Garmin 188c - The Hull Truth

remmer4 · 10-17-2003, 02:24 PM

Have a Garmin 188C new in January. Starting about6 weeks ago it willeither freze up orgo black. Turn it off and back on and it always comes back on- sometimes with all GPS and Nav information sometimes not.

In thinking about this about the time the issue started I chnaged charts. Any ideas or experience on this as a software problem. ?? Will reload the charts this weekend and and also try with no chart.

Experience with this issue ?
Ideas?
Thanks
Henry R

mickyspec · 10-17-2003, 02:30 PM

contact your local garmin service agent
they give great backup under warranty

HOTSPOT · 10-17-2003, 02:32 PM

Go to Garmin's website and register the product if you haven't already. Click on product support and you will find great assistance.

Support THT and become a Captain's Club Member

HOT SPOT <'})))><<

Sea Pro V2300 Yamaha F200

landlubber · 10-17-2003, 02:59 PM

happened to me, but it was boat electrical problem (a tiny circuit breaker thingy was bad when too many accessories were on). drove me nuts trying to diagnose, isolate.

any other electrical problems? turn on all accessories one at a time, see if that's the root cause.

what firmware version is your unit running? latest and greatest is 5.40.

also, make sure all of the pins in back of unit are ok. they bend easily. BE CAREFUL straightening them if bent. BE CAREFUL plugging in unit to connector.

let us know.

Kiki's Ring · 10-17-2003, 03:07 PM

I have a GPS/Map 188 Sounder. It's the same model, but mine is black and white. I had a similar problem with it freezing up. After I downloaded and installed the new and updated software from the Garmin sight, the problem cleared up. Haven't had a problem since. Hope this helps.

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BEDM68 · 11-04-2003, 06:20 AM

REMMER4, IHAVE BEEN HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. SOMETIMES I HAVE TO TURN THE BATTERIES OFF TO MAKE THE UNIT TURN OFF. THAT IS WHEN I GET THE GRAY SCREEN. I MAY SEND THE UNIT IN FOR GARMIN TO REPAIR OR I MAY DOWNLOAD THE SOFTWARE UPDATES. GOOD LUCK

pjb · 11-05-2003, 09:11 AM

The Sonar page on my 188C turns itself off and all you see on the sonar page is a message that says "sonar turned off". When it goes back on (by itself)there is no depth read but the side bars are lit. Sometimes it works for the first 15 minutes then quits regardless of boat speed. I have an in hull transducer but when it works it will read at 40mph. My volt meters both read 16 underway since I installed new Delco Voyagers but with just the key turned on at 13.4 I still have the no read problem. Funny thing is if I dont use the boat for 2 weeks next time out the sonar works fine for an hour. My problem is limited to the sonar, the GPS always works fine, could high voltage be causing this.

BEDM68 · 11-05-2003, 11:04 AM

I JUST TALKED TO GARMIN TECH SUPPORT AND THEY SAID TO INSTALL THE LATEST SOFTWARE VERSION FROM THEIR WEBSITE. HE SAID IF THE PROBLEMS PERSIST, SEND THE UNIT BACK TO THEM.
1

FishEye · 11-05-2003, 11:48 AM

I had the smae problem after s software update was installed. I had to send the unit to Garmin. They found 'corrupt data'. The reloaded the software and sent it back to me and it rund perfect now..

fsitera · 11-05-2003, 01:51 PM

I have the same system. Call them at 800-800-1020 0r visit them on line. Your warrenty is still good and there support system is great. Good LUck

Always seeking to learn more

remmer4 · 11-05-2003, 02:59 PM

Thanks to all- to update
talked to Garmin they admitted the software had a "few" glitches and wouldfreeze up or crash the system. After only modest pressure they sent me an 18 pin adaptopr to download the upgrades to my PC. DOwnloaded and did the update- ran her last weekend and did not crash or freeze up .

Looks like it is fixed.

Just wish they didnt charge us over a $1,000 to Beta test their incomplete software.
Henry R

landlubber · 11-05-2003, 05:09 PM

pjb, not sure about voltage issue. let us know what garmin says, cause i've got a somewhat similar issue that i haven't bothered to fix.

my sounder goes off and i must reboot unit when i broadcast on my vhf (i just use handheld vhf to respond to radio checks and such).

pjb · 11-13-2003, 09:04 AM

Landlubber , this is the response from Garmin via e-mail,

"Thank you for contacting Garmin Int.,

With this type of an issue it sounds as if either the transducer has a
problem in the cabling or the power cable coming from the unit does. If you
want I can send you out a new power cable or exchange the transducer out
with you. Let me know what you would like to do with that and I will be
happy to do so."

I will let you know how i get on after the parts swap but it will be a while. Would like to hear from anyone who solved a similar problem.

pjb