Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS
Garmin'S MONTANA Garmin'S MONTANA
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS How to find your way - traditional map, compass and road signs, or GPS and more
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia




Like Tree6Likes

Reply
Page 12 of 16 1234567891011 12 13141516
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #166  
Old 10 Feb 2013
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Rockhampton, Australia
Posts: 868
Quote:
Originally Posted by MilesofSmiles View Post
I was looking into the Montana and thought it was neat device and great for motorcycles, until I saw a video on it. In the video this fellow put the unit on a chair in direct sun lite. When it reached 87F the screen started to act up and switch modes. I'm an old Lowrance XOG user and that unit had a touch screen. The touch screen made it a bear to use with gloves and occasional would get so scrambled in layered maps, that it was useless. I learned my lesson and have never gone back to a touch screen device on a motorcycle. Hence I invested in a Delorme Earthmate PN60. While it is a small, small, small window, it still guides me and has never had an issue in 2 years now.

I have prayed to the GPS gods to deliver a 4 inch diagonal screen, IP7 water proof, with buttons and full 24K topos but no one has delivered yet.

Ill wait until the 600T price drops to $150.00 before test driving.
That was a factory problem and was fixed with all faulty models swapped out under warranty. Mine sits on my bike all day and has never had an issue like it.
__________________
www.travellingstrom.com
Reply With Quote
  #167  
Old 15 Feb 2013
MilesofSmiles's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Riverside California
Posts: 78
That's indeed good news. Now I may consider trying one.

When it comes to Topo Maps, I found that the Lowrance installed base map was the exact maps as the "high end" topo map Delorme offers. Both were made by Info USA. My question is which topo map company does Garmin offer?
Reply With Quote
  #168  
Old 24 Feb 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
Has anyone tried the Birdseye satellite images on the Montana? I'm downloading some for Mongolia now, but wanted to see if anyone had used them and found them useful (or not)?
Reply With Quote
  #169  
Old 1 Mar 2013
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,344
In a nutshell- no I haven't as I create my own using GE.

Useful? moderate to little use for me, the main issue being one of map sizes created and you will need many especially if you want a high level of detail and of many places.
I use my GE created img's as an overlay, they can be of some use but the above re:space remains- 'maps' will appear as you reach the coords automatically.
Reply With Quote
  #170  
Old 2 Mar 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
Bertrand,

Thanks for the info. I didn't realize that GE images could be used like this, or that they would scroll as you move down the road. Is there any secret to being able to use the images like this, or is it pretty self-explanatory?

I thought it would be helpful to have sat images in Mongolia, given the trails which seem to go all over the place. And you're right about the number of images--I've probably already got over 100 and probably have several hundred to go. Luckily these should fit easily on the Montana's SD card, but it is very tedious to download them all. One of my concerns is that as the number of images increses, they will load slower and slower, which could make the whole exercise pointless.

For anyone who is interested, below I've posted images of the same area from both Birdseye highest detail level (top) and Google Maps (bottom). As you can see, at least in this area, Google's image has higher resolution:


Reply With Quote
  #171  
Old 2 Mar 2013
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,344
Downloading a GE image at the altitude you require is the first step.
The data then needs to be worked on to make it useable in your montana.
It is worth reminding readers that GE images are made by a very clever bit of software which
'stitches' pictures, scans, drawings etc to make a 'map'.
Timelines, data and details cannot be accurately determined so remember that what your display
shows you is not necessarily what you will see 'on the ground'.
Then, at times, you'll be amazed how good it can be!
All very time consuming to put together but useful if you don't have any other mapping.
For Mongolia (and anywhere you do not have good maps) IMHO, it would be best to create a datase of as
accurate as possible waypoints, switch your Montana to the compass page (CDI layout), edit the fields and learn/know how to navigate in 'off road' mode.
Reply With Quote
  #172  
Old 2 Mar 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bertrand View Post
For Mongolia (and anywhere you do not have good maps) IMHO, it would be best to create a datase of as accurate as possible waypoints, switch your Montana to the compass page (CDI layout), edit the fields and learn/know how to navigate in 'off road' mode.
Thanks, this sounds like good advice, I will check this out.
Reply With Quote
  #173  
Old 3 Mar 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
Guys, I need help with something else on my Montana: shortly after I bought, the internal battery died for some reason. I recently bought a replacement battery, but when I put it in, it didn't work either... So I look closer at the battery compartment and realized that there seem to be only two battery contacts in the battery compartment, even though there seem to be four spaces for contacts, and the battery itself has four contacts. See pic below: on the green plate circled in red, there are two contacts on the left, but not on the right. Before I trudge out to the Motorola service place to have it fixed, could someone else look at their Montana to see how many contacts it has?

