Did Your Omnitech GPS Fail Over the Weekend?
We’ve been getting reports over the past couple of days from people who have certain GPS devices, mostly from Omnitech, that are no longer connecting to satellites. No… this isn’t part of the GPS “Doomsday” scenarios conjecture floating around, this is real. Typically we’d point people to our Acquiring Satellites and people would be on their way. Not this time.
It seems this is something more serious. It is only impacting a few, lesser known brands. None of the big players were impacted or patched their systems a long time ago. Frequently cited as the culprit is the SiRFstarIII chipset, however I can attest that I have several devices with that chip that are still working just fine today.
The issue seemed to appear on Saturday, June 13th and impacted devices like the Omnitech haven’t been able to connect to the satellites since then. According to a “sister” company of Omnitech, the fault lies with a change the US made to the satellite system on that date. I call BS about that as the forty or fifty GPS devices I have in my office were not impacted. Omnitech support is replying to people with this note:
We apologize for the inconvenience you are having acquiring a GPS signal.
Due to the high volume of calls and emails, you will not be able to speak with a representative. The problem is not only happening with your device.GPS receivers are having a problem communicating with the GPS satellites since saturday June 13th, the GPS manufacturer is currently working very closely with the GPS satellite authorities trying to resolve this matter urgently, a solution is expected to be available within days.
Please send your contact information to info@navsupport.net or fax them to 6269560622 and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please submit only one request. You do not have to call us back regarding this matter, we will get in touch with you directly as soon as a solution is available within the next few days
Some people have received word that a fix will be available on or before Friday the 18th. Is your GPS deaf to the satellites? Let us know below.
My Omnitech stopped working on the 13th. Not happy at all and I don’t expect this ‘cheap” company to come up with a fix anytime soon.
Very dissapointed.
I just purchased your gps system and it does not work
What are you doing to correct this problem?
I am considering returning this equipment and purchasing another brand if this problem is not corrected by monday june 21, 2009.
Victor Delgado, we are not affiliated with Omnitech in any way. They have released a fix, which is what is being discussed in on this page.
My Omnitech GPS device was working on Saturday, but Sunday morning was frozen in the place we ended on Saturday….It couldn’t locate us or connect to any other satellites.
My Omnitech also stopped working on the 13th of June. I have had it for months…have taken it to California and Maryland and it always worked perfectly. Now it just says repeatedly “GPS signal is too weak.”
I’ll wait a few days and see if it becomes operational again. I hope so. I really like the unit.
My Omnitech stopped working on Saturday evening on the way to a gig, which I made just in time. The store people were relatively helpful, and offered to replace my unit if I insisted (just got it almost 2 weeks ago), or extend the return period by 2 more weeks. I kept the unit, and am keeping my fingers crossed. When it was working, I loved it, and no other unit has the Omnitech’s features at the price.
Well, I have a Garmin 60CS, a 60CSx and an Oregon 400i and all three are working fine, the 60CSx has the SirfStar III chip so that may not be the reason for the failures of the Omnitech GPS units.
That reminds me of August 1999 when the date rollover happened got the GPS constellation and units that were not updated stopped working (my Garmin II stopped wrking and I was on a search in Australia at teh time, in the middle of the Great Sandy Desert!)
Amir K9CHP
I purchased my Omnitech through Staples and when it didn’t work on Monday, I called them. Staples said this model used a frequency that was involved in the switch to digital television here in the USA that happened over the weekend. They claimed they had checked over a year ago to make sure this frequency would not be impacted, but it was.
That sounds like BS to me. GPS satellites use two frequencies for use by GPS recievers like this: 1575.42 mhz and 1227.60 mhz. TV signals in the US only go up to 890 mhz. GPS Sats also use a few other frequencies, all above 1100 mhz.
I do not know what the problem really is, but I don’t believe many of the different explanations being given.
Your hunch is right. This is a basic issue with the software for the chipset in the GPS. It doesn’t have anything to do with the DTV transition. Other GPS devices with the same chip might still work fine since they had long ago updated the software to address this issue, in anticipation of it. The only blame here is on Omnitech, and they are the ones that need to own up to it and address the issue.
I just purchased my Omnitech GPS, great timing huh?
Searching for GPS is the only message I have seen since I got it, so I have no experience with the normal operation of my unit.
Mine’s fixed. Thanks to everyone for the links and advice!
When I turned on my unit Monday morning I had the same problem.I am in outside sales and really rely on it.
I was on my way to buy another when I came across this web site and realized there is a problem.I hope they can fix it for all of us!
I am very upset, bought 2 of them. I was camping and on my way back Sunday and the same.
The fix is out. A new firmware update file will correct this problem.
My Omnitech stopped working if you know were I can get it updated or fixed that would awesome, so if you can send the info
Guess I am one of the victims.
1. Purchased Omnitech in February 2009. Failed in May.
2. Warranty unit received 6/9. Checked OK. Found position.
Discovered problem when I tried again today, getting ready for a 1200 mile trip to Canada on 6/23
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU CAN HELP ME WITH NEW FIRMWARE.
THANKS
How do I aquire it?
It looks that all devices with MStar chip sets have this problems. I have a Witson 2DIN device with Win Mobile 5.0 and is “dead” now. But also I have a PDA Mio 169 with Win CE 4.2 which is working very good.
[IMG]http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj299/dii80_67/DSC04456.jpg[/IMG]
I did not use over the w/e. But used last night.UGGGG..had me driving over a river when I was on I-95…now its stuck on my last view…I need for work..’YOU get what you pay for’…looks like I will go get a another Garmin..last one was stolen and got this Omnitech ..
I was ready to throw my Omnitech out the window when it failed to connect. The satellite screen showed that it was receiving signals from SEVEN satellites, but it would not connect. I had planned to disassemble the unit to see if anything had worked loose. I guess that I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one with the problem.
Let’s not give up the ship. A firmware update will be easy enough. The capabilities of this unit for the price is absolutely a steal. I would hate to ever have to go to a different unit.
