garmin edge software update using linux?

[Laid Back Rich]

does anyone know if it's possible to update garmin edge software using a linux computer?
the garmin site says PC or Mac only
thanks if you can help!
Richard

[Feanor]

You can usually do in manually, so long as the Edge device appears as a Mass Storage device to the Linux machine.
It's actually just a simple file copy you need to do.

You need to be able to download the update as a .GCD file.
Sometimes this can take a bit of finding.
Can you say exactly what model of edge, and what software version you are looking for?

Then re-name it to GUPDATE.GCD and copy it to the device's \Garmin folder, then re-boot it.
It must be re-named like this to work: the device looks for that exact filename at start-up, and will process it if it finds it.

Here's an example:
https://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=14953

[Feanor]

Oh, and a little hint about how to find the .GCD file when they hide it behind instructions to use the Garmin Express software to install the update....

Visit the web-page for the update you want, here's a random example:
https://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=14887

Note how it doesn't offer to let you just download the .GCD file, it tells you to use Garmin Express...
Now, view the page source in your browser.
(In Chrome, r-click on the page -> View page source).
There's a little easter egg in the comments at the top:

<!--

NOTE FOR USERS WANTING TO DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE ON ONE COMPUTER AND THEN INSTALL IT TO THEIR
DEVICE USING A DIFFERENT COMPUTER:

1) To download the region file used by WebUpdater, copy and paste this link into your browser
   on computer #1:

   https://download.garmin.com/software/Edge830_500.gcd

2) Bring Edge830_500.gcd to computer #2 where your device is attached.

3a) Then you can drag-and-drop Edge830_500.gcd onto the WebUpdater icon on your desktop.

3b) Or you can invoke WebUpdater at the command line, passing in the region file as a parameter:

   C:\>WebUpdater.exe c:\path\to\Edge830_500.gcd

-->


There's the link to your .GCD file right there.
R-click -> Save As...
Download it and re-name to GUPDATE.GCD when copying it to the device.

[jiberjaber]

Depending on the device you can also install software via a suitable phone using Garmin Connect.

[yoav]

You can also update newer devices like the 830 via Wifi without using a computer or a phone.

[Laid Back Rich]

You can usually do in manually, so long as the Edge device appears as a Mass Storage device to the Linux machine...
Can you say exactly what model of edge, and what software version you are looking for?

thanks so much for replies!
it's an edge touring, but it does not appear as a mass Storage device to the Linux machine
I also have an even older 800 which does appear as a mass Storage device to the Linux machine, but this one is working fine so I reluctant to attempt software update unless you recommend it?
any further tips for the edge touring? could I put the update file on the memory card that goes in the device?
thanks again!

[Feanor]

it's an edge touring, but it does not appear as a mass Storage device to the Linux machine

I don't have an Edge Touring to hand, but I'm pretty sure it should.
I've just read the User Manual online, and it definitely should: both the internal storage and the memory card should show up as USB drives.
I think that's a problem that needs to be resolved before you can proceed.

any further tips for the edge touring? could I put the update file on the memory card that goes in the device?

I'm 99% certain it needs to go on the device's internal storage.

The firmware download page is here:
https://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=6443

And the direct link to the actual .gcd file is:
https://download.garmin.com/software/EdgeTouring_GCDfile__420.gcd

[yoav]

I also have an Edge Touring. A couple of comments;
As this is an obsolete model (by Garmin's standards, not mine), I'm surprised that there is any new software for it, apart from map updates.
Although I don't use Linux, I find that Garmin devices are very fussy about which USB port and which cable you use. Sometimes they show up as devices and sometimes they don't.

And yes, it does, or should show up as a mass storage device (on Mac and pc at least)

[Feanor]

If the device is not booting properly and that's why you want to re-install the firmware, it *might* be possible to force the thing into Mass Storage mode:

https://support.garmin.com/en-IE/marine/faq/PsxSBlFqTL57tN38aI6m29/

I've never had to do this, so can't really comment.

[Laid Back Rich]

I find that Garmin devices are very fussy about which USB port and which cable you use. Sometimes they show up as devices and sometimes they don't.

I agree, it has shown in the past, I suspect it is a damaged USB port issue, because I have tried several different cables
Thanks anyway!

[Lightning Phil]

This might help you diagnose the issue

https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/USB_Garmin_on_GNU/Linux