Should I take batteries out of my GPS?

[whichway]

Hi

My good old faithful GPS 12 is finally dead (maybe it was about 10 years old) - the batteries leaked badly inside the unit and I don't think I will ever be able to get it to work again - :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Anyway I am thinking that I will get another handheld soon, maybe a GPS72. If I take the batteries out when it is not in use, will that affect the GPS internal battery life.

Whichway

[Hamish73]

Hi

My good old faithful GPS 12 is finally dead (maybe it was about 10 years old) - the batteries leaked badly inside the unit and I don't think I will ever be able to get it to work again - :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Anyway I am thinking that I will get another handheld soon, maybe a GPS72. If I take the batteries out when it is not in use, will that affect the GPS internal battery life.

Whichway

I'd be very suprised if any electronic device had an internal battery these days. Data is stored on a EEPROM (Electronically erasable programable read only memory) Removing the batteries will cause no dramas. If you only use it in your boat use an external 12v supply and you wont need batteries at all. I used to have handhelds, but the small monochrome trackrs are pretty cheap these days so have gone down that route

[whichway]

Hi

What is a monochrome tracker - a Garmin 205?

Whichway

[Hamish73]

Mine is a Navman Tracker 5430. If you shop around you can get one for $300 new. A bit hard to read in direct sunlight, especially when covered in salt spray, but thats my only real complaint so far. I plan to make a shield to combat that problem.

http://www.navman.com/Navman/Templat...____28805.aspx

[Dirtysanchez]

Definitely take them out, as Hamish says they are quite OK with data retention, although EeProms may only hold the info for a few years, so be sure to use it regularly, which is a good excuse to go fishing anyway

I killed my 1st magellan this way
You could try cleaning the contacts in the GPS12 with a bit of white vinegar on a cotton tip.. might break down some of the crap and possibly get you some contact so the power from the batteries makes it to the circuit

Cheers

[eugah]

I would be taking the batteries out. I had a 72 & a very expensive brand of battery leaked & the GPS had to be thrown in the bin.

Adrian

[DR]

if you are going to buy a new one , this is worth thinking about..i would shoot an email & ask what postage is as this price is $224 Aust .
has to be a bargain, would also ask how much dash mount bracket is. would reckon the wkhole lot would not be much more than $300 aussie..

oh, yes i always remove the batteries from mine, i also learnt the hard way with another item..

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langI d=-1&partNumber=36560&hvarTarget=search&hvarAID=&cmCa t=3401517