On Garmin's site it says:
If the GPS has been connected to aircraft power for a period of time and does not have a chance to operate on battery power, occasionally the GPS will not recognize its battery. If the GPS is frequently connected to aircraft power, it is important to allow the GPS to run solely on battery from time-to-time. Disconnecting the GPS from aircraft power, running the battery down, and then allowing the unit to charge fully, will prevent this message from appearing and allow the GPS to exercise its full battery potential.
Any idea how long you need to run on the internal battery?
Garmin says to "run it down" which indicates to me that it should be operated for a few hours on the battery. I intend to do this with the new battery - I can switch this off from ship's power via the VP200.
FYI, I am not sure in my case if the battery didn't just go completely flat and won't come back. I understand if they go flat enough they die completely. Mine has been sitting doing nothing for a few years with the odd startup when I boot up the panel from time to time. First flight will be in the next 2 - 3 weeks.
Tested without ships power - totally dead. Internal batteries will need a recharge or replacement - very likely the issue although I would have thought it would operate fine with the internal batteries dead. Will take out tomorrow and try a reset/recharge. New battery pack $200! Ouch! Hope this recharges - never been used yet!
Thanks for the responses.