Command bridge VHF radio problem

[bsaitz]

Hi,

I have a 2020 CB-31 with the Garmin VHF radio. There's one for the CB, but when I plug it in, the display is very faint - too faint to see or use. I called support and they said to plug it in before turning on the main unit (at the helm), which I tried but it didn't help.

Anyone else see or experience this? worth trying to fix or just buy a handheld?

thanks

 

[Ralf H]

Hi bsaitz,

Although the handset may be a bit difficult to read in broad sunlight, it should still be readable and not be too faint. I would persevere with Garmin and get them to replace it under warranty if they cannot help you find a solution. Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Ralf

 

[bsaitz]

Thanks, i've tested a bunch, unreadable. Will call them and try!

 

[bsaitz]

i have exact same problem. from my research it looks to be the firmware in the handset (on CB) doesn't match the head unit. i called support and they sent me a new chip (Sd card). i inserted that and the entire system updated but the handheld doesn't work yet. ill call support again.

from my last call - there is some bizarre keys you hold down when booting to force it to check for an upgrade.

let me know if you got it working - it's not a dim screen, it's a firmware problem.

 

[Marnis]

Hi all,
I had the same problem with screen being faint and unclear after a firmware upgrade on the main cabin vhf radio. There was a mismatch between the command bridge hand unit and the main cabin unit. After searching online, I found the following instructions worked. Hope this helps

Marnis


GHS 11 isn't Working with the VHF 210
In the event you connect a GHS 11 to a VHF 210 and the handset appears not to power on or be responsive, it is likely due to a software mismatch and a software update may be required to both components.

First, we need to determine the installed software version on the VHF 210 radio. The software version is displayed upon startup and also by navigating the menu.

Checking the SW version of the VHF

Power on the VHF
Press Menu
Rotate the Select knob and press when System Info is highlighted.
If the VHF Software is version 3.00, refer to the related content for your appropriate device to complete a software update.
Once the VHF is updated to v4.40 the GHS 11 is ready to receive the compatible software.

Initiating the update to the GHS 11

Remove power from the VHF for 10-15 seconds
Reconnect the Power and power on the VHF from the radio.
Turn on your chartplotter
On the GHS 11, press and hold the PTT (1), Distress (3) and PWR (2) buttons until the display of the GHS 11 is Bright orange
Release the buttons and insert the Software Update card in the chartplotter
Select Update Software on the chartplotter (you should see the VHF 210 show up and progress at a normal pace; not just jump to 100%)
Once the update is complete you should see restart on the chartplotter and the VHF should say update has completed ready to restart. Select Restart on the chartplotter.
After the VHF and chartplotter complete the restart remove power from the VHF again for 10 - 15 seconds.
Repeat steps 2 - 8. After the second attempt, reconnect the power to the VHF and press the PWR button on the GHS 11 to turn the VHF on.
The VHF and GHS 11 should now be working properly. Contact Product Support if further assistance is required.