MFD instead of SMIS gauges

[ChrigelKarrer]

I have ma Venture34 in Costa Rica, high humidity location so i choose to get SMIS gauges instead of the new C10 gauges because some of them fog inside.
I am basically happy with the SMIS gauges, they don't win a prize for ergonomy or beauty but the do their job.
Unfortunately there is a issue with the 2016 model year DF300AP and the SMIS gauges,
this combination using the latest software lead to a incredible amount of ghost errors showing up.
Only solution to not getting crazy from the beepeing is to shut the alarm beeps off and ignore the written alarms on the displays.
This works, but is certainly not the best solution as one/some of the alarms may be real alarms ....

I have now 3 solutions:
1° buying SUZUKI C10 gauges and hope they don't fog inside
2° buy the only in Europe available SUZUKI multifunction gauges as they seem to be watertight
3° drop the SMIS gauges and install a small +/- 7'' MFD to show the engine parameters.

I am leaning towards the MFD as it would declutter my dashboard, have a nice look, is configurable to my taste and probably much cheaper as buying 6 C10 gauges.

Does someone knows a brand of MFD showing also the Suzuki error codes and engine alarms?
I have a Garmin 7610xsv MFD and it shows the engine data nicely, but i think no engine error codes.

Thanks

Chris

[Moonlighter]

I am not aware of any MFD's that will show Suzuki fault codes.

Which is a real pity because I agree with you - you could easily use a nice touchscreen MFD like a Simrad GO7 for all your engine data and at considerably less cost than even 2 x C10's or 2 of the new Suzuki OEM gauge (the one that is used everywhere outside the USA).

There is one workaround that Suzuki dealers used here in Australia when they were using the Garmin GMI-10 and GMi-20 engine data displays. Because those displays also didn't show the fault codes, Suzuki supplied a small alarm panel that was installed on the dash. Basically it was the set of small lights as per the Suzuki analogue tachometer.

Ive just done a search and can't find it listed any longer- the links I had are now not working, so perhaps it is no longer available....

You will get alarms (eg overheating) on any MFD, it is just the fault codes and service reminders that you will no longer get. Still, it would make diagnosing issues harder.....

Do you know if they are working on a software update for the old SMIS displays so they will work properly with current year 300's?

Perhaps it might just be a case of being patient for a while longer until they provide a solution??

[ChrigelKarrer]

Hi Moonlighter,
Outboard Specialities is pushing Suzuki to fix the SMIS Ghost Error problem,
but as far i know without any results and there is a lot of people waiting to get a fix for that.

One solution would be that i leave 2 SMIS gauges installed to show errors,
but unfortunately they show ghost errors so not really useful.
As Suzuki service in Costa Rica sucks, i have a wrking SDS system running on my Surface Pro so i can access the BCM and ECM from the tablet to check for errors.

Is there a special reason for the Simrad GO7 or you just named it because you know it? As i have all other electronics from Garmin, a EchoMap72 would do do the same.

Chris

[Moonlighter]

Ok, hopefully they will come up with upgraded software soon.

Re the GO7, 3 reasons - yes, I am familiar with it as I have a GO7xse!

Secondly, being a Navico product, it allows you to configure all Suzuki network devices and also to calibrate interfaces, and upload software updates to Suzuki network components. The Garmin can't do this, so this is a big advantage in my opinion.

Thirdly, it is all touch screen so no buttons to get in the way on the dash, and has that "glass bridge look" that just really looks great!

[ChrigelKarrer]

Ok, Thanks so much Moonlighter,
then i will go with the 7GO as he/she is also 5 centimeters less wide than the Garmin Echomap series.
Chris

[tnadeau]

SMIS Gauges with 2016 DF Outboards

I believe 2016 Suzuki’s require the C10 Gauges to read correctly with the current software. My Dealer showed me the 2016 Suzuki Accessories Book and SMIS gauges are not listed as available for the 2016 series outboards, only the digital C10 is. The last year the SMIS gauges were used (and shown in the respective year’s acc book) was 2015. I would think the C10 gauges (in color!) would be the way to go and if they fog up - return them for warranty exchange. Once Suzuki receives enough of the gauges back they will probably find a “fix” real quick.

[ChrigelKarrer]

tnadeau,
thanks for your reply.
The reason for not using the C10 gauges is that the boat is in Costa Rica and i bought the engines in the US. So if there would be a problem i have to ship them back and forth and that will be expensive, so i opted for the SMIS gauges.
I just got a bet version of a new SMIS gauge software to upload and i will be on the boat in 10 days when i am back in Costa Roca.
Then i will see if the new software fixed this issue or if i have to switch to the C10 gauges.
My excellent dealership offered me that they sell me 4 C10 gauges for e very low price and lower than 2 small, cheap MFD's so i probably will go that way.

I will keep you informed how the new software is working!

Chris