I am having the same issues as everyone else is having. Let’s hope for a recall or something.
same problem as everyone else,I own two omnitechs,hope to be able to use them again.
The GONAV gps receivers are having the same issue in Taiwan. OMNITECH and GONAV probably share some of their GPS models. According to GONAV, the issue is due to some faulty timing chips from their provider. Customers are asked to send back their receivers for repairs. Someone on internet (not vendor) also releases updated firmware to help result the issue.
I tried to use my device on Monday Morning… No signal… Thought it was just a fluke… tried after I got out of work. Same results…. Did a “soft” reboot.. then a “hard reboot”…. nothing. I had misplaced my owners manual and went on line to see if I might locate one.. ran up on this site. We have two trips coming up soon. What a disappointment.
Yesterday, June 15 my Omnitech GPS unit wouldn’t connect to the satellite either. Today same thing. This is really annoying!!!
My navigator stopped working since the last weekend. It is not even 6 months that I bought the Omnitech @ staples. I was tried use it during the weekend and it indicated that ” waiting for GPS signal” and it did’nt get connected at all. It was so inconvenience for me that day. It sucks that we had to spend our money on things like these. Hopefully we will here a good news from Omnitech company
My GPS stopped working on Sat June 13th, I recently purchased this device and this is the first time it is having difficulty in finding GPS signals.
GONAV in Taiwan (possibly the manufacture of OMNITECH GPS receiver) today announced the plan to recall its GPS receivers for firmware update and blammed the issue to the faulty GPS receiver chip they’d used. Apparently the faulty chip caused receivers unable to acquire sat. signals starting from 0:00am 6/14 GMT. This is only for your reference.
Like everyone else, my unit stopped working over the weekend. I went back to the ‘retailer’ monday afternoon, who had no idea about this problem, and gave me a replacement unit. When it did not work either, my confusion turned into a sideways level of furious that has not been seen around these parts since the automatic door stopped working at the all-you-can-keep-down buffet back in ‘03.
I imagine the issue stems from some expense that the mfr thought they could get around, figuring they were smarter than everyone else. (Hey, that works on many levels!?)
I am sure that a fix will be available. I only hope it comes to me with a minimum of hassle. These things generally become more trouble than they are worth. A little more more for the other unit seems trivial at this point, but how could WE have foreseen this?
My device stopped working on Friday about 6:00 Pm.
It would be a very good idea to have a recall.
Don’t you think?
Same boat here…purchased my Omnitech GPS on June 5th…worked fine except for noticed during the week that my time was off on occassion. Saturday night I tried to use it and could not find a signal. Before purchasing I had read some not so good reviews of the product but thought I would still try it. I just thought the unit had gone bad so went back to Staples and told them I wanted a new unit. They gave me no problem with doing so and when the new one failed to connect then I knew it had to be the network. We are going out of town this weekend on a camping trip and had hoped to use the unit. Maybe it will be fixed by then…
Same problem as everyone else. Unit picks up 8 satellites but won’t process them. I want my money back, this is my second unit as the first ones screen locked up after only 2 weeks. Give me credit towards a Garmin PLEASE!.
my omnitech has not been working for days. four
It worked fine till the 13th. Now all I get is signal too weak.
I bought the Omnitech 16878-US from Staples a few weeks ago and of course threw out the box and the receipt. Now it has stopped working. I just get the message, \Waiting for GPS signal\ at the bottom of the screen. When I tap that message it goes to a screen that says, \GPS Connected\ and shows up to 7 satellites but it still doesn’t show my location.
So I called Staples Customer Service. The guy was very nice, new of the problem and told me what sounds like a ridiculous story–that the conversion to digital TV over the weekend caused \their satellite\ to start transmitting digitally. He said they are \working with the FCC\ to either get the signal changed back to analog or, failing that, will put out a fix. He didn’t know if the fix would entail a download or sending out a new SD Card, but he thinks it may be resolved by the end of today.
And if you talk to them again (after the 20th), I’m sure that they will claim that they got the FCC to “fix” the problem. You gotta love the spin doctors.
I just purchased my Omnitech on Friday the 12th,went to use on the following sunday,frozen and gps signal too weak! I took it back and got it replaced new one has same issue. So guess will wait and see if they the issue resolved. Kinda sucks when you are showing your buds your new toy and it doesen’t work.
I bought my Omnitech 16878-US 4.3 on March 29, 09. It has worked perfectly until last Sunday 6/14/09. We drove from NC to VA on Thursday with no problem. Sunday morning….it read “waiting for GPS signal” all the way back to NC. I called Staples, talked to Patrick. He said that Omnitech was aware of this and to get on their website and register for a replacemdent. I plan to do this now. Fingers crossed.
Just download the new drivers, flash the memory of the chipset (You just copy the files to the SD card and simply start up the GPS to do this)
With this new patch, it actually connects to more satellites than before, and much quicker.
Do you have the link for new drivers?
There are no new drivers. A call to Navtech will confirm that. They are still working on the problem.
I think the guy who wrote about the drivers was either dreaming or speculating. As of now there is no fix.
And where is this patch you speak of? It sounds like you have it already?
We’re affected. Waiting not-so-patiently for a fix.
As soon as someone has a link, please post it here!
Omnitech 4.3″ bought on Woot in Feb.
Already posted it in my above reply. Follow the instructions for the “Quick and Easy Method”
If you posted a link in the forum it is not showing. Could you please just post it for us again.
Thank you,
Step by Step update for a stock unit:
WARNING : RUN THIS PROCUDURE AT YOUR OWN RISK
Download the files. http://www.kingelect.com/en/SOFTWARE/GPS-update-20090615.rar
Four files:
main_compass_sw.5.11.00.bin
gps2gmouse.3.24.00.bin
AutoUpdate.ini
Autorun.exe
1. Place the following for files on the SD card .. I placed a copy of the files in root & a copy in Destinator folder to be safe.
2. In the Destinator directory rename Destinator.exe to Destinator2.exe
3. In the Destinator directory and rename the Autorun.exe to Destinator.exe
4. reboot.
