Topic: please help! Where is the firmware?

[nicknight]

I have an older 798 SI unit (external GPS puck, not HD).
My firmware is at 5.480, I am going fishing tomorrow and want to update the firmware.

The Humminbird website says it offers updates for 300 and ion I believe and that is it.
I registered my product a long time ago and forgot what email I used.
If I try to register my unit I put in the serial number but the dropdown remains blank.
Humminbird appears to be closed for the weekend.

The download section here I managed to find but the closest thing I see is 798ci SI.  Seeing as this is firmware and there are separate 798c abd 798ci firmware downloads I don't want to take a chance.

This is too hard, maybe I am doing something wrong, please help.


thanks,

Mike

[rnvinc]

You would need to contact HB to help with the registration beings as you have forgotten the email you used to register the unit ...The website has a tool for a forgotten password ...but that has to be sent to an email that you used to register the product ...

Your unit 798c SI Combo would use the label "798c" in the Software download section ("ci" designation is color display/internal GPS antenna) ...

The unit will not recognize a software version that is not specifically written for that model ... So you can't load the wrong one ...

Rickie

[newkid4si]

Mike

    This info may help.

           
OfflineHumminbird_Greg
Humminbird Helper
Humminbird Staff


Re: c vs ci designation
« Reply #3 on: January 19, 2012, 11:00:33 AM »
Quote
The “c” designation means that the unit has a color display.
The “i” designation means that the unit comes with an internal GPS Receiver.
If the unit is labeled “ci” than it is a color display unit with an internal GPS Receiver.
Units that are listed as a “Combo” unit means that it is a GPS Chartplotter type unit (shows maps) and that it comes with some sort of GPS Receiver.  If there is no “i” designation; than it comes with an external GPS Receiver.

The 798ci Si and 798ci HD Si units are the only Side Imaging units that we have made with an internal GPS Receiver.



  Also in the download section that there are three sub categories.

Humminbird Firmware/Software Updates
Humminbird Software/Firmware Updates for Side Imaging Units   
 Sub Categories: 1197c  997c  987c  981c  798c  798ci  797c2  797c2i  898c  998c  1198c  798ciHD  858cDI  958C  788CI  798CI SI  778c  998cHD 

                                                               xxxx  xxxx                                                                                                    xxxxxxxx

I can't find what CX stands for.

            Other Mike

[rnvinc]

"CX" is International model ...

Rickie 

[nicknight]

I didn't actually think I had the international model.  I don't know why I put that x in there a few years ago.
How do I tell for sure?

Thanks for the tip on the firmware only loading on units it is supposed to.

Given the way Humminbird runs their main website and the lack of documentation for the firmware (would a readme with details of the upgrade hurt?) with this stuff I think I want to try the right one the first time.
It looks like I will have to wait until next week.

[rnvinc]

System Status view dictates the model you have ...

You can make "System Status" view "Visible" under the "Views" tab in the Main Menu System ...

Rickie

[nicknight]

System Status view dictates the model you have ...

You can make "System Status" view "Visible" under the "Views" tab in the Main Menu System ...

Rickie

thanks.
System status merely states 798, however, The start up splash screen says 798CX (duh) I guess it may be something different with the international models, one would think it would be on system status.

[rnvinc]

I think you should call HB and get your registration email fixed so that you can go into your account and find the latest software for the 798cx ...(I can't find it on the HB website) ...

Verify with the CR person what version your CX model should have ...

1-800-633-1468

Rickie

[nicknight]

thank you, I will do that.  Any idea where I can find the feature list of the firmware?
I have 5.84 which is stable.  6.3 must have some extra stuff.  I just don't know what.

I have not been able to use side scan too much because of where I fish and how often but I went fishing on the weekend and the sidescan was great, helped me find some smallie cover

[rnvinc]

The HB CR person should be able to provide you a link to the FAQ on the HB website explaining the features of any software version ...

Rickie

[nicknight]

well I already said I was going to call them but truthfully I don't expect them to be all that helpful so like many others I posted here.

[newkid4si]

Mike

       I've always had excellent response working with CS.   Starting with a good attitude will go a long way in making that happen.

          Other Mike

[nicknight]

Mike

       I've always had excellent response working with CS.   Starting with a good attitude will go a long way in making that happen.

          Other Mike

thanks condescending person. 

[newkid4si]

I had no intention of being condescending. I'm sorry that you feel that way. I'm just aware what these ladies go through in a day. I did it for 36 years.

