jogoldd

I have the Axim x51v and the Arkon mount/reciever (wired not bluetooth connection).
In the past it took about 5 min. to get the signal but since I upgraded the ROM to 6 it takes between 20 to 30 min. to get a signal.
I tested with Navigon and TomTom.
Both recognize the device but the green light that blinks when the signal is there does not kick in untill 20 - 30 min.
Is this a coincedence or did the ROM upgrade screw something up? I am soon to be

daviddd

Doesn't sound likely. My wired system takes about 4 to 5 mins to see all the satellites.

__________________
Dell Axim X51V with Dell Bluetooth keyboard
A01 firmware (too cowardly to update)
Solar Charging system for cycle-touring Oz
*BT GPS with Memory Map Australia maps* wooohooo!
Thinking about Pocketmail for blogging by e-mail as well as GPRS/3G

jogoldd

So then I am cooked and need a new GPS? or do you have any ideas that may help me?

jimbo32

If this is the first time you have used your GPS device or if you have moved it more than say 500 miles without it being on, some can take very long to get a fix, maybe up to an hour.

jogoldd

Originally Posted by jimbo32

If this is the first time you have used your GPS device or if you have moved it more than say 500 miles without it being on, some can take very long to get a fix, maybe up to an hour.

I turn it on, get a fix (after waiting forever) shut the power off, wait 5 min. then turn it on and I have to wait almost a half hour to get a fix. I tried this on an open road where there are no tall buildings.
I used to get the signal after 5 min.

So, is my next one a CF that I don't have to power on and off with the car?

JakeRich

Sounds like the little capacitor battery in the GPS isn't holding the data from the almanac and ephemeris anymore. Every power-on fix becomes a COLD fix, taking longer because of the requirement to receive the almanac and ephemeris data. I doubt it's related to the ROM update since the receiver is entirely independent of the X51. You might contact Arkon, or whomever sold you the receiver, to see if they would offer a replacement under warranty, or you could look at the BT units that are out. I wouldn't get a CF card with a BT powered PDA because there is no need to take up the slot with a GPS when you can use it with a big memory card to hold the program and maps.

jogoldd

As I am over the 90 day warranty I think that I will open the thing up and change the battery. If not then it's a new gps.

Thanks for the help.

solara

Get a bluetooth over a CF.

jogoldd

Why,
I have the extra CF slot which stays empty as I don't need to use it.
I often rent cars and I am afraid that if the reciever is a seperate piece I will forget it.
The CF cards are smaller and easier to walk with or use on a bike.
AND let's not forget that the CF is cheaper. (I think)
JakeRich's comment

Quote:

I wouldn't get a CF card with a BT powered PDA because there is no need to take up the slot with a GPS when you can use it with a big memory card to hold the program and maps.

Is not so valid in my case.

All that being said I am open to suggestions.

JakeRich

It's not a replaceable battery. It's a little capacitor that holds a charge and then slowly discharges to preserve the memory.

Greymane21

So replace the capacitor. :) Be brave...daring....stupid, even! You too can be a Radio Shack junkie. (Hmmm...wonder what I can do with a roll of solder and an assortment of components?)

JakeRich

It's probably a surface mount capacitor. I don't think hyou get the tools for that from Radio Shack. But hey, if you wanna go for it, go for it!

JakeRich

Originally Posted by jogoldd

Why, I have the extra CF slot which stays empty as I don't need to use it. I often rent cars and I am afraid that if the reciever is a seperate piece I will forget it. The CF cards are smaller and easier to walk with or use on a bike. AND let's not forget that the CF is cheaper. (I think) JakeRich's comment Is not so valid in my case. All that being said I am open to suggestions.

A CF Receiver is still a separate piece, at least for me it was. I have a case and it wouldn't close/open with the receiver installed, plus the PDA was bigger and awkward with the receiver installed because the weight shifted. CF is cheaper, but not necessarily smaller or easier to use.

BT, on the other hand, just slips into my pocket and I don't have to worry about it. IN fact, I've occasionally put the receiver in one pocket, the Ax in the case and hung it on my belt in the belt clip that came with the case and walked around like that. People get the most curious looks on their faces when the PDA announces that you want to turn left in 50 feet! I suppose I could use an earphone to listen to tunes while I do that, but it's fun to see the reactions when this black case hanging on your belt suddenly shouts out directions.:approve:

jogoldd

I spoke to Handnav.co.uk and they are replacing the device. I was surprised that it was so easy. :) If I do buy more stuff they are the place.
Otherwise I would have replaced the capacitor. I have the tools and know how to do it. (And I love taking things apart. )

But Jake really wet my appetite for the bluetooth,

Quote:

People get the most curious looks on their faces when the PDA announces that you want to turn left in 50 feet! but it's fun to see the reactions when this black case hanging on your belt suddenly shouts out directions.

Thanks people.

jogoldd

Hey people I have an update! :approve:

I pluged the GPS into the car and got a fix in 5 seconds, from a cold start. Later on I tried again and it works fine. :)
Was the previous problem a one time glitch or do you still think something is wrong with the reciever?

Should I still return the device or will it continue to work properly?

Thanks,

Jo