Older Garmin GPS Softare Update

[_DH_]

Hi everyone,

I have an older Garmin GPSMAP 498 (purchased in 2006) and I would like to update the software. Unfortunately Garmin discontinued the Garmin Data Card and the USB data card programmer (aka, adapter cord). My GPS unit has been having problems acquiring satellite signals, leaving me without a GPS lock on some trips. This gets sketchy when it fog rolls in out in the San Juan Islands.

I found the data card on Amazon for $99, and the adapter on ebay for $80. But jeez, $200 for a software update hurts.

Anyone have a better source on the USB adapter and/or Data Card? Or, if anyone is willing to let me borrow these items I am happy to pay shipping fees and send a few new fishing lures your way!

Cheers,
DH

[Larry3215]

Do you have access to a newer version of the software for that unit? Garmins newest software up-dates dont cover your model and havent for a long time. Last I heard, they would not or could not supply old versions of up-dates, so unless you downloaded it back when, you are likely out of luck.

Your other option might be if someone saved it and can send it to you along with the hardware.

You might have more luck asking about this on the THT Marine Electronics Board.

http://www.thehulltruth.com/marine-elec ... -forum-19/

[_DH_]

The most recent software update is from 2008, but it is still available for download on Garmin's website. One of the update descriptions says "•Fixed issue that could lead to satellite acquisition problems on aging units". So hopefully that will fix my problem.
Cheers

BTW, thanks for the tip about the hull truth.

[Larry3215]

Thats good news about the up-date still being available. Do you have a link? I can remember at least two other threads on other boards where Garmin support told people that old up-dates were NOT available.

[Bodofish]

If it's not available from Garmin, you could probably bit torrent it. just do a web search for it and make sure your AV is up to date and your machine is patched. I've seen lots of garmin updates and maps on the hinterweb.......

[hewesbob]

I recently got an email from Garmin stating that my 741xs GPS needs to be updated, I don't know diddly squat about how to do it and don't know what the abbreviations stand for or what there meanings are. When I tried to download the update to a chip it said I needed to format to something different. I don't understand why it is assumed that everybody knows this stuff, BODOFISH what do you mean "probably bit torrent it" or "make sure your AV is up to date and your machine is patched"? I spent 45 years forming and pouring concrete building bridges, the most use I got from a computer was to check the weather. I am at a total lose at how to update my Garmin and their customer service folks say there are no local technicians and if I send the unit to them for an update it may be 3 months before I get it back, that's not an option. I love my Garmin but didn't know I would have to take a computer course to continue to use it.

[Larry3215]

First - you dont need to know anything about bittorrent or AV (AntiVirus) stuff. In fact it would be bad if you went that way. Up-dates for your model are redily available direct from Garmin and I can walk you through the steps to do it.

How old is your 741 and what transducer(s) do you have? If its not that old, you may not need to worry about it, but there have been several significant up-dates over the last year. Plus the newest map up-dates are now available to buy or you may qualify for a free up-date - depending on when you bought your unit.

For starters, can yo go into the menu and check to see what version of the software you have now? It should be under SETTINGS/SYSTEM/SYSTEM INFORMATION/SOFTWARE INFORMATION

The newest version for your model is 6.6

If it said you needed to format the sd card, then can you tell me what size and brand of card it is? Also, MAC or Windows?

[_DH_]

Here is the link to the GPSMAP 498 software update:
http://www8.garmin.com/support/download ... sp?id=1409

There is also this "bundle" with lots of the various GPSMAP software updates:
http://www8.garmin.com/support/download ... sp?id=4769

Cheers,
DH

[Larry3215]

Here is the link to the GPSMAP 498 software update:
http://www8.garmin.com/support/download ... sp?id=1409

There is also this "bundle" with lots of the various GPSMAP software updates:
http://www8.garmin.com/support/download ... sp?id=4769

Cheers,
DH

Thanks for posting that! I will pass it along to the guys who were looking earlier. Maybe they cab use those links to get Support to look further for the ones they need.

It would be nice if Garmin support was up to speed on their own mapping and software updates....

[Bodofish]

If you can get the software updates and maps from Garmin, by all means do. I'm only suggesting an alternative as I've seen many maps and software updates available for those that may not have access to a Garmin account or updates they no longer make available. The list is very long. But you can also get updates for just about any device you can think of but as stated earlier it's not for neophytes be careful what ask for.