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Cortex® Release History
Updating your Cortex
Your Cortex devices are updated through the Cortex Onboard App. The Cortex software is downloaded with a Cortex Onboard install or update. You can do this at any time you have data coverage or WiFi availability, just like any other App update. Cortex Onboard will then distribute that update to your Cortex system next time you connect, it's that easy.
List of Cortex® Software Releases
The following is a version release history for Cortex Software:
2.1.36 - 8/29/2024
Release Date
August 29th, 2024
Release Versions
Cortex v2.1.36 contains:
Handset: 2.1.28
Hub: 2.1.2890
It is included in the Cortex Onboard app versions:
Cortex Onboard iOS: 1.15.3 (4)
Cortex Onboard Android: 2.1.29 (399)
Release Notes
Improvements and bug fixes:
- iOS: Allow Cortex updates to upload while the Cortex Onboard app is in the background.
- Cortex: Improved stability for long-running system that are using Cortex Monitor.
- Cortex: Fix issue where GPS satellite data is not displayed correctly on Garmin GPSMAPs device and non-Garmin MFDs.
- Handset (H1 and H1P): No updates.
2.1.34 - 5/28/2024
Release Date
May 28th, 2024
Release Versions
Cortex v2.1.34 contains:
Handset: 2.1.28
Hub: 2.1.2884
It is included in the Cortex Onboard app versions:
Cortex Onboard iOS: 1.15.2 (0)
Cortex Onboard Android: 2.1.28 (397)
Release Notes
Improvements and bug fixes:
- Improve VHF audio performance for long duration VHF transmissions.
2.1.32 - 12/13/2023
Release Date
December 13, 2023
Release Versions
Cortex v2.1.32 contains:
Handset: 2.1.18
Hub: 2.1.1935
It is included in the Cortex Onboard app versions:
Cortex Onboard iOS: 1.15.1 (4)
Cortex Onboard Android: 2.1.27 (396)
Release Notes
Improvements and bug fixes:
- Fix incorrect magnetic variation values in some NMEA 2000 PGNs for some locations in the world
- Fix issue that causes Cortex Monitor app issue to not start properl and vessel information not being updated
- Remove channel 2006 (6B) from all international (INT) VHF catalogues
2.1.25 - 10/26/2023
Release Date
October 26, 2023
Release Versions
Cortex v2.1.25 contains:
Handset: 2.1.18
Hub: 2.1.2879
It is included in the Cortex Onboard app versions:
Cortex Onboard iOS: 1.14.0 (15)
Cortex Onboard Android: 2.1.18 (388)
Release Notes
New Features:
There is now a swipe-down menu on the handset for quick-access settings.
Monitor only mode – disable AIS, VHF, and all alarms while you are away from the boat but keep remote monitoring running.
MOBs and waypoints can now be cleared.
View VHF duplex channels in the old A/B format, or as 10/20 format.
Enhancements:
Scan All mode now allows for skip broadcast channels.
Cloud: The “Prefer boat network” option now detects when the boat network is not connected to the Internet and falls back to the Cortex cellular modem.
The iOS settings menu structure now follows Android and the handset.
Numerous small bug fixes and stability improvements.
2.0.20 - 6/8/2023
Release Date
June 8, 2023
Release Versions
Cortex v2.0.20 contains:
Handset: 2.0.18
Hub: 2.0.2802
It is included in the Cortex Onboard app versions:
Cortex Onboard iOS: 1.14.3 (1)
Cortex Onboard Android: 2.0.18 (361)
Release Notes
Improvements and bug fixes:
Fixed rare occurrence where WiFi is lost and system is not responding.
Enhance VHF reception on weak incoming signals and avoid audio clipping.
2.0.13 - 4/6/2023
Release Date
April 6, 2023
Release Versions
Cortex v2.013 contains:
Handset: 2.0.13
Hub: 2.0.2799
It is included in the Cortex Onboard app versions:
Cortex Onboard iOS: 1.14.1 (0) upward
Cortex Onboard Android: 2.0.13 (360) upward
Release Notes
Improvements and bug fixes:
- Fix issue with weather channels not being audible in USA.
