Navionics Compact Flash chart card ruined by my PC?

[Vince_nj1]

Over the winter I installed Raymarine's Raytech software on my home PC. (Win 7 64bit). I plopped my Navionics CD card into the PC's card reader in the hopes of loading the charts into the Raytech software. It didnt work. I have now reinstalled it in my C80 chart plotter and I lost all my charts. I have been doing some research on this and I am finding that my PC may have destroyed some propietery encryption that is needed for the C80 to read the charts. Has anyone else had this issue? Is there a fix?

I sent an email to both Raymarine and Navionics in the hopes that they have some kind fix but have not heard back yet. I would hate to think that I lost $200 in charts because I inserted the card into my PC.

While I am on the topic.. Is Navionics the only game in town for a Raymarine C80?

 

[320Bob]

Vince,
I suggest you call Navionics on the phone and see if they know of the problem you encountered. If you fried your CF chip I bet they might be willing to replace your chip. I called last year with a problem with my C80 not reading their chip and they pointed me to a solution on the Raymarine site.

 

[Vince_nj1]

I just receieved this response from Raymarine. I did perform a software update prior to placing my chart card back in the C80. I don't know what version, since I downloaded it over the winter and left that card on my boat. So I am hoping that I can delete the CHARTCAT.XML file and have the unit build a new one. I will post an update when I know more. I won't be back to the boat until Sat.


Please review the following as it may make the card once again functional with the C80: The currently installed version of software within the MFD is specified within the MFD's legal disclaimer which must be acknowledged each that the MFD is powered on. If not presently operating with v5.04 C-Series Classic MFD software (MENU->SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS->SOFTWARE SERVICES->UNIT INFO->APP VERSION), then it is strongly recommended that the MFD's software be upgraded to v5.04, as earlier software releases will no longer support generation of WAAS GPS position FIX. It is also recommended that C-Series Classic MFDs be updated with v5.04 C-Series Classic MFD software when using 2008 and later Navionics cartography and to properly support Class D DSC radio integration. Raymarine software updates are cumulative in nature. As such, one need only install the latest software update to enjoy the new features, feature enhancements, and feature modifications of previous software updates.

Raymarine's MFD's are designed to be easily updated using one's computer, a CF memory card reader, and a SanDisk brand 32MB - 256MB CF memory card (http://www.bizrate.com/memorycards/sandisk-64-mb-compact-flash-card--pid174662895/). SanDisk brand 32MB - 256MB CF memory cards are now challenging to locate locally and are most easily purchased via the Internet. Raymarine posts MFD software updates on its Customer Support web site (http://www.raymarine.com/default.aspx?site=1****&SECTION=3) and recommends that customers ensure that their products have been updated with the latest available software (http://www.raymarine.com/default.aspx?site=1*&SECTION=3). Alternatively, customers may borrow or purchase a CF memory card from Raymarine's Parts Line (603 881 5200 x8865; orderdesk@raymarine.com), specifying that the memory card be populated with the latest software for one's product. Should one not already possess a CF memory which is compatible with one's MFD, then it is strongly recommended that the memory card be purchased rather than borrowed as the same CF memory card may not only be used in conjunction with any future software updates, but may also be used to back up one's waypoint/route/track data which is recommended practice to avoid accidental loss of this data. One last reason for purchasing, rather than borrowing the memory card is that these cards are becoming increasing harder to find in the marketplace.

