Dirtrider

Hi All...

Thanks for letting me join this great forum as I have about 4 Garmin GPS'es all for different occassions.

I found that the Zumo 450 has been agreat GPS, having gone through thick and thin, come hell or high water during my motorcycle adventures. Then I decided to do the TAT(TransAmericaTrail) this summer. Having ordered the trails maps and roll charts I started to route and draw tracks on Mapsource. After all was said and done..lo and behold...while sending my track creation with its routes to the Zumo..the Zumo would not accept the tracks but only the routes. I found out that the Zumo converts drawn tracks to routes or nearest route that is on the mapset in Zumo. Really disappointing..Come on Garmin...!!!

Now I am contemplating getting a 60csx which I understand takes drawn tracks with aplomb! Right choice??

How do I send created tracks from Mapsource to the 60csx? Should I get a 4gb miniSD card and have all DVD Topos and CityNav loaded onto the SD card in order to free the 60csx system memory for the assault of all the 6000 miles of routes and tracks from Mapsource? Your advise would be invaluable and appreciate it. Thank you...

HumVee

Dirtrider, I have a zūmo 660. In most respects, I would expect your zūmo 450 to be similar in function and features. I went in to MapSource, and freehand drew a track around Mt. Rainier National Park (Washington State), and then sent it to my z660. See the attached screen shot. You can see the park with my (poorly) drawn track around it. You can also see that I named it "Mt Rainier NP" in my Track tab, and that I made sure that Tracks was checked in the data download pop-up window.

Before I could see the track, I had to go to Tools > My Data > Import Data > Trip Logs and select "Mt Rainier NP" and then press Import. I could then go to Tools > Custom Routes > Mt Rainier NP and Preview it or select Go! I had to be sure that I had selected a profile that was "Off Road" instead of "On Road" (so I selected Pedestrian for the purposes of this test). Since it wasn't trying to follow roads, it took a very long time to recalculate the track log, based on all those little track points my freehand tool drew. In the future, I think I'd edit a bunch out - especially in the straight stretches!

Do you want to see if you can do the same steps with your z450? I'm almost certain you will be able to. In fact, I'm guessing you've pretty much already done 90% of it - with the exception of choosing an off road profile. Page 34 of your Owner's Manual should help with that.

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HumVee

Quick note...I got impatient with waiting for the track to be calculated while I wrote out the above post, so I went back to MapSource and erased a bunch of the track log points (wonderfully easy, using the Track Erase Tool) and knocked it down to 150 points. I then deleted my previously downloaded file and redownloaded the Mt Rainier NP track to my z660. Importing the Trip Log and then selecting it as a Custom Route resulted in only seconds of calculating before I was ready to go. I tapped the green header bar in Map view, and then tapped the Show Map button. My track shows perfectly, and looks like what I think it should - it certainly isn't trying to follow any roads!

Dirtrider

Thank you for all the info. I believe tha tthe Zumo is a different animal entirely. I just did that before and tried it again..no dice! There is no Tool>Custom Routes> Track Oklahoma.... My Zumo has no "custom" routes selectivity in the GPS. GGggrrr.... All "tracks" chosen from Mapsource will will disappear on the GPS and be converted to routes to suit it's mapset in the GPS. Not good for offroad..
Oh, well...wow what a surprise I got after loading 1.77 mb of mapping from Tennesee to Oregon..all on the dirt; all offroad tracks are gone on the Zumo 450, but still on Mapsource of course and on the 4gb SD card.

HumVee

I wish I had a z450 to test with...but I'm pretty sure that the functionality between your and my zumo aren't that far off - though the menu options may be a little different. Page 33 on your manual shows a screen shot that has "Import Data" listed as an menu item. What do you see when you go there on your zumo's menus?

If you're just downloading from MapSource to your zumo and then expecting to see the track log file, then I think that's where your problem is. That data gets downloaded in a format that the GPS unit can't natively use, and then you must go into Import Data to tell it which files to import. Once you do that, then you can access the data - and while you may not have a "Custom Routes" menu option, you do have other folders that you can try looking in. Try "Favorites," listed on page 15.

If you do find your TNT file and can select it, be sure to then make sure to switch to "Off Road" mode (described on page 34), or the GPS unit will try to find roads to route you onto!

Dirtrider

Thank you for making an effort for me isolating the problem. I of course have the import data menu option and have used it after having send my routes from Mapsource. Can do only 20 routes at a time on display of the Zumo. That's fine. Custom Routes are not there, there is no substitute under another name or menu option. Even tried OffRoad...

Nope the Zumo 450 will not or cannot do drawn tracks send from Mapsource period! Many in Advrider have come to the same conclusion and I tried to prove them wrong and was hoping that GPS Discussion would save me. Nope cannot do and I was wrong!! So it's on to making Garmin richer by buying another track drawing able GPS..60 CSx...$$$$$ eeeccchhhh!

