RDP-131 radar issue

[TunaKiller]

I recently disassembled my RDP-131 to determine the display panel part number for replacement. I reassembled the unit while waiting for the new panel and everything works as before except for the radar function. I get the following image on the screen. Basically just a solid orange circle. If I range out it stays the same. Gain changes the color slightly but it's not picking up any definition. I've checked all the internal ribbon connectors and the 24 pin and it looks like they are all seated well. Any ideas on where to check or what could cause this issue?

 

[SilverKing]

TunaKiller,

I would suggest sending the unit in to the Furuno USA service center, located in Camas, WA 98607.
Follow the link below for the "Return Merchandise Authorization" process.

Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA)

www.furunousa.com

 

[SilverKing]

TunaKiller,

Another thought on this would be to try and find a good working VX2 on the second hand market as it would be compatible with your existing equipment. There are really no parts available for the NavNet1.

Also, range out with no overlays. How does it look then? If it was working properly before disassembly, I would assume something happened with that process. Check for water intrusion in the antenna as well.

 

[Sparky Wire]

Don't send that in for repair as old NN1 (2001) has very few parts available anymore. If you are experienced enough to be inside replacing parts, you are beyond the normal consumer support level offered; due to liabilities voltages etc. If it was me, I would not have wasted any money on it and kept the money for buying a good condition Vx2 7" that is not only fully compatible (except for chart card) but faster and better LCD. The overlay of radar is complex. If playing with the radar it should simplified and done on the radar only screen. It is normal for a magnetron radar to have a ball of video in the middle of the screen where it first fires its signal. If that ball is still large when you range out then something is seriously wrong. Being most of the radar processing of 7" units are done up in the antenna (not the display), I have a hard time believing it was working fine prior. Odds are really high that the problem resides in the radar scanner (assuming it isn't settings like gain on manual and turned all the way up).

 

[TunaKiller]

Well, let me clarify it for you. I've had this system running for 15 years and use it regularly. Everything was working fine. I have two 7 inch units, RDP-131 and GD-1710C installed and also an RDP-139 all networked and communicating. I also have a spare RDP-139 and GC-1700. I did the installation and configuration. I am well aware of how it operates and how to use it.

The display in the RDP-131 started delaminating so I tried replacing the linear polarizer film myself.

The 1st attempt failed as the new polarizer was in the wrong orientation.

The 2nd attempt I determined the film needed to be rotated 45 degrees and that is what is on the unit right now. But as you can see in the photo there is a diagonal line that appears to be in the polarizer on the backside of the display. At this point the radar was confirmed still working fine.

I wasn't satisfied with the appearance so I located a new replacement panel on-line and ordered it. The vendor contacted me and mentioned there were two different versions used and asked if I could disassemble the unit and send a photo. (Part: MEDTCA14QEF , HBL-0138A). This required complete disassembly and removal of the display. I took a photo and reassembled the entire unit for now until the new panel arrives, but now the radar is having this issue.

There are several multipin connector blocks on each of the two main boards that had to be disconnected and reconnected in the process. I'm thinking one of these has a loose connection and thought maybe there was someone that could point me to the right connector. I understand this level of DYI repair is beyond the scope of this forum.

I'll figure it out, thanks for looking.

 

[Johnny Electron]

You likely know that a 7" radar can't directly connect to a 10" and the 10" radar can't connect to the 7" directly. That isn't just about the different cable connection used. The radar processing is entirely different so if you have a 7" radar it must continue to connect to one of the 7" units. Changing the cable wouldn't allow it to work on the 10" (or vice versa). Unfortunately that means whatever happened will need to get corrected because the other 7" you mention sounds like a "plotter only" without radar connection. I would guess it isn't a short or the unit would be shutting down to protect itself. As long as the circuits are not damaged you are likely right on about a lose or missing connection from when it was opened up. You sound determined so I am sure you will find it. To Sparky's point, if you do go the route of a used Vx2, they can still network with your other older NN1 units and talk back and forth just fine like you always have (just won't share charts as they are different).