GPS Data Lost
Standard Horizon Marine VHF Radio
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
'GPS Data Lost' means your VHF radio is no longer receiving GPS position data.
This matters because DSC distress calls include your position automatically — without GPS, the distress signal goes out without coordinates.
The radio still functions for voice, but distress is degraded.
Check the GPS connection: internal antenna obstruction, external antenna cable, or NMEA 0183/2000 GPS source.
Affected Models
- Standard Horizon GX1850
- Standard Horizon GX2200
- Standard Horizon GX6000
- Standard Horizon HX870
Common Causes
- GPS internal antenna blocked (radio mounted under hardtop)
- External GPS antenna cable damaged or disconnected
- NMEA 0183/2000 GPS source offline
- GPS in cold-start mode after long power-off
- GPS receiver itself failed
How to Fix It
-
Check the radio's GPS source.
On Standard Horizon: Menu → GPS → GPS Source.
Confirm whether you're using internal GPS (built into the radio) or external (NMEA input from chartplotter or dedicated antenna).
The fix path depends on the source. -
For internal GPS: clear sky view.
Move the boat to clear sky view if under a bridge or T-top.
Wait 2-3 minutes for re-acquisition.
Internal GPS in handheld VHFs is sensitive to obstruction.
Fixed-mount radios with built-in GPS have similar limitations if mounted under metal. -
For external GPS: check NMEA wiring.
If your radio is fed by NMEA from the chartplotter, confirm the chartplotter has GPS lock.
Inspect the NMEA wires — should be tight at both ends.
Loose NMEA connections are the most common cause of external GPS data loss. -
Check the GPS antenna.
If using an external antenna, inspect for damage, salt buildup, or anything blocking sky view.
Wipe the antenna clean.
Trace the cable for damage or disconnection.
Replace damaged cables (40-100 USD parts). -
Power-cycle the radio.
Power off the VHF for 30 seconds, power back on.
Wait for GPS acquisition — internal GPS may take a few minutes for cold start.
External GPS should reconnect within 10 seconds once chartplotter has lock and NMEA is good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will distress calls work without GPS?
DSC distress will go out, but without your position included.
The Coast Guard receives the distress with your MMSI but no coordinates — they have to ask you for position over voice.
This is a significant safety degradation.
Fix GPS data loss before relying on the radio for emergency use.
Why does GPS data drop in covered areas?
GPS signals are weak (just a few watts from satellites 12,000 miles away) and easily blocked by metal.
If your VHF is mounted under a hardtop or T-top, the internal antenna struggles.
Solutions: external GPS antenna mounted on top of the structure, or feed GPS over NMEA from a chartplotter that has external antenna.