Garmin Lock?

 

I was just reading a couple of other posts that mentioned it, and I was wondering how many actually use it. If so, why???? I mean, if someone steals your GPSr, then finds out later that it's useless to them, aren't they just going to toss it in the trash? They aren't going to bring it back saying "Since it won't work for me, I just thought I might as well give it back. Have a nice day!" You'll never see it again anyway, and I just see it as an inconvenience to getting going when I get in my car.

I just don't see any advantage in bothering with it.

--
Rick - Nüvi 260 - eTrex Summit HC
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Garmin lock

Here's a thought: Garmin could give the user an option of permanently locking the GPSr after so many unsuccessful attempts at entering the password. For instance, a bad guy steals your GPSr. You're using the Garmin lock feature and have set 5 as the maximum attempts allowed. The bad guy tries 5 incorrect pw's and the device disallows all further attempts. It would take a call or e-mail from the registered owner to Garmin to unlock it. Of course, you'd still never see your GPSr again, but at least you can take satisfaction in the fact that you've prevented anyone else from using it.

--
"No misfortune is so bad that whining about it won't make it worse."

security

Just to let youguy's now, in my city and to others around there is a few GPS that where stolen, quit a few. So if that locking device can be made better by locking the device after 5 times you enter the bad code.....
This for all make of GPS...

--
Claude using Garmin c330,Nuvi 250W and a Etrex venture Cx. Member #2602

I’ve gotten use to using

I’ve gotten use to using the lock now. A finger print locking mechanism would be nice, just like they have on some laptops.

--
nüvi 3590LMT "always backup your files"

Edit Splash screen

Edit Splash Screen to include a name and a contact number along with the phrase "REWARD IF FOUND". Also put this labeled on case for when battery dies. It may better your chances for return.

--
sewisdom - Drive carefully. The life you save... may be someone who owes you money!

Security

I work in car dealer, and for some insurance company
we ingrave with a sand blast a number on 50 parts of the veh. to prevent stealing, the company is named Sherlock. we can do the same on the back or top of a GPS.

--
Claude using Garmin c330,Nuvi 250W and a Etrex venture Cx. Member #2602

Garmin Lock Improvement

I admit I don't use Garmin Lock, mainly because my wife uses the GPS too and it is inconvenient to continually unlock it. If it was just me, I probably would use it. But it bugs her so that is the end of that discussion.

It would be nice that IF the GPS was turned on where it was last turned off, it does not ask for the lock code. But if the GPS is turned on somewhere else aside from it was last turned off, then the password would be required.

I think this would encourage more people to use Garmin Lock and it would still help prevent the GPS from being used properly if stolen.

For an idea like this, then lock code should be more than four numbers though. The GPS should display a numeric keypad and you have to enter between four and eight digits, plus ENTER to unlock.

Spash screen

I created a splash screen with an added reminder the unit is locked. People that steal probably don't care but I feel better!
http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/9505/garminsplashvh0.jpg

--
Garmin nüvi 1390

Good idea, but...

Aconite wrote:

It would be nice that IF the GPS was turned on where it was last turned off, it does not ask for the lock code. But if the GPS is turned on somewhere else aside from it was last turned off, then the password would be required

This would be a good idea, except that theives have already shown a willingness to take a chance on getting shot by breaking into your car. Even though they normally would smash and grab or quick search, they aren't stupid, they'd just turn it on right there in your car while they finished searching for other stuff. I actually use mine and have its home location to release it nowhere near my house. And man I hear you on the your wife doesn't like it so that's the end of that. Ha! I think that Garmin has proably done the best they can as a security feature that still keeps the price on the units realistic. Until there are further developments in cheapining other options, I'm gonna have to be content in knowing the only thing a theif will see when he turns it on is a picture of my family with a sign saying it was STOLEN from me w/my contact info. And that a theif can go ahead and throw it away- cause your NOT using ANYTHING I worked for! And he better hope I don't catch him in the act either!

--
c330/530 "Hurry up and wait." "If you can read this, thank a teacher. And since it`s in English, thank a soldier."

Take it with you

Regarding GPS units getting stolen, this article was in the Oregonian a few weeks back:
www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/stories/index.ssf?/base/news/12...

Portland, Oregon has a LOT of car thefts. Take the unit with you, friends.

How 'bout this ....

Garmin has come up with a good idea with Garmin Lock, but in real life, it is inconvenient to use and many of us don't use it because of that.

With a little imagination, Garmin Lock could be modified many different ways that would encourage more of use to use it, make it more convenient and make Garmin GPS's less valuable to thieves, with little or no added cost to the GPS or the customer.

Just a little imaginative programming should do it.

