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HDS-5x Update Version 2.5.31.56

Warning:

The HDS-5x must be updated over the ethernet network by another HDS unit that has an SD card slot. You must update the HDS unit with the SD card slot before updating the HDS-5x.

This update is 205MB, and can take a very long time to download on some internet connections. For example, estimated download time for dialup 56K modems is 7-8 hours, DSL and some cable internet is 20-30 minutes, and high-speed cable internet is 2-3 minutes.

If you experience problems with the online installer, please first try to download the stand-alone installer for your operating system listed just below the online installer. If you continue to have issues downloading the update installer, please select the next solution based on your location:

Notes: Mac OS X users may need to reapply the execute permissions to the stand-alone installer after it has finished downloading. To reapply the execute permissions, open a Terminal window, and type the following command (this assumes you downloaded the file to your desktop):
chmod +x desktop/HDSlite_253156.command

Prerequisite: Java must be installed on your computer for the installers to operate. If you do not already have a Java JRE or JDK installed, please visit the Java website.

Installation Instructions

Watch a Tutorial Video on Updating Your Lowrance HDS

  1. You will need an additional HDS unit with an SD card tray connected via the ethernet port to update the HDS-5x. Be sure to update the HDS with the SD card tray first before updating the HDS-5x.
  2. Make sure the SD/MMC card reader is properly connected to your computer (and, if necessary, that the drivers are installed).
  3. Insert a blank SD/MMC card that is 512MB or larger into the MMC/SD card reader.
  4. Click on the "Install This Update From the Web" link below to go to the installation web page.
  5. Wait for the Java web installer to download and run. Follow the Lowrance update installation instructions. If you are not sure about a step, just select the default choice. When the installer finishes you will prompted to click Finish to exit.
  6. Turn both Lowrance HDS units on.
  7. Place the MMC/SD card containing the updated operating software in the SD card tray of the second HDS unit connected via ethernet.
  8. Press PAGES.
  9. Rotate the pages menu to Utilities and select Files. Press ENTER.
  10. Select memory card and press ENTER.
  11. Highlight the software update file on the card and press ENTER. A message will appear giving you the option to upgrade "this unit" or a "remote" unit.
  12. Select remote and press ENTER.
  13. On the HDS-5x, press the POWER key while holding the up arrow key until the update starts.
  14. If the message "Charts too big for memory. Refusing to copy charts. Press Enter to continue.", please disregard and press the ENTER key to complete the update.
  15. When the update is complete, press the POWER key to restart the HDS-5x. Wait until the unit has restarted before removing the SD card from the HDS unit with the card slot.

If your computer experiences problems with the web installer, try using a stand-alone installer. Simply choose the appropriate operating system below:
PC Win98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista   |   Mac OS X   |   Linux

How to see if your HDS-5x is already using version 2.5.31.56 software:
  1. From a chart or sonar page, press the MENU key twice to activate the Settings menu.
  2. Select SYSTEM.
  3. Select ABOUT from the SYSTEM menu.
  4. The software version is displayed with the title "Application". 
  5. If your version is the same version listed above, there is no need to download the software.
What changes are made in this update?

Includes performance upgrades recommended for all HDS displays worldwide:

SONAR/ECHOSOUNDER

  • Enhances Broadband Sounder automatic mode for optimum target detection and display without manual adjustment
  • Overall improvements in Broadband Sounder Performance

Incorporates support REQUIRED for StructureScan™ Sonar Imaging functionality: 

  • Unifies SideScan and DownScan Imaging™ display with 455/800 kHz imaging transducer soundings
  • Expands split-screen viewing to 3- and 4-window displays on HDS-8 and HDS-10 models
  • Enables new synchronized TrackBack™ feature for simultaneous scroll-back through sonar history and chartplotter trails in all displayed windows (DownScan Imaging™, SideScan, Broadband Sounder™, cartography) for waypoint marking
  • Activates new DownScan Overlay™ feature, merging Broadband Sounder and DownScan™ views in a single, adjustable display for the clearest structure and fish target interpretation ever achieved

Includes the following changes from previous updates:

  • Much faster loading time for all Lowrance charts.
  • Tides and Currents feature now available for Nautic Insight™ and Nauticpath™ cards, including full-screen tide and current predictor
  • General improvements to user interface responsiveness and key-flow, and enhanced pop-up help
  • Added ability to export and import user settings
  • New fast ping speed display settings for very deep water
  • Improvements to sonar bottom tracking in particularly difficult conditions
  • Improved presentation when networking sonar between HDS and LCX or LMS products
  • Both digital and analog gauges now update faster
  • Repeated pressing of PAGES key now rotates the Pages carousel which retains split screen selections for faster access to frequently used functions
  • Now possible to configure sensors directly from streamlined overlay data selection menu
  • Now easier to set your local time
  • Automatic detection of multiple engine and tank data sources
  • Improvements to fuel management user interface
  • Data overlays now display port or starboard label for sensors where appropriate
  • Now possible to set independent keel offsets for multiple depth transducers
  • DSC support added over NMEA 2000
  • Track-Your-Buddy support added for compatible VHF radios
  • Improved handling of NMEA 0183 input from some non-standard devices
  • Now possible to upgrade other head units and network modules via the ethernet
  • Improvements to screen capture function interface including full screen preview
  • Ability to copy all sonar logs or screen captures to SD card simultaneously
  • Networked settings can now be restored to factory defaults
  • Added full support for German, Italian, Norwegian, Danish, Russian, Finnish, Portuguese, Bulgarian, Croatian, Greek, Hungarian, Polish, Slovakian and Ukrainian languages

System Requirements:

Lowrance HDS update software will run on any Java-enabled machine running Windows® 98/ME/2000/XP/2003/Vista, Mac OS X, or Linux.