Garmin GPSMap 276C - Worth Keeping?

May 25, 2019
29
Catalina 30 Bronx, NY
Hello All,

I just purchased a Catalina 30 Tall Rig and the PO handed me this device as a "gift". It powers up with AC, but the battery doesn't work. I read in a forum somewhere that the firmware may need to be updated in order to recognize the battery level.

Is it worth keeping? Should I spend $30 to get a new battery if needed? I bought a new cable to see if I can update the firmware from a PC, and maybe download updated charts.

I already planned on paying for a Navionics subscription for my iPhone.

Any advice would be most welcome. Thank you in advance.
 
Jan 7, 2011
5,685
Oday 322 East Chicago, IN
It looks like it can run off the 12-volt power cord. Maybe try it out and then decide if it is worth the cost of a new battery pack.

I have a GPSMaps 746 on my boat, and I love having it at the helm. Mine may have more connectivity, and runs off my house bank all the time...no battery pack.

Other folks swear by the use of their phone or tablet running various nav software…

IMG_4431.jpeg IMG_4430.jpeg

So, maybe try it and see.


Greg
 
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capta

.
Jun 4, 2009
4,949
Pearson 530 Admiralty Bay, Bequia SVG
It is a $400 to $500 unit and a Garmin to boot. How could you go wrong to get it operating properly for $30.00?
I can't imagine betting my life on a phone app, and I've got the "folding" phone that gives me a 5x5 inch screen when open. But it isn't waterproof, can easily be lost overboard or ruined by a single wave.
If you don't want the unit, please give me an opportunity to purchase it from you.
 
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Joe

.
Jun 1, 2004
8,213
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
Hello All,

I just purchased a Catalina 30 Tall Rig and the PO handed me this device as a "gift". It powers up with AC, but the battery doesn't work. I read in a forum somewhere that the firmware may need to be updated in order to recognize the battery level.

Is it worth keeping? Should I spend $30 to get a new battery if needed? I bought a new cable to see if I can update the firmware from a PC, and maybe download updated charts.

I already planned on paying for a Navionics subscription for my iPhone.

Any advice would be most welcome. Thank you in advance.
I'm with Capta on this..... updating firmware and $30 for a new battery... no brainer. Back up is important. I would hardwire the unit anyway... A floating, marine handheld gps should be part of your emergency equipment. Have fun with the new boat.
 
May 25, 2019
29
Catalina 30 Bronx, NY
Thanks everyone! I was able to update the firmware by purchasing the old style usb cable (same one that my kid's Nintendo 3DS uses :) ) and then a new battery and charged it up, it gives about 14 hours of use on a charge.

This is a new boat to me, and my first vessel that has an electrical system, so I have no idea how to hard wire it, there are no other instruments at the helm other than a compass.