kdizzle

Hi Guys,

First time poster and had a quick question Im sure you guys could answer in a second.

I bought my Nuvi 1300 from the states (seattle) but I live in Toronto, Canada. When I brought it back to Toronto, I updated my unit from the garmin site with the CN North America NT 2010.20 (CN Lower 49 States NT 2010.20) map.

But when I try to use it in my area (Toronto) it only shows the major highways and blank spots everywhere else. Any suggestions?

I have tried adjusting the 'more/map detail' options and all that, but still no success.

Do I need to download the canadian maps? I though the CN North America map would have all my main roads and street names.

Appreciate any assistance you guys could provide.

Thanks,

Andy

I would call Garmin. Some one else mentioned the same thing and lost their Canadian maps when loading an update. They bought the wrong update.

You mentioned "CN Lower 49 States NT 2010.20" as the map update. Sure sounds like it didn't include Canada from that description. When looking at the map updates, did you see any for City Navigator that didn't say "lower 49 states?"

kdizzle

No all of the maps state "Lower 49 States" I made sure of this.

Andy

Go to Tools, Settings, Map, Map Info and see what it has listed there.

It sure sounds like you installed an update with only the lower 49 states.

Poolveteran

Since you bought your Nuvi in Seattle and it only holds regional maps(in the US its lower 48 states and in Canada its Canada plus some of the upper States) and the update said lower 48 States then that is what you downloaded.You have a basemap for North America though, so you do get some info for Canada.If you go to Garmin's website you can see there are several versions of this Nuvi all with different regional maps.I'm not sure if you could have selected a different mapset at download but maybe you chose the wrong one.Its also possible that the Garmin site recognizes your "Nuvi" as American.When you enter Garmin's website there is an area where you select your country.If you don't do this I believe it defaults to the US webpage.You may have to call Garmin support to see if there is anything you can do about that.

toobite

Just went through the whole exercise this week end. It turned out to be a lot more than a 2h casual evening download. You have to jump through some hoops. I will try to post some tips which hopefully will help.
You can get a free map update within 60 days of 1st use. This involves some downloads and software install to bring your nuvi device up to date as well. This is after you register on the garmin website. Your device needs to be plugged in the usb attached to your PC in order for you to do these installs.

There is one huge download over 2GB called
garmin_rmu_cnnant2010_30.exe
or some such. There are some detailed instructions on the garmin website which you follow to get this point. It also helps to read up on the web about update problems. Make a note of where you decide to save this download. After you download the above 2GB exe, the software will ask you if you wish to launch the download.

Tip: do not launch it directly. just wait till it's done, then choose the exit option, rather than launch. That way, you know where the file is, and have it available in case you need it again. The download takes hours! on a dsl connection.

When you are ready to proceed, click on the previously downloaded exe to run it. It will take a while just to get started due to the size of the program. Be patient.

At some point, you get to choose maps, it offered me the US lower 49 states. And I accepted it on the first upgrade. But the next day, I ran it again after another agonizing wait for the download, (since I could not locate the previously downloaded exe).
On the 2nd occasion, I looked at the other map choices and one of them is for the whole US and Canada, as far as I know.
This is what I selected, and installed. Warning: you need to know about available disk space on the nuvi. The US/Canada combination appears to take an extra 150MB or so.

Tip:
Note that Garmin allows you to download the same exe file more than once. You are not getting another new upgrade, just repeating the same download again. I had to do it a 2nd time to make it work. But as mentioned above you can also just keep the first copy around in case you need to do a re-run.

Caveat:
There were some hassles with upgrading the maps. I suggest not upgrading unless essential. I thought it might be newer and therefore better. I suspect the data does not change much. And the changes/updates capture just a small % of the map errors or POI changes.
Over the course of the weekend, I lost the map function so the gps was serving as a compass, with the basemaps - not useful at all. Eventually I got things to work. But at times I considered returning the device.

Before you attempt the map upgrade. Be sure you are comfortable moving files around your PC and a usb mass storage device which is what the nuvi is. One reason is that the nuvi has very limited disk space, and is quite full. So the upgrade might not fit which would require an addon microSD card.
If you plan to upgrade but have it in the built in factory drive, be prepared to free up some disk space first.

If you have not installed any user data files such mp3, jpeg photos, you should have about 200MB of free space.

Tip: You can check free space with your PC. You can free up additional space if you delete some voice files. Look for the languages that neither you nor any one you know would ever want to use.
The voice folder in the built in drive is about 380MB. It helps if you reduce it by 100MB to 280MB.

