Posted on 11/29/2007 1:03:30 PM PST by trumandogz
For last two weeks I have been using a Garmin Nuvi 200W GPS Navigation systmen and have had problems with the unit keeping its connection with the Satellites. The loss of connection appears to be random even occurring in areas without tree cover or large buildings.
At times the unit can go 20 to 30 minutes without a connection all in areas where a connection with at least one satellite should not be a problem.
I returned the first unit in exchange for a second and both units have had the very same problem.
I have placed the unit(s) on different parts of the windshield with out resolution.
My question is:
Do other people have the same problem with their GPS units?
Do other people have better experience with Tom Tom or another manufacturer?
Is this a problem that I will have to deal with no matter what brand of navigation system I use?
Thanks for asking your question. I’ve considered buying this unit for my husband. A friend of mine has it and highly recommends it. So do most reviews I’ve read.
“Do other people have the same problem with their GPS units?”
I actually utilize the GPS service through my cell phone...it’s called VZ Navigator and I haven’t had any dropped GPS signal yet.
“Do other people have better experience with Tom Tom or another manufacturer?”
I haven’t owned a standalone GPS device so I wouldn’t know.
“Is this a problem that I will have to deal with no matter what brand of navigation system I use?”
I doubt it.
Oh, and call customer service... :-)
any large metal link fences nearby?
I bought my wife an inexpensive Mio 310c last year. It has been very reliable and easy for her to use. I am in the process of updating the maps. There is a users web site that shows how to hack the system to exploit capabilities not marketed - I may pursue some of those once the warranty expires.
Try using the unit out of the car. There is an excellent chance your car windshield has a metallic film that will drastically degrade the GPS signal. It would screw up any GPS receiver...........
I have an old Garmin GPS V that I operate on my dash and it has no problems. You need at least 3 satellites to get a geographic fix. Next time you get an outage where you think you shouldn’t, you might try moving the unit outside the car and see if that lets it see the satellites. If it does, then something about the car is obscuring the satellites. I don’t know if some windshields have metal in them for some reason, but that might do it. You might have to find some way to mount an exterior antenna if necessary (and if your GPS unit will accept one).
Does your windshield have an after market tint film applied? Some of those films can interfere with reception.
I have been using a Tom Tom and it has been great. If it drops the satellite, it usually has them back within a few seconds. It gets me where I need to go without any problems.
It's not perfect, but I like the much bigger screen on the laptop over what's generally available on single-purpose GPS units. About the only places I've had trouble keeping a good satellite signal are some canyons in West Virginia where only a small sliver of sky is available. I've been doing quite a bit of work in and around NYC in the last couple weeks and have found that even in most high rise urban environments I've got decent connectivity...not perfect, but decent.
You didn’t mention the type of vehicle you’re driving. Some vehicles have a transparent metal film on the windshield, and it does a good job of attenuating the satellite signal. Try the GPS outside your vehicle and see how stable the reception is.
use a compass and a map
I had a Garmin Colormap years ago and sent the unit back 3-4 times because it would work for 5 - 10 minutes, then say I was driving at 400MPG and eventually lose signal.
Finally realized it was the CD player in my Dodge Dakota causing the interference.
Not a problem since.
I have used the unit in the marsh of south Louisiana and the vast openness of the Texas Hill Country. No fences.
I can't comment on the Nuvi directly, although a few of my coworkers own one and have never talked of any problems with it. I own one of Garmin's StreetPilot series, and absolutely love the thing to death. I've had absolutely zero, as in nada, zip zilch problems with the thing. It works like a champ, and I think the company does a fantastic job standing behind their products. My one and only complaint about them is that at times the "Support" page on their web site seems to get caught in a loop regarding the "e-mail" option. When you choose to e-mail support instead of calling, it asks you to sign in. When you sign in, it takes you back to the screen where you can choose to e-mail support. Choosing that asks you to log in, etc. That's pretty easily resolved by calling, though. So I'd check with them. Google "Nuvi losing satellite connection". Call their support. Somewhere there's an explanation.
I lost my sextant.
I have a Navigon LOOX N100 and I have not had any problems with connection, be it in car or if I am carrying it. My only complaint actually is just the slow initial connection. After that I have no problem with it staying connected.
http://www.experiencenavigon.com/?gclid=CKa1spX9gpACFQGzGgodLh-WtA
USe an INS :)
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