Equipment Review:
Garmin GPSMAP 4008 Software Update

Garmin are continually developing their range of GPS equipment and much of that development is in the software. The new versions of the software can be installed on owner's existing equipment, as long as it is a current model. Garmin make these software updates available on their web site www.garmin.com

These updates are not just cosmetic changes, there are significant new features that are made available free of charge, and make a great improvement to an already good product. I particularly like the compass band at the top of the screen, easier waypoint management and improved screen handling on zooms. There are about 60 other improvement since I bought the product only a year ago!

To install these updates on the GPSMAP 4008 (and similar models), you will need Internet access and a PC with a SD card drive. Now do the following:

1. Go to www.garmin.com
2. Under the Support tab, select "Software Updates and Downloads"
3. On the Software Page, select "Additional Software"
4. On the Additional Software page, scroll down to select you model, e.g. GPSMAP 4008
5. On the next Page select "Download"
6. On the next page select "I agree to the Terms and Conditions"
7. The next page has two options - to download the software, and to view a list of changes in each new software version. Updates are cumulative, so the latest update will include all previous updates. It is worth reviewing changes so you know what to expect when you have updated the software.
8. Select "Download", and save the file (over 50MB) to your hard drive.
9. When the file has downloaded, click on the file to open it - it is an executable file which runs a program to create a SD card with the new software on it. Put a blank SD card in your drive and follow the instructions.
10. When the software is installed on the SD card, you can take the card to your GPSMAP 4008. Make sure all connected devices (Antenna, Fishfinder module etc.) are connected and powered up, then power the GPS unit up and insert the card into the card reader. This is important because if the software on each device gets out of synch you will have problems.
11. The unit will recognise the card and install the new software by itself. This may take some time - ten minutes is not unusual. There may be some odd displays, but these will clear next time you turn the unit on.
12. That is all there is too it. You can compare the screen below with the earlier screen shown on the review pages.

P.S. After several updates you may experience occasional loss of satellite signal, which is cured by re-booting. This problem is caused by corruption in the internal almanac data. The cure this, back up your personal data to a SD card and do a hard re-set (switch on while holding down the Home button). When the system comes back up it will ask you to re-enter all your preferences, then you can re-import your personal data.

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