Article 37627 of sci.geo.satellite-nav:
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From: dkabel@microlink.net (Darrin Kabel)
Newsgroups: sci.geo.satellite-nav
Subject: Setting the record straight on Garmin's test mode.
Date: Wed, 07 May 97 22:33:41 GMT
Organization: MicroLink Net, Kansas City, MO
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It seems there's quite a bit of confusion here concerning Garmin's test mode 
and the acquisition of satellites while operating in this mode.  I would like 
to state clearly and plainly that you will NOT have to send a unit to Garmin 
repair because you allowed it to track satellites in test mode.  Doing this is 
not destructive to the unit.

As a software engineer for Garmin, I can't go into the details of how test 
mode works, or why you should or shouldn't use the unit in this fashion.  All 
I can say is that the unit was never intended to be used in either test mode 
or diagnostics mode for satellite tracking or navigation.  These modes are for 
our use in product development, factory testing, and problem troubleshooting.

We are not, however, stupid.  We know that users such as many who frequent 
this group will find and use test mode and diagnostics mode.  Therefore, I 
assure you that we would never intentionally put anything in our hardware or 
firmware that would render a unit un-usable, in any mode of operation.

A good rule of thumb is to always use our products the way they were intended. 
 If however, you accidentally get the unit into test mode and it tracks 
satellites before you can shut it off, don't worry.  It won't damage the unit 
and it should work fine the next time you power it up normally.

We want everyone who uses our products to have fun with them.  Relax and enjoy 
them!  We certainly enjoy making them for you :)

Thanks,

Darrin Kabel
Garmin Software Engineer