5. Let the GPS do the update.
6. When it is completed. turn off the GPS completely
7. Pulled out SD card an put in on a computer.–>remove the four files (including newly renamed Destinator.exe) from both the root and Destinator directory
8.Rename the Destinator2.exe to Destinator.exe
9. Place the SD card back in the GPS and turn on the GPS
That is it.
Jim — assuming you’re not yanking our chain, you didn’t post a link above… unless this site filters it out or something… I just caled NavSupport today and they still had the message that said it would be \a few days\.
If you really do have a link, we’d all appreciate it.
I have 2 Omnitechs both are inoperable as of Sunday. I’ve never had an issue with either of them before now.
Navsupport is the website listed in the user manual. They have zero information about this problem on their site. http://www.navsupport.net/gps/15223/
Tim,
I posted the links numerous times, I know some of them times it took a while before they displayed with multiple refreshes. If it’s still not showing up, because of the links, you can get the links with the help of google.
Go to google, search “Omnitech Fixed Slickdeals”. Then when you click any of the slickdeals links, click on page 1. On page 1, the 2nd post is the Wiki that has the patches.
It looks like Bob was able to access it, since he posted the long version from the Wiki, but I recommend using the “quick and easy” version.
Tim,
You are right, the posts I had replied to earlier with the links are not displaying. In my browser when I would refresh, they would still show up, but when I used another computer in the house, it looks like it’s actually not posting because of the filters.
So, I think the best bet is to:
1) Do the google search with “Omnitech Fixed” (without the quotation marks).
2)Click on the first link that comes up(I won’t write the forum name just in case of filters)
3)Go to page 1 of that forum. Directly under the 1st post is the Wiki that has the download links.
4) Do the quick and easy method (which is the first link as of this posting)
omnitech model 16878-us same as all the other comments hope a fix comes soon.
Looks like the official Navsupport website has a fix now. http://www.navsupport.net/gps/quickfix/index.html
Somebody please reply to let me know if this actually posts
Thanks Mike,
Your link to the fix saved my day.
The update works. Thanks.
Relax guys/gals, just follow the instruction posted above, your unit will be up and running in 10 minutes.
THIS FIX WORKS GREAT!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH… SAVED LOTS OF MONEY
I checked at Navsupport and they said in effect,”relax,everything is fixed,not to worry.
My GPS is still waiting for a signal!!!!
I just bought mine on Friday- took it out of the box Saturday and it never got signal. This was my first GPS as it is the first one priced for the average schmuck like me. Im not happy- bought it on Ebay and the seller wont take it back. My forays into the world of technology are seldom successful though…Im digging my roadmaps out of the trash now and going at it the old-fashioned way-Mapquest.
Check out the link provided by Mike right above your post.
I just bought my GPS too, I was very frustrated, but I used the fix, and it works great now.
Follow the easy directions…Good Luck!
Jim — thanks MUCH for pointing this out. I’m now back up and running again!
Note that I used the ‘official’ nk.bin fix that’s talked about late in the thread, but I think in essence it does the exact same thing.
Ok I am going to try and flash my card now and see if it works. I fell bad for people that do have a SD card slot on thier computers,how are they supposed to fix there units?
I hope I dont brick my unit. I will start the process at 10 est 6/18/09 and repost resualts after.
I don’t have a blcnk SD card so I won’t be able to test this till tonight.I should have resaults posted till 7 pm est.
OK…I have my SD card all ready to go…will perform the instructions during my lunch (the GPS is in my wifes truck) and let you know the outcome.
I downloaded the NK bin to a blank SD card & follow the steps, but when I insert the updated card to the GPS device, power on but the screen just show system loading, looks like freeze for over 20 mins, try to turn off gps but not response can only turn it off with press reset button, problem still not solve. Does anyone can fix it?
Evidently the Omnitech is very picky about formatting and types of SD cards. I used a cheap generic 1GB card and it worked fine. Otherwise there was a formatting utility posted out on the Sllickdeals forum thread mentioned above — you might try that.
The actual update only takes about 30 seconds.
Official Fix from Omnitech
http://www.navsupport.net/gps/quickfix/index.html
Not sure if anyone has posted this,but found this fix on another web site.
Good Luck !
Hi gang. I used the link provided followed all the steps and am Happy to report my unit is up and running with no problems. Wish you all happy motoring!!!
I have redo all steps, even updated with the NK bin & reset, the GPS still said the GPS signal is too weak. does anyone can have it fixed & works?
I just fixed my unit using the download provided by Omnitech. All went well, and the unit works great!
This took only 30 seconds, or so, to do; but of course I had to run down to the local Radio Shack for a SD card to temporary place the nk file on.
This is an easy fix, if you follow Omnitech’s instructions.
Good news…I went to the navsupport web site at this link:
http://tinyurl.com/16878fix
downloaded the nk.bin file, put in on a spare SD card, updated the unit as per the directions, and it worked! It took a long time (like 3-4 minutes) to find the satellites the first time I powered it back on, but now it seems like it’s working fine.
Bill
Lucky you, mine doesn’t work properly. even it shows updated successfully when load the nkbin to the device,
but when I put back the old SD card, still showing 0 connected to any satellite.
Did you reset the device? The new settings don’t “take” until you reset it. Note that reset means with the stylus in the reset hole, not just turning it off and on.
For some odd reason, when I powered up the GPS this AM, it was back to the campground we were at this weekend when the problem happened, and couldn’t find the sat again. After about 5 minutes of waiting, I re-reset it, and it started working again. I hope this doesn’t become a pattern. Even after I re-reset it, it still took me back to the campground, but then quickly found the signal. Not sure why it’s defaulting to the campground, since I had it locating me at my home last night…
finally, i got it connected but takes a long long time still in progress, so be patient, yes just remind myself. Have a nice day =)
hi, my omnitech gps has no signal sinse sunday.is anybody know any number for tech support in us
http://www.navsupport.net/gps/quickfix this link is not working… getting very frustrated now. Has anyone been able to repair their Omnitech GPS using this or other links? THis is BS !!
Tom, the link is working fine for me.
