Just found out today that firmware ver 4.29 was released for the RayMarine C-Series (C70, C80, C120) Multi Function Displays.

Seems just a few bug fixes, and unlike last year, there are really no new features.

Firmware Update

So its free, huh?

Yes - free.

But you have to register on their web site with your unit's serial number to obtain the update.

Which I always thought was a bit silly - why would you need the update if you didn't have a display? Its not like you can upgrade a Coke machine with the firmware.

Black market?

I suppose there may be some stolen units, but I don't know if a Grey market exists or not for marine electronics.

I think you have something with that stolen stuff.

Its both a good check, after the fact,

and,

if all the waterfront know that they need to record their stuff to get better updates, any thieves might pass over on taking anyone's electronics off a boat.

Al, another electronics question......

When they added the DSM-300 module to my boat, the cable that links the DSM-300 module to the back of my C80 sticks out to far from the back of the C80 when plugged up and interferes with the sliding cabin door. I called Raymarine to see if they made a pigtail or replacement cable with a 90 degree connector on one end to give me the extra 1/2" so to allow the door to slide all the way open, and they have nothing available from them. He said it was a standard 4 wire round connector but I have scoured the internet and found nothing. Do you have any idea where a could find such a connector?

Thanks again Al!

Ian

I have only a faint recollection of what the connector looks like, but I'd check at www.mouser.com

Sub menu - interconnects.
then - circular connectors.

If you look at the menu, you will see a heading "Shell Size/Insert". You will want something, XX-4. Then find the size XX to narrow it down.

This is going to be a bit hard to do without a paper catalog, so you might want to start with this page:

http://www.mouser.com/catalog/634/1240.pdf

And look page-by-page for the connector (click on "next" on each page).

Most of these type connectors you have to purchase the shell, contacts, clamp, and everything piece-by-piece.

Al this is the best source yet I have seen. I am having a tough time cyphering it out though. If you still have the spare parts from your sounder module, there is a little pigtail that converts from the C series plug to the old 3 pin HSB network. If you happen to find it, you will see what the plug looks like that I need. Willing to pay you for your time to help me find the right part.

I am desperate.....

Ian

I cannot find that left over cable. I must have pitched it - which is out of character for the pack-rat in me.

You might contact RayMarine and ask if they have a "MS" number for that connector. Many of those circular cables have use in military applications, and if so, will have a MS number (MS followed by several digits). Or see if they have an AMP (Amphenol) part number, as many of the circular connectors are clones of Amphenol connectors.

Thanks Al, that is good advice, I'll call them again tomorrow with those questions.

Ian

I'll also help you in any way that I can.

Most of the Amphenol circular connectors are denoted by a series.

The series is actually the size of the connector shell. So if you find, say a Series 11-4 and a Series 22-4, the 11-4 is going to be smaller in size, and have 4 conductors, while the 22-4 is going to also have 4 conductors, but larger in diameter.

Also, there are parameters such as whether the connector mating is threaded, twist-on, or push-on.

And if that weren't enough, most connectors have an orientation pin on them so that they can only be mated one way. And, the orientation can be specified as well, that is, the relationship between the alignment pin and the contacts.

Some connectors have partial part numbers stamped on them. You might check the connector itself and see if there are any part numbers or possibly series numbers. If you are lucky, we might be able to identify it that way.