garmin550s

[niggle99]

hi I have just bought this garmin 550 s its a few years old now and software is outdated 2006, I know its a long shot but does anybody know how to update the software on this garmin , as I understand you can download updates from garmin onto a sd card and update the unit that way , if some one know s how or has done their own would they get in touch , either show me how or do it for me , I will pay someone to do it , and will travel with unit ,im from Doncaster but in Whitby every week thanks nige tel 07866222211

[thomas]

Garmin: GPSMAP 550/550S Change History

http://www8.garmin.com/support/downl...ls.jsp?id=4763

This is what you need, you stick the update on an SD card, pop the card in the slot and power up the unit, it will then run the update.

One problem you may encounter is a faulty SD card slot and it does't recognise the card.

[Silverfox]

You might need to format your SD card. Also use a normal SD card not an SDHD one too.

[9D280]

On phone at mo so not looked at the Garmin link, but first thing is to check what software version the machine is running compared to what you are about to try & download.

You might not need to do anything!

When I did my plotter I just emptied the case in my camera and used it. Also remember you might need a small capacity card depending on the age of the plotter. Mine won't read anything bigger than 2meg.

[alystra]

Yes, I did mine a while ago. The SD card couldn't be read at first. I guessed it had to be formatted. The only way I know how to do that is in my camera, which I did. Everything worked after that and the plotter was updated.

I think it was an improvement, certainly more features easier to find. I think the chart scrolls more quickly too. It looks slightly different too, though I can no longer pinpoint why. I've got used to it and find it an amazing piece of kit.

[BogMonster]

I have a 556s - am I likely to gain anything with an upgrade? It was bought in 2010 with the boat.

[Leapy]

Originally Posted by BogMonster

I have a 556s - am I likely to gain anything with an upgrade? It was bought in 2010 with the boat.

The Garmin support website gives model by model, update by update, feature uplift or bug fix details.

[AJ.]

Format a small SD card. Stick it in the plotter and export/copy to SD.

Insert SD card into PC, log into Garmin website select plotter model and follow instructions for update. The website will check the software version on the SD card and update to latest version. When complete put SD card into plotter and import from SD card. Job done

[MikeCC]

A chart update SD card is also available @ £50 or so.