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After 3 years I now get the 'GPS module not responding' message when I power up my unit. I searched for solutions and did a hard reset. I waited a while etc., still the same problem. I've heard this is common with Lowrance. Anyone else here have a solution from experience. If not, I've had it with Lowrance and what color GPS/plotter would you recommend? It would need to be about the same size which is about 9.5" x 7.5" with a 6.4" diagonal screen. Thanks.
Your gps module (antenna) is probably bad. I had that happen twice on older lowrance units. It seems that they will commit suicide after a while at the worst moment.
Ok, I did the resets and no help. I bought the boat used and it has no manual. There is a software update but how do I get it from the computer into the unit? I assume there is a cable but not sure.
Ok, I did the resets and no help. I bought the boat used and it has no manual. There is a software update but how do I get it from the computer into the unit? I assume there is a cable but not sure.
Thanks
The updates will tell you to use an sd card of a certain capacity. Download to card, then upload to unit thru sd slot...
It may or may not be a bad GPS module, so follow the hard reset instructions first. If you have downloaded and installed the latest software (download it to an SD card, then put that card in your unit, and turn it on... the software update is automatic), and it still doesn't respond, STOP!!! Don't buy a new combo uit... especially a Garmin... the FF's suck), get a different brand of GPS module. They are NMEA 0183, so buy a Maretron, or almost any other, and connect it to your unit. The unit doesn't care where the GPS signal is coming from; it will work.
__________________ Capt Will, 2002 G/W 282 Sailfish, F225's
USCG Master, 50 Ton; Towing endorsement
Indian River, De
I recently bought a 2001 center console that also had a LMS-15MT with the GPS not working. The prior owner said it quit working a few years back and then someone stole the antenna at a motel while he was on a trip.
I found a replacement new old stock 12W antenna (which is actually the whole GPS module as all the circuitry for GPS is in this module) on ebay. Still did not work unless I plugged the GPS module directly into the 15MT. Traced the problem to a chaffed wire near where it ran into the console. Years of vibration had rubbed through the insulation and shorted out two of the wires in the extension cable that ran between the 15MT and GPS "puck".
Try connecting the GPS module directly to the 15MT without the extension cable before you buy a new GPS "puck". You may just need an inexpensive cable replacment.
At this point I'm just trying to get it to take the 3.6 update. It has 3.1 now and when I put the SD card in with the update it doesn't automatically download it. Any ideas?
At this point I'm just trying to get it to take the 3.6 update. It has 3.1 now and when I put the SD card in with the update it doesn't automatically download it. Any ideas?
Thanks
If the download to the card was successful, all you need to do is put the SD card into the Lowrance unit while still turned off, then, with the card installed, power the unit up. If there are card slots, first try one, or then, the other. The update should start without doing anything more. If that is not working like that, someone else who has done this with your model may chime in. I did it with an LCX-16cxi, with the LCX-111HD, and most recently, with the HDS-8 & 10. Sorry I can't be more help.
__________________ Capt Will, 2002 G/W 282 Sailfish, F225's
USCG Master, 50 Ton; Towing endorsement
Indian River, De
At this point I'm just trying to get it to take the 3.6 update. It has 3.1 now and when I put the SD card in with the update it doesn't automatically download it. Any ideas?
Thanks
There are two different firmware updates for the 15MT depending on when you hardware was made. The newer versions show "we lead, we find, you win" on the screen when you first turn it on. Version 3.7 is for the newer units. If your unit does not show this message at bootup, then you have the older circuitry and need version 3.6 firmware. Make sure you have the correct one (both are on the Lowrance website, just read the messages to make sure you have the one you need).
It may or may not be a bad GPS module, so follow the hard reset instructions first. If you have downloaded and installed the latest software (download it to an SD card, then put that card in your unit, and turn it on... the software update is automatic), and it still doesn't respond, STOP!!! Don't buy a new combo uit... especially a Garmin... the FF's suck), get a different brand of GPS module. They are NMEA 0183, so buy a Maretron, or almost any other, and connect it to your unit. The unit doesn't care where the GPS signal is coming from; it will work.
WOW so If I am having the same issue and I discover after all the recomended steps that the GPS module is roached I can buy a or any Maretron gps module and it will work? very cool!
Well it could be a software problem, but maybe not...
If there's is no power on the Nmea the gps receiver will not work because of that. You should check if there's power
Check the power cable, it has two fuses. 100% one is ok ( protect unit), but what about the other? Check also negative in that power cable, in lowrance web site you can a wiring diagram, it shoul be unless two + and two - on the connector of power cable
Do this BEFORE buying anything. Sometimes things are not so complicates, here in my country we say "there's so many trees that they don't let us see the forrest"
I just checked my software is 2.20 insatlled in April of 2002, , and I am having one heck of a time with the download?? ugh ! did a hard reset and nothing, checked all the connections and got zilch, I guess I need to find one of my kids to help!!
Lowrance 15 MT - GPS module not responding 
