Raystar 120 GPS antenna failed?

[Nauti Fox]

I know these have a limited life but up until now it's always given me a fix, albeit it can take a while.
Now when turned on using an RC631 plus plotter I just get a blank satellite screen, it's not searching.
Could this be related to the rollover or has it had its day? If so can anyone recommend a replacement.

 

[pvb]

The Evermore SA-320 is often recommended.

 

[Nauti Fox]

Thank you

 

[Nauti Fox]

Has anyone used this, https://digitalyacht.co.uk/product/st-nmea-gps/
From what I've read connecting the Evermore to the Seatalk network can be complex.

 

[pvb]

From what I've read connecting the Evermore to the Seatalk network can be complex.

Why not simply connect an Evermore via NMEA?

 

[Nauti Fox]

Sorry, I know very little of the way these are connected, the Raystar is badged seatalk, so unless there were good instructions I wouldn't know where to start..and with the Digital Yachts adapter I can just connect into the original wiring

 

[pvb]

Sorry, I know very little of the way these are connected, the Raystar is badged seatalk, so unless there were good instructions I wouldn't know where to start..

OK, the Evermore outputs GPS data in NMEA format. Your plotter can accept NMEA data via its power/data cable - details in the manual.

 

[Nauti Fox]

Thanks for your help, although I might stick with the Digital Yachts setup as the antenna is on the fly bridge and there's also a RL80C unit up there and the wiring is virtually untraceable, even when I'm upside down, not a great position when your in your sixties!
Also the autopilot and VHF are linked in.
I know its probably an easy solution using nmea but if I can just disconnect the wires from the Raystar and connect from the adapter.....
I really do appreciate you taking the time.

 

[RichardS]

Have you ever changed the battery in the Raystar? Certainly they take much longer to get a fix as the battery runs down but I'm just wondering whether they give up searching entirely once the battery is totally exhausted.

Just a thought.

Richard

 

[Nauti Fox]

No, its never been changed, I'll have a look at how easy it is to replace next week, after I've been upside down removing it....

 

[pvb]

No, its never been changed, I'll have a look at how easy it is to replace next week, after I've been upside down removing it....

The Raystar 120 wasn't one of Raymarine's greatest achievements, mine failed completely after about 5 years.

 

[SteveNotlob]

The Raystar 120 wasn't one of Raymarine's greatest achievements, mine failed completely after about 5 years.

Hardly something to complain about - 5 years service for something mounted outside in the elements... Wind, rain, UV, ice, snow, etc...

 

[pvb]

Hardly something to complain about - 5 years service for something mounted outside in the elements... Wind, rain, UV, ice, snow, etc...

But I do think it's unsatisfactory, products should be designed to cope with the elements, and 5 years outside is nothing. If the door mirrors on your car needed replacing after 5 years I reckon you'd be miffed.