Dealers are increasingly requesting upgrades to the ‘latest’ software versions for ECDIS and Chart Radar systems. However, Furuno systems differ significantly in hardware architecture and software compatibility. Incorrect assumptions about version compatibility, especially between non‑BAMS (v2.xx/v3.xx) and BAMS (v5.xx), continue to cause upgrade failures.
This bulletin clarifies the correct upgrade pathways and highlights hardware limitations that must be considered before planning any software changes.
 

SOFTWARE VERSION IDENTIFICATION

Furuno navigation systems fall into two software families:

NON BAMS SOFTWARE

•    Radar: v2.xx
•    ECDIS: v3.xx
•    Not certified under IACS UR E26/E27
•    Not compatible with BAMS alert definitions or configuration files

BAMS SOFTWARE

•    v5.xx
•    Required for IACS UR E26/E27 compliance
•    All new Furuno units ship with v5.xx

IMPORTANT NOTE: Configuration and alert files are not interchangeable with v2.xx/v3.xx

HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS AND PROCESSOR COMPATIBILITY

Software compatibility is determined entirely by the processor type installed in the system.

FMD 3100

PCU 3000
o    Supports v03.xx only
o    Cannot be upgraded to v05.xx
o    Must be replaced if BAMS or dual ECDIS parity is required

PCU 3010
o    Supports v05.xx BAMS
o    Current release: v05.23 (IACS UR E26/E27 compliant)

FMD 3200 / FMD 3300 / FAR 3000 SERIES (EC 3000 PROCESSOR)

Three distinct ADP processor types exist:

FMD 3005 / FAR 3005 (EC 3005 PROCESSOR)

•    Uses ADP 219 01 (Xeon)
•    Older EC 3005 hardware cannot run latest software and must be replaced if upgrading

BIOS Password: Ec111256

SYSTEM UPGRADES AND NETWORK SYNCHRONISATION

Upgrading from non BAMS (v2.xx/v3.xx) to BAMS (v5.xx) is not recommended unless the vessel has a defined operational requirement.

Key limitations:
•    Cross grading requires complete reprogramming of the Integrated Navigation System
•    Alert definitions and configuration files cannot be reused between software families
•    Mixed hardware in dual ECDIS or radar/ECDIS networks will cause version misalignment
•    If one processor is replaced with a newer BAMS capable unit, all remaining processors must match its software version
•    If older hardware cannot support the required version, it must be replaced
 

FMD 3100 MULTI STATION NETWORKS

Installation notes emphasise:
•    Software versions must align with the age of the CPU boards
•    Mixed PCU 3000 / PCU 3010 installations cannot achieve identical dual ECDIS paperless operation without hardware replacement

CHART RADAR ANTENNA UPDATE CLARIFICATION (FAR 3000 AND FAR-3005 SERIES)

Two different V2.03 antenna software packages exist, both labelled ‘V2.03’ but functionally different. This has caused widespread confusion.

1. Original V2.03 Antenna Software
•    Update methods: WebUI or LAN
•    WebUI fails if processor is V5.23 or newer
Correct procedure:
1.    Update antenna first (via LAN)
2.    Then update processor

2. New V2.03 Antenna Software
•    Internally different, still labelled “V2.03”
•    WebUI update ONLY works on processor V5.27
Correct procedure:
1.    Update processor to V5.27
2.    Then update antenna via WebUI
 

SUMMARY: WHAT DEALERS MUST CHECK BEFORE ANY UPGRADE

•    Identify processor type (PCU 3000, PCU 3010, EC 3000 ADP type, EC 3005)
•    Confirm whether the vessel requires BAMS (v5.xx)
•    Verify networked units can support the same version
•    Replace incompatible hardware where required
•    Follow correct antenna update sequence depending on V2.03 package type
•    Contact Furuno Technical Support for cross grade planning

 

ECDIS Chart Radar Compatibility

Software Link