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Vista startup.


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Just bought my Vista 2 days ago. Was sitting here reading the posts on the vista and came across this one. Started reading all the posts and decided to check mine to see if it had the same problem. First let me say I have the Vista HCx I am sitting in front of my computer with a portable heater running in this room and the GPSr is sitting right in front of the heater. About 80 in here. Turned on the unit and watched it on start up. Didn't really see what everyone was talking about. Then I noticed that the screen looked like the backlight wasn't on so I thought that was the problem and adjusted the backlight and seemed to look ok. So I powered it down and turned it back on. Still looked the same as the first time today I turned it on. No back light. Then I did it a 3rd time. Turned off the unit and turned it back on. This time when the sat page was up I could really see the screen and thought that the unit had saved my back light setting. When I went to the adjust backlight page I noticed that it was at the bottom again where the first two times I powered up the unit. But this time I could see the screen alot better. I am guessing this is what everyone is talking about with the screen problem. Just wanted everyone to know that it isn't a cold issue. Because it is hot in here. Very hot where the GPS is sitting. Like I said about 80 degrees in here.

 

Ok just for giggles I just sat here and did the power cycle 6 more times. On the 5th cycle the screen was dark again. But when I did the 6th cycle it was back to being able to see the sat page with no back light on.

 

Sounds like this is a random problem on mine. Don't know. I will keep looking back at this page to see what is going on. Thanks to all. :)

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I received this update from Garmin on Monday:

 

"I am happy to help you with this. Garmin is working on a software update that should resolve this issue. If you have registered your unit you will be notified via email once an update is ready. I apologize for the inconvenience."

 

It will be interesting to see if a software update can fix the problem.

 

I did some testing of my Etrex unit by putting it in the fridge for a few minutes. It does not appear that if the unit is turned on and then placed in the fridge that the screen will wash out. Has anyone experienced the screen washout after the unit is on and then subjected to lower temperatures?

 

When subjected to cooler temperatures and then turned on, mine will wash out with the interior temperature of the unit at 17 degrees Celsius (62 degrees Fahrenheit) . It seems at times to be related to temperature and then at times to occur independently of the temperature.

 

I would also like to give a thank you to the people who established and maintain this site. Forums such as these provide us all with information and a combined voice.

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I received my unit back from Garmin yesterday. I popped in some NiMH cells and turned it on a half dozen times or so. It was fine. I noticed they upgraded the software to 2.50 / 2.50. I left the unit on the kitchen counter overnight (60 deg F) and when I turned it on this morning - no contrast. I cycled the power and everything was fine, just like I've seen so many times. Garmin didn't indicate that my unit was fixed, I was just verifying that it wasn't any different. They did however indicate that it took weeks for them to see this on my receiver (they had it since 12/27/07) and for me it does it pretty much every morning. I'm not sure what to make of that.

 

Igor, it is interesting that Garmin told you on Monday that they were working on a software fix for this. The e-mail I received from my guy on Friday was that it was in the hands of engineering and that was it. No indication of whether it was hardware or software and no mention of a timetable. Maybe somebody was working hard over the weekend.

 

Based on what I have seen, my guess is that this is a hardware issue and I think there are a fair number of units out there with this problem. If that is true (it is a guess after all) and Garmin elects to fix it with software, it will be a band aid and not a cure. Time will tell.

 

C.S.

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I find it interesting that they sent your unit back unfixed. I am begining to wonder why they even had me send mine in. Maybe they are thinking that if mine does it more often they will be able to better diagnose the problem. I will be very dissapointed if I get it back in three weeks and it still does the same thing. I appreciate their efforts but it cost me $15 to get it there not to mention the time without it. Anyway, mine wont even be there till the first of FEB so I guess we will just have to wait and see what comes of it. I was thinking though about the different factors that could contribute to this issue. If not temp, could it be barometric pressure? I am usually between 800 and 2000 feet when it occours. Anyone know the elevation of Olathe. Maybe I am thinking too hard. I do know that mine does it with or without the SD card in it and seems to do it any time it is under 60 deg f. It will even do it if I have run it for an hour, shut it down for a few mins and then turn it back on. Strange.