HumVee

LOL...you could make them even richer by buying one of the new zumo 660 or 665's! So really, you should tell your wife that you're saving hundreds of dollars by going with the 60CSx instead....

HumVee

Since you're still moving forward with plans to get the 60CSx, I'll go ahead and answer these questions:

• You send created tracks to MapSource via the 'Send to device' icon or menu item. Be sure to select Tracks as one of your download types before making sure that it sees your device and hitting the button.
  ~
• Yes, get a 4 GB or larger microSD card to load your supplemental maps onto.
  • You are limited to one 4 GB map file that your device will read. But some forum members have several map files on a card, and rename them as needed (but you can't do that in the device...you must use a computer or SmartPhone that can access the file structure).
  • Your map file can contain data from more than one map set (I have Topo US 24K - West and City Navigator North America NT loaded on mine). To do this, just select the tiles you want to load on one map, then go to the map selection drop down and select another map and select tiles on it.
  • In order to create a full (up to 4 GB) map file, the microSD card has to be directly connected to the computer (via a media card reader or adapter). If the card is mounted in the 60CSx, you will be limited to a maximum map file size of 2 GB.
    ~
• I believe (I may be wrong on this) but when you download your tracks to the 60CSx, you'll want to send it to internal memory. I don't think the 60CSx can access the track files in external memory, even though it can save to it!

MTalvola

HumVee nailed it and I use an 8GB card, which works perfectly. Even though you can only use/access one map at a time, having more than one pre-generated .img map file on a card saves a LOT of time because Mapsource takes forever to generate/transfer whereas renaming takes a couple of seconds and you don't even have to remove the SD card. You just can NOT do it directly via the 60CSx.

HumVee's dead on with the track thing, too. Mapsource will send tracks to INTERNAL memory only. Then, and only then, can you activate a track and subsequently save it to the SD card. But, be CAREFUL. If you delete the track from internal memory, you have lost it for good until you can get to a Mapsource equipped computer. Even if the track(s) are on the SD card. For some stupid reason, you cannot bring tracks back into internal memory even though you can see the file names on the card. This also goes for logging a track as you go along. I just found this out rather recently. I have my 60CSx set up to log a track to the SD card, which it does just fine. The track is recorded in internal memory (as always) and backed up on the SD card at the same time when "log track to data card" is selected. At the end of a hike, I accidentally deleted my track because I cleared everything on the trip page and didn't uncheck the track box. I could still see the track date file on the SD card, but there's no way to bring it back up on the screen. The weird thing is Mapsource wouldn't see the track file directly on the SD card, either, nor could I import it into Google Earth. Instead, I had to put the 60CSx into USB transfer mode, copy/cut the track to my desktop and then I was able to import it into Mapsource and Google Earth. I could also "send" it back to the 60CSx to see it because it automatically goes into internal memory. If I wanted, I could have saved it again to the internal SD card. So, the moral of the story is be CAREFUL when messing around with tracks on the 60CSx itself, because if you erase/delete one in the field...it's gone for all intents and purposes. Not even a smart phone can save you in that case because it won't have Mapsource.

Dirtrider

HumVee and MTalvola ....thank you for all the help and info. You guys are good; nice for you two to chime each other in.

Ok, before I plunge $$$$ into the 60CSx I would like some more input on this if you guys don't mind.

I have currently saved on Mapsource after 4 days of loading prospective routes to the Pacific from Tennesee... 4800(+_) miles of dirt routes n' track that encompass:

1) 533 Waypoints
2) 26 routes....longest via point is 84
3) 15 Tracks...the longest track is 762 miles

Speaking of the 60CSx

I plan on getting a 8gb microSD card like you suggested if I can find one in this town. Then I'll load the latest CityNav2010xx from a DVD onto the SD card, right? in order to leave the GPS system memory free for the assault of the above Mapsource map trip collection, right?

I know there is some limitation regarding track saving volumes....so I am definitely not concerned about saving tracks during the run...just want to follow tracks that I have created in/from Mapsource.

Is it necessary to lug along a PC for these interchanges?

Or you have better ideas..so please walk me through.

Many thanks....

HumVee

That's right, you will want to load the map data to your microSD card. 60CSx's & 76CSx's (in fact all of the newer Garmin GPS units) use these tiny fingernail size memory cards now, instead of the postage stamp sized SD cards. The entire City Navigator North America NT map will fit within size limitations with no problems. Where you will start getting squeezed is when you start adding other map sets. For instance, I can't fit my entire Topo US 24K - West data onto the map image along with all of my CN North America NT map data. I have to strip some map tiles away from one or the other (or both).

You were talking about following the Trans-America Trail. Are you going to want to load topographical maps onto your new GPS unit, or just live with the base map on the 60CSx? It's pretty sparse, and you might be happier getting the Topo U.S. 100K map. The 24K maps have even more detail, but they take up a lot more room (and you can't buy a 24K map set that covers the entire US)!