          Mike

[nicknight]

I had no intention of being condescending. I'm sorry that you feel that way. I'm just aware what these ladies go through in a day. I did it for 36 years.

          Mike

Not to worry, I don't take it out on the frontline people unless they jerk me around.  They have little to no control over the website or way the company does most things.  I am sure they would rather the website be clearer for such things.

[HBirdDeborahCRC]

nicknight if it has been over a year since you have logged into your humminbird.com account , then your account would likely be inactive and you may need to register the unit again on the site at the below link:

http://www.humminbird.com/support/myhumminbird/register/

Once you have registered the unit, you can log into your account to download the latest software under the MyHumminbird section on the website.

http://www.humminbird.com/Support/MyHumminbird/


If you have problems registering the unit, please send me a PM with your name, email address, and unit serial number so I can verify if you already have an active account and perhaps only need to have  your password reset for your on-line account.

Thank you,
Deborah @ Humminbird

[nicknight]

thanks.  PM sent.

[rnvinc]

thanks.  PM sent.

I did get your PM ...

If you need to PM Deborah ...she mentioned she is out of the office until Sept. 8 ...

Rickie

[nicknight]

I already did.
I wish someone would do my job for me.  you are too kind.

[nicknight]

I already did.
I wish someone would do my job for me.  you are too kind.

I did get your PM ...

If you need to PM Deborah ...she mentioned she is out of the office until Sept. 8 ...

Rickie

She asked me to PM her so I did and then nothing, I don't know why she bothered if she wasn't about to do anything for a week.
....I see that you are saying she is gone until the 8th.

I managed to get a copy of the firmware from the Humminbird place that repaired my FF the first time, they were great but did not have a readme or details for the software update.

1 week of trying to get a response and details, I got lucky with getting the one file.
Humminbird head office appears to have completely abandoned their customers are they going out of business?

[rnvinc]

Monday is a holiday ...

It's not unusual for businesses to take off the preceding Friday also ...and Deb may have taken vacation Thursday and all the way thru the 8th ... I'm not sure ...

Unfortunately HB does not have 24hr tech service like some other computer based businesses ...

I have seen her pop in some times unexpected ...
-----
-----
What is the version of software you were able to obtain ... ??
(I will see what I can dig up in the HB FAQ's on it) ...

Rickie

[nicknight]

Monday is a holiday ...

It's not unusual for businesses to take off the preceding Friday also ...and Deb may have taken vacation Thursday and all the way thru the 8th ... I'm not sure ...

Unfortunately HB does not have 24hr tech service like some other computer based businesses ...

I have seen her pop in some times unexpected ...
-----
-----
What is the version of software you were able to obtain ... ??
(I will see what I can dig up in the HB FAQ's on it) ...

Rickie

I didn't ask for 24 hour service, your apologist stance is offensive.
Please stop "helping" me with this.

[rnvinc]

I certainly did not ever mean to offend you ...but merely indicate that no part of this forum is owned nor monitored by HB or HB employees ...

I have to make a special request to get Deborah to pull away from her duties at HB to help with questions that we cannot figure out on our own ...

We are simply users ...just like you ... Trying to help each other ...

Rickie

[Bob B]

I didn't ask for 24 hour service, your apologist stance is offensive.
Please stop "helping" me with this.

If you don't want answers .... stop adding to the thread.....Your stance is offensive when you attack people trying to give you information.....Rickie is nicer than I am.

[nicknight]

"Unfortunately HB does not have 24hr tech service like some other computer based businesses ..."
This statement was outrageous and meant as a jab, I had been waiting for support for a week at this point.
This was the offensive statement and that was the point at which I decided / asked him to stop helping.  So what further posts are you referring to?


Before this I was appreciative (but found it strange).

Obviously Humminbird does not respect Ricky's unpaid work, if they did respect them they would have read the thread and fixed the immediate need by now.
Instead Humminbird said "send me a PM" which they had no intention of acting on in a reasonable time.  They just asked me to send them a PM to shut both Ricky and I up.

Ricky is enthusiastic about his FF gadgets but hopefully Ricky reads this and realizes that in the case of Humminbird nice guys finish last, they are abusing his generosity and others see his excuse making for the offensive.

[nicknight]

I certainly did not ever mean to offend you ...but merely indicate that no part of this forum is owned nor monitored by HB or HB employees ...
I have to make a special request to get Deborah to pull away from her duties at HB to help with questions that we cannot figure out on our own ...
We are simply users ...just like you ... Trying to help each other ...
Rickie

Thanks.  Humminbird used to provide some support on this site, didn't they?  The site certainly presents itself as part of Humminbird and Humminbird allows this.  The site needs a prominent disclaimer or a rename to "FF side imaging forum" with content from other manufacturers.

