Garmin 2720 purchase...

[uptoblackwood]

I just purchased the Garmin 2720 and the hardware is terrific....the software is a real disappointment after using Delorme and Microsofts Mapnote for years. Garmin's software maps are way out of date compared to these other products and the user front end is about as elegant as burlap....again, the use of the hardward is great.

I do have one issue that will probably need to be resolved by Garmin. I took the bike for a spin with the unit attached to a ram-mount. It was fixed to the center ball between the handle bars. It worked great. After the evening ride I drove the bike into my garage and left the unit attached. We have had nice weather in Dallas the past several days. Clear and dry. I took the bike on a 45 mile ride the next morning with the unit attached and when the sun hit the unit I noticed a moisture halo inside the touch screen. Not good...especially as the unit had been used twice and had been subjected to only perfect weather conditions.
I took the unit back to where I bought it and they replaced the unit after standing in the parking lot and observing the "dew" behind the screen. I'm hoping that the replacement doesn't exibit the same problem. I know these units are not "water proof"....but the conditions the unit was subject to would/should not cause this problem. I've sent Garmin an email and we'll see what they have to say.

Have any of you with earlier Street Pilots experienced this problem?
Forest

[tinfish81]

I just purchased the Garmin 2720 and the hardware is terrific....the software is a real disappointment after using Delorme and Microsofts Mapnote for years. Garmin's software maps are way out of date compared to these other products and the user front end is about as elegant as burlap....again, the use of the hardward is great.

I do have one issue that will probably need to be resolved by Garmin. I took the bike for a spin with the unit attached to a ram-mount. It was fixed to the center ball between the handle bars. It worked great. After the evening ride I drove the bike into my garage and left the unit attached. We have had nice weather in Dallas the past several days. Clear and dry. I took the bike on a 45 mile ride the next morning with the unit attached and when the sun hit the unit I noticed a moisture halo inside the touch screen. Not good...especially as the unit had been used twice and had been subjected to only perfect weather conditions.
I took the unit back to where I bought it and they replaced the unit after standing in the parking lot and observing the "dew" behind the screen. I'm hoping that the replacement doesn't exibit the same problem. I know these units are not "water proof"....but the conditions the unit was subject to would/should not cause this problem. I've sent Garmin an email and we'll see what they have to say.

Have any of you with earlier Street Pilots experienced this problem?
Forest
Don’t have any experience with the 2720 but I’ve had one of its predecessor, (the 2610), bike mounted for well over a year now with 0, (zero), condensation problems rain or shine. Only thing I’ve ever had to do to my 2610 is recalibrate the touch screen. I believe the 26XX series and 27XX series are housed in the same case so you shouldn't be having condensation issues.

Does the 2720 have an internal hard drive or a memory card? The unit it replaced, the 2620 had a hard drive whereas the 2610 has a card. I don’t know if Garmin plans on making a 2710, but for use on a motorcycle, I’d be concerned about the effects of vibrations on units with hard drives.

[Redeye]

I know these units are not "water proof"....
Forest

I thought they were, or as near as damn it?

My 2610 has been out in the rain (most days in the UK) and been soaked numerous times without any problems.

[uptoblackwood]

I rode with the new unit today...cold and humid this morning...and no issues with moisture.

[Keith_UK]

I took the unit back to where I bought it and they replaced the unit after standing in the parking lot and observing the "dew" behind the screen.
Have any of you with earlier Street Pilots experienced this problem?
Forest
Forest - Something like the line of mist effect in the pictures below, perhaps? As you can see, I get this too, although only from time to time - and even then it usually dissapears quite quickly.

Should I ask for a replacement unit? (bought it in April this year - '05)

[Redeye]

Forest - Something like the line of mist effect in the pictures below, perhaps? As you can see, I get this too, although only from time to time - and even then it usually dissapears quite quickly.