2.0.12 - 3/31/2023
Release Date
March 31, 2023
Release Versions
Cortex v2.012 contains:
Handset: 2.0.11
Hub: 2.0.2797
It is included in the Cortex Onboard app versions:
Cortex Onboard iOS: 1.14.0 (15) upward
Cortex Onboard Android: 2.0.11 (359) upward
Release Notes
Improvements:
SquelchEQ automated squelch with manual fine-tuning
Omni watch multichannel scanning
VHF audio recording and playback
Added VHF weather channel preset
AIS collision avoidance shortcut added to the plotter
Visual and layout improvements for Cortex™ handsets
Visual and layout improvements to Cortex Onboard™ app on Android devices
Improved landscape scalability for Cortex Onboard™ app on iOS for iPad® devices
Enable conversion between NMEA 2000® networking and NMEA 0183 for the following 0183 sentences: BOD, XTE, RMB, APB, HDT, HDM, BWW
1.8.30 - 09/07/2022
Release Date
September 07, 2022
Release Versions
Cortex v1.8.30 contains:
Handset: 1.8.27
Hub: 1.8.2551
It is included in the Cortex Onboard app versions:
Cortex Onboard iOS: 1.12.2(2) upward
Cortex Onboard Android: 1.8.27 (344) upward
Release Notes
Improvements and bug fixes:
Fix: handset crash when the instruments page was displayed for a very long time with the internal heading sensor enabled
Fix: the Magnetic Variation PGN sent over the NMEA 2000 network would in some cases contain incorrect Magnetic Variation values
Fix: Occasionally when Cortex™ would start the NMEA 2000 network was not detected
1.8.26 - 07/22/2022
Release Date
July 22, 2022
Release Versions
Cortex v1.8.26 contains:
Handset: 1.8.26
Hub: 1.8.2546
It is included in the Cortex Onboard app versions:
Cortex Onboard iOS: 1.12.0 (13) upward
Cortex Onboard Android: 1.8.26 (340) upward
Release Notes
New Features:
Improved squelch control and responsiveness - tunable from the click wheel
Handset will play an audible alarm on a lost Wi-Fi connection
Play announcement over the external speaker when an external alarm silence switch is activated
NMEA data source management available from iOS Cortex Onboard app
Production service release
Improvements and bug fixes:
Dual Watch no longer automatically disables on a channel change
ATIS mode will no longer receive rouge DSC messages
Improved Hub Wi-Fi stability when no client devices are connected
Cloud connectivity improvements
Fix Hub external speaker sometimes clipping the end of a VHF call
Fix spurious AIS SOG data
Improved NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 invalid character handling
1.7.35 - 02/10/2022
Release Date
February 10, 2022
Release Versions
Cortex v1.7.35 contains:
Handset: 1.7.25
Hub: 1.7.2445
It is included in the Cortex Onboard app versions:
Cortex Onboard iOS: 1.11.2 (4) upward
Cortex Onboard Android: 1.7.27 (308) upward
Release Notes
This release improves stability of the Cortex system when operating on a NMEA 2000 network. Its is strongly recommended to update to 1.7.35 from 1.7.27 or 1.7.32.
1.7.32 - 01/21/2022
Release Date
January 21, 2022
Release Versions
Cortex v1.7.32 contains:
Handset: 1.7.25
Hub: 1.7.2444
It is included in the Cortex Onboard app versions:
Cortex Onboard iOS: 1.11.1 (1) upward
Cortex Onboard Android: 1.7.25 (305) upward
Release Notes
This release improves stability of the system when left running for long periods of time. Its is strongly recommended to update to 1.7.32 from 1.7.27.
