Thread: Garmin 421S Chartplotter and BlueChart G2 help

Hey Folks,
I have searched the forums for hours and am at my wits end...

I am trying to load a Blue Chart map to the SD card for a Garmin 421S chartplotter. I downloaded the 3 part RAR of the map and unpacked it to a file "GMAPSUPP. IMG" (so far so good), I can run "Garmin_kgen_1.5+Fix" (Garmin unlock generator) using the Map ID 411 (Question here, where do I find my Unit ID ? and do I select Mobile TX or Mobile PC)) and I can get it to generate a key.

Real problem is that I run the patched "MAPSOURCE" and it doesn't find an IMG file (map). What am I doing wrong ? and is MAPSOURCE suppose to produce an unlocked map file for me to write to the SD card?

Thank You in advance,

Eric

O.K., I think a may have it now....

Unit ID- Can be found in the GPS menu's: Configure> System > System Information
Using this and the Map ID (411), I can generate a 25 digit unlock key. Using Notepad, copy the 25 digit key into notepad and "Save As" "gmapsupp.unl". Create a directory on the SD card called "Garmin" and copy the file "gmapsupp.unl" and the locked map file "gmapsupp.img" to that directory on the SD card.

Does it matter if the file names are upper or lower case?

I can't try it till tomorrow. Is this correct ? any comments ?

Thanks,


Eric

If you want to check a BlueChart g2 IMG-map on a PC, use Garmin HomePort instead of MapSource. HomePort reads Garmin marine maps located on memory cards attached to a PC with a memory card reader.
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

File names like "gmapsupp.img" & "gmapsupp.unl" aren't case sensitive.
More info about Garmin files:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

It should work with a 25-character key based on either UnitID or CardID and MapID (411), PID (1) plus optional RgnID & VenID. Garmin Mobile PC or Garmin Mobile XT section is NOT used for generating a map unlock key.
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Hi,
Thank you so much for the reply !

Here is what I've got... The GPS power-up and shows the base map and the
Bluechart map (shows "HXUS039R G2 Version 11.00" ) However, When I try and zoom
in on my location, it still shows the same low res. base map (Pixelated) with no channel Markers. I used the HomePort to verify the map could be read from the
SD card and that the map was good.

Maybe its a glitch that will clear when I am underway and the moving map has to update. Any advise ???

Thanks

Eric