[CA] [CA11] a95 boot and touchscreen issues

[wingman]

Experiencing seemingly random issues with a95 chart plotter:
1. sometimes on start up gets stuck on "acceptance" screen. Eventually it will get past the screen, not clear if acceptance "button" is working or not.
2. While chart or menu is displayed, screen will briefly freeze but recover within a minute or so.

Happens in dry environmental conditions, when it is hot or cold.

Have talked with RM support and researched issue on this board. Updated to LH 19.03, did a factory reset--no change in issues.

Will try a screen calibration, check stability of power.

Any other suggestions?

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum wingman,

Typically, the symptom reported is resulting from operating the system with older software or a fault within the software. Less frequently, but still possible, the chart card media or the MFD's memory card reader is at fault. Accordingly for those experiencing such symptoms with an a/c/e-Series MFD it is recommended that

- the version of software which is installed within each of the system's devices be inspected (HOME->SET-UP->MAINTENANCE->SELECT DEVICE) and if any are found to not be the latest, that the software within the system's devices be updated with the latest available Raymarine product software updates ... it has been noted that the MFD's software has been updated, but it has not been determined whether the software within the system's other devices have been updated.

- the Chart application's Sonar Logging feature (MENU->PRESENTATION->DEPTHS & CONTOURS->SONAR LOGS) be disabled.

- a System Settings & Data Reset (HOME SET-UP->MAINTENANCE->SYSTEM SETTINGS & DATA RESET) be performed ... it has been noted that you have performed this step. However, should the problem occur afterwards having disabled the Sonar Logging feature, then it would be recommended that the reset be repeated as well as to once again disable Sonar Logging

- Should the problem persist thereafter, then it would be recommended that the MFD be switched OFF, that the Navionics chart card be removed from the MFDs memory card reader, and that the MFD be tested again. Should the problem abate, then it would be recommended that the MFD be tested with another Navionics chart card and if found to abate, then the chart card should be replaced.

- Should the problem persist or no other Navionics chart card be available for testing, then it would be recommended that the MFD and Navionics chart card only be sent to Raymarine’s Product Repair Center to be bench checked / serviced. One symptom of a failing touchscreen is that it will flood the MFD's processor with commands, causing it to be unresponsive to screen touches and button press (ex. a quick press of the MFD's Power button to display the Shortcuts dialog).

[wingman]

Thanks for recommendations,

--all devices were updated with LH 19 update but will double check
--sonar unit not installed, is disabling sonar log still possible/recommended?

--is screen calibration recommended?
--is power instability a possible issue to explore?

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

wingman,

Q1. sonar unit not installed, is disabling sonar log still possible/recommended?
A1. Yes. Please note that this recommendation is not restricted to those systems having fishfinding capabilities. Any other depth sounding equipment (ex. depth instrument, Smart depth transducer, engine system which monitors depth, etc.) which has been interfaced to the system will be used as source for Sonar Logging. Irrespective of whether you believe that a depth source has been interface to the system, it would be recommended that the feature be disabled when not actually needing its use.

Q2. is screen calibration recommended?
A2. Negative

Q3. is power instability a possible issue to explore?
A3. Noisy power supplies have been know to cause issues with the MFD's power swipe button, but I'm not aware of any impacts to the touch screen. That said, such problems may be fault isolated by testing the MFD with it being directly connected to a battery. If the power level drops below that which the MFD is designed to operate at, then all bets are off. Should any failure be observed, it would be recommended that the vessel be connected to shore power, that the vessel's batteries be permitted to be fully charged, and thereafter and while still connected to shore power, the MFD may be tested.

[wingman]

Thanks for advice. Have not yet been able to conduct additional troubleshooting.

However, if in the end it is determined to be a touchscreen failure, I am looking at upgrading to Axiom unit. Does the Axiom have the same touchscreen technology as the a95 and/or is RM aware of any reports of similar touchscreen/hardware failures with Axiom units? Thanks.

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

wingman,

Q) Does the Axiom have the same touchscreen technology as the a95 and/or is RM aware of any reports of similar touchscreen/hardware failures with Axiom units?
A) The designs of the Axiom and a-Series MFD touchscreens are indeed different. Information concerning the Axiom MFD touchscreen design may be found within Chapter 8.1 - Axiom tech spec of the Axiom Installation Instructions. The numbers of touchscreen failures within Axiom MFD are very low indeed.