Firmware 3.80 spikes and drop-outs

My Vector 3's have been bulletproof since purchase 3 months ago. I've never experienced drop-outs or spikes.

Since updating them two days ago to 3.80 they no longer function as a usable power meter.

I've noticed spikes and drop-out appear related to both large change in cadence (coasting/spin) and power (accelerations from corners). Steady operation seems to settle things until changes occur.

The initial update appeared on my EDGE 530 but wouldn't complete via the edge
Updated finally through Garmin Connect Android App.
Have reset pedals (removed batteries)
Batteries are only a week old and are lightly oiled per the manual
Disable Cycling Dynamics - no effect
Tried to disable TE/PS - Change didn't seem to be applied

Has anyone else had similar problems?

Top Replies

RobertMeredith over 4 years ago in reply to danielwolman +2

I ended up doing a complete overhaul of the pedals, cleaning contacts with alcohol and stripping and regreasing the spline and bearings. This, along with the auto zero reset seems to have done the trick…
SpotVeteran over 4 years ago +2 verified

After two months of testing I am going to concede that the issue is unlikely firmware related.

I have found that spikes and drop-outs are dependent upon the condition of the electrical contacts for the…
RobCuadro over 4 years ago in reply to Zoli +1

Zoli said:
FYI. Garmin now officially suggest 3 kind of battery (I have just read somewhere on garmin.com.

https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/vector3/EN-US/GUID-75D57E87-C695-431E-B0C2-094BA8E71421…

All Replies

0 HughFeeley over 4 years ago

I'm having similar issues with spikes, dropouts and right pedal missing since last FW update. So frustrating. Tried resetting numerous times but happens now every ride. Spikes in power up to 500watts while coasting. I have these over a year. I even had them replaced as the first pair didn't work right. Worked perfectly until update before Christmas. 1000€ and they just dont work. Tried to do ftp test recently. Had to give up because power all over the place and right pedal missing messages. Used either Fr 920xt or edge 520. Doesn't seem to matter as both record the same issues.

0 linsguilherme over 4 years ago

The drop-outs ghost back! =/

Very annoying and very disappointing.

New batteries LR44 with the oil drop.

The final of this activity is the worst part.

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4609412145#

0 f|33tStA over 4 years ago in reply to linsguilherme

sometimes to much oil is not good, try to clean the batteries a very little bit with a handkerchief or kitchen roll, it happens sometimes for me, but then everything is fine

before you cleaned with alcohol?

0 linsguilherme over 4 years ago in reply to f|33tStA

Did you mean clean the batteries with alcohol?

I’ll try it today.
thanks

0 f|33tStA over 4 years ago in reply to linsguilherme

yes and after i put a really, totally fine oil film on it, if the oil is too much i clean it again a little bit with a kitchen roll, so there is a really light oil film on their.

in the meanwhile i use:

Varta Lithium Batterie CR1/3N, you have only one battery per side instead of two, they are great!

and of course, my v3 only connected with ANT+ to my edge, i disable BLT on my mobile phone during my rides, cause they added to GCM, otherwise they will connect to my mobile phone too.

i think, it's not really necessary to add the v3 to GCM, think they can removed, to go sure, that v3 only connected to your Edge

0 HughFeeley over 4 years ago in reply to f|33tStA

Cool, didn't know a single battery option existed

0 jome90 over 4 years ago

Long term update from my side. I fully cleaned all contacts with alcohol and added a drop of mineral oil when replacing the batteries (2 SR44 per side, intend to switch to CR1/3N) and with the exception of a single dropout the pedals work flawless.

This battery change procedure is a major hassle, but I am very happy that the pedals are now working as intended!