[MikeW]

The unit works fine with external power or a charged battery, but it will not charge the battery. It's not the battery (genuine Garmin BTW), this charges OK in another 296.

Any ideas please anyone? Is there possibly an internal fuse in the charging circuit?

Thanks.

[PaulB]

There's a video on YouTube that says that the battery contains circuitry that controls the charging, but this needs battery power so when the battery is completely flat you can't charge it.

The chap demonstrated taking the battery apart and connecting to a 9V normal battery to charge it enough to power the circuit meaning the charger would work again.

My 296 battery is in the same condition and it looked a bit of a faff to fix it and I may one day pay Harry M for a replacement.....

Someone like Paul S will post a link to the video imminently!

[Paul_Sengupta]

Not at the moment, I have to go out and help someone unload an aeroplane kit!

The battery charges ok on another 296 though, so it's probably not that. Is there a setting for rechargeable or AA pack somewhere which may be set to AA pack?

Right, got to run, can't look up anything right now!

[MikeW]

I've seen that video, it isn't that though, the battery is not flat.
I'm not aware of a dry cell option or any charging controls in setup.
Thanks for looking!

[Rob L]

I have a 496 (the colour one) for sale (an Estate sale) that needs an update and new batteries, but otherwise works just fine. Comes with remote speaker, weighted beanbag, all cables, manual, bag etc.

All proceeds to MNDA

New batteries are still readily available.

Offers? Anything considered.

[MikeW]

@Rob L Thanks but not for me. Good luck.

[Rob L]

Thanks for the prompt response; no worries. I wish you well with your 296 woes.

Rob

[MikeW]

To my surprise there are numerous repairers, they are mainly doing car stuff of course.
Quotes range from £30 to £100.

[Boxkite]

Not for Mike, but in case anyone else is interested here is the video:

Chinese batteries are available for around £15.

[Paul_Sengupta]

One thing with that video, I wouldn't epoxy the battery back together personally, as you might want to do the same thing again! As mentioned in another thread, I did a similar thing with my VXA-700 radio battery, but rather than using a 9V PP3, I actually connected each cell in turn to a USB lithium battery charger, this sort of thing.

[Boxkite]

One thing with that video, I wouldn't epoxy the battery back together personally, as you might want to do the same thing again!

Yes, I would have at least taped it up and tried it in the charger first