Please verify that the chart application's cartography configuration setting for Chart Display has been configured for detailed or extra detailed (MENU->CARTOGRAPHY SETUP->CHART DISPLAY). Raymarine's MFDs begin to declutter at 3 nm. When wanting to view all buoys, be certain that the chart scale is configured for 1.5nm or less. Also, check that the Chart application's Declutter feature (PRESENTATION->DECLUTTER) has been configured to OFF. Should this be the case, then it is recommended that the chart boundaries (MENU->CARTOGRAPHY SETUP->CHART BOUNDARIES) feature be configured on and then it is recommended that the chart application be ranged out until chart outlines for indicating the areas of coverage for the cart card can be viewed (approx. 48nm). Should these chart outlines not be visible, then it may indicate one of the following:
- chart card(s) version is not compatible with MFD software version. Raymarine recommends that its products be maintained with the latest available software and Good Seamanship Practices call chart maintenance (i.e. using the latest version of cartography for the waters being navigated with one's electronics). As Raymarine has released no software updates for this unit, nothing need be done relative to this item. Raymarine MFDs create a file named chartcat.xml and store this file in the root level directory (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_directory) of the chart card. This file is used to speed access data on the chart card. Should the chartcat.xml file have been created using an earlier MFD software version or have become corrupted, it is sometime possible to restore the chart card to an operational state by using a PC to cut (not copy) the chartcat.xml file from the CF memory card and paste it to the PC's desktop. IMPORTANT - DO NOT CUT/DELETE ANY FILES OR FOLDERS OTHER THAN CHARTCAT.XML FROM A NAVIONICS CHART CARD. DELETION OF NAVIONICS DATA FROM THIS CHART CARD MAY ADVERSELY IMPACT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CHART CARD AND WILL VOID ANY WARRANTIES FROM NAVIONICS. The MFD will create and save a new chartcat.xml file to the card when it is next used with the MFD.
If the chart card or MFD's memory card reader has experienced a failure... inspect the MFD's memory card reader for bent or broken pins. If the MFD is operating with the latest version of MFD software and latest version of cartography, then the chart card should be tested in a Raymarine dealer's display. Should the chart card function in the dealer's display, then it is recommended that a factory reset operation (http://raymarine.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/raymarine.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=1332) be performed to the MFD. Should the problem persist, then the MFD should be sent to Raymarine's Factory Repair Center (http://www.raymarine.com/Default.aspx?SITE=1&SECTION=3&PAGE=1412#CBM7557) to be serviced. Should the chart card not function in the dealer's display, then the chart card may be sent to Raymarine, Inc. to be tested or to Navionics to be tested and/or replaced (if in warranty).

 

[Alex F]

Thanks for sharing the info, Vince.

I know it won't help with this particular issue, but just you just lost your charts it's very possible to loose your marked waypoints and routes. To prevent this I backup all of them as part of my winterizing prep process. This way I know that if something happense with the unit over the winter at least I have my data saved. This methid also helped me to get all of my saved data in to the new unit (C120) on my 420DB, so it now has all of my data from previous years.

Let us know how you work things out in terms of restoring/fixing your charts issue.

 

[320Bob]

Vince, how old is your Navionics card? I bought mine last year from Jim and it did not work in my C80 until I upgraded the firmware to version 4.29. If yours is the same vintage it might be compatible with the newer firmware. As I suggested in a earlier post, call Navionics tech support and I would be surprised if they did not know the precise cause of your problem. They knew exactly what the cause of mine a year ago when I called them.

 

[Vince_nj1]

Bob
My card was purchased in Sep 2008. When I first used it, it didn't work when I zoomed in. After troubleshooting back then I updated the firmware and it started working. That was Oct 2008. Over the winter I saw that Raymarine had another update available. I downloaded that onto an different CF card and updated the firmware again prior to reinstalling the chart card. So I believe I have the latest firmware, (unless they released another version since Jan) The response from Raymarine seems to imply that the 'Chartcat.xml" file on the chart card created by an older firmware may not work with newer firmware. I just deleted the Chartcat.xml file on the chart card which will allow the C80 to rebuild it once I reinstall the card. I won’t be back to the boat until Sat, so I won’t know until then if that will fix things.

 

[Vince_nj1]

I just received a response from Navionics:


Vince,

Thank you for contacting Navionics. I apologize for our delay in response.
It is possible that some of your chart options have been defaulted with the storage of the unit. I have included some trouble shooting information below for your reference.
If the chart files themselves were corrupted or deleted when using your Raytech software, then there would be no way of restoring this information to your card. Due to the age of the cartridge, it is no longer covered under our warranty period of one year, which includes defects in media and not file damage or deletion.
If you need additional information, please do not hesitate to ask.


