Thread: Garmin Monterra - no battery charging and USB-PC connection

Originally Posted by Thomlodz

OK. Im thinking on purchasing a hot-air soldering device, perhaps it will be useful for me in the future. Is it Garmin USB cable different form a standard one? Perhaps there is a resistor built-in?

Yes, there is a 17.3K ohm resistor between pins 4 & 5 in the standard Garmin charger, that's how it knows whether the USB connection is for data exchange with a computer or solely for powering & charging purposes. Pin-out details are here:

Code:

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Internal discussion thread: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ].

And now another question. I noticed that if the Monterra is powered with the battery and I connect it by cable to USB port od PC or external charger and then disconnect the cable the following info is displayed on the screen "Power disconnected, stay with the battery or switch off?" or something like that. So I think the external voltage is detected by the navigation.

I assume that Garmin's Android devices use the same charging/data exchange system as do their devices with proprietary operating system, but don't have a Monterra or other Android device to check. As there is obviously some recognition by the device of the USB connection's removal, as mentioned previously there exists the possibility of (i) damaged connection internally in the socket i.e. corroded/bent/broken pins(s), easily visually checked with a magnifying glass; (ii) partially broken solder connections; or (iii) failed board components. Cleaning the USB socket with dedicated electrical contact cleaner might be worthwhile if you suspect any corrosion or foreign substance is present. Outdoor devices are prone to dampness damage of exposed ports. Don't use anything except proper contact cleaner though, other solvents or water dispersant type products such as WD40 can be harmful. Once you open it broken solder connections are clearly obvious and even without opening there's usually more mobility of the socket obvious when the connections have been broken. If the socket and it's connections to the board are proven completely operational then there remains the possibility of some PCB component failure, not user serviceable without very high skills and appropriate equipment of course.

And perhaps there is a software problem? I cannot update the firmware via Internet because it is most up to date. But perhaps it is possible to install it form a memory card? I found this page:

Code:

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BI have installed the GOA, but it did not help. And what about the firmware (213 MB)? How to reinstall it?

Certainly with Garmin Proprietary OS devices it's easy to reinstall a firmware even of the same version using a few methods including via media card, maybe the Monterra is different because of the Android OS.