nuvi 310d - slow sattellite lock

[davek0974]

Hi all,

my nuvi310d can take a very long time (upto 5 mins) to aquire sattelites, sometimes i have driven half way to work before it tells me the rest of the route!

I rang garmin and they just said do a software update but dont use webupdater, do it manually.

Does this sound feasible or just a get-out from them? How can that make a diference?

I will try it tonight.

Dave

[mikealder]

Dave, An update might improve things, but first of all are you driving off instantly as you switch the unit on? doing this can cause the device to hunt for a position fix taking considerably longer than when stationary (this advice is applicable to all nav units employing GPS technology).

It is best to let the device achieve a position fix BEFORE moving off, this should take typically less than 30 seconds with a 310D.

One other issue is the possibility your windscreen is coated with Athermic glass, this coating attenuates the GPS signal making a position fix harder to achieve, what car are you using? If this is the problem switch the device on before you get in the car, it stands a better chance of keeping the sat position if acquired prior to putting in the car. - Mike

[davek0974]

thanks mike,

its a ford mondeo, i know it has a heated front screen but i have tested this by switching it on and off while watching the sattellite signal screen and it made no difference to the signals shown.

as for special coatings, i doubt it, knowing ford

I have forced an update manually as garmin suggested and will test it tomorrow.

I tried the unit on a trip back from uxbridge, it took 15 mins to get a lock! but when going we avoided a jam, it chose a route i would never have dreamed of and got me home in great time :P

smart gadget!

dave

[mikealder]

Its not the windscreen that is causing a fault, I was driving one of these only yesterday, make sure you have a position fix before driving off in the vehicle, the 310D usually is pretty quick and acquiring position - Mike

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