Garmin Mapsource PrePlanning on PC

[chuck1]

Somebody asked about Mapsource Pre Planning on the PC then transferring it to the GPS


I'm Using Mapsource 6.13
With Charting/Maps software packages.
Blue Chart V9.5 for coastal area
US Rec Lakes w/fishing hot spots for Inland rivers and lakes.
City Navigator North America 2008 for roads & general info.

Google Earth 4.2

Ok most of you know I like to do cruising trip with MS Judy.

Using Mapsource I can layout the trip keeping it between the navigation buoys so to speak. If it is going to be a couple day trip can plan out the stops (Marina, Fuel, Hotels, Restaurants, etc) One of the nice features of Mapsouce is being able to view the route and way-points in Google Earth. Just click on the feature and presto the route comes up on the Google earth screen with aerial views. Great for getting a feel for the area and seeing what else is around to check out while in the area.

Once you have your routes all laid out just transfer them to the unit.

When the trips is done, I will transfer the tracks back to the PC so I can keep a record for future reference.


My GPS unit is the Garmin GPSMAP 276C.

Hope it helps. Not sure if this works for all of the Garmin units (Somebody said the 545 did not allow this) Jim maybe you could add to this.

 

[SearayPaul]

Chuck:

I talked with Garmin when I first got my unit and they told me trips could be planned using the Mapsource software as Chuck described. Once the trip is made save it to the SD card and you are ready to go. I have not tried this method yet.

The other method I have done is to put the 540 on a 12v power supply and compose the trip in the comfort of my living room. I mapped out the Bald Head trip this way and was able to save the route to the SD card. I also used a cruising guide for reference points to make sure I was on the correct route. Go to routes, pick new routes, then follow your map and set waypoints as the turns come and go.

Jim if you would comment on the Mapsource I would appreciate that.

 

[comsnark]

well, all I know is that the 545s produces a map file (I think *.sda or some such) on the SD card that the current version of mapsource simply will not read. I have not tried to save a route on Mapsource and have the 545s read it. I do know that mapsource will not save to the file extension that the 545s creates. . . .

I called Garmin back in May. . .and they said that appropriate software was not yet in beta development.

I am sure you can save and recall information to the SD card. .

Someone PLEASE prove me wrong. I have a Garmin GPSIII+ with a serial connection, and a Garmin 2720 with USB connection. Both work fine with mapsource. The 2720 was supplied both with a 12v power cord (for the car) and a 120v power cord (so I can plug it in while at the computer)

 

[chuck1]

Paul,

One of the great features in Mapsource is to be able view the route/waypoints in Google Earth. Can't say enough about this. Really nice to be able to get a feel for the area. Google earth is not always up to date, but gives you a good overview. The route planning is so easy on the PC just point and click. Yes I hope Jim says you can still do this on the newer Garmin units. I've played some with Maptechs Chart Navigator, but Garmins Mapsource just seems so much simpler-IMHO

 

[Dave M.]

How does one get Mapsource? Do you have to buy a map CD for some area, and it comes with the CD? It sound interesting, would be nice to use with my Garmin 2210.

 

[Morpheus]

I've called Garmin on this after chuck told me about it many months go and they told me they didn't sell anything like that anymore and that it was all discontinued. I've tried getting a usb reader and memory card for my 3205C but all the west marines and boaters world seem to never stock it.

I did see all the newest garmins no longer use the proprietary software and now use regular memory cards that every day cameras use which is awsome but sucks I purchased before I found that out.

 

[brimanst]

Just to add a few more cool features. I picked up my 1998 boat earlier this year and did not understand the chartplotter on board, so I just downloaded (for free, I think) the Garmin N-Map product and hooked up my handheld GPS 76C to my laptop and not only could I plot our routes on the PC, but I also used the PC for my chartplotter on-board. Not a bad backup system.

The other feature I liked about Mapsource, is when I traveled to the Bahamas last year, I kept a blog, and was able to transfer the tracks to my PC and save them as a Jpeg picture, so everybody could see where we had been. Most folks liked to see it in that format.

briman

 

[SearayPaul]

Well one thing I learned from this thread. Everyone is confused including me. I am going to call Garmin Monday and make sure I have my facts correct. I am also going to ask them to chime in on this thread. Garmin is really good about fixing the problems with their equipment. More on Monday.

 

[chuck1]

How does one get Mapsource? Do you have to buy a map CD for some area, and it comes with the CD? It sound interesting, would be nice to use with my Garmin 2210.

Yes it comes with Garmins CD map software.

The latest version looks like it address the SD card issue.

