FYI - How to update your NAVI to the latest everything

[ModestoBob]

How about someone with a 2009 navi checking the firmware update version?

[Rich A]

Boy I am happy now got City Navigator 9 on E-Bay for $81.00 shipped and a SanDisk Ultra 2 at Staples for $19.99 and now my Wing shows V9 October 98 on the info screen.

[ModestoBob]

1998???!!!!???

[POUL]

Is there someone who have tried to change the software in the Honda OEM GPS from US ver. 4.31 to a Canadian software version, or to the European version?

Poul

[LarryM]

10 pages and over 14,000 views, all for a couple of dozen people wanting to do an update. Sorta kinda makes you want to go back to paper maps, doesn't it?

[ModestoBob]

Well, as I said, I wrote Garmin and Honda to ask whether the 2008 and earlier Navs could use the NT version and 2009 firmware. Here's the answers I got from Garmin:

1st response: Thank you for contacting Garmin International.

Any of the Honda Goldwing devices that use the Navi system all use the same mapping card

With Best Regards,
Mike R
Product Support Specialist

Then this one....

2nd response: Thank you for contacting Garmin International.

The unit would not use the NT software. It would be the standard City Navigator data though I can not guarantee success with the software.

With Best Regards,
Stacy Derks
Product Support Specialist
Dealer Technical Support
Garmin International

Hmmmm! Still haven't heard from Honda.

[steve0617]

It's been stated here ( viewtopic.php?f=12&t=101552&p=1285375#p1285375 ) that one has to use the NON NT version as the 1800 GPS can't read the NT's format.

[ModestoBob]

Yes, that seems to be what Garmin is saying also. Nice to get the "official" story.

[wazted]

BTW, if you are curious as to what Garmin thinks of our way to update the maps this was their reply when I told them what I was doing.

"Technically, this will work. I believe it is one of those things such as don't ask, don't tell? Honda wants the preprogrammed CF cards to be sold for the unit, but as stated, many Goldwing customers are doing this exact this. Part number 010-10474-00. This update though is nothing we will advertise for the Goldwing owners.

With Best Regards,

S**** D****
Product Support Specialist
Dealer Technical Support
Garmin International
913-397-8200
800-800-1020
913-397-8282 (fax)
www.garmin.com"

[thecruiser]

Hmmmm, We'll have to keep that part number handy.....
"Part number 010-10474-00"

[POUL]

I have make a forced update on my US-spec NAVI. I change the software from US ver. 4,31 to European ver. 2.30 and now I have new button in the menu where I can switch between different languages.
Since I live in Denmark I change the language to Danish in the menu, but the only thing that is not working is the audio guiding, there is no sound at all, anyone have a suggestion how to solve this?

Poul

[Vtxryder]

Hi - and thanks for all the info, I'll look at getting the dvd tomorrow. I do have a question though, might be stupid - I have a 2008 model with the ver. 4.31 installed, so I figure all I have to do is download the maps on to the cf card and install right??
Or does the card have to have the ver 4.31 on it to make it all work???
Maybe that's not such a stupid question - just not computer savy!!

Thanks .. Paul

[BobsGL1800]

Originally Posted by Vtxryder

Hi - and thanks for all the info, I'll look at getting the dvd tomorrow. I do have a question though, might be stupid - I have a 2008 model with the ver. 4.31 installed, so I figure all I have to do is download the maps on to the cf card and install right??
Or does the card have to have the ver 4.31 on it to make it all work???
Maybe that's not such a stupid question - just not computer savy!!

Thanks .. Paul

Paul,

I just did the upgrade to my 08 a few weeks ago. The 4.31 software stays with the bike. All you have to do is load the latest CN 2009 onto a 2GB CF card and install the card into the nav system and it works great.

[Vtxryder]

Thanks Bob - appreciate it --- Cheers .

[Teufelhunden]

as of today, is there any additional information you could tell me before i update my system?

[Vtxryder]

Nope sounds like it's all here - but let us know how you make out ..

[Sailor_]

I just updated my GPS and it went so smooth I thought I did it wrong. I never saw an update screen, but to be sure I checked a road I knew was not on the old version and it was there.

[upssnowman]

I've been working with a couple guys who have 2009 motorcycles , maps won't load properly, any one else have problems on the 2009's?
may be a problem for the future?

[BobsGL1800]

Originally Posted by upssnowman

I've been working with a couple guys who have 2009 motorcycles , maps won't load properly, any one else have problems on the 2009's?
may be a problem for the future?

09 GL's use City Navigator NT maps.

[jae1677]

I found Garmin MapSource City Navigator North America DVD 2009 - 010-10474-00

http://www.erwincomputers.com/0101047400.html

for 66.95 plus 8.95 shipping = 75.90

[upssnowman]

Those guys really have some excellent prices, thanks much

[aquafire]

I followed all the instructions in this thread and was able to update my 07 NAVI's firmware and install the CN2009 maps. Works great!

