Simrad CA44 Radar Scanner stopping while running? - The Hull Truth

Regulator26fs · 05-22-2004, 02:08 PM

I have a CA44 unit with a 2 foot 4kw dome scanner and I'm recieving a message "WARNING ZERO BEARING LINE PRESS CLEAR TO CONTINUE" which I found out is meaning that the scanner is stopping for approximately 30-45 seconds while you're running due to a possible shaking of the Hard top? Is anyone else recieving this same message?

tsmss · 05-22-2004, 05:42 PM

Haven't heard that one, but open the dome up and make sure all the connections are good and tight. all plugs are pushed in good.

Also make sure you have a good power source. Could be low voltage.

Regulator26fs · 05-22-2004, 09:58 PM

I've done all these things when I was having shutting down problems and the same erroneaus messages with the previous CA42 unit, I even installed a extra house battery and one of those isolators to keep from engine starting spikes and possible low voltage problems.

When Simrad replaced the CA42 unit I installed a new power supply unit they sent me to make sure the old one was not defective. Simrad indicated to me during a phone conversation that the 2' dome was the only antenna they were having problems doing this. I don't know where to take this it is surely very risky to run at night when this happens every couple of miles or so.

Regulator26fs · 05-22-2004, 11:19 PM

I've done all these things when I was having shutting down problems and the same erroneaus messages with the previous CA42 unit, I even installed a extra house battery and one of those isolators to keep from engine starting spikes and possible low voltage problems.

When Simrad replaced the CA42 unit I installed a new power supply unit they sent me to make sure the old one was not defective. Simrad indicated to me during a phone conversation that the 2' dome was the only antenna they were having problems doing this. I don't know where to take this it is surely very risky to run at night when this happens every couple of miles or so.

cravenMH · 05-23-2004, 08:59 AM

Simrad has had this problem with their 4kw dome for many years. (we will probably see it with the Northstar soon, same dome).
The stepper motor in the dome is the problem. Take a look inside and see if the gears are lining up.

Regulator26fs · 05-23-2004, 10:00 AM

Craven

What can be done about this? This is a very unsafe matter, how do they get away with this?

cravenMH · 05-23-2004, 11:19 AM

They have been able to correct some of them. I would stay on their a$$ until they fix it.
Depending where you are you might try calling their Dania, FL office. There have been good reports on this and other sites of their service there.

edk · 05-23-2004, 01:05 PM

Quote:

cravenMH - 5/23/2004 10:19 AM

They have been able to correct some of them. I would stay on their a$$ until they fix it.
Depending where you are you might try calling their Dania, FL office. There have been good reports on this and other sites of their service there.

I heard that they have closed the Dania office - at least the repair part of it. A friend of mine had a plotter in there for repair - when he went to pick it up the doors were locked and an employee that was outside told him that all the technicians were laid off that morning. He did get the plotter back as some of the employees still had access to the building. I would call them before sending anything there.

Ed

Regulator26fs · 05-23-2004, 09:58 PM

Customer service in the Washington office told me two weeks ago I needed to speak to a certain person in management to get this problem corrected. I called for him for a week straight two weeks ago and then sent him a certified letter last Monday explaining the problem and still have not yet recieved a response. I guess this isn't very important to them, what really gets to me is if I were to T-bone a structure in the Gulf I wonder how they feel they wouldn't be responsible when they admitted they were having a problem with these scanners?