Raymarine SL631 Chartplotter - Upgrading Software?

[Andrew G]

Hi - I have a Raymarine SL631 chartplotter running version 4.09 software - the latest is version 4.11.
1) Do any of you know if it is possible to update the s/w and if so how?
2) Do any of you know the possible changes between v 4.09 and 4.11?

(This has come about because the newer NMEA messages from newer GPS appear to be causing it to briefly produce a "No Fix" error say once an hour (even when there are plenty of satellites). I can turn off all but RMC messages but I'd prefer to be able to use more than just RMC). It is 10+ years old and has only NMEA and SeaTalk (1) comms -I do have a User Card if that helps. I am not getting "satisfaction" out of the local Ray offices and have tried UK (who will bounce it to Aus for sure)).

Thanks, Andrew

 

[Andrew G]

Well that was a popular topic - not one answer!
I have solved my problem. Version 4.11 was to fix problems on monochrome models and did not effect my colour model. They re-issued the old 4.09 software as 4.11.
They are updated via either a special C-Map card or via the HSB connection (if you have one). Can be done on site if you can get the card (good luck) or at a dealer (if they can get the card). Cheers, Andrew

 

[nigelmercier]

What a pity they don't follow the update model of Standard Horizon: free card in the post, no charge if returned within a month.

 

[Gypsy]

Very interesting symptom. I have just installed a used RL80CRC with an Evermore SA320 GPS and get occasional No Fix messages. I think the SL631 is much the same as the RL80 hardware. My SA320 feeds an E85001 NMEA-Seatalk converter and the RL80 is taking Seatalk for its data.

You imply that the problem is messages other than RMC from the GPS. Can you be more specific? You also mention a 'special' C-Map card for the software update. Is that the user card or another entirely different one?

Tks Ray

 

[Andrew G]

Hi - I have started a new thread to discuss my "No Fix" issue:

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthrea...-Raymarine-Chartplotter&p=4722899#post4722899

Gypsy - I hope the new thread gives more detail? The GPS can output GGA/GLL/RMC/GSV/GSA/VTG/ZDA messages on one setting, or RMC/GSV/GSA messages on another - my problem occurs with either setting - I havn't tried the RMC-only setting yet (it seems a waste as any cheap and cheerful unit will do that).
From my reading of the Raymarine site they can load the s/w update onto a card that fits into the C-Map card slot, you load the card, turn the unit on and it updates itself then starts working . . . Alternatively, you can connect your plotter to theirs via the HSB connection and transfer the s/w that way (I have none of the details).

Cheers, Andrew