Change History

GPSMAP 1523/1543/1553 software version 44.02

as of June 19, 2026

Changes made from version 43.05 to 44.02:

• Revamped the search UI for new User Data experience.
• Added new night, red, and green modes, as well as improvements to Navaids symbology.
• Added UI functionality for radar North-Up true motion orientation, stabilization mode, and projected heading mode.
• Added support for new Force Current Bow Lock feature, allowing users to anchor at the bow of a kayak.
• Added support for remote features of the Force Current, including autopilot beep control, battery chemistry selection, and programmable pedal buttons.
• Added support for true and apparent wind speed alarms.
• Fixed an issue where gauge settings could become invalid resulting in a blank gauge page.
• Fixed an issue where navigating to a waypoint erroneously updates that waypoint's 'Modified' date.
• Updated the sonar coverage width calculation to use the port/starboard angle instead of fore/aft.
• Fixed an issue where the zoom keys could mistakenly activate digital switching controls in certain situations.
• Added ability to set Auto Guidance Vertical Clearance setting to values greater than 99.9.
• Other bug fixes and improvements.

Changes made from version 43.02 to 43.05:

• Added support for Video Shortcut Key with third-party input devices using Empirbus Connect 50 to open the first non-Surround View function in the Video category.
• Fixed an issue with display of data received from MAN Engines in certain installations.

Changes made from version 42.04 to 43.02:

• Added a new home category for video and camera sources.
• Added support for displaying a QR code to simplify connecting a mobile device to vessel Wi-Fi.
• Added support for the SpyPole device.
• Added functionality to engage the SpyPole in SpyLock mode from the LiveSonar pages.
• Improved experience for acknowledging Dangerous and Lost MARPA Alarms.
• Fixed an issue with positive depth lines shifting their position.
• Fixed an issue where some settings weren't syncing across devices.
• Updated the Mercury toolbars to support Precision toggle, and added a new Mercury Joystick settings toolbar.
• Improved the interface for rudder angle indication.
• Improved legibility of AIS and MARPA targets by grouping them together.
• Improved user experience when configuring autopilot steering direction.
• Fixed an issue that caused Yamaha engine voltage to not display in gauge pages or data fields.
• Fixed a rare issue where an unstable OneHelm device can cause the MFD to lose connection with other OneHelm devices.
• Other bug fixes and improvements.

Changes made from version 42.03 to 42.04:

• Fixed an issue that could cause the device to reboot when receiving certain NMEA 2000 data from some third-party devices.

Changes made from version 41.05 to 42.03:

• Added the ability to categorize video sources into different categories.
• Added a smart target to the navigation charts for sailboats.
• Fixed imprecise Sonar shift and cone width calculations.
• Fixed untranslated text in some languages.
• Improved appearance of Rapid Return image.
• Added the ability to change the date via arrow buttons on the Celestial page.
• Extended the number of items whose brightness can be individually adjusted on the Radar pages.
• Fixed Anchor Alarm visibility.
• Added support for Yamaha 26MY features.
• Improved the error messages displayed during software update troubleshooting.
• Fixed issue causing occasional freezes while saving sonar recordings.
• Improved the error messages presented during transducer troubleshooting.
• Other bug fixes and improvements.

Changes made from version 40.04 to 41.05:

• Added support for collecting sonar readings while sonar display is paused.
• Added support for configuring Track settings on a connected inReach device.
• Added support for viewing the status of a message on a connected inReach device.
• Added support for automatically sending vessel data to emergency services when an inReach SOS is declared.
• Improved MARPA tracking performance and reliability.
• Improved the user experience on gauge pages by hiding the navigation buttons after a period of inactivity.
• Fixed prompting for SD card after every reboot.
• Fixed inconsistent engine labels across different pages.
• Changes to improve product security.
• Fixed an issue that could cause the device to reboot when viewing certain Garmin approved third-party charts.
• Other bug fixes and improvements.

Changes made from version 40.02 to 40.04:

• Improved privacy for EU RED Cybersecurity compliance.
• Other bug fixes and improvements.

Changes made from version 39.01 to 40.02:

• Added support for connecting to a Fusion RA800 device.
• Added vertical versions of Yamaha Troll and Autopilot overlay bars.
• Added new voice commands for Trolling Motor functions including Cruise Control, Heading Hold/Adjust, Prop Speed, Anchor Lock, and Directional Jog.
• Added new voice commands to show a saved favorite page.
• Added graphical representation for Polar Tables and a scale factor setting for polar table data.
• Added support for MAN engines.
• Added 'dot' draw type for AIS target trails.
• Added support for Sionyx Nightwave Digital video.
• Other bug fixes and improvements.

Changes made from version to 39.01:

• Initial Release.