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As i side note, I have a new Venture HC and it does the same thing as you are describing on start up if subjected to cool temps. I mean cool, not cold. At least that is how it seems to me.

 

I talked to Garmin customer service on the phone today and the rep told me that this was the first time he had ever heard of this being an issue and he answers calls all day every day and had never heard of screen wash out on startup.

 

I will be watching, thanks for the help.

Edited by hayden_fox
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Toyota, I had the same thought as you about sending your receiver in - if they are not going to replace it and they have no fix, what is the point? I have also theorized that they must be thinking they can solve this in software otherwise it made no sense to just send mine back. Who knows, maybe they have a policy that they won't keep someone's unit for more than a month and that's why they sent it back. In my case they actually did replace a unit back in December but the new one had the same problem as the previous one.

 

You can read all kinds of things into why but they would all just be guesses.

 

Your thought on altitude is pretty wild. My home is at 850. How about latitude? I'm very near the 45th parallel. That's certainly north of Kansas. ;)

 

Enough joking. I didn't realize how reliably your GPSr does this. Mine will do it twice a day usually. First thing in the morning and then maybe on the way home from work. Perhaps they do want a real reliable one for testing. Sounds like yours would be a dandy.

 

Keep us informed.

 

C.S.

Edited by Cosine Swanson
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As i side note, I have a new Venture HC and it does the same thing as you are describing on start up if subjected to cool temps. I mean cool, not cold. At least that is how it seems to me.

 

I talked to Garmin customer service on the phone today and the rep told me that this was the first time he had ever heard of this being an issue and he answers calls all day every day and had never heard of screen wash out on startup.

 

I will be watching, thanks for the help.

 

The tech guy you talked to must be really out of touch! I mentioned toyotatechman's ticket number (KMM1885714I10971L0KM) when I logged my complaint and when Garmin contacted me with a reply it had toyotatechman's number on the response, so they have grouped my complaint with that one. I also sent them a picture of the problem that looked exactly like the picture Cosine Swanson sent to them. I would suggest that you mention the ticket number to keep the pressure on for a fix!

 

edited - oops, wrong photo credit, sorry!

Edited by ergomaniac
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I actually got through to CS in under two minutes, if I can get through that fast again I will try again with the info you provided.

 

I mentioned there were mulitple reports of this issue on websites dedicated to GPS, and mentioned this site by name, but he still said he'd never heard of the problem.

 

Thanks.

Edited by hayden_fox
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Hi all, just got my HCx a few days ago. Mine ALWAYS comes up without the backlight on. I thought this was a "feature" of the software upgrade to 2.5. I just press the light button twice after startup, once brings up the light level bar set at zero and the next quick press sets the light level to its previous level.

 

I also am experiencing the low contrast problem. Last night I left the unit in the car, it was below 30 degrees out, and it started up in low contrast (after I double clicked the light button). Restarted the unit, double clicked the light button, and it was at full contrast. I'm worried this problem will only get worse and contrast will be lost every time I start it up. Or I may need to make a battery change out in the cold woods and when I restart the unit it is low contrast only and never restarts to full contrast - this could leave a person lost.

 

Thanks for all the great posts so far.

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I find it interesting that they sent your unit back unfixed. I am begining to wonder why they even had me send mine in. Maybe they are thinking that if mine does it more often they will be able to better diagnose the problem. I will be very dissapointed if I get it back in three weeks and it still does the same thing. I appreciate their efforts but it cost me $15 to get it there not to mention the time without it. Anyway, mine wont even be there till the first of FEB so I guess we will just have to wait and see what comes of it. I was thinking though about the different factors that could contribute to this issue. If not temp, could it be barometric pressure? I am usually between 800 and 2000 feet when it occours. Anyone know the elevation of Olathe. Maybe I am thinking too hard. I do know that mine does it with or without the SD card in it and seems to do it any time it is under 60 deg f. It will even do it if I have run it for an hour, shut it down for a few mins and then turn it back on. Strange.

