Garmin database updates - user frustrations

dbahn

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Dave Bahnson
I currently have a G500, GNS 750 and GNS 650 in my panel along with some other Garmin products. I recently tried to download the current database to SD cards and navigated through the options all the way to the final step (which shows the expired databases on those three devices) but couldn't download them. After trying flygarmin on a different computer and getting the same result, I contacted Garmin, talked to a live person and learned the following:
1. Garmin doesn't have a system to notify subscribers that their subscription has expired. (They're "working on it"). I had that problem a few years ago and accidently paid in advance for two or three years of downloads, which finally ran out (but I hadn't needed to add funds to the site for years). They led me through the website to find the subscription renewal option, which isn't all that obvious without help.
2. The original flygarmin website which I've used for years doesn't really work well now. It routinely downloads the .ldrsys file to the bottom card, which always gives me an error message when I load them into the panel. They recommended downloading the Aviation Download Manager on my computer, which I did. That loads a page that shows all the devices and they walked me through the process.
a. Deselect two of the three devices to update the third one
b. Deselect the "sync" option, since that's not enabled on my devices. I asked if I could user-configure that as the default options. They're "working on it."
c. Hit "refresh"
d. Repeat those steps for the other two devices.
(It seems clunky to have to deselect options then remember to refresh the page for something that should be user configured to do automatically for each new update.)
3. It turns out that the process I've used for years (downloading MOST of the database to the bottom card then separately d downloading the Flightcharts to the top card) now isn't needed - as long as the software v7.0 or higher. So I need to get the plane back to the avionics shop to get that feature to work.
4. In order to avoid the original problem of the dead-end database update I asked if I could auto-renew the database subscription. They're "working on that" as well.

I will say on a positive note that contacting a live agent in a reasonable amount of time was a plus, and she was very patient over the next half hour helping me get the database updates loaded onto the SD cards, but yikes. I would think that for $800 + per year for downloading data they'd be able to spend a little on making the web process a little easier. One of the techs at the local Garmin dealer on field told me that they're having a lot of glitches due the rollout of the newer panel mount options that can do this wirelessly.

End of rant. With all of that equipment installed in the panel, it's not like I can go to another vendor . . .
 
I'm sure I can get used to it.

I think my frustration is mostly with the lack of communication with Garmin as new options are introduced and just seemingly silently implemented. Maybe updating the software on the devices will help as well. I'm looking into that now.
 
You might want to give Garmin Aviation Database Manager a test drive.

It bombs on start for me with "zeromq/lib/native.js specified module could not be found". I had a completely fresh Win11 install done for it. Not working after Windows Update either.

Apparently this Garmin Aviation Database Manager is just an Electron wrapper, and these things are very common if some kind of module is missing. But they do not tell you want it is. Could be VC++ runtime, could be NET4. What a joke.
 

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It bombs on start for me with "zeromq/lib/native.js specified module could not be found". I had a completely fresh Win11 install done for it. Not working after Windows Update either.

Apparently this Garmin Aviation Database Manager is just an Electron wrapper, and these things are very common if some kind of module is missing. But they do not tell you want it is. Could be VC++ runtime, could be NET4. What a joke.
Considering the GADBM works on the Mac, not sure if VC++ is the issue. I really hate to invoke "geek" but you may want to check out this page and download something that might help solve the problem.


I'm wondering if Garmin assumes everyone has all the pieces installed as part of the OS or did it forget to add something to the WinTel version.

Candidly, I'd call Garmin support and get them involved with solving the problem. You have huge $$$ invested, they should be willing to help. I've found the avionics people (many from Apollo) excellent to work with. But if GADBM is a 3rd party, that's a different question. But a phone call can't hurt. I don't understand why people don't use the phone more often for help.
 
whenever I'm having issues downloading db's from GADBM I purge the stored downloads and that 'typically' resolves that. not sure if that's the issue you're having but figured I'd throw that out there.

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Considering the GADBM works on the Mac, not sure if VC++ is the issue.
It was. Apparently, MS no longer supplies a 32-bit VC++ runtime for 64-bit versions of Win11 by default. I downloaded it the VC++ distributable, installed it, and the GADBM to started.

I tried to report the issue to Garmin a few days ago, but only got an automated reply. If they ever get back to me, I'll provide the info. Maybe they can include the DLL. It is, after all, "redistributable".
 
I updated GADBM yesterday from 24.6.5 to 24.7.1 and it just broke it. Wouldn't open at all. I still had the 24.6.5 installer downloaded so I reinstalled that and it works fine again.
Reported to Garmin, but don't expect to hear anything. This is on Win10 machine. I have an 11 machine also, and may try it on that.
 
It was. Apparently, MS no longer supplies a 32-bit VC++ runtime for 64-bit versions of Win11 by default. I downloaded it the VC++ distributable, installed it, and the GADBM to started.

I tried to report the issue to Garmin a few days ago, but only got an automated reply. If they ever get back to me, I'll provide the info. Maybe they can include the DLL. It is, after all, "redistributable".
Use Chat, they answer quickly every time...
 
