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My handheld GPS (Garmin EtreX Legend) has stopped working. It will power up then immediately shut off. Occasionally it wil come on, shut off and display a vertical line. I have changed the batteries and it still will not function properly. I've read that this is a common problem with this unit, but no one seems to have a fix. I am also now having issues with my Eagle Fish Finder 320. It will sometimes not power up and when it does it will only work for a few minutes. I have checked all of the connections and they seem to be okay. It might be time to upgrade. Two part question - has anyone had similar problems with either of these units adn do you have any suggestions for repair? If I upgrade which direction should I go. I mostly fish the flats.

georgiasportsman wrote:My handheld GPS (Garmin EtreX Legend) has stopped working. It will power up then immediately shut off. Occasionally it wil come on, shut off and display a vertical line.

I had the same problem with a Garmin GPS 76. Give Garmin Tech Support a call. 1-800-800-1020

georgiasportsman wrote:It might be time to upgrade. If I upgrade which direction should I go. I mostly fish the flats.

Regarding a GPS upgrade, do you want to stay with a hand held? Do you want maps? The new Garmin fixed mount 540 comes with mapping already loaded.

Undecided on handheld vs. fixed. I do like the idea of one unit that does both, but I wasn't sure about having a split screen. It appears that the Garmin 540 does navigation and depth on one screen. Does it show bottom contour on a split screen?

The mapping shows spot depths, and some contours. If you go with the combo unit, it will show depth and bottom on one side, and the navigation and mapping on the other.

Personally, I don't care for the combo units. There isn't much price difference between the combo unit and the chartplotter and a separate bottom machine sufficient for the flats.

My feeling on the combo units is do you have enough room on your console for two units? I didn't and went with the combo. If you have the room on top and underneath (to wire both units) thats the way I would probably go. You can get a nice GPS with good mapping software and a FF with the feaures that you want.

Okay, I have the depth finder now working so I will be going with a stand alone GPS. I've looked online at the Lowrance 5200c, Garmin 440, and Humminbird 755c. Does anyone have any experience (positive or negative) with any of these. Or are there any other suggested models. I want to stay below $500 (or lower if possible).

georgiasportsman, I think I would make that guy who used your boat last year fix them! Ha Ha!! Hope to see you on the 21st.

Dave

Lowrance has a rebate going for a free navionics chip. I just had to get a GPS due to my friend dropping my old one and went with the lms 525, Its a combo but for $100 more I thought if my sonar goes then I am alredy set. I got it at anchorexpress.com , checkum out. Total was $599. shipping was fast also.

Had a similar problem with my hand held. Pull the cover off the batteries and use some pliers to tug on the spring connection that touches the bottom of the battery. Those springs get flattened sometimes if your beating it around on a boat and they wont make a good connection. This was the fix for mine.

Rogan wrote:Had a similar problem with my hand held. Pull the cover off the batteries and use some pliers to tug on the spring connection that touches the bottom of the battery. Those springs get flattened sometimes if your beating it around on a boat and they wont make a good connection. This was the fix for mine.

I'm having the same problem with a Garmin 72. I'll try your remedy and see how that works. Thanks, neighbor!