plotter help Lowrance 3600i

ajt

Well-Known Member
Joined
21 Feb 2005
Messages
2,209
Location
Hythe, Southampton
onrisk.co.uk
I have just bought and fitted one of these units and I cannot seem to acces the chart that I bought with the unit. It appears that I now have to purchase an MMC card reader then download the update on Lowrances website then upload it onto the machine is this correct or have I done something wrong, the World map works fine but limited detail apart from the USA, any ideas?

by the way help in English please not computer lingo
 
Hi ... I just created a Yahoo Work-group for Lowrance Plotters ....

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lowrance_plotters/

group is for owners to get as much info / help as possible from fellow users .....

Chart card .... I take it you have been given the NW Europe Nautipath card - supplied as bundle deal with plotter. This should auto-read into plotter when plotter switched on ... Unless some setting has been changed to prevent it. I would suggest that first of all via the menu go to factory reset of machine so that all settings are at default. Switch off .... insert card and then switch on again.
The other recourse of course is to ask Lowrance after approaching the shop / chandlers for advice ... my tongue in cheek firmly !!

Its funny actually I know the world map is on my 3500C ... but never looked at it - I always have my card loaded up ...

As to card reader - a reasonable multi-standard card reader will do the job and spare cards are available in Currys / Dixons, the dreaded PC World and Maplins as example ... it si not necessary to pay for expensive card readers from Lowrance etc. I advise NOT to use the chart card for transfer of user data / updates etc. Protect that with your life - as its not copiable in event of failure ....
 
strange as Nigel says

I actually switched cards when I was out last time and the 3500 automatically saw that I had removed the nautipath and put in a navionics - nothing more to do.

the LCX unit I swapped with refused point blank to recognise the Nautipath whatever I did however and this has me wondering if the Nautipath has some sort of protection from being put into another unit - in your case it had possibly been used before in another unit?

Also Nigel I found the nautipath very low on contours mid channel relative to the navionics - first such difference I have found - area was the RIPS area about 18miles S of Poole Entrance.
 
Other unit ....

As far as I am aware it shouldn't matter if put into another plotter ... but the card does have serious protection system - to stop back-ups and copying. You can back up all data - but it must be put back to the same original exact card - you cannot substitute a new card ....

I think that either a setting has been altered on the machine or somethings wrong. I suggest take it back to dealer and get them to check it - they are responsible for front-line warranty. If they can't get it to work - as its new - demand replacement of BOTH card and machine.

I would not update software before banging dealers counter - updating would give them possible avenue of claiming you knacked the system / card ...
 
Re: Other unit ....

Thanks for all your help It is the Nautic path chart of Western Europe that I bought, apperantely it has a huge area coverage, we will see!
I will try some of your suggestions/ read the manual AGAIN! and let you know what happens
 
Re: Other unit ....

just double checked the manual and it certainly confirms that the unit automatically loads any map file from the mmc card into memory on start up. this is consistent with what mine actually did last week.

so 1. the card is the right way up to be read? Actuall I don't think you can put it in wrong.
2. It is definitely a chart file on the MMC? Have you a card reader handy to check it?
3. As nige says you have a problem of some sort (unit or card) and your nice dealer should solve it there and then.

all the best
 
Re: Other unit ....

Only thing I can think of .... apart from a menu item has been changed to not read card by default ...

Is maybe card is not fully home in slot ... you have to place in line and then push it sideways to left to make sure it goes into contact slot ... it's quite "stiff" and needs a reasonable push ... it should stay in place without any movement without card cover .... the cover si only to seal the compartment to stop water entering .... IF you have just placed card in lightly - it may not be making full contact.
 
Been away...just seen this. Did you fix the problem? A purchaser at the local chandler had the same problem whilst I was at the counter. I managed to get it working with him but need to think how I did it...let me know and I'll try to go back through what I did.
 
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