While I appreciate you using your Humminbird contact, your contact didn't bother to follow through.  They simply provided lip service to both you and I.
It is also ridiculous that you had to contact them, don't you think they could have better support?

They are playing you for a sucker. 

For these things I appreciate this type of person on the Internet (you):
Providing hobbiest (or even expert) expertise and tips for users using side imaging and fishing experience with it, have at it.  That is the type of value user communities add and it is great for that.
Answer some guys support type question at 0pm on Tuesday night because they are going fishing Wednesday morning, awesome!
I am certain you have been helpful to a lot of people and enhanced their appreciation for the FF.

So for somethings I appreciate you....that last stop helping part was specifically in regards to your efforts to keep Humminbird from looking bad when they obviously deserve to look bad.
While frustrating, I will have to wait for them to eventually getting around to it(their repair guy did a great job and my unit is not broken).

thanks

[Bob B]

I'm not sure if you realize it, but this is a long holiday weekend in the US.

Both Rickie and Deborah are good people and don't deserve to be badmouthed.......Deborah is getting a much deserve break this weekend from all the people who are easily offended.

Glad your unit is working for you.

[nicknight]

I'm not sure if you realize it, but this is a long holiday weekend in the US.

Both Rickie and Deborah are good people and don't deserve to be badmouthed.......Deborah is getting a much deserve break this weekend from all the people who are easily offended.

Glad your unit is working for you.

I don't know if you realize this.  I started this quest more than a week ago.  Has it been a week long holiday in the US?
I had a similar experience last time I needed help from Humminbird.

Good people are not above being called on being offensive or providing lip service.  I am a good person too but here you are......
Good people don't always do good things, jail has a lot of good people that do bad things.

I have also thanked and commented on Ricky being helpful and that I appreciated that....he has become over reaching on this matter though.

[N9Phil]

Nicknight,The first thing I have to say to you is if your 798 is working for you, do not update or attempt to update at this time.  I had a 798ci SI Combo and the last software update was version 6.300 that was released on 6/11/2012.  I don't remember but I believe it was to allow the i-Pilot to connect with the unit.  Since you do not have any thing listed in your bio other that the 798,  there would be no advantage for you to upgrade.  All of the info that has been given to you on this site is right on.  If you have never upgraded a Humminbird unit before then you might watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rqhm-DyoBc  Then you might do a Google search and see what shows up.  Here is an example that I found....http://www.humminbird.com/Category/Support/FAQ/6-180,6-250,6-300,6-310/

There is a lot of info available on the internet but you have to look for it.   Good Luck.

Phil

[nicknight]

Thanks Phil, just what I was looking for!
I take it there was no 6.00 version or anything like that....anyways there were also improvements to the SI and shallow water (I fish shallow a lot) and a few other thing so I am good.  If they take away something, I guess I will find out.

Just a reminder to all.....the firmware on the site today is in correct for your 798c SI.  Well it wouldn't load on mine anyways.

thanks again Phil!

[sonar2000]

I see this thread is somewhat back on track.
However,  Remember that this site is private  and not supported in any way by hummingbird. Although several of the HB factory people have from time to time added information to this thread, it has been at their own doing. Success for this site has been due to people spending their own time to help others with issues that are present with the HB products. The site has from the beginning developed a pride in that "bickering" is not accepted as a means of fixing issues.  And in fact more is fixed thru perseverance and tolerance than complaints.
Issues or problems with Johnson Outdoors or Humminbird must be dealt with directly to them. We here do not have much influence to the factory or company. We expect HB to be aware of this site and to have some sympathy for users who really don't have much of a way to get to HB except customer support.
Our users here have knowledge and experience and a desire to help.
If an issue is not being met to the satisfaction of a person with problems We really discourage making posted comments part of a thread. Instead using the messaging feature to directly address the concern with a particular user is and should be the norm..
Users here do their best to help but if the answers do not result in a resolution to the problem then the recourse is to contact HB directly. How HB handles phone call and emails is their decision and without influence from us. 

If you are a frustrated user, contact Robert or myself (sonar2000) to vent your emotions and we will do what we can to assist. 

This is and has been a great site and has many users who have grown with the HB problems and learned how to fix or reduce the impact to any particular user.

