How to Update Navigation on Your Simrad GPS: A Complete Guide to Safer and Smarter Boating

Your Simrad GPS navigation system is the heart of your vessel’s electronics, guiding you safely across waters and helping you make informed decisions while at sea. To keep it performing at its best, regular navigation updates are essential. These updates include not just maps and charts, but also system software that enhances performance, improves accuracy, and adds new navigation features. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about updating the navigation system on your Simrad GPS, step by step.

Why Updating Your Simrad Navigation System Is Important

The marine environment is constantly changing, and so is navigation technology. Channels shift, hazards appear, and new features are introduced to make your journeys safer and more efficient. Updating your Simrad navigation system ensures your device keeps up with all these developments.

Here are some key reasons why updates matter:

1. Improved Accuracy: Navigation updates ensure your GPS data, routes, and positioning remain precise and reliable.

2. Enhanced Safety: Updates often include new information on navigational hazards, restricted zones, and safety alerts.

3. New Features and Tools: Simrad regularly adds new functions like improved route planning, auto-routing, and interface enhancements.

4. Bug Fixes and Stability: Updates address software glitches or lagging issues, making your system smoother and more dependable.

5. Better Integration: Updates improve compatibility with accessories like sonar modules, radar systems, and autopilots.

Before You Begin: Preparing for the Update

Updating your Simrad navigation system is simple, but preparation is key to avoiding errors. Before you start, take a few minutes to gather what you need and review your setup.

1. Identify Your Model: Check which Simrad device you have (GO, NSS, or NSO series). Update steps may vary slightly depending on the model.

2. Check the Current Software Version: Go to Settings > System > About on your device to see which version you’re currently running.

3. Backup Your Data: Save waypoints, routes, and settings to a microSD card or USB drive to avoid losing personal data.

4. Use a Reliable Power Source: Keep your boat’s power system stable during the update. A power interruption can corrupt your system.

5. Prepare a microSD Card: Use a microSD card with at least 8 GB of space, formatted in FAT32 for compatibility.

Step 1: Download the Latest Navigation Update

To begin, obtain the latest software and navigation update compatible with your specific Simrad model. These updates typically include both system improvements and navigation database updates.

Once you have identified the correct update package, download it to your computer. It usually comes in a compressed format (such as ZIP). Extract the file to access the update folder or file type recognized by your Simrad GPS, often with a .upd or .swup extension.

Step 2: Transfer the Update File to a microSD Card

After downloading the update, insert your microSD card into your computer and copy the extracted files onto it. Place the update files in the card’s main directory (root folder), not inside another folder. Once transferred, safely eject the card to protect the data from corruption.

Step 3: Insert the microSD Card into the Simrad GPS

With your Simrad system powered on, insert the microSD card into the slot on your device. The system should automatically detect the update. If it doesn’t, go to Settings > System > Files or Storage > Card and manually locate the update file.

A notification should appear, giving you the option to start the update process.

Step 4: Install the Navigation Update

Once you select Install or Update Software, the installation will begin. This process can take several minutes depending on the file size and model. During this time:

• Do not power off the system.

• Do not remove the microSD card.

• Allow the device to restart if needed.

The system may reboot automatically once the update is complete. This is normal and ensures all components are properly refreshed.

Step 5: Verify the Update

After your Simrad GPS restarts, verify that the update was installed correctly. Go back to Settings > System > About and confirm the new software version number.

Check that your navigation data, routes, and preferences are still intact. If anything appears missing, restore your backup from the microSD card or USB drive.

Step 6: Update Charts and Navigation Data

Your navigation software update enhances performance, but keeping your charts and maps current is equally important. Updated charts provide new information about coastlines, channels, and obstructions.

You can install chart updates from your chart provider using the same microSD process. After installing the new maps, verify that they load correctly and reflect the latest navigational data.

Step 7: Test the Navigation Functions

After completing the updates, it’s important to test your navigation system to ensure everything is working smoothly. Check the following:

• Zoom in and out of maps to confirm responsiveness.

• Test route planning, waypoint creation, and tracking.

• Verify GPS signal strength and positioning accuracy.

• Check compatibility with radar, sonar, and autopilot if you use them.

Performing these quick tests before heading out ensures your system is fully functional and ready for use.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Occasionally, users may encounter problems during a navigation update. Here’s how to resolve some of the most common ones:

1. Update Not Detected: Confirm that the file was copied correctly and placed in the root directory of the microSD card. Also, check that the update file matches your device model.

2. Installation Interrupted: If the update freezes or fails, restart your system and try again with a freshly formatted microSD card.

3. Missing Routes or Waypoints: Restore your backed-up data from the microSD card.

4. Slow Performance After Update: Clear unused data or charts to improve processing speed.

5. System Won’t Start: Perform a soft reset as per your model’s manual instructions. If that doesn’t help, reinstall the update.

Tips for Keeping Your Simrad Navigation System Up to Date

1. Check for Updates Regularly: Look for new updates at least once or twice a year, especially before long trips.

2. Keep Charts and Software in Sync: Make sure your map provider’s charts are updated to match your GPS firmware.

3. Use Quality microSD Cards: Poor-quality cards can cause installation errors.

4. Backup Frequently: Regularly save your data to avoid losing important routes.

5. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on Simrad’s latest announcements for performance upgrades or new navigation features.

Conclusion

Updating your Simrad GPS navigation system is a straightforward process that pays off in performance, safety, and confidence on the water. Each update keeps your device aligned with the latest navigation standards, providing smoother operation and better awareness of your surroundings.

By following these steps—preparing your system, installing updates carefully, and verifying your results—you’ll ensure your Simrad GPS continues to perform at its peak. Whether you’re navigating busy harbors or exploring open seas, staying updated means you can focus on what matters most: safe, enjoyable, and worry-free boating.