'Dead' Garmin Etrex H

[+Globtroters]

I have a Garmin Etrex H which has served me well for over 3 years. However it has now died - no power. I have checked with new batteries, but still no power. Just wondered whether this might be a battery contact problem?

Any suggestions gratefully received.

[4wheelin_fool]

If it was a contact problem it would likely be noticeable from a visual inspection. Although there is a repair video available, I suggest sending it to Garmin and they will send back a refurbished one with updated software for $99.

[+cerberus1]

Sounds simple, but have you tried bending back the contacts a bit before putting in batteries?

 

Tried plugging into the computer and see if it powers up from there?

[Andronicus]

If you can't get it to work, buy a unopend used one from your local used goods website. You can often get a similar, or slightly better GPSr for $30. (just make sure that any older eTrex GPS has an 'H' in the part number)

[+Gitchee-Gummee]

The easiest simple test is to plug it into your PC.

 

If that powers it up, then it is *most likely* a contact problem... usually fixable yourself.

 

If the computer won't power it up, then it is a candidate for the garbage/recycle heap.

 

 

ETA: we have the exact model as a back-up. Dropping it will cause the contacts to lose shape... just bend them back to position, or straighten out (stretch the springs) a wee bit.

Edited November 12, 2014 by Gitchee-Gummee

[+Cascade Reviewer]

Great replies so far. I'm going to move this to the GPS forum where the discussion can continue.

[+Red90]

There are power contacts bwteen the battery half of the case and the main board as well. Many times, these are the problem.

 

See here: http://www.takeadventure.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=327:vistahcsbadcontactissue&catid=11:gps Should be similar for the newer unit. You don't "need" to add wires. Usually cleaning and bending a bit is enough.

[+tomtwogates]

The easiest simple test is to plug it into your PC.

 

If that powers it up, then it is *most likely* a contact problem... usually fixable yourself.

 

If the computer won't power it up, then it is a candidate for the garbage/recycle heap.

 

 

ETA: we have the exact model as a back-up. Dropping it will cause the contacts to lose shape... just bend them back to position, or straighten out (stretch the springs) a wee bit.

 

If it is the basic yellow Etrex it has a serial connection to the PC and does not draw power from it