B & G Chartplotters and iPads

[SoSound]

Is it still possible to connect an iPad to previous generations of the B&G Zeus chartplotters?

I have a Zeus 2 with an external WiFi module, and in the past, I have been able to connect my iPad to the chart plotter. First with the GoFree app, then with the Link app, but now I am unable to connect the two devices. I have checked the B&G support site for software updates, and it looks like I am up to date based on what is available for the Zeus 2. The Link app is still seems to be available on the Apple App Store, but there is also a B&G Companion App available as well. I found a compatibility chart which indicates that it is compatible with an external WiFi installed, which I have, but I cannot establish a connection between the two devices.

Back when my systems were new, I had a procedure to follow which rebooted and reset the entire Zeus system, but I haven't been able to find those notes, and the only "Reset" that I can find in the install or operators manuals just seems to reset subsystems within the Zeus to factory default values. Any help or insights would be much appreciated.

 

[jssailem]

Hi Dave.
on page 95 i read the WiFi connection procedure.

https://softwaredownloads.navico.com/Lowrance/FTP/Lowrance_Software%20-%20Copy/BG_Documents/Zeus2-OM_EN_988-10599-004_w.pdf

There was a cautionary note about disconnecting from a hotspot to view on iOS hardware.

 

[dlochner]

The missing piece is the age of the iPad and which IOS version you are using. I've had difficulties in the past which were resolved by installing the latest iOS version. The Link app was deprecated several years ago.

 

[SoSound]

…I have such awful luck getting support from B&G…

To clarify my comment about software updates, my Zeus 2 is up to date per the downloads page at ver. 18.3, but there is a note regarding the new companion app which says that it requires a version above 20. Have they just continued to develop chartplotter software and kept backward compatibility with some prior generations (like the Zeus 2)? If so, how do you find the most recent version?

Whatever the case, it doesn’t look like it’s going to be resolved this week…

 

[dlochner]

Have they just continued to develop chartplotter software and kept backward compatibility with some prior generations (like the Zeus 2)? If so, how do you find the most recent version?

The Zeus2 is now about 10 years old. It was introduced in the fall of 2013. I wouldn't be surprised to learn they are no longer supporting the Zeus2 with new software. B&G is now up to the Zeus3s.

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