Hi Tom, the link is working but what you need is just follow all the steps they asked you, make sure to use a blank SD card without any other folder or file inside, scroll down to site A & download the NKbin file. insert updated SD card into your device & make sure you have downloaded 12.2mb file, i was failed at the beginning because I open a folder in the SD card. after updated just reset the device, than put back the old card & turn it on & let the satellite work & connect. It takes a looooooooooooooooooooong time to connect all satellites ” my device” sounds someone else, have a prompt connecting, but not mine. may be you have same problem as me. wish this help. have a nice day
I’m very pi@@ed, what a cheap company. So now what? Is Omnitech going to take responsibility or we just take it on the ass once again. It’s time for companies to be responsible for what they make or sale. Mine was purchased from Staples, but don’t bother them with the problem…no help there!
What exactly are you pi@@ed about? It’s unfortunate there was a bug, but the company stepped up, fixed it within a few days, and now has posted a fix. No offense, but stop crying and apply the fix
At worst, it will cost you an SD-card reader and a blank SD card, but if you have a digital camera you probably have both of those anyway.
I agree with Tim, disagree with Tony. This morning I picked up the very good guideline, put out by OmniTech, and had no problem getting my GPS running again.
http://www.navsupport.net/gps/quickfix ….nope! I cannot get this page to open…will try again later tonight. Thanks for all the responses guys….will update later.
TH
Went at lunch and followed the instructions on their site and my GPS updated just fine and is now back up and working. I had no problems…
My system down since Sunday
I would hope all of us would email the navsupport team and have them mail sd cards with the files on it to people that dont have computers with sd slots.
I am sure there are allot on non technical people that do not knwo how to flash a device.
Hello,
I had to go the http://www.kingelect.com/en/SOFTWARE/GPS-update-20090615.rar route beacuse unfortunately, the Omnitech supplied file kept failing. The update would run, but then report an error “Unknown FW version”.
So, I followed “long” the steps above, and as long as the files were on the root of the SD and I had changed autorun.ini to set the COM=1 flag, I was ok.
Oh, and by the “long: instructions, I meant Bob’s post. (#35) Just in case the official update doesn’t work for you.
Matt,
I ended up having to use the long method as well because the first time I tried to update (using the “quick” method) my GPS shut down half-way through the update. After that, I kept getting an “Unknown FW Version” error as well. Then I used the “long” method and it worked! It should be noted that I also had to set the COM flag to COM1, but the file name was actually AutoUpdate.ini not autorun.ini as noted in your post. Thanks for posting your results! It helped me decide to give the “long” method a go.
Are any of you who are complaining actually reading the comments? The reason I’m asking is people keep saying “has anyone actually got this to work…” It’s obvious that many of us have.
Take a deep breath, settle down, and you’ll get your GPS working again. Bugs happen, but the company appears to be stepping up and making sure we’re back in business. If you’re having troubles, post here and we’ll help you. But getting frustrated and assuming that if it doesn’t work for you, that the company must be a scam outfit, isn’t helpful.
It worked fine for me. It took less than 10 minutes to update both my units.
I used the official update from Navsupport.
No more than 10 minutes and the unit is up and running!
Just make sure you follow the instructions.
Thanks to all that stuck to gether and got everyone through this.
When I tried putting in an SD card that only has the new NK file on it, I turn my GPS on and see “System Loading” and it never does anything else.
Hello,
I had the same issue. It turns out that I had my usb cable plugged into my computer to charge the unit. As soon as I removed it and rebooted the omnitech, the boot process continued.
Ok, I will try that again. I know I tried a few times today w/ it plugged in.
NO I got the bin file put it on another sd card.
I started the gps and it is stuck on system loading.
The flash is not working
It should erase the original flash. I just updated both of mine and working great. NO MORE STUCK GPS SIGNAL Went to #53 and followed instructions 10 minutes for both.
I seem to have sucessfully downloaded the GPS Patch to my newly purchased SD Card, and installed the card into the SD slot on my GPS unit. However,when I powered up the GPS unit I get a message that says “System Loading…” where the entire procedure appears to have come to a halt. Now I’m afraid to turn the unit off in case I might erase a part file or something and mess everything up permanently. Does anybody have any ideas what I should try now?
If it’s like what happened to me, the only way to get out of that is to use the stylus pen & reset it. The “on/off” button won’t even work when it’s “stuck” like that.
Ok new direction for people that are stuck.
You take you sd card and put it in your computer. The grad the NK.bin file and repace it with the one on you card. Keep your old NK.bin and move it to a palce on you computer to save incase you need it. The drag the new file NK.bin onto you sd card and take the card put it inyou gps power it on. A auto update will run. Wait 2 min it will finish and tell you to reset not restart.The other people telling me to flash it with jsut the file were wrong this way works better and you dont need another sd card
Ok New directions for people that are stuck. I am an IT manager so I figured out an easier way to do it.
You take your sd card out of your unit YOU DO NOT NEED TO BUY ANOTHER CARD USE YOUR EXCISTING CARD and put it in your computer. Then open the card FROM MY COMPUTER ICON it’s should be e drive rename the NK.bin file it to NK.bin1. Then grab the NK.bin1 file and move it to your desktop you will need it again. Then grab the NK.bin file that you downloaded as the fix and move it to the e drive or sd card. Take the sd card and put it your gps power it on. An auto update will run. Wait 2 min it will finish and tell you to reset not restart. OK now put the SD card back in the computer and open E drive look for the NK.bin file and delete it, it will have today date. Then grab your old NK.bin1 file and move or copy to the sd card and rename it to NK.bin take away the 1 you added earlier. You’re bringing back your old one. Then start the GPS unit. IMPORTANT wait 2-5 min I thought it did not work but it was because I was not waiting long enough. The other people telling me to flash it with just the file were wrong this way works better and you don’t need another SD card
Did the update and works great now. It did take a while to find the gps signal the first time though.
What’s a while? 5 minutes? 10 minutes? 20 minutes? More?
< 5 minutes
I’m sorry I’m a real newby to this but…What does the sentence on my message #64 “Your comment is awaiting moderation” mean? Is it something like “validation”?
