mdpuff

Just wondering if anyone knows how new a version of the Nav disc I can upgrade to for my 02 SC? The version that came with the car is limited in Canada so I would like to get a better version.

intdiamond

iTrader: (2)

Wait a few weeks and the newest version will be released; usually Sept./Oct.

mdpuff

Does this mean that the newest edition will still work in the first generation GPS? I thought they upgraded the navigation system around 05-06 and the newer versions wouldn't work in the older nav units.

tfischer

No, Puff, it does not.
You are confusing the different versions of the hardware (called Gen 2, Gen 3, Gen 4, etc) with different versions of the software, the map data and POI information, (called Version 4.1, 6.1, 8.1, etc.).
New versions of the data are released on DVD discs usually in Sept or Oct. Each new version bears the same version number (I think 8.1 is current) across all platforms (all Gens), but is configured for the different hardware systems used (because they often (but not always) have different drives, a different OS, different features and even different screen resolutions). There will be a new version of the data every year for whatever system is in your car. However, a disc made for one system, such as an '02 SC430, will usually not work in a different hardware system, such as an '07 SC430. (One exception is that Gen 2 and Gen 3 use the same data disc.)
The difference, however, is in the hardware; for example my '02 SC430 and my '04 RX330 use the same data disc, and I can swap them back and forth, and often do for the road trip.
As long as you are careful in ordering your data disc for the correct car, you will have no problems.

mdpuff

Thanks a bunch! That clears things up alot.

Harold57

I've received two different answers as to when the next version will be available: the first guy said September and the second said that he had heard that it may be delayed until November.

tfischer

Oooh. Must be a new road going in somewhere.
I can't wait.

Scott R

Just saw this mentioned on slickdeals.com:

2009 map update available for $150 after a $50 mail-in rebate.
http://www.sewellpartsonline.com/par...d=203904&all=Y

I believe '02-04 is considered Generation 2/3, which looks to be an option in the drop-down list. Any reason why I shouldn't go for this for my '02 SC430?

Scott R

Update: In order to get the rebate, you must return a v8.1 (previous version: 2008 map data, I believe) disc.

Scott R

One more update and a question:

I believe you can purchase this from Sewell via eBay, which means that you can get 15% Bing cashback.

I believe that this is the 2009 map data and the 2010 map data will be out within a few months, which is why they're now discounting this disc.

Now for the question...I believe that my recently purchased '02 SC430 has the original map disc, so it's very, very old. If I update to the 2009 disc, will I *only* get new map data/POI's, or will I get any sort of software/GUI update as well? The UI is workable, but there are some things that are less than user-friendly, and I'd also like it if the car position was always displayed pointing "up" (right now, North is always up).

tfischer

First, I think the ver 9 Nav DVD is the one being released in October, and the lower price is for advance orders; they are not clearing out last year's discs. Sewell often does this in Aug of each year. If you make this purchase, which I highly recommend, you won't get the new disc for a month or so. Still, you should not be relying on maps and POI data that are almost 10 years old.
If you have the original disc (and you can easily check using the menus), which would be version 1 (or maybe 2, if the car was produced late in the '02 run - which started in April of '01), when you upgrade to version 2 or newer, the disc will install a new OS; this will add a few new icons, but you will not get a lot of new features, nor will the software update increase the resolution of your screen. You will not be able to use your original disc any more with the new OS, but versions 3 and later will remain interchangable. The newer hardware systems are nicer, of course, but I have been using this NAV since '01 and it is still excellent and easy to use.
The "car position" is always displayed pointing up, but you can change the map orientation by touching the "N" arrow in the upper left corner. This will toggle between showing the map fixed with N at the top, or variable, with the map spinning around so that the top of the map is aligned with the direction in which the car is facing. This should work even with the oldest of the data versions. (Sounds like you have not had time to read the 500 page manual yet.)
When you get the new disc, start the car, open the DVD screen cover, insert the new disc (it's in the trunk), and then don't touch anything until the screen shows you that the system is up and ready to use.
Happy motoring.