Garmin etrex Legend-C

[Handlining Rules]

Hey guys,

Ive been meaning to post this for a while. IT appears my GPS has taken a crap on me. As mentioned above, it is a Garmin Etrex legend- C (color). This unit has minimum wear and tear. The problem is basically when it searches for satellites, it comes up empty handed. I know I am not in a dead zone either because I have gotten great reception in the past. What also frustrates me is that it shows no activity what-so-ever when searching for satellites...no bars fluctuating, no signal being presented, nothing. I know this model has been discontinued, but I am just wondering if anyone knows of the problem I am having. Thanks
-Andy

[M1Garand]

Have you went to the website and updated the software in it? I don't know whether or not that could be it but at this point, I suppose it wouldn't hurt. Good luck.

[hitechman]

it is trying to autolocate the satellites. You need to choose a location on the map so it has an idea where it is--and get it out in the wide open spaces (not indoors). I base this on the presumption that it was last fired up in SE lower Michigan and it's now 400 miles away from that location.

Also be sure in in not in the simulation mode.

Steve

[Michigan Hunter]

I have that same unit and hunt California. I use it here and out there and have little trouble in it seeing satellites anywhere. I would check the set up closely for some changes. Then contact Garmin and they should be extreemly helpful. They will be happy to help you.............

[CL-Lewiston]

I have a Vista and even if being used a long ways from where last used it will (should) find birds, just will kake somewhat longer. My vista if taken outside and turned on will lock in in less than a minute. If a long ways from where last used may be 1.5 min, but I doubt if that long.

[hitechman]

Andy,
Make sure you unit has the latest software version on it (v2.60)--if it does not you can download it here: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/store/downloadsAgree.jsp?id=577&product=010-00358-00&cID=167&pID=255.
You should also give Garmin Support a call (1-800-800-1020 or 1-888-442-7646) to see if they can help you out (be prepared for a long wait on hold--but they are very helpful).

Make sure your GPS is on (not in simulator mode).

Steve

[ENCORE]

I had a similar problem with my eTrex Legend. I called Garmin and they were EXTREMELY helpful and solved my problem.
The unit has what they call a HARD RESET, that isn't specified (that I could find) in the reference guide, which is why I called them.

I was told to........... press the left and right lower buttons at the same time with the unit off.

This is how they explained to me to completely reset the unit.
It corrected my problem completely.
Try it and good luck. If it doesn't work, call Garmin: 913-397-8200

[hitechman]

A hard reset will wipe all data (waypoints, tracks) and settings from the unit, but if you can't get it to fire up you can't get the data anyhow. I'm sure Garmin will talk you through it. This is what they have to say: -With the unit turned off, press and hold the following buttons: PAGE + ENTER, then press and release the POWER. The unit will power up asking if you want to release all user data. Select yes and the unit will be reset.

This seems to be a common problem with the Legend C according to some forums at groundspeak.com and you can read an article about the Legend and Vista (a reviews) here: http://gpsinformation.us/vistacolor/etrexvistacolor.html

I'd still try reloading (or updating) the operation software first. Current (and probably final since it is discontinued) version is 2.60 (see link in above post).

Steve

[ENCORE]

A hard reset will wipe all data (waypoints, tracks) and settings from the unit, but if you can't get it to fire up you can't get the data anyhow. I'm sure Garmin will talk you through it. This is what they have to say: -With the unit turned off, press and hold the following buttons: PAGE + ENTER, then press and release the POWER. The unit will power up asking if you want to release all user data. Select yes and the unit will be reset.

This seems to be a common problem with the Legend C according to some forums at groundspeak.com and you can read an article about the Legend and Vista (a reviews) here: http://gpsinformation.us/vistacolor/etrexvistacolor.html

I'd still try reloading (or updating) the operation software first. Current (and probably final since it is discontinued) version is 2.60 (see link in above post).

Steve

Exactly, but this proves the theory of every once in awhile one should manually write his information down. Kinda like backing up things you want to keep that is on your computer too. Been there........;)

[M1Garand]

If there's waypoints and tracks in it, if he has the Mapsource Topo, he can download all of them to his computer, save it and upload them later.