Anyone know how to reset a Colorado 300?

[rob3k]

A few weeks ago my Colorado stopped loading geocaches saved as a GPX file. I've tried various things including creating a file with fewer than 2000 caches and a few files with no caches in common (in case a cache with something weird in it was the culprit) and even just sending a single cache to the unit using the Send to GPSr link. But it always just says 'No caches found' when I pull up the list of geocaches to view.

I also load them up as POIs so I still have them there to navigate, but the geocache interface is just a lot nicer and I'd like to be able to use it again.

I found a blurb on the colorado wiki with instructions on how to do a reset, but this does not work on my unit. (Can be found here: http://garmincolorado.wikispaces.com/Mi ... olorado%3F ) The user manual doesn't seem to have any details on doing this.

I did save all of the files on the unit when I initially bought it, but I don't want to use this sledgehammer approach and I'm not sure that would really do the same thing as a reset anyway.

[TooWheelIn]

Well, that's a shame - and off-hand I don't have a suggestion because I don't own, or know much about the Colorado, but I will see what I can find out. In the meantime, what software version do you have installed on your Colorado?

Bill

[pirate_rat]

It may be that a software update is needed... but first...

A) Try a soft reset - hold down both of the front buttons at the same time while you power up, then release when the screen comes back on..
B) Check that your SD card is secured properly and not write protected.
C) Delete all of your GPX files manually (with GPSr plugged into your PC). There may be a bad file causing issues. Contact me if you need to know how.
D) Make sure you have registered your garmin at http://www.mygarmin.com.
E) At mygarmin.com, check for software updates. This is also where the help topics are.

[rob3k]

Thanks for the help.

I use the web updater and it says the software is up to date. Running version 3.4

One additional symptom: When I load a new GPX file it freezes on 'Loading Maps' every single time. I've waited quite a while for it to move on, but it doesn't. I have to remove the batteries to get it unstuck and then it powers on quickly and without problem. Except the geocaches are empty despite a GPX file being present.

PR - For some reason A does not reset my Colorado. Don't have a SD card inserted, and I've tried C plus several variations of different GPX files.

The good news is that it will power up and lock on the satellites - seems just as accurate as ever. And I can load caches as POIs so I'm still caching paperlessly. In fact, I've always loaded them in as both POIs and GPX, so I didn't miss a beat, just have had to choose Custom POIs under Where To instead of Geoaches.

I do wonder if the unit is starting to die on me, but I'll use it until it goes belly up. Not even two years old, but I do use it often and hard. I'm playing around with it a bit right now, will update if something pans out.

[rob3k]

Tried a few things and I managed to get geocaches to show up again!

I compared the copy of the original files to what is on there now and the oddest thing was a folder named ExtData under the Garmin folder. Not sure what it's purpose, but I saved a copy to my computer and nuked it. Also cleared out the GPX folder (but I've tried that before) and deleted all of my cutom POIs. After that a smallish GPX file loaded up fine - started right up to boot. Next, I reloaded the POIs and loaded up a max size (2K) GPX. The unit froze at Loading Maps and I thought "Here we go again" but after removing the batteries it started up and geocaches still works. Keeping my fingers crossed that it'll run smoothly for a bit.

Wish I could get the freezing worked out, but I've no clue what to try for that. I think it's likely a combination of having a large poi file plus a large gpx file, but not sure.

[huggy_d1]

There is at least 1 GSAK macro to cleanse goofy HTML from pocket query GPX files. The cleansing is supposed to fix the weirdness you are seeing - assuming it's a specific geocache page's HTML that's wonkifying your GPS.

I have used it at least once and it did exactly what it was supposed to do. Search their forums. This may also be a newly added feature available to strip specific html from cache pages, like comments...

[pirate_rat]

The reset should have worked... weird... try this:

With the unit OFF, hold down both of the front buttons (not the rock'n'roller) and
press the power button. Once it powers up, release the power button and you should
get a screen prompting you to erase all user data.

[rob3k]

The reset should have worked... weird... try this:

With the unit OFF, hold down both of the front buttons (not the rock'n'roller) and
press the power button. Once it powers up, release the power button and you should
get a screen prompting you to erase all user data.

That did work, got the prompt. Should have read your original reply more closely.

I'll give that a try after backing everything up and see if that helps with the freezing deal.

It could be a rogue cache description, but I've tried several GPX files without any overlap and it seems to do the same thing, so I don't think that's the problem. At this point I can deal with a freeze on start up here and there after loading a new GPX, just hope it doesn't degrade worse than that.

[pirate_rat]

Glad that pops up like it is supposed to. I've sent several Garmins (own 4 of their products) back to the factory
over the years and have always received near-perfect customer service levels from them. 1-800-800-1020.
If you are out of warranty, you can have your unit rebuilt or exchanged (their choice) for the current
price of $99 (I looked it up). They send it back with the most current software... possibly including the
latest maps, but I wouldn't put money on that.
_________________________

I strongly encourage putting in an SD memory card and loading cache files to it rather than to the
the unit itself. The big reason is that you can handle more files. A secondary reason is that you can group
your files by state/county/city/planned route simply by plugging in a different card. The more relevant
reason would be that you can simply pull the SD if the unit acts up in order to find out if that is where the
bad file is located.