Other changes of note:
Fixed bug where Mexico was not always being included on Cortex M1-USA monitoring roaming coverage
Added Hong Kong VHF region with local channels
1.7.27 - 12/20/2021
Release Date
December 20, 2021
Release Versions
Cortex v1.7.27 contains:
Handset: 1.7.23
Hub: 1.7.2439
It is included in the Cortex Onboard app versions:
Cortex Onboard iOS: 1.11.0 (26) upward
Cortex Onboard Android: 1.7.24 (303) upward
Release Notes
New Features:
Loud hailer
Fog and Horn Signaling
NMEA Data Sources
NMEA 2000 internal sensor output
Internal sensor offset adjustments
Internal sensors on instruments views
VHF channel lock
Other changes of note:
Faster VHF channel change
VHF Mute control now includes DSC calls
Fixed button backlight brightness levels in night mode
Increase zoom level on handset plotter view
Fixed back button on idle wake actioning the back button
Improvements to the volume control
GPS Galileo configuration improvements
Added more cloud connectivity diagnostics
Included Mexico in Cortex M1 Hub-USA monitoring roaming coverage
Handset button handling improvements (wake from sleep on back button fix)
VHF TX audio quality improvements
Handset connectivity improvements
Cortex Onboard™ app user interface improvements and bug fixes
Improved cloud connectivity, including more supported countries
Improved remote diagnostics
No longer auto disabling GPS smoothing when dropping anchor
Fixed OTA update not working over Boat Network
Being more proactive with DHCP client (Boat Network) behavior
Fixed not being able to send .vsm if opened the landing page through a Boat Network
Adding chirps when the hub external speaker volume changes due to user interaction
Fixed issue that caused certain characters on Wi-Fi password to make it not work
Fixed issue that would cause multiple Wi-Fi restarts if clients became unreachable
Fixed issue with cellular modem crashing
Fixed issue where cloud would not reconnect
Added cellular region, so the user can see it
Added more countries for cellular service
Fixed issue where cellular modem gets “stuck” on a particular cellular operator
Changed the cloud over boat-network behavior to prefer the boat network
Added ability to toggle pressure and heading output over NMEA 2000
Fixed issue where heading is not always emitted over AIS
Fixed issue where NMEA 2000 depth and water speed values are dropped
Other minor bug fixes and user interface improvements on the Cortex® Handset and Cortex™ Hub
1.6.14 - 06/22/2021
Release Date
June 22, 2021
Release Versions
Cortex v1.6.14 contains:
Handset: 1.6.5
Hub: 1.6.2229
It is included in the Cortex Onboard app versions:
Cortex Onboard iOS: 1.10.0 (0) upward
Cortex Onboard Android: 1.6.5 (281) upward
Release Notes
Remote programming of Cortex AIS details and ATIS ID
Stealth mode input switch
Added NMEA 0183 Daisy Chaining.
Updated Cortex Hub web page interface on 10.1.1.1
Cloud connectivity improvements
Handset UI improvements
Minor bug fixes
1.5.36 - 05/03/2021
Release Date
May 03, 2021
Release Versions
Cortex v1.5.36 contains:
Handset: 1.5.32
Hub: 1.5.2151
It is included in the Cortex Onboard™ app versions:
Cortex Onboard iOS: 1.9.0 (16) upward
Cortex Onboard Android: 1.5.32 (274) upward
Release Notes
Alarm control changes
Alarm notification changes
Directional Alarms on Collision and MOB
Collision Profile changes
Auto Orientation when using Heading up
Onboarding walk through when handset is turned on for the first time
Monitoring connectivity and diagnostics improvements
VSWR measurement improvements
Cortex Network configuration dialog remembers your password
External speaker noise reduction
Quiet VHF RX when transmitting on aux VHF
Expanded VHF catalogs for Europe
UTC time PGN fix
True Wind direction and angle fix
Handset connectivity and stability improvements
1.4.22 - 03/08/2021
Release Date
March 08, 2021
Release Versions
Cortex v1.4.22 contains:
Handset: 1.4.18
Hub: 1.4.1822
It is included in the Cortex Onboard app versions:
Cortex Onboard iOS: 1.8.6 (1) upward
Cortex Onboard Android: 1.4.18 (262) upward
Release Notes
AIS static data fix for GPS antenna location
