Kenwood (Garmin) Map Updates

[UKDUDE]

Can't you download it directly for nothing?


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[73shark]

Mine is DVD based. GM is always a decade behind on tech.

[AtlantaCpl]

I updated the maps in our 2013 AI in early 2014. Ever since the unit makes crazy dumb choices on routes. I've found no rhyme or reason to it. I've went through all menus to make sure shortest time, no dirt roads, no detour, etc is set. It made the unit completely useless for nav unless you want to drive miles out of the way everywhere you go. We use the iPhone and google maps exclusively now.

Brian

[Boxster1971]

I use the Copilot app on my iPhone to supplement the Kenwood Garmin navigation. Also have my wife follow along on a paper map for the big picture.

I like Copilot since it doesn't need cell data and is a lot faster at recalculating than the Garmin.


- - Mike
2013 Interstate Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by 73shark

Mine is DVD based. GM is always a decade behind on tech.

Are you serious? DVD is the old technology referred to with the Tahoe. It is old tech now, in 2015. GM doesn't use DVD any more and haven't as platforms have changed. They now update by onstar or web, if the vehicle has 4G lte. And that's a decade behind.....how?

[73shark]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

And that's a decade behind.....how?

Well I just hook my Garmin up to the interweb for free. Been doing that for a number of years now. I know that GM went to a hard drive nav a few years ago in the Tahoe. Not sure how the updates are downloaded tho. Maybe w/ a flash drive from a download from the web.

And the Garmin was about $175 and the GM nav was about $2,000.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a big GM fan and pretty much driven their cars most of my illustrious career.

[dznf0g]

No argument on cost. Don't get it and never will. BUT, free with Garmin is only if you pay the upfront premium models with lifetime updates. I did. However, with consumer electronics, lifetime only means till they don't support it anymore. Been there, done that.

[73shark]

Is the new GM map update free?

[dznf0g]

Actually, I'm not sure....but they are over the air.

[dznf0g]

This line from a 2015 Silverado owner manual. I assume there is still a charge. I didn't go to the website.

"Map Data Updates
The map data in the vehicle is the most up-to-date information available when the vehicle was produced. The map data is updated periodically, provided that the map information has changed.

For questions about the operation of the navigation system or the update process, contact the GM Nav Disc Center toll-free phone number, 1-877-NAV-DISC (1-877-628-3472) or go to the center’s website, GM | Home | HERE. If updates are needed, call the GM Nav Disc Center or order online."

To order, have the vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) available. This helps the center make sure that the correct and most up-to-date map data for the vehicle is received. See “Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)” in the owner manual. "

[dznf0g]

Yup, varies by carline and what gen nav system, but it costs.

[73shark]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

This line from a 2015 Silverado owner manual. I assume there is still a charge. I didn't go to the website.

"Map Data Updates
The map data in the vehicle is the most up-to-date information available when the vehicle was produced. The map data is updated periodically, provided that the map information has changed.

For questions about the operation of the navigation system or the update process, contact the GM Nav Disc Center toll-free phone number, 1-877-NAV-DISC (1-877-628-3472) or go to the center’s website, GM | Home | HERE. If updates are needed, call the GM Nav Disc Center or order online."

To order, have the vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) available. This helps the center make sure that the correct and most up-to-date map data for the vehicle is received. See “Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)” in the owner manual. "

This sounds like the same thing as getting a new DVD for the old systems.

2015 Tahoe USB stick is $159.99 + $3.95 shipping.

[dznf0g]

Well, I remember when CD sets were $600, so.......I guess it all depends on perspective and tech costs. Also remember, no OEM does their own. NavQ, Garmin, etc. are the database vendors for various OEMs. So, somewhat, the automakers are at their mercy....or negotiation skills? Volume purchases?

[EddieTheWire]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

On my Kenwood/Garmin DNX7180, I have to use the USB interface and a flash drive for updates.

I put a blank SD card in the slot just in case the built-in memory fills up and I need overflow memory, but I can't actually use the SD to update maps or firmware.

Protag-

Does the SD card not work for map updates by design? I haven't been able to do updates by SD card, either, and am going to have to pull the unit from the dash to get to the USB in the back (which has the iPod cable connected to it in the glove box).

Do you know a link on the Kenwood site to get the map and firmware updates for the DNX?