Trouble Shooting the Navionics Charts in Raymarine C Classic Plotters

Some units may need to have the unit turned off and on with the Navionics product in the unit.
1) Make sure the unit has the most up-to-date software version (to verify what this is visit www.raymarine.com. If your unit requires a software update, please do not use the Navionics chart to download the software or have the Navionics chip inside the unit when the software is being updated as this will corrupt the Navionics chart and render the card useless.
a) Software versions are viewed in the lower right hand corner when the unit is first powered on.
(a) Series; press MENU button once, scroll to SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS, scroll to SOFTWARE SERVICES, scroll to UNIT INFO and the software version will be displayed. – it is the APP VERSION #.
2) Make sure the DECLUTTER feature is turned OFF on all units. PRESENTATION soft key – DECLUTTER on or off
3) Steps to make sure unit has all features turned on.
a) Press the MENU button once, scroll to CARTO SETUP
(a) CHART DISPLAY – DETAILED (EXTRA DETAILED will cause the unit to have too much clutter – DETAILED will show the same amount of detail as the NavPlanner would)
(b) CHART TEXT – ON
(c) CHART BOUNDARIES – ON
(d) SPOT SOUNDING – ON
(i) SAFETY CONTOUR – OFF, 7FT, 10FT, 16FT, 20FT, 33FT or 66FT (this will change where the blue colorization of the water starts)
(e) DEPTH CONTOUR – ALL, OFF, 16FT, 20FT, 33FT or 66FT
(f) NAV MARKS – ON
(g) LIGHT SECTORS – ON
(h) CAUTION & ROUTING DATA – ON
(i) MARINE FEATURES – ON
(j) LAND FEATURES – ON
(k) COLORED SEABED AREAS – ON
(l) ROADS – ON
(m) ADDITIONAL WRECKS – ON
b) To remove CF Card press the MENU button once
(a) Scroll to REMOVE CF CARD
Please note that if this step is not done to remove the CF card, unless the unit is turned off, this will cause damage to the CF card.

Scott Costa
Navionics Customer Service
Tel: (800) 848-5896 Fax: (508) 291-6006
www.navionics.com

 

[hack4alivin]

Well that does not look like a lot of help to you. Hope you did not destroy the card. At one time there was a “trade in upgrade” program for the cards where you would get a discounted price on the “latest charts” by trading in your card. West Marine had that program going on last season, but I don’t know if is still in effect.

 

[Vince_nj1]

Update - The Card is now WORKING :smt038 :smt038

I deleted the CHARTCAT.XML file from the card and the C80 reindexed the files and everything seems to be fine. Apparantlly when I updated the unit with the latest software release, it couldnt load the charts using the existing CHARTCAT file.

Tomorrow, I am installing new batteries and I am hoping my radar comes back to life.

 

[320Bob]

Well Vince, Navionics got me up but didn't for you. Raymarine turned out to have the solution which I'm glad to see. However, I did read in one of the boat mags that Navionics was offering an upgrade option similar to what Hack mentioned. You might check to see if older cards like yours are eligible.

 

[Vince_nj1]

I did read in one of the boat mags that Navionics was offering an upgrade option similar to what Hack mentioned. You might check to see if older cards like yours are eligible.

I read something like that on The Hull Truth but the poster said the offer expired in the US on 12/31/2010. You would think that the Navionics responder would have mentioned it, it it was available. I will look into it, but today I am installing new batteries, flushing fresh water tanks and washing and waxing the top side of boat. (actually Buff Magic and polish).

Thanks for the suggestion.

Vince

 

[hack4alivin]

Vince,

Do you remember the thread I started awhile back on the Navionics card reader for using the charts online with the Raymarine software ??