Garmin 8616 software update... no bueno

[srhawk454]

Installed the newest Garmin s/w update (v.28.30 if mem serves me) for the whole package. Recalibrated. All is good and working. A couple of observations:
1. Colors, fonts, positioning changed. Not a big deal but I really liked the previous visualization. Again, will get used to it
2. Side panel selection lost after upgrade. Not a big deal, just an inconvenience. Restored needed settings
3. Now is a major concern or feature takeaway (unless I'm missing something). Before the upgrade, I could do this:
a. Select a waypoint
b. Click Navigate to
c. Select Auto guidance
d. Select Start navigation
e. When the message box appears asking "Engage Autopilot?" I could select Cancel and all is good. I still see the line to follow and could drive manually without engaging the autopilot.
Now, after the update, the last interface (e.) is missing. I.e. after I select Start Navigation the autopilot engages automatically. I need to press the "Stand by" button to get into Stand By mode.
What's the difference? Before I was never engaging the autopilot. Now, it is always engaged, and I need to select the Stand By where the autopilot is still engaged (engaged in Stand By mode).
I do not like it, I'd like to keep autopilot not engaged.

 

[dbsea]

Regarding number three, I have the 7612 series and I wish mine behaved as you are describing. I find it very frustrating to have to skip/cancel engaging The auto pilot after I have done auto guidance, and I can’t return to the auto guidance after I’ve done that. I have to start over in order to get the auto pilot to engage and follow the course. As I understand it from what you are describing, I would prefer to put the auto pilot in standby after it has engaged, and then put it on standby to provide manual input as needed, and returned to my auto guidance course without having to start over.

 

[srhawk454]

Before the update I had 2 choices:
a) engage the autopilot and then if/when needed go to Stand By, and
b) do not engage autopilot but have the auto guidance on the chart plotter available to drive manually without engaging the autopilot.
Now, the autopilot is always engaged without my consent. I consider this a feature takeaway, a big no-no for software manufacturer. I'd like to get this feature back... 🙂

 

[it4llc]

I'm on v28.10 with a 8612 which does have some nice features to it. Specifically, I am able to pin ribbon menus on the screen. For example, I have a ribbon menu at the top for the stereo. In addition to being able to change stations on our XM radio, I can change the volume and mute the stereo. This is particularly nice when there is a broadcast on the VHF, b/c the stereo is usually fairly loud while running to be able to hear the music. Being able to quickly mute the stereo makes it a lot easier to hear the VHF. The ability to scroll through the pinned screens is also nice. I'll update to 28.30 soon and see what happens though...