flyboyindy

Has anyone had both the older and newer NAV firmware in their RX-8? What are the differences. My dealer said they would upgrade me to the newer firmware, because I have the older version where you cant turn off the voice feed back. I just turn down the volume, so i dont think its that big of an inconvenience. Can someone post a picture of the new startup screen with the Mazda logo? Just curious if I would like that better or not =)

Thanks guys!

Kel Rx8

it just comes on for a sec or 2 nothing so special silver background with blk mazda emblem.then goes in too that damn warning driving sign.
im more happyu that my navi pops in and out when car shuts off.

Boozehound

Apparantly I'm running the old firmware as well. What else does it get you besides being able to turn off the voice guidance (although I thought it already let you do that in the setup menu), as well as adding the mazda startup icon?

blue flash

i don't know which version i have but i can turn off the voice. mfg date of my 8 is 12/03

TheDosDog

I had mine upgraded/replaced. It's still chatty but I like it much better. The voice that would not shut off on mine was where it said "calculating reroute". Very annoying if you don't follow the the systems guidance exactly. The biggest differences are the split screen for upcoming turns and voice announcing the highway names. The logo at startup is no big deal. I rarely see it.

Boozehound

So what did you have to tell your dealer to precipitate the firmware upgrade? I don't forsee a problem, but I like to go in with a back up handy. I'm taking my car in this Thursday for insulation around the cupholders, so I'll see if I can't get the Nav updated as well...

flyboyindy

Hey Dos Dog!

What do you mean there is a split screen? Does the nav voice name off all the highways? or just some of them?

TheDosDog

The split screen is to guide you to the proper off ramp. It also announces highway numbers (i.e. Turn left onto I 80 instead of turn left onto highway)

When I spoke with customer service on the difference in Nav systems. Mazda's position was the Nav versions are different but the earlier version is not defective just because it is older firmware. So, unless you can prove a defect with the system they see no reason to upgrade/replace it. Even then it is very difficult to tell if the replacement unit will be the old version or the new one. Flyboyindy, if your dealer says they will get it for you I would go for it. For me it was a difficult process taking several weeks.

Boozehound

Shouldn't this just be a software issue that they update, or is there a hardware swap involved?

TheDosDog

Like most Manufacturers, Mazda subs radio servicing to another company. In this case it is United Radio (UR). If there is a problem with the Nav, just like a radio, it is sent to UR for repair/replacement. To the best of my knowledge the dealer does not service or update the Nav control unit. They just swap it out if it is defective.

Boozehound

Aw, hell. That'll make it a real b!tch to have a service dept replace it.

Any suggestions?

8_wannabe

So Dog, was yours defective or did you come up with a good cover story to convince them it was defective? And why did it take several weeks? Was that the time to talk them into it, or to get an appointment with UR, or what? I'm a computer geek and I always like to get s/w upgrades when available. Turning off the chatty mode, split screen and announcing hiways by name sounds cool to me.

TheDosDog

Mine had a verifiable glitch in the software .

http:\\www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18573

insomniak101

I'd like to see the up date....

Boozehound

For those with the old firmware, was the issue of it not turning off the sound only when you tried to hit the button in the setup menu that says "voice feedback?" That button does nothing for me, and the only way I get it to shut the hell up is to turn the volume to zero in the menu. Consequently, once it's on 0, that's it, no interruptions and such.

If mine does happen to be one of the older ones, I may try and work something out to get me some of that split screen and highway announcing action... Anyone have any screenshots of the split screen?

Smoker

I'm also very interested at seeing this Split screen. If anyone would be kind enough to snap a picture of this that will be great ..... although from the description I pressume this split screen only comes up from Onramp and Offramp exits, so might need a passenger to take a picture... hopefully this will not be too much of a hassel.

jtdwab

I'm also going to ask for a pick of the split screen. I am wondering if when you buy the new DVD version (if it ever comes out) it comes with an upgrade CD for firmware. As I remember in one of the secret screen their is a load firmware function. I'm afraid to try it out of fear that it will wipe the memory in preperation to load not firmware which I don't have. At that point you would be done. It may not do a clear until if verifies a new file but I'm not willing to risk it.

Boozehound

Can anyone with the new firmware give a software version, and help us out with a screen shot of the split screen? I'm trying to see if it's worth me hasseling several people to get the upgrade.

Pensfan30157

Just a quick note to add to all the other info on here about the Navigation System Firware upgrade to U9.136 2003.7. I downloaded the ISO and burned it to a DVD-R as that was the only format the navigation DVD unit would ready. Updated in about 2 mins and now when the Nav starts up I get the Mazda screen instead of the original screen. The voice guidance now announces the Highway names instead of just saying turn onto highway. I also have the keyboard layout to enter in destinations instead of having to use the joystick to scroll thru the letters and numbers. I also get the white arrows on the blue highlighted route and also now see the little dots on the roads that show the route I was taking (breadcrumbs is what I think I heard it referred to). The detail looks different also but I cant seem to put my finger on what changed, maybe the zoom factor or something. I have yet to see the split screen but not sure if that is only if you are on the highway. Just wanted to add my input to all the good info and to say that the firmware update does indeed work and seems to be much better then the original version.