Only thing I was not sure of was what files had to be on the CF card. The OEM card has 3 files in one folder, a .img, a .unl, and a .gcd file.

Mapsource built a .img file and that was all it sent to the CF card. I was worried about the maps being unlocked on the NAVI without a .unl file.

Evidently the .img file that mapsource builds contains the unlock data. I tired the card with only the .img file on it and it works like a champ.

So I suspect that once you make the firmware update and that file is no longer needed and the .unl file is not needed, only the new .img file is required.

My new updated CF card contains only one folder (Garmin) and the .img file, I also put the .gcd (firmware update) file there as a backup. Just two files in one folder, nothing else.

I don't know if it matters or not but just to be safe, when I formatted the new CF card, I also labled it the same as the OEM card was labled.

[dbwallace]

Rainman,

Just to be sure I understand. After doing the firmwear upgrade, should I erase the GARMIN folder with the upgrade in it from the card before installing the map upgrade? Or do I leave both on the card.

Thanks,

[aquafire]

Originally Posted by dbwallace

Rainman,

Just to be sure I understand. After doing the firmwear upgrade, should I erase the GARMIN folder with the upgrade in it from the card before installing the map upgrade? Or do I leave both on the card.

Thanks,

Howdy, I am not Rainman but I just did the upgrade and might be able to answer.

Hope your using a NEW CF card. Put your OEM card in the PC and check it's properties, write down what the card lable is. Remove the OEM card and safegaurd it, DO NOT alter or write any info to it, it is your backup. Format the new card FAT32. When you format the new card, use the same lable as the OEM card.

Make a new folder on the new card named GARMIN and copy the new firmware update file into that folder, nothing else. Take the new card to the bike and update the NAVI firmware per Rainman's instructions.

Return to your PC with the new card. I again formated the new card as described above, use the OEM lable. Now there is absolutley nothing on the new card.

Install the update mapsource maps to your PC and unlock them. BE CERTAIN WHEN YOU UNLOCK THEM YOU ENTER THE CORRECT SERIAL NUMBER OF YOUR BIKE'S NAVI.

On the updated mapsource, select all the maps per Rainman's instruction. Put your new card into the card reader. Now using mapsource, send the maps to the new card. As Rainman stated, it takes mapsource a very long time to "build" the file it will send to the new card. Mapsource will build an image file (.img) containing all the new data and maps and write it to the new card, mapsource will create the GARMIN folder on the new card.

Once mapsource is done, you will have one folder (GARMIN) and one file (.img) in that folder on your new card.

You are done, take your new card to the bike and light it up. The NAVI will detect the new maps and data and read them.

Just for backup, I then took the new card back to the PC and copied the new update firmware file into the Garmin folder.

My new card has just the two files (.img, and .gcd) in one folder (GARMIN). It works great!

[Milbear]

Garmin products at:
http://www.ioffer.com/si/garmin

2009NT around 53.00 +

[Blondie]

Originally Posted by Choptop

Rainman, you put together some great information!
Here is a link to how to bypass the GPS so you can turn it on if you forget to push the button before you take off riding.

http://calico.stufftoread.com/gpswires.html

THANKS for the link.
Have you done this??
Does it work??
Gads, I've been looking for something like this since the first time I forgot to hit the button before riding!!

[DrtiBird]

Originally Posted by LarryM

I don't think you should be so hard on yourself. There are many things that may be illegal, but as far as I am concerned that doesn't necessarily make it immoral. Semantics maybe, but it is a distinction worth noting.

JMHO, but I think if Garmin didn't want the firmware to be free they would have put an "Unlock" code on it like the City Navigator map sets. I'm not sure why the file is not available on the Garmin site like the rest of their GPSs. If Garmin or Honda decides that they want a fee for the firmware, I sure they will remedy the unlock code next time around.

Also, I recently ordered the '08 maps from Garmin (previously have gotten the the older ones too) and I don't recall having to pay anything to get the disk shipped to my house; the fee comes in when you go online to get the unlock code.

Good Luck!

[weikosteve]

Thanks Rainman and everyone else for the useful info on how to up date the NAVI unit. I updated my hardware to 4.31 and my map set to NA 2009. Every thing worked great. One improvement when you upgrade to 4.31 is when you do a search by name that has many locations - Example Burger King shows over 1000 locations. When I tell it to scroll those locations the Navi will not reboot like it used to.

[Alawing]

I read this entire thread, and I'd just like to post some comments, and even though it might reopen some possibly closed lines of thought, that's not my intention, but I'm like most people, I like to speak my piece sometimes:

1) If its illegal to engage in the activities mentioned to update the system, (and I'm a college professor, so I'm well acquainted with the issue of intelectual property and copyrights) then I'm sure anyone who feels remorse or outrage at that issue is a very safe driver, because when they see a 30 MPH speed limit sign, they go 30, and not a single MPH faster. I guess it all depends on which laws an individual feels should and shouldn't be broken. If you can drive 73 in a 70 zone on the interstate and sleep at night, good for you.

