Updating Garmin 188C and Blue Chart

[drue]

How do I update the the maps on my unit? Do I need to plug the chip into a programmer or can I plug the whole unit into the device that attaches to my computer? I'm electronically illiterate.

[cgrand]

drue what do you mean by update?
yes you can plug the unit with the chip in it to the pc/ac cable, then to the computer, but what are you trying to do then?
do you use a blank chip & a cd, or a pre-programmed chip?

with a cd and a blank chip you can move maps back and forth, but i'm not sure you are supposed to mess with a pre-programmed chip...all the maps are already on there

[drue]

I received the "BlueChart Americas v7 Update" cd in the mail. I never ordered it, I guess they sent it because I completed the product registration form.

On my GPS map, I noticed that there are areas between Port Sulphur and Venice that do not have any detail. The map is yellow in this area. I hope this fixes it.

[cgrand]

oh...
if it does some good let us know...mine is still v4

[drue]

"with a cd and a blank chip you can move maps back and forth, but i'm not sure you are supposed to mess with a pre-programmed chip...all the maps are already on there'

I have a pre-programmed chip. No original cd. They sent the v7 cd. Will this screw up the programmed chip.

[cgrand]

if i am wrong someone else will jump in & set it staight...
what they sent you is an "udate" disc for your pre-programmed chip

they sent it to you for free, because they released a new version of the maps right after you bought the previous version...next time if you want to update them there is a fee.

what you'll do is connect the gps with the chip in it to the PC, put the disc in your cd-rom drive, load it up, and follow the instructions on the disc. my guess is that the disc will load a version of mapource (garmin's mapping software) on your PC so that you can perform the updates

i have one of those update discs sitting next to my PC right now, but havent used it yet because i just ahavent wanted to send them the $$$ yet...

[Joe]

It's not an update to the preprogrammed chip. Its an update to v7 of the Blue chart software.

[sblunden]

drue - 8/19/2005 2:31 PM

How do I update the the maps on my unit? Do I need to plug the chip into a programmer or can I plug the whole unit into the device that attaches to my computer? I'm electronically illiterate.

You apparently did not not burn the original chart chip based on your comments :-) The only thing you can do with the new Bluechart CD is update your Bluechart software on your PC and use the USB attached card programmer to update the charts on a blank Garmin memory chip. If this is Greek to you then the best bet is to go to the place where your original chart card was created (West Marine?) and see if they can update it. If it's a preprogrammed chart chip then you need to see if you can trade it in for an update with Garmin.

Hope this helps.