GARMIN GPSMAP 178c updating

[dd716ted]

I just received a notice via email that a software update is available for my Garmin 178c operating system. In the past with my Garmin GPSMAP 168, when an update was needed, I connected the unit to my computer, contacted the WEB site and performed the update. Now with the 178c, the update has to be downbloaded to a data card using a "Special" Garmin USB Data Card Reader, and then the data card inserted in to the unit for updating. According to Garmin, you cannot download the update to the data card while it is in the 178c as you do MapSource information. Now you have to buy the special card reader...UGH! Does anybody know if the data card that Garmin uses is a standard style that other card readers will recognize or am I stuck and have to spend the $$$$ to get the Garmin reader?

[Joe]

Garmin is ALWAYS proprietary.

BUT..you can still update the unit connected to your pc..if you have THAT connection, which costs just as much as the card reader.

[dd716ted]

I have the USB to Serial connector that connects between the computer and 178c (also provides power) but Garmin says that this won't work... The WEB site will not recognize the card when it is in the 178c.

[Joe]

Youi are correct. I checked the newset download and it looks like they quit providing the them "serially". You can pick up a marine data management pack (USB data card reader, s/w, 16 mb chip) for about $50.