Should I ask for a replacement unit? (bought it in April this year - '05)

I Think I'd be returning the unit Kieth. Shouldn't be like that. :mad:

[crazykz]

I've ridden with my 2610 in almost every condition and I've never had that happen. I would consider returning the unit. Or at least call Garmin to see what they say.

Curt

[uptoblackwood]

Keith...
It was just like that...but even over a larger area. I took the unit back to the retail store I purchased it from (two day prior) and they quickly replaced the unit. I'll be watching for issues with the new unit. I have contacted Garmin and I'll post their response.

Forest

[Keith_UK]

Well you guys, thanks for your advice. I have done what you have suggested and registered an enquiry, via the retailer's website. I'll let you know what sort of response I get back. For your info my message read like this:

To: The GPS Warehouse, Hanworth, Middlesex. Sent Thu 27/10/2005 19:00: -

Dear Sirs

I purchased a Garmin StreePilot 2610 unit, etceteras, from your company on 15-Apr-2005. Details for your ease of reference are: -

Order No. 73931
Invoice No. 17394

Unfortunately a line of condensation-type moisture (mist/fog) appears on the inside the touch screen from time to time. I have been advised by other SP 2610 owner-users that this shouldn't happen and that they have never experienced a similar effect.

To show you what I mean I attach three jpeg images that will literally put you in the picture. Note that I use the unit (but only occasionally) on both my motorcycle and in my car.

According to Garmin's own specifications the SP 2610's case is fully gasketed and waterproof in accordance with IEC 529 IPX7 standards - meaning that a high degree of protection should be provided to the unit's enclosed electrical components. So the appearance of condensation on the inside of the touch screen makes me believe that my unit either has some permanent moisture within it, or is not completely waterproof as the manufacturer claims it should be.

Would you please advise, as soon as possible, if this relatively new item (just over 6 months old) should be replaced?

Many thanks - I look forward to receiving your reply.

Let's hope something positive happens :o:

[jeffmiller]

Mine has the mist issue as well, although not as large a pattern as in your attached photo. I'll be sending mine to Garmin after my ride this weekend...thanks for the post!

[Keith_UK]

Hey chaps - FYI I got this response from the retailer this afternoon (so far, so good :grin: ):

Thanks for your e-mail. My name is Martin Skates and I handle all returns
for GPS Warehouse.

I have examined your photographs and agree that the condensation line you
are pointing out is very apparent and should not be present at all. By
coincidence I have only recently handled another SP 2610 from one of our
customers and he pointed out a very similar scenario; the only difference
being that his mark only appears in direct sunlight. Does the condensation
become more apparent in your unit in such a scenario? I should point out
that the units were brought two months apart and therefore I would not
consider this to be a batch issue.

Taking matters forward, I have issued a returns number which is RMA 4138; we
would be grateful if you could write this on the outside of the parcel and
return the StreetPilot to the address below. Please also quote this number
should you have any queries about your return.

We would recommend an insured, traceable delivery service (i.e. Royal Mail
Special Delivery) and once received we will process your return as quickly
as possible. It is quite likely however that this unit will have to be sent
to Garmin which will take around an additional five working days to turn
around.

Finally, may I take this opportunity to apologise for the inconvenience
caused. Of course, should you have any further questions do not hesitate to
contact us.

Kind regards
Martin Skates
Customer Returns

[Mellow]

Hey chaps - FYI I got this response from the retailer this afternoon (so far, so good :grin: ):

Thanks for your e-mail. My name is Martin Skates and I handle all returns
for GPS Warehouse.

I have examined your photographs and agree that the condensation line you
are pointing out is very apparent and should not be present at all. By
coincidence I have only recently handled another SP 2610 from one of our
customers and he pointed out a very similar scenario; the only difference
being that his mark only appears in direct sunlight. Does the condensation
become more apparent in your unit in such a scenario? I should point out
that the units were brought two months apart and therefore I would not
consider this to be a batch issue.

Taking matters forward, I have issued a returns number which is RMA 4138; we
would be grateful if you could write this on the outside of the parcel and
return the StreetPilot to the address below. Please also quote this number
should you have any queries about your return.

