Garmin 7612 xsv software update not working.

[Skeeter]

I have tried 2 methods to try and update software to this unit. Download to PC and copy to 32gb SD Card and Garmin Express direct copy to SD Card. Both cards were formated to exFat. Below the GARMIN folder is GUPDATE.GCD and second folder under GARMIN is UPDATES that hold 500 to 700+ dat files depending on what method you use. I updated the software in 2018 and on that SD Card there was also an XML file which is missing on these file transfers. Started up all NMEA connected devices and left chart plotter on home page and inserted SD Card. I get no "Update" software or prompt to load the new software. I have tried removing all SD Cards and inserting updated SD Card only, no luck. Can somebody tell me what boots the SD Card to get the "Update?" prompt on the chart plotter.

 

[dbsea]

Have you tried using wifi and activecaptain? I've found that to be the most reliable method for chart and software updates on the 76xx series.

 

[Headlee]

I had similar issues a couple of years ago and the trick was not to use a micro SD card, just use a regular SD card. Maybe this could help.

 

[KKRCRACE]

I am not sure if this pertains to you but I was told by Garmin a few months ago that there will be no more updates for the 7600 series. I don’t remember the number of the last one. I was told this when trying to update mine.
KKRCRACE

 

[Ralf H]

Hi there,

You probably already did, but make sure the system is turned off. Then insert the SD card and reboot. The update should then autoboot. I don't think you can use a micro SD card. Not sure about what Garmin has decided on when the 76 series will no longer be supported, but you should still get the update query when you reboot, even if there is nothing new to install. Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Ralf

 

[YukonRon]

My last laptop only had a micro-sd card slot, so I used that with an SD card adapter for updates and it worked fine. After downloading the updates to to Micro card I slid it into the SD card sized adapter and popped it into the MFD and it booted fine.

 

[jimv]

Try formatting your SD Card as Fat32. I believe that is what the Garmin devices are expecting.

 

[Skeeter]

Finally got this to work. Reformatted the 32gb SD card as FAT32 (used a complete reformat, rather a Quick Format) from exFAT. Copied all the files that had the 700+ .dat files onto my hard drive using the Garmin folder. Copied it back onto the SD Card. Left the Garmin Map CD in place and inserted the 32gb SD Card. Finally got a software update? menu selection on right side. Update is now in process. Will see what the update dates look like when it is done. The primary reason for doing this was the tide info was not in sync with current dates and these units may lose future updates. I am not sure if tides are on the software updates or on the GSMAPS SD card. Also, the direct download formatted my blank SD Card in exFAT which is strange. Will check with Garmin about the tide info. Once the update is complete you do not need to leave the Software Update SD Card in a slot. Hope this helps.

 

[georgesilverman]

I think I read somewhere that you can use more than a 16gb card. Maybe someone can confirm?

 

[SJI Sailor]

You can use a 32GB card (I do all the time) but Garmin says not to use one larger than 32.

 

[dbsea]

Glad you got it working. I found it to be annoying complex to use the cards, and found ActiveCaptain a much more streamlined solution to keeping my charts and all garmin device software up to date. I connect to my MFD once a month or so and check for updates on everything, including the chartplotters, auto pilots, GPS antenna, etc. The one thing it will not update is the AIS600, but I don't think they have released an update for that in a long time.

 

[Skeeter]

The fellow at Garmin could not tell me if the currents and or tides are on the software update or GPSMAP update. Maybe both. The original card i used was the old 16gb SD card that was formatted in exFat. I used a 128mg SD Card to download the contents and Garmin formatted this in exFAT and then I copied the contents to the previously used 16gb card. Evidently cards over 32gb will be formattted in exFAT or Microsofts NTFS for high capacity drives which evidently will not work on the newer updates. Bought the $99 dollar GPSMAP upgrade and it loaded successfully on a 32gb FAT32 formatted SD Card. An XML file is written to the SD Card after successful uploads to the chart plotter. The Garmin Express website is lacking information and correct directions for first time users and doesn't give you a clue how many files to expect, although it writes out an Index.dat file at the end of the download (200+ file discrepancy using different download methods). I was wondering if you use ACTIVE CAPTAIN, can you update all your maps with WIFI connection or is it limited. Website is not exactly clear what you get with this App for free?

 

[dbsea]

I bought an updated map SD card from Garmin directly last year for puget sound to the dixon entrance (probably will only do this once) since mine was originally from 2016. Like you, my 7612 uses BlueCharts not Navionics+. You are entitled updates to the basemap for one year from new which is obviously long past. From what I understand, you can also buy an bluechart update to the basemap for $99 if you do not have a specific region like I do. In digging around a bit more, it seems like the tide data is provided as part of the puget sound SD card I purchased, which is dated version 2022.50 (2022 and a half). Generally, mine seems up to date with the currents and tides when I look at the arrows and tide times on the chart. in what you've described below, are you trying to update the MFD software, basemap, or a regional bluchart that you purchased?

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/8769

 

[Skeeter]

This plotter came with blue water maps from Mexico to Alaska. Was not aware of specific regional map upgrades. On old chart plotters, I know you had to buy regional maps and updates which was a bit pricey. Took a look at tidal information and it appears updated. On the older version it was defaulting to 1999 rather than 2022 and misrepresented current/tidal information.

 

[SJI Sailor]

In the PNW the G3 "Puget sound to Dixon" charts are the ones you (probably) want, with highest resolution and the most detail. Garmin appears to say that Garmin Express is required to download them, perhaps because it needs to make an SD card.

I don't recall the exact steps but I remember registering my chartplotter in Garmin Express and then purchasing upgrades within it, and then it can make the SD cards (if you have an SD interface -- cheap to get one for a USB port if needed). It can also make backup cards for new or old chart purchases

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/8769/pn/010-D0394-00

 

[nzfisher]

When you check the tides see if the unit has the correct time and date. The time is, or used to be, based on satellite data and somehow different satellites provide erroneous time stamps depending on which ones they are using. Typically an update corrects this issue. Perhaps Garmin changes data providing satellites from time to time and data is not considering time changes. Something of a mystery wrapped in a conundrum.