posted 09-09-2009 11:25 AM ET (US)        

Here is what the update adds/refines/fixes.

Changes made from version 4.50 to 5.00:

--Numerous rearrangements of menus, configurations, and adjustments to place most-used features in easy to access locations.

--Made the Back button smarter to minimize the number of key presses required to exit commonly used features.

--Changed the appearance of UI lists and allowed paging by using the -/+ keys.

--Added logging of MOB events.

--Improved waypoint marking interfaces to minimize map obstruction and reduce required key presses.

--Greatly improved the drawing speed for charts. In most areas users should rarely see a partially drawn map when zooming and panning.

--Prevented the map from initially re-drawing when panning on the Chart/Sonar funciton and after displaying a menu above the chart.

--Added continuous smoothing of the head-up direction for head-up charts. Head-up users will find this change a remarkable improvement in performance.

--Added continuous smoothing between zoom levels.

--Changed the chart terminology for heading-up orientation from Track Up to Head Up.

--Add ability to choose the label display for waypoints by symbol. User can choose to show labels for waypoints of a particular symbol with the waypoint name, comment, or symbol only.

--Waypoints can now be turned off on charts by symbol. This allows the waypoints on the map to be quickly limited to those of interest for the boater?s current activity.

--Added ability to show or hide track logs based on color.

--Added a compass rose overlay option.

--Added ability to mark waypoints with the pointer on weather maps.

--Added all supporting features for the latest g2 and g2 Vision, including user control of bathymetric contour shading.

--Added a perspective 3D display of charts for people who do not have g2 Vision cards.

--Added ability to overlay charts and photographs on the 3D relief when using g2 Vision.

--Added ability to rotate the 3D view and point to objects for review.

--Improved the head-up responsiveness of Mariner's Eye 3D making manual route following much easier to do (no over-steer).

--Numerous appearance and drawing performance improvements.

--Added option for a compass tape at the top of the screen.

--Removed the 'sonar panel' display from Fish Eye 3D and replaced with symbols indicating sonar detections.

--Removed the control for specifying the sonar beam width in the 3D picture. Beam width is determined automatically from the transducer.

--Added sonar noise rejection control.

--Added user control for water temperature offset.

--Added ability to move a pointer around on the sonar image when paused and mark waypoints at locations pointed to (underwater waypoints feature).

--Added support for heading sensor connection via NMEA 0183.

--Added a graphical compass to Information->Dashboard.

--Expanded control of navigation leg transition to include a time-based choice.

--When a route is activated the unit will automatically add a leg from the boat's current position to the first waypoint in the route.

--Changed the chart terminology for heading-up orientation from Track Up to Head Up.

--Can now load and store multiple sets of user data files on an SD card.

--Added user comments field to waypoints.

--Added range, bearing, and a graphical pointer to waypoint review pages.

--Changed the symbols and colors to be closer to international standards.

--AIS vessels are only filtered from the map by distance from the boat. The user can set up the range of interest or choose to show all AIS vessels up to a maximum of 100 vessels.

--Added standard 'select and activate' interface for AIS. User can choose which targets to track with a larger symbol and heading/COG indications. All other AIS vessels display in a smaller symbol to minimize clutter.

--Use a solid line for AIS vessel heading and a dashed line for course over ground.

--Added user-controlled trails for AIS and DSC vessels.

--Added connecting legs over shallow areas at the beginning and end of the path. This allows the boater to auto guide to a shore-based service. The unit will sound an alarm when the boat approaches the shallow leg.

--Added a control for shore-line proximity tolerance which allows the user to choose tighter margins for passage through narrow channels or set a larger distance margin from the shoreline.

--When following Auto guidance added a navigation option to recalculate Auto guidance to the current destination from the boat's current position.

Here are some videos of the functionalites added by the V5.0 update.

Waypoint Management Functionalities

http://bluewaterpirate.phanfare.com/...ageID=80503882

Dashboard, System Info, AIS Functionalities

http://bluewaterpirate.phanfare.com/...ageID=80505918

Mariners Eye, Perspective View, Fishing Chart, Event Log, Alarms (AIS, DSC, Navigation)

http://bluewaterpirate.phanfare.com/4327860_4727322#imageID=80508343

Some pictures

Perspective View with compass tape

http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv129/bluewaterpirate/g14.jpg

Dashboard view Compass View

http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv129/bluewaterpirate/g6.jpg

Mariners Eye View with warning depths displayed in orange.

http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv129/bluewaterpirate/g8.jpg

Chart View with Compass Rose turned on

http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv129/bluewaterpirate/gm4.jpg

Waypoint Display (new) System wpts can be turned on or off using four one of four choices. (see second picture under this heading).

http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv129/bluewaterpirate/gm1.jpg

http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv129/bluewaterpirate/gm2.jpg

Tom

posted 09-10-2009 03:52 PM ET (US)            

Click on the link below to download the latest owners manual for your 400/500 unit.

http://www8.garmin.com/manuals/GPSMAP431_431s_OwnersManual-US-_EN_.pdf

posted 09-11-2009 04:58 PM ET (US)            

Can't wait for the next sunny day here in Philly to try 'em out!

posted 09-13-2009 07:30 PM ET (US)            

Way Point Management and stuff to come ......

http://bluewaterpirate.phanfare.com/...ageID=80767450

New AIS Functions & Display .......

http://bluewaterpirate.phanfare.com/...ageID=80765613

Perspective & Mariners Eye Displays & funtions ......

posted 09-15-2009 01:49 PM ET (US)            

I am enjoying my first season with the 440s. As far as the software upgrade is concerned... How is it done? Do I download the update from Garmin - transfer it to the SD card - then upload to the 440S?

I didn't see anyting specific in the manual concerning software updates.

posted 09-15-2009 02:34 PM ET (US)            

Open the link below ...... when it opens click on download instructions ..... there you go. You can also download the update from this website.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/store/downloadsDetails.jsp?id=3503& product=010-00515-40&cID=148&pID=8055

posted 11-01-2009 11:41 AM ET (US)            

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/store/downloadsDetails.jsp?id=4633& product=010-00766-00&cID=148&pID=28755

The 441 uses a a different processor, more dynmaic ram, NMEA 2000, and has a different GPS antenna than it's earlier cousin the 440.