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Apparently faulty RTL510 (using with RDU) - Radar not detecting vehicles

Former Member over 6 years ago

Hi guys, just posting here as a way to (hopefully.) reach someone from Garmin support :)

I purchased a RTL510 + RDU approx. 1 month ago, which seems to be faulty.
I've ridden with it for around 16 hours now, and it has only seemed to work correctly on two occasions, detecting approx. 5 or 6 vehicles, failing to detect the majority.

The RDU pairs with the RTL successfully, giving a blue paired indicator led, with green threat led, and no red error led.
Tail-light itself works correctly, however the flashing mode does not adjust in response to approaching vehicles... which suggests the radar component isn't working, without an error being flagged.

I've run through all troubleshooting procedures I can find (resetting, re-pairing, changing how it's mounted, riding with no other electronics, etc.).
Also tried updated the firmware via Garmin Express, which installed successfully, but didn't fix the radar issue.

The radar is mounted on my seatpost with a clear view of the road and oncoming cars. Most riding has been on winding back roads with vehicles passing around 50-90km/hr.

I initially thought it may just be a rubbish product, but based-on all the positive feedback here, it sounds like mine is just faulty... fingers-crossed!

My online retailer seems to be ignoring me, and I haven't received a reply to my e-mail to Garmin support (via the Support Centre.).
So just trying my luck here :)

Thanks

0 mcalista over 6 years ago

I think most people have a better response contacting Garmin's Support Center via phone than they do via email.

Definitely sounds like a fault with that specific unit - I'm very happy with my RTL510. The detection rate should be way better than you describe.

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

Thanks for your reply, glad to hear that you're happy with yours, that gives me some confidence :)

I've just received a case number from Garmin with details to return the RTL... so I suppose my little rant here is moot now, haha.
I'll update this thread with the end-result.

0 TrippyZ over 6 years ago

My Garmin Varia Radar misses maybe one in 300 cars - extremely reliable.

0 asmcdaniel over 6 years ago

... however the flashing mode does not adjust in response to approaching vehicles... which suggests the radar component isn't working, without an error being flagged....

I did not realize the light changed flash patterns when the radar detected a car. I guess that's because I'm in front of it :).

Anyway, My RTL510 works well.

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

Just want to add that my 510 is also realiable, and unlike 500, it also detects cyclists behind me majority of the times :)

0 JRat1 over 6 years ago

Just want to add that my 510 is also realiable, and unlike 500, it also detects cyclists behind me majority of the times :)

My RTL500 picks up cyclists provided they are significantly faster than me. If they are at a very similar speed then they will be ignored - a logical programmng decision as they could be the same group as the bike with the radar.

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

My RTL500 picks up cyclists provided they are significantly faster than me. If they are at a very similar speed then they will be ignored - a logical programmng decision as they could be the same group as the bike with the radar.

Don't have 500 anymore so I can't make any direct comparisons, but I feel that 510 is really much more sensitive to cyclists behind me.