Radar "Low Battery Box" Alarm

[MOOSE]

We do not use our radar a lot, but on two separate occasions over the last couple of summers we have received a "Low Battery Box" alarm. The unit is a Raymarine Pathfinder SL70. The alarm has occurred while underway, after the unit has been in operation for a period of time. It is characterized visually by the alarm on the display as well as by an audible alarm. There is no way to clear the alarm or to shut off the unit, short of physically disconnecting the incoming power.

I just talked to Raymarine Technical Support and they sounded a bit baffled, but suggested I try a system reset to factory specifications. Failing that, they said I should send it in.

Have any of you experienced a similar alarm message and/or can you shed any light on what might be going on?

Thanks,
Al

[matt_unique]

I vaguely recall problems like this associated with a bad battery (i.e. not maintaining sufficient charge) and/or a problem with the engine recharge.

I would knock these off the list by taking a multi-meter to your bats with engines off, then check the reading again with engines running. You can also test the direct charge output from the engine.

Good luck - when you need it radar is critical.

[thataway]

A possibility is that as a connection is heating up from current flow (use) there is an increase in resistance (perhaps corrosion on a ground or crimped connector)--and thus the low voltage. I agree that you want to check the actual voltage to the set (at the switch)--and if possible, stop the transmission (go to standby, and pull the dome, then check the voltage inside the dome.

[Grumpy]

I don't know if it's the same model but I did have a somewhat similar and very puzzling problem with a Raymarine radar dome. The model in question had a rather delicate flat connector inside the dome which needed to be very clean and well engaged otherwise it gave all sorts of warnings including no rotation of the antenna.

Might be worth a look if all else fails.

M