Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS
Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS How to find your way - traditional map, compass and road signs, or GPS and more
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals




Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 Nov 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Northern Ireland/England
Posts: 14
Garmin GPS newbie

hey all

So ive tried searching but all the jargon you pros use confuses me so here goes.

What exactly can and cant an Etrex do in India-im on the cusp of a trip out there and am about to buy one to ride from jaisalmer to cochin in January

Any tips as to what maps to buy/download and exactly what the gps will be able to do for me - i.e. just waypoint and bearing set or can it shiw roads/plan routes also?

Any help will be awesome.

Happy trails

A
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Dec 2011
loubutler's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Portsmouth
Posts: 55
i too am on the verge of a trip ...to south and central america ! and a complete idiot when it comes to my zumo 550 - even though i've had it for 2 years, i still can't use it !

tried downloading from websites but still no luck - hope someone is out there who can help both of us


Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Dec 2011
Lifetime Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 365
I am the last person who should be giving advice on GPS - given I bought my Etrex 1 week before I went on my trip and have fumbled my way through the basics of using it since then - so take anything I say with care. You've been warned!

Etrex - come in lots of models and capabilities. The most basic will only give you your location and a bearing / distance to a set way point, the more capable (expensive) models will allow you to install maps and "auto-route" to set destinations just like your normal in-car navigators. To install maps you need one of the Etrex models which will accept a microSD card - which I think are the Etrex Vista HCx and Etrex Legend HCx (I have a Legend HCx).

I've been pleased with my Etrex - it has worked well since I learnt to put maps on it (which wasn't intuitive) and which buttons to push to set waypoints etc (which also are not always intuitive). I know it is possible to set routes up on it - but I use it in combination with a map and simply select next town I want to get to in turn.

Maps - well you can buy them from Garmin of course but there are free maps known as OSM available on the web. I found most of the information about these totally unintelligible and it really put me off them at first. However I then found the website Free worldwide routable Garmin maps from OpenStreetMap where the host has done most of the work and you can down load maps by country ready to use. To put them onto the Etrex you have to copy them onto the microSD card and this is where Garmin makes it harder than it should be. You have to create a folder "Garmin" and then store your newly acquired map in this folder with the name "gmapsupp" - nothing else will do (you can't put two maps on and call one India and the other Pakistan - it is strictly one at a time). Consequently if you are going to more than one country you need to have several microSD cards prepared or a laptop do it on the road.

Overall I've found the usability of the OSM maps great and the level of detail superb. Having initially been a GPS doubter I'm now a convert - when coming into a strange town late in the day and when you are tired it takes a lot of stress away knowing you are being routed to the centre or to your hotel.

So in summary my advice would be (a) make sure any GPS you buy has the capability to install maps and (b) buy as early as possible and use it around your home area so at least you have a feel for it before you go.

Good luck - hope this helps a little.
__________________
Martin

finally back on the road again


http://awayonmybike.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: St Louis, MO
Posts: 124
+1 with the above response.

To keep each OSM img file separate, I have directories with the countries name along with a dummy text file with the countries name as the file name. I slide both into or out of the 'Garmin' directory as needed.

Garmin Directory:
gmapsupp.img
El Salvador Image file installed.txt

daryl
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Dec 2011
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by dlh62c View Post
I slide both into or out of the 'Garmin' directory as needed.

Garmin Directory:
gmapsupp.img
El Salvador Image file installed.txt

daryl
Another way is rename them to gmapsupp.img, gmapsup1.img, gmapsup2.img...
It may depend on your firmware level and device - I have a Montana 600.
I have a GMAPPSUPP.img and a GMAPSUP2.img on the SD card and a GMAPSUP1.img on the device.
Going to the map menu, allows me to select and "enable" any of these three mapsets. It also displays the filename of the map - Ggmapsupp, ...1, ...2.

Cheers,
John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 2 Dec 2011
-
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,342
John
I found out that you no longer require the renaming to gmapsupp1/2/3 (in later units like the Montana or 62S)
just give the file a name that you will recognise like Sth America / France etc
avoiding characters like ! " : etc

that's 6 s you now owe me!!!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2 Dec 2011
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bertrand View Post
that's 6 s you now owe me!!!

so long as they don't make you

Cheers,
John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 3 Dec 2011
-
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,342
Cuppa T will do John-
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11 Dec 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Northern Ireland/England
Posts: 14
Thanks for the replies guys, wrestling with the software right now and then need to go off and try and find an SD card, always hard to know exactly what you're doing when you're not in the country you'll actually be using it in!!

So waypoints and routes, best to just set them up on your own or depend on the maps for locations and what not?

I have downloaded and installed the mapsource software but find it confusing, how do I get 'garmin img map' level detail on the software on screen, I figure its better to plan the route on a laptop than on the device - I bought the Vista HCx also - got a good deal

Any more input more than welcome!

A
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11 Dec 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Northern Ireland/England
Posts: 14
Also - how good are the city Navigator NT programs, have managed to get the img file from a friend so will put onto mem stick when I get one.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 12 Dec 2011
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
Is there a dummies guide anybody can recomend me, I think i'll get on better trying to get my head round it from a book ( give me a crank shaft any day)
I have now downloaded a OSM map from the above link and can see the folder on my C drive, what do I do now!!!!

Cheers
Pete
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:

Last edited by mcgiggle; 12 Dec 2011 at 11:00.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 12 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: St Louis, MO
Posts: 124
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcgiggle View Post
Is there a dummies guide anybody can recomend me, I think i'll get on better trying to get my head round it from a book ( give me a crank shaft any day)
I have now downloaded a OSM map from the above link and can see the folder on my C drive, what do I do now!!!!

Cheers
Pete
This may help.
OSM Map On Garmin/Download - OpenStreetMap Wiki

daryl
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 12 Dec 2011
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
I downloaded the one that I thought would end up in the maps tab on my mapsource program but it isn't there!?
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
GPS camera mcgiggle Photo Forum 2 10 Jan 2012 09:21
GPS route for trans-african south to north. Anyone sharing? saliadarunavuelta sub-Saharan Africa 8 23 Dec 2011 13:05
Which GPS for 4WD Boags Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 4 1 Nov 2011 19:25

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:23.