Firmware version 26.18 is the best version since a very long time

ArminMW
9 days ago

We really had a lot to complain about Garmin Firmware quality in the last years. But from my experience the latest version 26.18 for the Edge 840 is really very good. Thus I want to give a big shout-out to the Garmin Edge firmware developers and testers!

I have been using 26.18 for ~4w and my experiences are very positive:

*  no crashes
*  very low battery consumption: only 31% battery consumed on a 155km/9h gravel ride with
    -  2y old Edge 840 device which has been used a lot
    -  routing enabled following a course
    -  live-tracking enabled
    -  notifications enabled for smartphone apps (WhatsApp, Signal, Rain Alarm,..)
    -  RTL 515 Radar Tail Light controlled by the Edge 840 via the Connect IQ app "Smart Bike Lights"
    -  battery saver mode disabled 
    -  satellite systems: auto select

These are the only minor negatives I experienced:
*  the bug with the "switch powermeter prompt endless loop" is easy to work-around by disabling BLE in the PM sensor details (and only use ANT+ for the PM)
*  boot-up is a bit slow, takes ~40s from power-on to the main-screen, but this is still acceptable

Before I would accept any future firmware update to my device I will carefully read the changelog of the new fw version and would only consider updating the fw, if any of the fixes or added functionality are really important for me.

  • 0 9 days ago

    You're right there was a lot to complain about so they set the bar really low. You're generous with your praise - yes it's better but still so many minor issues with such a mature product. The ownership experience is frustrating and they seem to believe adding more features is preferable to making what they have work properly. Hopefully these recent updates are a sign this is starting to change a bit - fingers crossed.

    My 840 hasn't crashed fully in a while but it is pretty slow and does hang from time to time requiring a hard restart (holding the power button until restart). I can't actually upgrade to 26.18 (am on .17) as it says there are no updates when this ones been out for a month but my main day to day issues is the complete faff of getting a ride to sync with Garmin Connect - I have to manually force it rather than it just uploading when I save the ride (despite being connected to bluetooth and having wifi available too) and then that upload literally takes several minutes to complete when the file is tiny. 

    So maybe going in the right direction but I hope those issues are addressed next I have others and I'm sure others have a list too.

  • 0 9 days ago in reply to GLM1989

    I suggest reset the watch. Remove it from connect and add it back.

  • 0 9 days ago

    It's normal to only hear from folk who are having a bad experience, which can make it look like problems are more widespread than they actually are. Like you, I'm very happy with the latest firmware. 

  • 0 9 days ago in reply to Dave

    The Edge 840 is a cycling computer rather than a watch but that is an interesting point - I also have a forunner 265 and it is brilliant by comparison - a joy to use, simple, fast, never crashes and no issues, syncs without fail and is generally excellent. I've always assume the watch software developers and the Edge software developers are from different planets!

  • 0 8 days ago in reply to GLM1989

    I misspoke, I meant 840.  

    I agree with the sentiment of this thread, my 840 has been stable. 

  • 0 8 days ago

    Can’t share the same opinion!
    After the 27th of February update 26.18 Garmin 1040 no longer detects SRAM Etap 11v shifters, battery and derailleurs. Garmin support simply doesn’t help at all besides  giving all the standard steps already known to all.

    SRAM feedback is that it’s all working fine and communicating perfectly, fault as to be in Garmiins software. However, it detects harm and cadence sensor.

    Did sent them a n activity that asked for but they never replied.

    Garmin isn’t resolving or interested in the issue. Being a Garmin consumer for the last 20yrs with numerous units really thinking of moving to the opposition.

    Garmin just isn’t Garmin anymore.

  • 0 7 days ago in reply to Izalquinha

    But this thread is about 840.

    Maybe post your problems with the 1040 in the 1040 thread.

  • 0 7 days ago in reply to Dave

    Yes it’s is.

    • All units are identical and it was just so users know that the issue is also occurring with other devices.
      But if it’s jeopardizing your thread please feel free to remove my comment.
  • 0 6 days ago in reply to Izalquinha

    They are very similar in features but not identical (which is why there are separate forums) so yes you should post your comment in the correct forum. 

    I have SRAM etap shifters and they still work fine (but then I do have an 840).  I wouldn't take SRAM's word for it if they're simply blaming Garmin though. 

    If it's any help, I did have a problem with some new Rival shifters on another bike that would keep putting the Garmin into micro-adjust mode at the beginning of every ride.  I too went through all the standard fault finding, re-pairing etc, with both SRAM and Garmin. Nothing worked and I had resigned myself to living with the problem. In the end though it turned out to be a dud battery in one of the shifters.