GPS Chipset Updates
   2.90
   2.81
   2.80
   2.70
   2.60
   2.50
   2.40
Firmware
 

 


Check Firmware Version

 



Warning!

The following firmware updates include significant issues that may inhibit proper device operation:

Version Notes
4.80 • Can require many hours or days to complete a single boot sequence. (see Bug 95)
4.70 • May fail to read data properly from microSD card.



 

Garmin Express

Firmware updates, map updates, Connect IQ applications and other optional software improvements for your Garmin GPSMAP 66 are managed with the Garmin Express application. Links to versions for both PC and Mac can be found in Software.


WebUpdater

The Garmin WebUpdater program has been reported to find and install updates available for the GPSMAP 66 that other methods fail to locate. Versions for both PC and Mac are available in Software.


Wireless Updates

When connected to the internet via an active Wi-Fi connection, the GPSMAP 66 will periodically check for (non beta) firmware updates and download them seamlessly in the background when available. Once the download has completed, the GPSMAP 66 will prompt the user to install the firmware update at the next power-on event.



 

GCD Updates

Current (non beta) firmware updates are available directly from Garmin using the URL https://download.garmin.com/software/GPSMAP66_WebUpdater__xyz.gcd and substituting xyz with the desired three digit firmware version. For example, to download firmware version 2.80, replace xyz with 280.

GCD Update Procedure

EXE Updates

Some firmware updates (usually betas) are released as a windows executable containing a compressed gupdate.gcd file and an installer program. Regardless of OS, the *.exe can be opened with an archive tool and the gupdate.gcd file can be extracted for manual updating as outlines above under GCD Update Procedure.

EXE Update Procedure

RGN Firmware Install

Should you ever find yourself with an GPSMAP 66 that refuses to complete the boot process and all other options have failed to restore the unit to its former glory, a forced RGN Firmware Installation may be your only hope.

 



GPS Chipset Type M5 (3313) Software Update History

GPS
Version

Release
Date

Release Notes

2.90

 15JUN22
  • GNSS Software Release.

2.81

 26MAY22
  • GNSS Software Release.

2.80

 10AUG20
  • Fixes crash in Expedition mode with WAAS or GALILEO in use.

2.70

 04JUN19
  • Improved reliability of low power mode.

2.60

 01MAY19
  • Improved expedition mode reliability.

2.50

 26OCT18
  • Improved GPS Performance in Expedition mode.

2.40

 22OCT18
  • Improved overall GPS positional accuracy.





