Garmin Lock - worth doing?

CoolHands · Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 1:13 pm Post subject: Garmin Lock - worth doing?

Hi

I've just bought a new Garmin nuvi 250. It's the first satnav I've ever owned!

Is the Garmin Lock worth doing, or can it be overidden by scumbags easily, in which case I won't bother. I don't want the hassle of pin numbers etc if lowlifes can just get it unlocked like they can with mobile phones etc.

Cheers Very Happy

also, is it worth registering my nuvi with Garmin, or is it pointless?

PaulB2005 · Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 1:20 pm Post subject:

I'd say yes to both.

The Garmin Unlock will automatically unlock if you are within a short distance of your Home location, once it gets satellite lock. Otherwise the PIN is very quick to use. I can't see anyway to override it, even when you plug it into the PC you need to enter the PIN if it hasn't got a satellite lock. Try it and if you don't like it turn it off, but if you loose the unit at least no-one else should be able to use it. Can't guarantee someone hasn't worked out how to crack it though.

As for registering with Garmin, well you might be eligible for a map upgrade depending on what maps came with the unit. Doesn't take long and is free.

CoolHands · Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 1:24 pm Post subject:

ok cool, cheers.

Sometimes these things are rubbish and everyone knows but you! But I'll try it.

PaulB2005 · Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 1:34 pm Post subject:

As i say i can't guarantee it's not been cracked and it won't stop your unit being stolen, but in theory the data on it should be safe.

MaFt · Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 4:45 pm Post subject:

something else to consider, scumbag steals your sat nav, realises it doesn't work wirthout the pin so goes to a random pub to sell it - all done under the table, 'customer' doesn't turn it on to check - no need to, these guys never rip anyone off Wink

. customer gets home, turns it on and can't use it...

it hasn't stopped anyone stealing it but it's stopped it being useable... depends what you want to achieve with it!

personally i've never bothered with the garmin lock but it is a fairly good implementation particularly with your 'secret place' where you can go to unlock it without the pin and change the pin if you gorget - dunno what you do if you forget both your pin and your secret place :D

MaFt

BigPerk · Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 7:22 pm Post subject:

My manual says if you forget both, you have to send the unit back to Garmin to unlock it.

I think the lock facility is probably worth it. I think you get a 'my sat-nav's locked' sort of sticker to put in car window (if you want) and the more the feature is known about, the more likely a thief may think about trying someone else instead. It also means (IF they can't crack the system) that any personal identifying information on it is safeguarded.

But there's nothing safer than taking it with you of course Wink

As for registering, again 'yes' - not only free updates, but you can then arrange to get emails about new software updates for your unit.
_________________
David
(Navigon 70 Live, Nuvi 360)

pcaouolte · Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 8:50 pm Post subject:

I don't know how the Garmin lock works. Is it possible to display a message before it asks you to enter your code? If so it may be worth displaying an offer of a reward to the "finder" for it's safe return with your mobile number as a contact point.
_________________
Paul

PhilHornby · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2008 12:50 am Post subject: Re: Garmin Lock - worth doing?

PaulB2005 · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2008 1:03 am Post subject:

Seen one method suggested but it won't work because to do what you have to do, you have to unlock the unit with the PIN first!!!

PhilHornby · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2008 10:05 am Post subject:

These people don't give details, but do say that the Bluetooth will no longer be functional - so it sounds like quite an invasive procedure.

Ash10 · Pocket GPS Verifier Joined: Feb 19, 2005 Posts: 478

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