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If you purchased a Standard Horizon GX1700 VHF with GPS (PS Best Choice, June 2012) before mid-July 2012, it likely is in need of a firmware update. A bug in the original programming made it nearly impossible to save a waypoint using the Mark Position function.
Alerted to the problem by reader Bob Abbott (of Hinckley, Ohio), Practical Sailor confirmed the programming hiccup in our test unit. Each time a user tried to save a waypoint using the Mark Position function, the GX1700 failed to save it—unless the user did some creative keying, like changing one digit in the marked position, which then saved the edited position.
We contacted Standard Horizon about the problem, and according to Wes Gray, technical support supervisor for the maker’s parent company Yaesu, the bug has been corrected with a revision to the GX1700’s firmware.
The updated firmware, version 1.05, has been installed in all GX1700 radios manufactured since July 23, 2012, and those shipped to retailers before July 23 were updated with the new firmware, according to the company.
Standard Horizon alerted its dealers of the problem, and at presstime, they planned to inform registered GX1700 owners of the steps they could take to have their units updated.
If you have a GX1700 that has the original firmware version, contact the retailer from which you purchased the radio. Some dealers are set up to install the 1.05 update, but many are not. If yours is not, then you will have to send your unit to Standard Horizon to have the firmware updated. There is no charge for the service, but you will have to pay for return shipping. Ship the VHF to: Standard Horizon, Attn: Marine Repairs, 6125 Phyllis Dr., Cypress, Calif. 90630.
For more information, contact your dealer, or Standard Horizon at 800/767-2450 or visit www.standardhorizon.com.
