Can't Get Satellite Signals!!

August 14, 2004

HI,

We are hopeing someone is having the same problem or can give us some advice!

On several occasions we have gone out to find a cache, and can't get any signals. Or we will have some in the car and when we get out of the car we loose them, never to return!!! We have a magellan sport trak GPS. We have contacted magellan and there advice was to shut it off and turn it back on again. That advice stinks, as it doesnt do a darn thing! WE hope someone can help us. thanx :rolleyes:

2.4k · August 14, 2004

Make sure your hand isn't on the antenna. The GPS signals can't get through the water inside your hand. Make sure nothing else is blocking the antenna. Make sure the unit is held vertically - a Magellan has to be held vertically for the antenna to work, and if you're holding it horizontally, looking down at the screen, then it won't work well.

August 14, 2004

Other things to remember is to make sure the unit isn't' in your pocket or concealed in any way. On many caches when yuou enter the woods it's not uncommen to loose signal under dense tree cover. You could also try to add a external antenna if your unit has a port to hook one up. You may just want to take back your unit and upograde to a better one, with a better antenna. Garmin Etrex legend was my first and I was happy with it. I have since upgraded to the Top Of The Line Garmin 60cs. That's a awesome unit, but like I said it's top of he line. Wouldnj't recomend upgradikng that high unless your very serious about GPS and caching.

1.4k · August 14, 2004

Jeesh, this isn't an antenna issue unless you are under tree cover all the time, and you aren't going to get better signals with a different GPS. All the Magallens have the quad-helix which would be the best choice under cover anyway. I would just check it out in a nice open area like a big parking lot. You should be able to lock onto at least the 4 sats to get a 3D fix. I tend to get like 8-9 usally. If you don't get any then return it and ask for a new one.

9.2k · August 14, 2004

We have contacted magellan and there advice was to shut it off and turn it back on again. That advice stinks, as it doesnt do a darn thing! WE hope someone can help us. thanx

What they probably meant was for you to do a factory reset. I don't know the key combination for that, but somebody will. That will force the unit to get a fresh set of almanic data. It's possible that yours is corrupted.

BTW - This thread should have been posted in the GPS Units & Software section.

9.5k · August 15, 2004

a Magellan has to be held vertically for the antenna to work, and if you're holding it horizontally, looking down at the screen, then it won't work well.

Urban myth. The truth is it will work in the horizontal position, it just won't work as well as it can in the vertical position.

9.5k · August 15, 2004

We have contacted magellan and there advice was to shut it off and turn it back on again. That advice stinks, as it doesnt do a darn thing! WE hope someone can help us. thanx

What they probably meant was for you to do a factory reset. I don't know the key combination for that, but somebody will. That will force the unit to get a fresh set of almanic data. It's possible that yours is corrupted.

BTW - This thread should have been posted in the GPS Units & Software section.

Prime Suspect is on the right track but a reinitialization isn't always necessary.

There are times I don't see satellites on the screen. It is a refresh issue and it takes longer for the Magellan to gain a lock on the satellites, but I think that's due to the fact it is downloading the etheral information from scratch.

Sometimes the satellite information is out of date enough so you have to go back to the fact it's probably updating the database on the satellite info. This does take time.

The work around fix is to shut off the system for a few seconds and then turn it back on forcing a refresh on the satellites. If you see the satellite screen go blank again, then assume the update is happening. It'll acquire a lock when the download is complete which can take around 15-20 minutes. If after 30 minutes you still have no acquisition, then try the Prime Suspect's suggestion. If that doesn't work , the assume the unit is broken and take it back for an exchange.

2.1k · August 15, 2004

a Magellan has to be held vertically for the antenna to work, and if you're holding it horizontally, looking down at the screen, then it won't work well.

Urban myth. The truth is it will work in the horizontal position, it just won't work as well as it can in the vertical position.

I don't agree -

I have a sportrack also - when I lay it horizontally the satalite receiver screen changes - I lose satalites and the signal strength goes down.

does this have anything to do with them being in Canada?

any canadians up there that can answer this?

1.4k · August 15, 2004

a Magellan has to be held vertically for the antenna to work, and if you're holding it horizontally, looking down at the screen, then it won't work well.

Urban myth. The truth is it will work in the horizontal position, it just won't work as well as it can in the vertical position.

I don't agree -

I have a sportrack also - when I lay it horizontally the satalite receiver screen changes - I lose satalites and the signal strength goes down.

does this have anything to do with them being in Canada?

any canadians up there that can answer this?

That's what he was saying. Doesn't work as well.

2.4k · August 15, 2004

Certainly it will work when held flat, but in marginal conditions, holding it in the correct orientation could mean the difference between working and not working.

