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Important GS18 T and GS18 I Firmware Update Required by 1st January 2025

Issue Overview

Starting from 1st January 2025, the initialization of the tilt compensation functionality of the GS18 T and GS18 I GNSS sensors will no longer be possible. The sensors will continue to provide positions, but users will need to ensure the bubble is leveled manually during measurements.

Action Required

To avoid potential disruption of the tilt compensation functionality, customers should update their devices to the updated Captivate GS18 firmware version by 31st December 2024. We are releasing the Captivate versions to serve GS18 T and GS18 I customers with expired CCP. Use the attached Captivate GS18T/I Update Guide for instructions for updating your GS18 T and GS18 I.

Captivate Quick Guide

GS18T/I - Tilt Compensation FW Update

November 2024

This Quick Guide will outline the procedure of installing the updated Firmware for GS18T/I GS Sensors to ensure tilt compensation functionality past December 31st 2024.
Note: If you are NOT a Captivate User (ie. Microsurvey FieldGenius, Evidence Recorder, etc.) download a separate guide here: GS18 – FW through Windows PC

Requirements:                                                       Optional:
CS Controller                                                         Leica GEV234 Cable
GS Sensor
Full (100%) GS Battery
SD Card
Firmware File

Determine Firmware V

Determine Firmware Version

To determine the firmware version on your current please follow the following steps in Captivate: Video - Check FW version on a GS Sensor 

Turn on CS Controller or CS/CC Tablet
1. Connect to GS18
2. Select Settings > About Leica Captivate
3. Under the GS Sensor Tab the FW will be displayed

 Firmware version = 9.x: No further action required 

Firmware version = 8.x 

Firmware version = 7.x 

Firmware version = 6.x 

Firmware version = 5.x 

Firmware version = 4.x 

Firmware version = 3.x 

Download required FW version 

The correct FW to download is determined by the first number in the FW version. For example, in the above screenshot FW version =  8 .31 

Download version 8.x by clicking the link to the left. 

Note: If you are a myWorld user the required FW is available for download from the myWorld Software page for the GS18

1.Copy Firmware file to the SD Card – System Folder


The firmware for a GS18 is loaded via an SD Card. The file needs to be stored in the System folder.

2. Insert SD Card into the GS Sensor


The GS Sensor reads the firmware files directly from the SD Card that has been inserted into the GS SD Card Slot. If the SD Card is not inserted the firmware file cannot be uploaded.

3. Update Requires a Cable or BT Connection


The CS Controller or CS/CC Tablet requires a cable or BT connection to the GS sensor in Captivate. In theory this should happen automatically if the Captivate and GS Sensor are ready to be used.
Note: The GS sensor does not technically need to “sync” in Captivate with Cable or BT connection modes. With the cable the physical connection should be sufficient without changing any settings. With a BT connection a BLUE BT connection light should be sufficient.
If you are trying to load the FW directly from a BT connection to a Windows 10/11 PC please follow these instructions here.

4. Access Windows EC7 or Windows 10/11 Desktop

CS20 Controller
  • From the Main Menu 
  • Press and HOLD the FN 
  • The press Back/Windows

CS/CC Tablet
  • Swipe Right from the left side of the Tablet.
  • Then select New Desktop

5. Open the GS Web Server

CS20 Controller

Select the Web server icon that matches the CS to GS connection type

CS/CC Tablet

Open a Web browser (Internet Explorer, Edge, Chrome)

Then type in the IP address that matches the connection type

Cable: 192.168.254.2
Bluetooth: 192.168.253.2
WLAN: 192.168.251.2

6. Navigate the Web Server to Load the FW


- Select: User


- Select: Load Firmware


- Check .fw file on GS SD Card System Folder & Terms & Conditions if it appears


- Select Green Cross -- Load new FW to being the update process

Note: DO NOT power down the GS Sensor during a FW upload. This process will take several minutes to complete. The GS sensor will power down and back up again while the firmware installs. If the LED’s on the GS are flashing or they are powered off the GS is STILL updating the firmware and should be left alone.


- Confirmation Notification

The web server will display a notification when the update is complete. If the FW fails to update please verify the FW files on the SD Card and try again.
If using a Windows Tablet you may need to reconnect in Captivate to verify FW version update

Determine Firmware V

Verify Firmware Version

To verify the firmware version was completed successfully open Captivate and verify FW version is updated: Video: Check FW version on a GS Sensor

Turn on CS Controller or CS/CC Tablet
1. Connect to GS18
2. Select Settings > About Leica Captivate
3. Under the GS Sensor Tab the FW will be displayed verify that it is now shown as FW version x.80


Technical Support: 
If there are any problems with updating your GS firmware, please contactTechnical support:
Phone:  800-241-6223 
Email: [email protected]