We would recommend an insured, traceable delivery service (i.e. Royal Mail
Special Delivery) and once received we will process your return as quickly
as possible. It is quite likely however that this unit will have to be sent
to Garmin which will take around an additional five working days to turn
around.

Finally, may I take this opportunity to apologise for the inconvenience
caused. Of course, should you have any further questions do not hesitate to
contact us.

Kind regards
Martin Skates
Customer Returns

I've noticed that Garmin is and excellent vendor. Many folks I know that have returned a product for one reason or another are helped and appreciated every step of the way. I've yet to hear anything bad about Garmin Customer Service-This company knows about customer loyalty, that's rare...

[Keith_UK]

Oh the POWER of this forum! :wt1:

I cut and pasted a few salient points to the retailer regarding the condensation/fogging-up experienced by some other members, besides me, who have contributed to this thread. No names mentioned, etc; didn't even refer to this specific board - so discretion and privacy has been observed - thought I'd better get that one in Mellow! - your new avatar is sh*te BTW [only jokin' ;-)]

I asked if I should just return only the unit, or this together with ALL the peripherals, e.g. plus (a) the Remote Control; (b) Associated Software Disks; (c) Dash Mount + External Speaker & Adaptor Cable; (d) Power Adaptor & PC/USB Interface Cable; (e) Owner's Manual; etceteras?

(I still have the original display box and packaging - thank gawd). Here's what the kind gentleman at the retailers said:

" .... I have noted the comments in the forum and although rare, it does certainly seem that there are a number of users out there with similar problems. But to be blunt, it should not happen!

With regard to returning your items, it is arranged as part of our agreement with Garmin that for warranty replacements all main units and accessories will need to be returned. Apologies for the inconvenience caused in this respect.

Once received, we will aim to turn your return around as quickly as possible.

Kind regards
Martin Skates
Customer Returns ..."

So it looks like I'm gonna get a whole brand new replacement deal! :clap2: .

Cheers you chaps 'out there' :capwin:

[mishkee]

I have same problem I never thought it was fog, just weird light reflection because mine seemed to happen when the sun was at a low angle... wow thanks guys. Mine is about a month old... :04biker:

[Redeye]

Keith

I had a problem with my 2610 not long after I bought it, the USB connection at the unit end was faulty.
My retailer, www.GlobalpositioningSystems.co.uk were quite good. They said basically what your dealer told you, return it and we'll replace it. But what they also told me was that if I ring Garmin Europe direct that it would be quicker for me if I was in need of a faster turn around. In other words, I send it to them, they send it to Garmin, Garmin tests it, Garmin sends replacement to retailer, retailer sends it to you.
So I did, and after a short conversation with the tech help desk I got a returns number, sent it off and recieved a replacement within 5 working days.
OK, so it saved them the agrivation of posting to Garmin and then to me, but it probably saved me another 7 or 8 days without the unit, so I was happy.

[Keith_UK]

Velly interesting Mr Redeye - So, you got passed the Border! :twisted:

GPS Warehouse (my retailer) said: "...Taking matters forward, I have issued a returns number which is RMA 1234 [sic] ; we would be grateful if you could write this on the outside of the parcel and return the StreetPilot to the address below [as per the GPS Warehouse depot in Middlesex]. Please also quote this number should you have any queries about your return.
We would recommend an insured, traceable delivery service (i.e. Royal Mail Special Delivery) and once received we will process your return as quickly as possible. It is quite likely however that this unit will have to be sent to Garmin which will take around an additional five working days to turn around."

As I am in no immediate rush to get the unit back Redeye, I think I'll just go along with what they say and send it back to them - But 'five working days' routing via the retailer, I wonder? Seems this timescale will be a tall order in view of your experience - we'll just wait-and-see.

mishkee - go for it mate ;)

[jgilmore]

I've had both problems on several occasions, the condensation problem mentioned here and beeping/getting into pan/zoom mode without touching the screen. Haven't been too annoyed by either thing, but my warranty is almost up so I called today.

