How to update GPS Navi maps without paying Garmin

[charliektm400exc]

Here's a way you can get updated maps for your GoldWing Navi, without having to pay Garmin an exorbitant amount. Don't get me wrong, I believe companies are in business to make a profit, and if Garmin gave me a way to buy a lifetime update for an reasonable price, as I have for my Zumo, then I would just do that, and not worry about a work around.

Should work for most countries in the world, but I've only done Australia, as that's where I live.

For safety you should back up your old card, or start with a new card with the firmware already installed on the card.
If you have a pre 2009 US or pre 2012 (rest of the world) then you need to update the firmware to be able to read the new style NT maps. This step by step is only about updating the maps from the Open Street Map project.

For instructions on how to do this see
http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthre ... everything


1. Go to http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl
2. Select Generic Routable
3. TYP file "None"
4. Select the country if you want to do it that way
5. Add other tiles if you want, but not necessary
6. Request your map/s by filling in your e-mail address and clicking the button
7. Wait for the second e-mail to turn up which will give you a link to go to where you can download your new map/s
8. Follow the link and download the file 'osm_generic_gmapsupp.zip" (ignore the bits about different files for different systems unless you want to play with the map on your computer)
9. Unzip the file, if it hasn't already happened when it was downloaded.
10. Copy the new file gmapsupp.img into the Garmin directory on your CF or SD card. Don't replace your old file as you may need it as a backup. (Note for the Navi to work the file must be labeled as above, so if you want to keep your old file on the same card, then rename it to gmapsupp.img.old before doing this step)

Lastly the maps from here are made via crowd sourcing, so probably won't be as accurate as the Garmin ones. You also can't complain about accuracy. But what you can do is, if you find and error, get involved in the project and update the maps to correct them. If you aren't prepared to do this, then at least make a donation to the project (bottom on the left hand side of the main web page). Think how much money this saves you from paying Garmin and donate appropriately.

Any errors, bits I've got wrong, things I've left out, or additional information that makes it clearer, then e-mail me (charlie dot franklin at me dot com) and I'll try and keep the instructions up to date.

Charlie

[robojoc]

A lack of information can cause confusion; If anything can go wrong it will go wrong!
When updating the firmware and maps to version 4.60 using the process I found here provided me with 2 files; gmapsupp.img and gupdate.gcd (after renaming). Now my old CF card has 3 files; gmapsupp.img, gupdate.gcd and GMAPSUPP.UNL.
How many files are needed to complete the update and if needed where can I get the correct GMAPSUPP.UNL file?
Please help.

[Viking]

If you have obtained an unlocked .img file, you do not need an unlock file (GMAPSUPP.UNL). If you are using a locked version of the gmapsupp.img file the whole thing won't work anyway. In either case, it is only necessary to have two files on the card. You need the gupdate.gcd and the unlocked gmapsupp.img.

WARNING: DO NOT UPDATE THE FIRMWARE ON ANY BIKE WITH AN SD CARD IN THE NAVI UNIT.

[charliektm400exc]

You just need the smapsupp.img and update.gcd if your doing it using my instructions. I'll see if I can edit the post to clarify that.

I know themainvicking is the expert on GPS navi units, so wonder why he's saying don't update the firmware. I know there are some problems with the latest versions, and it's a trade off between the things that don't work and having updated maps. Is that all it is, or is there some other reason?

[robojoc]

How can I tell if the file is locked/unlocked before use?
I read that the old maps will work with the new firmware, is that correct? What is the difference between the maps used with the non-NT and NT versions.

[Viking]

You just need the gmapsupp.img and update.gcd if your doing it using my instructions. I'll see if I can edit the post to clarify that.

I know themainviking is the expert on GPS navi units, so wonder why he's saying don't update the firmware. I know there are some problems with the latest versions, and it's a trade off between the things that don't work and having updated maps. Is that all it is, or is there some other reason?

