Need some Lowrance help

[trueblue2]

hoping someone out there can help me with a problem that's come up on my Lowrance HDS-7m. It's a GPS only 1st gen that's stopped reading the platinum Navionics card. So far I have verified that the card is good by insertion in my computer and also by checking it at Cabelas in a newer Lowrance unit. The HDS says it's only reading .txt files on the card and not the mapping files. Did a reboot, but still the same. I suspect it's the card reader or I need to do a "system restore" type of fix if that's possible.

Lowrance says to send it in, but I'm lost without it and hate to remove it from the boat, esp with the season heating up. Also reluctant to put a lot of money in repairs when I might be better off to just replace it (expensive option).

Does anyone have knowledge of how to refresh the hard programming or check functionality of the card reader? Heading for Powell Monday and desperate!!! Thanks for any help you can give.
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[gulfstream]

HDS 7m Reset
Soft Reset (Does not delete GPS Data)
1. Turn unit OFF
2. Press and hold the PAGES key
3. Press and Release the PWR key
4. Release all buttons when the USA map appears
Hard Reset (Deletes stored GPS Data such as Waypoints and trails)
1. Turn unit OFF
2. Press and hold the ZIN&ZOUT Keys at the same time
3. Press and Release the PWR key
4. Release all buttons when the USA map appears

try these...good luck
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[mtncat1]

just do the soft reset and maybe try a software up date , if that doesn't help don't bother sending it to lowrance they do not rear any unit they sell .for the news they will only bench test it and offer you a reduced rate on a new unit which is a good deal if it is under 5 years old , sorry I just went through this on my hds5 gen 2. the soft reset is a very effective repair though.
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[trueblue2]

Thanks for your input. I did both the soft and hard resets with no improvement. The imbedded maps still work, but I really like the detail on the Navionics.

I understand Lowrance "flat rate" charge is around $450. There's no way I would pay that and still wind up with a gen 1 device. Even if the $450 was applied toward a new Lowrance GPS I would be reluctant to go with another Lowrance. I'm looking at buying a new unit and thinking about the Humminbird 898 unit. Lots of folks seem to be upset with Lowrance, but there's a few bad reports on Humminbird as well.

I think there's been some recent posts on this, but I would like to hear opinions on which is a better design. I don't want to go thru this again! Thanks for your input.
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[mtncat1]

did you try the chip in another like unit to make sure it wasn't the chip, and also you can try cleaning the contacts where the car goes. if that doesn't work I would consider the upgrade option , I really like the lowrance products so I chose to upgrade . I have never heard of the 450 dollar minimum charge you are referring to but there is a 70.00 dollar bench testing fee if you return your unit and it works they will send it back to you with a 2 year warranty for the 70 bucks , to get my hds gen2 replaced on their 5 year plan it costs you 325.00 for the same unit or they will give you a choice of a couple different units for 475.00 . I choose the hds7 touch . your machine should still be in the warranty period.
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[trueblue2]

I did install the Navionics chip in another unit and it worked perfectly. Am still talking to Lowrance about returning the unit for the bench test, but will sorely miss it when I'm on the water. Too bad they don't have loaners like the auto garages!

I like your idea about cleaning the contacts. I also asked Lowrance if there was a newer software upgrade. Hopefully I'll get this resolved soon.
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[mtncat1]

I hope they get you straightened out soon , I miss my helm unit also. I had a lms 520 for a spare but sold it last week to get money for the upgrade, I would have loaned it to you if I had it , it's a shame stuff fails when you need it most .[crazy]
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