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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LOCK locks out storage mode, too.

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.

Ah, but Garmin Lock prevents the device from entering mass storage mode until the unlock code has been entered, too. Get your number generator handy, 'cause the only way you'll get in is to guess the combination.

this way may work

The only way I can think about getting around the unlock code is to open the case a disconnect the batteries and let the unit sit a while until the capacitors discharge and that could be a very, very long time; recently I installed batteries on an old GPS 38 that has been sitting in the drawer without batteries for longer than six months and to my amazement all the waypoints and routes were still in the unit, meaning those capacitors hold a charge for a long time.

--
Garmin 38 - Magellan Gold - Garmin Yellow eTrex - Nuvi 260 - Nuvi 2460LMT - Google Nexus 7 - Toyota Entune NAV

My Garmin is protected by

Does this mean that you stay in your vehicle 24/7.

--
johnm405 660 & MSS&T

Security

Someone posted don't leave anything ov value in lyour car Well in Ut you have to have your registraion and insurance card in your vehicle all the time . I don't want to carry them around in my pocket when I have my car parked in some lagre parking lot. or leave home without them and get in a wreck or something. I keep my gps with me when I leave the vehicle.

--
johnm405 660 & MSS&T

They are stored.....

flaco wrote:

The only way I can think about getting around the unlock code is to open the case a disconnect the batteries and let the unit sit a while until the capacitors discharge and that could be a very, very long time; recently I installed batteries on an old GPS 38 that has been sitting in the drawer without batteries for longer than six months and to my amazement all the waypoints and routes were still in the unit, meaning those capacitors hold a charge for a long time.

The information you indicated is stored on flash memory, so it won't go anywhere. I don't believe the unit stores anything in volitile memory, so this method won't work either.

--
Glenn - Southern MD; SP C330 / Nuvi 750 / Nuvi 265WT

Nope, but I do have a rather

Nope, but I do have a rather unique system in my car for keeping track of what's happening with it but if I mention it, it won't be unique nor secret any longer. (LOL) The Sig is just my backup plan if all else fails.

--
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.

don't think garmin is

don't think garmin is obligated to upgrade their software because you are too lazy to type a 4 digits code. Just lock it with a label on the side for reward.

anybody else here notice the

anybody else here notice the decal that came with the nuvi? it said something about theft lock then it has garmin's logo on it.. i figured.. if i was a thief and i saw that sticker.. the first thing that would pop in my head is what i can read... and it says GARMIN.. meaning.. the car got an expensive high quality nav inside this car-- i think id want to break into it.

if you really want to keep your nav from getting stolen from your crazy neighborhood.. dont leave it exposed in the open.. better yet, take it to the hosue with you.

--
A pedestrian is someone who thought there were a couple of gallons left in the tank.

now that i think about it,

now that i think about it, instead of putting the garmin-lock decal, we should just invest on an NRA decal.

if you do have a gun, dont leave it in the vehicle.

--
A pedestrian is someone who thought there were a couple of gallons left in the tank.

I haven't locked either of

I haven't locked either of my units over the last year and a half but after reading all the comments and the fact that at times I do leave it in the vehicle for short periods of time (I try to hide it while I'm gone) I think I will set up the lock today.

Thanks

set up the lock today

bs82100 wrote:

I haven't locked either of my units over the last year and a half but after reading all the comments... I think I will set up the lock today.

Thanks

Thank you from all of us who want to see the incentive for the thief reduced by pushing 4 buttons!

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

Thanks a million!

Second that!!

Thanks a million!

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

Everyone

If everyone used this feature, thieves would bypass them.

Man...from reading some of

Man...from reading some of these posts, looks like I'm not the only one ready to impliment "theif hunting season!" Anyone know where I can buy a license? Ahhhhaaa! I hate theives.

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

Does 7200 have a lock?

I cannot figure out how to set the lock in my new 7200. Can't find it in the manual either. So, is it equipped with a lock?

--
Earle

.

That unit doesn't have the Garmin lock feature.

Me too...

bs82100 wrote:

I haven't locked either of my units over the last year and a half but after reading all the comments and the fact that at times I do leave it in the vehicle for short periods of time (I try to hide it while I'm gone) I think I will set up the lock today.

Thanks

I won't be a slave to something that costs less than $400.00! But, I did set the lock the first time I used it, only makes sense to me.

I do take it in my briefcase when I leave the car for extended periods of time though...And, I am going to remove those stickers off my windows!