Sorry to bust the bubble, but I ain't no expert on these units, although over the past two years of fighting with them, I have learned a few things worth knowing. The reason to NOT update the firmware on 2009 and 2010 SD carded nav units made for the United States market is that they already recognize NT maps. The firmware upgrades were to allow previous units (with CF cards) to also be able to recognize NT maps, but the newer units with SD cards not only do not need firmware updates, but suffer for them by losing some of their functionality.

[Viking]

How can I tell if the file is locked/unlocked before use?
I read that the old maps will work with the new firmware, is that correct? What is the difference between the maps used with the non-NT and NT versions.

The only way to know if the file is unlocked or locked is to know where you got it, or make it yourself. I have always made mine myself. If it is not stated as being unlocked, do not bother to obtain it.

Old maps will work with the new firmware, but I do not know how well as I have not extensively tested this. The difference between non-NT and NT map versions is the way they are coded. Also, there are no non-NT maps beyond about 2007 or so.

[robojoc]

2008 GL1800 everything except an airbag had Firmware rev. 4.31 on a 2GB CF memory card; I just updated to the 4.60 rev. using the original CF card after Backing up the original files on my computer. I am using NT maps from the osm_generic_gmapsupp.zip aquired from the Open Source Map Project but it is late at night here so I will look at the map accuracy this weekend and let you know how it turned out, to this point it looks good.
Thanks to all for the help.

Robojoc

[charliektm400exc]

Sorry to bust the bubble, but I ain't no expert on these units, although over the past two years of fighting with them, I have learned a few things worth knowing. The reason to NOT update the firmware on 2009 and 2010 SD carded nav units made for the United States market is that they already recognize NT maps. The firmware upgrades were to allow previous units (with CF cards) to also be able to recognize NT maps, but the newer units with SD cards not only do not need firmware updates, but suffer for them by losing some of their functionality.

Well I think your an expert. In sorting out what I wrote above I did a lot of reading of what you had written, and the advice you gave others.

Yes I agree with comments on updating/not updating.

Now if only Garmin can manage to release a firmware update to fix the problems, without making more problems. I think they said early 2013. Oh wait, that was months ago, so who knows when they will get it done, but I'm hoping that the delay means they are testing it properly this time.

[robojoc]

Disappointing update!
Thanks again for all the help.
I went for a ride today and found the maps appear locked. all I get are freeways, highways and main roads but all other roadways are missing.
I re loaded the old maps and the .UNI file but the new firmware will not unlock the old files, with the old maps I do get a message on the GPS stating that it can not unlock the maps; Immediately after it finished loading the maps. I will continue to get a good copy of the maps I need and post a solution if I discover it.

[charliektm400exc]

Disappointing update!
Thanks again for all the help.
I went for a ride today and found the maps appear locked. all I get are freeways, highways and main roads but all other roadways are missing.

Not sure if you tried zooming in for greater detail. I find that on the settings I used to use the maps only show major highways, but if I zoom in a lot more roads turn up. Seems to me to be a function of the buggy firmware, not the maps.

[robojoc]

The firmware could be part of the problem.
When I zoom out everything looks alright but when I zoom in the local streets never appear and the accuracy ring increases to reflect the new scale. When I reload the old maps with the new firmware I get the same result plus the GPS tells me it could not unlock the old maps even though I included the GMAPSUPP.UNL file.

[Viking]

The firmware could be part of the problem.
When I zoom out everything looks alright but when I zoom in the local streets never appear and the accuracy ring increases to reflect the new scale. When I reload the old maps with the new firmware I get the same result plus the GPS tells me it could not unlock the old maps even though I included the GMAPSUPP.UNL file.

You cannot unlock the old maps with the new firmware even if you have the .UNL file loaded. They are not compatible. If you reused your old card, you are stuck with using the new firmware. If you did not reuse your old card, then with a hard reset, you can revert back to your old firmware, locked map image, and the .UNL file will unlock it, but I see no point in doing this. What you need to do is make an unlocked image file from the newest City Navigator North America NT DVD, using a program called Map Source, or download an unlocked image file from one of the sites online. If you are using firmware version 4.6, then that should not be part of the problem. Your locked image file is not being read. That is the problem. A second problem is that you have to download or make an image file that is less than 1.92 GBytes in size. As you already have the firmware loaded, you can use all the space on the card if you have to. The unlocked image file has to be in a folder named Garmin. I always try to have a copy of the firmware there also, just in case I have to reload it, but it will work without it. Check your PMs.

