UPDATE....Garmin 152 problem with Tide Info

[Sir reel]

I noticed a problem fishing in the Keaton tournament last month and again yesterday at Econfina. My Garmin 152 returns the message "Inacurate Results" when I try to get the current tide graph. It seems to search and find the closest location but then returns a standard looking graph with the message overlayed. I've tried to report it to Garmin Customer Support but apparently they are swamped with emails as I keep getting the message that there is a problem with my email and to try again later. I feel fairly certain that my unit is having a problem but thought I check with the forum just in case anyone has had an issue with the tide info. All the other features seem to work ust fine. Thanks

[Warrior]

Update the software should fix the issue.I have had the same issue on one before.

[Sir reel]

Well as Warrior mentioned, I too suspected that a software update was needed, especially since the same thing happen 2 or 3 years ago. I borrowed the necessary Cables from another forum member (Thanks POP), downloaded the correct software to my PC, connected my unit to the PC and the transfer was successful. Turned the unit on and ... same message... "inaccurate results". Next step, I emailed Garmin Customer Support and explained the problem and the fact that I had updated the software. I received an email back within the indicated 2-3 business days and was stressed to hear that the Tide Data load for a 152 had "expired" and I would need to find my tide information from another source. Here is an excerpt from the email:

Each compatible Garmin device is programmed with a database to display this information. However, depending on the age of the device, the included database may have expired data. When this data is expired, no tide information will show on the device.
In most cases, a software update for the chartplotter will correct the issue. Unfortunately, the tide database for the GPS 152 has permanently expired. and can no longer display tide data. In this situation, tide information must be obtained from a different source.
I apologize for any inconvenience
With Best Regards,
Nicholas P
Product Support Specialist
Marine/ Outdoor Team
Garmin International

I have responded asking if there is any program where Garmin would offer a discount for the purchase of a upgraded GPS and how I am very disapointed in any type of forced obsolecence, especially since the unit is a perfectly good working unit except for the tide info. Thought I'd put this info in a post incase there are any others running with this unit. Yea, it ain't color and doesn't have all the bells and whisles of the $1K units, but for a basic GPS, it's been hard to beat until now.

[SCALAWAG]

I HAVE THE SAME UNIT AND THE SAME PROBLEM AND GOT THE SAME RESPONSE FROM GARMIN

[Salty Gator]

Tidegraph 3.0 is a good app for tides if you have a smartphone.

[Jumptrout51]

Tide info:
Do what I do.
Get on the flats and look at the grass on the bottom.
If the grass is flowing toward land,the tide is rising.
If the grass is flowiing offshore,the tide is falling.
If the grass is not moving it is a slack tide between rising and falling.
Wait 30 minutes and look at the grass again.

[FUTCHCAIRO]

HATE TO HEAR THIS BUD, THAT IS THE UNIT I HAVE AND HAVE NOT HAD A CHANCE TO USE IT IN OVER A YEAR, IF IT SCREWS UP BELIEVE YOU ME GARMIN IS GONNA GET SOME LOUD BAD MOUTHIIN IF THEY DO NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. BANG!!!!!BANG!!!

PA
SEMPER FI

[Sir reel]

Good evening fellows.

I sort of figured this thread was dead and I was the only one impacted. Since there are at least a couple of folks interested, here's the follow-up from Garmin back to me after I indicated that I was pretty disappointed. By the way, there is the 152, which I have, and there is also a 152H. If you happen to have the 152H then your tide info is still active. The Tide Data software for the 152 is the one that expired. The software for the 152H is still available and active but will not transfer to the 152. In an effort to accomplish some positive customer satisfaction, the representative made me the following offer:

I can set up an order to exchange your 152 for a newly overhauled GPSMAP 441 device for a flat rate of $150.00. This device would include Tides. Here's a link for the GPSMAP 441.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=148&pID=102003
If you would like for me to set this order up, please provide a number that I can reach you at in the evening hours to contact you.
Let me know if you have any questions.

With Best Regards,
Nicholas P
Product Support Specialist
Marine/ Outdoor Team
Garmin International
913-397-8200
800-800-1020
913-440-8280 (fax) Att: Nicholas P, Associate #6082

My first thought was this is a pretty good deal. After further thought, I elected to pass on their offer. Here's why. With my 152, I have the accessory cable to power the unit in my house. This allows me to work with the unit to change/add waypoint info, etc. I also have cables to run the unit off any 12volt accessory plug whether in a boat or other vehicle. The 441 would not come with any of those cables or capabilities. All data would have to be down loaded from my 152 to my PC and then uploaded to the 441 requiring the purchase of a different set of cables. In addition, I would need to purchase software to load on my PC to accomplish the transfer. The additional expense for accessories, software, and the lack of the same features for mobile and inhome functioning left me with the feeling that I really was giving up some functionality just to have the tide data at the push of a button. I'm going to continue to use the 152. They said they didn't have any reconditioned 152H models but would let me know if any became available. I won't hold my breath.
Hope this helps for some of you.