The 660 for instance already has bluetooth built in. Why not add a feature to Garmin Lock to use a bluetooth key, and if that key is available, the GPS does not ask for a password.

A bluetooth key option added to Garmin Lock would not involve any additional hardware from what we (or most of us) already have, just a little programming.

For instance, both my wife and I both have Bluetooth cell phones. If the GPS picks up that either of our cell phones is near, then don't ask for the password .... volia .... a bluetooth key option with no additional hardware if you have a Bluetooth cell phone.

If Garmin wants, they can create and sell little bluetooth thingies to put on your keychain if you don't have a bluetooth cell phone that could be used as the key ... A little more revenue for Garmin, more convenience for us, more security for our GPS's, less fun for thieves, less valuable stolen Garmin GPS's ... all for very little, if any, cost.

Say... that whole bluetooth

Say... that whole bluetooth idea is pretty slick. You've got some good points

--
c330/530 "Hurry up and wait." "If you can read this, thank a teacher. And since it`s in English, thank a soldier."

On The Right Path

Aconite wrote:

It would be nice that IF the GPS was turned on where it was last turned off, it does not ask for the lock code. But if the GPS is turned on somewhere else aside from it was last turned off, then the password would be required.

Aconite,
I had completed my glowing endorsement of your approach when I thought of trying to use it on vacation in an on/off walking environment -- screen hard to see in sunlight and it wants my code. The gist of your idea is, however, to reduce the number of times when a code must be entered. How about just letting the user select the frequency of code request:
Every start up
Daily
Weekly
Bi-weekly

I would think that stealing GPS units might become a thing of the past if all manufacturers made it less burdensome and everybody used a lock feature. I doubt whether 1/2 the owners currently use the feature. Requiring the code only infrequently would require entry of the lock code to change the code, and could eliminate 95% of code entries. Therefore a more secure alpha-numeric code would not be a burden. Four digits would be plenty if alpha characters were included.

Would anybody else be willing to implement the feature if it required entry only once a week or 2 weeks? I would guess such a change could be accomplished via a firmware upgrade, and since the user could still select verification with each boot, nobody would be forced to change the current frequency if they prefer it.

--
Nuvi 660 -- and not upgrading it or maps until Garmin fixes long-standing bugs/problems, and get maps to where they are much more current, AND corrected on a more timely basis when advised of mistakes.

I'm not surprised

I would think that stealing GPS units might become a thing of the past if all manufacturers made it less burdensome and everybody used a lock feature. I doubt whether 1/2 the owners currently use the feature. Requiring the code only infrequently would require entry of the lock code to change the code, and could eliminate 95% of code entries. Therefore a more secure alpha-numeric code would not be a burden. Four digits would be plenty if alpha characters were included.
/quote
wrote:

With all the news (in the media) and forums (like this one) that talk about the skyrocketing GPSr theft rate, I still see people leaving their's in the front window of their parked car all the time. It doesn't surprise me that such a low number of people use the lock feature. If everyone would at least lock them, it wouldn't make sense to steal them since the thief couldn't use them or resell them).

--
--- GPSmap 60CS, Nuvi 650 & Nuvi 1490T---

If you use your home as a

If you use your home as a security location, I would black out your address in your car registration or anything else you leave in your car.

where have all the math geeks gone?

fushfins wrote:

I believe its a minor deterent. Per the Garmin website you would have to send it back to them to activate it. I figure if they throw it away thats better than them getting something for it. If they really wanted to use it they could type in a code, turn it off and on and try the next code. Only 9999 combinations, shouldn't take but a few hours to unlock it. It would be a pain but it could be done easy enough.

where have all the math geeks gone? i hate to spoil everyone's fun but there are actually less than 9999 combinations available for the code.

how many 4-digit combinations can be derived from a pool of 10? anyone remember factorials from math class?

the answer is 10 x 9 x 8 x 7 = 5,040 combinations

shouldn't take but a few hours ... indeed!

--
"is it possible to found a party for those who are not sure they are right? that would be my party. in any event, I do not insult those who are not on my side. that is my only originality." — albert camus

9999

Actually there are 9999 unique numbers between 0001 and 9999. You are thinking of combinations where order doesn't matter. If order didn't matter, there would be 3024 combinations since you are only using 9 numbers, i.e. 1-9.

--
nuvi 200 | lifetime maps

yes, i'm wrong.

dminz wrote:

Actually there are 9999 unique numbers between 0001 and 9999. You are thinking of combinations where order doesn't matter. If order didn't matter, there would be 3024 combinations since you are only using 9 numbers, i.e. 1-9.

yes, i'm wrong, but for a different reason. calculating factorials is like pulling things from a hat. imagine having ten chits in a hat labeled 0 through 9. you can only pull 5040 combinations of 4 chits out because you only get to use each chit once per combination. so you could never pull 0001 or 9999. doh!

