Unable to update gps chipset software

Discussion related to the Garmin Montana 7x0 series GPSr
ConiKost
Posts: 946
Joined: Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:08 pm

Unable to update gps chipset software

Unread post by ConiKost »

Hi! I've received a refurbished 750i from RMA. While I was able to install newest firmware 15.10, I am not able to update GPS firmware to 2.90.

Each boot, the devices asks, If I do want to install new software. If I do confirm, I can see, that it says, that gps firmware is being installed, but every time at 0% oder 1%, the whole device reboots and it stars from over again.

What can I do, do get the firmware installed? Or is my device faulty?
Garmin DriveSmart 86 MT-D (FW 6.80, HW V8, GPS 9.00.50, 32GB SD)
Garmin Montana 750i (FW 19.00, HW V6, GPS 2.90, Touchscreen 85.07, ​64GB SD)
User avatar
GPSrChive
Site Admin
Posts: 3881
Joined: Fri Jan 20, 2017 11:29 pm

Re: Unable to update gps chipset software

Unread post by GPSrChive »

While inspecting my two Montana 7x0 devices (an original 750i and a newer 700) I found something very interesting.

Both Montana devices report GPS Software version 2.81 on the Setup > About page.

Each time a new firmware is installed, I make copies of the Setup > About page for my records, and looking back through those images for both devices I can not find any that report GPS Software version 2.90.

We know the GPSMAP 66s/st/i also share this GPS Chipset, so I looked back through all of those saved screen captures and also can not find any that report GPS Software version 2.90.

Garmin have not updated their GPS Chipset Type M5 (3313) software page since version 2.70 was released.

This makes GPS Chipset Type M5 (3313) a bit of a mystery, as it does not currently appear to be in use by any devices.

Regarding your new RMA device, which PCB version do you have? You can find this information in the Diagnostic Menu > Device Info page:

System Diagnostics and Information:
  • Open Satellite page.
  • Press and hold the upper left corner of the screen >5 seconds.
  • A diagnostic test menu will appear.
  • Select desired test option.
    • Short press power button to cycle backlight brightness.
    • Long press power button to return to diagnostic test menu.
  • Long press power button to power device off.
ConiKost
Posts: 946
Joined: Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:08 pm

Re: Unable to update gps chipset software

Unread post by ConiKost »

GPSrChive wrote: Thu Dec 01, 2022 12:52 pm While inspecting my two Montana 7x0 devices (an original 750i and a newer 700) I found something very interesting.

Both Montana devices report GPS Software version 2.81 on the Setup > About page.

Each time a new firmware is installed, I make copies of the Setup > About page for my records, and looking back through those images for both devices I can not find any that report GPS Software version 2.90.
I am not able to confirm this. My old 750i, which I have to send back to Garmin (I still have it), clearly shows firmware 2.90 for GPS. I also can remember, that it installed without any problems back then. I can send you the downloaded GCD, if you want?
GPSrChive wrote: Thu Dec 01, 2022 12:52 pm We know the GPSMAP 66s/st/i also share this GPS Chipset, so I looked back through all of those saved screen captures and also can not find any that report GPS Software version 2.90.
That's really strange. I have currently GPS firmware 2.80 on my new 750i. I also tried manually to update to 2.81 and I am unable to, as I have the same problem as with 2.90.
GPSrChive wrote: Thu Dec 01, 2022 12:52 pm Garmin have not updated their GPS Chipset Type M5 (3313) software page since version 2.70 was released.

This makes GPS Chipset Type M5 (3313) a bit of a mystery, as it does not currently appear to be in use by any devices.
Sure? I mean, Garmin basically stopped updating all firmware history pages? The firmware history for 700/700i/750i is also not updated any more after 10.80..
GPSrChive wrote: Thu Dec 01, 2022 12:52 pm Regarding your new RMA device, which PCB version do you have? You can find this information in the Diagnostic Menu > Device Info page:
Still the same revision V6 as my old 750i. But Firmware 12.20 was preloaded. Note: I have waited about 5 month to get a replacement, as Garmin wasn't able such long time to get a replacement 750i for me.. Device ID seems much older, as replacement devices is 334xxxxxxx than my old one 340xxxxxxx.

43.jpg
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Garmin DriveSmart 86 MT-D (FW 6.80, HW V8, GPS 9.00.50, 32GB SD)
Garmin Montana 750i (FW 19.00, HW V6, GPS 2.90, Touchscreen 85.07, ​64GB SD)
User avatar
GPSrChive
Site Admin
Posts: 3881
Joined: Fri Jan 20, 2017 11:29 pm

Re: Unable to update gps chipset software

Unread post by GPSrChive »

ConiKost wrote: Thu Dec 01, 2022 3:55 pm That's really strange. I have currently GPS firmware 2.80 on my new 750i. I also tried manually to update to 2.81 and I am unable to, as I have the same problem as with 2.90.
The plot thickens. I am beginning to suspect Garmin have reverted to including the GPS Chipset firmware with the device firmware and locking out the ability to update it otherwise, similar to older models like the Colorado and Dakota, for example.

