I Pilot Disconnected

[electritek]

Running 2 birds on dash, one on bow, all networked. Have Ultrex with I pilot link. Subscribed to Ultrex GPS and HS for bow units. Lately when running I get random pop ups on console units "I pilot disconnected"," I pilot connected" repeatedly. Console units are not subscribed to Ultrex GPS & HS, they are subscribed to external GPS puck @ splashwell. Last week tried to set a way point on M360 and couldn't. Went to network settings and I pilot was unavailable. Have checked all ethernet connections under the bow panel and re assigned nodes on hub. Still an intermittent problem! Is there a short patch cable from Ultrex to my ethernet cable under my bow panel. Can the Ultrex be causing this issue.

[ezfishn]

There's only the short ethernet cable that extends from the TM head (hard wired internally to TM) that attaches to the 30' ethernet extension cable. The 30' cable would attach to the Ethernet Switch. Sounds like the Ultrex cycling on/off and related to a power problem. Maybe a loose connection on the power switch? Even though the console units aren't using the TM as GPS/Heading source, they are networked with the Ultrex which is why I believe you're getting those pop-ups.

[electritek]

There's only the short ethernet cable that extends from the TM head (hard wired internally to TM) that attaches to the 30' ethernet extension cable. The 30' cable would attach to the Ethernet Switch. Sounds like the Ultrex cycling on/off and related to a power problem. Maybe a loose connection on the power switch? Even though the console units aren't using the TM as GPS/Heading source, they are networked with the Ultrex which is why I believe you're getting those pop-ups.

Thank you very much for your input. Have also taken the bottom plate of UltreX TM pedal and check the power spade connections there, they are secure. Am thinking the short ethernet cable or Ultrex is the issue.. Also, TM would spot lock when I pilot unavailable on network??

[Real L]

Also, check to make sure your i Pilot cable was not pinched by the MinnKota Ultrex.

[ezfishn]

If it is spot-locking with no problems and power good, then I would look at the ethernet cable and connections back from the hub to TM. Make sure cables aren't pinched and connections tight. Beyond that, would need to get the TM checked.

[walleye3456]

I have the same issue, notice it mainly when starting the motor. I am planning to rewire to panel on heavier gauge wire. I believe issue is a voltage drop problem

[bobcoy]

OP, when running you have the most severe vibration. You have a bad connection somewhere in the network or a poor electrical connection. I would start with the ethernet pieces first. Your helix has 2 connections for Ethernet. one on each end of the ethernet adapter, the other end of the enet cable at the Enet switch. Momentary loss of power for the switch will kill the connection with ipilot as well. Unscrew and reconnect all the screw on enet connections. If it persists the start wading through connections(power source and plugs) starting with the ethernet switch. More than likely the ethernet connections. JMO Bob

[electritek]

OP, when running you have the most severe vibration. You have a bad connection somewhere in the network or a poor electrical connection. I would start with the ethernet pieces first. Your helix has 2 connections for Ethernet. one on each end of the ethernet adapter, the other end of the enet cable at the Enet switch. Momentary loss of power for the switch will kill the connection with ipilot as well. Unscrew and reconnect all the screw on enet connections. If it persists the start wading through connections(power source and plugs) starting with the ethernet switch. More than likely the ethernet connections. JMO Bob

Am in the process of going through each and every one now. I think my I pilot goes directly to my hub and all helix units source it from network, is this not correct.

[bobcoy]

If something is wrong with the Ethernet connections or power connections in the electronics (ipilot stuff) yes. Most likely to be an Ethernet connection. Bob

[ezfishn]

Am in the process of going through each and every one now. I think my I pilot goes directly to my hub and all helix units source it from network, is this not correct.

If all your graphs are networked then the Link has to be connected to the Ethernet Switch. Should be 4 connections on the switch.

[electritek]

Am thinking TM is the culprit was out today and spot locked. Checked network connection and showed I pilot "no fix" Blue Bird sky, all other GPS sources had great fix.

[Wayne P.]

Am thinking TM is the culprit was out today and spot locked. Checked network connection and showed I pilot "no fix" Blue Bird sky, all other GPS sources had great fix.

Swap the cables around on the Ethernet Switch so see if the Switch is the issue.

[bobcoy]

Actually you have to have a GPS Fix to spotlock. No fix no spotlock. Like Wayne says it is a communication problem on Ethernet. Bob