--
"is it possible to found a party for those who are not sure they are right? that would be my party. in any event, I do not insult those who are not on my side. that is my only originality." — albert camus

I use my Garmin Lock for all

I use my Garmin Lock for all the reasons others have detailed, and I highly agree that it's just plain responsible to the whole GPS-family everywhere to further the deterrent-factor by being one of the many who does lock it every time. And I still take it with me when I park... but the "what if I blow-it one wrong time" thought keeps me locking it always.

OH, and it takes me a whole 2/3 of a second to unlock it!! --Small price to pay to stymie any thief!

~Jim~

--
~Jim~ Nuvi-660, & Nuvi-680

How do you set up the lock

How do you set up the lock for garmin C340?
Thanks

--
Val - Nuvi 785t and Streetpilot C340

I really like that idea for

I really like that idea for a bluetooth lock or key.

--
Firemen Like It Hot, Wet, and Nasty !

Not available

gwapaval wrote:

How do you set up the lock for garmin C340?
Thanks

It is not available on the c3xx streetpilots (at least not on my c330). You have to get a c5xx or a nuvi for it to work. It is in the system menu if I remember correctly.

Daniel

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Garmin StreetPilot c580 & Nuvi 760 - Member 32160 - Traveling in Kansas

Tubby is right

tubbygrey wrote:

You're probably right about never seeing a stolen unit again.. Garmin locked or not.. but, maybe, just maybe, if the money from a bank robbery had no value.. maybe by a dye pack or small explosive.. there would be less robberies.

If we used the Garmin lock more.. and rendered the stolen units useless, there would be less thefts.. Sooo, lock your Nuvi 260 so they won't swipe mine.

The lock isn't a hassle if, when your Nuvi is turned on, you're within 50 feet of where the lock was set.. (on my 260)

Getting off the soapbox..

x2 smile

or do as I do and take it

or do as I do and take it with you at all times...lol.

--
Charley - Nuvi 350 - Bel STI Driver - Cobra 29 w/ wilson 1000 - AIM: asianfire -

Garmin lock

If they steal 5 GPS and 4 of them or not usable, maybe he will not steal any more????????

It is a way to discorage them.....

--
Claude using Garmin c330,Nuvi 250W and a Etrex venture Cx. Member #2602

The lock...

rapriebe wrote:

I was just reading a couple of other posts that mentioned it, and I was wondering how many actually use it. If so, why???? I mean, if someone steals your GPSr, then finds out later that it's useless to them, aren't they just going to toss it in the trash? They aren't going to bring it back saying "Since it won't work for me, I just thought I might as well give it back. Have a nice day!" You'll never see it again anyway, and I just see it as an inconvenience to getting going when I get in my car.

I just don't see any advantage in bothering with it.

is to keep honest people honest

--
"Backward, turn backward, oh time in your flight, make me a child again, just for tonight."

Maybe in the case of a door...

I use mine to frustrate bad people .... why make it easy?

--
c330/530 "Hurry up and wait." "If you can read this, thank a teacher. And since it`s in English, thank a soldier."

Garmin returns

I have heard that Garmin will return it to the registered owner if it is sent to them by a scurvy little thief to be unlocked. So it may be beneficial to lock it up.

Aaaaamen!!

yanksforever wrote:

I have heard that Garmin will return it to the registered owner if it is sent to them by a scurvy little thief to be unlocked. So it may be beneficial to lock it up.

Aaaaamen!!

--
~Jim~ Nuvi-660, & Nuvi-680

Lock useless

For me the lock seems useless. There are ways to break it. For instance, if i were to steal one. I would grap all the custom poi files and gpx files and I am sure that one of them would be the area where I could unlock it.

--
Charley - Nuvi 350 - Bel STI Driver - Cobra 29 w/ wilson 1000 - AIM: asianfire -

Lock

Why don't you try it on yours and let us know if it works...

--
Bobby....Garmin 2450LM

How?

asianfire wrote:

For me the lock seems useless. There are ways to break it. For instance, if i were to steal one. I would grap all the custom poi files and gpx files and I am sure that one of them would be the area where I could unlock it.

If the unit is locked, how would you get those files?

--
><> Glenn <>< Garmin nüvi 2598

Now thats funny...

farrissr wrote:

Why don't you try it on yours and let us know if it works...

--
c330/530 "Hurry up and wait." "If you can read this, thank a teacher. And since it`s in English, thank a soldier."

