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.
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
I had mine for about 2 weeks and it worked well, all of a sudden not a thing. I won’t go past the first screen. When you hit either command on the screen it will do the little beep then nothing, until I get a warning that I did an illegal function. I tried reset and get nothing. It has been 9 months, and still nothing.
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?
i also have had touble of the omnitec freeseing up after it geets to the serch for the new address can you help me please ron auger
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.
My Omni Tech was a gift……….What a joke………Can you help me with a return address ? I am 82 years old and just can’t handle this thing.
Hopefully there is a return place for this type problem.
Thanks for your considerations.
I have been trying for two years and more to get satisfaction from “STAPLE INTERPRISE” AND OF COURSE NOT EVEN A REPLY.
YOU WOULD THINK THERE WOULD BE SOME WAY TO GET THEIR ATTENTION.
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.
I just got one. If you still need it, send me your email address ane I can send you the file.
Hi there. I accidentally deleted the original software from the sd card. Would you be able to help me out by emailing me a copy. I have been searching for weeks and the manufacturer has stopped making them. I would really appreciate it.
Thank you,
James
Hi, I’m having trouble with my Omnitech GPS also,I saw where you had the software for the SD Card,could you please e-mail me a copy of these files,this would really be greatly appreciated,the company doesn’t seem to be much help in this matter,I know now I should have gotten The Garmin or the TomTom,if you could help I really appreciate your help in this matter,Thank You, Johnny
Had not used my 15223 Omnitech GPS for over 2 years till last weekend. I found that it would not work. Could you send me the update? thanks
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.
If you ever got the original nk.bin I could really use a copy too. Thanks
Does anyone have the original file I also fubared min.
16878-US also CE 5.0
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.
Responding to my post Aug, 20 2009.
I sent my Omnitech back for repair, they sent it back within 1 week. Works great.
I wanted to send mine in for repair as well, but since my dear husband lost the receipt, I can’t. I might have to chuck this one and just go buy a new one.
I ourchased this item as a “clearance” item and was not pleased. It had me going in circles until I finally had enough and decided not to follow it directions anymore. Besides, it only provides for 48 states and not all 50.
Never been to there either. go to Canada go west then north, as far Hawiia goes just keep going west till you hit something.
Sorry Mush. Mont, it has over 50 states with porte rico
Do some home work. And get an up grade.
Monyetta- do you find yourself driving to Hawaii often?
I’ve never had issues with the unit giving bad directions other than the occasional case of the maps being outdated (they’re from late 2007 in my unit, but you can buy updates)
Tim’s been there, upgrades are free. see my other post
see posts 115 and 129. never had an issue after that
Have trouble acquiring a signal. I have to get at least 10 miles from my house before it works.
OK… Where do I go to find a map upgrade for my 16878-us model? I’ve been searching all over!
My Omnitech 16878 was used for the first time in several months today an it ran nicely the last time used. It now refuses to progress past the first selection screen GO MAPS SETTING. The screen clicks once when you touch it and then seems to freeze. No further clicks occur when it is touched. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Try hitting the reset button and let it boot up again.
i have model #15223 omnitech gps…..have had it for 4 yrs after the 1st yr it started to freeze on me only when i put in a new address and told it to find quickest or shortest…have to turn it off then back on it it will find the route…just wondering if this patch will work for mine….called staples for a update or patch but they said there isnt one…any help would be appreciated
My 16878 will no accept the nk file . it says fw version unknown please help . my other unit works great i just cant get this one to work at all.
I have a 16878 model gps, hadn’t used it in several months, it now tells me to go north when south is the right direction, any ideas what the problem could be, snd solution ! Thanks
how can I get an update for my gps?
As in reply no.26 above
go to
http://www.navsupport.net/gps/quickfix/
my daughter gave this unit to me, model 15223, it is a far cry from my sony , if you want a great gps get a SONY.
That is interesting, most of our readers really dislike the Sony GPS devices:
http://www.gpsreview.net/sony-nav-u-nv-u50-nv-u70/#comments
Also since they are out of the GPS market now, service and map updates are in question.
I have Omnitech model 16878-US. In December 2009 the unit lock up. I could not reset it. It started locking up a couple of months before but I could reset it. This last time it would not respond to the reset button. We were on a trip at the time of its failure. Is there a way to salvage this unit or is it trash??????
If you bought it from staples take it back to them,maybe they can help.
I updated my Omnitech 16878-US about a month ago with the quickfix referenced previously. Almost everything works great & I really like the GPS. However, the quickfix DID NOT update my maps software which is now about 2 years outdated! Does anyone know where map updates for this model can be found? Is there a generic map update that will work with this model?
My Omnitech is froze it doesn’t not go pass the “go” “Map” “setting” …does that update fix it from being frozen.
I had trouble with my Omnitech Mo. 16878 this past weekend and today an error message kept popping up saying the map program was corrupted. The map finally disappeared altogether and the only thing showing was the Omnitech start-up screen. I tried to get information from Staples and the vendor where I bought it. Both were not able to tell me much other than to return it. I took the mount off of it and started to box it up to send it back when I remembered that it had a reset button on the side. After pushing the reset and waiting for about a minute I am happy to report that the map program came back and the time/date feature is working as well. Hopefully, this is the end of the problem. Until this happened the Omnitech worked just fine. Will be monitoring it every day for a while until I am sure all is well.
The reset is the button I frequently use. Once in a while it tracks the wrong location, starts asking you to turn on side streets when you are on the expressway. A minute before it was working fine. Tried reloading the current firmware but made no difference. Reset does the trick. Now I have a Garmin as a backup just in case the Omnitech would not work again.
Omnitech Model 16878-us Hangs up at System Loading and reset or Power On/Off or resetting card and nothing…
Omnitech Model 16878-Locks up.
Same problem, boots to the first screen and then nothing. model 16878.
I have an Omnitech Model 16878. It has locked up and will not work. Staples no longer supports this model. It is a piece of junk, only a year old. Don’t buy anything electronic from Staples unless you want to be stuck.
I am having the same problems as others. Mine wants to freeze up at the go, map and settings screen. What is the fix for this problem ? After about 15 or more minutes it might start working and will work fine.
My Omnitech 16878-us is hung up at system loading. Nothing helps.
i purchased a omnitech gps and it freezes up and i have to constantly reset it. I took it back to staples and got a new download for it and it still doesn’t work.. the company should replace the defective devices and offer a recall. i will never buy another omnitech product unless they rectify my problem, so far nothing has been done.
I bought a brand new omnitech gps awhile ago and all I did was push the button on and it pushed right in. It’s totally brand new never used. I’s the 4.3. where can i send this to have it replaced or someone who can fix this?
Linda, if it is that new I’d return it for a refund as DOA.
I am having the same problem as everyone else is, i didn’t know that this unit was not any good until i started to use it an found out it is not working at all. i will not call it any names but something need to be done about this GPS, iam as unhappy as the rest.
My wife purchased the 16878 from Staples Almighty.
Absolutely ZERO satisfaction from OMNI-TECH and STAPLES!!!!!
This piece of JUNK has never worked more than 3 weeks, it has been returned twice, and is now past the Extended Warranty that my wife was talked into.
ZERO help from the store.
When Staples says “that was easy” they mean trading substandard items like Omni-tech GPS units for your Hard-Earned.
Never again.!!!