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GW 60 pc connection issue

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Created by w100 > 9 months ago, 30 Jan 2020
w100
WA, 238 posts
30 Jan 2020 9:14AM
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I've got some problem to connect my gw60 to gps3s through pc. I also can't connect the gw60 to the util portal via port com. In the beginning I thought it was a laptop issue (as it's an old one). Now I've just bought a new pc, downloaded the drivers, but no chance I can connect it both through com port and mcs. It's like pc doesn't get the connection and can't "see" the device. The cable to charge gw60 battery works fine as it gets full after a wiring while. Any help please?

Pacey
WA, 525 posts
30 Jan 2020 10:10AM
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w100 said..
I've got some problem to connect my gw60 to gps3s through pc. I also can't connect the gw60 to the util portal via port com. In the beginning I thought it was a laptop issue (as it's an old one). Now I've just bought a new pc, downloaded the drivers, but no chance I can connect it both through com port and mcs. It's like pc doesn't get the connection and can't "see" the device. The cable to charge gw60 battery works fine as it gets full after a wiring while. Any help please?


I had a similar problem with my GW60 last week connecting to my MacBook which Decrepit seems to have fixed with a firmware upgrade to the GW60. That would be a good place to start.

remery
WA, 2706 posts
30 Jan 2020 11:40AM
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Check that one of the connectors os not stuck inside the watch end plug.

sailquik
VIC, 6094 posts
30 Jan 2020 3:26PM
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Has it ever connected to either computer since new?

The most common problem that causes this sort of issue is the contacts on tha back of the watch, and/or the pins on the connector.

But before fiddling with that, check that you have the watch set in COM mode.

If the watch charges properly when plugged into the USB charger, it is probably making good connection, but there still may be one pin or contact that is not connecting so it won't talk to the computer..

Make sure the pins on the connection clip are free to push in and out.

Clean the contacts on the watch. I use a cotton bud pretty aggressively. I am reluctant to use any abrasive as it will likely remove the plating on the contacts, but as a last resort..........

Also try wiggling the connector a little to see if it connects that way. When it connects, you should hear a 'ding ding' sound from the computer and the screen display on the watch changes. (It does a similar 'ding ding when it loses connection - falling tone intead of rising tone)

Some have found that getting a new connecting cable solves the issue. Don't do that before trying another cable from someone else who has the same device though.

sboardcrazy
NSW, 8019 posts
30 Jan 2020 3:37PM
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You say the lead is good but I'll mention this in case it helps someone else.
I had 2 leads where one of the pins got stuck in. I managed to prise it out with tweezers and got a bit more life but it eventually either broke off or you couldn't get it out.
When the pins were ok I still had connection issues.
I bought a new lead and everything has been A1 since..

decrepit
WA, 12139 posts
30 Jan 2020 1:20PM
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The charge cct and data cct are different, so just because you have a charge connection doesn't mean you have a data connection. The data connection is also more sensitive to a dirty or noisy connection than the charge connection. So definitely clean watch and plug first, we've found "deoxit" works well. Also check Sue's suggestion, pins on the clamp have been stuck in before.
Pacey's problem was a bit different, it would connect in COM but not MCS, so there was definitely a connection, that's why I reinstalled the firmware. If you have no connection in COM mode you can't reinstall firmware anyway.
If cleaning connections doesn't help, try another cable, this has worked in the past.

w100
WA, 238 posts
30 Jan 2020 9:08PM
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Ok.
Off course I've happily been using the gw60 (pc) since I've got it. When I connected it to pc it was seen as mass storage memory and I could both connect to port com or straight to sites (com/mcs). Connections were noticed with pc beeps. Now anything of that happen. No beep, no device get from pc (despite it starts charging battery).
i used to rinse and dry the watch before having any pc connection or storing it. I've now checked both plug pins of the cable (friction free and fine running) and the watch connectors. Used the wd40 to make sure everything is done and cleaned. Tested in 3 different pc.
No way, it doesn't work.
Before (eventually) buy another cable I'd like to be sure problem is there. How can I check ?

p.s. as long I select the connection from menu the watch light turns on

decrepit
WA, 12139 posts
30 Jan 2020 9:47PM
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borrow a cable from somebody else?