[arambo]

charliektm400exc thank you very much indeed for the help it works for me, but navigation sound is not coming for some reason but any way thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Viking]

charliektm400exc thank you very much indeed for the help it works for me, but navigation sound is not coming for some reason but any way thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are pushing the Navi button on your panel, right? It is three position push push push. One is to speakers, one more gets headset and the third time goes back to off. Or at least that is how mine works.

[arambo]

charliektm400exc thank you very much indeed for the help it works for me, but navigation sound is not coming for some reason but any way thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are pushing the Navi button on your panel, right? It is three position push push push. One is to speakers, one more gets headset and the third time goes back to off. Or at least that is how mine works.

thank you, you are absolutely right now the sound is working loud and clear!!!!!

[arambo]

Gentlemen's

small question if i have bought a new CF card to which format i should use to initialize the card i.e FAT32 or just default FAT or...etc.

Thanks

[Viking]

Either one should work fine. Check first to see if it is already formatted, though. All the CF cards (over a hundred) that I have purchased, were all preformatted fat32 and work fine.

[jinx]

Warning :
If you update to your own maps on 06 - 08 you may run into a problem.
Some units will reboot when you try to find an address. This doesn't seem
to happen with authorized maps from Garmin but will with unauthorized maps.
The 2014.10 maps worked fine on my early , Low serial #, nav but when I replaced
it to a newer nav, don't ask, the problem with the reboot was back.
Also if you know how to generate the key many of the units will work with
locked maps.

[jinx]

Sorry I forgot t add you will lose the POI search feature as well.

[Bigredk9]

I know this is an older thread but I just bought a used 2007 GL1800A with Navi and I am wanting to use the instructions at the top of the post but I am having no luck finding an older firmware update so I can use the downloaded map files. I currently have 4.2 and I understand that I need at least 4.5. I have searched the web and cannot find anyone that has the file available. The link to the others sites post is currently 286 pages long and every link i have tried from the post is no longer available. Can anyone help?

[Viking]

BigRedK9, check your private messages.

[Comoxguy]

I am a new owner of a 2006. My nav does not show any roads and I don't think the system was ever updated..where do I start? Looking at the system screen it reads version 2.00? Does make sense? I'm hoping I can update

[Viking]

2.0 was the first version of firmware for these Nav units. There have been a number of updates since then. Learning to update your Navi has a fairly long learning curve, about which you can read if you go through all the threads on it here at Goldwingdocs. Your profile says Canada, but not where in Canada, but the username Comoxguy indicates Van Island. I am in North Bay Ontario.

Often the easiest way to upgrade your Navigation is to buy the update from Garmin, but they are a bit pissy about selling into Canada for the last several years. Some of us have learned to update the maps on our own, but the firmware still needs updating. I can help you with that, and if you were close, I could sit down with you and explain about the maps, but doing it here in a forum ends up being an endless task.

Untill sometime in 2016, we could build our North America maps (Canada, US and Mexico) in one file and have it sit onto one CF card, but since then the maps are too large and need to be broken down and put on two CF cards. We are limited to 2 GB CF cards on Canadian bikes, but some US models have been able to use larger and can still get their maps on one card. This is where online or forum explanations become endless.

Do yourself a service and read the eight or ten threads on the subject so that you are up on what we have done. Then get together with someone who is close to you and is making their own update cards and get copies. You need CF cards and a CF card reader/writer for your computer, plus the updated firmware - and then the maps.

[Comoxguy]

Viking, thanks for the quick reply. You are correct that I'm on Vancouver island. We are still riding here. Could I PM you with some specific questions?