Thread: Garmin GMA protection and the "Unauthenticated" status

Has anyone been able to disassemble and look at the details of the code for these GMA files ?

Is there a way to generate a "legitimate" GMA file if needed?

I ask because I suspect that Garmin has some updating schemes that they just started, that "may" require you to log onto the Garmim server to get an update.. but the server will look for a bonafide GMA file to be present on the GPS unit or SD card before it sends any updates.

I can't say for sure... but it's just a suspicion I have at this time about this GMA file check.

Originally Posted by timp4411

Has anyone been able to disassemble and look at the details of the code fro these GMA files ?

I tried out of curiousity ages ago by changing the ext to .txt to see if info would be visible in notepad like with .unl changed to .txt. Not the slightest bit suprised when the only readable info was "GARMIN GMA", followed by unreadable symbols. Lost interest after that.

Is there a way to generate a "legitimate" GMA file if needed?

Wouldn't think so.

I ask because I suspect that Garmin has some updating schemes that they just started, that "may" require you to log onto the Garmim server to get an update.. but the server will look for a bonafide GMA file to be present on the GPS unit or SD card before it sends any updates.

I can't say for sure... but it's just a suspicion I have at this time about this GMA file check.

Well, i hope not...brrr! But best to always leave your legit preloaded map only on the unit with its .unl & .gma, and take out the sd containing anything else before updating. That's good practice anyway in my opinion.