WiFi Map Update Issue
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    14 years
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I had an interesting incident when updating one of my GPSr's via WiFi recently. It's not a common occurrence and is mostly my fault but I thought others should be aware of the potential problem.
I have a Drivesmart 65 and normally do map updates via WiFi. I leave the GPS in it's mount and do it with the vehicle in the driveway where it is in range of my home router.
I usually multitask and do he update while I'm getting the vehicle ready for a trip. The updates don't take long since I have a very fast internet connection with an unlimited data plan.
I got a new vehicle recently and attempted to do this same map update routine with my RV 890. I wasn't aware the new truck had a built in WiFi hotspot and accidentally paired it with the GPS. The hot spot is linked to the vehicle OnStar plan with a 1GB data limit which the map update easily exceeded. I was quite surprised when I got the bill!
To make a long story short, many new vehicles have these WiFi hotspots. When you pair a WiFi updatable GPS, make sure you choose the correct WiFi network!
Automotive WiFi hotspots
... To make a long story short, many new vehicles have these WiFi hotspots. When you pair a WiFi updatable GPS, make sure you choose the correct WiFi network!
When I reconfigured my home WiFi I used an application called NetSpot to show the channels already in use locally to avoid conflicts. I was amazed when I looked at the results, it showed several dozen contacts with names like "Chevy Bolt", "My VW xxxx", "Toyota Highlander_xxxxxxxxxxxx" and "Toyota Camry_xxxxxxxxxxxx". Didn't realize so many cars had built-in WiFi.
Mark
never has this kind of
never has this kind of problem