Garmin 405CX has just died

No Pants

Good morning all,
My missus bought me a Garmin 405CX for Christmas a number of years ago. Could be three, maybe four. Anyways, I've been using it sporadically since then, it is in no way overused. It's currently on the latest firmware (2.40).

Was using it for about twenty minutes last evening and then I charged it overnight. It read 100% charged, I unplugged it this morning and the screen went blank. No buttons would do anything, no beeps. Plugged it back in again, now it read 83%. When unplugged, it switched off again. Did a reset on it as documented by Garmin, but it didn't fix the issue. Plugged it back in again, it read as 0%, charged to 3%, then jumped to 100%. I then switched on the timer and let it run. It stayed on for almost two and a half minutes before going blank.

Called Garmin and after a 30+ minute wait, got speaking to a chap. He's offered a replacement for £78.30. I'm going to take it home and see if I can reflash the firmware or something using the ANT+ stick before I decide what to do. A Forerunner 10 is available on the Garmin Ireland website for €120. Are there any other options that I should be considering? I have two Garmin products; the forerunner and an Edge 500. It has already been replaced.

BeepBeep!

This may sound stupid but I had this exact problem. Got reading on forum/message boards and tried everything until I saw someone write that they hit the back of the watch (reverse of the screen) a slap with 2 fingers. Thought I'd give it a go and hey presto...must have been a loose connection or something. Not had a problem in over a year with it since. Unlikely that lightning strikes twice but worth a go!

No Pants

No, that's not made any difference to it. Thanks for mentioning it though.

Are there any other products that I could be using instead of buying a Forerunner 10?

Krusty_Clown

Sounds like the battery is knackered. You won't get as much life out if a lithium-ion battery if it's only being completely discharged and left uncharged for prolonged periods of time. The best way to maintain this type of battery is to maintain a charge, but allow it to discharge to around 10%.

You've got to weigh up the options and figure out which deal represents better value:
A refurb'ed unit (Garmin replaced 405cx) with a 3 month warranty for around €95
A new unit with a full one year warranty for €120.

If you used the advanced functionality of the 405cx (Intervals and advanced workouts) I'd suggest the 405cx, but if you just use it as a stop and go watch, the Forerunner 10 may be a better purchase.

Krusty_Clown

Also worth mentioning that others have had some success with sending off their 405 to the US to have the battery replaced. If you do go down the 'new watch' route, then it might be worth seeing if you can do this yourself (if you're handy enough with a soldering iron).

No Pants

Does anyone use anything other than Garmin?

BeepBeep!

Think Garmin is renowned for being the market leader so I think the majority use them. As Krusty said, it really depends on what you use your watch for, the Forerunner 10 is limited in what you can do with it but if thats suits you OK go with that. Check Amazon for other models, always have good deals.

No Pants

BeepBeep! wrote: »

the Forerunner 10 is limited in what you can do with it but if thats suits you OK go with that.

When the 405CX was bought, I had all sorts of ideas. Several years have now passed and I'm wise to that. The Forerunner 10 will do me just fine I suspect.

Krusty_Clown

No Pants wrote: »

Does anyone use anything other than Garmin?

Polar, Timex and Suunto all have similar products. Have a flick through DC Rainmaker's product review page, if you spot a competitively priced comparative model.

BeepBeep!

Some goo deals in Amazon, not sure about delivery to Eire though.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=garmin+10

Krusty_Clown

BeepBeep! wrote: »

Some goo deals in Amazon, not sure about delivery to Eire though.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=garmin+10

Delivery to Ireland is free, if the cost is over £25 and the item is supplied/dispatched by Amazon. Look for the 'Eligible for FREE Super Saver Delivery.'
Should probably move this to the Gear and Equipment sub-forum.

No Pants

BeepBeep! wrote: »

Some goo deals in Amazon, not sure about delivery to Eire though.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=garmin+10

I was looking at those earlier. With the currency conversion, it comes out around €96, but there'll be a delay while waiting for delivery. I don't mind spending the bit extra for convenience and keeping someone in Harvey Norman's in a job.

Krusty_Clown

No Pants wrote: »

I was looking at those earlier. With the currency conversion, it comes out around €96, but there'll be a delay while waiting for delivery. I don't mind spending the bit extra for convenience and keeping someone in Harvey Norman's in a job.

How about keeping someone in an Irish running shop in a job? AmphibianKing, Wheelworx.

No Pants

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

How about keeping someone in an Irish running shop in a job? AmphibianKing, Wheelworx.

I'm very disappointed in that AmphibianKing site. I was expecting a frog wearing a crown and robe and carrying a sceptre bellowing out BOGOF offers. But there's no sign of any amphibians even working there and if there are, I doubt they're even minor royalty. Okay, maybe a Baron.

I know where Wheelworx is, happy to give them a visit.

Finnt

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

You've got to weigh up the options and figure out which deal represents better value:
A refurb'ed unit (Garmin replaced 405cx) with a 3 month warranty for around €95
A new unit with a full one year warranty for €120.
.