If the thing works in the car but not when you get out, that indicates to me that it's something you're doing after you get out, because it should work better out of the car than in it.

August 15, 2004

Well thank you to everyone for your speedy responses. any and all suggestions are appriciated. we will try these suggestions and let you know what happens.

1.8k · August 15, 2004

Or you could just come out of the Cave, Batman, and ask Commissioner Gordon for a Garmin. :anibad:

2.1k · August 15, 2004

a Magellan has to be held vertically for the antenna to work, and if you're holding it horizontally, looking down at the screen, then it won't work well.

Urban myth. The truth is it will work in the horizontal position, it just won't work as well as it can in the vertical position.

I don't agree -

I have a sportrack also - when I lay it horizontally the satalite receiver screen changes - I lose satalites and the signal strength goes down.

does this have anything to do with them being in Canada?

any canadians up there that can answer this?

That's what he was saying. Doesn't work as well.

yer right - mis read it - as won't work -

August 16, 2004

Try reinitializing it, i had a similar problem with my GPS 315

4.5k · August 17, 2004

The work around fix is to shut off the system for a few seconds and then turn it back on forcing a refresh on the satellites. If you see the satellite screen go blank again, then assume the update is happening. It'll acquire a lock when the download is complete which can take around 15-20 minutes. If after 30 minutes you still have no acquisition, then try the Prime Suspect's suggestion. If that doesn't work , the assume the unit is broken and take it back for an exchange

WOW,,, sure glad i have Garmins. Ive never had to reinitialize, reset, take batteries out, or hit any of them with a hammer to get em to work. Seriously, the way you described your problem makes me think that the procedure above shouldnt be necessary. So,,,

On several occasions we have gone out to find a cache, and can't get any signals. Or we will have some in the car and when we get out of the car we loose them, never to return!!!

If you have satellite lock and then lose it. Sounds like either you end up blocking the antenna somehow, you hold it wrong at times, or there is something wrong with the unit! Maybe you can compare operation side by side with another GPSr...

5.3k · August 18, 2004

Make sure your hand isn't on the antenna. The GPS signals can't get through the water inside your hand. Make sure nothing else is blocking the antenna. Make sure the unit is held vertically - a Magellan has to be held vertically for the antenna to work, and if you're holding it horizontally, looking down at the screen, then it won't work well.

ou do not need to hold a Magellan GPS verticall, IO have three magellans and the all work fine if I home the Vertically or horizontally. 90% of the time I hold mine horizontallY.

5.3k · August 18, 2004

Other things to remember is to make sure the unit isn't' in your pocket or concealed in any way. On many caches when yuou enter the woods it's not uncommen to loose signal under dense tree cover. You could also try to add a external antenna if your unit has a port to hook one up. You may just want to take back your unit and upograde to a better one, with a better antenna. Garmin Etrex legend was my first and I was happy with it. I have since upgraded to the Top Of The Line Garmin 60cs. That's a awesome unit, but like I said it's top of he line. Wouldnj't recomend upgradikng that high unless your very serious about GPS and caching.

An external antenna, another waste of monety 95% of the time

5.3k · August 18, 2004

a Magellan has to be held vertically for the antenna to work, and if you're holding it horizontally, looking down at the screen, then it won't work well.

Urban myth. The truth is it will work in the horizontal position, it just won't work as well as it can in the vertical position.

I don't agree -

I have a sportrack also - when I lay it horizontally the satalite receiver screen changes - I lose satalites and the signal strength goes down.

does this have anything to do with them being in Canada?

any canadians up there that can answer this?

I agree with Totem on this one

NOt to be to rude but I have three Magellan GPSr. this hole story of having to told a Magellan GPS Vertically is a bund of BS, I have found around 540 caches holding mine horozontally

2.4k · August 18, 2004

Johnny, sometimes it helps to actually read the posts in a thread before going on a rant.

1.3k · August 18, 2004

An external antenna, another waste of monety 95% of the time

I bought a reradiating, amplifying antenna for my Meridian Gold. Makes all the difference in the world in a dense northwest tree cover.

9.5k · August 18, 2004

The work around fix is to shut off the system for a few seconds and then turn it back on forcing a refresh on the satellites. If you see the satellite screen go blank again, then assume the update is happening. It'll acquire a lock when the download is complete which can take around 15-20 minutes. If after 30 minutes you still have no acquisition, then try the Prime Suspect's suggestion. If that doesn't work , the assume the unit is broken and take it back for an exchange

...Seriously, the way you described your problem makes me think that the procedure above shouldnt be necessary. So,,,

Ah but you missed the point. The procedure I described is a troubleshooting procedure meant only to verify what you're seeing is either working or not.