[EddieTheWire]

Originally Posted by AtlantaCpl

I updated the maps in our 2013 AI in early 2014. Ever since the unit makes crazy dumb choices on routes. I've found no rhyme or reason to it. I've went through all menus to make sure shortest time, no dirt roads, no detour, etc is set. It made the unit completely useless for nav unless you want to drive miles out of the way everywhere you go. We use the iPhone and google maps exclusively now.

Brian

I agree on the dumb routes thing - it picks shortest distance routes that are much longer time-wise, due to back roads and other paths that are not the smart way to go.

[InterBlog]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

... Also have my wife follow along on a paper map for the big picture.
...

- - Mike
2013 Interstate Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

Closely-related question: What is everyone's favorite brand or format of paper maps?

Someone (Eklund?) recently posted an online coupon for DeLorme state atlases on another thread. 50% off. The coupon code worked for me and I bought three of them.

I hate 'em. They devote far too much real estate to city maps and not enough to maps of the boonies. Very few people need reams of paper maps of urban areas - that information is readily available via cell phone in a number of formats and without subscriptions. As a result of the huge amount of space devoted to cities, DeLorme was forced to compress the boonies pages into something that is so mis-scaled and dense that it's almost unreadable.

I should have done more homework prior to purchasing them. I need good, balanced map coverage of those places for which cell coverage is spotty or unreliable.

[jennian]

just updated firmware on my 2014 and tech was kind enough to advise not to update maps since only the 2015 update is currently available. new 2016 update should be released soon.

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by InterBlog

Closely-related question: What is everyone's favorite brand or format of paper maps?



Someone (Eklund?) recently posted an online coupon for DeLorme state atlases on another thread. 50% off. The coupon code worked for me and I bought three of them.



I hate 'em. They devote far too much real estate to city maps and not enough to maps of the boonies. Very few people need reams of paper maps of urban areas - that information is readily available via cell phone in a number of formats and without subscriptions. As a result of the huge amount of space devoted to cities, DeLorme was forced to compress the boonies pages into something that is so mis-scaled and dense that it's almost unreadable.



I should have done more homework prior to purchasing them. I need good, balanced map coverage of those places for which cell coverage is spotty or unreliable.

I've used Rand McNally road atlas for years. It's OK but not great. I just bought a National Geographic North America Road Atlas at REI. It wasn't cheap, but I used my dividend to buy it. It has very good contrast colors and looks like it will be a good paper map backup, but I haven't used it yet.

I use a smart phone app called Copilot on my iPhone 6+ as a backup to the Kenwood/Garmin. It is about $20 from App Store and I think they also sell a Android version. I have all of USA, Canada and Mexico on the phone. It does not require cell coverage and just uses the GPS in your phone. I've used it in the far corners of Alaska and it works great. The nicest feature is it always gives you a primary and two alternate routes to choose from. I first discovered it after reading about it in Motorhome magazine several years ago. In my view it is a great nav app. It also recalculated the route nearly instantly if you get off course. This is an important feature in unfamiliar metro areas.


- - Mike
2013 Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

[UKDUDE]

Originally Posted by EddieTheWire

Protag-



Does the SD card not work for map updates by design? I haven't been able to do updates by SD card, either, and am going to have to pull the unit from the dash to get to the USB in the back (which has the iPod cable connected to it in the glove box).



Do you know a link on the Kenwood site to get the map and firmware updates for the DNX?

I've updated firmware and maps in mine (DNX890HD).
For the firmware get it here:
http://www2.jvckenwood.com/cs/ce/
For the map upgrade go here:
https://kenwood.garmin.com/kenwood/s...playDeviceList

I upgraded the firmware using an SD card, but first it has to be inserted into the slot behind the raised display to identify the unit, and it places some data on the card. Then you transfer the card to your laptop or PC and use it to download the new firmware. Then return it to the slot in the Kenwood.
As for the map upgrade, it's similar with one big exception: the new map never gets loaded to the unit's hard drive; it remains on the SD card, which you must leave in the slot in the Kenwood! I did confirm with Kenwood support that this is intended. So if you remove the card, it reverts back to the original map.


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[Haasman]

On our 2016 the parking brake must be on to update the radio. I guess Kenwood thought this a wise safety item?