Instructions for uploading new software to your GPS unit using Microsoft Windows 98 or later:

1. Download the appropriate self-extracting archive file onto your hard drive.
   
   
2. Unzip the files in the archive by running the downloaded executable file.
   
   
3. Connect your unit to a free serial port (Com 1, 2, 3, or 4) on your PC. The user will need to build an appropriate cable to accomplish this.
   
   
4. Power up the unit. Use a terminal program on your PC and connect to the serial port. NMEA sentences should begin streaming by in the terminal program.
   
   
5. The unit will need to be changed from NMEA mode to a programming mode. To do this, transmit the following string using the terminal program:
   
   $PGRMO,,G<CR><LF>
   
   The unit will stop transmitting NMEA sentences and switch to the programming mode. At this point, disconnect the terminal program from the serial port.
   
   
6. Change to the directory in which you unzipped the files, (i.e., C:\Garmin®), and run the update program, updater.exe. Select the appropriate serial port and click "OK" to begin the software upload.
   
   During the upload, the display will indicate "Software Loading...". The upload process should take 1-3 minutes to complete. When the upload is completed, the unit will reset itself and turn on normally. At this point, connect the terminal program to the serial port and NMEA sentences should be streaming by.

The following are required to upload the software update into your Garmin GPS unit:

• IBM-compatible PC running Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT 4.0, or Windows 2000 operating systems and an available Com 1, 2, 3, or 4 port.
• An appropriate cable to interface with the GPS 17N.