My aging Garmin dashcam / GPS finally bit it, I miss some features

[got3fords]

My Garmin GPS with built-in dashcam finally bit the dust. I think the internal battery is dead and I am going to try to see if I can replace it. But assuming I can't, I am looking at options. Sure I can get a newer, better dashcam, but there are a couple of features the the Garmin had that I really got used to. It always displayed the speed limit zone I was in, and I could have it display elevation. I am using AAWireless, and while it has been working great, it does not show the speed zone or elevation, and I have no idea if there is a way to turn these on.
I don't need a separate GPS anymore, but if I can get one that has a dashcam, and can display elevation and speed zone, I might go that route vs. dedicated dashcam.
Thoughts?

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[NotBudule2]

How aged was it ?

 

[Frenchy]

I'm curious of the model. Also I don't believe Garmin is making GPS with built-in Dash Cam anymore, but I am aware of the new GPS Devices (most of Them) allowing them to connect with the Dash Cams they have available.

 

[got3fords]

How aged was it ?

I think it was about 15 years, so I am not complaining at all. It's been pretty solid.

 

[got3fords]

I'm curious of the model. Also I don't believe Garmin is making GPS with built-in Dash Cam anymore, but I am aware of the new GPS Devices (most of Them) allowing them to connect with the Dash Cams they have available.

It's a Garmin DriveAssist 51.

 

[NotBudule2]

I need a dash cam myself but my head spins when I start looking, too many damn choices...

 

[Frenchy]

Well here is a possible solution if you already liked what you had ?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4053165139...VT-GUlU13q09IGmii6UaGLmCaE9723CkaArm6EALw_wcB

 

[got3fords]

I need a dash cam myself but my head spins when I start looking, too many damn choices...

No doubt! The options are endless!

 

[got3fords]

Well here is a possible solution if you already liked what you had ?

Great idea! I made an offer. I am going to see if I can get a deal and research better dashcams in the meantime.

 

[AzScorpion]

Like most electronics dash cam technology changes pretty fast today and has so many price points. I had a Thinkware U1000 and it died after 13 months which of course was just after the warranty was up. I attribute it to the AZ heat because it was one of the best rated dash cams at the time. I haven't replaced it yet but was looking at the Viofo A229 Pro which has many great features for the price and good reviews.

https://www.amazon.com/VIOFO-A229-Pro-STARVIS-Channel/dp/B0CKYFSKNN?th=1

 

[NotBudule2]

Is there one that only records the stupidity of others and ignores my own ? That would be handy...

 

[got3fords]

Like most electronics dash cam technology changes pretty fast today and has so many price points. I had a Thinkware U1000 and it died after 13 months which of course was just after the warranty was up. I attribute it to the AZ heat because it was one of the best rated dash cams at the time. I haven't replaced it yet but was looking at the Viofo A229 Pro which has many great features for the price and good reviews.

https://www.amazon.com/VIOFO-A229-Pro-STARVIS-Channel/dp/B0CKYFSKNN?th=1

I am surprised mine lasted so long. I always leave it on the dash, often in direct sunlight. And while this is not Az., I occasionally had it shut itself off with a message saying to protect it from the heat. Tempted to get another Garmin, but I do like the rear cam option.

 

[AzScorpion]

I am surprised mine lasted so long. I always leave it on the dash, often in direct sunlight. And while this is not Az., I occasionally had it shut itself off with a message saying to protect it from the heat. Tempted to get another Garmin, but I do like the rear cam option.

The rear cam is a nice feature. I was looking to get the Viofo A129 Pro but now this one has come out with the new Starvis technology which gives you much better color retention in the dark.

 

[TJC]

Typically the battery or the backlight goes first. You didn't mention symptoms, but you can test to see if it is backlight by shining a flashlight at an angle to the display. Doing so will just show the display contents. I have successfully repaired laptops that had the back light fail by replacing the lamp or the small power board.

If it acts like it comes on (power light on but display off) it could just be the lamp. If the battery were dead it should still work when plugged into 12v source. I've got an old Garmin that is dim for a few minutes before going bright. When it finally fails I will open it up and attempt a repair. Part numbers are typically on the individual parts as many of those subsystems are off the shelve components no a days.

Best of luck to you!

 

[got3fords]

Typically the battery or the backlight goes first. You didn't mention symptoms, but you can test to see if it is backlight by shining a flashlight at an angle to the display. Doing so will just show the display contents. I have successfully repair laptops that had the back light fail by replacing the lamp or the small power board.

If it acts like it comes on (power light on but display off) it could just be the lamp. If the battery were dead it should still work when plugged into 12v source. I've got an old Garmin that is dim for a few minutes before going bright. When it finally fails I will open it up and attempt a repair. Part numbers are typically on the individual parts as many of those subsystems are off the shelve components no a days.

This one acts like it wants to initialize when I plug it in to the 12V outlet, then it says low battery, then it shuts down. If I do nothing, it will repeat this cycle. If I unplug it, turn it on, it will say low battery, then I will plug it in but doesn't help.
I an also having issues when it is connected to data. It won't even recognize the data card anymore. Cannot load, update maps. I am pretty certain the battery is so toast it can't do anything.
Also, I tried powering it in the Ranger with a USB cable. No joy.

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