Tom Tom can't find valid GPS signal

Lucifurr

Lucifurr

Lucifurr

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
3,213
Location
Chertsey, Surrey
Hi all,

I bought a TOMTOM one about a week ago and it has been working great. However, today when I turn it on it isn't able to find a valid GPS Signal yet it has signals from 8 satellites. In the "configure GPS" screen various bars showing the satellites are ahoqing near full strength for 7 of the staellites detected but they are all greay rather than going blue. The compass shows all the satellites appearing north.

Any ideas on what could be wrong? I am using the device at the last location I used it at and have left it for 20 minutes with no success.

Many Thanks
 
I'm not familiar with Tom Tom units (mine is a Garmin) but try switching off, removing the batteries and leaving it for a bit. Then replacing the batteries and switching back on. I guess the unit doesn't have a reset button or anything?
 
Unfortunately, the battery is in built. I have removed the SD card and replaced it which appears to have reste the device. I have also put a newer version of the TomTom software to no avail.

Looks like I have satnav that doesn't even know where it is :p

Edit I have found the reset, I'll give that a go. Thanks
 
Does the software on your PC have any sort of web update software, where it checks for software updates? Run that and try to re-install your software (even if it overwrites it with the same version).

I took my unit out for a drive and it suddenly kicked in. No problems then.
 
This is off the tomtom website....

Question
I get the message : position of GPS unreliable or No valid gps signal.
Answer
This is because the GPS receiver cannot get a fix on satellites. In order to have a reliable satellite position, you need to be outside and have a free view to the sky. Repositioning your GPS receiver should solve the problem.

If you are outside and have a free view of the sky, but have just installed your software, you may have to wait before the receiver can get a fix on satellites. This could take up to 45 minutes but will only happen the first time you use your GPS.

Heat Reflecting Windshield:
If your car has an athermic heat reflecting windshield such as in the new model Renault Laguna - all electromagnetic signals such as the GPS signal are blocked. Very often, such heat reflecting windshields have a hole behind the rear-view mirror to let signals pass through. If you can not get a signal, place your GPS on that position. Alternatively, you can use an external GPS antenna or buy an extension lead to extend the GPS cable and place the GPS receiver in the back of your car (remember: your GPS receiver should have a free view of sky).
Click to expand...
 
Thanks for the info Ringo. I thought that maybe the receiver for GPS may be damaged but signals were being received and at quite high strength and I did leave the device outside so that it had clear view of the sky at one point.

But it seems the software must have got screwed up in some way.
 
The TomToms seem to have a few problems.

My dad has one, a TomTom 5 or something I think and he's used the reset button quite a few times now because it wouldn't turn on...
 
True they can crash, and the main reason people return them at work is because they crash and wont restart unless reset, and most joe publics don't know how to or take the time to find out how to do it.

However, my Tom Tom 700 managed to get me to Alpe D'Huez and back (this morning) in the french alp's with relatively little hassle (reset twice for some reason, but was quick to regain the route which was about 900km)

Definately a wicked piece of kit despite it's niggles
 
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