Tip:
Learn to get the device to show you the software versions, detailed map versions and base map versions. There is also a way to show the map info which tells you which map regions have been installed.
Make a good note of these somewhere so you can refer, and note changes, hopefully improvements and not problems.
Go to tools>settings>system>about and tools>settings>map>info

Caveat:
You may have to deal with gmapprom.img, gmapprom.unl, gmapprom.sum, gmapsupp.img files,
/garmin folders, /.system folders, etc. Best to know something about these before you get too far along; what and where they are and approximate sizes. If the map upgrade or software install fails you may need to roll up the sleeves and do some file tinkering.
I did. It is helpful to know the difference between basemaps and detailed maps and how your nuvi appears when there are problems with missing detailed maps.

There are a couple of software programs which get installed along the way.
These are MapInstall and MapSource. They can be useful in their own way. They are additional tools you may need to learn to use if the above "quick" install fails. No need to get into details for now.

The notes here are not complete or detailed. These are not a turn by turn directions. If you decide to attempt this all the best to you. I hope this saves you some time and trouble. It could still burn up a few hours. And in the end, unless you KNOW you absolutely need the map upgrade think twice, and then think again.

Poolveteran

Wow,
Although there is a lot of useful info in your post you make the whole thing sound complicated.Is your USB to Mini USB cord old.The whole process only took me about 1 hour and 30 min.Older cords take longer to transmit info.I would recommend to newbies to plug into their PC and just follow the instructions,that's what I did and I am not great with moving files/folders,etc.The various Nuvis have varying amounts of storage space,they also take data cards.
garmin_rmu_cnnant2010_30.exe is the map file.I highly recommend upgrading to it if you want the most recent maps and POIs,you only have 60 days after first sat-lock.And if your new Nuvi was on a store shelf for a year or more then the maps on it will be old.
Did you have your map selected when you were only using the Nuvi as a compass?Maybe you removed the check mark by accident on the map selection screen.
Anybody with a Nuvi should plug it in and upgrade it,its not attempting something impossible and I highly recommend it.Why wouldn't you want your new high-tech device to be up to date?

toobite

>> Although there is a lot of useful info in your post you make the whole thing sound complicated.
>> Is your USB to Mini USB cord old.The whole process only took me about 1 hour and 30 min.

You make a valid point. For some people, it goes smoothly. Good for you.

>> Older cords take longer to transmit info.I would recommend to newbies to plug into their PC and just follow the instructions,that's what I did and I am not great with moving files/folders,etc.The various Nuvis have varying amounts of storage space,they also take data cards.

The usb cord is in good shape and was never the issue. As the previous post indicated, you do need to be aware of disk space.
The builtin storage is limited. In fact this is what got me in trouble. The map update software said only regional maps were installed DUE TO LIMITED STORAGE, and to get the complete map you need an SD card. Huh? What the heck does that mean? That was the beginning of a long story, alluded to in the previous post. I won't go into the details here.

>> Did you have your map selected when you were only using the Nuvi as a compass?
>> Maybe you removed the check mark by accident on the map selection screen.

This is a good tip to keep in mind when looking at the software/map version and map region info. Be sure to look into this.

>> Anybody with a Nuvi should plug it in and upgrade it,
This is what I thought initially. Then I learnt from my experience with this nuvi.

>> its not attempting something impossible and I highly recommend it.
Agreed it is not attempting the impossible. Certainly, if I can do it, anybody can. It makes a very big difference if you have very fast download speeds and a fast PC to install.

>> Why wouldn't you want your new high-tech device to be up to date?

You want your high tech device up to date but in a stable, well supported state. During the updating process the past weekend, I found that the software updates had simple instructions and went well, while the map updates took much longer, and when things did not appear to go right, Garmin did not provide clear information how to get out of it. See comment above about storage.


From this experience, the software updates is a clear win. Presumably bugs were fixed, device is more stable. Having the software tools available was useful.

>> garmin_rmu_cnnant2010_30.exe is the map file.I highly recommend upgrading to it if you want the most recent maps and POIs,you only have 60 days after first sat-lock.And if your new Nuvi was on a store shelf for a year or more then the maps on it will be old.

The map updates gave me trouble. I was not looking for or expecting trouble, I was hoping for a casual evening upgrade and be done. This is only a map database, it is not complicated software, what can go wrong, right?

But things did not turn out this way. Something about limited maps and needing more storage. Ultimately though, and this is the key point, with more storage added and with the maps finally updated, I found no noticeable changes. There were lingering errors in the POI list: Some nearby popular store which opened in 2008 is not in the 2010 map. Another store which closed years ago (~5 years) still shows up. Other stores had duplicate, even triple listings. These are long time stores years/decades in the area. This shows lack of effort to clean up the database. After going through all the trouble, I checked to see what the meaning of "up to date" was.
To me, it means very little when it comes to the "upgraded" maps between 2009 and 2010. So if know it will mean a lot to you and you NEED the update, go do it, but bear in mind there could be problems. And in some cases the problems can outweigh the benefits.

