pete_wu Posted January 27, 2004 Share Posted January 27, 2004 Hi, I'm new to the forum and new to geocaching. I just received my magellan sportrak topo in the mail yesterday. So far so good except I noticed that when the backlight is turned on, there is a very faint buzzing noise. You can only hear it when the surrounding is very quiet or you hold the gps unit up to your ear. Should I be concerned? Also, I checked it for cracks and so far no cracks yet, but I did notice that there was a slight dis-coloration of the plastic on one of the screw holes...seems like they are over-tightening the screws at the factory(that one screw looked a little stripped). I backed out all the screws a little. Hopefully it won't develop stress cracks like so many others.... keeping my fingers crossed. Quote Link to comment
McKenzie Clan Posted January 27, 2004 Share Posted January 27, 2004 My ST Map also buzzes when the backlight is on. Faintly for the low intensity, and a little louder when I switch to the brightest. I considered it normal, and am not to worried about it. Mine, does have thos cracks though. Still considering what to do about it. Scott Quote Link to comment
+Karma Hunter Posted January 27, 2004 Share Posted January 27, 2004 (edited) My ST Map also buzzes when the backlight is on. Faintly for the low intensity, and a little louder when I switch to the brightest. This is normal for most handheld electronics with backlit screens. It is a common probem with cell phones, especially since they are held against the ear which makes the noise more noticeable. I think there are new screen technologies that are less prone to it (and use less power), but their use is not as widespread yet. Edited January 27, 2004 by Karma Hunter Quote Link to comment
+SBPhishy Posted January 27, 2004 Share Posted January 27, 2004 My sportrak and meridian both buzz. My PDA buzzes also, and I know the Garmin Vistas buzz. I find it kind of soothing... Quote Link to comment
+Poindexter Posted January 27, 2004 Share Posted January 27, 2004 The buzzing sound is from the inverter circuit that generates around 100 volts AC for the displays electroluminescent lighting panel. It's the same technology used in the little "lime light" night lights. Quote Link to comment
+Amazon Annie Posted January 27, 2004 Share Posted January 27, 2004 My Sportrak Map really buzzes when I remove it from my car power adapter. It gets quiet after a while though... Quote Link to comment
+katguy Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 I find the buzzing useful ever since "upgrading" to v5 firmware on my SporTrak. It reminds me that the backlight gets turned on whenever the an alarm goes off. Quote Link to comment
+DomHeknows Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 it was the ONLY way I could tell that the backlight was on when I was on version 5 in the daytime. (especially on the first of the two stages of backlight) Quote Link to comment
+SBPhishy Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 Yeah. they really need to fix that. it drives me nuts.... Quote Link to comment
+RobRee Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 sporTrak pro maggie 315 maggie meriGold all 3 buzz. it is like a reminder that the light is on. robbie Quote Link to comment
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