Changes made from version 6.13.4 to 6.13.5:

• Fixed announcing of extra via points on some USB units
• Fixed incorrect waypoint names when exporting point to point routes
• Fixed incorrect display of Asian language labels
• Fixed incorrect import of user data in Asian languages
• Fixed recognition of SD cards initialized in a marine unit

 

[Nehalennia]

Yes it comes with Garmins CD map software.

The latest version looks like it address the SD card issue.

Changes made from version 6.13.4 to 6.13.5:

• Fixed announcing of extra via points on some USB units
• Fixed incorrect waypoint names when exporting point to point routes
• Fixed incorrect display of Asian language labels
• Fixed incorrect import of user data in Asian languages
• Fixed recognition of SD cards initialized in a marine unit

Great info guys.
I do like Garmin for their "Downloads and Support area"
you can download Mapsource here

I think if I can program to the SD card via Mapsource and insert it in the 545s, that's the one I'll get

 

[chuck1]

Still hoping Jim will jump in with his comments.

Not sure if this works for all of the Garmin units (Somebody said the 545 did not allow this) Jim maybe you could add to this.

 

[SearayPaul]

Garmins number was busy all day today. I will try again tomorrow.

 

[Dave M.]

Great info guys.
I do like Garmin for their "Downloads and Support area"
you can download Mapsource here

It seems like I tried that. I was able to download a new version, but it was only an upgrade. It would not install without finding a previous version. From what I see, the previous versions only come on the BlueChart CD's. If you buy Bluechart g2 or Bluechart Vision, they only come on preprogrammed data cards. So you would need to buy the old CD product to get the Mapsource program. But from what I see, the data on the CD is already included in the basemaps of the 22xx, 32xx and newer models, so no reason to buy it.

So from what I see, it looks like Garmin is making it so that the newer plotters don't work well with computers. My understanding of all this may still be confused. :huh:

 

[comsnark]

Oops. . .sorry I missed the thread!

Well. . I originally got MapSource from one of the GPS mapping programs that Garmin sells. It was compatible with the old GPS III+ that I had.

I recently got a garmin 2720 unit for the car. It also is mapsource compatible, and I have since downloaded one or two updates from Garmin.

Now. . I also have the 545s. The bottom line is that mapsource creates files the 545s cannot read, and the 545s produces files MapSource cannot read. The file name extensions for files from the two products are DIFFERENT, so I think it is a basic software issue, as opposed to a hardware issues. My SD card is a standard camera SD card. . .and it seems to work perfectly in the Garmin unit.

I understand that Garmin has one or two firmware revisions to the 545s unit. I plan to use these at some point to update my plotter, and I expect my SD cards to work just fine for this purpose.

This is all I know. I am personally quite disappointed that I cannot make the 545s and Mapsource talk to one another.

 

[RonF]

I've called Garmin on this after chuck told me about it many months go and they told me they didn't sell anything like that anymore and that it was all discontinued. I've tried getting a usb reader and memory card for my 3205C but all the west marines and boaters world seem to never stock it.

I did see all the newest garmins no longer use the proprietary software and now use regular memory cards that every day cameras use which is awsome but sucks I purchased before I found that out.

I have a 3206. Yes, it uses the old proprietary Garmin data card, not the SD card like the new models. Right now I just want to install the latest operating system. The Garmin guy who I spoke to said that they no longer sell the reader and card as the "Marine data management kit". So I ordered the "USB 2.0 data card programmer" and a blank data card while I was on the phone, for a little over $100. Next year I'll probably get the Florida CD so I can do some route planning at home and use the card to load the waypoints to the 3206. I wish these things did not get obsolete so fast, but I am still happy with the one I have.

 

[SearayPaul]

I talked with Garmin on the phone just a minute ago. This is what the tech department had to say about the 540 and it's sister unit the 545S.

You CAN preplan your trip on your home computer using the Mapsource Bluechart America CD rom. The Garmin part number is 01010317-00. You will be able to unlock a section of the map with the initial purchase and can purchase additional codes to unlock other sections as needed. If you are a regional boater, which most of us are, you might be able to purchase just one region and cover all of your needs.

To preplan your trip open the software on your home computer. Plan your route and save the route to an SD card. Put the SD card in the 540 and you should be able to load that route on to your 540 or 545S

The 540 comes preloaded with the coastal charts. If you want to go inland, lets say up the Tenesse River to Chattanoga over the July 4 weekend, you can preload this also. Simply use the Inland Rivers software. Load Inland Rivers on to your home computer, plan your trip, save to an SD card, and then put it in your 540 unit.

As a side note Garmin is no longer using propritary cards so ANY SD card will work on the 540. Catch them on sale and you can get 2 gigs for nothing, well almost.

