Lowrance HDS5 took a crap...black screen of death...

Well, I'm totally bummed. My hardly used Lowrance HDS5 (Gen 2) decided to die after maybe 50-60 uses and I'm 2 months out of warranty. After talking to Lowrance customer support I'm basically screwed...they dont fix broken units...they replace...plus I bought the unit new from an Ebay seller that sells lots of these (The customer support rep actually laughed at me for this...well expensive lesson learned...dont buy on Ebay if you want warranty/service...which doesnt make any since to me as is it their product or not?!? I guess thats an entirely different topic for another debate) Anyway, just not sure if I want to spend more money replacing a unit that only lasted a few times to begin with (WTF right?). I went with Lowarance as I have a Hobie Pro Angler and never having purchased a fish finder before, went with Lowarance due to the partnership with Hobie and the transducer housing already made.

Anyway...I really loved the HDS 5...it was SWEET, but I can't afford to keep buying the same unit every 2 years....I take good care of my stuff and babied this thing too...SO FRUSTRATING!!! Anyway, I'm looking at the Hummingbird Helix SI 5...I'll just need to get clever with mounting a side-imager (actually like the idea of the side imager too!)....anyone have any input for me on the Hummingbird unit vs Lowrance...it appears (per internet/forum posts) that Hummingbird has far better customer support and will take care of their customers...seems like there are lots of pissed off Lowrance users (ex-users).

Besides Hummingbird, any other recommendations for a GPS/fish finder?

Thanks in advance-
-Murf

Are you 100% sure its broken and your screen contrast isnt just all the way down?  I remember BillFishingForTheCure mentioned that's a common problem.

If not, that sucks, but I'm sure its possible for a rebuild somehow.  Did you happen to use a credit card for purchase? Some of those provide automatic extended warranties above and beyond manufacturer warranty.

I thought mine was dead and bought a new one to only find out it was the electrical connection.  Good luck I bet you can fix it.  Check all your connections again

I thought mine was dead and bought a new one to only find out it was the electrical connection.  Good luck I bet you can fix it.  Check all your connections again

very possible ^^

If you don't want to deal with the e-waste disposal, uh, you could send it to me

Yeah, after I got off the phone with Lowrance I opened the unit up. There are 3-4 separate circuit boards connected with ribbon leads and then clamped. I checked all of those. I also checked to make sure I was getting voltage to the main circuit board just to make sure this wasn't a cable issue and voltage is making it to the unit ok. I also checked for any signs of short circuits, water damage, etc. and the unit looks solid. No fuses inside the unit.

There is not even a slight flicker on the screen when power is applied and the power button is hit and held down. I checked all of those switches/buttons as well.

It pretty much sucks! I really wanted to get another unit before Gimme Shelter and think my best bet might be with Hummingbird. I guess I'm looking for feedback from any happy Helix si users now.

Anyone want an expensive paperweight?

-Murf

So you didn't use a credit card to purchase it?  You generally get 1 additional year on top of manufacturer warranty if you use a credit card.  That's why I run every purchase through my credit cards that might possibly break down (in lieu of gift cards which I use more often)

Nah...it was Paypal....thanks for the suggestion though - I appreciate everyone's help!

-Murf

Sorry to hear this.

You do have a 5 year coverage, 2 year replace.  They would have offered you an upgrade at a low price.  They no longer make a 5" HDS series unit any longer so the upgrade would be to a 7" unit (generally) so the upgrade cost will appear slightly higher.  Lowrance is the only company to offer 5 years right out of the box.

As for eBay ... The seller may not be an "authorized" seller for Lowrance products. 

Regarding longevity of the H-Bird, since the Helix has only been on the market a few months, I doubt you will know much about how long they will last, yet.

I can check & see if there are any 5" older gen2 units around amongst the pro staff group that I could get my hands on. 

So as I read it, you didn't send it in ... Just talked to someone over the phone?  They dont "repair" your unit, they will generally replace it with one that has already been repaired assuming its still reasonably current.  This allows them just a couple day turn around.  Electrical issues cant always be fixed over the phone and as others have said, there is a host of possible issues it can be ranging from a battery to screen dimming.  You might have a paper weight now that you opened the case & "broke the internal seal".   

I didn't open the unit until I spent my time with Lowrance on the phone. They dont repair (they replace the entire guts) and I didn't want to purchase my fish finder twice...I was told at least $300 to replace it (they go for $500 now at Sportsman Warehouse). Having lost all confidence in the durability of this product I opted not to go that route and waste anymore money and give Hummingbird a chance at my business.

Lowrance wants $149 for 2 years of extended warranty for the HDS5 Gen2...which to me is crazy. I can see coverage like this for accidental damage type things, but products like this should last longer than 2 years...especially when they're well taken care of. Just my $.02

It wasn't until after my time and options given to me by Lowrance did I open the unit to check it out. Having many hours behind a soldier iron fixing everything from computers to tube amps, I did what Lowrance wouldn't...at least attempted to fix it.

Look, I tried out a Lowrance unit and it was a POS - now we'll see how long a Hummingbird lasts.

-Murf

Might be obvious but, did you check all incoming power ( voltage & amperage)?  Can't tell you how many I've had my hands on that were "broken" only to discover a power cable or battery issue. 

