Garmin chipset type M and M2 updates

[+allory]

No idea what it does, but for the brave of heart:

 

http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=3733

GPS Chipset Type M software version 2.90 as of August 6, 2009

 

http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=3735

GPS Chipset Type M2 (Region File) software version 2.90 as of August 6, 2009

 

It does update the chipset on my Vista HCx.

Edited August 6, 2009 by allory

[+twolpert]

This is chipset firmware. Chipset firmware is what actually drives the receiver hardware. It sits "below" the application firmware that drives the user interface. Not sure what units this applies to. I am pretty sure that my early serial number Colorado 400t is type M. Will probably get this when I next use web updater on my unit...

 

Webupdater won't download it for you unless it does apply to your unit.

Edited August 6, 2009 by twolpert

[+Red90]

It will be interesting to see if it is better or worse. Maybe the "drift" will be a thing of the past....

 

http://www.gpspassion.com/fr/articles.asp?id=259

# MTK v1 - MTK3318 (type M/M2)

1. Handheld : eTrex Hcx series (Vista, Legend, etc...), Colorado

2. nüvi 2x0 : some nüvi 200/250 models

3. nüvi 260 : all models (?)

4. nüvi 7x0 : some (all?) models starting summer of 2008, see details

5. nüvi 7x5 : all models

6. nüvi 8x0 : all models

[jmundinger]

It will be interesting to see if it is better or worse. Maybe the "drift" will be a thing of the past....

 

I installed chipset 2.9 along with firmware 3.0 - they came about about the same time - on my Vista HCx and reverted to firmware 2.8 with chipset 2.50. I have yet to experience "drift" with that configuration and what appear to be the best track logs, when plotted on a topo map.

Edited August 6, 2009 by jmundinger

[+Red90]

Are you sure? 2.90 just came out today, AFAIK.

[+salem65]

Just ran webupdater on my Colorado 300. Two chipset updates were installed. Will be testing it out later tonight and while caching tomorrow.

[+g-o-cashers]

Interesting, I just updated and there were two updates on my CO:

 

Chipset Type M

Chipset Type M HotFix Data

 

Do you suppose the MTX-based devices are getting HotFix (fast signal relock)?

[MtnHermit]

It will be interesting to see if it is better or worse. Maybe the "drift" will be a thing of the past....

 

I installed chipset 2.9 along with firmware 3.0 - they came about about the same time - on my Vista HCx and reverted to firmware 2.8 with chipset 2.50. I have yet to experience "drift" with that configuration and what appear to be the best track logs, when plotted on a topo map.

 

I'm running chipset v2.8, little drift until the batteries get to one bar, then lots of drift. Possible I missed the low-bat warning beep. That's one weak noise maker.

 

[+Red90]

With 2.80 I was still getting the "drift" on occasion when in really heavy multipath terrrain. Hopefully this one fixes it.

[MtnHermit]

With 2.80 I was still getting the "drift" on occasion when in really heavy multipath terrrain.

Me too.

 

Hopefully this one fixes it.

+1

 

Bottom line the Colorado is a great GPSr, glad you influenced me to get one. ;beer

[flyjazz]

Downloaded the firmware 2.90 with the Hotfix. No problems to report. It's something that I'll appreciate,sometimes found the Colorado taking it's sweet time getting a lock. Especially so if you start moving before it gets a lock on the satelites.

[jmundinger]

Are you sure? 2.90 just came out today, AFAIK.

 

My typo - it was chipset 2.8

[+Crid]

I got a replacement Colorado from Garmin last week with 2.90/2.90 on it. I had a big drift (over 800ft) on my first proper test in woodland, so I wouldn't bank on this update fixing the drift problem.

[+Red90]

I got a replacement Colorado from Garmin last week with 2.90/2.90 on it. I had a big drift (over 800ft) on my first proper test in woodland, so I wouldn't bank on this update fixing the drift problem.

 

Bummer.

 

As I run a trail mapping project, it can really mess up a hike when this happens for me. Fortunately, when plugging into an external antenna in the truck, it has never happened. I might start using an external when hiking to see if it can be stopped that way as well.

 

Sirf really seems to be the only one to have figured out the calculations properly. Are you listening Garmin????

[jholly]

 

Sirf really seems to be the only one to have figured out the calculations properly. Are you listening Garmin????

 

They might be, but unfortunately the lawyers and judges have tied their hands on chip choices.

 

Jim

[+Styk]

I read that Sirf IV is being released.

[flyjazz]

Had this firmware on my Colorado for a few days and I'm very impressed with the speed of acquisition with Hotfix. Now when I turn it on it will lock on immediatley after startup.

[savant9]

Had this firmware on my Colorado for a few days and I'm very impressed with the speed of acquisition with Hotfix. Now when I turn it on it will lock on immediatley after startup.

 

Agreed, even after my colorado has been turned off for 30 hours or more, I get a lock within seconds of powering up.

[flyjazz]

Had this firmware on my Colorado for a few days and I'm very impressed with the speed of acquisition with Hotfix. Now when I turn it on it will lock on immediatley after startup.

 

Agreed, even after my colorado has been turned off for 30 hours or more, I get a lock within seconds of powering up.

 

Went onto the garmin site to find out more about Hotfix. Seems it will predict the location of the satelites for 3 days since the last time it had an acquisition and will take longer(pre Hotfix)after that.

[+fegan]

After updating my Colorado 400t to GPS 2.90, and the Hot Fix, all is well on my GPS (found 7 caches today and it was just as accurate as it has always been...only glitch was under power lines and that's always a problem, with any GPS).