Hawk07

Page 38 on my 7100 manual is about using the iPod menu?..

SilverSurferC6

I downloaded the latest manual from the Kenwood website.


http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Support/Ca...wners_Manuals/

Hawk07

Ok, I see your looking at the Navigation manual, not the Kenwood Head unit user manual.
So, looking closer at your link and checking for a Garmin NAV update for the 7100, I see nothing. Only for 7X20, 8X20, DNX7340, 9140,or 7/8 series.
I still contend the 7100 is not updateable through the sd card slot. I'm willing to bet that didn't become an option until the 7120 came out.

This pdf below explains the update process for the 7100, both for head unit (multimedia) and NAV updates. The only option shown is using USB memory.

http://www.kenwood.nl/WebFiles/Navi-...FWverup_en.pdf

SilverSurferC6

Michael,

I tend to agree with you on this one. Oddly though and to my recollection from the installer, the 7140 while having a SD slot, is non-functional. Why would Kenwood build it like this other than saving on the design and confusing the consumers.

Hawk07

It's really not 'non fuctional' as it is used for when you update to new maps. That is, when you buy the Garmin/Kenwood map upgrade which is only available on a SD card. You place the Garmin/Kenwood SD card in the slot and leave it there. Other than that, then yes it's non functional.
I was reading the 7140 Nav manual under Updating the Software and it says specifically, "The SD card update option is only available on the DNX9140".

I've tried a couple of other ways of making another map card and so far it's still not working. I have a couple more ideas up my sleeve so we shall see. They do have this one buttoned up good and tight, thats for sure...

Hawk07

Well looks like I was wrong, again. I found this little gem on the Garmin website and it clearly shows that the 7100 software version can be updated through the SD lot...

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/store/do...D=6307&ra=true

SilverSurferC6

Arguably THE worst manuals around. Great product - terrible manuals.

vettn71

From what I understand, the SD slot is the only way to update the Garmin software. If I can't get it to function, I'm screwed, blued and tatooed

Jim

Hawk07

Jim I just upgraded mine from 2.60 to the new 2.80

I followed the instructions on how to download the file onto my desktop, then unzipped & installed into a folder pre-named garmin on a SD card formatted with FAT32. When I installed the SD card into the slot the head unit took over, read the files, then installed them without me having to push any buttons.
Is yours not doing this? Did you double check that the only file on the sd card is labeled 'garmin'?

vettn71

yes, I tried this with both a Sd and a HCSD card. Downloaded V2.80, installed it on a freshly formatted (FAT32) card into a folder named "garmin". No buenos.

Jim

Hawk07

Could there be a chance that you already have 2.80 installed? I think to check it's- settings, about, software. First line should say what you have installed.


ETA: I went back and re-read your first post and you mention you downloaded the file directly onto the sd card. Just to be straight, you need to first download onto your desktop then UNZIP into your sd card file named garmin.

vettn71

Yes, I downloaded it to the computer first. Guess I should be more accurate. I went through it according to the website

Jim

Hawk07

Yeah figured so, but thought best to check. Hate to see your unit not working as it should.
Did you buy it used or new?

vettn71

Used on ebay. Filed a dispute - denied because I installed it myself

Jim

Hawk07

Oh that sucks. How about putting a call into Kenwood and explain that you got it as a gift, what the problem you're having, and if they would take a look at it to see there was a manufacturing defect? Might be worth a try...

vettn71

I thought about giving Kenwood a call, but a gift? Serial number would kill that off, but they may give me some ideas. Also tought of taking it to a stereo specialst, like CarToys.

Jim

Hawk07

I only suggested a gift, as that would not alert them that is was an Ebay purchase or non-authorized seller... Heck their repair fee may not be that expensive anyways to pay outright.

Jared Teeter

Just in case anyone is still looking for answers... on most kenwood DNX head units, there is a mini usb port in the rear. You can access all the information from this. I have always left a USB cord in this and run it to the glove box for easy access.

When updating the maps, you can do 1 of 2 things.

1. Connect USB to a laptop and run Garmin Xpress update.
2. (my favorite) Connect to a laptop and navigate to the folder "garmin" and look for the file gmapsupp.img / or / gmappromm.img and replace it with the newer one.
(You may need to unlock the map before first use)

There are also a few things to bear in mind....
1.How much space is available in the HU memory
2.Back up anything before you delete or replace.
3.It takes 30-60 min to replace a map .img on just about any Garmin device.

I have also downloaded smaller maps (Lower 49 states @ 1.5gb rather than North america @ 2.5gb)
I have never gotten an SDHC card to work in my 7100 (or any other Garmin I've owned) SD cards up to 2GB work fine.... you just need to make sure your .IMG will fit.
There are also other programs to filter or delete part of maps you don't want or need. (Garmin mapsource etc.)

Last thing is, don't try to max out the memory on your device with cute little poi add-on's or voices etc, you will slow down your Garmin to the point of being useless until you delete some things. Unfortunately you can't delete all of those things to fit the biggest and baddest new maps... they are just getting way too big for these older devices.