IPod via USB disconnects when trimming engine

[Jdr01930]

Whenever we trim then engine - even just a momentary bump of the trim control, the iPod disconnects and we have to unplug/ it from USB and reconnect it to get it back.

This is the stock Sony stereo in our brand new 2010 Sundeck, and we are using the USB jack that's mounted inside the console compartment next to the stereo.

Any idea? I haven't called the dealer yet - looking to see if anyone has seen this or has any ideas or further troubleshooting advice.

I'm guessing there's either a bad ground somewhere, or the power trim sucks so much power that the stereo browns out or something?

I can use the ipod via the regular (non usb) aux in with out problem, but USB would be better since we have real ipod controls on the helm remote.

 

[nauti medic]

Trim motors I know us a lot of juice, does it happen when the motor is running (I'm guessing the answer is yes) or are you bumping the trim when you are on the hook throwing the drive up due to shallow water (sandbar). Second question would be one or two batteries. Honestly as I am reading this none of that makes sense since the radio doesn't have any problem when using the Aux input, guessing no problem with FM station or CD either. I would say problem with the head unit is where to start, since it is a single unit without separate grounds, look at replacing the unit. Really any answer has the same response, call the dealer for warranty work.

 

[Jdr01930]

Happens with motor on. Have not tried with motor off or to see if correlation between one of the two batteries... good idea...

Just minor trimming from "all the way down" to "up a little" after getting on a plane is usually what we are doing. But I've found any use of the trim button causes it. I've also noticed, and am assumed it was normal, that there's a little delay in the trim response - that is, I hit the the trim, and a few seconds later the trim meter catches up. Is this normal or another manifestation of some problem? I had to get use to it, because after I stop trimming the meter still moves a little like it's catching up, possibly leading to "over trim" (I guess). Wish I could see if the motor is following the trim button or trim gauge (when the water warms up I can jump in with a mask and see).

I'm GUESSING since the ipod USB interface seems a "plug and play'ish" kind of thing - that is, you plug it in and it goes through a detection process, that the power trim is causing a momentary brown out that causes ipod to disconnect but is not long enough to see any other issues. The ipod's display (not the radio) says "Xplod" on the display when it works, then after it cuts out it acts like it is not plugged into anything and the normal ipod screen is back. Basically the head unit and the ipod no longer acknowledge they are connected to the cable.

I know I can get this tended to as a warranty issue, but I have a feeling the dealer is gonna say "bring it in" and I don't want to haul and trail an hour for this. Might do it end of season but not now.

So, I'm looking for ideas/opinions/things to try, so when I do call the dealer I'll have a decent amount of info. (like the suggestion of trying the other/both batteries alluded to above -that's a good one!)

Oh yeah, I've tried two different cables, and two different generations of iPods.

Maybe I'll try to rig up a quick and dirty supplemental ground wire to the radio - that's about the only other thing I can think of at the moment that would be easy and non permanent to try.

 

[nauti medic]

The trim issue...outdrive should be correlated to the gauge. The switch operates a hydraulic pump that needs to build up pressure or return fluid to the bottle, the pump and fluid then operate the outdrive. The gauge is an analog readout of an electrical resistor that is on the side of the outdrive. So yes the slight delay can be normal. Some boaters will say you should trim by "feel" or "sound" and not by gauge, maybe something you will want to try to practice throughout the season, trim in (down) all the way till you hear the pump whine a little different, accelerate to the RPM or speed you want and trim out (up) till you hear the pitch of the prop change as it starts to cavitate. Then trim back in just a hair so you are back in the original sound. Only now look at your gauge to see if you are where you. You can then pull back your throttle to go your original speed / RPM and save some gas. Best way to do all this is on a quite day with your radio off and not around 50 go-fasts with above water exhaust LOL. As you get better at it you will be able to do it at the same time that you accelerate. I admit I like having the gauge but a few seasons ago it went out on me and I was able to continue without worry until the new parts came in.

Back to the radio, you can try a larger ground directly to the battery's negative, you will have to find the ground that comes off the wire harness of the head unit, not sure how easy it is for you to get back there. Just remember at the end of the season dealers will be filled up with boats in for winterization, your warrantee work will be the last on their list, or dare I say just rigged since you won't be playing with it till the following season. Best of luck to you.

 

[Jdr01930]

This might be related to the generation of ipod.
I've got an old second gen nano that I keep on the boat, but we haven't been using it much, as the kids tend to want to use there own (newer) ones.
Today it was just me and my wife, and all I had was the junker ipod - that one works perfectly.

I went to do the various tests - different batteries, engine on/off etc, the older second gen worked perfectly.
Tomorrow we'll retest with the kids and see if its that. Maybe the boat doesn't like my kids' music.

If that is the problem, I think I like it because it means we have to listen to MY music. Well, until my kids grab the boat ipod and load it up with their stuff.

Either that or the problem mysteriously fixed itself or is more intermittent than I thought.

 

[techmitch]

My vote is for a true battery load test on all battery's aboard as the newer Ipod's O.S. is far more sensitive to voltage drops and such, in efforts to protect itself.

 

[CAPTAINJEH]

Did you get this problem fixed? I've got a brand new Sony stereo put in my boat and it does the exact same damn thing!!! This is very odd we have the same problem. so far I've surrendered and use the headphone jack because I can't find the problem.