I just had a cable issue on my HB. A few minutes of tracing and it was solved. I still like my HB, but am looking at Lowrance and the Dragonfly. May not even keep the boat I will install on.

Might be obvious but, did you check all incoming power ( voltage & amperage)?  Can't tell you how many I've had my hands on that were "broken" only to discover a power cable or battery issue.

More than I can count, I think the most common issue.
Murf if you don't figure it out or drop the coin on a new unit before GS I can give you a loaner Elite5 or hds5 for the day. I will most likely be walking around camp talking shop, adding some dielectric grease for those who need and just hangin out. PM me and we'll meet up over a beer.

Otherwise I've seen that Helix unit and seems ok. Good luck.

Mike

Just to keep the air clear ... people like Mike, myself & a couple others here are part of the Navico (Lowrance) Pro-Staff ... we aren't employees.  We attempt to assist all forms of situations from training, installation suggestions and from time to time, warranty/parts assistance.  Doesn't mean we have the answers or powers to make anything (specific) happen ... most of the time we can but no guarantees  .

These tips/ideas/etc... below are NOT reflecting this particular situation or anything he did right/wrong.  I want to make that VERY clear.  I do want to offer a few suggestions to Navico in general:

Care & Maintenance is important - Freshwater rinse, dielectric grease on electrical connections, proper wiring maintenance/battery care, etc.
Software Updates - They are free and can be found at http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/Software-Updates/
Product Registration - Be sure to register your product as soon as you buy it for warranty & update notification purposes
Buy from Authorized/Trusted Retailer - Sometime you save a few $ online but when it comes to issues/service, you can't just walk into an online store.
Extended Warranty - Your call on this one.  West Marine Extended warranty allows you to walk in a store & walk out with a replacement generally the same day.
If Service/Help is needed - By all means, reach out to your Pro-Staff guys on here.  We are here to help as possible.  Reach out to Navico for help/assistance if you feel more comfortable about that.  Mike & I have sources inside Navico we can call/text/e-mail for quick replies & these are employees of Navico that go back 25+ years with their company so they can help make things happen in the event we need to take it to THAT level.
Loaner - I have a good assortment, as does Mike.  Most of the time we can help keep you going in that situation.
Lowrance 5 Year Advantage Service - Yes ... 5 YEARS!  http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/Support/Advantage-Service/

   I know I don't take it personal when people choose one brand over the next, etc...  NO hard feelings!  I believe in the brand & have been a Lowrance user for over 24 years now.  I've been thru good times & bad times with the brand, don't get me wrong!

   One last note before I step down from my soapbox ....  In the end, this is a piece of electronics.  Even NASA has issues with electronic items and it does, can & will happen ...  No matter the make, model, brand, etc.  It is far cheaper for them to replace, rather than repair ... just the world we live in.  Much like the mom & pop tackle shops are fading away, so are the small electronics repair/tv shops because it is less expensive to replace rather than repair.

Just to keep the air clear ... people like Mike, myself & a couple others here are part of the Navico (Lowrance) Pro-Staff ... we aren't employees.  We attempt to assist all forms of situations from training, installation suggestions and from time to time, warranty/parts assistance.  Doesn't mean we have the answers or powers to make anything (specific) happen ... most of the time we can but no guarantees  .

These tips/ideas/etc... below are NOT reflecting this particular situation or anything he did right/wrong.  I want to make that VERY clear.  I do want to offer a few suggestions to Navico in general:

Care & Maintenance is important - Freshwater rinse, dielectric grease on electrical connections, proper wiring maintenance/battery care, etc.
Software Updates - They are free and can be found at http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/Software-Updates/
Product Registration - Be sure to register your product as soon as you buy it for warranty & update notification purposes
Buy from Authorized/Trusted Retailer - Sometime you save a few $ online but when it comes to issues/service, you can't just walk into an online store.
Extended Warranty - Your call on this one.  West Marine Extended warranty allows you to walk in a store & walk out with a replacement generally the same day.
If Service/Help is needed - By all means, reach out to your Pro-Staff guys on here.  We are here to help as possible.  Reach out to Navico for help/assistance if you feel more comfortable about that.  Mike & I have sources inside Navico we can call/text/e-mail for quick replies & these are employees of Navico that go back 25+ years with their company so they can help make things happen in the event we need to take it to THAT level.
Loaner - I have a good assortment, as does Mike.  Most of the time we can help keep you going in that situation.
Lowrance 5 Year Advantage Service - Yes ... 5 YEARS!  http://www.lowrance.com/en-US/Support/Advantage-Service/

   I know I don't take it personal when people choose one brand over the next, etc...  NO hard feelings!  I believe in the brand & have been a Lowrance user for over 24 years now.  I've been thru good times & bad times with the brand, don't get me wrong!

   One last note before I step down from my soapbox ....  In the end, this is a piece of electronics.  Even NASA has issues with electronic items and it does, can & will happen ...  No matter the make, model, brand, etc.  It is far cheaper for them to replace, rather than repair ... just the world we live in.  Much like the mom & pop tackle shops are fading away, so are the small electronics repair/tv shops because it is less expensive to replace rather than repair.

Yup, what Bill said. We do what we can do. Let me know if you want to use the demo unit till you can figure out what you want to do. ~ Mike