Ok new direction for people that are stuck. I am an IT manager. I fiugure out and better way easier to.
You take your sd card out of your unit YOU DO NOT NEED TO BUY ANOTHER CARD YOU YOUR EXCISTING CARD and put it in your computer. Then open the card FOR MY COMPUTER ICON itshould be e drive rename the NK.bin file it to NK.bin1. Then grab the NK.bin1 file and move it to your desktop you will need it again. The grabe the NK.bin file that you downloaded as the fix and move it to the e drive or sdcard. Take the sd card and put it your gps power it on. A auto update will run. Wait 2 min it will finish and tell you to reset not restart.OK now put the SD card back in the computer and open E drive look for the NK.bin file and delete it it will have today date.The grab you old NK.bin1 file and move or copy to the sd card and rename it to NK.bin take away the 1 you added earlier. Your bringing back your old one Then start the GPS unit. IMPORTANT wait 2-5 min I thought it did not work but it was beacaue I was not wating long enough. The other people telling me to flash it with just the file were wrong this way works better and you dont need another sd card. Jayvette75@yahoo.com for more help
I messed up the instruction, formatted the original Omni SD card then loaded the fix.
So I guess I’m screwed without the original card data?
I would contact navsupport and explain it to them. Under the circumstances, they will probably send you a new version or a link to download it.
Fix works. Download is 12Meg.
Where do you go to download the “Fix Works” program?
Please read this entire comment thread — your answer has been posted several times and several different ways
Jay’s tip worked just fine.
I spoke with the Staples brand support yesterday and they said that as of Monday you will be able to take your unit into a store and they will load the update for you; no need to buy a reader and blank card if you can afford wait a few days.
Alright Steve! This is what I have been waiting for… I am not going to screw up my GPS by trying to be my own TECH SUPPORT… I always break stuff whenever I do that. Please update when STAPLES starts fixing em! Thanks guys! You are all great for a bunch of tech-nerds! LOL!
It’s been almost 10 minutes. It STILL says zero satellites. The software ran fine. And it ran fine the second time I ran it, hoping I’d done something wrong. (unlikely, this is what I do for a living, but ya never know).
Each time, when I initially went and looked, it showed satellites. 8 the first time, 6 the second time. Within about 10-15 seconds, it blinked to 0 satellites and never changes. I’m leaving on a trip in 3 hours. GRRRRRRR.
Did you reset the unit (via the reset hole)?
This is a recent reply I got from NavSupport, hope this helps.
Again we offer our sincere apologies for all the inconvenience you are having acquiring a GPS signal. A solution with a quick firmware update for the GPS satellite signal acquisition is now available with the following 3 Scenarios:
DOT NOT DELETE THE CONTENTS OF THE ORIGINAL OMNITECH SD CARD PRIOR TO READING ALL THE STEPS
1- Customers who have SD card Reader and Blank SD cards:
Please visit: http://www.navsupport.net/gps/quickfix
2- Customers who have SD card Readers, but do NOT have Blank SD cards:
•You can use the original Omnitech SD card, but please make sure to backup its contents before deleting any file.
•Backup all the content of the original Omnitech SD card, by copying them to your PC or Laptop.
•After making sure that the files are backed-up, you can then delete all the contents of the original Omnitech SD card.
•Once blank, please visit http://www.navsupport.net/gps/quickfix
•After completion of firmware update as per instructions on the above link, make sure your device is completely off.
•Delete the newly installed NK.bin file from the Omnitech SD card, and restore the Old contents of the SD card (the DestinatorApps folder, and the old NK.bin file)
•Re-insert your original Omnitech SD card in your device, problem should be resolved.
3-Customers who do NOT have access to SD card Readers:
The solution MAY be available at any Staples Store by Friday June 26th. You can visit the nearest Staples location for the assistance on the GPS firmware update.
If you are trying to reach us regarding ANOTHER issue, we appreciate your patience, please reply to this same email, and we will get back to you as soon as possible
Jay, I understand what you are doing and how to do it, but my question is after you take the SD card out of the GPS and rename the file…move it to the desktop, at this point is the SD card
empty(or supposed to be empty)BEFORE you move the newly
downloaded file to the SD card?I was going to buy an SD
card this afternoon, maybe now I won’t have to. Richard
Take the BN file off but rename it first. keep the folder destonator dont move it or delete it keep it on the card you need that to execute the other NK.bn file you got from the web site.
When anyone is using my system that navtech is telling people also to do (stole my instruction) do not delete the DestinatorApps folder keep it on the card.
Very good Jay.I THOUGHT I screwed the pooch on this one,I
didn’t cap the NK on the NK.bin file when I renamed
the original file and saved it to the SD card…and the GPS
just stood there saying system loading forever.Took out the
card capped the NK, it works…I get 9 satellites.Just moved
the 1 NK.bin file like you said and left DestinatorApps folder on the card.Thanks
I went up to Boston from NY for a wedding. On the trip up Saturday it worked fine. On Sunday all I heard was “the GPS signal is too weak”. That’s the way it has been since Sunday the 14th. The screen goes back to the same place regardless of where I am.
Same here. All I hear since last week is “the GPS signal is too weak”. The screen does not work.
I installed the fix and sorry I still can’t get any signal. I bought two of these from a month and sent one to my cousin as a gift. Now, I need to return to Staples. Will they refuse to return because one month has passed, I have used a 50off200 coupon will they make me pay for it, I do not have the other GPS and I called my cousin and he told me he has the same problem. I am really disappointed of Staples crap.
I got this for a friend he said……..
I took the GPS back to staples and they are giving refunds. If you don’t have the receipt , the price is down to $70.00 + dollars. I was lucky and found mine. They were telling me that the major problem was that GPS runs on a Analog system.
Staples is clueless if that’s what they’re doing. There’s a fix out that many of us have successfully used. The whole “works on an analog system” sounds like someone’s comingling the DTV transition with this. The only thing they have in common is they both happened last weekend.
