HBirdDeborahCRC

UPDATE!

We have identified this issue and now have a software update in place to resolve this issue.  This software can be found on humminbird.com in the MyHumminbird section of our site.  The new version number is 7.650.  

The issue revolved around corrupt Tracks, Waypoints and Routes that were typically being created when the i-Pilot Link was abruptly taken out of a state of navigation.  The description of the fix is as follows:   

"Targeted bug fixes to v_7.590, addressing Tracks, Waypoints and Route (TWR) data corruption in the non-volatile ram memory.  Software now ignores this type of invalid TWR data and will not save nor propogate this type of invalid TWR data."    

IF your unit is currently in the reboot state, please read the attached FAQ on how to reset your unit.  If you follow the instructions in this FAQ, it is unlikely that you will need to return your unit to us for service.  This is very similar to the normal update process.  

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this bug has caused.  Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any additional questions.  

This release still incorporates the new feature and change for 7.590 listed below. 

NEW FEATURE

Added support for the AS RC1 Bluetooth Dongle and Remote

GENERAL CHANGE

Removed support for the Quadra Beam transducer

We have recently identified a software issue in our products listed below that can cause a unit on a network connected to an i-Pilot Link to become "frozen" and unrecoverable via a restart standpoint.  While we do not have a solution identified, we do know that a lock-up scenario can be avoided by simply disconnecting your i-Pilot Link module from the Humminbird Ethernet network.  We realize that this renders the functionality of some Link features useless in the meantime, and for that we truly apologize.  However, by taking this step it will ensure that your networked units will continue to function normally over the coming days such that you can still enjoy your valuable fishing time on the water, especially over the upcoming holiday weekend.   

For instructions on disconnecting the i-Pilot Link from your network, please read this linked FAQ.  

Our engineers are working very hard to come up with a field deployable solution that will update your unit to completely alleviate this issue.  As soon as that solution is identified, we will send a new Service Bulletin with the procedure for resolving the issue permanently so you can go back to enjoying the full functionality of your Humminbird and i-Pilot Link system.  We truly apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused you, and appreciate your patience and understanding as we quickly resolve the problem.  

It is important to remember that you should not experience this issue if you do not have an i-Pilot Link.  If you have any further questions, please contact our Customer Service team at the number below.  

Best Regards,

Rhonda Green

Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.

Senior Customer Service Manager - Humminbird

1-800-633-1468                                 

[email protected]

Technical Bulletin

Units Effected: All GPS Combo Units with Card Slots

We have seen issues where consumers obtain Navigation Data (Waypoints, Tracks and/or Routes) from various sources such as Lowrance or Garmin waypoints, GPS Babel, Google Earth, unknown origin from friends etc, and then load this data onto a SD card and download this data directly into their Humminbird unit.

Each GPS company has a unique format that is required for their data in order for it to work properly in their units. This is true with Humminbird as well. Humminbird uses .gpx file extensions. Loading unknown sources of navigation data into your Humminbird unit, without first properly converting it through HumminirdPC 4.3.3 to configure it into the correct format (.gpx), can lead to corrupt data which can cause the unit to lock up or malfunction. These types of malfunctions can make it impossible to retrieve waypoints from the unit; therefore, when this happens all existing navigation data on the unit could be lost.

With this in mind the following guidelines should be followed:

1. Always maintain a backup copy of your navigational data such as waypoints, routes and tracks. This is very simple to do. You just need to insert a blank SD card into the unit, go under the Navigation tab and select Waypoints, Routes and Tracks and export a copy of your waypoints to the blank card. Navigational data can also be backed up by connecting your Humminbird unit to Humminbird PC. If you have any questions as to how to do this or any other questions about this bulletin you can also check out the FAQ section of our website or contact our Consumer Service department

2. Never load any navigational data into your Humminbird product unless you have converted the data by running it through the Humminbird PC program. The Humminbird PC program is available free of charge whenever you register your Humminbird fishfinder. If you follow this step you should never encounter any problems as living by guideline #1 is always a good practice whether with your Humminbird unit or with your personal computer.

