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Update on Linux

3633048
over 1 year ago

I would like to update my Instinct 2 Tactical/Solar watch, but I do not have Windows, nor a "smart" phone.

Can I download firmware files directly and transfer them to the watch over USB on Linux to update it?

thank you

  • 0 over 1 year ago

    You need a computer ( windows / mac ) or a smartphone.

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to bluefish

    Just told you I don't have either, did you even read what I wrote?

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to 3633048
    3633048 said:
    Just told you I don't have either, did you even read what I wrote?

    You still need one, even if you told it. Or a Mac, or a Windows / iOS / MacOS or Android emulator on your Unix machine. Or just do the update on a computer of a friend, or on a public computer.

    Otherwise, you can download side-load firmware packages from the Instinct 2 Beta Program forum

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to 3633048
    3633048 said:
    did you even read what I wrote?

    Yes Grinning

    trux said:
    You still need one, even if you told it.
  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to trux
    trux said:
    you can download side-load firmware packages from the Instinct 2 Beta Program forum

    Excellent, looks like that's the way.

    Unfortunately I can't find where to actually download the firmware packages.

    https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/instinct-2-series/354369/instinct-2-2s-system-software-14-12 for example doesn't provide any download URLs.

    Crazy how difficult Garmin makes it just to update a watch.

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to 3633048
    3633048 said:
    Unfortunately I can't find where to actually download the firmware packages.
    3633048 said:
    Crazy how difficult Garmin makes it just to update a watch.

    Actually not difficult at all. See the Beta Program in the top menu of this page, then navigate to the model you are interested in, and search the last available side-load package in the Announcements.

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to 3633048
    3633048 said:
    Crazy how difficult Garmin makes it just to update a watch.

    It's not difficult provided users have access to Windows or MacOS computers or smartphones. It's only when people (and I'd suggest a very tiny few) stray away from the norm that it then becomes more challenging. I'd expect somebody using a Linux platform to be more aware of the challenges of 'being different' and more capable of working out how to achieve what they want.

  • 0 over 1 year ago

    On your “nix” box install VirtualBox or KVM. Then google Windows 11 developer trial. It’s a 90 day dev trial with an expiration. They update it about every 60 days. You can download a VirtualBox package already setup by Microsoft, and import. You may have to install the VB extensions package, and then import. Takes 5 minutes. If your running kvm, you can just convert the package (disk) to a kvm and import it. It’s about 20GB or so. 

    once you have that, and boot it, just install Garmin Express and plug in your watch. Sometimes the first connect takes a while.. you can try to unplug and reconnect and it should connect you’ll hear a connect sound  

    That’s it  GE will see the device and update it  

    I dont use Windoze or Mac either. 

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to trux
    trux said:
    See the Beta Program in the top menu of this page, then navigate to the model you are interested in, and search the last available side-load package in the Announcements.

    Excellent, thank you.

    Dr Phil said:
    It's not difficult provided users have access to Windows or MacOS computers or smartphones.

    Cool. That's not at all relevant to this question or discussion though.

    Dr Phil said:
    It's only when people (and I'd suggest a very tiny few) stray away from the norm that it then becomes more challenging.

    Agreed, that is a good maxim for life in general. Most people will do stupid things, and a minority will do the smart thing, and they should expect resistance, scrutiny and even mockery for being different.

    WD said:
    n your “nix” box install VirtualBox or KVM. Then google Windows 11 developer trial.

    I appreciate that tip, but I have a fundamental objection to running spyware, even virtualized, and especially if only to do a very simple and mundane task, like literally copy a file between two devices. Do you think Garmin is using Windows to program their watches at the factory? LOL, that would be quite a scene to witness. No - they use Linux like most of the advanced world and should provide equal support to users, IMO.

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to trux
    trux said:
    See the Beta Program in the top menu of this page, then navigate to the model you are interested in, and search the last available side-load package in the Announcements.

    I am confused again after spending another 30 minutes trying to figure this out.

    I went to the beta program announcements page and found the top post: https://forums.garmin.com/beta-program/instinct-2-series/f/announcements/365929/beta-version-15-08---available-ota

    I downloaded secure_config.zip, unzipped it and placed the file in the REMOTESW directory on my watch.

    Now what? There's no update, no information on screen, nothing. If I unplug the watch, it just remains stuck on the charging/USB dialog. If I reboot, I'm still on version 9.26.

    So this beta resource doesn't look like what I need, it's just a pointer to enroll in updates which I need closed source operating systems to use. Confusing why Garmin can't just publish a simple firmware file with a one-page of instructions like normal manufacturers, such as Lenovo for instance.