15" Video output no longer working

[ELGATODOS]

TZ Touch 2 15"
Been running a generic Ebay monitor in the tower with video though a HDMI cable via the video output on the unit.
Then one day, changing nothing I get a message on the screen that says "No Signal"
Tried a new HDMI cable, no change.
Tried a new monitor, no change.
Called Furuno help line and they said it does not turn on or off, it's always sending the signal.

Any insight in why we do not have any video output?
It's a charter boat, so can't really be down a display until this one is fixed, as it's our source for radar and sonar.

Thanks, Bryan

 

[Johnny Electron]

HDMI is rated at roughly 15ft. You can get special low loss cables but running to a tower is typically a very long run and amplifier(s) should be used as needed to ensure the signal gets to it destination at a suitable level. If you didn't use an amplifier then the load being placed on the unit's video port is excessive and most likely has burned out or gotten damaged. If you did use amplifiers then maybe one of those amps have gone bad. I would first connect a monitor direct to the back of the TZT2 and see if it works at all or if the port is blown. Tech support is correct, the video port is always on unless damaged. There is no ON/OFF setting for the HDMI out.

 

[ELGATODOS]

Sadly no one at Furuno said anything about using special cables or amplified signal in all the emails asking about my situation and discussing the plan I had to run a separate monitor to the tower.

Now here I am in the middle of a 150 day charter season without the ability to see what's on the sounder in the tower.

I did connect a monitor to the port on the back with a 2' HDMI cable and still no signal.

So I guess I'll need to either buy a new one or send this one it or both?

 

[Johnny Electron]

You should work that out with your distributor. If you are a Furuno USA customer, urgent repairs can normally happen very quickly if you send it into the repair center and coordinate with them in advance. I have seen units come in overnight, repaired the same day and then sent back overnight.

 

[ELGATODOS]

Maybe in the FAQ it should be added? I don't see anything warning damage may occur if you run a long HDMI cable from the unit.

https://www.furunousa.com/-/media/sites ... h2_faq.pdf

At this point we run the boat every day. I can't leave the harbor with no radar, no plotter, no sounder. Unless I cancel $2100 a day trips.

 

[drewc228]

Hi @ELGATODOS, for a workaround you might try either the N-Remote or N-Viewer app on an iPad or Android device. I use both and find them easy to use and adequate for remotely monitoring what's happening on the TZ2. And with the N-Remote you get the added benefit of remotely controlling your TZ not merely viewing. Limitation might be Wifi distance, though that too could be dealt with via a more powerful wifi router. Good luck!

 

[ELGATODOS]

Thanks for the advice and that's def. an option. I ended up just ordering a 12" TZ touch today to use in the tower. That way if the 15" fails at least we have a backup to still be able to run trips. I'll get the 15" fixed in the off season then go from there.

I'm just bummed this all could have been avoided with the knowledge that running a 15' HDMI cable burns out the Furuno TZ touch output, It would have saved me $3000.00

I love Furuno, but this sucks.

 

[Prestige_worldwide]

I'm just bummed this all could have been avoided with the knowledge that running a 15' HDMI cable burns out the Furuno TZ touch output, It would have saved me $3000.00

I've been in the A/V world since before HDMI was even a concept and I've actually never seen an HDMI port being damaged "specifically" due to a cable length, so I would rule that out. However, Johnny was right that a cable run of over 15' will cause some issues but it's usually signal loss or pixelation.

The one HUGE culprit I've seen a lot, is a cheap display that causes damage to the equipment, so maybe the cause was the "generic ebay monitor". HDMI is a two way cable so it's sending data back and forth and I often see these door buster walmart TV (looking at you Element!) completely fry the HDMI ports on cable boxes and A/V receivers.

Another thing that could have been an issue was the cable being pinched and could cause the HDMI port to short out the connections. Typically a cheap cable will get the job done at home, but a boat in the middle of the ocean is hardly a typical house.

I would always recommend a higher grade cable, with better shielding. If it's over 15' long look into an amplifier or other distribution (like HDMI over RJ45) and use a decent name brand monitor.

Long time lurker, first time poster! :cool