Garmin 7612xsv 2020 Chart Updates

B

Bosn Mate

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 23, 2015
Messages
256
Fluid Motion Model
R-29 S
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2912I718
Vessel Name
Tingira
Good Evening:

Today I purchased the 2020 BlueChart g3 + LakeVu g3 Built-In. I used Garmin Express to download on an SD card.

Just want to confirm that there is no download of the latest charts to the chartplotter. Rather, I have to leave the SD card in the chartplotter SD slot. Seems strange to me that the 2016 chart version would not be completely removed from the chartplotter and replaced by the 2020 version. Am I missing something?

Thanks and stay safe!

Mike
 
No your not missing anything. The card needs to stay in to read the new charts.
 
Do you use active captain on your 7612 XSV? Have you ever updated the original version Chart that came with your 7612? The two questions That need to be answered to answer your question completely. There are two SD reader card slots in the 7612. The original Chart was directly installed in the chart plotter. Any additional updates are done by either using an SD card inserted in the slot and the update is providing additional information to the already existing Chart originally installed. The card with update information must remain in the card because the Chart plotted doesn't have enough storage space. If you are using Active Captain on the chart plotter. There is a SD card installed in a slot and must remain in the Chart plotter for Active captain to be used. The Active Captain App is another resource for updating the chart plotter. Other than the G3 update which is on one SD card installed in the Chart plotter all other updates that I have done used the Active captain app. When I open the app (internet required)it searches to see if any software updates, chart updates and Active Captain updates are available. It will notify you if there are and at that time if you chose to update it will down load the information on your devise. When you go on board and link your devise to your chart plotter's WIFI (internet not needed) Using Active Captain the information that was down loaded to the devise is now going to down load to the Chart plotter using the dedicated Active Captain SD card installed in the slot. The reason for these cards is limited storage space in the chart plotter.

When I installed the G3 there were some changes made but the general appearance of the chart was the same. I questioned Garmin about this. I wasn't sure it was the G3. The explanation I received was. The installed Garmin Chart stays the same appearance wise but the information is greatly expanded. This information overlays the original chart installed.
 
Looks like you can buy the update for $85 so that's reasonable, but, the description doesn't say much more than, "Bring new levels of detail to your Garmin chartplotter" so I'm wondering if it's worthwhile for me.

I'm using ActiveCaptain for all devices updates and it's super useful. As BB mentioned, you get a status every time you open the app and updating can be done while doing other things on the boat.

I'm checking often now since Vessel Range stopped working. According to Garmin Support, after 18.1, the ‘Vessel Range' problem started. I’m on 19.0. They are working on it now and many people have called in to report.
 
Bosen Mate:
I just purchased the LakeVü g3 Ultra East chip. It was about $159 from Anchor Express. This is different from the G3 upgraded built-in maps, which you can download using Active Captain as BB Marine so aptly described. I played with it a little and the 1 foot depth markings along with aerial photos are great tools. I haven't used the auto guidance feature yet, but had previously used it on my R25 and really liked it.

Rodney
Rx Isle R29S
 
Thanks to all for the information!

Brian - yes I use Active Captain and am current on the original version chart.

For over a year, I have been running Aqua Map on an IPAD as my secondary navigation system. I have found it to be excellent and I use it exclusively to do route planning which I can then transfer to my Garmin chartplotter. I can see a time when I will discontinue updating the Garmin charts and go to Aqua Map full-time.

Mike
 
Yes, I purchased the update g3 chip to get the enhancements . I installed this past week. Was trying to figure out how to overwrite my charplotter installed g2 maps . Got Garmin on the phone and you can NOT replace your Chartplotters default file with the newer G3, so you have to always have the microSD card installed. The card is far slower to refresh the display when you zoom or move to another map area. Really disappointed with this inability. Not sure why you can’t flash the update for a permanent install that is noticeably faster, as you can on all other computers I’ve worked with.
 
Thought about buying the new Garmin g3 maps for our 5212 but decided against it. The limitations of an old slow processor and small memory capacity in the 5212 are just not up to the task of handling all that g3 data.

For the PNW, I’ll stick with my old Garmin Inside-Outside Passage VCA018R SD card and rely on my iPad apps for more current navigational data. BTW, the VCA018R card does not seem to slow down the already slow 5212 to any noticeable degree.
 
This is kind of infuriating to read.

I was planning to do my first upgrade on my 2018 7612xsv soon, but now I wonder too if it's even worth it. Granted, I am an older slow adopter, am no fan of running multiple apps, don't do Active Captain (I still bring along and consult paper charts). But, I am technically relatively savvy with most PC / applications. Why is there always catches and complications? I don't do boating so I can deal with issues like this. I was hoping the G3 update would basically re-write my existing map and data files, so if nothing else when I'm cruising along the Erie canal area in central NY it doesn't show me running along the ground adjacent to the river half the time. To me this update should just re-write and upgrade the existing maps, and I can motor along with the latest update AND chart information, end of story. I don't mind expanding memory, but why not just put it in there in the first place? Maybe I'll just keep cruising through the woods alongside the river. Sorry for the rant.
 
I used the Garmin Lakes Vu maps that comes integrated with the 7612 last summer and it was quite adequate for the cruising that I was doing in Georgian Bay and the North Channel. I wanted the aerial photos and more detailed depths so I purchased the Lakes Vu Ultra that comes on a chip that must stay in the chart plotter. I haven't used it while cruising yet, but it looks great while playing with it in my garage. The integral software update was easy with Active Captain and adding the Lakes Vu Ultra chip was no problem.
Just thought I would share a positive comment on the Garmin unit.

Rodney
Rx Isle R29S
 
I learned a lot on this thread. Getting 'over the air' updates would be ideal and this reminds me of older generation GPS on cars, when you had to use an updated CD, that was never really updated. After a while many folks started navigating with iPads and iPhones, running Google Maps that got real time data, including highway construction projects.

I'm now inclined to continue using the Garmin without updating, maintaining processor speed, since most of my boating is offshore and relatively well known. I'll use my iPad, that already has iNavx, if I'm going somewhere precise maps are needed and download the latest onto it.

I really like using auto-guidance/auto-pilot with the 7612 and that requires you to review the route and makes alterations in most cases.

Technology is a bit like instant gratification, it's too slow 🙂

~Paul
 
Paul,
The Garmin 5212 and 7212 have not had a firmware update since 2015 so I’ve stopped checking for them. Haven’t seen any updates for the VCA018R SD card since 2015 either.
I too am a fan of the auto guidance feature despite it refusing to acknowledge Gabriola Pass, will not guide to Bellingham, etc...
 
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