There isn't many things you can do... but I have cycled the power to see the satellites come on the screen then go blank again. Fifteen minutes later, they are back on the screen when all the data is refreshed. This has happened to me when I've gone a couple of hundred miles with it off (such as when I drowned my MeriPlat), or when I have had the unit off for more than a week.

9.5k · August 18, 2004

a Magellan has to be held vertically for the antenna to work, and if you're holding it horizontally, looking down at the screen, then it won't work well.

Urban myth. The truth is it will work in the horizontal position, it just won't work as well as it can in the vertical position.

I don't agree -

I have a sportrack also - when I lay it horizontally the satalite receiver screen changes - I lose satalites and the signal strength goes down.

does this have anything to do with them being in Canada?

any canadians up there that can answer this?

That's what he was saying. Doesn't work as well.

yer right - mis read it - as won't work -

Actually... if I had read yours correctly as well... I said the same thing you did.

Sorry to have started an unnecessary debate.

4.5k · August 18, 2004

The work around fix is to shut off the system for a few seconds and then turn it back on forcing a refresh on the satellites. If you see the satellite screen go blank again, then assume the update is happening. It'll acquire a lock when the download is complete which can take around 15-20 minutes. If after 30 minutes you still have no acquisition, then try the Prime Suspect's suggestion. If that doesn't work , the assume the unit is broken and take it back for an exchange

...Seriously, the way you described your problem makes me think that the procedure above shouldnt be necessary. So,,,

Ah but you missed the point. The procedure I described is a troubleshooting procedure meant only to verify what you're seeing is either working or not.

There isn't many things you can do... but I have cycled the power to see the satellites come on the screen then go blank again. Fifteen minutes later, they are back on the screen when all the data is refreshed. This has happened to me when I've gone a couple of hundred miles with it off (such as when I drowned my MeriPlat), or when I have had the unit off for more than a week.

Magellan owners chime in. Is this something that Magellan GPSRs have in common? I can leave my Garmin off for weeks and/or turn it on hundreds of miles away without having to go through any of that resetting or waiting. The only time ive had to wait any more than a minute is when i first took it out of the box and powered it up. Not meaning to say anything bad about Magellans here, but that would be irritating as all get out and im glad i dont have to put up with any of it.

What i was getting at above is that he states that he has the satellites aquired allready,, then he loses them. This sounds like maybe it could be something physical. Maybe the antenna connection, something loose inside, etc,,, Still could be programming too. Probably needs to be sent in to be checked!

9.5k · August 18, 2004

This has happened to me when I've gone a couple of hundred miles with it off (such as when I drowned my MeriPlat), or when I have had the unit off for more than a week.

Magellan owners chime in. Is this something that Magellan GPSRs have in common? I can leave my Garmin off for weeks and/or turn it on hundreds of miles away without having to go through any of that resetting or waiting. The only time ive had to wait any more than a minute is when i first took it out of the box and powered it up. Not meaning to say anything bad about Magellans here, but that would be irritating as all get out and im glad i dont have to put up with any of it.

What i was getting at above is that he states that he has the satellites aquired allready,, then he loses them. This sounds like maybe it could be something physical. Maybe the antenna connection, something loose inside, etc,,, Still could be programming too. Probably needs to be sent in to be checked!

Let's make sure we're clear on what I said.

There are times I don't see satellites on the screen. It is a refresh issue and it takes longer for the Magellan to gain a lock on the satellites, but I think that's due to the fact it is downloading the etheral information from scratch.

I didn't say how often but let's be clear it isn't all of the time under the conditions I mentioned later on in this thread. Those were merely observations of when this condition did happen. I have driven across the state and have had no issues. I have had the unit off for more than a couple of weeks with no issues. To be clear, I have observed these conditions under specific situations.

And you're right, he did say there was an issue after having satellite lock. So have I, and those troubleshooting steps will help him understand what is happening with his unit.

2.1k · August 19, 2004

The Magellan has to be 'initialized' - this means that you have to tell it pretty closely where you are - pick a state and city close to you - this lets it find where it is the first time much faster.

I am wondering if this is what is happening when he turns it on 100 miles away - it finds out it is not wher it thought is was and has to start over.

Also it may be possible (I have not let mine sit for a long time) that the batteries went dead and has to do the same init. at that time.

I am just guessing - I have a sprotrak but have experienced no problems -

I'd call support again and if they can't help you out call sales and give them an ear full of how your gps (which has been compared with several that work just fine) does not work and if you can't fix it or replace it you want you money back and then you'll buy their competition's system.

This is what I had to do - support gave me a ration that I knew was BS - asked to be escalated and got no where so I called sales and complained - got a good deal on the Pro model from the Map that I had.