I bought the unit from Amazon.com in November of last year. Called garmin directly today, they had my info either from registering when getting my unlock code (or sending a card in, I can't remember if I did that). He immediately gave me an RMA and told me to send it back insured (just the unit itself) and I'd have the problem resolved in 5 to 7 days.

Ya just can't beat service like that.

-john

[Keith_UK]

John - I had the beeping/getting into pan/zoom mode without touching the screen thing going on too. I am convinced that this was being caused by solar Infra-Red rays entering the IR window/portal on the LHS of the unit's case. The clue here was that it never happened in overcast weather conditions - only on bright sunny days.

The simple remedy for me was to cover-up the IR window with a little piece of black electrical tape. After I did this it never happened again. Suggest you give it a try.

Keith

[Blue STreak]

Garmin's getting ready to release the 2730. Appears to be the same as the 2720 plus MP3 playback, and a built in FM transmitter so you can listen through your car (or bike) stereo.

[uptoblackwood]

Here's the response from Garmin:

> > Mr. Aten,
> I would be happy to assist you with this. I do apologize for the
> inconvenience this may have caused. You are correct that the unit
> should be sealed to not allow moisture in. Especially in the
> conditions you describe below. I would suggest trying to exchange it
> with the vendor, and if they will not allow you to exchange it we will
> definitely exchange it for you.
> The reason I offer the exchange with the vendor is that if you send
> your unit to us it will take a while to be shipped, processed, and
> shipped back.
> The vendor will probably be faster. I will wait for your response.
> >
> > Best Regards,
> >
> > Brandon Lamb
> > Product Support Specialist
> > GARMIN International
> > 1200 E. 151st St.
> > Olathe, KS 66062
> > 800-800-1020
> > Fax: 913-397-0836
> > http://www.garmin.com

[jgilmore]

John - I had the beeping/getting into pan/zoom mode without touching the screen thing going on too. I am convinced that this was being caused by solar Infra-Red rays entering the IR window/portal on the LHS of the unit's case. The clue here was that it never happened in overcast weather conditions - only on bright sunny days.

The simple remedy for me was to cover-up the IR window with a little piece of black electrical tape. After I did this it never happened again. Suggest you give it a try.

Keith

Keith,

Thanks, I read that suggestion (probably your post), haven't tried it yet. It only happened to me in direct sunlight also, as did the fogging. I read somewhere (I think GPSPassion website) that a newer version of the OS for the BMW unit allows shutting off the IR port. It that's true, maybe they will make that available to us too, as the BMW unit is (was) just a slightly custom version of the 2610 (I was told that by a Garmin rep at the MC show last year). I will see if I can dig up that thread. That would be a solution too, I never use the remote anyway.

I sent my unit back on Friday - When I get it back, I'll tape it up like you suggest if it happens again.

I found the discussion on the IR port - here's a link:

http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=39249

-John

[Keith_UK]

Just to let you know that my retailer [at - http://www.gpsw.co.uk/] - where I purchased my SP2610 back in April '05 - has just emailed confirmation to me that Garmin has COMPLETELY replaced the faulty unit with a BRAND NEW one + all new associated peripherals inc new unopened software. There was nothing wrong with the peripherals & software BTW. I should receive everything tomorrow morning.

All this in just over a week from start to finish.

Without wanting to sound patronising: What a GREAT firm Garmin is to do business with. :usflag1:

(European manufacturers take note, please!!)

[jgilmore]

Similar Garmin experience as Keith had, except I sent my unit directly to Garmin, got a brand new unit in 6 business days (today), including transit time there and back.

The new unit came with v4.4 OS. I read there is a small issue with that (picking a route with you're not moving and not on the route), but I can live with that and certain they will address it soon.

No arguing, no hassling, no questioning, no doubting, no excuses. I am one happy camper.

-john