Under the hood software defined radio platform performance improvements
1.4.21 - 02/24//2021
Release Date
February 24, 2021
Release Versions
Cortex v1.4.21 contains:
Handset: 1.4.18
Hub: 1.4.1819
It is included in the Cortex Onboard app versions:
Cortex Onboard iOS: 1.8.5 (0) upward
Cortex Onboard Android: 1.4.18 (256) upward
Release Notes
Improves data validity checks on AIS transmissions
Fixes an issue with vessel dimension conversion between feet and meters
Improvements to DSC call log behavior
Fixes an issue with input functionality on GPIO channel 4 and 5
1.4.18 - 01/12/2020
Release Date
January 12, 2020
Release Versions
Cortex v1.4.18 contains:
Handset: 1.4.18
Hub: 1.4.1812
It is included in the Cortex Onboard app versions:
Cortex Onboard iOS: 1.8.4 (0) upward
Cortex Onboard Android: 1.4.18 (254) upward
Release Notes
Fixes a calculation issue when in heading-up mode
1.4.17 -12/15/2020
Release Date
December 15, 2020
Release Versions
Cortex v1.4 contains:
Handset: 1.4.17
Hub: 1.4.1805
It is included in the Cortex Onboard™ app versions:
Cortex Onboard iOS: 1.8.0 (10) upward
Cortex Onboard Android: 1.4.17 upward
Release Notes
Boat Network connectivity
Improved Cloud Diagnostics responsiveness
Fixed Anchor Watch synchronization issues with Cortex Monitor
Handset will auto power on from sleep mode if it was powered off at the switch panel
When the ch16 button is pressed immediate visual confirmation of the change provided
NMEA 0183 echo setting improvements
NMEA 2000 bus connection improvements
Maximum number of Handsets
With the inclusion of Boat Network functionality the maximum number of handsets that can be connected (10) has been split between the Cortex™ Network (5) and the Boat Network (5). Note, using Cortex Onboard app on a mobile device will consume one of these, however, using the NMEA gateway (TCP/IP port 39150) over the Boat Network does not.
Cortex Onboard Wi-Fi Configuration
In order to get the best performance out of the Cortex Onboard connection manager, to get started use the in app configuration options rather than the Apple or Android system's Wi-Fi manager. First connect to the Cortex Network to get the Boat Network details and decide if you want to use your boat network or keep using the Cortex™ Network.
Portable Handsets (model H1P only)
Updating your H1P to v1.4 will require you to reconnect your handset to the Cortex Network. Future updates will not.
1.3.0 - 10/02/2020
Release Date
October 2, 2020
Cortex Onboard iOS version: 1.7.2
Cortex Onboard Android version: 1.2.6
Release Notes:
Cortex WiFi connectivity improvements
Handset WiFi configuration changes
Handset system stability improvements
Pressure sensor improvements
Minor bug fixes and user interface improvements
1.2.5 - 09/08/2020
Release Date
September 08, 2020
Cortex Onboard iOS version: 1.7.1
Cortex Onboard Android version: 1.2.5
Release Notes:
Added input port support for stealth mode and alarm silence buttons
Added output port support for an alarm buzzer
Included network sensor data streaming to third party apps
Improvements to cloud connection stability
1.2.3 - 09/04/2020
Release Date
September 04, 2020
Cortex Onboard iOS version: 1.7.0
Cortex Onboard Android version: 1.2.4
Release Notes:
Fix for editing restrictions on AIS static data
Improvements to cloud connection stability
Fix for MOB test mode control
Improvements to the update process
Minor bug fixes and user interface improvements
1.2.2 - 09/03/2020
Release Date
September 03, 2020
Cortex Onboard iOS version: 1.6.2
Cortex Onboard Android version: 1.2.3
Release Notes:
Added support on the Hub’s GPIO port for smartAIS alarm kit
Improvements to cloud connection stability
Fix for MOB test mode control
Improvements to the update process
Minor bug fixes and user interface improvements
1.0.0 - First Release
1.0.0 - First Release
Updating the Cortex
Cortex devices are updated through the Cortex Onboard™ App:
The Cortex software is downloaded with a Cortex Onboard install or update. This can be done any time there us data coverage or Wi-Fi availability, just like any other App update. Cortex Onboard will then distribute that update to the system next time it connects.