 

Really seems like thy would cover the shipping charges as well as supply a replacement unit while they have yours. Given the quantity of problems reported here, Garmin has a problem for sure. Luckily for us, they also have legal responsibilities. Seems like most companies really dislike class action suites - hopefully, they come up with a fair solution (and cover the costs of those who sent their units in).

 

LOL, before the Colorado's were released, I had a fantasy that they would trade all our malfunctioning Vistas for a Colorado :-)

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What I sent them:

 

Subject: If the unit is left outside in the cold weather, the screen is washed out on power up.

 

Message Body: I have just started leaving my unit in my car using the street navigation maps I have uploaded to the device. When the unit is cold, and I power up the device, the lcd screen is very washed out looking. I have to power down the device and power it back up before the screen will correct. The temperatures do not go below the 5 degrees fahrenheit what I believe is the lowest operating temperatures published in the manual.

 

Their response:

 

Thank you for contacting Garmin International.

 

I am happy to help you.

The cold temperature rating is a general guideline. The time of exposure also has some impact.

Bottom line is it may be best to take the device inside if possible or let the car warm up before attaching the GPS.

If you should need anything further please let us know.

With Best Regards,

Kim J

Product Support Specialist

Outdoor/Fitness Team

Garmin International

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I received my unit back from Garmin yesterday. I popped in some NiMH cells and turned it on a half dozen times or so. It was fine. I noticed they upgraded the software to 2.50 / 2.50. I left the unit on the kitchen counter overnight (60 deg F) and when I turned it on this morning - no contrast. I cycled the power and everything was fine, just like I've seen so many times. Garmin didn't indicate that my unit was fixed, I was just verifying that it wasn't any different. They did however indicate that it took weeks for them to see this on my receiver (they had it since 12/27/07) and for me it does it pretty much every morning. I'm not sure what to make of that.

 

Igor, it is interesting that Garmin told you on Monday that they were working on a software fix for this. The e-mail I received from my guy on Friday was that it was in the hands of engineering and that was it. No indication of whether it was hardware or software and no mention of a timetable. Maybe somebody was working hard over the weekend.

 

Based on what I have seen, my guess is that this is a hardware issue and I think there are a fair number of units out there with this problem. If that is true (it is a guess after all) and Garmin elects to fix it with software, it will be a band aid and not a cure. Time will tell.

 

C.S.

 

I agree with you Cosine regarding the fact that this may be a hardware issue.

 

Perhaps each of us could send the Garmin tech with whom they are corresponding, a link to this forum. It sounds like the techs are not talking with each other as they do not seem to be "on the same page" regarding what is happening to correct this issue. Once the tech has the link, maybe they can come to this site to find out what their other techs are doing concerning the washed out screens.

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I received my unit back from Garmin yesterday. I popped in some NiMH cells and turned it on a half dozen times or so. It was fine. I noticed they upgraded the software to 2.50 / 2.50. I left the unit on the kitchen counter overnight (60 deg F) and when I turned it on this morning - no contrast. I cycled the power and everything was fine, just like I've seen so many times. Garmin didn't indicate that my unit was fixed, I was just verifying that it wasn't any different. They did however indicate that it took weeks for them to see this on my receiver (they had it since 12/27/07) and for me it does it pretty much every morning. I'm not sure what to make of that.

 

Igor, it is interesting that Garmin told you on Monday that they were working on a software fix for this. The e-mail I received from my guy on Friday was that it was in the hands of engineering and that was it. No indication of whether it was hardware or software and no mention of a timetable. Maybe somebody was working hard over the weekend.

 

Based on what I have seen, my guess is that this is a hardware issue and I think there are a fair number of units out there with this problem. If that is true (it is a guess after all) and Garmin elects to fix it with software, it will be a band aid and not a cure. Time will tell.

 

C.S.

 

I agree with you Cosine regarding the fact that this may be a hardware issue.

 

Perhaps each of us could send the Garmin tech with whom they are corresponding, a link to this forum. It sounds like the techs are not talking with each other as they do not seem to be "on the same page" regarding what is happening to correct this issue. Once the tech has the link, maybe they can come to this site to find out what their other techs are doing concerning the washed out screens.

