Hard to update Garmin GPSMAP 5212 software and maps?

[Bill Abernathy]

Hello, All,

My Garmin GPSMAP 5212 chart plotter needs updating, both software and map base, and I wonder how tricky that is. I am fairly handy with software uploads, but I have never done my Garmin and do not want to risk turning it into a brick, losing data, etc.

Thank you very much for your thoughts. It's most appreciated.


Bill

[Pandor]

I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but the 5212 is obsolete. And by obsolete, it seems to be a planned obsolescence by Garmin. I think if the updated charts are available, Garmin makes it uneconomical to purchase in comparison with installing a newer unit.

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by Bill Abernathy

Hello, All,

My Garmin GPSMAP 5212 chart plotter needs updating, both software and map base, and I wonder how tricky that is. I am fairly handy with software uploads, but I have never done my Garmin and do not want to risk turning it into a brick, losing data, etc.

Our boat came with the next generation Garmin from yours, GPMAP 7612xsv. (Which is also obsolete, but works fairly well, and usually new rocks don't suddenly appear in most fairways.) It can be updated using a prog named Garmin Express available from the Garmin site, and appropriate memory cards. (SD, I think, not mini-SD...)

GE first needs some "registration" info: serial numbers and so forth. Plus some payment info, IIRC. Then the update process for both software and charts is straightforward, easy.

You might check the Garmin site to see if that's the way yours would work.

Ours can also be update wirelessly using the ActiveCaptain app, but I haven't ever tried to do that.

-Chris

[smac999]

software should be online in the legacy file update. all the models are listed to check. the last update was likly years ago and you may already be up to date. you can check the current version on the update page.

map you need to buy. likely it can only take the older g2 maps but I don't know. that's a question for your local garmin retailier, who is going to sell you the map card.

[Pandor]

The last version of BlueChart or LakeVu™ G2 charts was version 2018.52 which are no longer available through Garmin. The following devices were designed for use with BlueChart G2 and LakeVu G2 chart products and have limited and or no compatibility at all with some G3 chart products.

GPSMAP® 4x0/s

GPSMAP® 4x1/s

GPSMAP® 4x6/s

GPSMAP® 5x0/s

GPSMAP® 5x1/s

GPSMAP® 5x5/s

GPSMAP® 5x6/s

GPSMAP® 5x7*

GPSMAP® 6x0

GPSMAP® 7x0/s

GPSMAP® 7x1**

GPSMAP® 8x0*

GPSMAP® 10x0*

GPSMAP® 4xxx

GPSMAP® 5xxx

GPSMAP® 6xxx

GPSMAP® 70xx

GPSMAP® 72xx

So bottom line is that you can’t update your chart plotter charts with anything newer than 2018 unless you go to small area G3 charts. The G3 large area charts that were built into the device are too large for the older plotters above. And small-area G3 charts are pricey for what you get.