GARMIN 520 - Help Please

[Titanium Rocket]

Got the 205 km Trans Drak in 2 weeks' time. For those who have done 24-hour events with a Garmin 520, please can you help with this:

 

Assume the unit is on, following a GPS route. Mine lasts about 8 hours, then I"ll need to connect a powerbank to charge. So once the powerbank is connected:

• Does it charge the battery? 
• OR does the unit run off the powerbank?
• OR both (run and charge, like a cell phone does)?

[seven]

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Got the 205 km Trans Drak in 2 weeks' time. For those who have done 24-hour events with a Garmin 520, please can you help with this:

 

Assume the unit is on, following a GPS route. Mine lasts about 8 hours, then I"ll need to connect a powerbank to charge. So once the powerbank is connected:

• Does it charge the battery?
• OR does the unit run off the powerbank?
• OR both (run and charge, like a cell phone does)?

3rd option - run and charge

[Furbz]

have you turned your backlight off? will help with battery life

 

or only have it activate when you push a button? - not sure if this can be done

[Jakkals77]

I have the 820 but I'm sure the 520 will work the same way. When connected to a power back it will charge only and the unit won't be able operate at the same time.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[NotSoBigBen]

3rd option - run and charge

 

If the battery is full will it run on 'external' power if a powerbank is connected? So lets say instead of waiting till the battery is nearly flat to start charging you immediately run it on external power if that makes sense ....

[seven]

It will be the same as a cell phone - it will keep the battery full, and run off external power.

 

The 520 should give way more than the 8hrs TR refers to - I get about 18hrs.

 

As far as I know its only the older garmins that can't charge and operate at the same time (without a special cable). My 520 works just fine, I've used it in 24hr events with external power.

[seven]

I have the 820 but I'm sure the 520 will work the same way. When connected to a power back it will charge only and the unit won't be able operate at the same time.

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

I have a 520, and BIL has a 829; both definitely charge and operate when connected to powerbank.

[NotSoBigBen]

It will be the same as a cell phone - it will keep the battery full, and run off external power.

 

The 520 should give way more than the 8hrs TR refers to - I get about 18hrs.

 

As far as I know its only the older garmins that can't charge and operate at the same time (without a special cable). My 520 works just fine, I've used it in 24hr events with external power.

 

Sounds good to me! Will do a quick test this coming weekend ... that's how I intend using it at Cullinan to Tonteldoos - Garmin 810, I have connected it already and can see that it continues running normally (i.e. doesn't go into data mode)

[seven]

Sounds good to me! Will do a quick test this coming weekend ... that's how I intend using it at Cullinan to Tonteldoos - Garmin 810, I have connected it already and can see that it continues running normally (i.e. doesn't go into data mode)

If it doesn't go to data mode, it will work.

 

I'm doing the same at C2T.

[s14phoenix]

I recently upgraded to the 520 from my 500 and was shocked about the amount the battery lasts.

 

I honestly never charged my 500 other than syncing my activities. I was worried on Sunday that I would get full use over the 3 odd hours I had it on the bike since the battery was at 50%. It made it but am sure it needs charged now. That colour screen and BT connection must be nailing the battery.

 

I would just plug in the power bank just before the battery runs out. then charge and ride with it plugged in.

[Titanium Rocket]

Thanks everyone: will plug in the powerbank at a point where I can strategically dump it at a watering station.

 

I did a 7-hour ride last weekend, following a route I created on Google Earth, then uploaded via Garmin Basecamp. Light off, Blue Tooth off, heart rate monitor on, following a .GPX route ... unit had 18% power left at the end of 7 hours.

 

That's why I said it'll only last +/- 8 hours. Not sure if I have a dud ... ??

[Cippo]

Get a On-the-go charge cable from computer or gadget store. It tricks the unit to continue recording data while charging. It was discussed in Everesting thread to enable continuous recording.

[seven]

BT and screen backlight chows the battery; but as you say, your are off.

 

I definitely get at least double what you do. Don't know what firmware version you have, it sometimes affects battery life. Perhaps check on the web, or chat to navworld.

[Francis1]

I run a 520 and very happy with it. I have done the 360ne as well as the baviaans, and I have the Garmin connected to the power bank from the start. As soon as the bank is empty it gets packed away and I know I have 7+ hours left. Never worried as we generally finish with more than enough to spare. Just got my self a 10 000 MILLI AMP Power bank so I can charge the phone as well.

[seven]

Get a On-the-go charge cable from computer or gadget store. It tricks the unit to continue recording data while charging. It was discussed in Everesting thread to enable continuous recording.

Only applicable to older units, but yes.

[Rudi Pollard]

Thanks everyone: will plug in the powerbank at a point where I can strategically dump it at a watering station.

 

I did a 7-hour ride last weekend, following a route I created on Google Earth, then uploaded via Garmin Basecamp. Light off, Blue Tooth off, heart rate monitor on, following a .GPX route ... unit had 18% power left at the end of 7 hours.

 

That's why I said it'll only last +/- 8 hours. Not sure if I have a dud ... ??

When you follow a GPS route on any device it also chows the battery like crazy. If you dont follow a route, BT off and backlight off you should get close to 20 hours I think.