Garmin found

[eileithyia]

On a local facebook site a Garmin has been found north of Preston... potentially an E2Eer?

[sbcoombs]

It certainly is. One of our Wimps LEJOG tour.

[robgul]

.. bit late but useful to know (another undocumented Garmin feature)

In a folder called Garmin on the GPS there is a file called setup.txt - you can edit that in Notepad or a text editor to add personal details that show as a splash screen when the GPS starts up (you can set the time if shows for.

My Garmins have:

<my name>
<my address as house number - postcode - UK > [Posting something to just a house number name + postcode does get delivered]
<my phone number>
<my email address>
ICE <my wife's name>
<my wife's phone number>

Seems like a good idea (lots of people have a similar set up with a phone.

A couple of years ago I found a Garmin in the road and it had these details ... and by total chance I knew the chap

Rob

[eileithyia]

Seems finder and looser are now in touch via Lancashire Cycle Link facebook page... so good news.

[FasterFerret]

Thanks for that tip Rob.

I will be trying that out tomorrow.

[Mick F]

I have that setting, but not my name/address etc.
I just got to say "Hello Mick!"

Trouble is, that screen is only there for a second or two on mine. If you were to put lots of info there, the unit would have to be switched off and back on again to read and note the info properly.

A better idea for my Montana - and others with removable batteries - would be to have a slip of paper/card in the battery stowage.

[tatanab]

ITrouble is, that screen is only there for a second or two on mine

I believe you can change the duration. On my 800 I display "if found please contact name and phone number"

A better idea for my Montana - and others with removable batteries - would be to have a slip of paper/card in the battery stowage.

Only if the finder thinks to open the battery compartment. Unlikley I think.

[Mick F]

Sorry, it's eight seconds!
Therefore is a brilliant idea to put name/address contact info etc on the screen at boot-up.
Not aware of the variable duration for that screen.
Just getting ready for a ride now, and that's why I turned on my Montana.
I'll check on the settings and stuff when connected to my computer after getting back.

The battery compartment on mine has a big wing clip and a very visible cover and is easily seen.

Off out now!

[JamesE]

Thanks Rob - that's very useful to know. The eTrex 20 has this file but it's called startup.txt - works as advertised.

[thirdcrank]

Keep it simple. I have a basic Dymo label printer, not the original embossing sort but one that heat prints on its own sticky tape.

Under fifteen quid from Lidl around ten years ago and more than that now for something similar but you can clearly label almost anything smooth and it's particularly useful for stuff without a screen. Obviously, if somebody decides to keep something, they can peel the label off, but a decent person finding it can see the info immediately

[Cyril Haearn]

Not the first time I have read of these getting lost
They should be properly fastened to the handlebars!

[Mick F]

Thanks Rob - that's very useful to know. The eTrex 20 has this file but it's called startup.txt - works as advertised.

Garmin Montana is startup.txt too.

[cycleruk]

Not the first time I have read of these getting lost
They should be properly fastened to the handlebars!

Agree and I would have expected Garmin to be able to fit a tether lead.

[robgul]

Thanks Rob - that's very useful to know. The eTrex 20 has this file but it's called startup.txt - works as advertised.

Garmin Montana is startup.txt too.

My error with the file name - it is startup.txt

In the file you canset a number of seconds for it to display - mine is set at 90 seconds to give someone a chance if needs be BUT as soon as it displays touch the screen or a key on non touch screen and it disappears

I'm on Garmin Edge 1000 Explore, an old Edge 200 and have just sold an Edge Touring - all work fione.

Rob

[robgul]

Not the first time I have read of these getting lost
They should be properly fastened to the handlebars!

Agree and I would have expected Garmin to be able to fit a tether lead.

The old Vista/Etrex etc did have a loop to connect a lead to hook round the bars - given the cost of the later gadgets some security for bouncing off (and snatch theft) would be an idea ..... I have looked at the possibility of gluing some sort of connector to the back to attach a cord but have yet to find a neat solution

Rob