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

On the 660 do you have to

On the 660 do you have to use not only the unlock code but combine that with a location in order to unlock or use one or the other?

I'd love to rewrite the docs on these units. I appreciate the kindergarten level of instructions. At least they use words and not pictures.

Currently my theft protection includes the 3 dogs that go everywhere with me. I doubt that anyone would try to get into my vehicle.

I do - however - either take the unit with me or remove the window mount and put everything in an out-of sight location.

--
May your skies be clear, the wind behind you gently pushing you and straight down your runway on final.

My feelings concur with

My feelings concur with most, the main reason to use the lock is that if everyone did, stealing GPS units would not be profitable and they would no longer be a target. As to the "safe" location, using your home is just too easy. It sort of takes away from the whole point of locking the GPS in first place. I simply chose a location about 1/4 mile from my home that is simple to pull over into, in the event I need to use the location it is really "right there" but it is out of range where I am parked so the theif turning my unit on does not get free access.

But the important part of this discussion is clear ... PLEASE LOCK YOUR UNIT!

If punching in four numbers is too much work for you to help lower the theft rate of all GPS's remind me not to consider you for a job!

Never Both

avatrx1 wrote:

On the 660 do you have to use not only the unlock code but combine that with a location in order to unlock or use one or the other?

You will only be asked to put in the code if you are away from the security location. Never both.

--
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.

First,

pammckenzie wrote:

Man...from reading some of these posts, looks like I'm not the only one ready to impliment "theif hunting season!" Anyone know where I can buy a license? Ahhhhaaa! I hate theives.

First, be vewy, vewy quiet!

--
TomTom built in and Garmin Nuvi 1490T. Eastern Iowa, formerly Southern California "You can check out any time you like...but you can never leave."

I Will Use It Now -

I didn't use the lock feature on my 660 before, but will from now on.

Need Better Location

I set my security lock shortly after getting my 660. I just need to pick a better security location. Haven't decided where yet that's far enough away from home.

Anyone know the radius for the security location? Like within how many feet?

--
Tampa, FL - Garmin nüvi 660 (Software Ver 4.90), 2021.20 CN NA NT maps | Magellan Meridian Gold

50 feet

Gary A wrote:

I set my security lock shortly after getting my 660. I just need to pick a better security location. Haven't decided where yet that's far enough away from home.

Anyone know the radius for the security location? Like within how many feet?

I believe it is 50 feet. I could have sworn I read it somewhere.

--
Rodney.. oditius.htc@gmail.com BMW Zumo 550 HTC Touch Pro - Garmin XT

rapriebe wrote: I was just

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.

You are absolutely correct, if anyone thinks they will ever see a stolen GPSr again, it's because they have been looking in every trash can close to where it was stolen and the thief realized it was locked.

Don't be lazy take it with you or lock it in the trunk, the only way to keep your GPSr.

Bob

--
Using Android Based GPS.The above post and my sig reflects my own opinions, expressed for the purpose of informing or inspiring, not commanding. Naturally, you are free to reject or embrace whatever you read.

Home

dog_poop wrote:
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.

You are absolutely correct, if anyone thinks they will ever see a stolen GPSr again, it's because they have been looking in every trash can close to where it was stolen and the thief realized it was locked.

Don't be lazy take it with you or lock it in the trunk, the only way to keep your GPSr.

Bob

If you have your home address in it do you want the crooks to have it??? If you don't think it is worth it then don't lock it. No one is forcing you to do it...Just the smart thing to do.

--
Bobby....Garmin 2450LM

.

I don't have my home address in mine. My home location on the unit is set to somewhere else.

But if someone were to steal the GPS unit out of your car, they can just as easily ... perhaps MORE easily get your home address from the paperwork in your car.

I don't use the Garmin lock, but I don't leave mine in the car either.

Smart Lady

Motorcycle Mama wrote:

I don't have my home address in mine. My home location on the unit is set to somewhere else.

But if someone were to steal the GPS unit out of your car, they can just as easily ... perhaps MORE easily get your home address from the paperwork in your car.

I don't use the Garmin lock, but I don't leave mine in the car either.

The important thing is to not make it easy for crooks to steal anything...My feeling is as safe as I am there is still the potential of it getting stolen. Why not use the lock code just so they will not be able to use or sell it. To me it is just a good feeling to know that if somehow it did fall into the wrong hands it would be useless to them...Little consolation but Hey!!!! Seeing all your posts on this site I would have thought you would be one to promote using the lock feature.

