Garmin 5212 Error Code 7

[Namaste]

I have the Garmin 5212 on my 2010 R25. It gave an " Radar Error Code 7" message and the GPS map went all over the place. I shut it down but was unable to reboot at sea. After I returned to slip it now seems to be working fine. Anyone know what "Radar Error Code 7" means? Thoughts?

 

[RProffer]

I don't know what the code means without looking in the manual. My experience is most of the problems can be solved by reloading the software. I recommend you download the updated software onto a thumb drive, then use it to update the chart plotter. Then keep the thumb drive on the boat in case something happens again.

It is tuff being out there on a moonless night and lose your chart plotter. I recommend keeping a backup plotter either on a handheld, cell phone, or tablet/PC.

 

[wefings]

Jim , Pat , get a 4 GB SD card and load the network update from Garmin . Look HERE. Follow the screen prompts to get the software package unzipped to the SD card.
Start the unit with the card in the slot . It should auto update. Solves alot of issues . Check your software version when nyou start the unit [without card] then compare to tyhe new version . That unit is an early one and you should gain new functions and useability.
Look at the change history here to see what has been changed ,fixed and added .
Marc

 

[Namaste]

Thanks to you both! I am running software version 5.2 so I will upgrade and hope that will take care of it.

I looked in the manual but all it says about radar error messages is radar needs repair an error code - number will be listed to help diagnose the error. Not very helpful.

Fortunately I was in Charlotte Harbor at night when the unit failed but I know these waters pretty good now. No problems getting home to Punta Gorda.

 

[Namaste]

OK, still have not updated software as I have not been able to get a SD card less than 8 GB.

For future reference if someone stumbles upon this thread. Radar Error Code 7 appears to be related to a lack of power getting to the unit. The unit runs off house batteries and mine seem to be fried again.

I am still searching for the best settings on the 1220i battery charger . Pat and I live aboard five months a year and the refrigerator is the main culprit for constant cycling of house batteries. Most of those five months we are connected to shore power but even with regular maintenance of the water levels we have yet to have house batteries last more than one season.

 

[Todd]

If a 4 GB card will work an 8 GB card will also work.

Batteries should last several years. Have your charging system checked, something is really wrong there.

 

[walldog]

If a 4 GB card will work an 8 GB card will also work.

Batteries should last several years. Have your charging system checked, something is really wrong there.

Hi Todd, I know there is a size limitation for the SD card. Marc Groves at Wefing's said it is 4 GB, I thought it was 2 GB. But the cards above the limitation will not load the software update to the Garmin. I did find a 2 GB card at Radio Shack when I sent Baz the update last year.

 

[Osprey]

A 4G card is good.

 

[Todd]

Thanks for the information. I will be updating my Garmin this spring. Good to know that I need a 4 GB or smaller card. Wonder why. What is the minimum size to do the download ?

 

[walldog]

Thanks for the information. I will be updating my Garmin this spring. Good to know that I need a 4 GB or smaller card. Wonder why. What is the minimum size to do the download ?

Well after a bit of research, I think we all three are right. As software updates have occurred over the years, the card reader has been updated also. I think as near as I can tell that it started out as 2, then was updated a couple of years ago to 4....now not so sure but maybe even larger will work. Of course if you have an older unit that has not been updated in several years, you may have to use a 2 to get the card reader updated. So confusing, so confusing....grins.

As far as why? Do not even try to guess what drives Garmin to do things. :lol:

 

[Osprey]

I recently dwonloaded version 7.70, dated Dec. 19. 2013. This version used 1.20 GB on my 4 GB SD card. I know this works having "been there and done that" a couple of times. Garmin download instructions specify a minimum of !.4 GB of free space on your SD card. The instructions do not, as far as I can see, specify a maximum card capacity i.e 2, 4 ,8 MB... capacity.

 

[Namaste]

Update from 5.2 to 7.7 went smoothly with 4GB card. My waypoints and routes were not overwritten. I know some early cameras could not take large memory cards and have read on other message boards that people have occasionally had difficultly updating with an 8 GB card. Software update may open up possibility for using larger cards.