The previous post is intended to provide info in case things go wrong. The nuvi is a good device. But sometimes when things go wrong it helps to have a life line.

wildbill

Hello Everyone --

I just bought a nuvi 1300 GPS and I was wondering what the lastest firmware update is being used on the 1300. I looked it up on my GPS and it shows version 2.70 Is this the latest update and if not should I update if Im not having any problems with the GPS?

Was just wondering if I should worry about updating firmware. US map is dated 2008 and the unit is dated 2009 when it boots up before showing the map date of 2008.

Thanks!

--Bill

Poolveteran

You have 60 days from first satellite reception to update maps to most recent.As toobite stated above it depends on where you travel/live if you really need the most recent updates and POI bases.I always like to be up to date if I can,and the first one is free.

As far as the software version goes some people find a version they like and stick with it.Some updates have useful corrections for bugs or problems.

wildbill

If I choose not to connect the gps unit to the net before the 60 days is up can I still register it after 60 days and be able to get updates other then the free map update?

Thanks for your help.

--Bill

Poolveteran

If you have turned on your Nuvi and had satellite reception it will be 60 days from that point,even if you don't plug to PC and register right away.

I bought a 755T and waited until late December to acquire sats with it.I figure(hope) the next update will be mid-late February but there are no guarantees and I don't think Garmin announces them until they are released.

rugerkahr

I wonder if it's a 1300 model specific problem. I have a much older Nuvi that I've updated at least 6 times. One "free" one when I initially got it, once again the next year and four times in 2009 with my lifetime nuMaps subscription. Yes, it took some time, but I never had a problem with everything updating on the GPS and in Mapsource the first time.

That's interesting about an "old" USB cable being slower. I didn't know that. I use the same 7 or 8 year old Sony cable that came with an old digital camera for everything I connect my to my computer via USB. I leave it dangling off the front for easy access and it works just fine.

rugerkahr

Hmmm...not necessarily. I bought a Nuvi 200 (new, no reburb) as a gift a while back and when I first turned it on...and didn't see a free map update link? It had the initial satellite reception date in Jan of that year when it was purchased in September as I found out when I went to register it on-line. And, that location was in...go figure...Olathe, KS where Garmin is headquartered. I got it updated for free, but it was a pain in the ass because I had to scan and email a copy of the receipt (more than once). It took a month for them after calls and emails to finally get me a link on my myGarmin account. I registered it on my account for the person since they aren't real "computer friendly" and I wanted to do the map update for them.

wildbill

Well I had some problems getting a unit that hasn't been used and the first two did not have the map detail as this new one I just got. same model nuvi 1300. I was just wondering if I don't register the unit before the 60 days is up can I still register it after 60 days and get firmware updates, ect?.. I know I would not be able to get a free map update after 60 days but this one seems to really work good. I just didn't want to connect it to the net and have something install in the background without me knowing about it. I always try to remember if it works don't fix it.

I just wanted to make sure I could still register it without installing any new updates or anything else. I just want to register the unit at this point with no updates.

Thank you for your feedback everyone!

--Bill

Poolveteran

I registered my 250W in April so my memory of it is not clear but seems to me you can register without updating maps but you have to update your Nuvi's firmware.Maybe someone who has registered lately can chime in with recent info.

I'm quite sure you can register your Nuvi anytime,even after the initial 60 day period.

As Rugerkahr stated above there are exceptions,sometimes they are turned on by people or workers in the store who are unaware of the sat-lock,or maybe Garmin techs occasionnally forget a reset or something before they ship(just a guess).Most of these cases I've read about are usually resolved by contacting Garmin.Some folks find the process easy and like the service from Garmin while others haven't found the process simple.A simple rule is if you don't like the tech you are dealing with,hang up and call back,you should get a different tech and it may yield better results.

wildbill

Yeah I think your right. My nuvi 1300 had its first crash this evening. just blacked out and then rebooted. I guess thats a sign that I need to update the firmware. Im running v2.70 right now with the year 2009 shows when booting up the unit and a 2008 map. Im waiting on the cable. it should be here in a few days. I had a USB cable for my camera but it didn't fit the GPS unit.

Wish I had one that would fit.. would have saved me some money.

rugerkahr

Why wait for the cable, wildbill? Just go buy one for a few dollars at Walmart or something. Heck, I noticed even my local Blockbuster had them at the front counter. I thought everyone had at least one with a standard mini-USB plug lying around these days with GPS units, PDAs, cell phones, mp3 players, digital cameras, etc... I'd give you one for free if you were close by!

