Can someone tell me what this is?
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Hookup1
GreatGrady Captain
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That is your GPS antenna. It connects to something. You must have more than a radar. A multifunction display maybe? Chartplotter?
Yes, I have a chartplotter Lowrance HDS 12 Gen 3.
In My chartplotter the GPS functions properly. I do not have functional GPS in Radar mode. Radar “Heading Up” option is greyed out and compass rose does turn with the boat.
Hookup1
GreatGrady Captain
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Is this a new install? Did that compass rose ever work? First thing to try is setting the unit to heading-up orientation.
To set the magnetic heading on a Lowrance HDS 12 Gen 3, first go to the
Chart page and access Chart Options, then select Heading Up under the Orientation tab. For the most accurate results, ensure you have a compatible heading sensor like the Lowrance Point-1 installed correctly, away from interference, and properly calibrated.
The HDS 12 Gen 3 has an internal GPS for position. Magnetic heading comes from a magnetic heading sensor. Lorance offers a Point 1 magnetic heading sensor. Look around to see if you have one or look at cables into plotter.
The GPS can "calculate" a magnetic heading when the boat is moving but it is inaccurate and dangerous when not moving or moving slow in heavy current. If accurate radar orientation is critical for you (heavy fog, rain) you should install a magnetic heading sensor or autopilot (they have one inside).
To set the magnetic heading on a Lowrance HDS 12 Gen 3, first go to the
Chart page and access Chart Options, then select Heading Up under the Orientation tab. For the most accurate results, ensure you have a compatible heading sensor like the Lowrance Point-1 installed correctly, away from interference, and properly calibrated.
The HDS 12 Gen 3 has an internal GPS for position. Magnetic heading comes from a magnetic heading sensor. Lorance offers a Point 1 magnetic heading sensor. Look around to see if you have one or look at cables into plotter.
The GPS can "calculate" a magnetic heading when the boat is moving but it is inaccurate and dangerous when not moving or moving slow in heavy current. If accurate radar orientation is critical for you (heavy fog, rain) you should install a magnetic heading sensor or autopilot (they have one inside).
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It has not worked since I’ve owned the boat. (June 2025). It does not work when the boat is moving or stationary.
I’m not sure what cabling to investigate.
Hookup1
GreatGrady Captain
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- Islander
The Lowrance HDS 12 Gen 3 looks to be a current product. I'm going to assume that the chart plotter was replaced before you bought the boat.
The puck on the hardtop looks like it's been there awhile. It's possible it is a Lorance Point-1 puck which includes a magnetic heading sensor.
Point-1 Autopilot GPS/Heading Antenna
The Lowrance Point-1 is the ideal position and heading device for the Lowrance AutoPilot. The Point-1 provides extremely accurate and rapid boat position and speed updates.
www.lowrance.com
There should be cable from that unit on the hardtop to the chart plotter or network. Also check that there isn't another puck up there. It possible that the previous owner didn't install a new GPS antenna and the old one is abandoned.
Look at chart plotter "system" screens to see if there are devices attached and/or setup. I'm a Garmin guy but all these electronics products have a similar setup. I use Garmin's GPS 24xd on my boat.
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Thank you. I'll see if I can track the cable. I also have RayMarine Auto pilot that works properly. Since I have GPS with the chart plotter I'm confused as to why the Radar doesn't have it. Its the same unit to my novice way of thinking. I feel like this is an easy fix but it's all new to me. I may need to engage an expert to have a look.The Lowrance HDS 12 Gen 3 looks to be a current product. I'm going to assume that the chart plotter was replaced before you bought the boat.
The puck on the hardtop looks like it's been there awhile. It's possible it is a Lorance Point-1 puck which includes a magnetic heading sensor.
Point-1 Autopilot GPS/Heading Antenna
The Lowrance Point-1 is the ideal position and heading device for the Lowrance AutoPilot. The Point-1 provides extremely accurate and rapid boat position and speed updates.
There should be cable from that unit on the hardtop to the chart plotter or network. Also check that there isn't another puck up there. It possible that the previous owner didn't install a new GPS antenna and the old one is abandoned.
Look at chart plotter "system" screens to see if there are devices attached and/or setup. I'm a Garmin guy but all these electronics products have a similar setup. I use Garmin's GPS 24xd on my boat.
Hookup1
GreatGrady Captain
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2007
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- 3,571
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- Islander
The autopilot will have a magnetic heading sensor in it. The trick is networking the different manufacturers units. You should have an electronics guy go over all the setups and connections. Where are you located? Someone here on GG can recommend someone.
Galveston Texas. I would really appreciate a local recommendation on an electronics guy.
Thanks
A Google lens search shows that your device is likely a dual GPS/iridium antenna. Several names using the same housing, most likely Northstar in the US.
AI Overview
To use Google Lens, open the Google app and tap the camera icon in the search bar on a mobile device, or open Chrome and select "Search with Google Lens" on a computer. You can then point your camera at an object to search for it, upload an image from your gallery, or point your camera at text to translate, copy, or search it.
AI Overview
To use Google Lens, open the Google app and tap the camera icon in the search bar on a mobile device, or open Chrome and select "Search with Google Lens" on a computer. You can then point your camera at an object to search for it, upload an image from your gallery, or point your camera at text to translate, copy, or search it.
Hookup1
GreatGrady Captain
- Joined
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- 3,571
- Reaction score
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- Points
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- Model
- Islander
Mixing different manufacturers on a boat network can be a bit tricky. Especially with older equipment. NMEA 0183 is discrete wiring and more configuration. NMEA 2000 is plug-and-play. Then there are proprietary networks. Becomes harder to wire/setup/configure if you are not familiar with the different manufacturers.
I would look for a marine electronics installer in your area. Also I wouldn't just go to a boat dealer unless they could convince you that "they know more about the problem than you do"! To make it harder for you this is a small project that was probably owner installed. It's hard to get their attention. Don't be surprised if they don't call you back.
Google search "marine electronics installer galvestion,tx" shows several possibilities.
I would look for a marine electronics installer in your area. Also I wouldn't just go to a boat dealer unless they could convince you that "they know more about the problem than you do"! To make it harder for you this is a small project that was probably owner installed. It's hard to get their attention. Don't be surprised if they don't call you back.
Google search "marine electronics installer galvestion,tx" shows several possibilities.