Garmin 128 EPE Problem

S

Slowtack

Well-Known Member
Joined
27 Feb 2007
Messages
2,822
Visit site
My normally reliable old Garmin is having EPE trouble. It seems to be detecting satellites OK. I have tried the various available menu options for setting EPE - automatically, by country name etc to no avail. Is this resolvable?
 
I use a GPS 128.

EPE (Estimated Position Error) is only relevant once a fix is obtained. Since you mention country name etc. are you having trouble obtaining a first fix? If so, then it may be an antenna problem or the receiver may be faulty, in which case it is unlikely to be easily resolvable.

If you are getting a fix but with a large EPE then how many satellites are you picking up? For a good 3D fix you need to be receiving a good signal from 4 or more satellites with good geometry between. If you are not receiving 4 or more, is your antenna not getting a good 'view' of the sky?
 
Thanks Playtime. The GPS saw 10 satellites last time I tried it. Antenna is a new Garmin replacement unit fitted last year. Worked well until switched on this season. Unit shows no position but displays EPE setting menu. No option I select appears to work though. Sounds terminal?
 
Cant recall exact wording but it states that the unit is unable to establish EPE and gives options to input as regards unit location - by country, automatic detection are two that I can think of. Will check again when on boat next couple days
 
Slowtack said:
Unit shows no position but displays EPE setting menu. No option I select appears to work though. Sounds terminal?
Click to expand...

It doesn't sound good!

The receiver is probably getting a signal from the antenna (I'm guessing here) otherwise it would indicate antenna fault rather than EPE problem.

I've never seen this EPE menu so can't really offer any constructive suggestions; my set always manages to find itself again without assistance, even if turned off for a long period or moved from last known location.

It might be worth a call to Garmin support. I'm told they are very good but I have never used them myself.

Good luck.
 
if it is "forgetting" where it was when you turned it off last time, and is taking ages to achieve first fix. The internal battery has had it.

It does happen on older 128's

These can be replaced if you are quite good with a soldering iron.
 
Thanks all for your replies. Started unit again today. Show satelites detected under "Acquiring EPE" message, then dialogue box with the following 3 options: selection by Country/Automatic/No re-init (continue acquiring). Looks like the internal battery then. Any advice on opening the unit and locating/removing the battery? I am guessing that that this is a standard small disk type battery as used in watches/hearing aids or similar small devices?
 
Slowtack said:
Thanks all for your replies. Started unit again today. Show satelites detected under "Acquiring EPE" message, then dialogue box with the following 3 options: selection by Country/Automatic/No re-init (continue acquiring). Looks like the internal battery then. Any advice on opening the unit and locating/removing the battery? I am guessing that that this is a standard small disk type battery as used in watches/hearing aids or similar small devices?
Click to expand...

How long have you been leaving the unit trying to acquire a fix?

If it has been 10 minutes or more in each of the EPE options then I am not hopeful that changing the internal battery will resolve the problem.

Good luck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top