To Repair or Not to Repair…

[admin]

That is the question.

Our Etrex Legend display is shot. We contacted Garmin to ask about our options, and they have offered to fix it for $50. (We were a bit disappointed with that offer as the unit is less than 18 months old.) We have another Garmin model now too so we wouldn’t “HAVE” to fix the old one, but we’ve also been doing this long enough to know we enjoy both having a GPS on our hunts.

What are your thoughts? Fix it? Replace it? We’re particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has had their unit repaired.
Thanks!
Carole & Tim

[MR Andersen]

I sent my unit in a while back and they just gave me a new unit in exchange for the $50. I’ve heard from other sources that that is SOP for their reapirs.

[WISearchers]

Hi Carole and Tim:

I just sent in my Legend to Garmin because the rubber grip (that goes around the whole thing) was coming off. Glue everywhere. Blech. Luckily I am within the year warranty and it will just cost me shipping.

I’d say fix it. Actually they probably won’t fix it, they’ll replace it with a refurbished one. That’s probably what they will do with mine. (So don’t leave any waypoints on there that you need!)

Good luck. I’m GPSless.. im about ready to fire up my Handspring Neo/Magellan attachment! (Fossil)

[Cathunter]

This is actually a common problem with all the Etrex models. If you send it to Garmin, they send you back a “rebuilt” unit. Most who have used Garmin repair have gotten a replacement unit back in 3-5 days.

If you decide you don’t want to pay to have it fixed (and you are good at fixing stuff) you might want to give it a try yourself. 95% of the time, the problem is just a poor connection of the ribbon cable that connects the circuit board to the screen. It is delicate, but can be fixed by tightening the fit at the connector and using some adhesive to help support the connection.

If you are not any good at fixing stuff, you might want to just try “wacking” the side of the unit with the base of your hand. Oddly enough, this alone may get you several more months of use out it.

[Cathunter]

I have a PDF file detailing the repair procedure. Send me an e-mail if you are interested & I will send it back.

[MR Andersen]

They do transfer waypoint data to the new GPS, so that is not an issue. IF I remember right they even added some of their offices locations on it as well. If what they sent back to was a refurbished unit, there was not a hint of wear or tear on it, it looked brand spanking new.

[admin]

Is that PDF file for the ribbon connection or for “wacking” the side?

[Green Bay Paddlers]

Tim & Carole –

Buy Magellan!

Jeff

[Author]

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