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Is the new Garmin Aviation Database Manager update safe to install?
- Thread starter okent
- Start date
Some discussion here: https://vansairforce.net/threads/g3x-touch-sw-v9-50-available-now-8-5-2024.228812/
He’s referring to the database manager, not the G3X software.
I had the same issue. Luckily, I had another computer with an older version of the software. Anxious to hear if the new, new version resolves the lock-up.
Oh wow didn’t realize. Same rules apply to building the airplane. Rtfm. Or question…
Using latest version and updated ok. It did lock up once and had to do the uninstall then re-install trick.
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I have had more problems with that software than almost any other. Latest update helps, but the thing that helps the MOST is just to format your SD card after EVERY update.
I have spent no less that 4 hours either in the que, waiting for a call back, or talking to them over the last 3 DB cycles. Very nice and helpful folks that are just doing their job. Too bad the programers aren't doing theirs.
The GADM still just sucks no matter how you slice it.
I have spent no less that 4 hours either in the que, waiting for a call back, or talking to them over the last 3 DB cycles. Very nice and helpful folks that are just doing their job. Too bad the programers aren't doing theirs.
The GADM still just sucks no matter how you slice it.
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2 SD cards, one for each display ? This is for database updates? I use one card for each G3X and one card for GTN.
I could not get the newer versions of GADM to run on a 7 year old Windows 10 computer. Reverted to a version from about February, but that became unreliable. Have now started to use my wife's year old Windows 11 machine which runs the latest version no problem. GADM doesn't seem to like old hardware.
Mac is the reverse… GADM works fine on my 2016 iMac but blows up on new MacBook
Same here, despite multiple updates that claim to improve crashes. I'm not sure if "improve crashes" means fixing them or making them happen more often.
I'm less than impressed with GADM. It's the worst-behaved piece of software on my Mac.
ds
Once you get an SD card loaded, is anyone having issues with the install or is it just me?
I've been struggling not with the software (although it first crashed on install to Windows 10), but with the cards failing on install. I always reformat the card (the full format, not the quick format) and then load all databases. I get the "Successfully created 1 SD card" message. When I get to the airport, the GTN finds the databases are there for uploading, but then fails to load one or two of them. Currently, it's the Obstacles database which the GTN says it's loading and then says it can't find the database.
I've been struggling not with the software (although it first crashed on install to Windows 10), but with the cards failing on install. I always reformat the card (the full format, not the quick format) and then load all databases. I get the "Successfully created 1 SD card" message. When I get to the airport, the GTN finds the databases are there for uploading, but then fails to load one or two of them. Currently, it's the Obstacles database which the GTN says it's loading and then says it can't find the database.
Southern Pete
Well Known Member
Check that the System ID is correct on your Fly Garmin account.
JET14
Active Member
Yes, for database updates, I do both displays at the same time.
A buddy decided Sun morning to update right on the ramp at the breakfast spot we had flown out to. Had the SD card loaded and ready to go, locked up his G3X 100 miles from home. He somehow got it going but couldn't get his radio working. Managed to sort it out once he got home.
Garmin definitely has a software QA/QC problem.
I think some are confusing database updates (subject of the thread) with G3X Touch software updates. Database updates most likely can't lock up a comm. (Matt B please advise.) I've never had a database update (once the Garman Database Manager loads correctly and creates a SD card) fail to download into my G3X or GTN.
<rant>
My recent panel update added a Garmin GPS and Nav/Com and I've spent untold hours trying to get the databases updated. Man, what a POS user interface, and roundy bout way to just get the new stuff on an SD card. You need to remember to write down the S/N of the units (not the S/N of the actual hardware, but some internal S/N). I had to completely deinstall the application (WTF? for some reason it won't just update the application) since it was locking up and hanging, then reinstall an updated version, then go back and forth from the website to create the account, purchase the subscriptions (>$500!), then start/stop the application to select the updates, and don't forget the SD card needs to be mounted, so you have to remember to grab that out of the airplane.
Dynon updates are SO much easier. Save the file to a USB stick, take the stick to the airplane and load the file. Oh, and the monthly updates are FREE!
</rant>
My recent panel update added a Garmin GPS and Nav/Com and I've spent untold hours trying to get the databases updated. Man, what a POS user interface, and roundy bout way to just get the new stuff on an SD card. You need to remember to write down the S/N of the units (not the S/N of the actual hardware, but some internal S/N). I had to completely deinstall the application (WTF? for some reason it won't just update the application) since it was locking up and hanging, then reinstall an updated version, then go back and forth from the website to create the account, purchase the subscriptions (>$500!), then start/stop the application to select the updates, and don't forget the SD card needs to be mounted, so you have to remember to grab that out of the airplane.
Dynon updates are SO much easier. Save the file to a USB stick, take the stick to the airplane and load the file. Oh, and the monthly updates are FREE!
</rant>
Its been awhile since I got my GTN, but I think all that info was put into my Garmin account for each device I have. I've never had to enter it again. If for nothing else, you had to do it for the warranty and the initial free databases. The upload is straight forward and is linked to my account, just put the SD card into the GTN, it reads it and compares what's old/new and you select update and it does it. I have two SD cards, one in the unit and the other waiting for the next update (works as a backup if something goes wrong). Then just swap the cards. Normally pretty easy to do. I don't follow Dynon, but do they now have IFR certified navigator, is it part of Skyview?
Lately, the new Garmin manager software shows all the databases downloaded to the SD successfully. They show up on the GTN when I put the card in, but during the update it tells me it can't find one of the databases (in my case Obstacles). First time that has happened. After reformatting the card(s) and reloading the databases, I still get the same error. I assume it is the manager doing something the GTN doesn't like. Definitely not happy with a failed database. The G3X databases loaded okay (including the same rev of the obstacle database). Anyone having specific databases fail on load?