2) Part of the problem is with consumers, who could stop this if they simply said "nope, not buying a GL with the nav unless it provides free system updates, until such time as the system is no longer offered at retail." This could apply to MANY products in our society. We just aren't tough enough on what we demand.

3) We need a more consumer friendly environment, which requires, by law, that such updates are available, without charge, until the technology is no longer offered at retail.

4) Would number three above cause prices to rise? Not if the tax code carefully monitored costs, and penalized companies that tried to charge extra for products in order to get around the "free upgrades" issue. Business has just been allowed to make too much profit, to the detriment of the citizenry.

5) There need to be some changes in the copyright laws in general, that would limit the ability of companies to simply make a lot of secondary profit on products that should be, in the interest of general public policy, kept updated.

6) As far as whether a product is suitable for use, and whether that is warrantable, that depends on state laws, as some states do not allow limitations concerning merchantibility or fitness for pupose, or incidental or consequential damages.

7) Honda is offering a system with some severe deficiencies, as I've discovered by owning it; one that is vastly more functional can be had aftermarket, for a lot less than the cost from Honda.

If you feel that some of what I've said is socialist, well, look around, and you'll realize that the entire country is very much socialist oriented, from social welfare to public transportation to state subsidized education, with stops all over the place in between. We just need to add some laws that provide for a little higher level of consumer protection.

9) Do you think my thoughts would hurt business? Well, in the last fourty years, business has paid less and less in income taxes, and individuals have paid more and more, until the percentages, respectively, have basically changed places. The laws have helped business, and they need to swing a little bit in the other direction.

10) One of the reasons we need government at all is because of failures of the free market to adequately address the needs of society. Of course, we really don't need protection by law, do we, because we all know big business would never do anything to disadvantage consumers.

11) As far as copyright laws, taxes, consumer protection, keep in mind that business is a subset of society, and society decides what business can and can't do, just like it decides what individual citizens can and can't do, by the laws that society (and I'm using government and society interchangeably, here) makes to dictate activity.

OK, I guess that's about it. Of course, I may decide to say more, later. I'm sure no one can wait 'til that happens.

[weikosteve]

Originally Posted by Alawing

I read this entire thread, and I'd just like to post some comments, and even though it might reopen some possibly closed lines of thought, that's not my intention, but I'm like most people, I like to speak my piece sometimes:

1) If its illegal to engage in the activities mentioned to update the system, (and I'm a college professor, so I'm well acquainted with the issue of intelectual property and copyrights) then I'm sure anyone who feels remorse or outrage at that issue is a very safe driver, because when they see a 30 MPH speed limit sign, they go 30, and not a single MPH faster. I guess it all depends on which laws an individual feels should and shouldn't be broken. If you can drive 73 in a 70 zone on the interstate and sleep at night, good for you.

2) Part of the problem is with consumers, who could stop this if they simply said "nope, not buying a GL with the nav unless it provides free system updates, until such time as the system is no longer offered at retail." This could apply to MANY products in our society. We just aren't tough enough on what we demand.

3) We need a more consumer friendly environment, which requires, by law, that such updates are available, without charge, until the technology is no longer offered at retail.

4) Would number three above cause prices to rise? Not if the tax code carefully monitored costs, and penalized companies that tried to charge extra for products in order to get around the "free upgrades" issue. Business has just been allowed to make too much profit, to the detriment of the citizenry.

5) There need to be some changes in the copyright laws in general, that would limit the ability of companies to simply make a lot of secondary profit on products that should be, in the interest of general public policy, kept updated.

6) As far as whether a product is suitable for use, and whether that is warrantable, that depends on state laws, as some states do not allow limitations concerning merchantibility or fitness for pupose, or incidental or consequential damages.

7) Honda is offering a system with some severe deficiencies, as I've discovered by owning it; one that is vastly more functional can be had aftermarket, for a lot less than the cost from Honda.

If you feel that some of what I've said is socialist, well, look around, and you'll realize that the entire country is very much socialist oriented, from social welfare to public transportation to state subsidized education, with stops all over the place in between. We just need to add some laws that provide for a little higher level of consumer protection.

9) Do you think my thoughts would hurt business? Well, in the last fourty years, business has paid less and less in income taxes, and individuals have paid more and more, until the percentages, respectively, have basically changed places. The laws have helped business, and they need to swing a little bit in the other direction.

10) One of the reasons we need government at all is because of failures of the free market to adequately address the needs of society. Of course, we really don't need protection by law, do we, because we all know big business would never do anything to disadvantage consumers.

11) As far as copyright laws, taxes, consumer protection, keep in mind that business is a subset of society, and society decides what business can and can't do, just like it decides what individual citizens can and can't do, by the laws that society (and I'm using government and society interchangeably, here) makes to dictate activity.

OK, I guess that's about it. Of course, I may decide to say more, later. I'm sure no one can wait 'til that happens.

I thought this forum was for "How to do items " not a soapbox