PM2 in navigational mode. While doing so, the screen locked up, then shut down. I replaced the batteries and the screen locked up again.

Replaced the batteries with yet another new set. Now the screen is snow like when the cable goes out. Any clues as to what has occured?

I can play around with the batteries (remove and replace) and occasionally get the unit to go to the survey/navigate selection screen, but the keypad won't work. Tried a "32" reset with same results. The screen will sometimes show up, but without the keypad working. The screen is also halfway off the right side of the screen.

Considering they are less than a year old and not used very frequently, it is very disappointing longevity. Of course I'll contact the dealer on Monday, just thought I would see if anyone else has encountered the same problem.

What kind of batteries are you using? I've read some of the recharbles don't have enough juice to run the antenna. I use energizer nicad, (I think), haven't had any problems. Last longer than conventional batteries.

those spring contacts on the positive batt terminal has got to be one of the worse ideas I've ever seen.

I thought I was the only one with problems...

Energizer MAX alkaline batteries (not rechargable). That is the brand I've been using since getting the PM2s. I had the unit in navigational mode using the internal antenna, so there should not have been a major power draw.

I just connected the external power supply using the 6 AA batteries with the same results. I guess it is something internal.

It just surprises me because the unit was used Thursday to run a static session; which went fine. I powered it on Saturday and stored a couple of waypoints and an hour later it was locked up.

Frank,

When I first started using these things, I had some bad data. I still get some bad data upon occassion. At each failure, I look at the procedures and re-read the manuals - sometimes I find something that helps. Most of the problems have been due to user error. For instance, I did exactly the same thing with mission planning as you mentioned earlier. Also, I tried to set a static observation up too close to a power line (it failed miserably - off by 4 feet).

I don't use the S & G very often, so I can't really make any further recommendations on the problems your having. When I have checked into the data I've collected in S & G, it has worked out really well. The procedure I use sounds like the same as what you are doing.

I sent you an e-mail on Friday. If you want to try sending the data to me, I'll see what I can figure out from it.

You mentioned the e-mails bounced back, you may need to zip the files or send one at a time. Some internet providers don't let e-mails with very large file attachments go through.
Modified By Jon Payne on 2/27/2005 at 11:06 AM