Updating the internal operating software of a Garmin Chartplotter using a Garmin Data Card

Chartplotters that use the Garmin Data Card can have their software updated via the card.  Unfortunately, the Garmin Data Card and the USB Card Programmer needed to do the software update are discontinued and no longer available.  These items will need to be purchased from other sources as they are able to be found.  Please use the instructions below to update your chartplotter.^1,2

The update from the Garmin web page can be downloaded and applied to the data card. The items needed to download the update are:

1. A 64MB Garmin Data Card
2. A USB Data Card Programmer
3. A computer loaded with a 32-bit version of Windows

With these three items, please download the latest version from the device's respective product page, using the "Software" link on the right-hand portion of the page. Once the update has been applied to the card, please follow the installation instructions below.

Install Instructions:

Once the Update Card has been created, please follow the instructions below to install the update on your Chartplotter.

1. Power On the chartplotter
2. When the warning screen appears, choose I Agree
3. Make sure all accessories are connected and appearing on the chartplotter. If an update exists for these accessories they will be updated as well in this process
4. Insert the data card into the data card slot (slot number 1 on the 2000 or 3000 series devices).
5. After inserting the update card, the device should prompt you to Update Software. Please press the Enter button
6. The device will now begin the update process for your device and all accessories directly connected and that appear on the chartplotter
7. During the installation of the update, the device will reboot itself. Please keep the update card inserted in the device until the chartplotter fully reboots and proceeds past the warning screen³
8. Once the chartplotter has fully progressed past the warning screen, the update card can be removed and the device and all connected accessories will be up to date

¹This will only update the internal software version of the device. The mapping will not be updated in either process described below.

²Please backup all user data (i.e. waypoints, routes, and tracks) before performing any update. This will help ensure a backup exists if data is unintentionally lost.

³Removing the update card before completing step #8 may corrupt the install process, thus rendering your devices and all connected accessories inoperable.