ConiKost wrote: Thu Dec 01, 2022 3:55 pm Sure? I mean, Garmin basically stopped updating all firmware history pages? The firmware history for 700/700i/750i is also not updated any more after 10.80..
They didn't just stop updating the Montana 7x0 page, it no longer exists. All records were removed:
Montana 7x0 Updates (Garmin)
The WayBack Machine has an older copy, however:
Montana 7x0 Updates (WebArchive)
Apparently, Garmin want their customer base totally in the dark...

ConiKost wrote: Thu Dec 01, 2022 3:55 pm Still the same revision V6 as my old 750i. But Firmware 12.20 was preloaded. Note: I have waited about 5 month to get a replacement, as Garmin wasn't able such long time to get a replacement 750i for me.. Device ID seems much older, as replacement devices is 334xxxxxxx than my old one 340xxxxxxx.
A. You confirmed via Diagnostic Page for both devices they are v6 hardware?
B. Can you please take the Setup > About screen capture in day mode?
ConiKost
Posts: 946
Joined: Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:08 pm

Re: Unable to update gps chipset software

Unread post by ConiKost »

GPSrChive wrote: Thu Dec 01, 2022 4:10 pm The plot thickens. I am beginning to suspect Garmin have reverted to including the GPS Chipset firmware with the device firmware and locking out the ability to update it otherwise, similar to older models like the Colorado and Dakota, for example.
But Garmin Express still offers the 2.90 firmware update for me, so something seems off?
I am pretty sure, that on my old 750i, the 2.81 and 2.90 firmware update was seperatly installed.
GPSrChive wrote: Thu Dec 01, 2022 4:10 pm They didn't just stop updating the Montana 7x0 page, it no longer exists. All records were removed:
Apparently, Garmin want their customer base totally in the dark...
Oh, indeed, they even removed it now.
ConiKost wrote: Thu Dec 01, 2022 3:55 pm A. You confirmed via Diagnostic Page for both devices they are v6 hardware?
B. Can you please take the Setup > About screen capture in day mode?
A: Yes, this is the case.
B: See attachments.

NEW Diag.jpg
NEW Info.jpg
Old Diag.jpg
OLD Info.jpg
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Garmin DriveSmart 86 MT-D (FW 6.80, HW V8, GPS 9.00.50, 32GB SD)
Garmin Montana 750i (FW 19.00, HW V6, GPS 2.90, Touchscreen 85.07, ​64GB SD)
User avatar
GPSrChive
Site Admin
Posts: 3881
Joined: Fri Jan 20, 2017 11:29 pm

Re: Unable to update gps chipset software

Unread post by GPSrChive »

How did you accomplish creating screen captures from the Diagnostic page?
ConiKost
Posts: 946
Joined: Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:08 pm

Re: Unable to update gps chipset software

Unread post by ConiKost »

GPSrChive wrote: Thu Dec 01, 2022 5:07 pm How did you accomplish creating screen captures from the Diagnostic page?
I just used the default screenshot function? I configured double press of power button for taking screenshot?
Garmin DriveSmart 86 MT-D (FW 6.80, HW V8, GPS 9.00.50, 32GB SD)
Garmin Montana 750i (FW 19.00, HW V6, GPS 2.90, Touchscreen 85.07, ​64GB SD)
User avatar
GPSrChive
Site Admin
Posts: 3881
Joined: Fri Jan 20, 2017 11:29 pm

Re: Unable to update gps chipset software

Unread post by GPSrChive »

Ah, had ours configured for single press, and that does not work here.

Thank you.
ConiKost
Posts: 946
Joined: Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:08 pm

Re: Unable to update gps chipset software

Unread post by ConiKost »

Garmin replied, that this will be fixed with upcoming software update 15.20, which is currently in testing phase and will be released soon. After that, I should be able to update GPS firmware according to Garmin.
Garmin DriveSmart 86 MT-D (FW 6.80, HW V8, GPS 9.00.50, 32GB SD)
Garmin Montana 750i (FW 19.00, HW V6, GPS 2.90, Touchscreen 85.07, ​64GB SD)
User avatar
GPSrChive
Site Admin
Posts: 3881
Joined: Fri Jan 20, 2017 11:29 pm

Re: Unable to update gps chipset software

Unread post by GPSrChive »

That is correct. Tested and confirmed.
Post Reply

Return to “Montana 7x0”