GPSrChive Discussion Forum

If you remove the Garmin Batteries you will see it has 2 plastic holders between the 2 batteries.

Now if you look into the battery area of the GPSMAP 66S you will see a trip switch at the bottom.

If you put a plastic block between any 2 NiMH batteries it will press down on the switch and you then can recharge them the same way as the Garmin NiMH batteries.

You will have to make the correct size plastic block for it to work.

The blister-pack material most microSD cards are shipped/sold in seems to work well for this application.

If you have access to a 3D-Printer you also can print a nice part for this purpose.

See here (german only, but photo explain all you need)

Works great since months
Just waiting for a new firmware, to get the softwarebugs resolved

Hardware is fine

I'm normally fairly observant about these things, but I never noticed that switch!

Does a Garmin battery pack charge whenever USB power is applied ?

Yes, if the charging controller deems it necessary.

bonstetten wrote: ↑Sat Jan 04, 2020 8:36 pm If you have access to a 3D-Printer you also can print a nice part for this purpose.

See here (german only, but photo explain all you need)

I have two mates with 3D printers - I'll set them on the task!

thanks

bonstetten wrote: ↑Sat Jan 04, 2020 8:36 pm If you have access to a 3D-Printer you also can print a nice part for this purpose.

See here (german only, but photo explain all you need)

Thanks for the FILE-s

- and the mate came through with the part, and now I see the animated battery charging icon for the very first time

thanks for the link

For those without the luxury of a 3D printer I found that old credit cards are ideal. Cut a piece 9mm x 25mm and sellotape this in place in the middle of the battery box, over the button. Don't worry if the sellotape does not hold the button down without the battery. Once they are fitted they push the card down. Just ensure you don't make it too wide as there is not enough room for the batteries to sit directly on top of the card and this may damage the housing or allow water ingress.