Topic: Update the 1197 software or not?

[nediver]

Hi All,
I've used HBird SI products since 1996; All that time I have consistently read stories about users who have had an awful time simply updating their software; Unless something has changed if it doesn't go as it should the unit then has to be shipped to HBird. Not good-not good at all.

Opinions? I last updated mine maybe last spring as I recall but I am not one to update every time one comes along for reasons stated. And then I've read about additional operational problems even if the update goes thru OK.

Is it worth it? I have DI on my 1197 which is interesting but added clarity for example or better performance overall is of interest.

I'd like your opinions thanks.

[strawdg]

It depends on what version you have now and what later versions are available. HB doesn't provide reliable version information from what I have seen, and they also don't provide past versions on the web site so you can easily back out of an update.

From what I have noticed on various forums the last Firmware updates for the newer units are buggy and continue to cause problems.

This includes V6.57, V6.60, and some are now reporting problems with the latest V6.61.

If you decide to update MAKE SURE you have the version you are updating from available, just in case you don't like what the new version does to you.

Straw

[RGecy]

nediver,

Unless you are having issues or are interested in some of the new features, there isnt a need to update. 

Also, I try to keep most of the old software versions available here on the forum in the Downloads section.  I have not uploaded a few new updates, but will be getting to these over the next week or two.

If you do not find a previous version, just ask and we can get it!

Robert

[strawdg]

Robert--

Yes I realize that.... For me it isn't really a problem, I have all releases for my unit, including the one it was shipped with, archived on a remote server. I mentioned it because I have noticed that many on various forums either don't keep past versions or they miss versions before they finally update.

I really think it is great that this forum is trying to provide past updates for people, but in actuality, that should not be required.  Also with the continuous string of reportedly buggy versions, coming one after another, in such a short time you haven't been able to keep up.

Straw

[ITGEEK]

I really think it is great that this forum is trying to provide past updates for people, but in actuality, that should not be required.

Unfortunately, if you are a Humminbird sonar owner, these are absolutely required.
And they will be required until Humminbird thoroughly tests their
updates before releasing them.  People waste a lot of time trying
to get their machines working again after installing a bad
update.  I went through it once.  I am now extremely cautious
about updating.

I also have an 1197c.  I am currently running version 6.310.
There have been three updates since then (I think).
I'm not updating at this time.
My advice is to wait 2 months after an update comes out and
check the forums for complaints.  If no complaints, then it's
probably safe to use that update.

[strawdg]

ITGEEK--

I agree 100% with absolutely everything you are saying.....

HB is doing horrible with their firmware updates.

What I meant with my original statement was that Robert shouldn't be responsible for maintaining past update versions availability....

  HUMMINBIRD SHOULD

Straw

[sonar2000]

At one time we were adding updates when they came out but due to some issues with reliability we slowed down on that. We had done some updating a while back but it was with consideration of time release was out and reports from users who would consider the update reliable.

It would be nice if HB were to archive the releases. However, I would rather see that time spent getting good code out.

Other postings have said the user should be responsible for backups and while that may have some importance, not all users are computer friendly. So for the time being, we will update our site as the comfort level rises with a particular release.

After all it will be you guys who convince us to add the update..

Chuck

[sonar2000]

Another thought on code release is if the names was consistent. The long name means not a thing to us. We do here try to identify the product and level and then rename the .bin to a more common standard. We will try to continue this in the future. I would guess we may need to go back and rename some of the previous releases. Not sure if this would confuse those who understand the long name. Maybe we need a cross reference. I have that on my computer to help me with who is what..

Chuck

[RGecy]

When I upload new updates, I have actually kept the naming the same as the original method, just for sake of clarity.  HB has gone back to adding the unit number in, but still the long file name.

[ITGEEK]

strawdg:
The issue of Humminbird keeping older updates
for users to access has been discussed before.
It would mean more work for them, and would
probably result in a multitude of problems for them.
I agree with Chuck, that time would be best served in
testing the new code.

I think updates should come out with Humminbird's
stamp of approval 'Tested with all accessories and guaranteed
to be error free'.  If they would guarantee that their updates have been
throughly tested and are error free, then I would apply each new
update in a second.

[RGecy]

I think that is the main issue with trying to continually update products with new features, and could be considered a positive or a negative in some cases.  But most companies release a product with set capabilities and only release updates to fix bugs in the existing software with no new capabilitites.  Humminbird has chosen to add new features to their systems and expand their capabilitites and I think we all want that and are greatfull that our 6 year old, $3000 units are still being updated.  But, with that comes the possibility of new bugs.  Thats why I tell most people, unless you are having issues, or you need the new capabilitites of a new software release, there is no reason to update! 

HB does a lot of testing before they release a software version.  There are usually several versions of a software that are released for testing, and many of them are never released to the public due to bugs or new add on etc. 

[strawdg]

  Thats why I tell most people, unless you are having issues, or you need the new capabilitites of a new software release, there is no reason to update! 

Exactly.....

The problem here is that HB does not provide complete and accurate version information with each update..... So it is impossible to know if the update is usable or not.

On every update I have seen it looks like they simply copy the prior version information over to the new version.... maybe changing a line or two.

BUT when that new version is posted the old version information is gone..... So you can't even compare to see if you want or need the new update.....

Straw