Help me understand Garmin charting options

All of the 86xx series have a USB port. The 8617 and larger don't have an internal card reader, so you have to use an external one. Garmin recommends the USB reader for the 8617 size and above for use with the Navioncs charts and Active Captain updating. If you have the internal reader, you are fine with the older external reader since you should be using the internal reader for Active Captain. Garmin explained to me that the older reader had problems with the amount of data being transferred while updating the newer Navionics charts (especially the high res shading). With the older card reader my system would stay stuck on "validating" for hours. The old reader is still fine for waypoint and route storage.
 
BlueYonder said:
All of the 86xx series have a USB port. The 8617 and larger don't have an internal card reader, so you have to use an external one. Garmin recommends the USB reader for the 8617 size and above for use with the Navioncs charts and Active Captain updating. If you have the internal reader, you are fine with the older external reader since you should be using the internal reader for Active Captain. Garmin explained to me that the older reader had problems with the amount of data being transferred while updating the newer Navionics charts (especially the high res shading). With the older card reader my system would stay stuck on "validating" for hours. The old reader is still fine for waypoint and route storage.
Click to expand...
Ah, you're right I see a micro-USB port on the back.
 
This weekend I confirmed that my 8617's have built-in charts that have not been updated since the units were installed around 2018.

8617.jpg


I also found a Bluechart G3 Vision Mid-Atlantic (VUS512L) card that was not in the card reader. I have no idea how old this card is or how to find out the version?

I performed the latest software updates to all of the equipment through the Active Captain app but saw no way to update the charts or references to this. There was a place in the app to register charts so I tried that but the prompt said they would be registered automatically although I saw no change anywhere.

After doing some digging online I found this note on the Garmin update page which basically says only the original owner can update the built-in charts and the card cannot be updated.
Garmin.png


So what are my options? Do I just buy the subscription and if so do I go with the Navionics+ or Navionics Vision+?
 
You need to call Garmin and get the registration changed. Once that is done, set up a Garmin account and purchase the new chart. I highly recommend the Garmin Navionics over the older G3 Vision charts. Once you have the registration issue resolved, purchase the new Garmin Navionics chart (make sure you buy the Garmin branded chart as the Navionics branded one will not work with the 8617.)

The Vision + chart will add satellite photos and hi rez bottom shading. If you need these, purchase the Vision + chart for your area. I use 2 SD cards and download the entire chart using Garmin Express to one card and then use the second card as the Active Captain card. Active Captain will then be used to keep the charts updated.
 
Thank you, I was able get the previous owner to relinquish ownership shortly after purchasing the boat. Now all of the networked Garmin equipment is listed in my Active Captain account and I'm able to perform software updates.

Is this the registration that you are referring to or do I still need to do something else?
 
You should be good if your Active Captain account will work with the plotter. Make sure you purchase the new chart using the Active Captain/Garmin Express app while logged in to your account.
 
quality time said:
This weekend I confirmed that my 8617's have built-in charts that have not been updated since the units were installed around 2018.

...

After doing some digging online I found this note on the Garmin update page which basically says only the original owner can update the built-in charts and the card cannot be updated.View attachment 158067

So what are my options? Do I just buy the subscription and if so do I go with the Navionics+ or Navionics Vision+?
Click to expand...

This is why I use Express. If you setup express and plug that chart card in to the PC, Express will allow you to update (if possible) or show you options to purchase new.

You don't need to sub for the Vision+, unless you want to go with the Navionics Vision+. Yes they are different.
 
I set up Garmin Express earlier today and tried that with the SD card but it only finds and wants to add my 8617 instead of the chart. The 8617's are already listed in my account. This creates an endless loop if I select add device.

express.jpg



How do I get current Navionics+ charts without the subscription? Looks like it's $149 which I don't mind paying but just thought if I could update what I already had it would be easier.

I've gotta say I sure do miss my Furuno stuff!
 
quality time said:
I set up Garmin Express earlier today and tried that with the SD card but it only finds and wants to add my 8617 instead of the chart. The 8617's are already listed in my account. This creates an endless loop if I select add device.

View attachment 158098


How do I get current Navionics+ charts without the subscription? Looks like it's $149 which I don't mind paying but just thought if I could update what I already had it would be easier.

I've gotta say I sure do miss my Furuno stuff!
Click to expand...

So I didn't think the charts would move over, but wasn't sure.

But from within Express if you click on your account and then Charts. You can see what updates are available or buy new charts from the link in the bottom right.
 
My charts block is greyed out so I was also confused by @BlueYonder's comment about purchasing charts through Express where I dont' see any option to do that. If I click on "add a chart" it just scans for an SD card.

1706561161108.png
 
Have you installed Active Captain and synchronized with the 8617? This will insure all of your devices (plotters, radar, autopilot, sonar, etc.) are added to your account. I would just buy the Navionics + chart you want online at Garmins website. Make sure you are logged in. Once you purchase the chart, it should appear in Garmin Express for download.

You have to have a subscription to use the Navionics + charts, that is what gives you the daily updates. The G3 charts that came with your plotter can only be updated by purchasing a new chart when an update comes out.

www.garmin.com

Garmin Navionics+™ U.S. East - Lakes, Rivers and Coastal Marine Charts

U.S. East - Lakes, Rivers and Coastal Marine Charts by Garmin Navionics+™ cartography.
www.garmin.com www.garmin.com

Garmin tech support is excellent and will walk you through this if you call them.
 
Yes, I've been using Active Captain to perform software updates for about 6 months and all equipment is listed as registered. I didn't want to mess with the charts during the season since they were working fine and am just now getting around to figuring out how to update them.

I think the Navionics+ is all I need and will purchase the subscription.
 
quality time said:
My charts block is greyed out so I was also confused by @BlueYonder's comment about purchasing charts through Express where I dont' see any option to do that. If I click on "add a chart" it just scans for an SD card.

View attachment 158101
Click to expand...

Right and you should have your existing chart card, the one you found, in the SD drive. Then it will let you know if you can update or buy new.
 
The chart card was in the SD drive when it was trying to add my 8617 again. It never referenced the card at any time and add device just kept making me log in again.

I’m just going to purchase the subscription and move on to other projects. Lol
 
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