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ginosergio Occasional Visitor
Joined: May 09, 2005 Posts: 14
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 11:45 am Post subject: |
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For those living outside US or UK, (or anyone else), there is a DO-IT-YOURSELF way to upgrade your BT-338 to Sirf 3.1.1.
I have found details in a message posted in free.it.discussioni.gps Newsgroup:
LINK REMOVED
You have to download a software, then install it on a PC with bluetooth; then pair devices (PC & BT-338) assigning it a serial port, and then you can flash the eprom.
I don't know if this is official, but obviously there is a little risk, and also I think that do-it-yourself voids your warranty.
... but it works.
Regards |
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kmhphoto Occasional Visitor
Joined: Apr 19, 2005 Posts: 33
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 12:13 pm Post subject: |
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I am not able to find a link on the page? |
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ginosergio Occasional Visitor
Joined: May 09, 2005 Posts: 14
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 12:24 pm Post subject: |
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It's a emule / edonkey link...
If you don't have it, you should download one of these P2P software and install it. Then copy and paste into the software, the link that starts with
LINK REMOVED
Regards. |
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Darren Frequent Visitor
Joined: 11/07/2002 14:36:40 Posts: 23848 Location: Hampshire, UK
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 12:36 pm Post subject: |
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The software being discussed is an unofficial flashing utility for the Globalsat BT338.
I have deleted the links as this is an unauthorised download posted on a google group without the permission of the authors.
If you were to use this and had a problem you would not be covered by the warranty. _________________ Darren Griffin |
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ginosergio Occasional Visitor
Joined: May 09, 2005 Posts: 14
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 12:45 pm Post subject: |
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Darren, I obiously did not wish to cause problems to this (great) forum.
I mentioned that do-it-yourself voids your warranty, also. If something goes wrong during the flashing procedure, the BT-338 becomes useless.
Best Regards |
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Darren Frequent Visitor
Joined: 11/07/2002 14:36:40 Posts: 23848 Location: Hampshire, UK
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 12:50 pm Post subject: |
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ginosergio wrote: | Darren, I obiously did not wish to cause problems to this (great) forum.
I mentioned that do-it-yourself voids your warranty, also. If something goes wrong during the flashing procedure, the BT-338 becomes useless.
Best Regards |
I understand but we have been requested to remove the links. Obviously anyone attempting a DIY upgrade runs a risk but but in light of the inexpensive offers in the UK and US for upgrades by the distributors we would strongly recommend they are used if you want to get the latest firmware. _________________ Darren Griffin |
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kmhphoto Occasional Visitor
Joined: Apr 19, 2005 Posts: 33
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 1:03 pm Post subject: |
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Thank you Ginosergio for your post and the link.
This parch is the same as the "official" one and bluetooth is how the service centres update the units.
Globalsat chose not to make the patch available to the public because their distributors wanted to be able to offer it "Free" for £7.00 + Vat! |
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Darren Frequent Visitor
Joined: 11/07/2002 14:36:40 Posts: 23848 Location: Hampshire, UK
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 2:45 pm Post subject: |
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kmhphoto wrote: | Thank you Ginosergio for your post and the link.
This parch is the same as the "official" one and bluetooth is how the service centres update the units.
Globalsat chose not to make the patch available to the public because their distributors wanted to be able to offer it "Free" for £7.00 + Vat! |
I very much doubt that is the case, there is little or no profit to be made by the distributors for such a service, the admin required to receive units, flash them and return would make it a very unlikely source of revenue! I'm sure given the option they'd rather not bother if profit was the motive. _________________ Darren Griffin |
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HellFire Regular Visitor
Joined: Jul 25, 2004 Posts: 126
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 7:58 pm Post subject: |
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I just downloaded this update utility but its French whats the point in that you would of thought it would of been English |
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ginosergio Occasional Visitor
Joined: May 09, 2005 Posts: 14
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 10:56 pm Post subject: |
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Darren is right; Globalsat has done a great thing, to offer upgrade for a nominal fee that probably don't even cover their work. THIS is Customer Support ! Other manufacturers often ignore existing upgrade if the units are not really faulty.
But some countries like Italy don't have an official importer. I bought my 338 from Singapore. Even if my seller would offer update, it will be mad (for costs and risks), to send my GPS to them for upgrade.
I've considered sending it to Globalsat USA, but I should pay both shippings, to them and back, and survive the custom when the package come back. Here in Italy there is a strict control on packages from USA. It's impossible to get something from there, without paying custom duties, and even if Globalsat write on the package that is a "returning unit, repaired, duties already paid", you have to prey that:
- custom employee read the note;
- understand english,
- and believe the note (he can believe it's a ridiculous try to avoid taxes!)
Believe it, I already paid twice for a graphic card I sent back in USA for repair during warranty.
So, if you are lucky and get your 338 back from USA, you finally pay more then buying a new one.
Obviously, and I repeat clearly, FLASHING BT-338 BY YOURSELF VOIDS WARRANTY. Don't try it, if you live in USA or UK. Upgrade service from Globalsat dist. maintains warranty; is fast, reliable, and "marks" your BT-338 with a special sign, so you can resell it when you want, as a "3.1.1 unit".
Regards to all. |
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ginosergio Occasional Visitor
Joined: May 09, 2005 Posts: 14
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 11:09 pm Post subject: |
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Uhm, You're right again. I often don't remember that UK is in EU, only because you still have pounds and not euros! I already bought some things from UK and never got custom duties. I will check with Easydevices.
Thanks, Darren
Regards |
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Darren Frequent Visitor
Joined: 11/07/2002 14:36:40 Posts: 23848 Location: Hampshire, UK
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Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 11:13 pm Post subject: |
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That is the downside of buying from non authorised suppliers.
But you may want to email EasyDevices here in the UK. They are the UK authorised dealer suppliers for GlobalSat and are performing the upgrades over here. Subject to your covering the postage they may well upgrade it for you and customs won't be an issue as we're all in the EU. _________________ Darren Griffin |
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EasyD2 Regular Visitor
Joined: Aug 13, 2004 Posts: 137
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Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 10:53 am Post subject: |
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Hi all,
Just like to point out that we can peform the firmware update for Globalsat customers throughout Europe. Email us and we will let you know the cost of shipping the product back to your own country.
Send your email to firmware@easydevices.co.uk _________________ www.easydevices.co.uk
Tel: 0871 7000 156
Globalsat UK Distributor |
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ginosergio Occasional Visitor
Joined: May 09, 2005 Posts: 14
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Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 11:26 am Post subject: |
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Thanks a lot, Sean.
Me and my friends bought 5 Globalsat BT-338, and obviously someone don't want to take the risk to trash its receiver if the do-it-yourself fails.
We will check with you shipping costs for Italy.
Best regards |
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JST Occasional Visitor
Joined: Jun 04, 2005 Posts: 36
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Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 2:08 pm Post subject: |
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Fantastic service from EasyDevices - recieved my BT-338 back today and it was only sent on Saturday! :D Thanks EasyDevices!
To answer my own question:
Quote: | I don't suppose the upgrade changes the fact that the NMEA data stream almost certainly uses the Ellipitical Altitude rather then the (more normal?) Above Sea Level Altitude? |
I believe the answer is yes. I am absolutely certain that before the firmware change the NMEA Protocol $GPGGA record (Field 9 - Antenna Altitude above/below mean-sea-level) was indicating the Elliptical alttitude. It is now definitely using the msl altitude.
One happy bunny!
Cheer, Jim |
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