Reply With Quote
  #174  
Old 3 Mar 2013
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,344
4
two of your contacts are broken
Reply With Quote
  #175  
Old 3 Mar 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
Thanks Bertand.

This is really poor quality from Garmin, I have used the Montana for maybe a couple of thousand of on-road kilometers and two contacts break?? really unimpressive.

IIRC, the Montana will run from a wired cradle even without the battery, correct? And I can always run it off of AAs I guess, but still this is really disappointing.
Reply With Quote
  #176  
Old 3 Mar 2013
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Rockhampton, Australia
Posts: 868
Quote:
Originally Posted by motoreiter View Post
Thanks Bertand.

This is really poor quality from Garmin, I have used the Montana for maybe a couple of thousand of on-road kilometers and two contacts break?? really unimpressive.

IIRC, the Montana will run from a wired cradle even without the battery, correct? And I can always run it off of AAs I guess, but still this is really disappointing.
Take it back for warranty.

It will run from the rugged mount, no battery needed and will run from the AAs

Talk to Garmin, all you can get is nothing if you don't, but you may get something if you do

Good lcuk
TS
__________________
www.travellingstrom.com
Reply With Quote
  #177  
Old 3 Mar 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
Of course the warranty expired about a month ago...

I'll see if they can fix it, but am concerned about turn-around time. Not very happy at the moment.
Reply With Quote
  #178  
Old 3 Mar 2013
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Rockhampton, Australia
Posts: 868
Quote:
Originally Posted by motoreiter View Post
Of course the warranty expired about a month ago...

I'll see if they can fix it, but am concerned about turn-around time. Not very happy at the moment.
Call them, they can be very understanding, just be nice to them and explain.

The worst they will do is offer a $180 tun around, if in the US, they will even send one to you, then you send the faulty one back

You never know your luck in a big city

Cheers
TS
__________________
www.travellingstrom.com
Reply With Quote
  #179  
Old 3 Mar 2013
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,344
Quote:
Originally Posted by motoreiter View Post
Thanks Bertand.

This is really poor quality from Garmin, I have used the Montana for maybe a couple of thousand of on-road kilometers and two contacts break?? really unimpressive.

IIRC, the Montana will run from a wired cradle even without the battery, correct? And I can always run it off of AAs I guess, but still this is really disappointing.

Yes- the montana will take its power from the cradle and work fine even without a battery inside- BUT see note below:

Vibration is what kills/damages gps a lot of the time hence why I've opted to mount the bespoke garmin powermount into the TT mount as well- Walter feels it is overkill- I very much disagree and I've also added a home made sun shield to it. (not needed in UK!!!) some 11,000 miles aboard my thumper and no problems (to date- darn... did I just invoke Murphy?)

NOTE:
The main drawback of not having a battery inside is that the gps will lose its compass calibration- something rather important if you ride using the compass page set display to CDI as I do.
Reply With Quote
  #180  
Old 3 Mar 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
Bertrand,

Thanks for the info. The problem is that I live in Moscow, and customer service here generally kinda sucks.

Thanks for the compass calibration info, I didn't even know you had to calibrate it, so that's good to know. If I can't fix it quickly, I will usually be using it in the cradle with some AAs, so I should be OK as long as the AAs aren't drawn down while it is in the cradle.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 12 of 16 1234567891011 12 13141516

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 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
Northern Montana UKbri Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 17 May 2011 02:50
Helena Montana USA get together Bill Ryder North America 5 28 Feb 2008 03:26
Montana to Florida? Hindu1936 Travellers Seeking Travellers 5 7 May 2007 21:04
Montana or bust gbarnette1 Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 11 Apr 2005 05:23
MONTANA ADVENTURE TOURDOG North America 1 7 Jun 2004 22:29

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

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. 11-14
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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 07:05.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top