Nav Pilot 500 software upgrade

[plotzki]

I am trying to find the software upgrade for the NavPilot 500. I only could find the software for the Processor FAP-5002 in the Furuno website, but not for the control head FAP-5001 and the heading sensor PG-500. Does any one know how to find it?

Is it safe to upgrade only the processor, can the controller show the new features without upgrading it too?

Thanks,

 

[Johnny Electron]

The NavPilot 500 is old and not easy to upgrade. It isn't considered user upgradable. It would normally need to visit a dealer or be sent in. What new features are you trying to obtain? What problems are you experiencing?

 

[plotzki]

Thanks for the advice, Johnny! I have thousands of miles thrusting the NavPilot 500, and I don't see reasons to change, but I would love to have the feature of it engaging in a wind direction. I guess it shows up in version 3.01; mine is still 2.03. Also, I think that a few times I might have bumped into one of the bugs fixed in the following versions. The compass changed the heading pretty quickly for no reason. This last issue was only 3 events in 7 years. I am not even sure if the software is the cause. The main objective would be to have auto by wind direction.

I don't want to risk my Pilot, of course. I have studied computer sciences in college and have some shallow understanding of electronics. Looking at the updating instructions and the RS232 cable wiring needed to be connected on TB4, I felt confident. If it is really risky or expensive, I think it doesn't worth it for me. I thought about uninstalling it, sending it to our Furuno guys here in Brazil, but I didn't think it worth the effort too.

I knew that some board versions are not upgradable too. Looking at the two flash SMD chips on my board (64P1140), I am feeling lucky, but of course, I am not sure.

 

[Johnny Electron]

I would leave it if it is working and save the time and money for a newer pilot down the road. They are good units. If you decide to upgrade down the road and your control head(s) are good; sell them. 500 control heads are going for more than original cost online for people who need second stations or needed for repairs. The 500 control heads are very rare at this point. Finding a used one is almost impossible and when you do it isn't going cheap.

 

[plotzki]

Thanks for the tip. I guess I will leave it this way. I am planning to go to the Caribbeans, maybe I will buy a new one and keep the two pilots installed, as a redundancy.