Tech: SatNav uploading/updating process

Subject: RE: Tech: SatNav uploading/updating process
From: Tangledwood
Date: 08 Jul 11 - 06:54 PM

My Tomtom doesn't have that option so it apparently differs from model to model and brand to brand. One thing they all have in common - they are navigation aids, not a total replacement for prior planning.

Subject: RE: Tech: SatNav uploading/updating process
From: SteveMansfield
Date: 08 Jul 11 - 05:33 AM

Adding to TangledWood's advice to Ltd4All - I don't have any experience of Garmins, but TomTom will let you 'Travel via'.

So how's about you save the bridge (or the access road to the bridge) you *do* want to use as a favourite point, and then Travel Via that point. I'm guessing Garmin will have a similar function called something subtly different ...

Subject: RE: Tech: SatNav uploading/updating process
From: Tangledwood
Date: 08 Jul 11 - 05:07 AM

Will - this site has some useful information or you might get help on their forum GPS data

Ltd4all - You're not compelled to follow what the GPS says. LOL. If you ignore the instructions to go via the bridge and take an alternative route it should update as you go and still give useful guidance when you're back on track. I'm not familiar with garmin so don't know if what you ask is possible on that. On my Tomtom I've created a series of "standard departure" itinery files to which I append the relevant destination, and "standard arrivals" which I select as appropriate depending on the direction of the departure point.
If your garmin has the ability to store itineries they are much more useful than simply using "go to".

Subject: RE: Tech: SatNav uploading/updating process
From: GUEST,Ltd4all
Date: 07 Jul 11 - 09:20 AM

Here's a question. I have a garmin Nuvi 225W and they are doing some long term construction near me (a 6 YEAR long project!) and would like to AVOID the bridge at ALL COSTS (there are other ways around, but my garmin keeps trying to send me over the bridge!) can I select the bridge, save it as a "favorite place", and tell the garmin to AVOID that point? (a sort of digital landmine) They just started this construction project this week, and I can't imagine going 6 YEARS without a useful garmin in my car!

Subject: RE: Tech: SatNav uploading/updating process
From: Will Fly
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 09:21 AM

Thanks John - I think you've pinpointed the problem. The 16Gb card I had to hand is probably SDHC - and more than the Garmin is capable of handling. I've taken it out of the SatNav and popped into my Zoom H2 recorder - thereby increasing the recording life up 20 25 hours!

I'll look around for a basic SD card and try that. I have to add that the Garmin site is not particularly helpful, and the uploading process seems overly complicated. Good product though.

Subject: RE: Tech: SatNav uploading/updating process
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 07:34 AM

Technical point:

SD cards have rather limited capacity, and older devices may not be able to use SDHC (high capacity) cards. Your 16GB card is definitely an SDHC and not an SD, but what your device can use is another matter. The only sure way to find out whether the device is SDHC capable is to RTFM - or check the specs on the maker's website.

Once you know that the device can use the high capacity cards, it's still possible to find SD cards for sale, sometimes with outrageously dishonest capacity labels, so you need to be careful about what you buy, and get in the habit of using the proper full name for what you want.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: SatNav uploading/updating process
From: Tangledwood
Date: 28 Mar 11 - 06:39 PM

Will, you might find something helpful on this site

Subject: RE: Tech: SatNav uploading/updating process
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 28 Mar 11 - 04:56 PM

I have a tom tom 500, one of the earlier ones, and had the same lack of room problem. I simply bought a bigger card and downloaded new map onto it.
I was buying a complete new map so it was relatively straightforward I don't know how an update would cope though. They are only files so try moving them onto your PC and back onto a blank card.
I must say Tom Tom were exeptionally patient and helpfull in the few problems I did have, related to moving favorites and contacts etc to new card.
Have you tried the Garmin site?

Subject: RE: Tech: SatNav uploading/updating process
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 28 Mar 11 - 04:43 PM

When Mudcatters ask about SD cards in cameras the usual advice from the technorati is that you should let the camera format the card as it might do it slightly differently compared to what your computer does.
I expect a similar argument may apply here, and if it doesn't, the threaD JUST WENT BACK TO THE TOP, SO THEY MIGHT SEE IT THERE...
qUACK!
gTd. whoops CAPSLOCK!!!

Subject: RE: Tech: SatNav uploading/updating process
From: Maryrrf
Date: 28 Mar 11 - 03:11 PM

Not to mention driving around by yourself in an unfamiliar area in the dark, trying to read a map and steer at the same time, oh and also trying to make out the names on the street signs in time to make a lane change if needed. I need to update my sat nav too so will be paying attention to this thread.

Subject: RE: Tech: SatNav uploading/updating process
From: Will Fly
Date: 28 Mar 11 - 02:11 PM

LOL!

Ever tried driving round Zaragoza - with or without a map? The city has 9 bridges over the Ebro - most of them one way - and if you miss a turning, bam! Wrong side of the river. Add to that the distinct lack of street and direction signs in what is a most complex city, the good old SatNav takes a lot of beating!

Subject: RE: Tech: SatNav uploading/updating process
From: RamblinStu
Date: 28 Mar 11 - 02:08 PM

May I suggest you buy a map and read it, you can get lost just the same :-)

Subject: Tech: SatNav uploading/updating process
From: Will Fly
Date: 28 Mar 11 - 06:38 AM

Does anyone have a clear, step-by-step explanation of the process by which maps are uploaded and updated on a typical SatNav device, including SD card?

I've used a Garmin NuVi 225W for a couple of years now and installed the initial maps by following the instructions blindly on purchase. I also purchased a lifetime sub to map data for Europe. I've been going through the updating process again recently, to be told that my device now hasn't enough memory to load all Europe, so - as a holding action - I installed North-West Europe.

I happened to have a spare 16Gb SD card and though that, if I put that into the Garmin, that would create the memory space needed to upload the whole file. However, never having used an SD card with a SatNav before, I'm unsure as to how the card is recognised by the device and by the installation system. Do I have to format the card first, install maps on it and then insert into the device? Or can I format and upload maps on to the card while it's in the device?

Technology doesn't usually phase me, but this one appears a bit of a maze!