--
Bobby....Garmin 2450LM

.

Here's my fear with the lock feature. I'm afraid that it might give people (GPS unit owners) a false sense of security causing them to be complacent about taking it with them.

They might start having the feeling that by locking the unit, that they are in some way safe (or safer anyway) from someone stealing it. And as evidenced here and elsewhere that's (unfortunately) simply not the case.

I think that the Garmin lock can be useful as a secondary protection means, but I would advise users not to get complacent.

Take the thing with you or leave it at home.

And if you do use the lock feature, be sure that your security location isn't somewhere that can be easily guessed. Don't make it your home location. Make it a gas station or a grocery store or a school or something like that nearby.

The thing about your paper

The thing about your paper work in your car is probably true. That's why I have a P O Box..Every piece of paper I have, including my registration, insurance and drivers license, has my P O Box on it, not my physical address. Also, I carry a 'Personal Articles' policy, apart from my home owners insurance..it's dirt cheap..about $30.00 per year and that means that I have zero deductible, if someone steals my gps. But the only time I leave my 680 in the car, overnight, is when it is parked in my garage.

Like Gdfaini

Like Gdfaini, I use Garmin Lock along with a Splashscreen that has a name and contact number on it as well as "Reward If Found" on the display. This increases your odds for return. My security location is not on my property but in a place nearby a thief is not likely to visit with stolen property.

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

I heard it may be 80'

Oditius wrote:
Gary A wrote:

I set my security lock shortly after getting my 660. I just need to pick a better security location. Haven't decided where yet that's far enough away from home.

Anyone know the radius for the security location? Like within how many feet?

I believe it is 50 feet. I could have sworn I read it somewhere.

I heard it may be 80'

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

When you first activate the Garmin-Lock...

bentbiker wrote:
avatrx1 wrote:

On the 660 do you have to use not only the unlock code but combine that with a location in order to unlock or use one or the other?

You will only be asked to put in the code if you are away from the security location. Never both.

When first activating the Garmin-Lock, you will be required to enter both:

--a four digit #,

--AND enter an unlock-location before the lock can be completely set up.

...If that's what you were asking.

- - -

Once it's set up, you only use one or the other to unlock it-

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

Lock

Motorcycle Mama wrote:

Here's my fear with the lock feature. I'm afraid that it might give people (GPS unit owners) a false sense of security causing them to be complacent about taking it with them.

They might start having the feeling that by locking the unit, that they are in some way safe (or safer anyway) from someone stealing it. And as evidenced here and elsewhere that's (unfortunately) simply not the case.

I think that the Garmin lock can be useful as a secondary protection means, but I would advise users not to get complacent.

Take the thing with you or leave it at home.

And if you do use the lock feature, be sure that your security location isn't somewhere that can be easily guessed. Don't make it your home location. Make it a gas station or a grocery store or a school or something like that nearby.

Agreed....why not lock it and take it with you in case it is stolen but not from your car...Be double safe...

--
Bobby....Garmin 2450LM

Can you disble the lock later?

Ok, I have a question I haven't seen addressed here and I can't find the info in the user manual I downloaded from Garmin.

If you DO use the lock, can you later turn it off and not have to use it anymore if it makes you crazy? The manual tells how to implement the lock and what to do if you forget your unlock code and your safe spot but it says absolutely nothing about being able to disable the feature if you decide you don't like it.

Can anybody tell me if this is possible?

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

yes

thrak wrote:

If you DO use the lock, can you later turn it off and not have to use it anymore if it makes you crazy? The manual tells how to implement the lock and what to do if you forget your unlock code and your safe spot but it says absolutely nothing about being able to disable the feature if you decide you don't like it.

Can anybody tell me if this is possible?

It can be turned on and off at will.

--
Garmin 38 - Magellan Gold - Garmin Yellow eTrex - Nuvi 260 - Nuvi 2460LMT - Google Nexus 7 - Toyota Entune NAV

Off and On the same

Just go to the creen where you turned it on, and hit the screen to shut it off. Simple..

--
Rodney.. oditius.htc@gmail.com BMW Zumo 550 HTC Touch Pro - Garmin XT

Everyone looks at this

farrissr wrote:
Motorcycle Mama wrote:

Here's my fear with the lock feature. I'm afraid that it might give people (GPS unit owners) a false sense of security causing them to be complacent about taking it with them.

