Firmware Version

[prjohnsonjr]

I just got an M5 after being an IQUE 3600 user for over 3 years.
I've heard that there were some problems with firm ware upgrades in the M5. How does one determine the status of the firm ware version currently installed in the M5?

[AnswerDude]

When you go to Start - Settings - System tab do you see something like System Info or Asset view? Typically on other ppc, the rom information is there.

[prjohnsonjr]

Thanks Answer Man. It turns out that it's under settings, tab System, click Assets, expand Version.

Paul

[thetransportguy]

prjohnsonjr,

do NOT flash to the V2.5 if you dont have to.

I have done so and many others have and regretted it. If you M5 (stock) is not encurring any major faults, DONT UPGRADE TO V2.5.

I have seen no benefits w/V2.5 but seen multiple problems. Here's a few...

1) M5 turns on for no reason. If its in the cradle, it stays on despite power settings. If not plugged into power, it will drain battery.
2) Freezing up frequently in mapping mode.
3) Upon soft reset, gets error message "maps unable to load properly"
4) Stops charging battery at 96%. (fixed by Hard reset and removing battery from M5) (ps. i fiured this out myself after Garmin support said to buy another battery)
5) Lack of tech support. They reply, but have no fixes for problems. They just say "re-install the V2.5 update"
6) Backlight turning off by itself.

[prjohnsonjr]

thetransportguy
I wish I had seen your post earlier. I have done the upgrade and have seen some of the behavior you describe. Prior to the upgrade I had frequent lockups, but since the upgrade I've had few. I do notice that occasionally the unit is able to access the SD card. Reinserting the card seems to solve this. All in all, the unit seems to work OK, but I still like the 3600, better. I can't wait to get it back from Garmin's RMA.

Paul

[thetransportguy]

Paul,
well, now that you have done the upgrade I tell you what they told me.

1) Do a hard reset, then to reinstall the firmware. To perform a hard reset, hold the Contacts button and Record button down while pressing and releasing the reset button. Two confirmation questions will appear for clearing RAM (Random Access Memory) and clearing user storage in ROM (Read Only Memory). These questions can be answered by pressing the physical buttons below “Yes” and “No”. Answer “Yes” to the first question to erase all data in RAM (programs, settings, files, personal data, etc.). To also delete all files in the internal “Safe Storage” area, answer “Yes”, to the second question also.

2) If you have backed up your PPC, try reverting to a earlier date (when it was functioning).

3) The battery issue can be solved with buying a new battery or this explanation given by Garmin: "The usable lifetime of the Lithium Polymer battery is partially determined by the number of battery charge cycles. To lengthen the battery lifetime, the iQue M5 hardware prevents frequent charge cycles after the battery is fully charged by waiting until the battery charge is reduced somewhat before charging the battery again. It is not unusual to see the battery gauge read as low as 93% or 94% before the next charge cycle begins."