60c(s) And Vibrations

[Swagger]

I've been using my 60C for a while now and I love it. It's been geocaching, guiding me to unfamilliar places and on a few 4-wheeling trips.

 

Yesterday is the first time I used it on my motorcycle. I mounted it to the handlebars using the handlebar mount, set my destination (work) and went on my way. When I was only a few miles into the trip, I noticed that it had turned off. I turned it back on, but it would only flash on for a second, then turn off again.

 

When I got to work, I tried turning it on again with the same results. I took the batteries out and put them back in and all was well. I thought that maybe the vibrations of my V-twin might've caused the problem, so I shook the GPSr pretty hard - it turned off.

 

I had a similar problem with my Legend, which turned out to be that the batteries weren't held into the compartment solidly enough. I haven't tried bracing them on the 60c yet, but was wondering if anyone else had seen this or a similar problem.

[Neo_Geo]

CLICK HERE

[Swagger]

Yeah, I saw that just after I posted the topic. I'm going to try securing the batteries better this weekend and go for a ride.

 

The strange thing is that it's been bumped around quite a bit while Jeepin' and I haven't seen this before (on this unit). I'm thinking that, at least with my specific unit, vibration seems to be the key, not general bumpage.

[+Chichikov]

I just got my 60CS this afternoon and this happened on my very first trip out with it. It slid across the dashboard and turned off. I had this happen when I first got my eTrex Legend and I solved the problem by pulling out the batteries and stretching out the terminals inside the case so the batteries would fit tighter. I just did the same with the 60CS; time will tell whether it solves the problem or not. I wish there was a spring terminal inside, not just flimsy pieces of thin metal...

[+TFTC]

Yesterday is the first time I used it on my motorcycle. I mounted it to the handlebars using the handlebar mount, set my destination (work) and went on my way. When I was only a few miles into the trip, I noticed that it had turned off. I turned it back on, but it would only flash on for a second, then turn off again.

Did you ever find a solution? I just tried mine today and had the same problem. Those batteries look like they are in there pretty tight though.

[+Bob Rich]

I've experienced the same problems lately with the 60cs mounted on a handlebar of an ATV. I've exchanged batteries, tried ni-cad vs alkaline vs Nimh, and even bent the battery clamps outward a little to insure a tight fit. However last weekend on a four-hour ride with a friend who also had a 60cs mounted in a similar way, he experienced no problems. I'm kicking myself that we didn't switch units to see if the problem persisted.

 

I've narrowed it down to this: the longer the ride and the higher the rpm, the sooner the unit will shut off by itself, regardless of which "page" is on the display. One time, just mounted in the Garmin handlebar cradle, in neutral I gradually increased the engine's rpm. After it hit a ceertain mid-high level, the unit shut off. I turned it back on, removed it from the cradle, held it in the same position, and did the same thing: the unit stayed on. So I think it is indeed vibration, and not perhaps some electrical interference from the ignition system.

 

A few days ago, on a tough ride to a spectacular Utah cache (GC9697) I took it slow and easy mostly uphill to the cache. No problems. As a matter of fact, I'm truly impressed with the unit how it leads you right to the cache area. But on the way back downhill, of course being in a hurry and going faster (more vibrations?), the unit shut off.

 

Time to call Garmin. I have bought first production models from them before and have been very happy with their support when problems arise. I even have their RMA address saved in a shipping lable format.

[+TFTC]

Time to call Garmin. I have bought first production models from them before and have been very happy with their support when problems arise. I even have their RMA address saved in a shipping lable format.

How do I contact Garmin? This is a serious problem for me - the thing shuts off just cruising down the street. I can't even drive "more smoothly" to prevent it.

[+Bob Rich]

Garmin Support: 1-800-800-1020. I think the menu choices were 5-2

 

The tech thought it was a power interruption that was likely to be the cause of the shutting off - due to vibration. Next time I'll try external power to see if that changes anything.

 

I was told to add a piece of thin foam or similar material between the batteries and the case cover to try to hold the batteries more firmly against the contacts. Additionally if needed, a tiny piece of foam within the "V" of the contact plates to decrease their flexibility and hold them mnore firmly against the batteries.

 

They did say if the above did not work, return the unit and they would "fix" it. They even gave me a RMA number in advance. Afterwards I wondered what their "fix" would be. They're always unwilling to discuss the extent of product glitches with the public.

[CurmudgeonlyGal]

I had to return my 60C w/i a few weeks of purchase to have it 'fixed'.

 

They sent me a new unit.

 

The pain-in-the-a** part was that once I received my new unit I then had to call them back (and hold forever) to get my numbers changed so I could reload maps on the thing - you know, a new unlock code... yeah, that.

 

I've been pretty happy with their customer service to date, and the new unit has been relatively trubba free for a couple months now.

 

 

-=-

 

michelle

[+Bob Rich]

C-gal:

 

Was it a problem with shutting off unexpectantly or something else?

[+Greg&Patty]

I solved the problem by pulling out the batteries and stretching out the terminals inside the case so the batteries would fit tighter.

I had this issue with my CS. I contacted Garmin and they also recommended bending the battery terminals out, which I did. It worked fine on 3 of the 4. While gently bending the last one out it snapped off. My unit is current at Garmin for service. When I get it back I plan on placing a small dab of silicone sealant (like for bathtubs) behind the terminals. Its springy and can be easily removed if it doesn't work out.