They’re wasting a ton of money by taking these back instead of fixing them. I’m glad I’m not a Staples stockholder…
Hooray! GPS works again. Tho I feel for all of those non-technical people out there who will never think to look for this fix.
GPS is working fine now after download the offical firmware update. The process was smooth, make sure you do a clean format of your SD card and format it with FAT16, don’t do it with FAT 32.
Fully recharge your GPS battery, any power loss during the update can damage your GPS for good.
Just wanted to say Thanks to everyone who have been such a big help with good advice during the last week over how to get the Omnitechs functioning again. A few days ago, I followed the advice in message #39 and was up and running in less than 5 minutes. Fixed my sister’s unit, too. And…my feelings are not to blame Staples…they were caught in the middle…and to give Omnitech a tip of the hat for stepping up and getting a reliable fix posted as fast as they did. Life isn’t perfect…stuff happens…when it does, all you can do is get it fixed as fast as you can. I feel Omnitech did that. Thanks again to everyone who helped.
Thanks for the tip Jay. I got the first instruction from Navsupport to use a new SD card. Never got past the System Loading screen. Navsupport should have known that a designator file or equiv was needed.
Used the existing SD card and the GPS works fine now, though had to travel from NJ to Boston and back this week w/o it.
I have the Omnitech model and same problem so I have a capture view camera with the sd card. what I did is to use the binocular camera sd card and copy the file to the computer then erase the file on the sd and downloaded the file to the computer then put in on the sd card. put the sd card into GPS followed directions on reprograming it worked as descriped. Be sure to wait the suggested 3 minutes plus. The Gps unit now is working with signal. I simply erase the update file and put the origal file back on the sd card for the camera. Cheap fix no cost. One note I actually got worried and turned off the Gps unit and then turned it back on withing one minutes it acquired the signal.
I applied the patch on Friday and the unit was once again able to acquire a GPS signal. But this morning when I went to use the Omnitech, it once again failed to acquire a GPS signal (even though it could see EIGHT satellites). Back to square one.
This exact same thing happened to me the day after I fixed it. I was a little freaked, but a hard reset (stylus in the reset hole) fixed it and it’s been working fine since. Knock on wood!
THANX GUYS FOR THE LINK. DOWNLOAD FIX FOR THE GPS WORKS. GPS IS BACK TO NORMAL. THANX AGAIN
I followed the instructions for the patch- Reciever does not apparently notice the SD card- even after hard reboot. Still stuck on Waiting for GPS signal. I have now taken the unit and a 6-pound hammer to the driveway…that fix seemed to work- no more problems. My Tom Tom arrived today and works great. Good luck Omnitech users- hope it dosen’t go out again, but Im sure it willl soon…Get something a little more expensive and you will also get a company that produces a working product and answers the phone !
I called Staples and they told me to bring in the GPS and they would fix it. It took them 5 minutes and now it works. It had nothing to do with the digital changeover. I had bought it 3 months ago but they didn’t even ask for the receipt. I like the unit; it’s better than a Magellan that we have.
Follow message 39. Fixed my GPS. Thanks Omnitech. I thought I had a peice of junk on my hands but it works great. After the update, turn the GPS on and wait 3 minutes. At first I thought it wasnt gonna work but after 2-3 minutes everything was perfect.
thx for the link! i thought it was my fault cuz i leave it all the time in my car,hot&cold temp. yeah! it work as normal again. ps, you dont have to erase or use a new blank sd card.all i did is rename nk.bin to nk1.bin(anything you want) <=this nk.bin is for destinator to work. and save the one from “http://www.navsupport.net/gps/quickfix/” to sd drive. after it’s done, i delete the one from “http://www.navsupport.net/gps/quickfix/” and i rename back my nk1.bin to nk.bin. that simple. well that is the easy way for me cuz i have only one sd card.
fanstemm Thanks for the info.
I thought I was responding to Omnitech site.
I last tried my omnitec gps on 6/16. I left on a trip (without the gps!) and got back today 6/20. Was getting ready to do the fix, so I powered up my omnitech gps to see if it was fully charged and it seems to be working fine! Acquiring 7-9 satellite signals. Took it out on the road and gave some simple destinations and it took me right to them! Has anyone else had their gps start working without applying the fix? Does anyone think I still need to go through the fix steps? Thanks for any help!
There were some people saying it might start working again on the 20th. Maybe it was true?
How much longer is this going to be going on I need the gps and this is bull. The downloads will not work on this computer of mine.
just tried again and again and again and it came back on
I have fixed it!Thanks, BOb!
In some posts in Slickdeals, they suggest changing the port from COM2 to COM1. I did do that. Not sure if it will work using COM2.
my only problem is that the time isn’t working right. The clock is off and not sure how to correct it. Any idea?
I never promote this particular brand. All they make is cheap shoddy crap. People buy them because they are at least 1/2 the price of most GPS’s… You get what you pay for.
Two years ago when we first started carrying them they packaged them with an AC adapter, no DC adapter. Brilliant! And people wonder why their so cheap, such attention to detail. Theres a reason the sales people tend to act like their not on the display….
Other than this little snafu (which had me without GPS for a whopping 3 days, big deal), it’s performed flawlessly and considering I paid $60 for it, was a complete steal. The company got right on a fix to the problem. All companies sometimes have bugs, this one just happened to be unbelievably widespread.
I’d recommend them to anyone.
MIKE, GO INTO THE SETTINGS PAGE TO ADJUST THE TIME. IT IS THE SECOND PAGE I BELIEVE ONCE YOU ARE IN SETTINGS.
its not working for mw, its always showing 12/31/1999, 20:00:00
no place to change it
Like everyone else my OmniTech GPS failed June 13th and is still non-operational. I had just purchased it 8 weeks prior to the mishap and I only had used it 3X. I also purchased the 2 year extended service warranty for this product from this store. I took my GPS to the store for service. The service tech did not have a clue as to why I was having this problem. They said they only handle the 2nd year of the 2 year warranty and I’ll have to contact OmniTech for help during the first year. WHAT??? I called OmniTech only to get a voice recording like everyone else has. I did send an email directly to them. OmniTech sent a reply stating that the store from which I purchased the GPS from will correct the problem. I went back to the store (talked to the manager this time), only to be told they knew nothing about a “fix” for this problem and would not help me further at this point, sending me back to OmniTech for service. Very discouaging and disappointing. I’m beginning to see why stores are failing and going under with the lack of customer service they provide. I feel I should have had the option of a refund or replacement but neither was offered. People . . . Beware of extended warranties. I am patiently waiting to see if this problem will be corrected/resolved but as time passes I am having my doubts. We’ll see . . .
