B&G Zeus upgrade to v18.3 broke WiFi GoFree

[Andalusian]

Experienced the same thing when I upgraded last weekend. Tried to hard reset the gofree but does not show up now as a WiFi option. Hope they fix it soon.

[Arkle400]

All

I have heard back from B&G in the UK, ref the GoFree WIFI. Here is what they say...

"You are correct that we have had a few reports of this failure following the software update when carried out through a Zeus-2.

Our R&D team are working hard to fully understand the issue and then bring about a fix that can be applied in the field ASAP but as things stand we would need to take your unit back and apply a fix via PC. Our address is below and if you would like to return the WiFi-1 with a copy of this email and your return address we would be happy to help.

Navico UK Ltd
Templars House
Lulworth Close
Chandlers Ford
SO53 3TL

Seriously not great, but at least there is a way of fixing it...

[Trvlmedic]

+1 watching

[calm waters]

Update.

Got my WiFi module back from the agent. They had reloaded the firmware under direction from Navico.

Plugged it in and was detected by the network. Tested in both modes. All good.

Turned off electronics. Screwed the module back in place and reassembled the boat.

Switched electronics back on and module no longer detected.

Dropped the module back to agent. He is also running V18.3. Module also no longer detected.

Left it with the agent to liaise with Navico.

Luckily both the agent and my boat are near by.

[Whomda]

Yuck, what a terrible result, sorry you have to do the full install.

I would have thought they would insist you reverse update back to 18.2 before plugging in the WiFi module, and this pretty much confirms one needs to do that.

[calm waters]

I am not sure Navico are entirely sure what is going on.

I guess as the agent's test rig was 18.3 they thought it was ok. Rolling back everything on the boat today to 18.2 and wait for agent.

[DreamCatcher37]

Originally Posted by Whomda

Update: I spoke on the phone to B&G customer support, this is a widespread issue they are seeing with multiple customers.

If you have an external Wifi GoFree unit DO NOT UPGRADE TO 18.3. Your Wifi unit may become disabled.

The newer units with bulitin wifi are not affected.

He said B&G is well aware of the issue, and to check back in two weeks to see if they have a fix yet.

WHOMDA==========
Thanks for both posts, I have been in v18.3 download hell for weeks, my external WiFi-1 unit is toast and I await obtaining the v18.2 version to reload on to my Zeus2 MFD, this after two long TA calls with B and G and endless emails...yes B and G is well aware v18.3 has problems and posted a note on their webiste on v18.3 download page that it not available....cut and paste =
Zeus² Software Update

Release v18.3
*Please Note - we have temporarily removed the download file for NOS 18.3 for the Zeus 2 while we investigate a potential issue. Please check back soon for updates.*
==========
Anyone here is welcome to email me on their way back to Zeus2 MFD internal wifi health with ipads and iphones and independent access to the internet but not at the same time with the external unit, all features I thought I had before the v18.3 download debacle in February. macdonaldbryon@gmail.com

Bryon MacDonald
SV Bella Sirena
Proud PS40 lying Ensenada Mexico
FB page Bella Sirena Voyage

[Mystic2468]

I had this problem.

My Zeus 2 downloaded the 18.3 update AFTER it was removed from the B&G website.

Called B&G. Straight up without asking me anything they said they would replace the WiFi unit. To give them credit, the new unit arrived within the week. They did ask me to send the dead one back which I did after receiving the replacement.

So don't hang out for a "fix". If your WiFi is dead it's going to stay dead.

The new WiFi is in and working so far. Still running 18.3 but making sure I hit "NO" when it asks me if I want to update WiFi firmware.

[DreamCatcher37]

March 30, 2019

My status with the 18.3 nightmare on a Zeus2 MFD with external GoFree Wifi-1 unit:

I have downloaded back to v18.2 on my MFD, MFD states I am now using v18.2
Navico is shipping me a new external Gofree Wifi-1 unit, I await its arrival.

CAN ANY EXPERTS HERE ADVISE WHAT I SHOULD DO BEST WHAT STEPS TO INSTALL THE NEW HARWARE AND GET BACK TO WHERE I WAS BEFORE V18.3?

My ipad and iphone show no existence now of any Gofree app or software. When I go to download B and G Gofree app from itunes store I get lost and nothing shows up that makes sense.

Once I get the new external Gofree hardware unit I want to do the right steps to get back to where my MFD was in January.

Anger with Navico for being used as their beta test on v18.3 would understate my position on this matter. If I were paid for the hours spent on this matter I could afford a vacation break.

Bryon
Captain
SV Bella Sirena
Lying Ensenada Mexico

[Andalusian]

I was finally able to obtain a copy of v18.2 and am going to revert back today. I’ve removed my goFree unit and am sending it back for the replacement, which should hopefully arrive soon. The techs and B&G have been helpful, but it’s very clear they don’t have much in the way of information from the top as to when v18.3 is going to be fixed. I am really surprised they haven’t posted the older version of the software for folks who want to go back for now (it was working fine before I foolishly jumped on the firmware update). Not good...

[DreamCatcher37]

Thanks Andalusian! We are now in same spot. I await the new GoFree Wifi-1 unit replacement being sent by B and G and I have downloaded the 18.2 and deleted the 18.3 from sv Bella Sirena Zeus2.

If you care to compare notes getting back to normal with the new wifi install I am at macdonaldbryon@gmail.com

Bryon
Stay Calm Sail On

[Whomda]

Update: After following up with B&G, we have finally returned the unit to B&G for a replacement, and we have also downgraded the software to 18.2. We'll see.

[DreamCatcher37]

THANKS Whomda I am still in same exact place waiting for the new unit from B and G.
v18.2 on my Zeus2.

[PeterSailor]

The V18.3 patch was released April 18th. I don't see it on the Simrad site for the EVO/GO but it should follow shortly.

[Whomda]

Thanks for the heads up. I see it now on the B&G site, with the note about the WiFi debacle:
https://ww2.bandg.com/downloads/zeus2-software-update/

I did send mine back and received a replacement, I have not reinstalled to test status.