Frequently Asked Questions on Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
LATEST UPDATE
Q: NOTICE for all US customers with M3 and Q4 series that have been having a problem recently with receiving a satellite signal.
A: Recently it has come to our attention that there has been a problem with a US GPS satellite, in the early morning of June 14 launch a sudden change in the code signal, leading to some GPS signal anomalies. It is told that the satellite signal should be running properly by June 22, 2009.
Q: If my unit is defective what do I do?
A: Make sure your product is registered then contact Technical Support at 888-849-0846, if the problem cannot be resolved instructions as well as a Return Authorization will be issued for your defective product. No product will be accepted without prior authorization.
Q: What is GPS?
A: GPS is the abbreviation of Global Positioning System. It is a navigation and precise-positioning tool.
Q: What is SIRF?
A: SIRF certifies developers & manufacturers of GPS engine boards and system-level products. You can get more information from the following website: www.sirf.com
Q: What is NAVTEQ?
A: NAVTEQ is an industry-respected company who supplies us with maps for our GPS products.
Q: Are there any monthly services fees to use the GPS units?
A: No, there are no service fees.
Q: What is TTS?
A: TTS is the abbreviation of Text To Speech.
Q1: How to set TTS ( Text To Speech ) to include street name?
A: After you have chosen "Navigation", please choose "Menu". Go to "Settings" and select "Language", then chose English TTS option.
Q: What is POI?
A: POI is the abbreviation of Point Of Interest, such as hotels, shopping centers, gas stations, restaurants, etc.
Q: Why can’t I find the POI I am looking for?
A: Depending on the amount of POI your unit holds will determine if all POI can be found in your unit. Some units have 1.6 million POI and some can have up to 6 million POI; the more POI your unit comes with the more you will be able to locate.
Q2: Where is stylus?
A: Stylus is inserted in the unit or is paced in the box, please double check. If it is missing by our mistake, please call our customer service for new one after you have registered your unit on our website at: www.nextar.com
Q: Why is there no picture?
A: The brightness may be turned down; adjust the brightness of the LCD.
Q: Will the GPS unit automatically turn on when charging?
A: Yes, the unit will automatically turn on while charging.
Q: How long should your GPS unit be charged?
A: The unit will need to be charged 4-5 hours before using.
Q: What do I need to send in to get my replacement unit once a repair code has been issued?
A: You will need to send in the unit, all accessories and the paperwork that has been emailed to you.
Q: Why can’t the unit receive satellite signals or orient itself?
A: The unit may be obstructed by buildings or metal objects. Please make sure to use the unit outside and where it has a clear view of the sky.
Q: The unit can receive signals now, but the signals received are not stable. Why?
A: The built-in rechargeable battery is weak; use the adapter to supply power or charge the battery. The unit may be obstructed by a material such as heat insulation, please remove the obstruction. The unit may be titled too far; please hold the unit upright. If the system software fails to function by chance, please restart the unit again.
Q: Why does the zoom function not working or the touch screen not responding to menu commands?
A: Please choose the settings menu to enter Screen menu for calibrating the sensitivity of the unit, it will disappear and tap the screen to return to the settings menu. Note: If "+" doesn't disappear, you should calibrate again. If problem persists, there may some problem with the touch screen. Call our technical support center at 1-888-849-0846 for further support.
Q: Why is the altitude on my GPS different than the altitude on my altimeter?
A: Keep in mind that your altimeter does not measure altitude. Your altimeter is calibrated to display a certain change in altitude based on a change in air pressure.
Q: When I have maps from different MapSource products loaded for the same place, I only see one map in my GPS. To see some maps, I have to turn others off in the GPS unit display. Why?
A: There is a hierarchy in the MapSource products. Map data often comes from different vendors, and if the vendors blended the data, it would be difficult to use. You can manage maps in your GPS unit so the subordinate maps will show when you need to see them.
