terrible charging on 66ST

[NickP]

The 66st is designed to be charged with the rechargeable batteries in the unit. Normally I plug the cable into a USB port on my desktop computer. More often than not, after a few days, and when I want to use it, it isn't charged. I then end up taking the rechargeable batteries out and putting alkaline batteries in.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to get a dependable charge in this unit?

I've also watched the battery meter and it seems to drop to 50% fast, yet I haven't had it run completely out of power

 

[Nuvi-Nebie]

The power available on a computer USB 2 socket is only about 500mA, so it is relatively low powered, USB 3 is better but is still only about 900mA, I would recommended a mains to USB charger of say 2A (2000mA) for quicker charging.

The GPSMap66 (64, 65, Oregon etc.) will only charge this Garmin Battery pack :-


Fig 1


If you put standard AA rechargable batteries in the unit they will not be charged because they will not detected as rechargables, the batteries needs to activate a hidden switch in the battery compartment, it is possible to charge rechargable AA batteries in the unit by inserting a piece of plastic to operate this hidden switch


Fig 2


Fig 3

I've also watched the battery meter and it seems to drop to 50% fast, yet I haven't had it run completely out of power

Most Garmin units have a setting for different battery types, so if it is setup for NiMH and you are using alkaline batteries (or vice versa) you will see this happen.

Setup >> System >> Battery Type

NOTE:- If the Garmin battery pack is detected by the hidden switch then the 'Battery Type' option is removed

 

[MNissen]

" it is possible to charge rechargable AA batteries in the unit by inserting a piece of plastic to operate this hidden switch"

This also works on Garmin Oregon 700

 

[Nuvi-Nebie]

This also works on Garmin Oregon 700

It will work in any Garmin unit that takes the rechargeable battery pack shown in Fig. 1