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mobi-one Occasional Visitor
Joined: Dec 17, 2004 Posts: 8
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Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2004 12:28 am Post subject: Help - Garmin II+ firmware disaster! |
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Have just frazzled my old faithful Garmin II+ by trying to upgrade the firmware. Used the version for 3.0 and above, the garmin showed a "software upload in progress" but after 100% reached on pc the garmin did not reboot but kept the above message. I now think I should have used the other version on the web site. But my Garmin is completely blank now. Won't turn on - nothing , niento , nil help please |
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Dave Frequent Visitor
Joined: Sep 10, 2003 Posts: 6460 Location: UK
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Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2004 8:49 am Post subject: |
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This can sometimes happen by either selecting the wrong firmware, or interruptingn the firmware midstream. It's an unfortunately casualty of firmware upgrades, and unfortunately there's nothing more you can do apart from trying to load another firmware release and see if the GPS II+ takes it.
If it doesn't then I would contact Garmin direct, they'll probably ask you to ship it to them in Romsey, Hants. I suspect they'll be able to fix it for you, if it's out of warranty they may charge to fix it. |
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mobi-one Occasional Visitor
Joined: Dec 17, 2004 Posts: 8
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Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2004 9:20 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for that
Phoned Garmin today and they confirmed that. One thing they did suggest first, which may be of use to others, was to use the 'engineers back door'. To do this press 'on' and 'mark' buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds, a screen may appear asking to delete content - yes or no, answer yes and you should be left with the original install.
This won't work if you have really wiped the system. Which is what I must have done .Mine is on its way back to Garmin. |
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Skippy Pocket GPS Verifier
Joined: 24/06/2003 00:22:12 Posts: 2946 Location: Escaped to the Antipodies! 36.83°S 174.75°E
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Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 12:58 am Post subject: |
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I think Garmin offer a fixed price repair for problems like this.
The II+ is pretty old though, you might be better off thinking about an upgrade. _________________ Gone fishing! |
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mobi-one Occasional Visitor
Joined: Dec 17, 2004 Posts: 8
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Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 9:28 am Post subject: |
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Yes the Garmin II+ is quite old. But, up until I interfered with it, it was working very well. Had it hooked up to an ipaq in the car with tom tom 3.
So all i really need is a basic gps receiver. It was a bit slow locking onto the satelite, which was why I was upgrading the firmware in the first place.
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Dave Frequent Visitor
Joined: Sep 10, 2003 Posts: 6460 Location: UK
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Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 10:04 am Post subject: |
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I guess it depends on what Garmin will charge to fix it. For around £90 you can get a basic eTrex. It would mean though buying extra cables to support the new connector. |
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DavidW Pocket GPS Moderator
Joined: 17/05/2003 02:26:21 Posts: 3747 Location: Bedfordshire, UK
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Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 4:26 pm Post subject: |
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As mentioned in another thread, Expansys have an eTrex for £67 (including VAT but not shipping). The snag - it's the camouflage version, not the ordinary yellow version. However, this is, I believe, only cosmetic.
If you're interested, click here for details.
My thanks to those in the OUTDOORSmagic forums for spotting this.
David |
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mobi-one Occasional Visitor
Joined: Dec 17, 2004 Posts: 8
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Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2004 1:48 am Post subject: |
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Thanks for that advice.
The problem is tho' that as these units become cheaper the peripherals seem more expensive. The connecting cable with power was £25. Also i've always been a stickler for Not upgrading unless the product I own does not fit the purpose anymore. Otherwise you can find yourself in an ever increasing spiral of upgradability.
I bought my dad an etrex about 3 years ago for christmas - i'm sure it was about £80 then. It hasn't lost much value!!
I'm hoping they can fix my II+ for £20.
One lession learnt here is the danger of fiwmware upgrades. Certainly put me off upgrading my dvd recorder firmware before christmas!! |
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kartracer Frequent Visitor
Joined: 26/03/2003 20:15:33 Posts: 502 Location: United Kingdom
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Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2004 9:51 am Post subject: |
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mobi-one wrote: | One lession learnt here is the danger of fiwmware upgrades. |
Yes, when upgrading firmware you really have to be careful that you are doing everything just right and don't lose power during the process. Some recent computer motherboards actually have a dual BIOS to cater for recovery in case of mishap during an attempted upgrade! _________________ Kam |
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mobi-one Occasional Visitor
Joined: Dec 17, 2004 Posts: 8
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Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 10:48 am Post subject: |
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Just to update you on progress.
Received a package today from Garmin.
It was a Garmin GPSII+
A note accompanying stated that they had sent a 'free replacement'.
No charge.
Great!! I thought. Turned it on... software 3.03....US City Database. v2.01 ...
At least it works I suppose. Is it possible for me to change the database to the european one?
Not sure I'd want to do it myself though after the firmware fiasco. |
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Skippy Pocket GPS Verifier
Joined: 24/06/2003 00:22:12 Posts: 2946 Location: Escaped to the Antipodies! 36.83°S 174.75°E
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Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 1:21 pm Post subject: |
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mobi-one wrote: | At least it works I suppose. Is it possible for me to change the database to the european one? |
Nice of them to send you a replacement, unfortunate that they couldn't find the time to install the correct flash for you. As far as I know it's not a job you can do yourself. Garmin claim the basemap detail can't be changed, but it is programmed on the same chip that we upload data onto.
Give them a call and see if they can change it for you.
Like you say though, it's still OK as a basic GPS receiver, maybe it's best to just stick with it? _________________ Gone fishing! |
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mobi-one Occasional Visitor
Joined: Dec 17, 2004 Posts: 8
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Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 6:31 pm Post subject: |
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spoke too soon..
It works..links up with my ipaq...but its placing me about 150m east of where i really am.
any ideas? |
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Skippy Pocket GPS Verifier
Joined: 24/06/2003 00:22:12 Posts: 2946 Location: Escaped to the Antipodies! 36.83°S 174.75°E
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Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 3:18 am Post subject: |
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Do you have the right Map Datum selected (probably WGS84)? _________________ Gone fishing! |
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mobi-one Occasional Visitor
Joined: Dec 17, 2004 Posts: 8
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Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2005 7:08 pm Post subject: |
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Skippy wrote: | Do you have the right Map Datum selected (probably WGS84)? |
Thanks Skippy - that was the problem - All sorted now
Overall I am very pleased with the service from Garmin - my II+ was over 6 years old and now I have a new one free of charge.
I will probably upgrade at somestage but its nice to have a fully functional back up. |
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