Thread: Approach S2J not reading internal flash memory

Originally Posted by jonte

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Regarding the software. This is a little bit strange as well. If I use Garmin Cure and download the 2.60 firmware. Sometimes I get the Garmin Express to install an update to SW 2.90. BUT. It only says SW 2.90 in Garmin Connect. Not in Garmin Express where it says 2.60.

Latest is V2.60 according to Garmin:

Code:

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They always remove previous firmware links from their servers when they issue a later version and i'm unable to find any reference to a version 2.90 anywhere. V2.60 was issued over 10 years ago. I wonder if someone has made a hacked version and named it V2.90 though.

I sent a request into the forum trying to get them to check the database.But I just got a response saying contact costumer support. Unfortenetly costumer support is hiding behaind that its an old watch.

Yes. They do that all the time. If a device is moved to their discontinued/unsupported list you can forget about getting proper help unless it's been the subject of a recall (burning batteries is a good one, frightens the bejeezus out of them), but barring safety concerns they're not really interested in old devices' problems.

1) I will try and find the gmapxxx files and see if I can unlock them. Do you think it has to be an S2 or can it be a newer model like S12 and I can unlock them?

I can't see why not provided they're in *.img format. Also the device has to have enough space on it's flash memory. And that may be the issue, later course maps might be too big and you may have to settle for very old files.

2)
If I add the timezon file onto the watch and i put it in automatic time and it locates the satelites and it updates the time would this be evidence that the flashdrive is beaing read? I would think so.

Not necessarily for absolute certainty. But if you can see a reference to the tz map on the device itself it would be 100% for sure. I think those devices may need a basemap (gmapbmap.img) too ... maybe. Perhaps ChrisJP can tell you.

3)
From what I understand there should be no extra partions on the flashdrive. Right?

Yes. Read the exchange between ChrisJP and Butters from here: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (Post #69>). If you've correctly re-formatted using RMPrepUSB it should be fine.

4)
I also downloaded an old version of Golfcourseviewer. and it recognises the right watch but it doesnt have any connection with the server. I guess this is not open any more.

I think that program has been totally depreciated and abandoned by Garmin, the hyperlink named "Garmin CourseView Updater" in the Approach S2 firmware page goes to GarminExpress now.

5)
The device being mis-identified as a Vivosmart HR by the Garmin Help site and Connect is of no real consequence because it's correctly identified as an Approach S2 by GarminExpress

Because only GarminExpress (and possibly WebUpdater) can supply you with official firmware/software, and exclusively GE can supply official course maps ... but as you know isn't even offering them for purchase.

6)
Yesterday I also tried making changes in the xml file to see if I could trigger the Expressto find an S2 watch. Changing the

But its not being identified in garmin express as well. But the only way you can see that in Garmin Express is by the picture. But inConnect it has the right image...It so funny.

If you re-boot it after making changes they'll be overwritten by the device from its non-volatile memory. You'll have to leave it connected to the PC without disconnecting or restarting to preserve the changes, however it's not likely to make any difference. I think the problem is that Garmin's servers have been programmed to no longer offer any updates to those devices.

Once again thanks so much and please excuse my bad english and that im not beeing very clear.

You're English is way better than my Svenska and anyway i mostly understand you as much as a native EN speaker with a difficult Garmin problem. Good luck finding the maps you need and if you do we can help you with loading them, but general advice only of course .

Update:

Thanks so much. I sent a private mess. But I dont know if you got it?

So I got a hold of three maps. Gmapsup 1, 2, and 3. Loaded them into the watch and the three fits on the memory.
I think its Medium asia Gmapsup 1, Medium pacifik Gmapsup 2 and medium Europe .....Gmapsup 3

1)
I get the watch to read Gmapsup 1 and 2 but not the Gmapsum 3. I have unlocked them all with Gingunlock. .

I checked the maps in Basecamp and it shows that the files are correct and no errors.

The file I need is Gmapsum 3 (Europe). What I did was this. When you install Basecamp you also get Webupdater. Here you can update the watch to latest software. ( I dont think my was wrong but I started there)
Then I Delated Gmapsum 1 and 2. Then I renamed Gmapsum 3 to Gmapsum 1 .

Restarted watch and checked service mode. Now I got the original Gmapsum to beeing read.

Restared the watch. And I/we got the Fuxxxxxx to work. It found my nearest course. And I could start.
This is amazing. And a lot of cred to you guys:!

2)
Still the same things with Garmin Express. It still shows up as a Vivoactive HR. It doesnt change anything on Express.

I will contact the Swedish support again and give them all the id, serial numbers and have them change it in some database. But we all know that they will not help out. But I hope they will surprice me.

Otherwise I'll use the watch for as long as I have the course...