Chuck

[nicknight]

1) My complaints have been about Humminbird itself and people making excuses for their support.
2) Well I did mention that there appears to be an incorrect file in the file section.  I guess you don't care about that.  That is fine do whatever you want.
3)  I wasn't expecting this site to provide me official support.  That being said it would be good if this site stopped providing the illusion of it being an offical/endorsed site of Humminbird.

It is not the first time you have had to say this site is not an official humminbird site.  Why they have not forced you to stop looking like you are or why you have continued to allow it to look that way is beyond me.  All you are doing is causing problems.

"If you are a frustrated user, contact Robert or myself (sonar2000) to vent your emotions and we will do what we can to assist."
^^^
Hilarious!

[Bob B]

The software for the 798 in the download section is for the 789ci si ..... Not the 798cx si.... It is the correct version for the model listed.

There is not guarantee that the software you need will be in the download section.  If you have the software for the cx model, get it to the moderator, and the next person who needs it will have it available.......That is the way this site works......A cooperative effort.

I see that you have also made no contribution toward the cost of maintaining this site.....Some want to take.....Not give and take.

[nicknight]

I don't think it is for that model either judging by the naming convention.  There is no "si" in the filename like the other downloads.

The website link says 798ciSi_6.300.exe
the filename is 798ci_6.300.exe

[navionic]

 798c_v6_350.bin
798c SI Combo (Version 6.350)
Guys, be kind.  ;)The man asked simply firmware. Why so many unnecessary words and insults?

[Bob B]

I don't think it is for that model either judging by the naming convention.  There is no "si" in the filename like the other downloads.

The website link says 798ciSi_6.300.exe
the filename is 798ci_6.300.exe

The file name itself is unimportant and may be edited.

[nicknight]

The software for the 798 in the download section is for the 789ci si ..... Not the 798cx si.... It is the correct version for the model listed.

There is not guarantee that the software you need will be in the download section.  If you have the software for the cx model, get it to the moderator, and the next person who needs it will have it available.......That is the way this site works......A cooperative effort.

I see that you have also made no contribution toward the cost of maintaining this site.....Some want to take.....Not give and take.

I have the firmware from another source so I don't need it anylonger.  I am looking out for the next guy, that is contributing.
Yes, the filename could have been changed or maybe not, you don't know, do you?
If I sent the mod firmware I would hope that they don't post it, I am not a legit source for it.

I may not know more than you about fishfinders but I sure as heck know more than you about websites, firmware and good IT practices so your outrage is misplaced.
They should also have an MD5 checksum for their software downloads.  Maybe Humminbird built in some checks so this was not needed but.....


Navionics: thank you for the consideration.

NN

[nicknight]

The file name itself is unimportant and may be edited.

Thanks Navionic.  The 6.35 version is what the repair guy sent me.  Same file name as you.

[navionic]

Click on the link. You can download it. Everything will work out. Good luck.

[nicknight]

To wrap this up:

1) It took Humminbird 7+ days to answer my email.  Actually, they never answered it.  The only other time I emailed for support they took more than a week.  A Humminbird employee PM'd me on this site after rnvinc gave someone a tap (thanks).  I am still a bit miffed that their support methodology is based on the buddy system. 

2) The reason I couldn't register my unit is because I did not put a dash at the secret spot in the serial number.  I say it is secret because when I read the serial number off the unit there is no dash in it.  Tip to Humminbird, hire a webdeveloper that knows what a regular expression is and put an error message on the webpage when a serial number is not as expected please.  An SQL developer might be able to help you out too.

3) The Humminbird repair place in Canada was very good about sending the file

4) Navionics had the right file name for the 798cx SI too.  is is version 6.350 (not 6.3 as the humminbird site might lead one to believe).  It is not the same as the 798c SI or 798c SI version for whatever reason.  Thanks Navionics.

5) The readme was very vague.  For whatever reason there is no information on the FW releases between 5.840 and 6.180, it was enough to convince me to upgrade though, I hope it was worth it.

6) as a side note sometimes humminbird will screw up the s/n on your unit.  It is weird and requires a magic decoder ring to get it right: http://www.humminbird.com/Category/Support/FAQ/InvalidSerialNo-/

7) I guess I have to thank the site too for providing a place to post this.

[sfw1960]

WOW....
What a happy little guy.

[nicknight]

I am usually happy and considerate, especially when people are considerate.
What do you think the odds are that Humminbird will fix the easy to fix issue so as not to inconvenience others?  If it gets fixed I will feel the love.