Vessel view mystery GPS code

[Gary Hill]

Hello all, long time no post, no issues. Until now. 2008 40 DA, 8.1 SHO Merc's, ZF transmissions.

I have been working through what apparently is a non critical Vessel View alarm. Engines run fine but VV always shows "Boat Speed Strategy" alarm. In alarm details under the above alarm, it shows "Chk GPS Speed". I've searched high and low for a description of this alarm, no joy. My assumption is that this would be NEMA or SeaTalk related. However, I have more to look at as I believe this would be documented by Merc somewhere.

I can't clear it, cycling power to both engines does seem to clear it briefly. Keys are in cabin and by the time I get to the helm it's there in the upper left corner. Then a few seconds later I get a pop up.

One other thing I thought of but haven't been to the boat to check. Maybe if the clock is way off to GPS clock?

Anyone out there that has seen this?

Anyone, with any suggestions?

Regards, Gary

 

[bobeast]

Does your speedometer work? I believe "Boat Speed Strategy" refers to the method VV uses to determine the boat speed. GPS is one such strategy, pitot is another, and Paddle Wheel yet another. My guess is that VV is unable to determine your boat speed, either because it is set to the wrong strategy, or the strategy it is set to is not working.

 

[Gary Hill]

Thanks for that suggestion. I'll take a look at that. I know the VV was showing GPS position. The speedometer was set to GPS but will check. Probably going to the boat late today or tomorrow.

Gary

 

[rmlsll]

Gary, I'm just down the road from you in saugatuck. I have no answers for you, but I also have vesselview problems (speedometer, gas gauges ). Hope you have luck and learn a lot. Please keep us updated.

 

[Gary Hill]

UPDATE:
I was out to the boat and looked at everything discussed above and found everything to be in order.

So this morning I called the Mercruiser help line. The tech on the line told me that "boat speed strategy" is a sticky fault. He stated that it is related to the compass and that I need to swing the compass and that most likely I will need a laptop to clear the alarm.

I reluctantly said, "you know that doesn't make sense, right?" He said he realizes this but that is what I need to do. So I will swing the compass this weekend and try to find someone with software to clear the alarm. I think our marina charges $500 to hook up the laptop. I will purchase the Diacom(SP) software before paying $500 or so.

I will report back, probably next week sometime.

rmlsll, Sauggy is our go to short run. Spent two nights on the hook for Memorial Day in front of SYC. Unfortunately, you could shoot a cannon in Suaggy without hitting anyone. Sad.

Gary

 

[stephenm27]

I will purchase the Diacom(SP) software before paying $500 or so.

I recently purchased the Diacom software in efforts to diagnose an issue with my engines and don’t recall it knowing anything about errors that aren’t stored in the PCM/ECM.

I absolutely could be wrong but your error may require the Mercury CDS G3 software that is strictly available to Merc certified shops (valid dealer id required every 30 days when the software is run). CDS is vessel view and SmartCraft aware whereas I don’t think Diacom is.

Perhaps someone else will know for certain and correct me as necessary. I do like the Diacom software and it does what I needed but it knows nothing of the non-engine can bus data on my boat.

 

[Gary Hill]

Stephenm27, I would think you are correct. I did not think that way. We'll see if any further information comes to light.

Meanwhile, my anal engineers mind made me go out to the boat last evening. Fortunately, we live very close. Anyway, when I went to put the keys in the ignitions I decided to put the starboard key in first and turn it on first. Went up to the helm and, boom the alarm was gone.

Now I did that starboard side key because while searching the interweb I came across a thread in another forum, Chaparral I think, but the discussion was around VV and clearing alarms. I don't think it was even the same engines as mine (VV doesn't care), but several of the posters stated that turning on the starboard key first will clear the codes and port side first will not. After that I powered up several times at the slip and the alarm remained clear and I will work to see if it returns. It does not hurt to swing the compass every once in a while and I will do that soon as well based on the Merc tech recommendation. Perhaps preventing a re-occurrence.

I wish I had tried to go with the port side first to confirm the alarm was there and then do the starboard first next. Oh well, my hand went straight to the starboard side. Thinking about it, I would say that 90% of the time I turn on the port side first.

Rmlsml, don't know if this is your type of issue, I hope it helps somehow. There is a good Merc manual on the PCM, manual #33 I think. Anyway, it gives good descriptions and schematics of every sensor the the engines monitor and are reported by VV. All except "boat speed strategy".

If I learn any more or find something to add I will post it up.

 

[Greg Lions]

I think I have this error and constant alarm beep.. next time I'll try turning on starboard first...