garmin 296 losing reception?

The response:

Thank you for contacting Garmin International,

If part of the satellite almanac data (or operating system) is corrupted, it will cause the unit to drop satellite reception and/or reset (power off). The following resolutions should correct the issue.
The first resets the satellite almanac data, the next resets the entire unit (erasing all user data), and the last re-installs the operating system from our website. Try each one to see if it resolves the issue.


Satellite Reset - With the unit off, press and hold the Zoom OUT button while turning the unit on. This will reset the satellite data.


(Before doing any of the procedures listed below, you may want to backup your user data - waypoints, routes, tracks - as it is usually erased during the following procedures. This is easily done if you have one of our computer Mapsource software products. It can then be reloaded
later.)

Master Reset - With the unit off and all cables disconnected and any datacard removed, press and hold the OUT+QUIT+NRST buttons. Tap the POWER button once for about .5 - 1 second. (The unit will beep and power up to a shaded screen.) Continue holding the OUT+QUIT+NRST buttons for about 6 - 8 seconds and then release. If the unit powers off or refuses to power up to full brightness, remove and re-install the battery and perform this reset procedure only one more time. Again remove and re-install the battery. The unit should now function properly. After this is done, enable the WAAS function and take it outside to let it acquire the satellite signals for about 10 minutes.


Unit Software Update - To do the Unit Software update, remove any datacard (if installed) and follow the steps below. Make sure to read all warnings as this update may erase all routes, waypoints, and tracks in the unit.

  1. Go to our website at http://www.garmin.com/support/agree.jsp?id=889.

  2. Follow this link through the download process.

  3. Save the file in a location on your computer that can be easily found

  • I suggest the Desktop.
  1. Find the downloaded file on your computer and run it (double click).

  2. Select USB if that is how the GPS is connected to the computer.

  3. Make sure the GPS is turned on - simulator on.

This update may take a few minutes to complete. After this is done, enable the WAAS function and take it outside to let it acquire the satellite signals for about 10 minutes.

With Best Regards,

Todd C
Aviation Product Support Specialist
Pilot Operations
Garmin International
913-397-8200
800-800-1020
913-397-8282 (fax) Att: Todd C
www.garmin.com