GPSMAP 66 (3028) Firmware Update History

Firmware
Version		 Release
Date

Release Notes
10.70 20JUN23
  • Added option to turn on/off course alerts (Setup > Routing).
  • Fixed an issue where users were unable to cancel a prompted master reset.
  • Fixed possible issue with searching for waypoints near a city.
  • Fixed possible device shutdown when saving an activity from the map page.
  • Fixed possible issue with course navigation where the wrong course would be navigated.
  • Fixed a possible shutdown when exiting expedition mode.
10.30 NA
  • Not Published.
  • Factory installed production release only.
  • Setup > About.
10.20 03JUN22
  • Fixed a possible issue where POIs wouldn't appear on the map.
10.10 01JUN22
  • Fixed a possible shutdown when entering expedition mode.
  • Fixed a possible issue with editing a Geocache filter.
  • Fixed a possible issue with removing an item from the page sequence.
  • Fixed a possible issue with modifying the coordinates of Multi-Caches.
  • Fixed a possible issue with editing a Course name.
  • Fixed unit settings not being profile-dependent.
9.90 26JAN22
  • Fixed issue with main menu as base page.
  • Fix shutdown when downloading BirdsEye imagery when SD Card is inserted.
  • Improved Find key to search near map cursor position when appropriate.
  • Fixed possible issues with expedition mode.
  • Fixed possible issues with Search Near option.
  • Fixed possible issue with Cancel button when saving a course.
  • Fixed incorrect option menu items when reviewing a course.
  • Fixed incorrect option menu items when reviewing the current recording.
  • Fixed possible issue when changing long course names.
  • Fixed incorrect English text when deleting a profile.
  • Fixed possible issue where course review page could show stale data.
  • Fixed routing prompt appearing twice when adding a via point.
  • Fixed possible issues with menus in Connect IQ applications.
  • Fixed possible unexpected behavior when saving or clearing an activity.
  • Fixed adding via points to on road routes to a single point.
  • Fixed possible shutdown when downloading Birdseye Direct images.
  • Fixed missing lap data in course files generated on the device.
  • Fixed incorrect tone for on and off course alerts.
  • Fixed issue with on and off course alerts appearing when they should not.
  • Fixed possible issue syncing courses with Explore mobile.
  • Fixed issues searching for address numbers with more than 6 characters.
9.60 17NOV21
  • Added support for creating courses. Courses can be navigated point to point like a track, or using map data like a route.
  • Added support for syncing courses with Garmin Explore. Requires updated Garmin Explore app.
  • Added ability to convert routes and tracks to courses.
  • Added ability to pair to Garmin Explore without first pairing to Garmin Connect Mobile. Requires updated Garmin Explore app.
  • Added option to search for POIs near a selected city.
  • Added on course and off course alerts to track navigation.
  • Added support for Connect IQ 3.1.
  • Improved status bar to show paired sensors instead of only enabled sensors.
  • Improved Bluetooth device names in sensor setup.
  • Fixed possible issues with live geocache lists.
  • Fixed possible issues returning to the adventure review map from another page.
  • Fixed time data when copying tracks in reverse.
  • Fixed issue where route list would not update after route was deleted.
  • Fixed issue with keyboard language not persisting through power cycles.
  • Fixed an issue deleting adventures that contain routes.
  • Fixed possible issue with elapsed time when recording is paused.
  • Fixed possible shutdown selecting Current Activity from the Recorded Activities app.
  • Fixed issue where messages would appear during power-down.
  • Fixed pressure labels for hectopascals.
  • Fixed possible issue with missing track stats in GPX files.
  • Fixed issue selecting the first point on the active route page.
  • Fixed possible shutdown on keyboard page.
  • Fixed display issue on photo viewer page.
  • Fixed recording with expedition mode when auto-start is off.
  • Fixed issue where archived tracks could not be deleted.
  • Fixed issue with LiveTrack data not being sent correctly.
7.60 25JUN21
  • Fixed possible issues with Explore sync.
  • Fixed possible issue with incorrect track distances when using expedition mode.
  • Fixed issue where the text and keyboard languages could get out of sync.
  • Fixed possible invalid track GPX files after changing color.
  • Fixed possible issue with inReach remote message notifications.
  • Fixed possible missing band labels on satellite page.
  • Fixed Track color issue.
  • Fixed possible issue when viewing the Current Activity.
7.20 12MAR21
  • Fixed possible shutdown when sending a Quick Text from inReach Remote.
  • Fixed possible issues with items missing during Explore Sync.
  • Fixed an issue where certain submenus could be draws off screen.
  • Fixed issue setting custom waypoint offsets using filename.
  • Fixed possible issues that casued the main menu to draw over the current page.
  • Fixed possible shutdown related to BirdsEye direct downloads.
  • Fixed possible issue getting stuck on a page after powerup.
  • Fixed possible issues with postal code searches.
  • Fixed issue where proximity alerts would only alert once.
  • Fixed missing alerts from points loaded using POI loader tool.
  • Fixed adding hidden SSID networks.
  • Fixed possible issues with time restricted speed limits.
  • Fixed navigation to a geocache to always continue until ended by user.
  • Fixed geocache file list to wrap.
  • Fixed some issues with geocache photos.
  • Fixed issue where certain pages could incorrectly appear to have tabs.
  • Fixed issue where fit activities could be missing start time data.
  • Fixed issue where bearing line would not appear on map in CDI compass mode.
  • Improved recent finds list to include navigation started from the map.
  • Improved functionality of navigation features with Explore.
  • Improved round trip routing setup experience.
6.00 20NOV20
  • Added support for starting navigation from the Explore App.
5.00 05NOV20
  • Fixed issue causing some software updates to fail.
  • Improved the process of deleting .ggz files.
  • Fixed issue with geocache proximity alarm slowing down start up times.
  • Fixed possible shutdown on photo viewer with lots of photos.
  • Fixed potential flashing of main menu on top of different apps.
  • Fixed issue that could occur when clearing geocaching live data while navigating to a geocache.
