Thread: new firmwares from Garmin: july 2010

Originally Posted by timp4411

WknThDg,

I've got a couple 775t and want to updatew the firmware.

I posted a question in another post about the latest embedded locking scheme in the Garmin firmware.

For clarification.... did you notice any problem with your maps after you updated your firmware ? Were they still all unlocked ?

Does using the "Garmin Alternative Unlocker" ( and in some cases the Mapsource reverser) castrate the firmware check for the certificate numbers on the unit ?

I have been avioding doing any firmware updates on any of my units lately since I ran into a problem with the new scheme on my 76CSx.

The "embedded locking scheme in the Garmin firmware" (that requires a GMA file along with the IMG file of a map), does not apply with maps that use this "scheme" IF the IMG is created with MapSource Special/Patched) AND IF the map was installed for MapSource by the the MapReverseConverter>GarminUnlocker method.
This is because MapSource will show the "Status" of the maps installed this way as "Not lockable".
Therefore, maps that normally would require a GMA file don't apply for me (as I don't need to use them).
Instead, I create my own IMG files of them with MapSource Special/Patched from maps that are considered "Not lockable".

Maps using this "scheme" that are purchased for download/installation directly from Garmin or via nüMaps Lifetime/ Onetime, would require a GMA file IF this "scheme" is implemented in a firmware update that is applied to the device.

Whether or not this nuvi 7x5 v4.00 firmware update has this "scheme", I don't know.
And, for me anyway... I really don't care if it does, because I only use "Not lockable" maps.
IF/when, Garmin introduces firmware for any of my devices requiring maps that have a certain range of FID numbers to have a GMA file, then GMapTool can be used to change the FID to a number that is not effected.

I can tell you that since I've applied this firmware update to my nuvi 775T, I've used a BlueChart g2 Vision 2010 map on it with a UNL file created using the keygen, and the map unlocked OK.
With those types of maps, I prefer to use the keygen method vs. any of the of "Alternative", "Fast", or other script based "easy way" type of unlocking method tools.
Although those types of tools are useful for some, they all require a complete rebuild of an IMG file that is then unlocked vs. just making a UNL file with the keygen (Garmin uses a UNL file to unlock BlueChart g2 maps... so why shouldn't we unlock them with a UNL file as well?).
I guess it's because unfortunately alot of people always prefer doing things the "easy way" vs. the "right way".

WknThDg,

Thank you for that very concise and understandable answer.

It would be nice if someone would do a "Patch" of Garmin "HomePort" and "BaseCamp" so they function with the same ease as the patched MapSource.

Originally Posted by WknThDg

GMapTool can be used to change the FID to a number that is not effected.

Gmaptool can't change FID. With some operation you can choose FID, but this is valid only for maps, that don't contain FID in map data, eg maps made with cgpsmapper or mkgmap.