Poolveteran

I think I've seen them for under $3,you can also use the USB cable from a Playstation 3.

rugerkahr

I just use one that I've had for years and years that came with an old digital camera...

In fact, I have three in plain view right now.

wildbill

Well I got my USB cable and updated the firmware and map and the only thing I can see is that the GPS OS runs slower when I turn on a street and the current speed is not as fast to update and one big issue I noticed is that the touch screen doesn't respond to input at times and the button even lights up when I het a letter on the keyboard. sometimes the GPS seems to be low on memory and the display is very erratic and slow to respond to touch and for the menu changes. Its like the new firmware update takes more memory/cpu usage as the older version did..

How often does Garmin have firmware updates?

maybe the next one will fix this issue but there always seems to be new bugs to replace the old ones when you update software.

rugerkahr

There is really no rhyme or reason to Garmin firmware updates. They're unpredictable and they show up when they show up. Forums like these are the best way to keep up because that's always where I see a new update being discussed first. Poifactory.com is another great GPS forum.

As for your current update and it, well, sucking... You can always downgrade to the previous version that worked best and hope the next update is better than the last one. It's not hard to switch back to previous firmware, but when I do it, it factory resets everything. I don't lose any favorites or POIs, but all the system settings, etc are reset. Google "perrynuvi". If that site is still around, he has just about every version of Nuvi firmware for all models. I'm running the newest update on my Nuvi because it works and hasn't introduced any new problems. But, I've got good ol' version 4.50 on stand-by in my GPS folder if I ever need to go back. I got the file from that "perrynuvi" website.

Poolveteran

Many people find that a hard reset after updates helps.Also,your screen may need to be calibrated.

HumVee

The USB cable itself isn't likely to be the problem. USB is a constantly evolving standard. USB 3.0 has been ratified, and computers and devices with USB 3.0 are only just now starting to hit the market. USB 2.0 is much more ubiquitous, but there are still a lot of USB 1.1 devices out there. With each version, higher data transfer speeds were implemented - but for you to reach those speeds, everything in the loop needs to meet the minumum requirements. If your computer's USB ports are controlled by a processing chip that only does USB 1.1 (older computers) or you have a USB hub that isn't USB 2.0, or your device (digital camera, GPS unit, etc.) doesn't support USB 2.0 - then you will default back to the next lowest common standard...USB 1.1.

rugerkahr

Yes. Since you got the maps and firmware updated, the USB cable works and has absolutely nothing to do with the operation of the GPS once it's untethered. Since it's running slowly and with quirks...definitely blame the firmware update. Again, see if you can downgrade to the previous firmware.

If anyone is interested, there is a way of getting the newest map update and NOT installing new firmware, if applicable, even though Garmin "makes" it look like you have to install it.

vernamilner

i have a garmin nuvi 1300 and it stopped working i can turn it on and it says garmin on the screen than it stops right there what can i do to fix it.

Andy

Try holding the power button down for 10 seconds. That'll reset it. If that doesn't work try a hard reset (although you may loose any data (favorites, etc) you might have installed. Hard reset is done by holding the bottom right hand corner with your finger while the device is off. Turn it on and continue to hold the corner. It will ask you to wipe the data. Press yes.

vernamilner

i've tried both methods doesnt work still holding the corner well turning it on doesnt bring up an option to wipe the data what else can i try?

Andy

I'd contact Garmin. Those were the only resets I've come across. Does it have a battery you can remove and reinstall?

toobite

Have you heard about this issue/news from Garmin?
=================================

Mandatory Software Update
Today, Garmin released a free, mandatory GPS software update to correct some software issues that cause select GPS devices to repeatedly power on and freeze at the Garmin logo.

The products affected are all devices in the nuvi 1100 series, nuvi 1200 series, nuvi 1300 series, and nuvi 1400 series.You can download a free firmware update immediately that will prevent these software issues by using Garmin's WebUpdater program.

This update will prevent the freezing problem caused by these software bugs but it will not correct the problem if your device has already experienced this problem.
To fix the issue if your device has already experienced the problem, you will need to return your device to Garmin for repair.
Please contact Garmin Product Support for assistance.

We know our customers rely upon their Garmin GPS device(s), especially during the summer travel season, and we regret any inconvenience this situation may have caused. We are committed to developing products that are known for their quality and reliability and will continue to work diligently to earn the trust of our customers.

You have received this email because you are a registered member of myGarmin.Garmin, 1200 E. 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062 | (913) 397-8200Garmin.com |