4.80 29SEP20
4.70 15SEP20
  • Caution! See Warning Above
  • Fixed possible issue with GPX track name when making a favorite
  • Fixed possible issues sending messages with inReach Remote
  • Fixed possible issue where calendar would select the wrong day
  • Fixed possible shutdowns related to BirdsEye Direct
  • Fixed possible issues with Chirp pages
  • Fixed possible issues with geocache filters
  • Fixed incorrect location data on geocache logs
  • Fixed possible display issue on the review page for right to left languages
  • Added support for the additional waypoints part of a geocache to be downloaded via geocaching live
  • Added geocache proximity alerts
  • Added Auto Save to recording setup, replacing Auto Archive
  • Added Garmin Explore collections manager
  • Improved text entry for inReach remote
  • Improved BirdsEye Direct download speeds
  • Improved use of Menu > Menu so that page sequence positioning is not lost
  • Improved Chirp icon to indicate when Chirp is active
  • Improved behavior of navigation of the active track after a power cycle
  • Connect IQ security improvements
  • Various bug fixes and improvements
4.20 03JUN20
  • CIQ Security Update
4.10 18MAR20
  • Added ability to display FIT Activities on the map
  • Improved hiking route calculation performance
  • Fixed issue with using Spell Search to find cities in BirdsEye Direct
  • Fixed issue with deleting routes
  • Fixed issue with erroneous Track Archive Error dialog displaying at startup
  • Fixed keypad input preventing Wi-Fi networks from being added
  • Fixed issue with trip info fields not resetting
  • Fixed issue with displaying invalid positions in some position formats
  • Fixed issue with mismatched durations in Trip Computer and Recording Controls when using Expedition Mode
  • Fixed issue with not being able to display HuntView maps if a BirdsEye map is visible
  • Fixed issues with connecting to Bluetooth bike speed, cadence, and speed + cadence sensors
  • Fixed issues with CIQ applications not being able to download content
  • Fixed issue with displaying incorrect coordinates on the Satellite page when in satellite demo mode
  • Fixed issue with sending XERO locations to another device
  • Fixed issue with not properly displaying paired inReach Remote device as connected
3.40 26SEP19
  • Fixed issue where spot soundings were permanently disabled
  • Fixed possible issue on the map where we would list use instead of go
  • Fixed potential issue where route activity was not saved after changing profiles
  • Fixed potential shutdown when Recording Controls is in the page sequence
  • Fixed issue where we would delete GPX files on SD cards during Delete All
  • Fixed possible issue when leaving Weather page from page loop
  • Fixed possible issue with mass storage locking up
  • Fixed possible issues with MOB key
  • Fixed possible issues with WiFi set up page
  • Fixed possible shutdown when using Area Calculation
  • Fixed possible shutdown during large Birdseye downloads
  • Fixed possible shutdown with changing dashboards
  • Fixed timing for flashlight SOS morse code
  • Added ability to hide/show the dashboard on the map
  • Added Geocaching options to main map page
  • Improved altitude accuracy in Expedition Mode
  • Improved altitude accuracy with auto calibration
  • Updated magnetic compass deviation
3.10 03JUL19
  • Added ability to view upcoming turns in active route
  • Added support for remotely launching Connect IQ apps
  • Added additional Connect IQ cryptography support (KEY_PAIR_ELLIPTIC_CURVE_SECP224R1 and KEY_PAIR_ELLIPTIC_CURVE_SECP256R1)
  • Added ability to select from multiple found ANT/BLE sensors when searching for one
  • Added support for the Swiss grid CH-1903+ position format
  • Fixed issue with custom maps on SD cards
  • Fixed issue with calorie data field when using a heart rate monitor
  • Fixed issue with coordinate entry in some position formats
  • Fixed issue with proximity alerts of points loaded via POI loader
  • Fixed potential issue when stopping navigation when viewing the active route directions
  • Fixed issue that could occur after moving a waypoint
  • Improved activity data on Garmin Connect
  • Updated default waypoint symbol set (not published)
3.00 10MAY19
  • Added support for G3 Marine Cartography
  • Added TracBack to active track map review menu
  • Fixed possible issue with ascent/descent stats during Expedition Mode
  • Fixed possible issue on system resets
  • Fixed possible issue when routing to photos
  • Fixed possible issue when stopping navigation
  • Fixed possible issue when downloading Geocache Live lists
  • Fixed possible issue with track save portion page
  • Fixed possible issue on photo viewer when there are no photos
  • Fixed smart notifications after new pairing
  • Fixed possible issue with large Birdseye downloads
    •
  • Fixed issue where ghost waypoints were appearing in Waypoint Manager
  • Fixed Chirp icon missing from the Geocache Dashboard
  • Improved CIQ app Support
  • Improved photo viewer menu title to be consistent across platform
  • Improved download speeds of larger Birdseye Direct images
  • Moved activity type (once resided in Fitness) into recording setup
2.80 28MAR19
  • Fixed possible issue when syncing with Garmin Explore App
  • Fixed possible issue when saving or deleting waypoints
  • Fixed possible issue with RINEX data
2.50 01FEB19
  • Added support for Connect IQ 3.0
  • Added support for SK 42 grid system
  • Fixed issue on satellite page and empty lists
  • Fixed issue with Connect IQ tones
  • Fixed issue with Bluetooth setup from weather or geocaching
  • Fixed issue with short address numbers
  • Fixed issue with total ascent in saved track
  • Fixed issue when ending track navigation
  • Fixed issues with map page
  • Fixed issue with cancel option on power on settings clear
  • Fixed issue where geocache filters weren't being applied
  • Fixed issue on confirmation prompts
  • Fixed issue with temperature data field text
  • Fixed issue with custom map dashboards on stop navigation
  • Fixed issue routing to next stage geocache
  • Fixed issue where maps would load on every powerup
  • Fixed issue when accessing waypoint averaging from page ribbon
  • Fixed issue where some highway and freeway map labels were being cut off
  • Fixed issue causing weather map UI slowness
2.30 N/A
  • Production Only (unpublished)
  • No Information Published
2.10 24AUG18
  • Production Only (unpublished)
  • No Information Published