 

Igor, I think it is worth a try. I have already sent a link to my guy a while back. I don't know if Garmin will come and read something like this or not. Probably no point in drowning them but a few e-mails may help. I was pretty shocked to read Haydens post where he still got the "I've never heard of it" answer.

 

http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=181197

 

C.S.

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I was out and about with my Legend HCX today on one of the coldest days of the year (as I'm only at 53 degrees north, that's not extremely cold - down to about 5 celsius, or 41 degrees on the old scale).

 

I only had the GPSr out of the car for a few minutes at a time, and had the "washed-out" look three times: about half the occasions I used it. I'm getting used to switching it off and on again and this remedied the problem every time, so only a slight annoyance.

 

This is just to add to the evidence, and also to remind everyone that it's not just the Vista that shows this problem.

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I was out and about with my Legend HCX today on one of the coldest days of the year (as I'm only at 53 degrees north, that's not extremely cold - down to about 5 celsius, or 41 degrees on the old scale).

 

I only had the GPSr out of the car for a few minutes at a time, and had the "washed-out" look three times: about half the occasions I used it. I'm getting used to switching it off and on again and this remedied the problem every time, so only a slight annoyance.

 

This is just to add to the evidence, and also to remind everyone that it's not just the Vista that shows this problem.

 

I've only had one start-up probblem with my Vista HCx and it happened while sitting in front of my computer at 40 celcius. I cached from 5am to 5:15pm two weeks ago and it never got above -28 celcius. I had some sluggish performance issues until I affixed two hand warmer packets to my GPSr with some rubber bands. After that, all was welll.

 

My GPSr remains in my car unless the temperature is expected to fall below -27 celcius. After a 10 hour work day, with high temp of -20 celcius, my GPSr starts up without any wash-out. I guess I must just be one of the lucky ones since I've not had this problem.

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What type of batteries are you using?

 

I'd be interested in knowing if the type of battery is a factor in the washed out screen problem. I've been using NiMH rechargeables (2500mAh) and I get the problem on the first startup if the GPS is cold. I've never had the problem when the GPS is at room temperature.

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What type of batteries are you using?

 

I'd be interested in knowing if the type of battery is a factor in the washed out screen problem. I've been using NiMH rechargeables (2500mAh) and I get the problem on the first startup if the GPS is cold. I've never had the problem when the GPS is at room temperature.

 

I either use Rayovac 1.5V alkaline or e3nergy 1.5V alkaline batteries. I get a 24 pack of e3nergy batteries from Gander Mountain for $4.97.

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What type of batteries are you using?

 

I'd be interested in knowing if the type of battery is a factor in the washed out screen problem. I've been using NiMH rechargeables (2500mAh) and I get the problem on the first startup if the GPS is cold. I've never had the problem when the GPS is at room temperature.

I've used Hybrio rechargeable batteries and standard Alkaline and had the washed-out screen with both. I've just tried reproducing the problem after the HCx has been indoors all night and can't get it to happen, so I think it must have something to do with cool temperatures.

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Perhaps each of us could send the Garmin tech with whom they are corresponding, a link to this forum. It sounds like the techs are not talking with each other as they do not seem to be "on the same page" regarding what is happening to correct this issue. Once the tech has the link, maybe they can come to this site to find out what their other techs are doing concerning the washed out screens.

 

Igor, I think it is worth a try. I have already sent a link to my guy a while back. I don't know if Garmin will come and read something like this or not. Probably no point in drowning them but a few e-mails may help. I was pretty shocked to read Haydens post where he still got the "I've never heard of it" answer.

 

http://forums.Groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=181197

 

C.S.

 

I doubt the folks you talk to are reading these forums.

 

Perhaps if people who've already contacted Garmin about this issue would start posting their case numbers here? Then if you get the response "I've never heard of it" you could say "Well, look at case #xxxxxx and xxxxx and xxxxx"

 

I do not own a Legend or Vista. But, I'm seriously thinking of buying a Legend HCX to replace my Merigold and am carefully watching this thread and the one about the odometer on these units.

