Lowrance Autopilot Commissioning trouble...

ScottyCee

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Anyone using a NAC-1 outboard setup with an HDS 10 rev2 non-touch? I could sure use some tips on commissioning.

I know it's an older plotter, but it's supposed to be fully supported according to Lowrance web site. This isn't the oft written about "doesn't go all the way to the...side" issue, but rather how do I start the commissioning process?? Everything shows up in the device list (NMEA 2K appears to be working fine), and I am able to give them persistent instance names. Also no trouble with selecting autopilot data sources or general performance of the HDS. Problem is that I never have seen the "commission" menu item. Anywhere. At all.

I updated to what appeared to be the latest firmware for the unit about a month ago, and DL the manual revision that is supposed to cover the software. Right off the bat there are differences in the interface and the manual/guide, so the first question I asked support (phone call) was what specific version is this doc for? They couldn't tell me. How support has gone so far is that every 2 days they reply to me via email asking what hardware I have. :) I'm thinking that I may have to power through this one with the guidance of this fantastically knowledgeable forum.

One idea that someone suggested (that I may try tonight) is to reinstall the firmware with everything powered up. When I upgraded I only had the unit running by itself prior to installation. Might that help? Otherwise I'm pretty stuck. Thanks in advance.
 
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TortugaBob

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Just finished my install on NAC-3, and had to use separate Simrad head unit, but use Lowrance for plotters and everything else. Mine says "needs to be commissioned" too, and waiting for a good day to get out on water. I believe one thing is the Precision-9 Heading Sensor must be calibrated. The AP relies on this. There is a separate dock and sea commissioning process. Navico tech support is usually decent, even when chatting online. You can also check The Hull Truth site, a Simrad factory guy posts al lot of good info if you search.
 
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ScottyCee

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Well, support replied to me again this morning and asked how my software upgrade went. LOL. Guess I'm on my own...

I'm banking on a reinstall with all the HW powered up. The more I read and think about it, the more l like that idea. In my experience, that's often how computers do things - they have to enumerate all the devices. We shall see...
 

ScottyCee

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Fixed. Support escalated me to tier 2 and we worked through it. I had the a/p disabled globally. Live and learn...
 
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J-cubed

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i am having the same problem with commissioning my Gen 2 button. I called Lowrance and talk to someone who didn't have a clue about what he was talking about. Did you get the autopilot to work with your unit? I could use some help.
 

Holokai

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Called Navico (Simrad/Lowrance/B&G) support today for a different issue; they seemed pretty knowledgeable and easy to work with.

1 (800) 324-4737

Listen to the menu options as I believe dealers can also call this number for support.

The guy on THT goes by abbor and he definitely knows his stuff; I’ve probably learned more about MFDs from reading his posts than I have from reading the quick start manuals.
 

ScottyCee

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I got everything installed and semi-operable (you can bring up the autopilot interface and use it to steer the boat), but I was never able to actually commission the autopilot feature. That is definitely on the list for this year. I need it to connect the dots and learn how to adhere to the GPS waypoints, etc. ALL of the videos and articles appear to be for the newer than HDS10 units. Will call support again soon, but that's a hassle as I probably need to be in the boat AND get someone who knows the old stuff at the same time. Easier said than done!

Any suggestions?