GTN 650 losing its ability to read SD card

[DXB]

For years, my unit has been hit or miss on whether it would upload from the database card upon powering it up.   I initially thought it was a glitch in writing to the SD card or maybe corruption of the card itself.  Yesterday, I couldn't get either of my two SD cards to upload the new databases after rewriting them several times and making multiple attempts at powerup.  Very frustrating.  Upon going to the "SYSTEM-STANDBY DATABASE INFO" it read "NO DATABASE DETECTED".  After removing and inserting the card several times and giggling it within the slot, the navigator was able to read it and upload the databases.  Doing so eventually worked for both cards, so it's very likely the reading mechanism in the GTN 650, not the SD card, that is the problem.

Garmin tech support had no ideas. I'm loathe to send the navigator back to them for repair ($$$) for what is likely a very simple mechanical contact problem. I'll ask my avionics guy for guidance tomorrow but was wondering if anyone here has related knowledge and could suggest a hack to address this very annoying issue.  

 In principle, the card reader used to upload a $700/year Garmin data subscription to a 10amu Garmin navigator should be much more reliable than the headphone jack on an old Sony Walkman. 

 

[ArtVandelay]

The SDcard readers on expensive electronics are the same as on the cheap ones. Thin layer of gold plated contacts wear after a while.
I would try spraying electronic cleaner in the slot and see if that helps.

[PT20J]

Camera stores sell SD slot cleaning kits. You might try that. But if it’s been doing it for years, it might be an issue more serious than dirty contacts.

Skip

[DXB]

SD card slot cleaning kits seem to be globally out of stock on the internet. I'm trying to think of ways to get isopropyl alcohol rubbed on the internal contacts without making a mess or causing damage

I found this youtube video of an exuberantly Scottish fellow demonstrating cleaning the slot with just a dry piece of paper wrapped around an SD card  - I'd been hesitant for fear of causing damage but might give it a try.

 

[PT20J]

Using typing paper to clean card edge contacts is an old trick. It is mildly abrasive. 
 

 

[MichaelS]

On 4/25/2021 at 9:30 AM, DXB said:

For years, my unit has been hit or miss on whether it would upload from the database card upon powering it up.   I initially thought it was a glitch in writing to the SD card or maybe corruption of the card itself.  Yesterday, I couldn't get either of my two SD cards to upload the new databases after rewriting them several times and making multiple attempts at powerup.  Very frustrating.  Upon going to the "SYSTEM-STANDBY DATABASE INFO" it read "NO DATABASE DETECTED".  After removing and inserting the card several times and giggling it within the slot, the navigator was able to read it and upload the databases.  Doing so eventually worked for both cards, so it's very likely the reading mechanism in the GTN 650, not the SD card, that is the problem.

Garmin tech support had no ideas. I'm loathe to send the navigator back to them for repair ($$$) for what is likely a very simple mechanical contact problem. I'll ask my avionics guy for guidance tomorrow but was wondering if anyone here has related knowledge and could suggest a hack to address this very annoying issue.  

 In principle, the card reader used to upload a $700/year Garmin data subscription to a 10amu Garmin navigator should be much more reliable than the headphone jack on an old Sony Walkman. 

 

I am having a similar issue with a G3X GTN650Xi. The device won’t recognize any card, not even a software update.

[Pinecone]

Another point in favor of an FS510.  Not taking the cards out and putting them back all the time.

It may be the contacts in the unit or it may be the cards themselves.  Look at the card contacts for dirt and grime and wear.  Burnish with a scrap of typing/printer paper.