Michael, here is why……this is actually posted in the Homeland Security site.
Homeland Secuirty Report of GPS Week 256 Rollover problem [uscg.gov]
NAVCEN GPS ADVISORY REGARDING GPS 256 WEEK ROLLOVER
The USCG NAVCEN has received multiple reports of GPS problems beginning on or about 11-14 June 2009. During this timeframe, two of the counters providing a truncated representation of GPS week in the GPS navigation message reached their maximum value (255) and reset to zero. This is a normal, documented behavior of the GPS signal, but past observations have shown that some GPS receiver sets do not properly process this event. NAVCEN recommends that anyone with a GPS receiver which began experiencing problems during this timeframe consider consultation with the receiver’s manufacturer. Background information follows:
GPS time is defined by a week counter as well as a time of week counter. These counts, respectively, started at 0 roughly at midnight UTC, 6 January 1980. The GPS broadcast provides truncated representations of the GPS week count in several different locations of the navigation message, including:
* Subframe 1 (10 bits): WN: Resets to zero every 1024 weeks and is a truncated representation of the week count corresponding to current GPS time.
* Page 25 of Subframe 5 (8 bits): WNa: Resets to zero every 256 weeks and is a truncated representation of the GPS week count corresponding to the broadcast GPS almanac’s time of applicability. NOTE: The GPS almanac’s time of applicability is, based on current MCS software, projected roughly three days into the future relative to current GPS time, and therefore can show an updated week count that is first noticeable on late Thursday or Friday instead of Sunday. (IS-GPS-200D, Section 20.3.3.5.1.5).
* Page 18 of Subframe 4 (8 bits): WNt: Resets to zero every 256 weeks and is a truncated representation of the GPS week count associated with the UTC time parameters. (IS-GPS-200D, Section 20.3.3.5.1.6) It appears that certain types of receivers are continuing to have problems with the rollover even past the rollover date. If your’s happens to be one of them, please contact your GPS equipment manufacturer to see if they have a fix for you.
If you have comments or question please contact:
Rick Hamilton
CGSIC Executive Secretariat
USCG Navigation Center
703-313-5930
Found this…..
Homeland Secuirty Report of GPS Week 256 Rollover problem [uscg.gov]
NAVCEN GPS ADVISORY REGARDING GPS 256 WEEK ROLLOVER
The USCG NAVCEN has received multiple reports of GPS problems beginning on or about 11-14 June 2009. During this timeframe, two of the counters providing a truncated representation of GPS week in the GPS navigation message reached their maximum value (255) and reset to zero. This is a normal, documented behavior of the GPS signal, but past observations have shown that some GPS receiver sets do not properly process this event. NAVCEN recommends that anyone with a GPS receiver which began experiencing problems during this timeframe consider consultation with the receiver’s manufacturer. Background information follows:
GPS time is defined by a week counter as well as a time of week counter. These counts, respectively, started at 0 roughly at midnight UTC, 6 January 1980. The GPS broadcast provides truncated representations of the GPS week count in several different locations of the navigation message, including:
* Subframe 1 (10 bits): WN: Resets to zero every 1024 weeks and is a truncated representation of the week count corresponding to current GPS time.
* Page 25 of Subframe 5 (8 bits): WNa: Resets to zero every 256 weeks and is a truncated representation of the GPS week count corresponding to the broadcast GPS almanac’s time of applicability. NOTE: The GPS almanac’s time of applicability is, based on current MCS software, projected roughly three days into the future relative to current GPS time, and therefore can show an updated week count that is first noticeable on late Thursday or Friday instead of Sunday. (IS-GPS-200D, Section 20.3.3.5.1.5).
* Page 18 of Subframe 4 (8 bits): WNt: Resets to zero every 256 weeks and is a truncated representation of the GPS week count associated with the UTC time parameters. (IS-GPS-200D, Section 20.3.3.5.1.6) It appears that certain types of receivers are continuing to have problems with the rollover even past the rollover date. If your’s happens to be one of them, please contact your GPS equipment manufacturer to see if they have a fix for you.
If you have comments or question please contact:
Rick Hamilton
CGSIC Executive Secretariat
USCG Navigation Center
703-313-5930
FIX removed from navsupport site
Dear Customer,
We gladly would like to inform you that your GPS system is back to its normal functioning. The GPS satellite signal acquisition issue you were having has been resolved.
NO FURTHER ACTIONS ARE REQUIRED.
YOUR DEVICE SHOULD BE ACQUIRING SIGNAL AND GETTING A GPS LOCK NORMALLY BY NOW.
If you have already installed the firmware fix which was previously provided, your device should keep operating normally as well.
If you have NOT installed the firmware fix which was previously provided, your GPS system should be operating normally. However, you will find that the time and date on your device are not accurate. This issue is being worked on; we appreciate your patience regarding this matter.
If you are contacting us regarding other issues, we will get in touch with you as soon as possible
I’m one of those nerds who turns the pc on and aims it.I too think Omnitech should mail out the new SD card to us and save us having to jump thru all the to me incomprehensible hoops.
I didn’t have to do anything. I turned it on and it updated automatically.
Mine also still doesn’t work. I think everyone should report the manufacturer to their state’s attorney generals office as well as the Better Business Bureau. They should be providing all customers with a new memory card that makes the unit work at the least. We shouldn’t have to pay a dime. Also Staples for doing nothing to help us. I bought an extended warranty (idiot that I am) and Staples says that this only covers the hardware and they consider this a software problem.!
