thanx
I am new to this website and found this topic thread from a link on GPS-speedsurfing website.
I bought my GT-31 about 7 months ago and have had faultless performance until today, when the unit froze toward the end of the session. There is no data on the card (Kingston 1GB) and from what I've read there will be no data on the data logger if and when I get the unit working again. The latest firmware update (V1.3 B1132T) was completed on the 18th February and since then I've used the unit, without any problems, three other times.
The reason I updated was to avoid the freezing issue and also access the larger font. The larger font defintion works very well.
My start up procedure was the same as usual....and the key lock was activated before going onto the water.
The unit is always in waterproof bag during use.
^ Normski,
Welcome to Seabreeze.
I'm surprised to hear it locked up with the V1.3 B1132T firmware. Had freezing problems previously to upgrading to above firmware, but haven't had any issues since ( 34 sessions from GPSTC history). My understanding is that Locosys developed V1.3 B1132T firmware primarily for the freezing issue.
I always keylock as well and keep the graded speed sound alert on - this tells me the unit is still working. No beeps and something is wrong. Finger's crossed it doesn't start freezing again.
Sausage... the unit is nearby and still displaying the locked 10S speeds. From what I've read it will probably be tomorrow before I can think about recharging!
Just for completeness...
I usually charge the unit (from the computer USB port), before going sailing. The SD card is always cleared of data, after each session and also re-formatted about every six weeks. The data logger is also always cleared of data after each session.
Before going on the water I wait for the 'card found' and then 'writing new file' notifications before locking the unit. I also check the file card symbol is displaying correctly. I don't use the sound facility but rely on the rolling speed genie, and flashing red light to tell me its working OK.
One thing I have never done ( and have today been advised ), is to totally drain the unit, with the SD card installed, every couple of months depending on useage.
Its only recently that I have stopped wearing my Garmin Foretrex and the GT-31 together...because I had never had a lock up and also now had the 'fix' to stop it.
Once I get the unit running again, I'll reinstal the V1.3 B1132T if it is nescessary, but will resort to carrying both units, if, like yesterday there was a chance of improving my PB's!
I should also mention that I am a spanner man and rely on rote and instructions to upgrade and best use the GT-31.
Normski,
I work on the principle of "if it aint broke, don't fix it". I never clear data logger and I use my card as a file back-up to the computer - not that any of my tracks are worth keeping.
Hopefully it is an isolated incident and only specific to the northern hemisphere (especially that all-star dutch team).
Nprmski, if you're too impatient to wait for it to discharge, it isn't a major hassle to disconnect the battery, all you need is a small philips screw driver. Finding all the screws is the biggest challenge, my memory's not what it once was, but I think there's either 4 or 6 of them. The battery is on a plug to the motherboard, all you need to do is unplug for a few seconds, then reconnect.
Meant to add that due to a manufacturing fault with rubber seal around one of the screw holes, my GT-11 died a slow death due to small amount of moisture corroding electronics board, I have filled screw recesses with white silicone on the GT-31. Only problem is if I ever have to unscrew the damn thing, the silicone is really difficult to get out.
Ummm....an interesting one about the moisture getting in! Can LOCOSYS not fit small rubber plugs for the screwholes??
My unit took close to 48hrs to fully discharge, but after a full recharge I was able to save the 'lost' data to the SD card and run it through GPS-Results and make a posting. Previous to the recharge and 'save to card' action there wasn't any data on the SD card.
Rik from Riks Windsurfing advocates, from time to time, fully discharging the unit (with the SD card installed) and then recharging it using the supplied wall charger...this is likened to a re-boot on a computer!
I am up and running again and will come back to this forum if I have a similar problem....thanks for the help and advice
Ummm....an interesting one about the moisture getting in! Can LOCOSYS not fit small rubber plugs for the screwholes??
We had an electronics technician have a look at the many dead GT11/31s that we have locally and she was surprised at the low level of sealing.
Said the circuit board has some very fine gold connections that just get eaten away by any moisture.
Not a unit designed to be any where near water she reckoned.
Better to run them in a zip lock bag inside the aquapac.
