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Why is MarineUpdater needed?
Garmin has a proud history of providing software
updates which enhance the usability of our products. These
updates often include entirely new features which can make
using the product easier or extend its usefulness. Software
updates for fixed-mount marine devices—such as marine chartplotters—were
difficult to accomplish because these units were mounted to
the vessel. Garmin developed MarineUpdater to allow customers to more
easily update these products.
What is MarineUpdater?
MarineUpdater is a Windows-based PC application which works in conjunction
with a Garmin USB card reader, a Garmin data card, and an
Internet connection to generate software update cards for your
fixed-mount Garmin marine products. Products which support
MarineUpdater will program a data card with information
about your Garmin marine product and other Garmin marine products
which are connected to it. (Please see the list
of supported products.) This
card can then be read by MarineUpdater and compared to the
latest software available on Garmin’s
website. MarineUpdater will download all necessary updates
and write them all back to the data card, providing you with
a custom-programmed software update card which meets your
needs. The next time you visit your boat, just insert this
custom-programmed card into the supported marine product.
It, and all devices connected to it, will be automatically
updated.
It’s easy and it’s
automatic. You don’t even have to know the model numbers or
software versions of the marine products on your vessel.
MarineUpdater takes care of all of the details for you.
What do I need to get started?
- IBM-compatible
PC running Windows 2000 or Windows XP operating system, and
an Internet connection.
- Garmin USB card reader with drivers installed.
- 16 MB (or larger) data card. (Cards used for
data backups or programming of MapSource products can
be used, but all existing information on the card will
be erased. Please
note: Pre-programmed BlueChart cards cannot be
used for software updates.)
How does MarineUpdater work?
1. Take a data card to your
boat and insert it into a Garmin marine product's empty
card slot. Turn the product on, and activate the “Prepare
for software update” menu item or button. (You may want to
consult your product's owners manual for specific
instructions on how to prepare the card.) The data card
will be re-programmed with information about that marine
product and all other products which are connected to that
device or your Garmin Marine Network.
(Please
note: Garmin marine products
using serial ports which are configured for NMEA will not
be updated.)
2. Carry the card to a PC which has a Garmin
USB card reader and the MarineUpdater application installed.
The PC must also have an Internet connection. Insert the
card into the Garmin card reader and launch MarineUpdater.
Marine Updater will automatically:
- Read
the information from your data card.
- Connect to the Internet
and check to see if updates are available for
your marine product from Garmin’s
website.
3. If updates are available, you will be shown
complete lists of the changes the updates will make
to the product(s) in your system. If you want to continue,
the updates will be downloaded to your computer and programmed
back to the card.
4. Take the data card back to your vessel and re-insert the card
into the ship-board device. Follow any on-screen prompts
on the Garmin marine product to complete the software update.
How can I get MarineUpdater?
If you already own a Garmin USB card reader and a data card (other
than a pre-programmed BlueChart card), you can download MarineUpdater
for free here:
 Download (2.53
MB)
Order a pre-programmed software update card
For those who prefer to leave the computer work to others, Garmin
can send you a pre-programmed software update card. This service
requires a deposit for the card, which will be refunded when
the card is returned to Garmin. To request a pre-programmed
card, call Garmin Customer Service at 1-800-800-1020.
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