pretec compactGPS failed

iffy · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 13, 2004 Posts: 5

Has anyone else had problems with compactGPS? Mine failed after 10 months (10 months ago) and I have not yet received a replacement.
It was bought from Expansys, who denied all knowledge of the sale, and referred me to the manufacturer. No luck there.
The fault appears to be on the satellite detection side- tested with Winfast Navigator- and all satellites which appear are shown at the same azimuth and bearing- zero in both cases. The GPS cannot therefore determine my position.
I am hoping that this symptom is simply a failed antenna, and can be 'worked around' by plugging in an external antenna. Does anyone know for sure? I would rather not waste money buying something which may well follow the GPS into the bin.
PS have contacted Expansys again and there may be a chance of replacement. Is this a record? (10 months from complaint)

Dave · Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 1:23 pm Post subject:

You may find the backup battery has drained and isn't keeping the almanac. Try keeping it running outside for 15 mins and see if it will obtain a factory fix.

bilko · Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 4:01 pm Post subject:

So how do you replace the backup battery if it needs changing? I have ahad a peek inside my Pretec CF and it seems to be soldered onto the board.
_________________
Bilko

Dave · Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 3:38 pm Post subject:

There is no easy way of changing this. Some do have a physical battery on-board, most more modern GPS Receivers have a capacitor that retains a charge that keeps the almanac data stored in chip.

The only way to re-generate this is to charge it for around 12 hours, but if it's not holding a charge, there's very little you can do.

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