Just a heads up that we have found the first 66i to have a complete battery failure. The device will switch on when plugged into power or in its battery cradle and works seamlessly. When disconnected from power it immediately fails, does not power down, the unit displays 100% battery when on charge only screen.
Device is 18 months old and will be returned to GARMIN under supplier agreement for assessment.
Software is all up to date, reset does not work as looks like it's a hardware or switch issue internal.
We have experienced a few other inReach devices that have had a similar failure, however, they have been the Mini version.
I will update when we have a resolution and an answer from GARMIN as to why it failed.
66i Unit Complete Battery Failure
- GPSrChive
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Re: 66i Unit Complete Battery Failure
There have been a few similar experiences posted online about the inReach Mini, and in every case where the user opened up the case, they found the connector from the battery harness was somehow dislodged. Each of these units returned to normal operation after the user reconnected the harness and closed up the case.
We would have really liked to hear what you found after inspecting the same harness. No telling what you will hear from Garmin, if anything.
We would have really liked to hear what you found after inspecting the same harness. No telling what you will hear from Garmin, if anything.
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Re: 66i Unit Complete Battery Failure
I will inspect the harness and report. Thanks. I have operated on earlier versions so it shouldn't be an issue.
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Re: 66i Unit Complete Battery Failure
Okay so on opening up the back of the unit I discovered 3 different feeds for power to the board.GPSrChive wrote: ↑Wed Jul 27, 2022 1:06 pm There have been a few similar experiences posted online about the inReach Mini, and in every case where the user opened up the case, they found the connector from the battery harness was somehow dislodged. Each of these units returned to normal operation after the user reconnected the harness and closed up the case.
We would have really liked to hear what you found after inspecting the same harness. No telling what you will hear from Garmin, if anything.
- The feed from the power socket, also the data feed, was connected by a 12 pin flat printed cable securely locking it to the motherboard (great connection).
- The second connection was to the power points for the cradle at the bottom,
- Lastly the main battery connection.
Have you found that other GARMIN units have similar flimsy connections? The Earlier model inReach devices were virtually bulletproof in design and structural integrity. This design is far from it.
- GPSrChive
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Re: 66i Unit Complete Battery Failure
So what part was loose? What fixed it? Photos?
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Re: 66i Unit Complete Battery Failure
The main battery connection, the white socket was sitting up from its press-fit connection. I pushed it back into place after completely removing it. Will demonstrate with another unit when I get back from vacation.
- GPSrChive
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Re: 66i Unit Complete Battery Failure
Connector 'B' in this image?
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