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I found this today I hope this helps all of you, also on page 4 of the manual HCX it tell you to do the same thing. Pleaselet me know if it's true I'm looking at buying the HCX or the 60 CSX.

 

Describe a "washed out screen". When I first power on my HCx in Massachusetts, the screen is relatively dark. After it's on, I tap the power button once and then toggle the joystick up so that the screen is set to its highest brightness. Always works great. I have yet to have to power down and then back on again. A few weeks ago when I was logging power poles, it was 2 degrees F and it performed like the champ that it is.

 

Thanks, Brad

 

PS I need all the help I can get :blink:

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Describe a "washed out screen".

 

Cosine Swanson posted an excellent picture of the problem earlier in this thread. Here's the one I sent to Garmin that shows my Vista Hcx with my son's Venture Cx. There's not much doubt you'll recognize the problem when it happens. Quote case number KMM2079141I10971L0KM.

 

vistahcxwhitescreenqr2.jpg

Edited by ergomaniac
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Cooled my Vista Hcx down (left it outside) and it started up just fine after upgrading to version 2.6 (no white screen). I'm now running:

 

Software Version - 2.60

GPS Software Version - 2.60

 

Since I had to turn on my GPS (for the upgrade) just before setting it outside, I'm not sure how valid my test is... but I'm optimistic!

 

The good news is that the Lithium battery problem seems to be fixed! No battery warning when I adjust the light and the battery level shows a full battery (tested with a new set of Lithiums).

 

The bad news is that nothing was done to further improve the odometer... still recording "Stopped" time if you are moving at less than 1 mph.

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The bad news is that nothing was done to further improve the odometer... still recording "Stopped" time if you are moving at less than 1 mph.

I hope they don't "fix" that. You are essentially stopped if you are moving at less than 1 mph. The drift rate due to the high-sensitivity MTK chip is often about -- guess what -- a little less than 1 mph. If the rate were set for less than that, it would never show a stopped time. It already reads high as it is.

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So someone tell me did it fix the screen problem. I thought some where in this post someone up graded to the 2.60 and it didn't help. :D I'm just looking at buying by next week either the e-trex Legend HCX (so I don't have the screen problem) or the e-trex Vista HCX. :D So I hope we can decide if the 2.60 up date really does fix the problem. I hope we get some new post here.

 

Thanks, :D

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Just checked the Garmin site for an update for my Venture HC which also has the problem with the washed out screen. No updates (additional or otherwise) were available for my unit. Sent support an email. I hope they realize that this problem exists on other units of their eTrex line.

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So someone tell me did it fix the screen problem. I thought some where in this post someone up graded to the 2.60 and it didn't help.

 

Brad I went back and read this - and please excuse me if I am wrong but it looks like the first post said that the 2.50 version didn't fix "Software version - 2.50 GPS Software Version - 2.60" and that those were a couple weeks old.

 

The newer version of the software just came out and that poster said their versions were "Software Version - 2.60 GPS Software Version - 2.60"

 

So I am guessing that this new software update made some difference to the second poster.

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Here's one of the pictures I sent to Garmin showing my problem.

The backlight setting was the same on both units.

 

7552750d-f202-43d4-adf7-3de092b6312f.jpg

 

C.S.

Just received an eTrex Summit directly from Garmin, and it exhibits precisely this behavior. FWIW, I am using fresh Duracell alkalines.

 

This problem (for me) only occurs in cold weather -- somewhere in the 32F and slightly below range sets it off. It seems to occur only during power on in cold weather.

 

I am certain that this unit has issues with cold weather as if I stick it in my pocket for a few minutes to warm it up, it recovers. I'm reasonably certain I'm not turning it off before sticking it in my pocket -- I just continue to walk toward the last (almost) visible compass reading while it warms.

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So someone tell me did it fix the screen problem. I thought some where in this post someone up graded to the 2.60 and it didn't help.

 

Brad I went back and read this - and please excuse me if I am wrong but it looks like the first post said that the 2.50 version didn't fix "Software version - 2.50 GPS Software Version - 2.60" and that those were a couple weeks old.

