Topic: 1197 software update decision

[muller2357]

i have an 1197 and a 997 both with version 4.750 software
i see there are numerous newer versions i could put on them....i also see all the posts about problems people have after updating.  6.180 seems particullarly sketchy.  if i do update wich version should i try and do i have to update each version one at a time or can i just put the highest one on and will have all the added features?  hope that makes sense
thanks

[muller2357]

ok after doing some more reading here i see i can simply download the latest and greatest version...i dont have to do each software version sequentially. so that answers that.
how far up the chain of versions can i go before i start seeing problems,
or is it that all the software is good but some people are not following the instructions to the letter and are then having problems

[George]

muller2357

So far I have loaded every update without any issues.  For some reason a few others have had some problems.  You can load the latest version and if you do not like it, you can always load one of the older versions.

George

[sonar2000]

To be on the safe side make sure you have a copy of your current release (on your computer) and then a copy of the new code.
On the sd card only have one release of the code.
That way if you have to go back a level you will already have the code.

On another note: underd ownloads on this forum are several levels of code. you can always go back from the downloads here.
It is easier if you already have them on your pc.

Chuck

[ITGEEK]

I also have an 1197c.

I used to be an advocate for installing the latest and greatest
update without any hesitation or questions at all.

After installing the 6.180 update, my system slowed to
a crawl, and my XM weather did not work anymore.
I spent a lot of time trying to trouble-shoot the problem.

I have since totally re-thought the update process completely, and here are the
conclusions that I have reached for myself.  These are my personal opinions and
you can take them as you like.  Also, I am speaking from the experience of
being a computer programmer for over 30 years.

Humminbird does not thoroughly test each update on each machine with
every available accessory.  If they did, we wouldn't see so many update problems.

If you have a finite processor speed and a finite amount of memory,
each update you install will have added features, which means added code.
Think about it.  Every new View needs to be stored somewhere.

If each subsequent update adds more running code, then the machine will slow down.
Eventually it will slow down to a point of being unuseable, unless a more efficient coding language is substituted/developed, or if there was something in the previous code that
wasn't running properly.

Unfortunately, we don't have the option of sending our machines in
to get a faster motherboard and/or more memory.

After some research, I went back to the 4.700 update, which is just before the
down-imaging became available.  I don't use the down-imaging anyway, so I'm
not missing anything.
Now my unit is fast and dependable, and everything works
great.  I see no need for me to ever update on this machine again.

I would say that if there are features you really want in a new update, first
research to see if others have had problems with it.  If they haven't
and you really want those features, then update.  Keeping in mind that your
machine is going to be a little less responsive with each new update you install.

[sonar2000]

It would be nice to have a good write up on releases, fixes, corrections.
That way you could figure if you really wanted or needed to apply a release..
It would not have to be a detail description but a general idea of what is in the release over what is there now..
to say it fixes waypoint errors means nothing, but to say it fixes duplicate names or something more specific is what we need.

Chuck

[Rough House]

is there anywhere where it states what the updates do? Im in the same boat everyone else is in. Not sure if i should update or not. (1198c)

[sonar2000]

I have not seen anything with specifics...only a very general statement and  not all inclusive of everything that is touched..
You can go to the HB web site and under FAQs there are some writeups. but they dont cover the entire release. only some highlites..It is not by unit either..
Chuck

[ITGEEK]

Unfortunately:
The only way to know if the update has bugs in it, is to
take a gamble and install it,
Or
wait for someone else to install it, then bitch about it not working.

Humminbird should have some type of bug free guarantee on their updates,
once they put them out for download.
Something like "This software has been thoroughly tested and found to be free
of errors".

And, also, to list all the units and accessories each update has been tested on.

It's not a very good scenario now for people who want to improve their machines
through these updates.

The nice thing about an update is: it's like getting a new, improved machine, when
they work right.

[sonar2000]

It would also be nice if HB had a varied group of people who coujld test.  Not just the sponcered fishermen but all purpose guys like we have here.
I am sure folks would be more than willing to help.
And with a knowledge of what they are testing and how to do it..
ITG.  you have been in the software long enough to know the value of customer tests..

Chuck