Radar Connection Lost

[Lunderic]

I have a set up that consists of two TZTouch 2 12" displays, Hub 101, PG 700, and a DRS6A Radar. Occasionally I get a message "Radar Connection Lost" as a warning on both displays. The Radar screen says "power off". I can't figure out exactly what's going on but the only way to get it back up is to shut the circuit breaker and restart both displays. One the displays seems to pause and buffer while using the sounder. I don't think the two are related but are there any suggestions for troubleshooting the radar? It turned off the other night right while entering an inlet in heavy seas.

Thanks,
Eric

 

[DB Cooper]

Hello Eric,
It sounds like there might be something wrong with the HUB or a loose network connection.
I would recommend to re-seat all of the network connections and also to verify that those cables aren't damaged in anyway.
If you are still getting the radar disconnect after that, then I would recommend hooking up the radar network connection directly to the TZT2. (bypassing the HUB)
If you aren't getting the disconnect alarm when the radar is connected into the TZT2 then it could be a possibility that the HUB may have issues.
If you still get the disconnect alarm when radar is networked directly into the TZT2 (not using the HUB) then there could be some damage in the radar cables and/or a loose connection inside the gearbox.
Hope this helps on determining what might be the culprit for a "Radar Connection Lost" alarm.

 

[Anonymous]

I have experienced the exact same problem as Eric.

I, too, have an installation that consists of two TZTouch 2 12" displays with a hub, but I have a DRS12A radar and also Nobeltec Trident running on a Mac Mini on dual Nauticomp 17" displays.

I, too,experienced the dreaded "Power Off" screen on the radar display on both the Nav Computer with Trident and the TZT2 in the pilothouse. (I don't remember if it gave me a Radar Connection Lost warning.) Of course it happened in extreme fog in a busy traffic lane. I also could not get the problem to resolve until I shut the circuit breaker and restarted the Nav Computer and the TZT2. (I did not check the other TZT2; it is on the flybridge and time was of the essence as the situation was quite dangerous.)

If I follow your recommendation to Eric and plug my DRS12A directly into the TZT2 will I still be able to get the radar data and image on my Nav Computer/Trident?

My entire system is quite new with only about 30 hours on my DRS12A, and the entire system was installed with OEM cabling, so I do not think the hub nor the cabling is the problem. I really think there is some kind of bug or conflict in the software.

Please advise of any additional options to resolve this problem. It is very concerning as we get a lot of fog in the Pacific Northwest at this time of year and losing your radar in the midst of it is most alarming.

Thank you,

Bryan

 

[DB Cooper]

Bryan,
I do believe we talked on the phone recently but keep in mind when I say to connect radar directly to the TZT2, I'm really trying to simplify the system and get rid of all other variables to determine what might be happening with your setup.

And yes, connecting the radar directly to the TZT2 will result of no radar data being sent to your other programs (which most likely are connected into your hub) but keep in mind we are connecting it this way merely for troubleshooting purposes to determine what is giving you that "power off" message.

Just to summarize what we discussed on the phone:
start simple first, check all of the network connections, make sure nothing is loose and also check to see if any of the cables are damaged.
simplify the system by bypassing your hub and connecting directly into your TZT2 then verify discrepancy.
If you still get "Power Off" then I would try a known good network cable to rule out or determine if you have a faulty cable or connection.
Also you can read for a good source of power to the PSU and also to the radar to make sure your getting the correct amount of volts.
Also I would highly recommend upgrading your software to the latest version if you haven't already done so.

So if you have ruled out that your hub is not the issue, all network cables are correct and not damaged, and you read good clean voltage at the PSU and up at the gearbox, then I would recommend having a dealer take a look at your system or calling into tech support to help you with further troubleshooting.
Hope its something simple like a loose RJ45 network connection.

 

[Lunderic]

I wanted to follow up on this. I did reseat all connections (not in the gearbox). I only ran for an hour. I had no issues but I'm not sure I would have in 1 Hour. I had to pull the boat for the winter before I had time to resolve or confirm resolution of the issue. I'll update in the spring. Sorry to leave it hanging out there.

Eric

 

[houtxfisher]

Wanted to post to let you know I am also having the same "Radar Connection Lost" problem intermittently. I too must kill power at the circuit breakers and repower the entire network to remedy. I have 2 TZTL15F screens networked with DRS12A radar. I have checked / swapped my network connections without resolution, but have not plugged in the Radar directly to the TZTL15 yet as suggested here by another member. I plan to upgrade to 4.01 and will report back with results if the problem appears again or not.