The latest versions of software provide you with a prompt, when you insert a SD card into the unit, asking if you want to download the navigation data from the SD card onto this unit. You can use this prompt as a reminder that you should only download data onto your Humminbird unit after you have run the data through the Humminbird PC program to ensure that it has been formatted properly.

3. Make sure you have a stable power source when downloading navigational data into your Humminbird unit. If power is lost during the download process it can also result in corrupted data or unit failure. The only remedy for this is to return to our facility for service. This is not covered by warranty.

4. If you have already installed waypoints from an outside source and it has caused your unit to lock up there is a process you can follow to get your unit operating properly again. Unfortunately, if you haven’t backed up your waypoints outside of the unit you may not be able to recover your waypoints. Please contact our consumer services group or check out the FAQ’s on our website.

Thx. Deborah but like I mentioned before. This unit is only 2 years old. I won't spend another $150 on a unit that I have invested over $700. I find it amusing you offer help but want more $$$$$$. Thats not help. Its $$$$$$$.

Hummindbird sucks in my eyes and I won't buy another product. I will try and fix this unit. But not at $150 in your pocket.

Your response to this problem pretty much sums it up........ send more money our way. Your not helping you just sucking us dry.

I understand that your unit is only 2 years old. And yes, I would like to help. Knowing more details about the problem such as the questions I asked prior

" However, I would need to know a few other things such as the serial number of your unit, does your unit have the most recent software update, had the unit been working for the past two years and then just start this? IF it has been working well until now then I would check the transducer cable for any damage such as a cut, crimp, or pinch in the cable. Also has anything changed on the boat? New spark plugs, battery, motor, trolling motor, or has a new unit been added to the boat? Any of these changes could allow interference to show up now that you may have not seen before."

With answers to the questions, this can help us in determining what the cause could be, such as a transducer or an accessory that may have been damaged or if the unit is now picking up interference which would be a simple fix rather than having to have the unit serviced. In trying to troubleshoot a problem the information I requested is vital to understand fully the extent of the problem you are having.

If you would like to discuss this in more detail please send me an IM.

I

When I sent my 788ci in to repair the broken SD card cover, I made the mistake of sending in the broken parts..........I got the unit back , finger prints and smears all over the screen , open up the SD card cover.... ....white glue smeared here and there they super glued the broken parts back in the unit.. ....Oh ya Johnson Outdoors is a GREAT company !!!!!

I would like to research your service history on your unit. Would you please send me an IM with your name/address/ or your repair service number.

Thank you,

Deborah @ Humminbird

My hummingbird combo unit a 757c is acting up. The chartplotter is working great. However the f.f. is not working right. It shows horizontal lines initially and then reads the bottom eventually afer about 20 minutes. It marks the bottom okay but will not mark fish. I have another combo unit close to it that ready my downriigger ball and fish. So I know fish are there. Any suggestions on fixing this expensive piece of equipment. I check all connections which are good. Checked transducer which if level and tight. I think its a tranducer and not programming problem due to the f.f. acting up initially and then working but not marking fish. Any help would be appreciated. I can't afford another $800 for a color combo unit. This one is only two years old. Hbird hadn't been helpful. Didn't return my email. Hung up on my first call.....2nd call I was told pretty much $150 to just look at it. ie... more money into a very expensive unit. It amazes me that they will loose a customer over poor service.

I have heard the tranducers weren't very good a coupe years ago. How can I get a new tranducer and if it doesn't fix it send it back.

Sir,

I will be happy to assist you regarding the issues you are having with your 757c unit. However, I would need to know a few other things such as the serial number of your unit, does your unit have the most recent software update, had the unit been working for the past two years and then just start this? IF it has been working well until now then I would check the transducer cable for any damage such as a cut, crimp, or pinch in the cable. Also has anything changed on the boat? New spark plugs, battery, motor, trolling motor, or has a new unit been added to the boat? Any of these changes could allow interference to show up now that you may have not seen before.

If your unit is returned to the factory for service, we would recommend that both the unit and the transducer be sent in for service. The out of warranty repair fee on our products is available online at the below link:

http://www.humminbird.com/FAQ.aspx?ContentId=1764

If you are located in Canada we also offer service centers in Canada and can also be found on our site at the below link:

http://www.humminbird.com/FAQ.aspx?Contentid=2678