Garmin GPS128 needs reinitialising every time

[webcraft]

Our Garmin GPS128 will no longer start up and automatically acquire a position . . . it sits there for a certain amount of time then comes up with a menu:

a) Insert country

b) autolocate

c) continue acquiring position

If I select b) it fairly rapidly reinitialises itself and shows the correct position. Thois only happens at start-up.

Is the set on the way out, does it need a new internal batter (and if so where do I get one) or is there some more arcane explanation?

- Nick

 

[rogerthebodger]

I have a Garmin 45 that does the same and I think it is an internal battery. My local agent cannot confirm so next time I am in the UK I will go to Garmin to see if that is my problem unless someone on here knows.

 

[Guest]

The internal battery is most likely dead .... have you tried leaving it plugged in for LONG period .... I mean days !! Best way is to get an old car battery .... then connect it up via data / power lead and stick it the window to acquire sats etc. Just leave it .... after 2 or 3 days ... try it by switching off. Disconnect ... walk outside house - switch on again ... see what happens .... If it still plays silly-bu**ers ......... internal battery is goosed.

Call Garmin UK - NOT a dealer or agents ... they are often worse than a fart in a storm ... you need GARMIN as they can change the battery for you ... post in ... they post back !

 

[webcraft]

I am in Madeira and moving on to the Canaries next week (see the blog ) - if it is the internal battery I need to be able to get one posted to the Canaries ASAP and change it myself.

Will try e-mailing Garmin.

Otherwise, does anyone have a spare one they are not using?

- Nick

 

[Guest]

Is there anyway you can leave it on all time ?? The amps draw is very low ....

Leave it on and the problem may sort itself ...... once internal batterys are discharged sometimes they come back up with long "ON" time .... more often not ... but only an issue if you switch off the machine ... you can even leave it in cabin with no fix ... as long as power on ... alamanac / sat data will be retained ..... meaning ....... put back out in cockpit ..... bingo position in xx secs .......... DON'T SWITCH OFF .... simple.

 

[Guest]

Will look thru my archives ....

I have various data on changing internal batterys etc. even on so-called not possible jobs ...

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi Nick, it will be the Internal Lithium Battery. Never had to replace one but will call Garmin on Monday if you want to see if we can get a spare to you.

 

[rogerthebodger]

Steve if you do call Germin on monday could you also ask then about the 45 as well

Thanks in advance

 

[stevebirch2002]

Will do.... Drop me an email on Monday or my brain will forget!

 

[webcraft]

Thanks Steve,

Much appreciated. I think they normally like you to send them the set back, but that will not be possible in this case - so if you can talkl to them nicely and get one I will e-mail you an address in the Canaries to post it to,

- Nick