 

The newer version of the software just came out and that poster said their versions were "Software Version - 2.60 GPS Software Version - 2.60"

 

So I am guessing that this new software update made some difference to the second poster.

kraushad,

 

It seems that someone in the last post just did the up date and still has the problem!! Oh no what to buy, I really LOST and can't find my way on what to buy..

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It seems that someone in the last post just did the up date and still has the problem!! Oh no what to buy, I really LOST and can't find my way on what to buy..

 

I didn't see anybody say that the new update hasn't fixed the problem... the person you referred to was running version 2.5 not the update.

 

Can anybody that has actually done the upgrade please comment on whether they are still having the cold startup problem? You should have the following installed if you are running the most recent updates:

 

Software Version - 2.60

GPS Software Version - 2.60

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Since most users on this thread have been emailing Garmin about their Vista Hcx having the cold startup problem, I suspect Garmin has focused on the Vista build at this point. The new 2.6 software download is only available via the Webupdater (not posted on Garmin's update page) and I suspect they are using us Vista users as testers before making it available to all of the other "H" series units that are affected. I would expect to see updates for the remaining H series units available pretty soon if the fix actually works.

 

I tried to make mine "white out" last night after updating the firmware but it worked fine. I'll need some more testing time before I'm satisfied it's been fixed but so far it's looking good.

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Since most users on this thread have been emailing Garmin about their Vista Hcx having the cold startup problem, I suspect Garmin has focused on the Vista build at this point. The new 2.6 software download is only available via the Webupdater (not posted on Garmin's update page) and I suspect they are using us Vista users as testers before making it available to all of the other "H" series units that are affected. I would expect to see updates for the remaining H series units available pretty soon if the fix actually works.

 

I tried to make mine "white out" last night after updating the firmware but it worked fine. I'll need some more testing time before I'm satisfied it's been fixed but so far it's looking good.

 

ergomaniac

 

Could you keep us up dated on that wash out. I'm wanting to buy the e-trex Vista HCX by next week, I really would like to make sure the update works fine before I buy the Vista instead of the 60 CSX just for the savings to put towards maps.

 

Thanks to all for the input here, Brad

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I visited w/ CS again today. They denied there was any issues with the venture HC. I indicated that there were, and that they were likely related to the problems with the Vista. He told me "with all due respect that is nothing but a guess on your part".

 

He indicated there is no update for resolution for the venture hc and offered to set mine up for return, which I declined.

 

I asked that he at least document my problem so that it may be addressed at a later date by a software update.

 

I felt like I was banging my head against a brick wall.

 

I don't know if he even realized what "washed out screen on start up" meant. He asked if that was "a condensation problem"

 

He had me adjust settings, (which i knew would do nothing)

 

Oh well. HOpe your software fix works. And if you own a venture hc call Garmin so that more people start reporting this issues!

 

Thanks.

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Called tech support on my new Summit HC today. Tech initially denied knowing that there was any such problem with the Vista HCx. I suggested he determine the purpose of release 2.60 and get back to me.

 

About 5 minutes later, he seems to acknowledge that the Vista HCx has this issue, but then says that they'd not heard this about the Summit. Given that the display technology and firmware are the same, I guess I found this -- well -- less than I would have expected by way of a response.

 

He said he'd pass the Summit news along to his supervisor.

 

Wonder if we'll ever see 2.60 for the Summit ... assuming it works for the Vista.

Edited by ecanderson
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Called tech support on my new Summit HC today. Tech initially denied knowing that there was any such problem with the Vista HCx. I suggested he determine the purpose of release 2.60 and get back to me.

 

About 5 minutes later, he seems to acknowledge that the Vista HCx has this issue, but then says that they'd not heard this about the Summit. Given that the display technology and firmware are the same, I guess I found this -- well -- less than I would have expected by way of a response.

 

He said he'd pass the Summit news along to his supervisor.

 

Wonder if we'll ever see 2.60 for the Summit ... assuming it works for the Vista.

 

Well at least I know I'm not the only one who found their ignorance unusual.

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