I think if I got a solar panel with a higher mA output I could run it exclusively off the solar panel but I need to know the device specs which in theory should be listed under the units’ product information, but apparently Garmin does not think this information is prudent. My solar panel outputs 5V @ 200mA and as stated above, is not enough to power the unit alone even in direct sunlight. My best guess is that the panel is not putting out enough mA to power the unit up. It’s safe to say that even if the unit requires less than 200 mA to run that the initial power-up draws more than 200mA.
Lets do some math. I could be totally off; electricity is not my focus.
1 AA battery = 2.8 amp hours = 2AA batteries = 5.6 amp hours.
60csx has 2x AA and claim’s an average of 18 hrs runtime (Garmin’s spec’s are exaggerated, but let’s run with it for now.)
5.6 amp hours / 18 hours = .31 amps an hour which = 310 mAh
The 60CSX and most of Garmin’s GPS’s are running USB 1.1, so it’s only right to assume that when they say it can be powered off of the USB port that they mean USB 1.1 power standard.
The problem? I can’t find any solid information on USB 1.1 and its power output, but know it’s less then USB 2.0 which is 500 mA. I know it’s less for USB 1.1 because a lot of older devices that ran USB 1.1 would use a plug with a splitter and 2 USB ends so that it could power devices. USB 2.0 does not need 2 USB ports to power these same devices, hence USB 1.1 had to output less power. I wish I knew how much but USB 1.1 is so old that it’s asinine anyone is still using it today. I would meter my computer’s USB ports but have not had a computer with USB 1.1 in 8 years.
The fact Garmin makes and actually sells a new 2010 GPS that runs off a USB standard that has been dead for 10 years now is totally mind blowing. Everyone does realize that 80% of the units Garmin sells are USB 1.1 right? Only the units listed as “high speed USB” are 2.0. Furthermore, that USB 2.0 came out in April 2000, making it 10 years old? Notice they say USB and High Speed USB on the spec page making it seem like high speed is some new-fangled technology; ya its been out for 10 years and they are the only ones still using the old USB 1.1 standard in a brand new device.
Anyway, all of this is just speculation. If they actually put some real product specs on the website I would not have to speculate but if they did that everyone would figure out they were using 10 year outdated USB standards and cheap sub-standard receiver chips in the new products. More people need to complain about this or they will just keep getting away with the nonsense. Don’t be ignorant, do your research and ask questions. Ever wonder why it takes 2+ hours to send maps to your brand new GPS unit (Oregon 400, etc)? It’s because it’s using two decade (Mid 1990's) old technology.
Anyway, I have already ranted about that in another post so let’s not degrees. In summary, anyone know the minimum power requirement to run this device off of USB? I would love to be able to run it exclusively off of solar in a pinch. There has been numerous times I use the solar battery backup but have always wanted to run straight solar!
60CSX running without batteries off of solar. Its not powered directly by sunlight as there is a solar battery in the mix, which is why I need to know the power requirements! Still kinda cool : )
