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Sync error message, and Garmin's design choices

Jeff090
9 months ago

I recently tried the Explore Android app. Oh look! It can update my gpsmap (handheld) firmware.  . . . Nope.  When syncing, a red error message flashes up, and away before a human can read it.  After fruitlessly searching Android logs, it occured to me to use a screen recording.  Frame by frame playback, and I see "device update required".  Well, there's humour in that.

I've always been a Linux user, so can't use Win/Express for the updating, I doubt that WINE/Proton would work in a proprietary transfer, and no longer have a Win roommate.  So I must borrow someone's Win laptop.

1. There is a sentence on Garmin Explore's webpage that *must* be added to the Play Store page.  That the *first* update needs to be done through Express/USB, and later updates can be with Explore/Bluetooth.  Maybe in the app, too.

2. That error message needs to be human readable to promote it from 'pointless' up to 'unhelpful'.

3. It seems that Garmin Marine gpsmap models can update by putting a file on an SD card and inserting that.  Why not for the handhelds? Hmm.

  • +1 8 months ago

    Hello, I am sorry about the quick message I have not seen that happen. Are you able to upload the video and then screenshot of the error you got and how it was working? 

    Marine units have that option as they are typically mounted in a boat and we would not expect users to remove them to update so this is how they function. WIth our handhelds there are some models that may not have an SD card. However, with our Handhelds you have the option on SOME of the models to update through either garmin connect or garmin explore on your phone or tablet but also the steady connection via USB to Garmin Express on your computer. 

  • 0 8 months ago in reply to Garmin-Leslie

  • 0 8 months ago in reply to Garmin-Leslie

    If I set my GPSMap64 to "Garmin Spanner" interface, and connect cable to Linux/PC, I get standards-compliant USB mass storage access to the internal memory.  If I were to add a file "gpsmapupd.bin" to it, and reboot the GPSMap, it could update. 

    My DVD player and aftermarket car stereo do that with USB thumbdrives, no specific OS or app needed.  As in the title, it's a software design choice.

    BTW I just plugged the GPSMap into my tablet's (Linux/Android 14) USB port, and can move files onto the internal or SD card memory.

  • 0 8 months ago in reply to Jeff090

    With the GPSMAP 64 there is only one way to update the software and that is using Garmin Express Installing Software Updates to Outdoor Handhelds. 

    However, Garmin Express can only run on Windows or Mac platforms. 

    Windows

    • Windows 10 or newer, Microsoft .NET 4.7.2 (included)
    • 1024 x 768 display, USB port and 1 GB RAM
    • High-speed internet access (not for use with dial-up, mobile or satellite connections)
    • May require up to 20 GB free disk space
    • For users running Windows 8 or older, please download version 7 of Garmin Express for Windows.

    Mac

    • OS X 11.0 or newer
    • 1440 x 900 display, USB port and 1 GB RAM
    • High-speed internet access (not for use with dial-up, mobile or satellite connections)
    • May require up to 20 GB free disk space
    • For users running OS X 10.16 or older, please download 7.18.x of Garmin Express for Mac.