Unlock

You have to unlock it to see the files with the usb cable connected to the computer.

--
Bobby....Garmin 2450LM

It is a good idea..

asianfire wrote:

For me the lock seems useless. There are ways to break it. For instance, if i were to steal one. I would grap all the custom poi files and gpx files and I am sure that one of them would be the area where I could unlock it.

In my case tho, you'd find where I used to live- but also where I used to park the rig (nowhere near the house), or you could go to Ar., Il, Tx., Ya- you'd have allot of driving to do and never find it. But for most people that could work, if their stupid enuff to set unlock right at a favorite. (which they are)

--
c330/530 "Hurry up and wait." "If you can read this, thank a teacher. And since it`s in English, thank a soldier."

Garmin Lock?

At the very least, the lock will keep fidgity passengers from molesting the unit.

Unlock

I was totally offbase...you do need the lock code even when you connect it to the computer. Just tried it on mine. Sorry for the wrong info...

--
Bobby....Garmin 2450LM

Garmin Lock

I've only had my 660 for a couple of weeks and so far, once I leave my car, it goes in my camera bag which I usually cart around everywhere.

I have however, set the lock as if it did get stolen, I'd prefer it to be useless to whoever nicked it!

Paul S.

my garmin doesn't even offer

my garmin doesn't even offer a security code...that's what i get for being cheap and just getting one of the lowest models out there.

my garmin doesn't even offer

my garmin doesn't even offer a security code...that's what i get for being cheap and just getting one of the lowest models out there.

If and only if...

If and only if everyone do this then it will deter thief to steal any Garmin GPS.

Unlock

I agree...why wouldn't anyone not want to use this feature. It's not like it takes a brain surgeon or a long time to unlock it....2 or 3 seconds...

--
Bobby....Garmin 2450LM

Lock it........

I'm with the "Lock it so it's useless to the thief" crowd. It's far easier to sell a usable unit than to sell one that's locked.

--
GPSMAP 76CSx - nüvi 760 - nüvi 200 - GPSMAP 78S

why wouldn't anyone ...

farrissr wrote:

I agree...why wouldn't anyone not want to use this feature. It's not like it takes a brain surgeon or a long time to unlock it....2 or 3 seconds...

For me, it literally takes LESS that 1-second to unlock! Come on --how hard can this possibly be?? Very little effort to make it a whole lot harder for a thief to reap profit at your expense! If most folks everywhere locked them... the temptation to the thief would seriously dwindle, and this would benefit the many of us who actually BUY our own GPSr's the legitimate way-

--
nightrider --Nuvi's 660 & 680--

Garmin Lock?

For me, any deterent is better than none. Along with my Garmin 680 came a set of window decals indicating that my Garmin is protected by the Garmin Lock system. Sure, no one can ever protect themselves from a thief who is bent on stealing unless you remove your GPS everytime you leave your vehicle. The window decals, if stratigicly placed, could give some culprits a second thought. I don't mind putting in my 'code' each time I start up.

Dick - Garmin 680 & older Street Pilot 5

SD Card?

gdfaini wrote:
asianfire wrote:

For me the lock seems useless. There are ways to break it. For instance, if i were to steal one. I would grap all the custom poi files and gpx files and I am sure that one of them would be the area where I could unlock it.

If the unit is locked, how would you get those files?

What about those people that load their POI's only to an SD Card? They could just put that in another unit and retrieve the POI's? I believe only maps are locked to cards right?

.

Who's going to put their unlock place as a POI on an SD card? And what thief is going to go through all the POI's you have on the card? A thief could go through 100,000 of my POI's and not find one within 3 miles of my unlock place. And I think they need to be within 50 feet.

--
nuvi 200 | lifetime maps

My Garmin is protected by

My Garmin is protected by this:

http://www.sigsauer.com/Products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.a...

Do you feel lucky?! Well DO YA!! (LOL)

--
Your Portion Of Light Whether you are a brilliant flame or but a tiny spark matters not-for the world needs whatever portion of light is yours to give.

My Garmin is protected by

So how do you get the video to run on start-up? smile

--
Allan Barnett - Garmin nüvi 885T/765T/Pharos GPS (bluetooth) w/MS Maps on PPC

unique location

I was just referring to if someone had worded something more unique in their POI's or placed a "home" or "work" location in a POI on the card instead of internally. But, I am sure that many unkowing people have placed their unlock location as their home address. rolleyes

SD card

Why in the world would anyone put a home or work address on an sd card? I would think the only thing you would want would be custom POI's, Pictures and music. At least that is what is on my card. Don't put what you don't want someone to see on the card and lock the unit.

--
Bobby....Garmin 2450LM
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