Navman 3100 instrument advice sought

[stav]

Hi All,

Well I was warned not to fit the above kit and thankfully I only fitted the log but having done that probably only 12 weeks or so ago, having had the log and wind speed in the garage for a couple of years, it has already started to shown condensation problems with condensation on the inside of the screen and the display showing a combination of everything to just a few segments of the number.

So having phoned one company for advice and having been passed on to another company who just had the curtsey to talk to me I am on my own.

So.....

My thinking was to take the display out of the boat, dill holes in the back to vent it to help reduce condensation and then to look at taking it apart and try coating the inside circuit, and I gather in particular the LCD connection, with something like 'damp seal' for car ignition systems to slow down the damage caused by moisture. I also wondered if there would be space to put in a little packet of silica gel?

Or could I fill it with some sort of inert gas?

Has anybody tried fixing these units? Other advice and suggestions welcome.

Thanks

 

[gardenshed]

There is a u-tube clip of Navman displays being repaired (search this forum & you'll find it). What I now do is switch on the back lights to L4 each time I use them to evaporate off any moisture, and I am also going to remove the instruments for the winter and gently dry them out in the boiler room.
Pack or silica gel: good idea
hope this helps

 

[[10753]]

I have a Navman 3100 Sounder - 3 years old. The display started to flicker last year but would return after leaving the light on.

This year absolutely hopeless - takes days to even recover a bit of the display - rubbish kit. I think Navman was taken over and is now marketed by Plastimo or similar. They have offered to repair mine at a cost with no guarantee the problem wouldn't return.

Not really sure its worth spending the time on as it'll only frustrate you when it works for a while then plays up again. Personal opinion - Best option to replace completely and take the hit. You'll soon forget about it.

 

[voicilesrosbifs]

Boat had these dreadful pieces of Navman junk fitted when we bought her - at the time, we knew no better. Agree with ospreyk30 - they are fit only for the skip, both depth and log head units are going in the bin this winter though I might for amusement try to repair the log unit with what's known as 'zebra strip', conductive elastomer between the circuit board and the lcd display. The depth, living as we do on a twisty estuary, is essential and so is getting replaced - question is what with?

NASA clipper depth is likely candidate, though I'm hoping I won't have to replace the Navman transducer ( made by Airmar I believe) that's working just fine. The NASA unit expects a 150mhz transducer, but I haven't find out yet what the old unit is rated at. Other candidates are Echopilot or Advansea, but I wonder if Advansea from Plastimo is just a re-badged Navman - heaven forfend!

Either way, unless your instruments are just for show, scrap anything that you can't rely on - it's bound to fail at exactly the wrong moment.

 

[Kwik Decision]

Our boat came with Navman 3100 depth, speed, and GPS repeater, all fitted in 2002 I believe. The depth display died in 2007, the speed in 2008, and the GPS repeater is in the process of failing now. Leaving the back light on does help a little, but not much. I've replaced depth and speed with NASA (same size as the Navman) which work fine. This did involve changing the transducers as well. I took the oportunity to put the main instruments (£100 each) by the chart table (dry), with repeaters (only £50 each) on the bridge head. The GPS repeater will be replaced this winter.

If anybody wants the old Speed (or repeater when it is out) for spares, they will be going on e-bay soon!

Andy

 

[stav]

Thanks guys, the youtube video was most helpful. Does any body know where a digital meter can be found with the elastomeric conductor inside. Not likely to find one in Jersey and search,Maplin, rapid and cpc. Will check out RS later.Otherwise it will get a great big blob of silicone sealant along with a bag of silica gel if I can squeeze one in.

Thanks again.

 

[[10753]]

In response to voicilesrosbifs I'm considering the echo pilot as it is compatible with the Navman transducer which so far hasn't played up !

I too may have a go at the you tube repair to pass some time on cold winters eve !

Any view on the echo pilot appreciated - I've spoken with the company and they seem proud of their equipment which is a start !

 

[uforea]

I suffered for years with the Navman kit and went through at least replacements.
I've given up with them and last winter fitted an Echopilot Bronze Trio which uses the Navman transducers. This one instrument does Speed, Depth and also acts as a GPS repeater so you need only buy one unit. Touch wood all has worked fine up to now and I am well pleased with it all. Bought mine from JG Technologies.

I also bought a depth sounder at the same time but never used it so it is for sale, still in the box and will be 12months old about January time.

Ted