Updating the Honda NAVI and FIRMWARE
I don't know if anyone has posted any instructions to this thread yet, but here is what I have regarding the update for the Honda NAVI.
NOTE: These instructions are for the 2006-08 NAVI only and will get you as current as you can be. Any further updates will require updating your NAVI hardware or trading for a newer GW. The 2009 and newer GWs use the NT compression algorithm and you should be able to update your maps with the NT version of the sofware. I haven't tried this, so don't ask if the same process applies; I don't know.
JEK
UPDATING HONDA NAVI (US Version)
Updating your map set and firmware on the US Honda NAVI is a cumbersome, but manageable process. Just follow the recipe below:
Save yourself a lot of grief—READ and UNDERSTAND the entire process before starting. It will take you less than 5 minutes to read this entire instruction and will save you hours of aggravation later. =)
What You Need
2GB Compact Flash (CF) memory card (you can use the one in your NAVI)
CF Card Reader for your PC (many printers have card readers built in)
Latest Honda NAVI Firmware (as of Dec 08, V4.31), filename “gupdate.gcd”
Garmin “
City Navigator North America 2009” I used PN: 010-10474-00 (
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=8465)
NOTE: You must use the “non-NT” version of the software. If the title of the software includes the letters “NT,” it WILL NOT work with the Honda NAVI.
Your Honda NAVI “
Unit ID” (see “Get Your Unit ID” below)
Your Honda NAVI “
Serial Number” (see “Get Your Serial Number” below)
Patience and strict adherence to the instructions below.
How to Perform the Update
FIRMWARE ======================================
1.
Backup Your Honda NAVI CF Card. Just put your CF card in the reader hooked to your PC and copy the files from the Honda NAVI CF to a backup directory on your PC (put them in a folder titled “\GARMIN”). You can treat the Honda NAVI CF just like a disk drive.
2.
Put a New CF in your Card Reader. Create a “\GARMIN” directory on the new CF Card. You can use your existing card, but make sure you back up your existing files (Step 1 above) before deleting them from the old CF Card. If you’re using your existing card, ensure you leave the \GARMIN directory on the CF Card and put all your downloaded updates into this directory.
3.
Copy the New Firmware onto the CF Card. Copy the new Firmware file (“gupdate.gcd”) into the \GARMIN directory on the CF Card. It has the same name as the old one, so keep your new copy separate from your original Honda NAVI backup. If you need a copy of the latest update, I’m sure you know one Gold Wing Pilot who has this version; ask around.
4.
Load Your New Firmware to Your Honda NAVI.
a. Power up your Gold Wing by turning the key to ACC, but DON’T PRESS the Enter button.
b. Insert your newly uploaded CF card with Firmware only (no map update) into your Honda NAVI.
c. Let the new software load up; the process is automatic—be patient and DON’T TURN THE POWER OFF until you confirm the GPS system reboots.
5.
Verify Your Firmware Loaded Properly. You should verify the Firmware version by hitting “Menu” then “Setup/Info” then “Info/System” and you will see the Firmware version installed and the Unit ID. If it doesn’t match the version you were expecting, you have a problem. Carefully follow the process again.
1.
Update Your Firmware Version. If you need to, update your Firmware first, using the process above.
2.
Get Your Unit ID. Turn your Gold Wing key to the “ACC” position and let the NAVI start. Then, hit “Menu” then “Setup/Info” then “Info/System” and you will see your Firmware version installed and the Unit ID. Write down both numbers.
3.
Get Your Serial Number.
a.
Disassembly. If you’re comfortable with disassembling your NAVI hardware, you’ll need to remove the NAVI system to get to the “Serial Number” on the unit. This number is different than the Unit ID.
b.
Calling Garmin. See
http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us/support/supportcontact
for the contact info. Ask them for a cross reference to your NAVI Serial Number via the “Unit ID” determined in Step 1. Just give them the Unit ID and they should be able to give you your NAVI’s registered Serial Number. If the NAVI has been replaced (warranty or other) since manufacture, you’ll have to use Step 3a.
4.
Backup Your Honda NAVI CF Card. Just put your CF card in the reader hooked to your PC and copy the files from the Honda NAVI CF to a backup directory on your PC (put them in a folder titled “\GARMIN”). You can treat the Honda NAVI CF just like a disk drive.
5.
Put a New CF in your Card Reader. You can use your existing card, but make sure you back up your existing files (Step 4) before deleting them from the card.
6.
Install Software to your PC. Install your City Navigator North America 2009 to your PC, including unlocking your maps.
7.
Configure your Software.
a. The first “pull down” should read: “City Navigator North America 2009”
b. The second “pull down” should read: “1000 mi” Ensure you can see the entire map graphic.
c. Use the “Map Select Tool,” the one that looks like a polygon, next to the “Magnifying Glass,” and select the entire map set. Select the entire set by dragging your held-down cursor over the entire map graphic from upper left to lower right. The individual map regions will turn pink.
d. Click the “Maps” tab at the left and you’ll see each map listed in the info section of the tab. At the bottom, it will also tell you how large the set is in MB (1024MB = 1GB). Don’t exceed the capacity of your CF Card.
8. Transfer the Map Set to the New CF. If you’re using your existing card, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A BACKUP and delete the files from the CF card before attempting to load new files to your existing CF card. Note: THIS PROCESS CAN TAKE A FEW HOURS; BE PATIENT.
9. Load Your New Data to Your Honda NAVI. Insert your newly uploaded CF card into your Honda NAVI. Turn your key to ACC and let the new software load up; the process is automatic.
10. Enjoy Your Updated Maps!
