Sky Caddie SGX - Stopped Finding Satellites

genemcg · July 17, 2012

Has anyone else had a Sky Caddie SGX stop finding satellites? It was working fine one day, and then just stopped locating satellites. Nothing happened to it other than a charge/sync with my PC. It wasn't dropped or damaged in any way.

I tried the reset GPS function many times with no luck.

On the Sky Golf forums, I was told to send it back to them and for $90 I would get a refurbished one. I'm not a fan of this idea.

I guess what I'm asking is if anyone has had any luck getting their SGX to work again via some other method. Is there a way to reboot the thing? Or do a hard reset? Or open it up and fix it?, etc.....

Thanks,

Gene

jeffrott · August 5, 2012

I haven't had any problems picking up satellites, but if i choose the scoring option I keep getting an error message says I need to turn off and turn back on. Every time I do I just keep getting same error message. But if I do not choose to keep track of my score and FIR, GIR, Putts it works fine. Skygolf has not been much help in correcting the problem. have had mine for almost 1 year, very frustrating. Seems like technology should be better tested before they role this crap out to the public.

genemcg · August 14, 2012

Anyone know how to perform a hard reset? I know the soft reset is Joystick + power button.

Tjalfe · August 16, 2012

Hi.
the SGX uses an all in one Ublox GPS module, connected to the daughter board, containing the Sarantel antenna via a small length of coaxial cable. this cable is more than likely the weak spot, which has snapped off.
the Ublox module continuously spits out NMEA messages, with the current location, when it is powered on. resetting it, only toggles the power off, so that it has to acquire signal lock again. Resetting it will likely not make much of a difference. I don't know too much on the software side of things, but the data from the ublox module is pretty easy to look at, being a standard UART, transmitting at 9600bps, it would be easyish to find out of it is spitting out valid data, or any data.

Anywyas, if you don't have warranty on the unit anymore, and are willing to open up the device, you could check if the coax is secure, and while in there, you could disconnect the battery to make sure everything is booted fresh

Tjalfe

genemcg · August 17, 2012

I like that idea Tjalfe. Any tips or pics on how to open this baby up? I did something similar to my HTC Evo and there was a great step by step video on youtube. Haven't been able to find one for the SGX though.

TM_HOYER · August 17, 2012

I would not recommend opening your SGX even if it is not under warranty. If you call support and explain the fact you cannot get satellites to lock in, I think they will offer an exchange for less than $100. This is much less costly than buying a whole new GPS. If you open it, you might be SOL when it comes to exchanging it and there really is not anything inside that can be repaired.

torbill · August 18, 2012

Yes, I had this problem. I called, and they acknowledged the problem. I got a replacement for $60 after telling them that I would pay the $90 but that they should ship it to me two day because I needed it fast.

The replacement didn't recharge properly after a couple of months, and they replaced it free. Both replacement units looked new to me.

The SGX has had problems with software and lack of Holeview, etc., but I like it.

I do not understand the Skycaddie bashing. I have had numerous GPS units, this being my first Skycaddie. This is by far the best unit, inspilte of the aggravating problems.

The knocks I read about here are simply wrong. Skycaddie service has been courteous and prompt. Holeview has long been available for every course I play. The assertion that at some of the good courses bunkers are missing is simply ridiculous, in my experience - course mappings are complete. The display is readable in all lighting conditions I have experienced, and I have had no problems with polarized sunglasses.

The reason I bought this unit is that I am a low handicap player, and i want good accuracy, and with every previous GPS I had nuanced or inaccurate readings at times. With the SGX accuracy is not an issue.

I really like Holeview, it saves me strokes on unfamiliar courses.

What I dislike is the slow performance and reliability issues I've had. I don't like the annual fee, but if this is the price of consistently reliable yardage readings, so be it.