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Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS How to find your way - traditional map, compass and road signs, or GPS and more
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

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Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria




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  #1  
Old 1 Jan 2015
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The Garmin Nuvis tend to fail on motorcycles because of vibration at the USB port. I've been through a couple of 265w. Just got a Zumo 350 cheap with different power set up on the bike. The dedicated GPS sure comes in handy getting across confusing Mexico, Central and South American cities.
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  #2  
Old 1 Jan 2015
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I got a tablet to use as a satnav rather than replacing my satnav. what a disappointment, what a sack of sh1t. It is totally unreliable, the memory keeps filling up for some unknown reason and the apps as buggy as hell. It constantly crashes.

Both apps are paid for from 'reputable' suppliers. A total disappointment. I will be going back to a dedicated satnav/gps and don't see myself returning to a tablet for some considerable time to come.
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  #3  
Old 1 Jan 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by juanvaldez650 View Post
The Garmin Nuvis tend to fail on motorcycles because of vibration at the USB port. I've been through a couple of 265w. Just got a Zumo 350 cheap with different power set up on the bike. The dedicated GPS sure comes in handy getting across confusing Mexico, Central and South American cities.
Both my Garmins have failed at the micro USB connection in less than 2 years, mounted in a normal car under normal road conditions
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  #4  
Old 2 Jan 2015
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Does this not make the case for fitting a bespoke reduced-vibrations powered mount?
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Old 2 Jan 2015
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Originally Posted by Bertrand View Post
Does this not make the case for fitting a bespoke reduced-vibrations powered mount?

If you mean with regards to the Garmins, my point above is I don't think it's related to vibration as both mine were just used in normal cars and my van on UK and European roads so very little vibration

I think it's just a problem with the quality of Garmins connectors, which is unfortunate as I do like their GPS, although I think these days they aren't really any different to any other. I still rate my old Garmin 2610 as one of the best. I particularly like the way you could view your route on the computer and set up a complex route with multiple stop overs.I can't find a way of doing that with any new satnav. Also I liked the way it was set on North up, which I prefer, but as you came up to a junction it switched to direction of travel automatically which made the junction much clearer.

It's just a shame I can't find a way of updating the maps on that old unit, and the fact it's built like a brick!
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Old 2 Jan 2015
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From what you say, it seems that the weight of the leads combined with motion, in time, wrecked your plugs and ....we are right back to the need to use a bespoke powered mount!!

I do not know your 2610 but I read that you can use a memory card up to 2GB. It should be straight forward to put maps onto those. OSM maps are surprisingly good and free. You may be able to 'enable/disable' maps within the 2610.

Basecamp does all you want as does the old Mapsource software.

You might even be able to have a rummage in the units own internal memory accessing it under good old 'dos'. There are sometimes solutions but all take time, effort, persistence and some know-how is needed.

Older/discontinued units can be really hard work/ nigh impossible with regards to mapping.
Their limited processing power and/or lack of memory are usually major stumbling blocks.

Modern units offer greater flexibility/ facilities & can do a great deal but all do so at a cost.
Maybe it is time to treat yourself to a new unit during the sales?
Or find a used Montana; it is an excellent unit.
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  #7  
Old 2 Jan 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bertrand View Post
From what you say, it seems that the weight of the leads combined with motion, in time, wrecked your plugs and ....we are right back to the need to use a bespoke powered mount!!

I do not know your 2610 but I read that you can use a memory card up to 2GB. It should be straight forward to put maps onto those. OSM maps are surprisingly good and free. You may be able to 'enable/disable' maps within the 2610.

Basecamp does all you want as does the old Mapsource software.

You might even be able to have a rummage in the units own internal memory accessing it under good old 'dos'. There are sometimes solutions but all take time, effort, persistence and some know-how is needed.

Older/discontinued units can be really hard work/ nigh impossible with regards to mapping.
Their limited processing power and/or lack of memory are usually major stumbling blocks.

Modern units offer greater flexibility/ facilities & can do a great deal but all do so at a cost.
Maybe it is time to treat yourself to a new unit during the sales?
Or find a used Montana; it is an excellent unit.
Unfortunately I have very little knowhow!!


well, that was the plan with the tablet, that replaced the 2 nuivi garmins that had let me down over the last 3 years, both top of the range models, and a cheapo tomtom that outlived both those!

I thought the tablet might give me more flexibility with access to third party software etc for overlanding but it's just too unreliable.

The units are actually getting cheaper and cheaper all the time. The top of the range now are less than half the price of my first unit

I might try digging into the depths of the old 2610, does that mean it should be able to read any maps in OSM format?
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  #8  
Old 2 Jan 2015
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Originally Posted by moggy 1968 View Post
I might try digging into the depths of the old 2610, does that mean it should be able to read any maps in OSM format?
Method 1 - fastest and safest
Remove the memory card from the 2610 and look at what is on the card. If it has an image file .. than you can replace that image file with a new image file from OSM .. for anywhere in the world. BEFORE you replace your original image file .. copy it .. so you can go back if you need to.

Method 2 -from your PC
If you can plan routes on your PC and transfer them to the 2610 then you should be able to transfer maps to it too? Get an OSM map on to you PC check your software can read it. Select the tiles you want to transfer to the 2610 and transfer them. Note this will over write the present map on the 2610 and you may not be able to get it back.
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