trouble with older GPS units

[n3437d]

I was wondering if any of you out there are experiencing problems with older GPS units such as the APOLLO nms 2001 and others of that vintage - all of a sudden last Sunday my Apollo 2001 would find all the satellites but could not "lock onto" them to send a signal to my Argus moving map - I found one similar post on the Vans RV site.

I have not quite nailed the problem down yet but is seems that there are some software/hardware problems with older equipment. Radio is currently at Garmin being bench tested.

Waiting for all you "rich type" folk to tell me to buy newer equipment - can't, wife just had our 15th child.

Joel

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Joel, your wife just had your 15th child, and your worried your GPS has some trouble?

Many folk, "rich" included, would be happy the wife has allowed you to have a GPS, let alone a working GPS.

Congrats on the birth. Wish I could help with the GPS.

[3958v]

Joel If I had 15 kids I think maybe I would want to get lost. Bill K

[n3437d]

I had to say something outlandish to get a response from you technocrats

I am a stepfather to two great kids - one working at Boeing and the other is a flight attendant with Delta.

So no knows about GPS problems with older units, say vintage 2000.

Joel

[Bill Hart]

I would say you probably need to update the software in your GPS.

[jrenwick]

Here's a theory: GPS satellites change over time -- they fail, and replacements are put up. The data about where they are is loaded into the GPS receiver with the software, not with nav data updates. To get up to date with the current satellite constellation, you have to update the software from time to time.

Is this the way it works, or am I out to lunch?

[n3437d]

I suspect that you are correct in your theory. I will find out I imagine is short order from Garmin - most likely it is a software problem as my Apollo 2001 is able to locate the satellites but is unable to do anything with the data. As I mentioned a fellow posted a similar comment in the Vans RV site - no response yet to his question.

Once I get an answer I will post it here.

Joel

[ginbug92b]

I have a Garmin 55, bought new in 1993, still working fine. The only problem is that they changed the identifiers on some of the airports. No problem though, I keep a 20 year old AOPA directory handy

[blueldr]

Joel, do you still have a place at the dinner table?