Legacy Go Free App?

[Dockhead]

I have a new Android tablet, and I can only download the "Link" app -- the original "Go Free" app is gone from Google Play.


And guess what -- it is not fully compatible with first generation B&G Zeus Touch MFD's.


So WTF? They are taking away functionality we paid for, not that long ago?


Or is it possible to get the fully functional app somewhere? This seems crazy.

[Brian.D]

What is the actual name of the app, and, what is the function of the app?

[billknny]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

I have a new Android tablet, and I can only download the "Link" app -- the original "Go Free" app is gone from Google Play.


And guess what -- it is not fully compatible with first generation B&G Zeus Touch MFD's.

The Link app most certainly works with the Zeus Touch (first generation) models. I know, because I use it all the time.

Have you called Navico tech support to get this fixed?

[PeterSailor]

Dockhead, I have both old GoFree app apk file version 1.3 and 3.0. V1.3 is 4Mb, and V3.0 is 21Mb. Can you take an email with 21Mb attach file?

Dont know if it is a coincidence, but my Link app cannot connect with my Zeus Touch since I did the GPS rollover upgrade.

[DreamCatcher37]

I have the old Go Free Wifi 1 app and cannot for hell and high water find out how to download Link, the old App asks if I want to download Link ONLY while I am on the internal vessel Go Free wifi which cannot download the App, how cool is that - not.

I cannot find Link on itunes can you all?

[DreamCatcher37]

RECALL
I already had Link on my iphone/ipads and got it working fine with my new Go Free Wifi module from B and G after their v18.3 update fried my last one. Stay away from B and G v.18.3 update until you read and read and do some homework on what units you have and if it is safe to upload on to them. Word to the wise...

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by PeterSailor

Dockhead, I have both old GoFree app apk file version 1.3 and 3.0. V1.3 is 4Mb, and V3.0 is 21Mb. Can you take an email with 21Mb attach file?

Dont know if it is a coincidence, but my Link app cannot connect with my Zeus Touch since I did the GPS rollover upgrade.

I can share a Dropbox folder with you, if you'll PM me your email address. Thanks very much for this!!


This is just what I need!

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by billknny

The Link app most certainly works with the Zeus Touch (first generation) models. I know, because I use it all the time.

Have you called Navico tech support to get this fixed?

I'm going to try the old GoFree app which PeterSailor has kindly offered to send me.


It may be that Link works on SOME devices with the Zeus Touch Gen 1, but if you look at the B&G website, you will see that they claim only limited functionality!



I suppose that's because Link won't work on all platforms (I'm using a Samsung T365 rugged tablet) with the old MFD.

[PeterSailor]

Dockhead, PM sent.

I still have to try to revert to a previous firmware on my Zeus Touch to see if it is the last upgrade that made Link App non functional. I dont care about the GPS thing, I have other GPS source on the N2K network.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by PeterSailor

Dockhead, PM sent.

I still have to try to revert to a previous firmware on my Zeus Touch to see if it is the last upgrade that made Link App non functional. I dont care about the GPS thing, I have other GPS source on the N2K network.

Thanks very much for sending the APK!


The legacy app works perfectly, and this solved my problem!!


Massive boos to Navico for effectively disabling GoFree for perfectly innocent users. This is just absolutely asinine, and my next boat will NOT have Navico gear on it. Not only do they not support systems which are only just a few years old, they disable them!!


The root problem here is that navigation systems are NOT like mobile phones -- disposable consumer devices which are thrown away every two or three years. They are expensive -- I spent more than $20 000 on gear alone (installed myself) when I installed my new electronics five years ago or however long ago it was (OK, 6).


They need to have a useful life of at least 10 years, in order to be worth this kind of investment. For this gear to be basically written off and left for dead, unrepairable if it breaks, unsupported, and even disabled -- after 3 or 4 years -- it's just unacceptable.


I would strongly recommend anyone buying a new nav system to check out the situation with that maker's 10-year old gear. Is it still supported? Can you get parts for it? If not -- don't buy it.


I guess my next boat will have Furuno. I am thoroughly sick of Navico.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by PeterSailor

Dockhead, PM sent.

I still have to try to revert to a previous firmware on my Zeus Touch to see if it is the last upgrade that made Link App non functional. I dont care about the GPS thing, I have other GPS source on the N2K network.

Peter, why not just use the legacy app?

[Brian.D]

You can also download it from here (at your own risk): https://apkpure.com/lowrance-gofree-...lowrancegofree

[PeterSailor]

billknny is right, the Link app was working with my Zeus Touch few weeks ago. I will try at the boat when I reinstall my ZT. It can be my crappy home Ethernet router blocking some port.

[Brian.D]

Crappy ethernet home routers are usually wide open and do not block any ports. However, crappy ISP can and will block ports through their servers. That could be a potential problem. Call them and ask if they are blocking port xxxxx.

[ohgary]

Originally Posted by Brian.D

Crappy ethernet home routers are usually wide open and do not block any ports. However, crappy ISP can and will block ports through their servers. That could be a potential problem. Call them and ask if they are blocking port xxxxx.

If you know the port number you can test with an extended telnet from a dos prompt

telnet <site> <port number>

If you get a connected the port isnt blocked, If you get a refused then the port is blocked. If you get a timeout then the site cant be reached.

Once your connected your get gibberish if anything but the connected,refused/timeout will help with idenifying the issue.

Depending on the version of windows telnet may/may not be available. YOu might need to install a telnet client...