Garmin GPS with Memory Map

TrailFinder · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 08, 2004 Posts: 14

Hi Folks,

Great forum, hope you can help me out.

I want a GPS so I can plan routes using mapping software on my PC, download to the GPS and set off on my bike with the GPS.

I have been looking at Garmin eTrex Legend or eTrex Vista. I would like to use memory map software as I understand this is based on the OS Landranger maps.

I understand that Garmin's don't accept any map other than Garmins own? If this is the case could I still use memory map but just create waypoints of the route and download this to the GPS?

Can the built in base map be changed, for example, if I went to Europe could I unload the UK map and load the Europe one?

Sorry for rambling but I am a complete beginner, looking forward to getting started though.

Best regards

RH

matty2767 · Regular Visitor Joined: Jun 27, 2004 Posts: 85

i got the gpsmap76s the other day and it comes with a basemap of europe but is quite basic with only main roads on it. your can get, from garmin a metroguide for uk and europe which installs all the side roads and can do routes and other stuff. if you plan to do this remember that the east midlands takes about 7 meg of memory so you need a gps unit with enough memory if you want to have different sections of the country on.

i use anquet topographical map software which is similar to the memory map. you create your tracks/paths and routes and then export them to your unit. when you look at the unit the route will be seen although it looks like the 2 mapping systems dont match up exactly. i havent figured this bit out yet.

a bit of advice. if you are going abroad and want lots of routes make sure that your chosen unit can accept enough of them for your needs. i notice that the gps76 can only accept 1 for example.

piedwagtail · Posted: Thu Jul 08, 2004 8:00 pm Post subject:

i've been making up rides on memory map and sending them to my summit for a couple of weeks and it seems to work well.i'm a complete novice at this so can't comment on the built in maps but following waypoints is easy enough on the bike.i've tended to put tracks into the gps and either followed the track on screen or tried following the arrow both work well though the on screen track is easier because you can see the turns coming up.this is probaly more important at bike speeds than walking.i'll leave it to the experts now!
mick

TrailFinder · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 08, 2004 Posts: 14

thanks for the replies.

Mick, are you using memory Map?

Oldie · Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 12:18 pm Post subject:

TrailFinder,

I plan my walks using Memory-Map OS2004 and send the routes to my eTrex Legend and use it for guidance when walking. I load the local map segment onto the Legend from MapSource on the PC but you do not need to. Although the basemap detail is not so comprehensive or accurate, you will not be looking at it when biking. You will, I presume, be looking at the Navigation Page on the eTrex.

The Legend will show an accuracy circle and this will be larger if you use the basemap. Garmin have told me that the diameter of the circle is a combination of map accuracy and GPS position accuracy. But again you will not be using this when cycling.

The only change that I would make to my setup would be to buy the Vista because it has a built-in compass.

Richard

piedwagtail · Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 2:18 pm Post subject:

yes,i've only got regions 7 and 8 but they work well.i've just sent my track for our 200 mile ride to my summit and found i had to split it into 2 x 100 mile sections, but i've just followed the first 20 miles or so this morning on both the direction arrow screen and the walking man(why can't i have a cyclist?) screen and it's been spot on.i'm going to send todays ride back to my pc as soon as i've finished this!
mick

Halfpiste · Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 9:11 am Post subject:

I too have an Etrex Legend with handlebar mount. This has given no problems, despite some rough old terrain! I use the excellent Tracklogs software (full UK coverage at 1:25000 scale) to plan a tracklog which is then uploaded to the Garmin. I navigate using a combination of direction arrow and map view at 500m scale. I also find that by activating a Trakback a bolder line is displayed which is easier to follow at high(?!) speeds. I find this to be superbly accurate, even though the unit reports at best 16' accuracy, typically 25' (does anyone know what the status of EGNOS is as I've not yet had a differntial fix even though I've enabled WAAS?).This set up allows me to navigate across areas where a map and compass would be challenging. Farmers who encourage bridleways to 'disappear' lookout...me and my GPS are coming for you!!!!

Oldie · Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 12:44 pm Post subject:

piedwagtail · Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 11:27 am Post subject:

thanks from me too for the tracklogs info.i've just downloaded a demo and it's very impressive.i like the way you can order maps centred on your own area.if i'd known about this mapping system i may not even have bought memory map.
mick

Halfpiste · Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 1:23 pm Post subject:

Maybe there's a case for a full-blown review. I looked at Memory Map as well, and whilst it allows you to display the actual map on the pda, the battery life and cost of the set up don't make it a viable option for MTB'ing...the tears of pain from falling off would be nothing compared to trashing my Ipaq & Navman sleeve!
I like the print options too... size permitting you can print off an entire route on a single page. Plus the service is top-notch..ordered 3 o'clock Friday afternoon, delivered Saturday morning...free delivery! I think that they're a small outfit...they really deserve to succeed.

piedwagtail · Posted: Mon Jul 12, 2004 1:35 pm Post subject:

well they're getting £50 of me for a 1:25000 map centred over my house,which seems pretty good value,just as soon as i get my refund off mem.map!
mick

Blackbird · Occasional Visitor Joined: Feb 27, 2004 Posts: 11

@ Trailfinder

Snerkel · Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 10:50 pm Post subject:

The European Legend and Vista include Europe basemap, which includes UK. The main advantage of a Etrex is that they are robust, cheap (relatively). They are water proof to a metre (so rain is no problem). The route method gives an easy to follow display without distractions. Battery life on the Legend is about 18 hours on two AA batteries. You can get a proper handle bar mount... need I go on.

If you have a pocket PC with a serial connection (eg Ipaq 2210) you can get a cable that feeds the GPS data so you can use "proper" maps if you ever need to.

Snerkel · Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 10:57 pm Post subject:

Forgot to say, if it is for use on a bike and the route method is all that is required I think the Etrex (yellow) at about £80 will give easier to read results than the Legend (I have both units), I find the Legend best in the car and the yellow best for biking (chunkier graphics due to less resolution = easier reading at speed).

Halfpiste · Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2004 8:39 am Post subject:

Snerkel...fully agree. I have a PPC/TomTom set up in the car which I wouldn't be without, but wouldn't dream of using it on the bike as it's too b****y expensive and I have been know (!) to fall off. Also the batteries go flat in about 3 hours.
Gave the Legend it's first major airing last week on a 25 mile circular route through bridleways and minor roads (including overhanging trees which is supposed to kill them) and it didn't miss a beat.
Until battery life can be extended to a useable level on a ppc and they can be made more robust (and the price come down), then there will be a need for both systems.
That aside...Sat Nav...who could live without it. I've always loved shiny things (and I've bought some right old garbage!) but these are the shiniest things ever!

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