I’ve reported this problem to my credit card company and they are going to investigate.
–Diana
Thanks for posting! I read a couple of posts that said they just turned their systems back on and they were working. So, I said what could it hurt? I turned it on and believe it or not; it worked! Praise the Lord!! Also note…I went back to Staples to buy the SD card to try the fix; and they had NO CLUE as to what I was talking about. NADDA!! The salesperson mumbled something about a “recall”??? Was there a recall? “Im not sure, but I remember hearing something about Omitech”… Excuse me, what? I just bought the SD card and left. What a joke!
Diana, I so agree with you. However, mine began working this evening out of the blue! I was reading some of the posts and someone said they just turned theirs on and it was working. So I tried it, and lo and behold! I got a signal! However, I agree that this should not be a cost to us, the consumer. They should have a re-call on everyone of these junk boxes and give us all working and reliable ones at NO cost to us! I am just so thankful that mine is working again! I am not very computer literate and I was waiting to get help with the “fix” down load from my daughter n law and my son. Good luck to all of you.
my started working yesterday, but the GPS time is always staping at 12/31/1999, 20:00:00.
I checked time setting no way to adjust it…
You’re right, there isn’t a way to adjust the time. I believe they are still working to get this part of it updated.
When my Omnitch GPS stopped working I beat the crap out of it. Will I get a replacement for punching it?
Diana, try to reset your system. I have two of these, one worked right away just by turning off and on. The other, I had to reset. If you go to Homeland Security site I posted above, I believe the problem is not just with the company. It seems more global, though Omnitech could’ve prepared for this ahead of time instead of playing catch up now.
I still can not get anything on my G P S it is july 20th and i am not happy, I guess i should have bought a garman. LOL
Kevin — the issue “fixed itself” long ago, and as noted there was a patch available even before that. Have you contacted Omnitech? You might have a totally different issue… Did you try applying the fix? What are your symptoms?
The Omnitech freezes up and you have to reset it everytime! I’ve never been able to use it to get to a location yet
I should have listened to my grandson and purchased that Garmin.
My Omnitech quit also I can’t even get to go past the first screen. Only had it 3 months.
My Omnitech gps loads until the first page where it give you three options of “GO”, “Map” and “Settings”. But when ever I click on any of the three options nothing happens. I have tried restarting it, but still nothing happens. I have only had it for a couple of months.
PLEASE HELP ME
My Omnitech gps just as the previous posting,loads up only to the 1st page with 3 options then freezes.I have reset it coulpe times to no avail.whats should I do?
Mine does the same thing.
I googled omnitech and emailed them to send a new SD card.
Haven’t received yet still waiting, been 1 week so I’m patient,
so far.!! Good luck
Mine also freezes at the “Go!/Map/Settings” screen. I performed the firmware update several times, noting that the touch screen DOES work during the update (DON’T INTERRUPT THE UPDATE WHILE IT’S RUNNING!!)
I have just now emailed “info at navsupport dot net” with the description of my problem and my futile attempts to get into a “service mode” screen to try to diagnose it myself. We’ll see how they respond.
My wife also has one, that works, but is slow to acquire the satellites. I’ll try the F/W update on hers when I have a chance.
As a friend told me last week re this GPS – “it is officially a piece of sh..!” I hadn’t really used it until a trip to the mountains in NC and while trying to make it back to our cabin last Thursday it actually sent us down an 11 mile one-way road in the Smokies. When I stopped the car the GPS kept moving like it was already getting me home.
To make a long story short – I wasted my time downloading the “fix” and mine is also stuck on the third screen with “Go! Map and Settings”. At least it isn’t stuck on “System loading” anymore…that was its usual spot. Omnitech has NOT fixed their problem and I’m even more upset that Staples is not standing by it either. The manager at my Staples told me, “sorry – we’re not carrying this anymore…there’s nothing I can do to help you.” Bad business for both companies.
I’m sending mine back, I’ll ley you all know the out come.
First I have to get a R.A.N.
Same problem with my omnitech….bought the replacement warranty…..called staples warranty center from the store and they gave me a case number and the store gave me a gift card for the original purchase price toward another unit…
Does someone have the original nk.bin file? mine got accidentally deleted.
Hi, Glenn!
The file is over 12megs in size. Can you handle such a large download?
Guy
Iam getting ready to buy an omnitech from Staples, has the sattelite problem been corrected?
I Bought my GPS couple of days ago, I only used it once, now it Freezes @ Go, Map, Settings screen. I try to restart it and reset, still I have the same problem, can you tell me what to do.
I have a Omnitech 16878 and around June 13 I started having issues with the time and date setting on the GPS. Have tried to change setting, but cannot figure out how.
I had my omintech gps over 2 years. Get no problem yet .if freez just turn it off. Had to hold the power, til the unit complete off. Had to hold more then 5sec. I love the gps, I used everyday for my job, I am cab driver in Boston .it’s best gps i had use before. And so easy to use, never can get other gps at this price $119.00….maybe??
did the update thing and switcharoo SD card, my problem still not resolved, can’t find GPS signal and I stood on the roof of my building (9 story) in new york city, clear sky, left unit on for an hour, still did not lock any signals, I hope there is a sure fix some place, I’d hate to drop 90 bucks in the garbage
I made a goof when trying to update our GPS and i deleted the original NK.bin file. Is there anyway someone can email a copy of theirs? I have the Omnitech 16878-US. It would be greatly appreciated.
I had the fix a while back and posted how to flash the sd card. Now today I cannot pick up a signal is anyone else have thing problem I am picking up one satilite only. Tiffany I may be able to find it again send me your email..
Go to this link at the bottome of the page there are 4 sites to donelaod the NK file
http://www.navsupport.net/gps/quickfix/
When downloading the NK.bin file use site D all other sites a,b,c fail
I went to Staples and in a couple of minutes they fixed the problem. For the price, just 79.00, you can’t beat it. My unit freezes at times and I just reset it by using a pen and pushing the reset button. Make sure you pull off the shoulder of the road and wait until you get a signal. Good luck to all other users.