I've got a 2012 UK Superb Estate L&K with Columbus.(Delivery Part # 3T0035680E  HW vers H64, Firmware vers 4024 Map vers 7690). The L&K comes with TV installed as you probably know. I've also got the iPod lead in the arm rest box.

 

I've read a few threads trying to get my head around firmware updates and map updates but even as a retired software engineer I'm finding the information confusing. I've got access to a Windows 7 machine with DVD writer, SD cards, blank DVDs, and more, and I know how to use them.

 

Initially I want to upgrade the firmware to get radio text and whatever else it offers, but I don't want to lose the existing maps or the full postcode input, and I want the other existing features to continue working. What do I need for this, how do I install it, and where to I get it? How do I back out of the update if something goes wrong?

 

Then I'd like to upgrade to the latest maps and I'd like the "show Skoda dealers" POI thing to still work. What do I need for this, how do I install it, and where do I get it? How do I back out of the update if something goes wrong?

 

Is there anything else I need to consider?

 

Thanks in advance!

Edited 13 February, 201412 yr by timbear

There are others on here far more knowledgeable than me but from what I have read on other posts if you upgrade the firmware then you will need to reinstall the maps. Your firmware isn't really that much out of date. I have a Octy vRS and have just upgraded to firmware 5238 which did to give me radio text - to be honest if you already have 7 digit postcode input and all you want to upgrade for is radio text then personally I don't think its worth it. It is VERY basic, so much so I have turned it off again. I have also installed v10 maps (previously had v9), haven't really travelled much though to notice if they are a great improvement or not.

Upgrading firmware can be risky and certain versions can actually damage certain hardware versions (sorry I can't list which ones are compatible and which not). From reading your post I would suggest considering just upgrading to the latest maps you can get hold of and leave the firmware as it is - that way everything stays/keeps working as you have now.

Just my personal thoughts - if it ain't broke don't try and fix it !!

I'm with Bernie on this one: potential pain for very little gain.  I'm still on 4xxx firmware and haven't read of a single reason why I would want to upgrade.  I'm not interested in radio text, mind, so that might be a factor for you.  Having said that, Bernie doesn't seem to rate it anyway.

Well, it's the map updates that I'd like more than anything, I'm willing to pass on the firmware upgrade but I'm not scared of updating firmware as long as the instructions are good and there is a recovery option.

 

The motorways around Glasgow caused me some serious issues on the satnav last year, I had to resort to (gasp!) road signs. I'm hoping that the latest maps have fixed that. But I still need to know where/how/recovery details for those.

I have a 62 plate L&K estate and I have radio text and haven't done a firmware update. I will check what firmware etc in the morning I am running.

I know it sounds an obvious question but you are accessing the radio text from the extras soft button at the bottom of the screen? Doing this then replaces all the station buttons with the text.

Sorry if you have already tried this.

Installing new maps is I am pleased to say a very simple process. Once you have purchased a disk then it is simply a case of turning the unit on, popping the disk into the drive, follow any on screen prompts (some units ask if you want to copy the data to the hard drive and some just do it) then sit and wait. Takes around 45mins to an hour to load. I personally have updated my maps twice now, v8 to v9 and more recently v9 to v10 with no issues at all.

Only official sources of map discs are Skoda or VW dealers and prices seem to vary across dealers. Have even heard of some dealers installing the latest version for free !

I wasn't insinuating that you are or should be scared of doing a firmware update in any way at all - was just trying to help as there are quite a few who have "bricked" there system with incompatible firmware/hardware combinations. As Ned so nicely put it, potential pain for very little gain but as always it's a personal choice.

Well, it's the map updates that I'd like more than anything, I'm willing to pass on the firmware upgrade but I'm not scared of updating firmware as long as the instructions are good and there is a recovery option.

 

The motorways around Glasgow caused me some serious issues on the satnav last year, I had to resort to (gasp!) road signs. I'm hoping that the latest maps have fixed that. But I still need to know where/how/recovery details for those.

I had my maps updated at no cost by my dealer as I presume you mean the new section of motorway to the south side of the city. Talk to your dealer to see if they can help at a reasonable cost or FOC. During a service?

I really like to have the radio text showing as not having it is akin to listening to an mp3 that doesn't have any data attached to it! ;-)

timbear, your Columbus is slightly later than mine (a November 2011 model originally at 3T0035680E HW61 FW3984 & SW7690 v8 maps).

Last year I just updated the maps to v9 7918 but a few weeks ago I upgraded the firmware (Operating System) to 5270 and the maps to v10 8048 and you could do exactly this upgrade as well.

You say you don't want to lose the existing maps? They are at least two years old and there's no reason not to replace them with v10.

Also, so long as you choose an upgrade version of firmware 5270 then it doesn't delete anything anyway so you wouldn't lose your POIs or any music you may have loaded to the hard drive.

The upgrades are both done by inserting a DVD and waiting 45-60 minutes each time. There are plenty of details on the exact process elsewhere in these forums. 

timbear, your Columbus is slightly later than mine (a November 2011 model originally at 3T0035680E HW61 FW3984 & SW7690 v8 maps).

Last year I just updated the maps to v9 7918 but a few weeks ago I upgraded the firmware (Operating System) to 5270 and the maps to v10 8048 and you could do exactly this upgrade as well.

You say you don't want to lose the existing maps? They are at least two years old and there's no reason not to replace them with v10.

Also, so long as you choose an upgrade version of firmware 5270 then it doesn't delete anything anyway so you wouldn't lose your POIs or any music you may have loaded to the hard drive.

The upgrades are both done by inserting a DVD and waiting 45-60 minutes each time. There are plenty of details on the exact process elsewhere in these forums. 

 

Chris,

 

OK, sounds easy enough, where does one get the maps/firmware?

 

Tim

Thanks for the input everyone.

I'd be very interested in the answer to that as I've been thinking about updating my maps and firmware as the Columbus insisted I was in the middle of a field last week on my way to Ramsgate

 

I'm pleased to hear that I wont lose my music or current maps

Hi, 

 

I have updated my maps twice, both time there was no loss of any other data. 1st time the local dealer did it for free, second time I did it to V9.

 

Easy to do, just insert disk and wait - about 30 to 45 minutes job done

 

Rufus