If you're anywhere near Mandurah, you're welcome to drop in here.

w100
WA, 238 posts
31 Jan 2020 3:04AM
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Had a go to pc service shop, asking to check the cable. According with them the cable works fine at both ends. They say problem comes with the gw60.
I che kid again the settings (thinking there could be kinda like menu "on/off" button) but it seems everything is like gp3s advices.
I'm pissed off as I've always paid big attention to not hurt or whatever.
Do I need a new device?

Cocky2
QLD, 190 posts
31 Jan 2020 6:57AM
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w100 said..
Had a go to pc service shop, asking to check the cable. According with them the cable works fine at both ends. They say problem comes with the gw60.
I che kid again the settings (thinking there could be kinda like menu "on/off" button) but it seems everything is like gp3s advices.
I'm pissed off as I've always paid big attention to not hurt or whatever.
Do I need a new device?


Have you tried to power watch down to dead battery. Easiest way is to run GPS on and should only take 6 hours.
Also sometimes have found to connect watch to PC before power up.
Feel your frustration as do many others.

decrepit
WA, 12139 posts
31 Jan 2020 9:04AM
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Good thought Cocky, a reboot may work.
The older version of the GW52util that has a power off button, but you need to be able to connect to it first.

decrepit
WA, 12139 posts
31 Jan 2020 10:41AM
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If that doesn't work, the internal connection between the contacts and PCB is via springs, before throwing the watch away, it would be worth undoing and checking them.
And i wouldn't rush into buying another GW60, keep your eye on the "motion" thread.
This is for Julien's logger,
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Gps/Simple-logger-with-Bluetooth-connectivity?page=5
But he also mentions the main unit as well.

Kazza
TAS, 2342 posts
3 Mar 2020 8:31AM
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My new refurbished GW60 is doing the same now After yesterdays sail I connected it to my Mac no worries, was holding the watch in my hand (with the cable connected to it), the little box came up on my desktop, I opened it and dragged the file to my desktop, it started downloading, put the watch down on my desk then the little box disappeared half way through downloading and I haven't been able to get it back up when connecting the watch to my computer. The watch is charging ok after scrubbing at the contacts with a cotton bud but I can't get it to connect to the data on the watch anymore. What on earth went wrong

mikey100
QLD, 1052 posts
3 Mar 2020 8:39AM
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Same issue a couple of times. Used a few specs of this (found under the kitchen sink) on the end of half a dampened cotton bud inserted in an electric drill. Used for a few seconds on the 4 stainless steel contact points on the back of the watch... problem solved!

Yimun
3 posts
3 Jul 2020 7:45PM
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mikey100 said..
Same issue a couple of times. Used a few specs of this (found under the kitchen sink) on the end of half a dampened cotton bud inserted in an electric drill. Used for a few seconds on the 4 stainless steel contact points on the back of the watch... problem solved!


Thank you, this post helped me, I had been trying to fix my problem for 3 weeks

mikey100
QLD, 1052 posts
4 Jul 2020 12:52PM
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Yimun said..

mikey100 said..
Same issue a couple of times. Used a few specs of this (found under the kitchen sink) on the end of half a dampened cotton bud inserted in an electric drill. Used for a few seconds on the 4 stainless steel contact points on the back of the watch... problem solved!



Thank you, this post helped me, I had been trying to fix my problem for 3 weeks


Did it work???

Yimun
3 posts
4 Jul 2020 7:29PM
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mikey100 said..

Yimun said..


mikey100 said..
Same issue a couple of times. Used a few specs of this (found under the kitchen sink) on the end of half a dampened cotton bud inserted in an electric drill. Used for a few seconds on the 4 stainless steel contact points on the back of the watch... problem solved!




Thank you, this post helped me, I had been trying to fix my problem for 3 weeks



Did it work???


Yes, it worked

Yimun
3 posts
4 Jul 2020 11:27PM
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w100, I suppose your system has some problems, you should try to install a registry cleaner. This application deletes all corrupted and useless files and optimizes your operating system, which accelerates the speed of your Windows. Check this article about registry cleaners if you want to find the best pc optimizer: thinkmobiles.com/blog/best-pc-optimization-software Personally, I'm using Advanced SystemCare because it works effectively and it's simple to use for everyone.

sboardcrazy
NSW, 8019 posts
5 Jul 2020 12:57PM
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Im not sure if it's the same issue but as others have said check all the pins are out ( one can get stuck in / down).
For the general error where it tells you ' Com port error / or make sure it's connected by usb' I find rub the contacts with a damp tissue ,and make sure the watch is fully powered ( charge it first) .
I still find it often takes a few tries to connect. Sometimes it will give a Com port error the first time but I keep hitting connect. It usually works the 2nd time but I've had it take more tries..

w100
WA, 238 posts
5 Jul 2020 5:50PM
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Bought a new cable and it works again. Can't figure how and why the "old" one just charge the battery but doesn't work for data.