Q: When I insert a non Nextar-map SD card and select the main menu "Navigation" item, the unit can not be operated and it freezes. Why? (Reference to for product Q4-01)
A: The unit may not find the correct path of the executable file of the navigation software or the navigation software is not supported. Always use the navigation software that came with your unit. Third party software is not guaranteed to work properly with the unit.
Q: Why is the volume too low to hear?
A: Check if the volume was turned down or Muted, and if so turn up the volume or turn on the sound output.
Q: Why does the unit give wrong directions?
A: There are numerous possible causes. First, the GPS may not be receiving a strong enough signal to be able to both calculate your exact position and guide you the right way in a timely manner. Another possible cause is that the map data is becoming outdated or that some streets are newly constructed, so the unit does not work with the greatest efficiency. Normally, GPS navigation software is equipped with an automatic re-routing feature. When the road or street does not exist or you go to the wrong way, the unit will recalculate the route for you and continue to guide you to the destination.
Q: It freezes on the "loading" screen. Why?
A: Since the operating system and navigation software are preloaded into the internal flash memory of the GPS, the freezing may either be software or hardware failure. First, press the "Reset" button or push the stylus into the "Reset" hole, to see if the navigation software can load successfully. If the program still does not load, then the software may be corrupted. Also, if the internal memory fails to read or write and the software cannot load properly, it may be caused by hardware failure. In either case, please return the unit for exchange or repair to the retail location from which you purchased it, or contact us for further assistance.
Q: Where can I buy map updates for Canada for my Nextar GPS unit?
A: To update the existing map for you Nextar product, please contact Nextar to find out if any new map information has become available. Our products are usually pre-loaded with USA/Canada maps, depending on the model.
Q: Where can I buy European maps to add to my Nextar GPS unit?
A: Unfortunately Nextar currently does not have any maps for Europe or European map updates.
Q: Is there a particular manufacturer of the Micro SD cards that is recommended for use with the GPS units?
A: Nextar recommends brand-name memory cards because the quality and stability can be ensured to work well with our product.
Q: What is the optimal resolution of the display?
A: If the display size is 4.3", the optimal resolution is 480X272 (RGB). If the display size is 3.5", the optimal resolution is 320X240 (RGB).
Q: Can a GPS unit be attached to a snow mobile?
A: It is not recommended due to possible water damage and un-stability of the unit.
Q: Why do I sometimes find map errors in Nextar products?
A: There are inevitably some road changes, as well as human error or subjectivity in the creation of a digital map. The maps must be constantly maintained to keep the level of error as low as possible. Nextar uses NAVTEQ maps, and we focus on supplying updated maps to our valuable customers. Click here to report map errors.
Q: Why can’t the battery be used after being idle a few days with a full charge?
A: In common conditions, the battery would last about 4-8 days after it is fully charged and turned off. The charge will drain over time, whether or not the unit is in use. Please charge your battery and try again.
Q: Why can’t the unit be charged?
A: Please make sure your AC adaptor or car adaptor is properly connected to the main unit and that the adaptor is receiving AC power. If problem persists, there may be a hardware problem with the rechargeable battery. Call our technical support center at 1-888-849-0846 for further support.
Q: Why does the battery drain so fast and fail to charge in the car when I plug it in?
A: Please try to charge your unit with the AC adaptor again. If it charges, test your car adaptor. If the car adaptor works, you may need to repair your battery.
Q: Why won’t the unit turn on when it is being charged?
A: If the unit has not been used for a long period, the battery may run out of power completely. When the battery is weak or totally dead, there may not be enough power to turn the unit on immediately. Keep charging the unit a while longer, then try to turn it on again later.
Q: Is there a way to track a GPS unit if it is stolen from my car?
A: Unfortunately, there is no way to track a GPS unit if it is stolen.
Q: Why does the unit keep going back to International time when I try to set it to my local time zone?
A: Make sure you have saved your preferred settings before you exit the menu.
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