Garmin GC100 vs GC200 camera and GC100 fix for wifi issues

[Barking Sands]

I had a thread here several months ago asking about cameras after I had already purchased the Garmin GC100 wireless cam. It didnt get much good feedback. Well since then I acquired the Garmin GC200 which is the top of the line camera. It worked first try and worked well.

But I still had the GC100. The GC100 is a wireless wifi camera and many people have reported issues of losing connections. I discovered Garmin had a firmware update and once the update was done the GC100 appears to be working just fine. But I already had purchased the GC200 as a replacement. So now I was able to do a head to head comparison. Not a popular topic I know...lol. But hopefully very useful to those in the market for one.

 

[Speciald58]

I bought a gc100 from Amazon last week. Followed updated instructions but still hag WiFi dropouts on channel one. I had assumed that a new camera would have current software but tonight I noted the date of your post. I’ll try the update tomorrow and see if makes a difference. I had already returned one camera cause of the instability. Thanh’s for the information. I use a 200 as a backup camera and it works great - not so good for backing into a slip but allows vision of approaching boats behind me.

 

[Barking Sands]

I bought a gc100 from Amazon last week. Followed updated instructions but still hag WiFi dropouts on channel one. I had assumed that a new camera would have current software but tonight I noted the date of your post. I’ll try the update tomorrow and see if makes a difference. I had already returned one camera cause of the instability. Thanh’s for the information. I use a 200 as a backup camera and it works great - not so good for backing into a slip but allows vision of approaching boats behind me.

One other thing I noted was that on occasion when the camera was not working it was actually the plotter that had the Wifi off for some reason. I may have accidentally done that or maybe the way it shutdown and rebooted. Not sure. That only happened 2 times.

But definitely try the update. Since I have done the update I can say that I have not had an issue since. As such the camera is permanently mounted below the floor in the engine room. I have probably powered up the electronics 20 or 30 times since then and no issues. Granted its a small boat and the camera is only about 10 feet away, but again it is below deck. Prior to the update I had it working when it was sitting next to the plotter but would have spotty connection when I first mounted it below deck. I had actually then removed it and was going to toss it but decided to research one more time. I found that update and complied with the steps and tested it 3 or 4 times with success. Only then was it remounted below deck and it has continued to work fine since.

Hopefully this does the trick for you as well.

 

[Barking Sands]

Update on this once again. The GC100 camera has been working since I did the update. But I have now found that for some off reason....when underway...it will occasionally crap out again. Which stinks because its in the engine room. I am just going to get rid of it in favor of another GC200, which has been flawless.

 

[Greg QS]

I have the G100 on the rear deck and it is unreliable . Ripping out and replacing with a wired camera. I curse up the east river ny all the time. I noticed on the east river it is completely useless. I think its too much interference for all the wireless crap coming from the city.

 

[AnsleyS]

I agree with the wired approach. We have a 200 stern camera and it is great. I wired it with its own power switch so I can use it when I want. Great for docking etc.

 

[Datenight]

I have the G100 on the rear deck and it is unreliable . Ripping out and replacing with a wired camera. I curse up the east river ny all the time. I noticed on the east river it is completely useless. I think its too much interference for all the wireless crap coming from the city.

Have you decided what to replace it with? Garmin or something else?

Rob

 

[Greg QS]

Putting in an Iris camera system with recorder.. Coming in next week. Hopefully
I have a tread on it going.

 

[Datenight]

Putting in an Iris camera system with recorder.. Coming in next week. Hopefully
I have a tread on it going.

Thanks