Zumo 660

[fred24]

Just had my first hiccup with the 660 so as I know some of you also use it here's what happened.

Loaded the latest map onto my PC and 660 without any problem (lot quicker now that my broadband has gone from 6meg to 32meg).

Put the back on the 660 and the display said my routes where done on a previous map version and would I like to recalculate with the new one which I thought was very clever.

Unfortunately this is where it all went wrong as it calculated all the routes as straight lines between the waypoints which I did not pick up on until after I had left the house started to use one of the routes and the route was through feilds across lakes etc with completely useless directions. Luckily I was only on a rideout so didn't cause to many problems.

Loading the routes stored on my PC into the new map on the PC worked perfectly and allowed me to transfer them to the 660 without problem.

So unless I did something stupid it looks like after you update the map you have to update the routes on the PC and then transfer them to the 660 which is a pain as it can only be done one at a time

[routemaster]

I would hope that it is a one off. I have the 550 and I have only ever had this happen to me once and that was in the dim and distant past. For the last couple of years when I have had map updates on the 550/PC there hasn't been a problem with any of the existing routes and I have over 300 routes.

Hint/Tip. You can upload more than at a time to the Zumo, you don't have to upload routes individually. As I have a large number of routes in Mapsource I do tend to manage how and which routes I keep on the Zumo. I have a master file which I keep all of my routes on and when I want to upload routes to the 550 I create a blank Mapsource file and copy/paste the routes I need into that new file and then upload the routes to the Zumo, I will regularly upload anything from 3 to 4 routes at a time and have on occasions when going on tour uploaded 10-12 routes from a single Mapsource file. When you disconnect the Zumo from the PC it will then start import process, the Zumo import process can take a while but you don't have to do anything once its running.

I am on a rideout on Sunday with FH and a few others from the Knights Templar MTC. The rideout has been split into 4 routes for the day which I copied into a single Mapsource file and used that file to upload the 4 routes in one go to the Zumo.

Steve

[fred24]

I may have only got one reply but it was most helpful.

It never crossed my mind that I could have multiple routes in the same file that originated from the same place (i.e. my home) that could be transfered in one go and that the 660 would sort them out into individual routes after they had been transfered across.

So many thanks Routemaster - I guess there is some logic to your name

[routemaster]

Your welcome

BTW the routes you upload to the Zumo don't have to start from the same place.

Steve

[fatharry]

I may have only got one reply but it was most helpful.

It never crossed my mind that I could have multiple routes in the same file that originated from the same place (i.e. my home) that could be transfered in one go and that the 660 would sort them out into individual routes after they had been transfered across.

So many thanks Routemaster - I guess there is some logic to your name

see...i would have replied...but i use a TomTom...so know nothing about Garmins...but if it helps, i do quite a few rides with routemaster....most of the time i tell 'im where i want to go....and he sends me back routes in Garmin and TomTom format!!..very clever stuff. So when it comes down to it...i'm not really that handy at Tomtom either, in fact my riding sucks too.......however if you =need advice on breaking something...i'm your man  ::)

[Mogster]

Yup, my 660 does this all the time, it seems that if you try and import an old route off of an old map it does the straight line thing.
tis very annoying  >:(

[fred24]

Yup, my 660 does this all the time, it seems that if you try and import an old route off of an old map it does the straight line thing.
tis very annoying  >:(

Pleased to see thats it not just me then.

Recalculating the routes on the PC with the new map does allow them to be transfered without any problem

[Kevin]

The only time I've ever seen this (which was also caused by different maps on PC and Zumo - I'd forgotten to update the Netbook I had with me) it was resolved by telling the Zumo to recalculate the route. I'm surprised this didn't work for you, perhaps there was something about the waypints it didn't like. ???

Which reminds I need to update the Netbook again!

Kevin

[routemaster]

Yup, my 660 does this all the time, it seems that if you try and import an old route off of an old map it does the straight line thing.
tis very annoying  >:(

I would always recommend that when updating the any Maps on the Zumo is that you ALWAYS update the Maps in Mapsource on the PC. As I said previously I have only ever had one issue like this and that was a few years ago.

BTW Garmin have introduced a new piece of software for updating the maps, the software now resides on your PC and checks/downloads the latest updates and if/when there is an update you use this new software package rather than having to log into their web site.

Steven

[Mogster]

Wanted..... expert in using Garmin and map Map Source, to teach technophobe  how to use the bloody thing..... will pay in Tea and bacon Sarnies...location St albans  :-[

[Kevin]

I wouldn't call myself an expert by any stretch of the imagination but we've had a 550 pretty much since they came out, a 660 for just over a year and do intensive planning for rallies and IBA rides using Mapsource so I know my way around them. If there's no-one nearer you could always pop down to just outside Dover on your bike and I'd be happy to spend some time with you on them...er, assuming you can find Dover of course!  ;) :)

Kevin

[Mogster]

I wouldn't call myself an expert by any stretch of the imagination but we've had a 550 pretty much since they came out, a 660 for just over a year and do intensive planning for rallies and IBA rides using Mapsource so I know my way around them. If there's no-one nearer you could always pop down to just outside Dover on your bike and I'd be happy to spend some time with you on them...er, assuming you can find Dover of course!  ;) :)

Kevin

Many thanks for that, if there is no one nearer i may take you up on the offer...cos it's driving me nuts having the Garmin change the route and decide to go somewhere else....usually down a french goat track ffs,,

[routemaster]

Wanted..... expert in using Garmin and map Map Source, to teach technophobe  how to use the bloody thing..... will pay in Tea and bacon Sarnies...location St albans  :-[

I am based in Swindon, so happy to meet up

Steve

[Martin#30]

Slight hijack, aimed at the 550/660 users.

Other than the waterproof nature of them, is there anything else they do that justifies the significantly higher price compared to a car unit that seems to perform the same activities?

I have been using a car TomTom wrapped in a freezer bag for waterproofing for years. I need a new device, but my inherent cheapness is reluctant to spend £400 on a 660 vs. £130 ish on a car one and a waterproof case.

Cheers all,

Martin.

[Lonewolf]

Martin, do not be afraid of buying a second hand 550 if cost is an issue. Just like you I would struggle to justify spending £400+ on a bike sat nav which I might use once a week. I bought mine off ebay almost a year ago, not a seconds problem from it and I wouldn't be without it now. 
Initially I tried the car Tom Tom in the transparent sleeve of a Bagster bag and yes it works but it's not ideal. I prefer to listen to audion instructions rather than having to look down constantly. I know that might not answer all your questions but for a couple of hundred quid you can kit the bike out properly. I generally leave the Zumo on the bike all the time.