Geocaching Australia

Dakota 20 owners need to be aware that recent software updates - namely Version 2.80, can result in the GPS freezing when you try to save a track.

Software version 2.90 was meant to fix the issue, but some owners still report the same problem.

http://garmindakota.wikispaces.com/mess ... e/22828241

This happened to mine over the weekend, rendering the GPS useless until I got home to reinstall the system software.
I then upgraded my software version to 2.70, which has less issues.

Software upgrade versions available here:

http://garmindakota.wikispaces.com/Versions

Also you can reinstall the OS yourself if you get the dreaded "System Software missing" screen

You need a Garmin .rgn file and the Garmin updater software -
NB NOT GARMIN WEB UPDATER

http://garmin.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/gps_ ... _topview=1

This website is in German but has links to updater.exe and the .rgn file

What it says is:

a) download files to a direcory
b) open explorer, change to the directory from a)
c) drop the "xxxxxx.rgn" file on updater.exe
d) (program starts) change interface to usb
e) remove batteries from your garmin, press and hold the power button and connect the unit to the usb cable
f) as soon as the unit is recognized inside the program, click the "ok" button
g) you may release the power button as soon as the unit starts updating

I have used this method to restore my Dakota 20 successfully - It loads version 2.20

Use the .gcd file mentioned in the first link above to upgrade to the version of your choice.

Until Garmin fix their software I will continue to use Version 2.70

Hope this is useful - use this info at your own risk

Kevin

Hi Kevin,

Given that 4.00 is now out, any comments on the later releases?

Cheers
John

I have just updated my Dakota 20 to the 3.0 release and finally the GPS dos not crash when saving tracks......so it looks like they have fixed that particular issue

Oops! I did of course mean 3.00!

Thanks for that! I'm on 2.20, and while I haven't had problems (yet) I was wondering if it was worth upgrading?

Cheers
John

Good ol' GARMIN hey