Kazza
TAS, 2342 posts
6 Jul 2020 9:19AM
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Cleaning my connections (watch & cable) regularly with alcohol spray, now works every time. Dare I say it but having issues charging my Garmin Fenix 5 as well, it's not connecting for some reason. Clean the contacts of the watch & cable with the alcohol spray and it works again. Maybe something to do with body lotion I put on, might clog up the contact points.

tonyk
QLD, 541 posts
6 Jul 2020 9:19AM
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Myself like most people are pretty casual when they first get the GW60 I did not worry too much about washing off the salt water and drying off watch before connecting the cable.
This is where the issues started for me and can be hard to reverse up as salt settles on the watch terminals and the cable spring loaded contacts too.
I now understand the correct process for keeping the watch running.
A. Don't play with the buttons while in the water if possible
B. Wash watch with fresh water after sailing and dry off with a towel
C. Never connect cable unless watch is dry

Following the A.B.C. I have a watch with near 100% reliability

Truth is the GW60 is not bullet proof, I did all wrong at the start and paid the price with all the problems I read on Seabreeze, but I changed my ways and now I am happy

flatchat
WA, 87 posts
5 Aug 2020 12:56PM
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Not sure if these two issues were raised before but I'll mention it anyway. Came across two interesting problems trying to download a datafile from the GW60 watch for friend today. The watch was brand new but had defaulted to no logging of data. ie in "settings", logging was set to off. Resetting this to 5hz didn't work. After changing the settings on the watch from 5hz to 1hz and then back again, only then would the GW60 utility allow the logging to be reset at 5hz. Weird. 2nd problem was the utility wouldn't download the .sbp file to the computer. As it turns out the computer had some security settings which wouldn't allow this to happen. To get around this problem we had to start the GW60 utility in admin mode. This fix seems to be working.

segler
WA, 1623 posts
5 Aug 2020 11:02PM
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All these watches with their proprietery connectors !!!!! Drives one crazy !!!!!

Yes, I have a GW-60. The connector works but I hate it.

Most of the time I use an old Timex Ironman GPS with a plain old ancient-technology micro-usb connector. It has a captive rubber cover when in use. After three years of use in both salt water and fresh water. it has never failed to charge or transfer data. I have a couple hundred sessions from the Timex archived in Strava.

AUS1111
WA, 3619 posts
24 Dec 2020 2:33PM
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Well Saturday is lining up to be EPIC and my GW60 is fully charged but showing no interest in wanting to upload any data despite various efforts with toothbrushes, stainless steel cleaner etc. Perhaps I need a new cable but there are none around.

Better get charging the old GT31 I guess!

remery
WA, 2706 posts
24 Dec 2020 3:24PM
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I have a suspicion it's something to do with USB power saving when it's on battery.

w100
WA, 238 posts
24 Dec 2020 6:40PM
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I sorted iy out buying a new cable.

Imax1
QLD, 4700 posts
26 Dec 2020 8:03AM
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Where would I buy a replacement cable , I suspect mine is faulty ? I will try a friends first to make sure .
The shop I bought my watch from told me to look it up online to get one . He said he can't just take a cable from a new watch because then he won't have one . He did however let me know they are having a special on the watch at the moment . A little speechless . This is not good service at all . I don't want to cause a fuss with my local shop . If I'm forced to do things online myself I'll get good at it and do it with other items . I do spend a lot with them .The shop is shooting itself in the foot .
I went to the main website but they don't sell parts .
Does anyone have a link to get one or know who sells them in Australia ? I might just mail order stuff from someone that cares .
I could be grumpy because I ate and drunk too much yesterday and I feel like I gained three kilos overnight .

Imax1
QLD, 4700 posts
26 Dec 2020 9:33AM
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^^^
Awesome , thanks

AUS1111
WA, 3619 posts
26 Dec 2020 9:13AM
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He has none left in stock - I tried



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"GW 60 pc connection issue" started by w100