Hi guys, I bought a Garmin Monterra a few weeks ago.

It is the first handheld GPS I've ever owned. Perhaps it is because I'm very accustomed to navigating via Google Maps, but I'm having a huge amount of difficulty using the unit. I'm finding it extremely unintuitive.

I'm using the open source maps from http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl


The first issue I'm having is that I can almost never find the addresses I'm looking for. Street numbers seem to not exist, and I'm lucky if I can find even a street name in the database half the time.

The second issue I have is sometimes it points my in a direct line to my destination, without calculating the route. I'm not sure if this is a problem with the maps I'm using or a setting I need to change in the device.

Usually, when it actually gives me the turn by turn directions as it is supposed to, if I deviate from the route it tells me, it does not recalculate how to get to my destination.

I am not sure how to turn the turn-by-turn voices on and off

Which are the best open source maps to use for road navigation in Europe?

After copying OSM maps onto the device, when I select Map Information on the Garmin the file names are only generic names, they lose the file name I gave them (eg, UK, or Ireland, etc), so I can't tell which OSM maps I'm enabling.

How do I link the device up with my geocaching.com account?

Are there video tutorials anywhere on the net which may help get me through these basic functions?


I'm quite tech savvy usually but I'm finding the Monterra incredibly frustrating and unintuitive. There seems to be way too much focus on complicated, advanced and obscure aspects of the technology, and not enough focus on usability of the basic features. During a 1000km journey from Melbourne to Sydney, I found myself at one point throwing this damn unit as far as I could into a neighbouring paddock when I realised it had sent me 100km in the wrong direction, just after going through a small country town at sunset.

Any help you guys could provide would be greatly appreciated.

In particular, if you could suggest the best general road turn-by-turn navigation maps for all of Europe (including UK and Ireland) that would be greatly appreciated. I am happy to pay a small fee for the most reliable and highest quality maps if necessary.

Cheers,

J

P.S
Welcome to the Monterra club.


Yes, it does take some patience, some learning and some setting up but... it's worth it!

You might want to switch ON your wifi to enable the Monterra to hop onto an internet network to check for software update. The latest one a few days ago, correct a massive issue with the compass drifting.

OSM maps are free - One cannot complain about an unsatisfactory menu choice ( aka lack of accuracy/facilities etc) when given a free lunch! Super accurate they are not but they are very good and free.
Bought maps are not a 100% either ! but if finding addresses is your bag, then buy the Garmin EU maps.


RE:
The second issue I have is sometimes it points my in a direct line to my destination, without calculating the route
ANSWER: Your unit is set for 'Direct routing' aka a straight line which is normal if that option is enabled.

RE: I found myself at one point throwing this damn unit as far as I could into a neighbouring paddock when I realised it had sent me 100km in the wrong direction,
ANSWER:: anyone throwing a any $1000 device anywhere deserves to be taken at least 100Kms in the wrong direction!......and it took you 100kms to realise you were off course? Sheesh!

OSM generic names- is correct, just renaming the file isn't enough old bean!

........and, you have remembered to calibrate the compass, haven't you...?