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. Charliektm400exc wrote:You just need the gmapsupp.img and update.gcd if your doing it using my instructions.

• Garmin Sat Nav
• Halfords Ireland

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.

Garmin Sat Nav

Robojoc wrote: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?

Sat Nav visor for the Honda Goldwing GL 1800 bike. Navi Map Update Card Update Instructions To update your Honda Navi Map software. Navigation System software that enables the new maps to operate on.

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. Themainviking wrote: 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.

Halfords Ireland

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. 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. Robojoc wrote: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.