Garmin GPSmap 60(CSx) Battery Power Fix = More Rugged GPS

I have a Garmin GPSmap 60CSx handheld GPS. I have used it while hunting and boating. Lately, the gps has started to shut down itself. It is very annoying when the power goes out when you need the device.

The device works flawlessly when powered though USB-connector or Garmin power connector. Power issues are only when used on batteries. There has to be a problem with how the batteries are connected to the board.

The problem was also more frequent when boating because of the vibration.

Clearly the connection is not rugged enough. So I decided to dissassemble (and reassemble) the device.

The back cover is held with six screws and glue at the antenna side. It was quite easy to disassemble, only the glue made me think if  I had not found all the screws.

The battery connectors are two clips which are pressed against the GPSboard. I thought that the contact is not good enough. I decided to make bombproof fix. So I took two short wires and soldered them between the battery compartment and GPSboard. First I was tempted to connect battery terminals to Garmin connector. I decided not to, because Garmin connector takes voltages, which are above 10v. The batteries give only 3v...

Solder two wires from battery terminals to battery connectors on gpsboard. Select as thin wires as possible.

Put all back together in reverse order. I found it easier to fix the external antenna connector first. Now my GPS works also on batteries!