !!!
i can guarantee you that the waypoints will be gone! write them down and forget having them saved by Lowrance. This unit has been excellent in the past when it works, but when you need updates; it is not a good idea to rely on the best efforts of someone at the repair center to save your coordinates, etc...
JimmyJ
02-04-2001, 09:27 PM
I was told the same thing. That as long as your on the water your going to be as accurate with a 5 Channel as you are with a 12.
I would recomend downloading all the information to your PC before sending it in. Why write it down when you can download it to your computer?
Airwave(OH)
02-05-2001, 01:17 PM
Mike I'm not sure if you meant this for me (Why am I upgrading) but My GPS, Windows Screen, and Down arrow key went out in my unit. They told me at Lowrance that the upgrade would be done while it was there.. I held out as long as I could. All I had left was the fish finder and I don't really need that part.. We know where they are...LOL
Boatnut
02-05-2001, 03:02 PM
Brian,
no, it was not meant for you.
I think all those walleyes have a "brian" finder. they follow you around that lake like stink on you know what! :)
think spring!
Mike(boatnut)
Airwave(OH)
02-05-2001, 05:51 PM
LOL Did Paul tell you to say that...:) Hows he doin anyhow.? Probably in Florida huh...
How do you do that? Is there software like on the LMS160Map? I had one of those previously and it was slick! I was not aware that you could hook up the 350A to a computer.
PaulV
02-06-2001, 07:16 PM
I recently e-mailed Lowrance with that exact question. The reply I got was that the LMS350A was not designed to download or upload from a pc, unlike their more current units. Darn.
Planocat
02-06-2001, 11:54 PM
Once you upgrade to the 12 channel software it will work with either the 5 channel or 12 channel antenna. More likely than not that you will lose all information you have put into the unit.
You can definitly upload/download waypoints,routes and icons to/from the LMS350. I have done it and have all the software and connection information. E-mail if you want the info.