Question about Magellan RoadMate 800 GPS Receiver
When I plug in a power cord (electric or cigarette lighter), the power indicator light will flicker with movement of the unit or vibration when in a vehicle. I obviously have a loose connection inside the unit. The GPS is no longer under warranty. How easy is it to open up the unit to check / resolder the wires to the external power connector (especially considering it is impossible to get a service manual. The reason I am posting here, is that I do not trust Magellan support/service because of the stupid answer I got to a simple question like "How do I get a unit repaired when it is no longer under warranty?" - and - "Do you have any authorized service centers or must I send the unit to Magellan?". Their answer was "buy a new cigarette lighter adapter and/or power cord".
The only thing I can think to add is a general question to Magellan asking why they let a four-year-old child design the power connector as "lightly" soldered to the main circuit board. Very dumb...
Posted on Aug 15, 2008
Most of these model 800 units seem to have the same problem. THe next thing to happen will be that the center(positive) pole in the unit will eventually break off completely. Take a look at the "as-is Roadmate 800's on ebay. Most of them have broken power plugs as well. I was quoted $49.84+$6 shipping to repair it. Good luck.
Posted on Sep 20, 2007
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Thanks for the reply.
I actually opened it up and discovered that there are no wires. The power connection is connected to the main board. Luckily, in my case, the pin was intact but the piece of metal (contact) that touches the outside of the jack (negative terminal ??) was bent and barely making contact. I used a jewelers screwdriver to bend it inward to make better contact and so far it is holding up to the vibration (the GPS is mounted on a motorcycle and I am looking for another one that can withstand the vibration).
Our power connection completely disappeared inside the unit leaving it not working at all. We called the technical support department number on the box (866-868-2259) and they sent us a replacement (refurbished) one for $55.00 as long as we mail the defective one back. So far it is working but you can tell the receiver for the power cord is not built that well when comparing to a laptop's receiver. It will probably break again but we will be careful.
Ridiculous!!! the connection!!! how can be possible that this product does not have any kind of an stronger conection, when is so obvious that it s on movement always!!!! very disapointed!!!!!!! and so expensive!!!!!!!!!
I was so fustrated with that issue that it sat in a draw for 18 months, now I decided since these items are less than a benji, why not open it up and play, i found pressing the receptor down works fine, so guess what i did. i krazy glued back on, yepppppp. and it works fine now for teh power charging. but, it wa sturned off for so long and now it is not finding a signal, surely opening it didnt break anything? the wires are all in tact and connected, but i cant geta signal..... what do yoiu think?
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