Garmin GPS12 worth fixing?

[SliderM72]

My unit will power up but will not locate a satellite. It is "brand new", it sat in the box with batteries for 3 years before I got it. I contacted Garmin and they said to send it in for repair for $59.00. <br />My question is; is it worth it? I don't need anything too fancy, just the basics. Should I fix the gps12 or should I think about getting a gps72 or a gps76?

 

[chuckz]

Re: Garmin GPS12 worth fixing?

Before you give up on it, were you inside or outside when it wouldn't locate satellites? You need to be outside with a clear view of the sky. Sometimes sitting at the base of a tree will prevent my handheld from getting a lock on the satellites.

 

[gewf631]

Re: Garmin GPS12 worth fixing?

And if you're moving, like in a car, it might take a lot longer. The car may also make a satellite lock difficult.<br /><br />You're in Florida. Install some fresh batteries, head over to the beach, and give it a few minutes.<br /><br />My Magellan will take upwards of 5 minutes the very first time I power up-after a long downtime.

 

[SliderM72]

Re: Garmin GPS12 worth fixing?

Thanks. I'll try that.

 

[JB]

Re: Garmin GPS12 worth fixing?

If that doesn't work, Slider, $59 is a bargain to get it fixed. The GPS12 is a very good unit.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Manxman]

Re: Garmin GPS12 worth fixing?

I had a problem with a Garmin GPS 11 Plus after I used it for a backup for three years.<br />Sent it off to Garmin GB, they said it had no replaceable parts but would send me a new one for £60:00.<br />I complained bitterly about being a repeat customer and the unit only lasting three years. Ended up with a new unit for no charge and a nice letter from them.

 

[SeaTrek]

Re: Garmin GPS12 worth fixing?

I've had my Garmin GPS 12 for 6 years.<br />After 2 years (out of warranty) the internal battery failed and all that did was to lose all of my waypoints that I had programmed into the unit. Irrespective of the fact that I had a hard copy of these; a two minute phone call to Garmin resulted in a replacement unit, complete with the programmed waypoints and at no charge.<br />I was impressed back then and now the rest of my nav aids are Garmin for GPS. Too bad they didn't do C Loran.

 

[SliderM72]

Re: Garmin GPS12 worth fixing?

Good news! I took Chuck's advice. Took about 5-10 minutes to locate a satellite outside. I then drove with it in my truck and it worked fine with the exception of the time being off by a couple of hours. Thanks for all of your replies.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Garmin GPS12 worth fixing?

Slider, Those units should not be off time. The GPS system determines position by elapsed time between satellite signal reception. I suspect you have not initialized it properly. There should be a way to choose your time zone. I suspect you have not done so.

 

[SliderM72]

Re: Garmin GPS12 worth fixing?

Even with the time not being accurate it still marked my position and track.