Updating Humminbird firmware doesn't work

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

I've tried updating my 798ci SI firmware, but it doesn't do anything. I'm sure I've followed the steps correctly, but still doesn't work to update. I even watched the video. Any ideas?

I'm using a new SD card and downloading the file right to the card. I turn the unit on then insert the card. Nothing happens.

[MN Mike]

Doesn't that file download as a zip file? I believe you have to extract it and then place it on your SD card. I believe it is a .bin file but I could be mistaken on that.

Once you get the raw file on the SD card and get the device updated, make sure you pull the SD card out and delete the file or it will keep on recognizing that file and ask you if you want to update again.

Mike

[MN Mike]

Guess I was wrong, it does download as a bin file and not a zip file.

Sorry,

Mike

[reddog]

When you load the upgrade to the card, can you see that the software version is actually on the card when you open the card? (You wont be able to open the actual software)

What version are you running now, and what version are you trying to upload?..

It sounds like you have the current version already in your unit, if it doesnt acknowledge the new version on the card. Is that possible?

[JohnMickish]

It sounds like you have the current version already in your unit, if it doesnt acknowledge the new version on the card. Is that possible?

That sounds like it to me. Check what software version the unit currently has and see if it needs updating. Press menu during the startup to get to the screen that will show you the info.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

It's v5.45 in the unit and v6.35 on the download site.

I tried formatting the SD card, no luck. I tried another SD card, no luck. It does nothing at all.

[kerryd15]

I cant remember but dont you put the card in then turn it on?

[MN Mike]

I cant remember but dont you put the card in then turn it on?

Thats the way I've usually done my 798 although I believe it can be updated while running too. I use a 256mb SD card and it's worked perfect every time I've done the update, I use the right hand SD card slot.

Sounds like a call to Humminbird support is in order, this is strange for sure.

Mike

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Yeah, I sent a message to tech support. If I get time I will call them today. I've tried it in each slot, with it on first, with it off first... nothing works.

[amateurfishing]

i kinda had same problem earlier this year with 597 ci update. i had double & triple checked everything and they went so far as to tell me my SD card must be bad and i responded with u r full of talk. i received a call from them next day and it turned out their "computer tech" dept found a glitch in the "downloading" software, not the fishfinder software but a glitch that actually prevented the update to download to my card properly so my finder was never reading a software update on the card even though HB site said it was downloaded onto card, it never actually was. It was fixed next day, HB was apologetic & thanked me for bringing the issue to their attention.

[1johnb]

Dont forget to reset factory defaults twice before inserting the card and then after the update is finished.Check out imonbass on youtube Doug Vahrenberg has some pretty helpful tips on the HB units.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

OK, so I talked to them today and here is the latest. After much convincing that I'm not a moron, I talked the tech into sending me a slightly older version, yet newer then the version in my unit. I told her that I believe they a problem file in the download.

My version is 5.45 and she sent me 5.84

I put it onto my SD card, fired up the unit, popped the card in and bingo. Worked like a charm and updated to 5.84. So then I thought I might be able to now install from my new 5.84 to their newest 6.35 - no dice. Doesn't work at all, same problem as before.

I just fired off an email to the tech with their 6.35 file attached and asked her to check it out. It's got to be a bad file. The saga continues...

[amateurfishing]

sounds like same issue i had with them, it may not be the actual fish finder software that is bad but the actual program that downloads the fish finder software