Yeop... I had the same problem. Its because of Windows 11 and visual C++ incompatibilities. You need to install this to fix your issue.

VisualCppRedist_AIO_x86_x64.exe


Garmin needs to address this so we don't have to fix it for them!!!! I know, I know... I am talking to a black hole.
 
I just gave up and purged / uninstalled Garmin Database Manager and reinstalled it to finally get it to work yesterday.

I'm running Win 11.
 
When I updated to 24.7.1 GADM froze up. I uninstalled it and re-installed it and that seemed to resolve the issue.
 
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Every time I update, it is always different issues. Yesterday, I couldn’t update the GI 275’s via Connext. After waiting about 5 minutes for the ipad and 750 to sync, I was able to update Nav, Obstacles and Flight Charts on the 750, but no cross sync to the 275’s. So, update the 275’s using USB. Now, all are updated, but the 750 says there is a database mismatch. This is a ridiculous system. The mismatch has happened before, and eventually that seems to correct itself.
 
I updated GADBM yesterday from 24.6.5 to 24.7.1 and it just broke it. Wouldn't open at all. I still had the 24.6.5 installer downloaded so I reinstalled that and it works fine again.
Reported to Garmin, but don't expect to hear anything. This is on Win10 machine. I have an 11 machine also, and may try it on that.
Did you hear anything? I noticed that it's up to 24.7.8 now.
 
Did you hear anything? I noticed that it's up to 24.7.8 now.

Never heard back, but after your post, I went and upgraded. It acted a little different, and as a caution to others if you're working on something it had me reboot twice.
Seems to be working fine now. Line one below tells the story.

However line 6 was worrisome, in case of future trouble. But I checked, and the last two versions are still in my downloads, so I assume they mean from the Garmin folder or wherever it automatically downloads to, not the Users download folder. So it's a good thing actually as it will save some space. I would still recommend downloading the installer to the User folder (or desktop, etc.) and delete after a successful update to the next version.


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Similar problem, different system. Just downloaded the latest Aviation Garmin Database Manager. Dead. Black window, nothing else. I can change Preferences but nothing else happens.
Deleted it, downloaded a new version. Same problem. Of course it's the weekend and AvSupport for us spam cans is closed. Must wait until Monday morning.

bah humbug.
 
Similar problem, different system. Just downloaded the latest Aviation Garmin Database Manager. Dead. Black window, nothing else. I can change Preferences but nothing else happens.
Deleted it, downloaded a new version. Same problem. Of course it's the weekend and AvSupport for us spam cans is closed. Must wait until Monday morning.

bah humbug.
If you have the old version still in your downloads maybe you can reinstall it. Or in your recycle bin.
 
If you have the old version still in your downloads maybe you can reinstall it. Or in your recycle bin.
I wish, but nope.

Just tried it on the other computer. Same problem.
 
I'm updating the avionics the my C206 before delivering it to the broker. The GADM seemed "confused", so I rebooted and started over. When I finished uploading data for the G500, G750 and G650 they all showed green checks for the three devices. I drove to the airport and loaded them into each device. The G750 and G650 both uploaded the updates. The G500 did not have the current data and reverted to the past data.
 
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The Garmin Database Manager is a pain. When I did the uninstall / reinstall - twice - I found it actually had for lack of better term a "ghost" version of it. Had to uninstall it again and completely purge my PC of Garmin. Powered down and back up. Then if finally downloaded and worked.
 
The Garmin Database Manager is a pain. When I did the uninstall / reinstall - twice - I found it actually had for lack of better term a "ghost" version of it. Had to uninstall it again and completely purge my PC of Garmin. Powered down and back up. Then if finally downloaded and worked.
I installed it in May on my Win 10 laptop, and it worked, but when I tried to run it this weekend, it wouldn't load. I noticed that the current version is newer, so I uninstalled the app and installed the new version, and now it works again.

The FlyGarmin Website is not as feature-rich, but it has continued working all along.
 
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Wow.

This exact stuff is why Garmin came up with Database Concierge, and while I have had issues with that here and there, it sounds vastly preferable to what you all are experiencing.
 
It’s a simple PC app as apps go. I don’t know why it’s so unstable.
 
Garmin Aviation Database Manager is the second worst software that I have ever used, ranked between IRIX 6.2 (which wasn't actually bad if you forget your password often, given you could practically get root by putting the Konami code into a different computer across town) and Corel WordPerfect (which had me screaming "Why would anyone want that to happen?" twenty times every day of the job I was in that used it).

Unfortunately, the G3X Touch does not support Database Concierge or Database Sync, which means it's even dumber for GADM to default to a Sync update for my G3X Touch and GTN 650 Xi system. That was the last time I updated my databases, and maybe will be the last time for a while since I can't even get the software to run now, even after a reboot. Meanwhile, updating databases on a good day usually means I have to reboot my computer multiple times to get it to see the SD card that Windows is perfectly able to use, before or after it is formatted to get a clean start. I've spent a few hundred on SD card readers trying to find one that works better, but it's really just random luck of the draw.

