Garmin Update installed wrong software

[Tornadosailing]

I very recently installed all new Garmin plotter, radar, instruments and autopilot. So recently that the sea trial setup isn't done on the autopilot yet. The plan was to get Active Captain running so I could share data to my tablet etc, but as usual, they say "make sure you have the latest software installed.

At the helm I have a 7610xsv plotter, two GMI 20 instruments, and one GHC 20 autopilot control. At the nav station I have one GMI 20 and one GHC 20. I loaded an SD card with the update software, and started the update process. I noticed right away that it identified three GHC 20's and two GMI 20's, which is backward. But, there's a big warning not to interrupt the process or you'll brick your system, so I let it run.

One GMI 20 instrument at the helm came up with autopilot software on it. The GMI and GHC units are identical except for the color of one button and the arrows or dashes printed on the other buttons, but now I effectively have two GHC 20 autopilot controls at the helm and only one instrument.

There's a procedure I found to force the unit to load software in case it fails to load or loses it's software, but apparently this won't work if you have working software in the unit because I tried it 4 times with no luck. Any ideas?

[Brian.D]

Is there no way, possibly buried in the setup, that will allow you to go back to the previous version? Hopefully you contacted Garmin and requested Tech Sup before coming here.

[Tornadosailing]

Originally Posted by Brian.D

Is there no way, possibly buried in the setup, that will allow you to go back to the previous version? Hopefully you contacted Garmin and requested Tech Sup before coming here.

I couldn't find any way to go back to the previous version. I could only find a procedure to get to a boot loader if it didn't have any working software. Apparently this procedure doesn't work if it has working software in it.

I would have gone to Garmin tech support, but they don't open until tomorrow morning. Unless someone here has a magic trick, I'll be calling them in the morning.

[smac999]

there is likly something wrong with that unit. like an internal ID was wrong or something. I have upgraded many ghcs and gmis and never had an issue. it should not have done that. I doubt reversing software would do anything, you'd probably just have a lower version of the wrong unit. I'm guessing you'll have to send back and replace

[RobinScurr]

The "forced update" procedure is your only hope ... with the power off put the older software in your system, hold the power button down until the correct item comes on screen and let it up. Try Googling it for your model.

When I updated my 741xs/HD18 radar, the chartplotter updated - the radar bricked. (I could have really used that radar in the fog on Lake Michigan!) After a painfully long discussion with Garmin tech support, the only option was to return the radar to them for repair ... for $700, plus round trip shipping!?! I found a brand new-old stock unit on Craigslist for $750, then sold the faulty unit on eBay for $400, FYI.

[Alita49DS]

Tornadosailing: Would be interested to hear what the solution from Garmin turns out to be.

I loathe their update system. A hopelessly massive file to download because they are too indolent to break things up into relevant chunks. Then praying with fingers and everything else crossed that the update works.

Worse, usually to so called update is only to not add something relevant to you as you do not have that bit of kit.

Maybe the old computer adage "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" should be rigouressly applied.

[tomlisasail]

How does one know when their garmin needs updating ? I have a garmin plotter and instruments with a raymarine autopilot.

[George DuBose]

I am not a huge fan of anything Garmin since I bought their handheld GPS. They designed the handheld unit UPSIDE DOWN. Then to make matters even better, maps for my region in northern Europe cost €400.