Data Hacking

Magellan
Summary
Chapter 6 — Hacking the Firmware
Here are the recovery instructions for a nonfunctional Magellan Meridian or Map 330:
1. If your GPS unit is stuck in a “locked up” state, power it down by holding down
MARK/GOTO and the Esc key and then press Enter. This will power down the unit.
2. Start the unit up in Software Upload Mode by holding down MARK/GOTO and the
Esc key and press POWER. The GPS receiver should now power up with a “software
upload mode active” message on the screen.
3. Run the update software (magup.exe). Select NO at the dialog box, click Expert, and
make sure that the Expert Upload setting is checked. In addition, make sure MAP
330/Meridian is selected (not Meridian GPS) as the Unit Type and click OK.
4. Select the firmware file by clicking File ➪ Select Code File.
5. Click Upload ➪ OK. Make sure that Program Code and Base Map is checked. Also
check Upload File.
This chapter explained how you can update the firmware on your GPS unit, thereby giving you
access to bug fixes and updated features made available by the manufacturers.
You also learned several customizations that you can make to the firmware for various GPS units
on the market. These customizations can be really handy because they enable you to control
what happens when your GPS is switched on and what is displayed on the screen during use.
We looked at a handful of steps that you can take to reduce the chances of things going wrong
during a software update. If you take care and prepare before carrying out an update, you should
find that things go smoothly.
You also learned what you can do if things do go wrong — a rare event but one you should prepare
for nonetheless.
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