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How to update Raymarine RAY50–91 VHF radio – Complete step-by-step guide

|10/07, 2024

How to update Raymarine RAY50–91 VHF radio – Complete step-by-step guide

Learn how to easily and safely update your Raymarine VHF radio with the latest software via Axiom, a, c, e, eS, and gS-series multifunction displays.

Do you want to keep your Raymarine VHF radio in top condition? In this guide, you will learn how to easily and safely update your Raymarine RAY50–RAY91 with the latest software via Axiom, a, c, e, eS, and gS-series multifunction displays. We will go through all the steps – from system requirements to installation – so that your radio, handsets, and hub function optimally. Follow our tips for best performance and a trouble-free update.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

To perform the update, you need:

  1. At least one Raymarine unit:
    1. LH2 Multifunction Display
    2. LH3 Multifunction Display
    3. LH4 Multifunction Display
    4. or ELEMENT Chartplotter

  2. MFD/chartplotter connected to a powered and correctly terminated SeaTalk ng backbone.

Overview of Raymarine system during software update

Note: Turn on all Raymarine equipment when updating so that all products are identified and updated if necessary.

Two ways to update remotely connected products

  1. With microSD card.

    Update via microSD card
  2.  Via internet connection – Wi‑Fi hotspot or Yacht‑Sense Link router.
    IMPORTANT: Not possible for RAY60–70 if Boot code < v2.16.

Alternative update method via network


Focus: update via microSD card

Safety first:

Set AUTOPILOT and RADAR to standby before updating. Perform the update in a safe location where support is available if a unit crashes.

Step 1: Prepare – correct type and format of microSD card

Detailed “software update information” can be found in each version of the LightHouse Advanced Operation manual. Always refer to the latest manual if in doubt.

Important about microSD cards:

  • Only use the microSD card in your Master MFD (not in repeater MFD).
  • Use dedicated cards for updates – never chart cards.
  • Raymarine Axiom & Element: cards up to 2TB.
  • Raymarine a/c/e/eS/gS: 1GB–32GB.

Type and format:

If your MFD/chartplotter is updated, microSD cards can be formatted to exFAT. Compatibility:

Lighthouse OS – Lighthouse 2 (a/c/e/eS/gS) v17.45+ • Lighthouse 3 (eS/gS) v3.12.199+ • Lighthouse 4 (AXIOM) all versions • Lighthouse Sport (ELEMENT) all versions

Supported types and card sizes per display:

Compatible microSD types, sizes and formats for Raymarine

Recommendation: Choose branded cards with Class 10 or UHS for best performance.

NOTE: If the card's original format is not supported by the display, it will not be recognized. Reformat the card using, for example, a laptop/PC.

Step 2: Download software files

Once the card is formatted: download the latest software from Raymarine and copy the correct files to the card.

  1. Direct links:
    1. RAY50–60–70
    2. RAY53–63–73
    3. RAY90–91
  2. Examples of files downloaded for RAY53–63–73, RAY90–91 and RAY50–52–60–70:
    Example of downloaded update files and folder structure
  3. Extract the ZIP files: right-click → Extract all.
    Extract zip files on Windows
  4. Click Extract in the pop-up window.

    Confirmation of update file extraction
  5. After extraction:
    1. RAY53–63–73 and RAY90–91: folder with software update file (+ text file with version info).

      Folder contents for RAY53-63-73 and RAY90-91
    2. RAY50–60–70: folder with Boot code + software update file (+ warning text: do not put both on the same card).

      Folder contents for RAY50-60-70 with boot code

Step 3: Fill the microSD card

IMPORTANT: For RAY50–52–60–70 with Boot code < v2.16: first update Boot code to v2.16, then the software. Otherwise, you risk corruption and incorrect radio function. The process is done in two steps: 1) Boot code file, 2) software file.

If you cannot complete the process – contact an authorized dealer or product support.

Once the software is downloaded:

  1. Open the location where the files are (e.g., Downloads).
  2. Go into the folder for your model.
  3. [RAY50–52–60–70 with Boot < v2.16: copy the Boot code file first] – [All RAY5x–6x–7x–9x with Boot ≥ v2.16: copy the software update file].
  4. Open your microSD card (e.g., “USB Drive (D)”).
  5. Paste the file into the root directory (not in a folder), as below.

Place update file in root directory on microSD


NOTE: Be careful:

  • Do not copy the ZIP file to the card.
  • Do not extract content from the compressed .ISO file.
  • Do not change the file name.
  • Do not place the update file in a folder.

Step 4: Update the VHF radio

Once the software (or Boot code) is on the card:

  1. Turn off the system, insert the card into the MASTER MFD/chartplotter, turn it on.
  2. Turn on all wired handsets (via the power button at the top). Handsets that are not turned on will not be updated.
  3. If the MFD software is current, a pop-up about updating will appear automatically. Otherwise: open the menu for updating:
    1. From the home screen:
    2. LightHouse 2: Set‑up > Maintenance > Check Card for updates.
    3. LightHouse 3/4/Sport: Settings > Update Software > Check SD Card.
    4. Follow the on-screen instructions until the table of connected products appears.
    5. Select the product(s) to be updated.

      List of connected products before update
    6. Click Install now or Update Selected and wait until the installation is complete.

      Ongoing update and status
    7. The MFD will show percentage and finally “Update Completed” for each product.

      Confirmation when update is complete

Step 5: Update wireless handset

(Skip if you do not have wireless handsets.)

  1. Reconnect wireless handsets to the hub. The screen will show: “new software available – do you want to install now?”.
  2. Click Yes, place the handset in the charging cradle and wait until the screen shows “Complete”.

IMPORTANT: Do not interrupt the update, do not remove the handset from charging, and do not turn off the power during an ongoing update.

IMPORTANT: If the update fails and the handset gets stuck in Boot Code mode – contact product support for recovery advice.

IMPORTANT: If parts of the system are not updated: reduce the amount of data on the STng network by disconnecting/pausing products (e.g., AIS, autopilot, digital switching) and try flashing the application file again.

If problems persist: Contact product support for further instructions.

Step 6: Verify the software

Confirm that all units are running the latest versions via the radio:

Important: A wired handset cannot display the software for a wireless handset and vice versa.

Check from the wired handset for wired units and from the wireless handset for wireless units. Menu: Menu > Set‑Up > Maintenance > About this unit and scroll to verify Application and Second Station Handset (if installed).

Software / Boot Code for RAY90 / RAY91

  • VHF transmitter: v1.60 app / v1.09 boot
  • Wired handset: v1.55 app / v1.05 boot
  • Hub: v1.26 app / v1.09 boot
  • Wireless handset: v1.46 app / v1.04 boot

Software / Boot Code for RAY53 / RAY63 / RAY73

  • Main radio: v2.07 app / v2.27 boot
  • Wired handset: v1.55 app / v1.05 boot
  • Hub: v1.26 app / v1.09 boot
  • Wireless handset: v1.46 app / v1.04 boot

Important

If the Second Station handset has very old software and cannot upgrade to the latest version, it may become incompatible with Ray60/Ray63/Ray70/Ray73/Ray90/Ray91 running the latest app. Symptoms: completely dark screen. Action: re-flash the app in the radio, ensure Second Station handsets are powered on and – if they have very old software v1.26 – put them in programming mode.

Second Station handsets with v1.55+ connected to Ray60/70 with the latest software may have minor incompatibilities (missing letters in some pop-up messages). Ray60/70 cannot be further updated for full compatibility. Note also that Second Station handsets upgraded to the latest software cannot be downgraded.