Where can ya get one for €120? I have one that's near the end of the road

Krusty_Clown

Finnt wrote: »

Where can ya get one for €120? I have one that's near the end of the road

See above post in relation to Amphibian King and Wheelworx.

No Pants

Finnt wrote: »

Where can ya get one for €120? I have one that's near the end of the road

I think he's referring to the Forerunner 10, not a 405CX at €120.

Finnt

Was in AK looking at the garmin 10 but I thought ya meant the 405cx for €120, all I really want is a cheap gps watch for intervals

Krusty_Clown

Finnt wrote: »

Was in AK looking at the garmin 10 but I thought ya meant the 405cx for €120, all I really want is a cheap gps watch for intervals

The Forerunner 10 isn't really that watch. The new 220 would fit the bill, but may be outside of your price range. What is your price range?

Mods: Can we move this thread to [Gear & Equipment]?

No Pants

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Mods: Can we move this thread to [Gear & Equipment]?

I have received the information that I needed. Thanks everyone.

viperlogic

I have a 410 for sale here if you are interested http://www.adverts.ie/running-track-field/garmin-forerunner-410/5056123

410 supports custom intervals made on garmin connect and uploaded to watch

Finnt

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

The Forerunner 10 isn't really that watch. The new 220 would fit the bill, but may be outside of your price range. What is your price range?

Mods: Can we move this thread to [Gear & Equipment]?

About 200-250, what do you use?

Krusty_Clown

Finnt wrote: »

About 200-250, what do you use?

Personally, I have a 910xt, but were I in the market for a watch now, I'd probably go for the Forerunner 220 or 620. If you know someone travelling to the US who'd pick something up for you, you could get the FR220 for around €181, from Amazon.com.

wowzer

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Personally, I have a 910xt, but were I in the market for a watch now, I'd probably go for the Forerunner 220 or 620. If you know someone travelling to the US who'd pick something up for you, you could get the FR220 for around €181, from Amazon.com.

Bought the 220 from the site mentioned on the Garmin thread for €178 including express delivery from HK, ordered last Thursday night and it arrived on Tuesday morning. Very impressed with the watch so far.

munkee

Have you considered an Ambit2/ 2 R? I was going to go with a Forerunner 220 or 620, but in the end I'm probably going to go with the Suunto Ambit2 R. Mini review here

Krusty_Clown

munkee wrote: »

Have you considered an Ambit2/ 2 R? I was going to go with a Forerunner 220 or 620, but in the end I'm probably going to go with the Suunto Ambit2 R. Mini review here

That does sound like a viable alternative to the 220 (depending on price). If I went to the 220/620, I'd really miss the navigation features (as limited as they are) from my 910. Given that Garmin have had sod-all success with the Bluetooth connectivity (on Android), I don't think I'd miss the fact that this is not available on the Suunto.

munkee

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

That does sound like a viable alternative to the 220 (depending on price). If I went to the 220/620, I'd really miss the navigation features (as limited as they are) from my 910. Given that Garmin have had sod-all success with the Bluetooth connectivity (on Android), I don't think I'd miss the fact that this is not available on the Suunto.

I like the fact that the Ambit has navigation. I'm not bothered about bluetooth, and while WiFi uploading/live tracking would be nice, I can live without it.

I've been put off Garmin by my Edge 500- poor battery life, firmware updates with worse bugs than the versions they replace, stuff falling off, dropped signal.

DC Rainmaker is due to do a full review on the Ambit2 R any day now. Unless there are any show-stoppers I think I'll buy one.

Finnt

I read thru the review of the ambit, it does interest me , but just a quick look on amazon it's about 80 sterling more than the fr 220, that'd veer me back to the garmin !!

Krusty_Clown

Finnt wrote: »

I read thru the review of the ambit, it does interest me , but just a quick look on amazon it's about 80 sterling more than the fr 220, that'd veer me back to the garmin !!

I think you may be looking at the 'Ambit 2', rather than the 'Ambit 2 R'. The 'Ambit 2 R' (presumably 'R' is for runner) is £199, as compared to £173 for the FR220. As someone else pointed you, you can also pick up the 220 for substantially cheaper from Hong Kong, however, this may carry risks with regard to vat/duty and you'd need to make sure that it's not a specific SKU, that doesn't carry a world-wide guarantee.

Laois_Man

Been researching these watches and considering treating myself to one for a significant milestone birthday I have coming up in a few weeks (if I can convince Missus Laois_Man that I'm worth it )

The Garmin Forerunner 220 looks the best value to me.

Laois_Man

wowzer wrote: »

Bought the 220 from the site mentioned on the Garmin thread for €178 including express delivery from HK, ordered last Thursday night and it arrived on Tuesday morning. Very impressed with the watch so far.

Hi.
Sorry what sites is this you speak of?
I just trawled thru the "Garmin Thread" that I thought you were referring to - but no mention of a Hong Kong site there??

wowzer

Laois_Man wrote: »

Hi.
Sorry what sites is this you speak of?
I just trawled thru the "Garmin Thread" that I thought you were referring to - but no mention of a Hong Kong site there??

It is eglobalcentral.eu
Quick delivery and the cheapest 220 you will get.