It's not a bad idea to bring a laptop along during a long trip, so that you can make changes to your planned Routes during your stops (plans do change)! I'm not sure what you mean by "these interchanges" - can you elaborate?

Would you mind sharing the tracks & routes for your planned trip? You can send a MapSource GDB database file, or GPX files, whatever. I'd be happy to load the tracks & routes into my 76CSx and test them out. I'm sure that MTalvola might be willing to test load them as well. If you don't want to post them here for everyone to have access to, you could Private Message me, and I'd reply back with my personal e-mail address. To do that, just click the PM button under any of my posts....

Finally, if you happen to reach the Portland metropolitan area during your vacation, I'd be happy to buy you a beer and hear about your adventures!

Dirtrider

I might do that...love local Hefeweizen..got any there: Prosit, burrp!

HumVee

LOL...I'm pretty sure we can set you up! Portland is a mecca of microbrews!

Yes, the supplemental maps (anything you buy) has to be loaded to a microSD card - there is no room in the device allocated to adding additional map data. Whatever room there is in internal memory is for storing waypoints, tracks & routes. I fully understand about not getting the topo map now. The nice thing is you can always get them later. You can also take a look at GPSFileDepot, and see if there's any free maps that pique your interest. You can make basic edits to Routes in your 60CSx, but it's more convenient on computer if you need to make big (or multiple) changes. You can get by without if you just don't want to lug a computer along with you. Try creating routes on your computer via MapSource (or MapQuest if they ever fix their download routes to GPS issue fixed), then download it to your 60CSx and experiment with modifying the route on the GPS to make sure your comfortable and content with it. You can Insert, Move, Remove or Change waypoints.

Also, are you aware that if you're an American Motorcycist Association member, you get discounts on direct purchases from Garmin? The prices on some items may still not be lower than what can be found elsewhere online - but it gives you one more place to shop! BTW...what do you ride?

Dirtrider

Thanks Amigo...a 1 liter Hefeweizen on me when I see you in Oregon!
I pretty much buy my GPS'es from: The GPS Store, Inc. Garmin GPS Systems, Magellan, TomTom and Accessories, they have pretty good decent prices for some GPS'es: 60CSx=$299, not too bad. No, I am not a AMA member but belong to BMWMOA and BMWRA. I am primarily a BMW rider and have since hacked my 1200GS. I was contemplating making an assault of the TAT via enduro sidecar but my co-riders were complaining that it might be too easy for me and they don't want to have to tow my "Pig" from the sands and muds of the West, he,he. So I succumbed to a liteweigh BMzuki=Suzuki DRZ400s to make the guys happy.

Thanks again all of you who have contributed...you guys rock
See ya on occassion on this side and if the need arises I'll give you a ring.
Cheers

Dirtrider

Thank you guys. You rock..
I’ll owe you a liter of Hefeweizen when I get to Oregon. I’ll touch bases with you for some more of your valuable input once I get the 60CSx. Going to Key West in my 1200GS/sidecar rig next week using the Zumo 450 which he’s good on the Tarmac. I normally get my GPS’es from: http://www.thegpsstore.com/, they have pretty decent prices for most GPS. 60CSx=$299!
I ride mostly BMW’s but for this TAT trip I’ll be riding a BMzuki…Suzuki Drz400S. My TAT mates were complaining that I might have it too easy riding a Enduro sidecar and while they might have to tow me out of the sands and muds of the West. So it’s the BMzuki!!

Dirtrider

Hi Humvee...I'll be riding a Suzuki DRZ400s...
CHeers...........

HumVee

That's a nice dualy! You're riding 400 cc's all the way from Tennassee to Oregon? I suppose a 650 or larger bike might be too difficult to manuever on some of the trails you'll be riding.... Personally, I wish I was brought up with dirt bikes - but I'm just a road rider. I've got a Honda VFR800A Interceptor, and now I'm drooling over the the brand new VFR1200F that will be replacing it....

Dirtrider

MW


G'Day HumVee. I know this is off topic...I am primarily a BMW rider. Currently ride a 1200GS which I had hacked last year. Had a 1200RT; F650GS, etc. These bikes suit me fine. The long 90-100% dirt ride from Tenn to Oregon would be too taxing riding a heavier bike thus the lighter DRZ. A dirt rider I am not..it's my first time and am giving it a try. I like to challenge roads less traveled and be in harmony with nature....see America in its original...Backroads!!
You can see some of my posts on ADVrider and see what kind of rider I am.

My Eyes Are My Ears: A solo journey thorough the USA and Canada by a deaf Adv rider - ADVrider

Hacking our way North by Northwest… - ADVrider

Cheers and Happy SuperBowl Day...Viva the Saints..