At this time if you are want to use the Vision feature you can NOT preplan your trip. The problem according to Garmin is that most card readers that are available for home use can not read the 3D software which is embedded.

I hope this helps everyone. Garmin is always very helpful when you call them. This time of year they are just very busy and difficult to reach.

Have a great day

 

[chuck1]

Thanks for the update Paul. IMHO - Garmin is going to have to address this flaw soon. You should not have to buy maps/charts just for the PC. Does that mean you are going to have to purchase 2 sets of charts each year for your updates. (One for the PC and one for the GPS) How do you get updated charts for the GPS unit?

 

[Dave M.]

I have a 3206. Yes, it uses the old proprietary Garmin data card, not the SD card like the new models. Right now I just want to install the latest operating system. The Garmin guy who I spoke to said that they no longer sell the reader and card as the "Marine data management kit". So I ordered the "USB 2.0 data card programmer" and a blank data card while I was on the phone, for a little over $100.

Ron, my 2210 is similar. I would like to upgrade the OS too. Do you have to use the data card to transfer the new operating system to the unit, or can it be done by a direct serial cable connect to the chartplotter?

Update, I have been looking at the download page. It looks like a data card is required.

 

[comsnark]

Well. . . that's all nice. I have two mapsource compatible software products. . the topo one and the Navigator NT (or some such -> The car mapping one). My NT software came with a Garmin unit that had the NT maps already preloaded.

All I know is that my 545s and my mapsource software are incompatible. I am not talking about the ability to transfer maps. I mean that you can't even read waypoints or the breadcrumb trails. I mean mapsource talks *.gdb (or *.mps) and the 545 talks *.sda (or somesuch).

I wonder if the BlueCharts mapsource provides extra ability that the mapsource software does not normally possess? The need to actually purchase additional software for PC use really stinks. .. But more importantly, I really question if it REALLY works. The Bluechart software is NOT listed as an accessory for this unit. But SD cards are listed. . .

BTW: on the Garmin website, the Bluechart software does not have any 5** series plotter listed as a compatible GPS unit. From looking at the website, I have *no* indication that a 545s or 540 or 440 for that matter would be compatible with this software.

And the G2 Vision program comes on $400+ SD memory cards. There is one referece to PCs in the documentation: A warning that specifically stateds that G2 vision data cannot be backed up to a PC for backup or viewing purposes.

Not that I doubt the integrity of the Garmin rep you talked to: I am just questioning the accuracy of the information he provided.

BUT PLEASE somebody tell me where I am wrong!! If it is just a question of shelling out $150 to make my really nice and quite functional chartplotter talk to my PC. . . I would spend the money!

_ _ _ _

OK: Just downloaded the user manual for the 545s. It says that you must first insert a new SD card into the unit before copying files form the PC onto mapsource. Hmmm. No other information. AT ALL. And I note that this manual is from August, while I purchased my unit in May. I also note that there is new firmware available for my unit. . .

I wonder if this will actually work now? Rats. . the batteries are already out of the boat. I won't be able to power up the unit until spring. <sigh>

I wonder if BOE Jim (or someone else) has a 500 series unit powered up so we could verify this.

 

[Dave M.]

Thanks for the update Paul. IMHO - Garmin is going to have to address this flaw soon. You should not have to buy maps/charts just for the PC. Does that mean you are going to have to purchase 2 sets of charts each year for your updates. (One for the PC and one for the GPS) How do you get updated charts for the GPS unit?

Yesterday I bought a small motorcycle 12V battery so I can run the 2210 in the house. I just brought it in, fired it up on the little battery, and it works fine. Now at least I can turn the unit on and look at the menus, software version, and stuff and see what it says. It says I have a g2 version of the maps, but I have never seen any photos in it. I also have the original 2.00 firmware release.

So, it looks like I have to buy a card programmer and a data card in order to update the firmware, and I might have to find a Windows computer to do it with. That is probably OK, as I think my wife's computer can dual boot into Windows. The firmware upgrade says it requires Windows 98 or 2000, but I assume that is in error and later versions will work.

But, I still don't like the idea that I can't use the computer with the plotter without buying a second copy of the maps on CD. Using Garmin software, that is. And if I buy the maps I need for the San Juan Islands in g2 format, they are on a data card and still won't be available to look at on the PC as I understand it.:smt009

On the upside, I think I can do some fairly good route planning using google maps. With a route mapped out, it is fairly easy to recreate it on the chartplotter by just making a route with the beginning and ending points, then adding intermediate points to form the route. This can all be done graphically on the chart plotter, no need to enter numbers.