Topic: 997 update to version 6.3

[wally hunter]

I went to update my 997 yesterday, and installed the sd card before I powered the unit up and now all it does is have a black screen and the "loading" message keeps coming and going. I can get in to the matrix menu by hitting the power and view buttons, so do you think that the "boot strap method" would work to get it restored? Looked on hummbird for the aspc2 cable and the adaptor to usb cable ,looking at about $80 for the cables, dont want to buy them if you think the bootstrap method doesent work. I know humminbird probably wants and arm and leg to fix it and probably wont do anything about it . Loaded version 5.8.... same way that loaded fine, anything I should do  or should I contact humminbird? really sucks   thanks

[sonar2000]

Make sure you have the right level of 997 code and not another unit.
Did you say that you could put 5.8 back on..

Chuck

[Humminbird_Greg]

I would check the member map and see if there is anyone around you that has the PC Connect cables and either borrow them or get them to update your unit.  You may also want to check on any marinas or electronics retailers that carry Humminbird units for the same.  You may get lucky and find someone having a show that has a pair of these as well.

The bootstrap method is not always 100% and neither is any way.

[wally hunter]

What do you mean by having the right level of 997, got the software update 6.3 off hummbird wesite.  No ,I had 5.8 something loaded in there before trying update, I meant that I never had problems loaded any update the way I described , cannot load anything right now sonar sreen keeps flashing "loading" across the screen. Does anyone know what hummbird roughy charges to fix this? So maybe there is a snow balls chance in hell that the boot strap method would work? Then maybe if there is hope I will buy the cables and try it.   Thanks for the help,this is a good forum!

[sonar2000]

Right level of 997.  Just making sure you had downloaded the 997 file and not another. Some of these release names are confusing (the long names) and some of the levels (6.1 can be for several units just need the right .bin file.)

I could not tell if you had been able to down level load correctly (5.

How to bootstrap:
http://forums.sideimagingsoft.com/index.php?topic=661.0
If you can get bootstrap to load then you might save a few (well a bunch) instead of sending to HB,. That usually can be $200 to $400 cost..

Chuck

[Humminbird_Greg]

According to this web page the cost is $260.45 but I would call to make sure.
http://www.humminbird.com/FAQ.aspx?ContentId=1764

[wally hunter]

Just wanted to give an update on the situation, called Humminbird today because I was signed up as a select member, and the lady told me that since the unit worked fine before trying to update the unit ,that all the charges would be waived , just have to pay to have it shipped down there. After my 997 went down was seriously thinking of switching to lowrance , but after talking with Humminbird , I am very pleased and will buy nothing else but birds. Talk about customer service ,I was on hold for 2 minutes and problem resolved in  less than 5 minutes ,Now thats customer service, If I had to rate it it would be well over 100%.  Cheers to Humminbird!!!!!!!!!!
   Also wanted to metion thanks for everyones help this is a great forum.

[ITGEEK]

It's great that Humminbird is realizing that their updates are causing
people problems, and that they are willing not to charge their customers.
Usually, I think that Humminbird customer service will do right by their customers.
Unless, of course, a customer has an attitude, is nasty, and pisses them off.

Humminbird would save themselves, and a lot of users time, and grief if they would
just thoroughly test each update before releasing them to the public.
They need multiple automated, and hands-on testing procedures in place.
It will take some work, but it is possible.