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Posted on Jul 01, 2010
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Old Tom Tom can't find signal

We've had a TomTom for 4-5 years and it was great until this spring. When I get in the car and start driving, it takes as much as 10 or 15 minutes to find a GPS signal.
We only use it in the car. Never hitched it up to a computer. How can we get the GPS signal to kick in within a minute or so like it used to?

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Anonymous

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  • Posted on Jul 01, 2010
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Replace the battery!. Maximum life is two years. If you have not fully charged it by usb or ac prior to a trip and then connected it to the 12v car outlet before starting the engine the battery becomes damaged overtime.
Battery level determines the time it takes to make a connection. Always keep it charged. Never plug it into 12v car power when starting engine. This will not only shorten the life of the battery, but wiull damage the SIIRF chip.

Please rate my help++++Thanks for uising FIXYA

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  • Posted on Jul 12, 2010
Steve
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Hi Mary,
your TomTom GPS needs to be hooked up to your computer via the TomTom home appplication to have the satellite almanac updated via the QuickGPSfix data. Without a current almanac the gps will take a very long time to acquire satellites as it doesn't hold the latest details of where the satellites will appear in the sky.
Connection for TomTom Home is via the supplied USB to small d shaped plug that plugs into the bottom of your gps unit. If you have misplaced your original cable it the same cable used for a myriad of digital cameras.
The gps unit uses current "look up" data from the almanac to determine where the next available satellites are. Almanac data is constantly updated due to the slight variants of satellite positions etc
Go here for info:
http://www.tomtom.com/plus/service.php?ID=18&l=8

Download the latest version of TomTom Home from TomTom website. You will need to register your email.
Go here: http://www.tomtom.com/plus/service.php?ID=17


Another important function of the Home application is the ability to update your GPS unit incl operating system, map updates etc. Highly recommended that you do this!

More gps info here:

http://gps.about.com/od/glossary/g/GPS_Almanac.htm

http://www.ja-gps.com.au/what-is-gps.aspx

http://www.tomtom.com/howdoesitwork/page.php?ID=19&CID=6&Language=1

Cheers,
Steve
PS if your battery life is poor you can replace the inbuilt battery unit with a non-genuine battery if you choose. Check out ebay or similar sites.
PSS You can update your Quickgpsfix when you are on the road via your cell phone (assuming you have bluetooth on both your gps and your cell phone)

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My tom tom has lost gps help! all of a sudden half way through a journey my tom tom lost all GPS signal and wont pick up anything? is there anything i can do to get it back?
here are some tips on what to do ,To pinpoint your location, you need to get signals from at least 4 satellites. If you receive signals from less than 4 satellites or the signals are not strong enough, the Driving View stays grey and one of the following messages is shown in the bottom right corner of the Driving View:
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  • The GPS signal was lost sec ago
Note: In previous versions of the TomTom application the message may vary.
If you see any of these messages, try the following:

Finding a GPS signal
In the following cases it can take up to 5 minutes to find your current position:
  • You use your TomTom device for the first time.
  • You haven't used your TomTom device for a longer time.
  • Your TomTom device has been relocated without using it (e.g. after travelling by plane or train).
If it takes longer than 5 minutes, make sure that you are in an open place without tall buildings or trees around you.
Once your TomTom device has located your current position, the Driving View is shown in full colour and shows your position on the map.
Tip: Most TomTom devices can use QuickGPSfix™ to locate your current position faster. Flight mode
On devices with built-in GPRS connectivity, flight mode also disables your device’s GPS reception.
To switch flight mode off, tap Flight mode in the preferences menu and then select Restore connections.
Clear View
Your TomTom device must be outdoors to locate your current position.
Try repositioning your device in your car; ideally, try to position it at the lowest possible point directly on the windscreen.
Some vehicles have a heat reflective shield embedded in the windscreen, which may prevent your device from locating your current position. If this is the case in your vehicle, use the TomTom External Antenna Kit (available as an accessory).
Tip: As a reference, place your device outside your parked car to see if it can find your current position.
Reset your device
Reset your TomTom device. Click here to learn how to reset your device.
Install the latest application
We recommend always having the latest version of our application installed on your device.
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Aug 28, 2009 • Tomtom ONE GPS Receiver
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Aug 26, 2009 • Tomtom One XL GPS Receiver
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I have a Tom Tom GPS and all of a sudden it says searching for satellite signal but never picks one up. Any suggestions?
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  • Waiting for a valid GPS signal…
  • The GPS signal was lost … sec ago
Note: In previous versions of the TomTom application the message may vary.

If you see any of these messages, try the following:

Finding a GPS signal
In the following cases it can take up to 5 minutes to find your current position:
  • You use your TomTom device for the first time.
  • You haven't used your TomTom device for a longer time.
  • Your TomTom device has been relocated without using it (e.g. after travelling by plane or train).
If it takes longer than 5 minutes, make sure that you are in an open place without tall buildings or trees around you.
Once your TomTom device has located your current position, the Driving View is shown in full colour and shows your position on the map.
Tip: Most TomTom devices can use QuickGPSfix™ to locate your current position faster.

Clear View
Your TomTom device must be outdoors to locate your current position.
Try repositioning your device in your car; ideally, try to position it at the lowest possible point directly on the windscreen.
Some vehicles have a heat reflective shield embedded in the windscreen, which may prevent your device from locating your current position. If this is the case in your vehicle, use the TomTom External Antenna Kit (available as an accessory).
Tip: As a reference, place your device outside your parked car to see if it can find your current position.

Make sure battery is fully charged before use

Reset your device
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