Garmin 8612

[mshodge]

New to me R27 owner looking for advice on setting up Garmin 8612. Do i need to install an SD Card or can I just use Active Captain to register and manage the Chart Plotter. With a flush mount system how would I access the back of the Garmin to install an SD Card? Thank you MH

 

[Full_O_Fish]

Not sure on the layout of the R27, but If access to the back is limited then you can always just purchase and install the Garmin USB external card reader and locate it somewhere accessible at the helm.

In practice, unless you plan to travel beyond the boundaries of the G3 or Navionics chart card for your local waters, there's no need for access once you install the chart card and an additional blank card (8612 has two slots) configured for active captain that way you can use your phone or tablet to sync waypoints and update the system or maps.

 

[serendipity]

If you have the newer R27 OB models, you access the dash via the large mirror in the head. The mirror swings out to reveal fuse blocks and the back of the dash. You can access the 8612 and deal with the card.

 

[mshodge]

If you have the newer R27 OB models, you access the dash via the large mirror in the head. The mirror swings out to reveal fuse blocks and the back of the dash. You can access the 8612 and deal with the card.

Mine is a 2023, I’ll check the mirror today thank you!!

 

[Jesperjo]

The recommendation for these units is always to download updates to an SD card and use that to update them. Personally, I’ve used Active Captain to update it multiple times, but it is not as safe as doing it with a card. Unless you’re running software 34 or higher, you are limited to a 32 GB MicroSD card formatted as Fat32. If you are on 34 or higher, you can support 1TB formatted with exFAT.

In terms of registering, you can do that with Active Captain. You probably should factory reset it first (Should be Options->Settings->System->System Information->either Devices of Factory Settings->Reset->Clear User Data. Once you do, you should be able to connect to the Garmin WiFi and start over.

 

[mshodge]

The recommendation for these units is always to download updates to an SD card and use that to update them. Personally, I’ve used Active Captain to update it multiple times, but it is not as safe as doing it with a card. Unless you’re running software 34 or higher, you are limited to a 32 GB MicroSD card formatted as Fat32. If you are on 34 or higher, you can support 1TB formatted with exFAT.

In terms of registering, you can do that with Active Captain. You probably should factory reset it first (Should be Options->Settings->System->System Information->either Devices of Factory Settings->Reset->Clear User Data. Once you do, you should be able to connect to the Garmin WiFi and start over.

Very helpful, many thanks. I'll work on formatting the card and adding updates at home first. Much appreciated, thank you