terrible charging on 66ST

Discussion in 'Garmin GPS' started by NickP, Jul 8, 2023.

  1. NickP

    NickP

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    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
     
    NickP, Jul 8, 2023
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  2. NickP

    Nuvi-Nebie Moderator

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    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 :-

    2023-07-08_16.39.15.jpg
    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 standard rechargable AA batteries in the unit by inserting a piece of plastic to operate this hidden switch

    DSCN3954s.JPG
    Fig 2

    DSCN3956s.JPG
    Fig 3


    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
     
    Nuvi-Nebie, Jul 8, 2023
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    MNissen likes this.
  3. NickP

    MNissen

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

    This also works on Garmin Oregon 700
     
    MNissen, Aug 18, 2024
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  4. NickP

    Nuvi-Nebie Moderator

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    It will work in any Garmin unit that takes the rechargeable battery pack shown in Fig. 1
     
    Nuvi-Nebie, Aug 18, 2024
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