[pct-l] Hand held GPS - update ib Dakota 20

[Tortoise]

I've heard back from Garmin, another reinstall of unit software (firmware); 
then had to use my computer to delete a track that the GPS couldn't delete. 
First set of lithium AA cells lasted ~9 hours. The screen at least on my 
unit has low contrast and very difficult to read in daylight. Menus are 
illogical and maybe I could rearrange them. User manual lacks information; 
I've Googled to find out how to do tasks that should be in the manual.  In 
short too many problems & shortcomings; takes way too much time to get 
working; this unit is going back to REI.

I want a GPS that adds to my enjoyment rather than be an aggravation. When 
I have some more time to spend I'll look at alternatives such as an older 
smartphone or maybe an iPod with a GPS attachment.

Tortoise

<>  Because truth matters.<>


On 04/02/11 19:53, Tortoise wrote:
> Paul,
>
> thanks for your response.  I may have a defective unit.  I'm waiting to
> hear back from Garmin. I bought this unit from REI (and  paid a little
> more) because of their return policy. But only a couple more days before
> the unit goes back to REI to be replaced if I don't get a good fix from
> Garmin. This unit has mixed reviews on REI -- some love it; some don't like
> it at all.  Maybe their is a quality control problem with the manufacture
> -- some units work, some don't.
>
> Tortoise
>
> <>   Because truth matters.<>
>
>
> On 04/02/11 13:09, Paul Robison wrote:
>> I've been using my Dakota 20 for the last 3 days nonstop... And about twice a week before that.  Gotten between 22 and 28 continuous hours out of 2 lithium AA's.
>>
>> Been using custom tracks made from 'GPS Expert' ( thanks halfmile) ... And it's been typically accurate to 3 foot in the open and within ten ft under cover.
>>
>> The tracks I did were 12 13 and 15.5 miles;  no glitches thusfar.
>>
>> Also used it for a few road trips and worked well.
>>
>> Sorry your unit has not worked as well... Any chance you had a lemon and could exchange it... Put in up to date firmware;  and the. Start all over?
>> Sent from my iPod
>>
>> On 2011-04-02, at 3:11 PM, Tortoise<Tortoise73 at charter.net>   wrote:
>>
>>> I contacted Garmin tech support. following their instructions I reloaded
>>> system software, did a system reset, and purged specified files from
>>> memory. I have fewer problems but still have had a lock up and a track that
>>> just won't delete. Contacted Garmin tech support again Thursday eve and
>>> haven't heard back. Waiting for Garmin's response before deciding what to
>>> do with the unit.
>>>
>>> Tortoise
>>>
>>> <>    Because truth matters.<>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On 03/22/11 22:09, Tortoise wrote:
>>>> I received my new Garmin Dakota 20 from REI yesterday. Took it out with
>>>> me today while trying to figure out what buttons to touch to get what I
>>>> want, the unit froze up twice. Had to turn it off and restart.  Just lost
>>>> some menu items and had to reset it to "original settings". This unit
>>>> seems to really use up the battery. I put new lithium AAs in it and after
>>>> only ~3 hours of use the battery indicator indicates the cells are were
>>>> 40% gone and then 60% gone. I still haven't decided if I like the
>>>> structure of the menus or the ease of operating the unit.
>>>> Tortoise
>>>>
>>>> <>    Because truth matters.<>
>>>>