BT 338 firmware update now taking place!

ginosergio · Occasional Visitor Joined: May 09, 2005 Posts: 14

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

kmhphoto · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 19, 2005 Posts: 33

I am not able to find a link on the page?

ginosergio · Occasional Visitor Joined: May 09, 2005 Posts: 14

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.

Darren · Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 12:36 pm Post subject:

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.
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Darren Griffin

ginosergio · Occasional Visitor Joined: May 09, 2005 Posts: 14

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

Darren · Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 12:50 pm Post subject:

kmhphoto · Occasional Visitor Joined: Apr 19, 2005 Posts: 33

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!

Darren · Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 2:45 pm Post subject:

HellFire · Regular Visitor Joined: Jul 25, 2004 Posts: 126

I just downloaded this update utility but its French whats the point in that you would of thought it would of been English

ginosergio · Occasional Visitor Joined: May 09, 2005 Posts: 14

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.

ginosergio · Occasional Visitor Joined: May 09, 2005 Posts: 14

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

Darren · Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 11:13 pm Post subject:

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.
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Darren Griffin

EasyD2 · Regular Visitor Joined: Aug 13, 2004 Posts: 137

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
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www.easydevices.co.uk

Tel: 0871 7000 156
Globalsat UK Distributor

ginosergio · Occasional Visitor Joined: May 09, 2005 Posts: 14

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

JST · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jun 04, 2005 Posts: 36

Fantastic service from EasyDevices - recieved my BT-338 back today and it was only sent on Saturday! :D Thanks EasyDevices!

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