They might start having the feeling that by locking the unit, that they are in some way safe (or safer anyway) from someone stealing it. And as evidenced here and elsewhere that's (unfortunately) simply not the case.

I think that the Garmin lock can be useful as a secondary protection means, but I would advise users not to get complacent.

Take the thing with you or leave it at home.

And if you do use the lock feature, be sure that your security location isn't somewhere that can be easily guessed. Don't make it your home location. Make it a gas station or a grocery store or a school or something like that nearby.

Agreed....why not lock it and take it with you in case it is stolen but not from your car...Be double safe...

Everyone looks at this subject from a smash-and-grab point of view. Fact is, they could break into your house and steal it too! And that's whether you're home or not! Even a so-called 'friend' or visitor could steal it. This is why, in addition to Garmin Lock, the splashscreen idea with the contact name, number and "Reward If Found" display is prudent.

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

Broken window just as much a pain as the GPS disappearing!

For me, having a broken side window will be as much of a pain as the missing GPS. That being said, I keep my GPS out of sight when I'm not in my car.

I realize...

kren2000 wrote:

For me, having a broken side window will be as much of a pain as the missing GPS. That being said, I keep my GPS out of sight when I'm not in my car.

that it probably looks "nerdy" but I bought a "after market" Nuvi 360/350 holder that fits on my belt, and the whole thing works very well! It has Velcro to secure the flap.. I find it very handy if we need a point of referance where we are, parking space locations etc. The little case I got with my 360/350 is fine if you want to carry it about like a purse, or in my pocket. I may buy one for my second Nuvi.

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

I never remove my Garmin I

I never remove my Garmin I do lock it always. I refuse to let the thugs and criminals make me change my way I use my Garmin. that’s what I have insurance for.

Wow Bill1480 you are fool to

Wow Bill1480 you are foolish to leave your GPS just hanging in your car. Is your car locked? Do you lock your house?

People like you are part of the reason insurance premiums are so high for everyone.

--
eTrex Touch 35, Nuvi 1350LMT, Nuvi 350, Nuvi 260, Garmin GPS III, Basecamp

Stolen GPS

My daughter refused to put away her GPS and now it's gone and she was left with a mess to clean up and a bunch of paperwork. You can beat the odds for a while, but eventually you'll pay the Piper. Too bad some people won't learn from the mistakes of other's or even their own.

--
Tom

Its not nerdy

jmkthird wrote:

that it probably looks "nerdy" but I bought a "after market" Nuvi 360/350 holder that fits on my belt, and the whole thing works very well! It has Velcro to secure the flap.. I find it very handy if we need a point of referance where we are, parking space locations etc. The little case I got with my 360/350 is fine if you want to carry it about like a purse, or in my pocket. I may buy one for my second Nuvi.

I do the same. I use a blackberry case that works perfect. Ppl think I have a blackberry.

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

You're being watched!

kren2000 wrote:

For me, having a broken side window will be as much of a pain as the missing GPS. That being said, I keep my GPS out of sight when I'm not in my car.

Just keep in mind, put it away before you park. Thieves sometimes watch people parking their car, and if they notice you hiding something away in your cabin, you just made yourself a target. Same thing with laptops ... people park and then put their laptop bag in their trunk ... put your stuff away before you find a parking spot if you plan to leave it in the car.

If you lock your garmin,

If you lock your garmin, then most thieves would just throw it away. If they throw it away, you will never see it again.

--
Nuvi 350 Nuvi 3597LMT Nuvi 1450LMT Nuvi 55LM

rapriebe wrote: I was just

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.

Unlock Location

Is this true if my c550 is near home designated area will the unit unlock it self or will the thief still needs to enter so many combinations

Since i have not set the lock on yet, but it states to connect with satallites to configure my password.

Sifu

--
Thanks Sifu Sifu Technology Services, Inc Chicago Computer Medics www.iOSGenius.com Where your Computer & Mobile comes First!

Tried again, but decided not to bother again

I tried Garmin Lock again, and it is just so inconvenient, I don't bother. When I go to enter the combination, the cradle ball joint is so loose, I just push the gps out of the position I like it in, and have to reposition it twice per combination. If I figure out a way to tighten that ball joint a bit, then maybe.

I tend to lock everything up

I tend to lock everything up so if someone does steal my GPS they would have to break in. Insurance time.

--
Mike
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