Garmin Update Sequence

Cessna172

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R-21 EC
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Nitro Fish
I am a couple, maybe three, updates behind on my Garmin 7612. Is it necessary to install each missed update; or, will installing the latest do the trick?

Thanks,
Gary
 
Just install the latest and greatest. Make sure that any other Garmin units are on that are attached. In other words, when I upgrade my GPS, I make sure that my radar and black box fish-finder are on to. Otherwise, they wont be upgraded too.
 
Thanks for the response! That makes things a lot easier.

The last time I did the update, I had to relearn most of the system over again because the changes were pretty drastic. That's why I've been hesitating installing new updates.

Gary
 
Cessna172":3kbyuuk0 said:
Thanks for the response! That makes things a lot easier.

The last time I did the update, I had to relearn most of the system over again because the changes were pretty drastic. That's why I've been hesitating installing new updates.

Gary

If you do them as they come out, you really don't notice it. But the upgrades are really not for features. But to correct errors that could get you into trouble to make a long store short.
 
I just completed all the upgrades, 2 x 7612; AP and Radar using ActiveCaptain. It was seamless and easy. However, the nerve racking part is the two messages: this update will take a long time and any power interruption can turn your unit into a brick forever. I was plugged into shore power at the time, but, it was still concerning as a first time through. Generally, updating is important for bugs, security and if you ever need to call for tech support...first question is what version are you running.
 
Rocky Lou":2lxmg04e said:
I just completed all the upgrades, 2 x 7612; AP and Radar using ActiveCaptain. It was seamless and easy. However, the nerve racking part is the two messages: this update will take a long time and any power interruption can turn your unit into a brick forever. I was plugged into shore power at the time, but, it was still concerning as a first time through. Generally, updating is important for bugs, security and if you ever need to call for tech support...first question is what version are you running.

I'm almost certain that with your house batteries ON during the the upgrade that a shore power loss would not cause a problem. My updates haven't taken long, but I suppose that starting them early on a sunny day would give you solar backup to the house batteries, so you are not cruising on a brick.
 
davez":cb1efd6y said:
Rocky Lou":cb1efd6y said:
I just completed all the upgrades, 2 x 7612; AP and Radar using ActiveCaptain. It was seamless and easy. However, the nerve racking part is the two messages: this update will take a long time and any power interruption can turn your unit into a brick forever. I was plugged into shore power at the time, but, it was still concerning as a first time through. Generally, updating is important for bugs, security and if you ever need to call for tech support...first question is what version are you running.

I'm almost certain that with your house batteries ON during the the upgrade that a shore power loss would not cause a problem. My updates haven't taken long, but I suppose that starting them early on a sunny day would give you solar backup to the house batteries, so you are not cruising on a brick.

As to power interruptions, it will not turn your unit into a brick forever. Worst case, send it back to Garmin and they can reinstall the firmware. I would not worry about it at all. Are your batteries fairly good? If you look at the excel sheet, one 7616 will use 4.7 amp an a hour! Two unit plus radar, lets say 15 amps total per hour. It only takes about 15 to 20 minutes to do depending on how many units you have.
 
I'm trying to remember the actual wording...something like, 'Any power interruption may permanently damage your unit'. My boat is pretty new and plugged into SP. But, as a first time install, I found it concerning, maybe that's just me. Also, it was interesting using ActiveCaptain, also for the first time, on a 4 unit update. I had to think about what if my iphone, running the app loses power, which would not be a factor, but I still thought about it. Overall, the process with ActiveCaptain was quite a bit easier than downloading to a card, then installing.
 
I get it if you have never done it before. I been using Garmin now for pushing 20 years and never had a problem doing the firmware upgrades. Good luck!
 
I’ve updated Garmin equipment (5212 chartplotter, VHF radio, GPS antenna, autopilot) on my 2012 R27 a couple times. The time required to complete the update is measured in minutes. Just follow the instructions on the Garmin website. Two required items come to mind:

1) The SD card used to download and install the update can’t be any larger than 32GB.
2) ALL Garmin equipment on the NMEA backbone must be powered on.
 
Just to note, VHF radios like older Garmins that I have mine. The VHF200 and the AIS 300 need to be sent back to Garmin for a firmware upgrades. In talking to Garmin years ago, they told me that is was due to F.C.C. laws since it was a transmitter. Got me, but thats what they said. I know, the AIS300 is a receiver.

Now the newer stuff you can use Active Capt. and the older stuff a SD card and the real old stuff there own memory card.

Just an FYI - I don't know where the break is between models that use a SD card vs Active Capt. I have a two 741s and one tech at Garmin is saying I can use Active Capt and other says no. I can do everything with Active Capt, remote in, change the volume on the Fusion BUT no firmware updates. I spent 2 hours trying. You can't!

Oh, the SD card, no small than 4G and as some else mentioned no bigger than 32G
 
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