Problem with the loading cable

As an update: The replacement cable that Garmin sent me did NOT fix or have any effect on the problem. Garmin has added me to some sort of "case file" with the engineering team, who is apparently aware of the issue and working on a solution. I was told I would be contacted when a solution is figured out.

Has anybody with the cable problem did a firmware downgrade to test if the problem started with 2.9?
Has the new beta any effect?
I would test by myself but have already returned my 5x
Wolf

Mine has had the cable issue since originally taking it out of the box on 2.4 or whatever the original firmware was, and it hasn't changed for the better with either of the beta's to include the most recent 2.95

Garmin reply

I have had a similar reply from Max at Garmin as Richard had a few days ago (virtually identical, so no point re-posting it). Unfortunately if has not worked for me either.

this thread has gone quiet over the last few days. Has anyone had a resolution to the problem as it is starting to annoy me?

I have exactly the same issue - the connection is being broken constanty, the phone gets unrecognized multiple time, the connection LED flashes as crazy showing the data transfer is unstable and so on.
I've tried it with multiple ports and even with external hubs.

I guess the problem is with the watch firmware, not the cable, what the problem with manufacturing a simple data cable would be? I doubt they would manufacture so many faulty ones.

I guess the problem is with the watch firmware, not the cable, what the problem with manufacturing a simple data cable would be? I doubt they would manufacture so many faulty ones.

I don’t think anyone is saying it’s the firmware. A few posts above a guy confirmed he had the same issue on the original 2.4 firmware, and that the new 2.95 beta has the same problem. Seems more likely it’s a hardware issue. I contacted Garmin yesterday to get an update on the engineering case file and the rep told me they are still working on a solution and that several customers have mailed them their "faulty" cables for testing.

This is absolutely not a firmware issue. This is absolutely not a software issue. This is absolutely a hardware design issue. The day I opened my first watch, the cord/watch was having this problem. It's simple: The design for this was poor. Either there is too much material on the cord side that it keeps it from connecting properly, or the connectors on the watch side are too deep for the cord to establish an adequate connection. Sure, the clip/clasps that keep the cord secured are strong (including what I think is a magnetic element), but the parts that need to be connected are not.

Think of it as trying to reach down a tube with your arm and your fingers just brush against the item you are reaching for. Sometimes you can grab it a bit and your arm fits fine, but your arm just isn't long enough to get a good enough grip to grab the item at the bottom.

Mine is for sure on the watch side, my original cable the replacement cable and the cable from my 935 all have the same issue. The pins on the Garmin cable are spring loaded so you can see why the cable can have a little slop when the two are attached I think there is just a little to much on the watch side for the cable to overcome.

Just to share my experience regarding this topic.

My Fenix 5X arrived yesterday :) with software version 2.50. The first thing I did was to connect it to my Macbook for charging.

Neither my Macbook, nor my iMac mounted the "GARMIN" device. And Garmin Express didn't detect it on any of the computers.

I tried again this morning and the same. But after having it connected to the Macbook while trying to have it detected for a few minutes, I disconnected the USB cable. And the watch showed "version 2.90 is available" on the display, giving the option to upgrade.

After the 2.90 software was installed, I've reconnected the USB to the laptop. And now "GARMIN" device is correctly mounted and Garmin Express detects it immediately. So the upgrade seems to have solved the problem for me.

How did the upgrade reached the watch? If wifi was not configured because it needs to be set up on Garmin Express. May be through Garmin Connect on the iPhone? Apparently there is no option to upgrade on the mobile phone app. :confused:

I received back my 5x from Garmin Support today.
In the enclosed Note it is stated that the problem did not show up during their tests and they only put a software update on the watch and enclosed a new cable.
After I put the watch at my laptop the problem showed up again immediately, of course.:mad:
I have been told by the Garmin Support that there is currently a delivery shortage at the 5x in Germany. So I will wait for my next return attempt and give Garmin some time to think about the problem and come up with a solution that will hopefully be on the software side or perhaps a driver for Windows that keeps the connection more stable.
I will keep you informed what their answer to my mail will be.
Regards
wolf