Nov 12, 2009 Instead of having another piece of software that you may or may not use notify you of a software update, simply open WebUpdater and let it tell if there is anything available. Everyone with a Garmin Forerunner 305 should have WebUpdater installed on their computer or you can download the small application from Garmin.
The Garmin Forerunner 305 can hold 50 routes, each containing up to 250 turns or stops. ExpertGPS lets you build up long routes quickly - just click waypoints one-by-one on the map to connect them into a route for your Garmin Forerunner 305. Route names on the Garmin Forerunner 305 can. Make sure the Garmin software is installed – you need it for the next step, but you won’t be using it too much. Instead download the brilliant (and free / donationware) TrailRunner software for Mac. As you can see from the screenshots this is a much more pleasant Mac user experience than the Garmin software. You can also save routes you run.
Fitness watches are like mini-computers and have periodic software upgrades to fix various bugs and improve the functionality of the device. TheGarmin Forerunner 305 is no different.
How do you know if you need to update?
The 305's design is a radical departure from Garmin's previous generation of wrist mounted GPS devices, which reached a pinnacle with the Garmin Forerunner 301. While the 301 delivered accurate heart rate monitoring, good performance tracking, and decent GPS reception, it didn't quite deliver in. I have got a Macbook Pro with Mac OS X 10.12.5 and want to connect my Forerunner 305. I have tried a few thinks like Garmin Express, using an old version of Garmin Trainings Center or searching for a Driver. Support sites of Garmin don't have the drivers or software packages any more:( Any ideas?
I recently became aware of an update available (current firmware version: 2.90 (as of this writing)) when I logged into Garmin Connect with the 305 connected to the computer. I was still running the 2.80 version. A message was displayed and I basically followed the instructions that had me use Garmin’s WebUpdater application located on my computer.
- Ok the instructions that come with the Garmin forerunner are completely wrong, the CD is useless (it has the manual but no software) and the Garmin support website is not much help either. There are all sorts of discussions on the Garmin site for Mac users about.
- I have always done it, for years, with Training Center. I just bought a new computer, and after getting all the software installed it would not connect. I checked and do have the last driver from Garmin. (It displays as 2.3.1.0 4/19/2012. I updated to version 2.3.1.2 from the Garmin website, but it still displayed as 2.3.1.0.
The above scenario would be one way to find out you need to get with the times. What if you don’t use Garmin Connect?
The simplest way to check and update your Garmin 305
Instead of having another piece of software that you may or may not use notify you of a software update, simply open WebUpdater and let it tell if there is anything available. Everyone with a Garmin Forerunner 305 should have WebUpdater installed on their computer or you can download the small application from Garmin.
Here are a few simple steps to guide you through it.
1. Connect your 305 to your computer.
2. Open WebUpdater. WebUpdater should be accessible on your computer under the Garmin program directory (Start -> All Programs -> Garmin -> WebUpdater).
3. Walk through the various WebUpdater windows.
4. The firmware upgrade is complete!
This simple process is something you could do every three months or so to make sure you are up-to-date. Or subscribe to EnduranceBuzz and I will let you know whenever I become aware of an update.
Watch commands to check or verify the firmware version
1. Â Turn watch ON.
2. Click ‘mode’ button until you view the menu window.
3. Â Select ‘Settings’ menu item.
4. Select ‘General’ menu item.
5. Scroll down and select ‘About Forerunner’ menu item.
6. The ‘Software Version’ displayed is the version of firmware running on your Garmin.
7. Click the ‘mode’ button to back out of the various menu levels.
You can also go to the Forerunner 305 Updates and Downloads page which highlights the most current firmware version (Unit Software) and additional optional software. If you need to update simply use the WebUpdater steps noted above.
At the start of your next race, you can ask the competitors wearing Garmin’s next to you, “Is your firmware updated?”. 🙂
Other Garmin 305 articles:
Be active – Feel the buzz!
David – EnduranceBuzz.com
Garmin Forerunner Software Download
About the author
David Hanenburg is the passionate dirt-lovin' creator of Endurance Buzz and has been playing in the endurance sports world since 2000 after knockin' the dust off of his Trek 950 hardtail thanks to a friend asking to go ride some local dirt. In 2007 he ran his first ultra on the trails and fell in love with the sport and its people. For more information on David's endurance sports journey, check out the About page.
Posted on 12 Nov 2009