I typed that while uninstalling and reinstalling the software. Now it starts, but it still can't find my SD card. I guess I'll reboot the computer and cross my fingers and toes this time around. Windows 95 didn't require this many reboots.

Too bad Garmin Pilot doesn't have an option to save the database updates it has downloaded for Database Concierge to an SD card attached to the iPad.
 
The only way I can get Garmin DM to see my SD card is by reformatting the card to FAT 32 each time.
 
The only way I can get Garmin DM to see my SD card is by reformatting the card to FAT 32 each time.
Even that doesn't get it done for me. I usually have to end the GADM task and start it up again to get it to see the SD card. I did that tonight (after several reboots and endings of tasks to get the latest version of GADM installed and seeing that I have updates to install) and it at least stayed alive for the three SD cards I had to write to be able to update the databases in my plane. When I finished, I closed the program ... and it opened itself back up. Because that's exactly the behavior that users expect when they click the X button.

I do have to revise my list of worst software ever, though. I remembered that I use a web app every day at work, required for all professionals in my line of work in my state, and its terribleness makes all others pale in comparison.
 
Are the sd cards being properly ejected, ie windows eject command to properly close out all files on the card before removing it. Is it possible that the garmin units aren't properly closing them before being shutdown and the card removed. There fore windows will not recognize the card. Sometimes windows will have write caching turned on for removable media.
 
Similar problem, different system. Just downloaded the latest Aviation Garmin Database Manager. Dead. Black window, nothing else. I can change Preferences but nothing else happens.
Deleted it, downloaded a new version. Same problem. Of course it's the weekend and AvSupport for us spam cans is closed. Must wait until Monday morning.

bah humbug.
On hold with Garmin Aviation Support - expect a hold time of....wait for it....2 hours!!!!!

This is the first time in 3 years I've had problems with AGDM. Not on windows, on the mac. Deleting everything with "garmin" in the system. And an email to Garmin US HQ to hire more support staff.
 
I started deleting all of the files on the card before downloading updates. Not sure it fixed the problem or not. It's still not clear to me whether I need a top card and bottom card as I had for a long time until fairly recently.
 
I very rarely have problems using Jepp for updates. Last time was probably 4 or 5 years ago. Cannot update via WiFi but it sounds like a lot of Garmin customers can’t either. Something to consider.
 
I also had an issue, but I uninstalled and reverted to the previous version, and it worked, but...I had to reinstall the Garmin USB drivers before it would recognize my card this time.
Frustrating, but not as much as the dang clouds building in 15 minutes.
 
Email from Garmin....altho the website minimum requirements are Mac OS 10.11, I'm running on 10.15.6, it's "low end". Well, as per the written specs, I'm in compliance so why doesn't it work?

Next step - moved over to my new system, the M3 with OS 14.5 and guess what. Same exact black screen and zero functionality.

Waiting for the next email from Garmin. How are they going to explain this one?
 
They will ask you to upgrade and spend money on something. :)
The current version of GADM wants 10.11 or better.
The system I use for updates and such is a MacMini running 10.15.6, which on the website, is in spec.
Do you see the problem?
They admitted that marketing (responsible for the web) doesn't stay in sync with the development team, and that 10.15.6 is on the low end of supported systems. But it still doesn't work.

So, I downloaded GADM to my MacBook Air M3 running 14.5, which should solve problems, right? Nope same black screen. No idea why.
They sent me the previous version, that works.
 
I'm running 14.5 on a MBP M2. Been working fine for me. I did have an issue a few months ago that was resolved by uninstalling and reinstalling GADM. Have had no issues since then.
 
With GADM, I don't update it unless it stops working. Even when the annoying update prompt appears - I tell it I promise to update after the update of the databases, and then don't. Suspect I am several versions behind, but have also avoided at least one version that had a blank screen. Doesn't seem to affect its function at all (using an older version). MPB M1. Also, flygarmin always opens GADM; not clear that's always the case based on some of the Windows reports in this thread which seem to indicate a more manual process is possible on that side.
 
I'm updating two planes tonight. One has Database Sync, the other has two G3X Touch screens and a GTN. So far, the Windows GADM has locked up starting the download, permanently corrupted my normal SD card for the Sync plane, then wanted two SD cards for that plane so it could put the airport directory on a separate card, then experienced several unrecoverable errors trying to download updates for the second plane. I've had to 'End Task' the software under two different names over a half dozen times so far just to get it to see my SD cards. I have never once had it just work. I love my avionics, but I hate this part of the experience.
 
There is an ongoing thread on BT initiated by Garmin support concerning the DB update/GADM issues. Here is a screenshot of post from Garmin:
Thanks for sharing that. It looks like the Garmin post might focus on the Mac version of the software. Do you recall if they are aware of the issues I've been having with the Windows version? I doubt I'm the only one having them but don't want to miss a chance to get things fixed if it turns out that I am.
 
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