The squeeky wheel gets oils - work it - you are the customer - if they lose you sale and you buy the comp's. they actually lose double - not to mention the bad will.

Which is another good point - do NOT fail to mention that you are on the Groundspeak (and other) forums and that you WILL blast your problem all over the internet if you can't get any action.

If the first sales person won't give you satisfaction - ask to speak to his boss - escalate escalate -

you don't have to get loud or mean or anything like that - just firmly tell them what you want and expect -- but don't threaten action until you don't get any.

5.3k · August 19, 2004

Johnny, sometimes it helps to actually read the posts in a thread before going on a rant.

i did read the post, holding a Magellan GPS horizontally or vertically makes no differance. I do not know hiow this MYTH started, I use my magellans all the time under tree cover and have Never had a problem finding caches with it. The only time I have seen a GPS suffer under tree cover has been when I have used a GPS with a patch antenna, Such as an Garmin e-trex or the gekos. I have even been told by Garmn tech support that the patch antennas do not work as well.

Like I said earier this myth about having to hold Magellan GPSr vertically is BS

2.1k · August 19, 2004

Johnny, sometimes it helps to actually read the posts in a thread before going on a rant.

i did read the post, holding a Magellan GPS horizontally or vertically makes no differance. I do not know hiow this MYTH started, I use my magellans all the time under tree cover and have Never had a problem finding caches with it. The only time I have seen a GPS suffer under tree cover has been when I have used a GPS with a patch antenna, Such as an Garmin e-trex or the gekos. I have even been told by Garmn tech support that the patch antennas do not work as well.

Like I said earier this myth about having to hold Magellan GPSr vertically is BS

then I have to suggest that Magellan itself has perpatrated that myth as it is in their manual.

In light of your statements, why is it that my signal strength is greater when I hold my Magellan vertically than it is when I hold it horizontally?

Hey, I'm just asking -

5.3k · August 19, 2004

Well I use mine horizintally and it works just fine, I have never had a problem finding caches, and this includes under very heavy tree cover. They work just fine horizonatally or vertically.

August 20, 2004

I have to jump in and support my Meridian Gold. It seems to give us very good accuracy. The only times the coords have seemed way off, many other cachers also commented on the cache page that the given coords seemed off.

I don't recall reading that in the manual about holding it upright, when I cache we tend to hold it angled towards the sky though as we walk and look. It does seem like the OP's Magellan has issues why it would keep losing all of the satellites when they get out of their car. Hmm.

5.3k · August 20, 2004

There is nothing in the manuel about reqiuring the Magellan GPS be held Vertically while navigating to or from a waypoint.

2.1k · August 20, 2004

Well I use mine horizintally and it works just fine, I have never had a problem finding caches, and this includes under very heavy tree cover. They work just fine horizonatally or vertically.

ah = therein lies the rub - we did not say it did not work - it works just fine horizontally but it gets a stronger signal when vertical.

August 20, 2004

Maybe the car is acting as a huge metal box theirfor amplifying signals? Please dont think Im an idiot, im not serious....or am I..... DUH DUH DAAAAA!!!

2.4k · August 20, 2004

Johnny, nobody in this entire thread has said, or even suggested, that a Magellan won't work when held horizontally. That's why I suggested you read the posts again. What was said is that they don't work as well. While they may get an adequate signal when held horizontally, under marginal conditions holding it vertically may make the difference in getting a position and not getting it. Any GPS with a quad helix antenna needs to be held vertically, and one with a patch antenna needs to be held horizontally, for maximum reception. My Garmin Legend works when held vertically, too, most of the time, but under heavy wet canopy, I can lose the signal, and get it back when I hold it horizontally again. But if I connect my external antenna, it doesn't matter which way I hold it, and I get a much stronger signal.

2.1k · August 20, 2004

Johnny, nobody in this entire thread has said, or even suggested, that a Magellan won't work when held horizontally. That's why I suggested you read the posts again. What was said is that they don't work as well. While they may get an adequate signal when held horizontally, under marginal conditions holding it vertically may make the difference in getting a position and not getting it. Any GPS with a quad helix antenna needs to be held vertically, and one with a patch antenna needs to be held horizontally, for maximum reception. My Garmin Legend works when held vertically, too, most of the time, but under heavy wet canopy, I can lose the signal, and get it back when I hold it horizontally again. But if I connect my external antenna, it doesn't matter which way I hold it, and I get a much stronger signal.

oops - hey night - you better look above you about two posts to my other concise post - I wrote it but got no response -

thanks for adding your vote too -

August 21, 2004

in an open field waas will improve accurasy to 3 extra feet, in trees waas will lower accurasy 10 ft bacause gps cant get a waas satelite ... disable waas to imprvoe accuracy in trees

Can't Get Satellite Signals!!

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